7 Christmas Cookies to Bake this Holiday Season 

With the holidays right around the corner, I can't help but think about my favorite cookies this time of year. We all the classics: gingerbread, sugar cookies and shortbread, just to name a few. Here are 7 Christmas cookie recipes to try this Christmas season, enjoy!

                                                            1. Chocolate-Dipped Short Bread Cookies 

You can either half-dip them or for the chocolate lovers like me, completely cover them in chocolate. Add some creativity by drizzling white chocolate on top or any other festive decoration you want. They're sure to be a hit!

         Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/chocolate-dipped-shortbread-cookies-15364?oc=PTNR-YahooFood-12_christmas_cookies


                                                           2. The Original Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie 

This receipe will be sure to leave your chocolate chip cookies super soft and chewy. You've never baked anything so good from scratch before. 

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/soft-chocolate-chip-cookies-20408?oc=PTNR-YahooFood-12_christmas_cookies

3. Gingerbread Cookies 

This classic is one of everybody's favorite. You can either stick to making the classic gingerbread men or try other fun Christmas themed shapes. 

Recipe: https://www.yahoo.com/food/12-christmas-cookies-bake-holiday-133558157/photo-wonderful-gingerbread-cookies-1448895324807.html

4. Snickerdoodle Cookies 

This recipe is guaranteed to to help you make the best and softest snickerdoodles. 

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/soft-snickerdoodle-cookies-97496?oc=PTNR-YahooFood-12_christmas_cookies

5. Peanut Butter Cookies

For anyone that loves peanut butter, these are the cookies for you. 

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-peanut-butter-cookies-162138?oc=PTNR-YahooFood-12_christmas_cookies

6. Oatmeal Cookies

Who doesn't love a good oatmeal cookie with a tall glass of milk! 

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/best-oatmeal-cookies-54351?oc=PTNR-YahooFood-12_christmas_cookies

7. Snowball Cookies

Kids love these fun cookies and they're perfect for the holiday season. 

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/snowball-cookies-47521?oc=PTNR-YahooFood-12_christmas_cookies

Black Friday, by definition, is: (In the United States) the day after Thanksgiving, noted as the first day of traditional Christmas shopping, during which crowds of consumers are drawn to special offers by retailers, accroding to Google. 

Being Kellie's Consignment shoppers, I sure most of you already knew this ;) 

So, I'm sure you've all been wondering what Black Friday deals we will be having at Kellie's…and we are finally revealing them!

Black Friday Deals, Nov. 27th, 2015 for Kellie's Consignments:

JOIN US THIS BLACK FRIDAY FOR OUR 12 HOUR SALE!

We will be open from 8:00am to 8:00pm. We will have free hot chocolate, coffee and donuts waiting for you! 

This years Black Friday specials include: 

- Free $10 gift card with a purchase of a $50 gift card
- Take an extra 10% off your total purchase! (excluding gift cards) 
- Santa bucks start on Friday Nov. 27th, 2015 (Black Friday) - You get $1 in Kellie's Kash for every $25 you spend. Kellie's Kash is good starting on Dec. 26th, 2015
- Return policy on gifts is extended until Janurary 15th, 2015 

We hope to see you all there for a day full of awesome savings! Remember, there is no need to spend a ton this holiday season; Kellie and her team know this and this is why we make Kellie's Consignments such a cool place to shop resale for Christmas! Hope everyone has a happy thanksgiving! 

Why the Midwest is the Best 

Ahhh, the midwest, the heartland, the home of cornfields, open skies and beautiful lakes. As most of you reading this are either from the midwest or currently live here, you will more than likely agree with the next statements I am going to make. So, below I have listed what makes the midwest so wonderful and a few reminders to love it a little more <3 

1. People from the midwest are super friendly :)

This stereotype just so happens to be true, and we're not mad about it! Research has shown that the midwest truly is the "friendliest" region of the country. Here is the research to prove it: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/23/regional-differences-personalities-united-states-friendly_n_4137846.html

2. We have the most state pride

Midwesterners from every state are more than proud to be where they are from - especially when it comes to schools and sports teams (lets not bring in the whole MSU vs. UofM thing into this post). 

3. The midwest is a cheap place to live!

Compared to other states, the midwest region is particularly affordable. Midwest metropolitan areas actually offer the best bargain on cost of living. 

4. Good air

This is one I just found out about too. Research shows that the midwest has some of the best air quality in the United States. Read more about it here: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/environment/articles/2010/04/28/air-quality-better-in-northeast-midwest

5. Midwesterners care about family 

Family is a big deal for midwesterners. According to a study done in 2008, half of adult midwestern residents have spent their entire lives in their hometowns, due to family. Read more about it here: http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2008/12/17/who-moves-who-stays-put-wheres-home/

With all of this being said, I say YES TO THE MIDWEST FOR BEING THE BEST! <3

A little change never hurt. As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, so do the people. Something I have noticed lately around my close group of women friends, and my friends at work, is that a lot of them are changing their hair color. 

A study performed this year by the Crown Clinic in Manchester, England found a number of reasons as to why women change their hairstyle and hair color. The study found that out of 1000 individuals, 42% of women said they change their hair to stay on trend, like dying their hair grey or trying a style inspired by a celebrity. Other reasons included simply growing tired of their original hairstyle/hair color and needing/searching for change.

I asked one of my closest sorority sisters who recently changed both her hair color and hairstyle why she decided to do this, and she simply said she needed change. She had gone through a lot in the past couple of months with school, relationships, friendships and work and wanted to do something to help her feel fresh and new. (May I add she looked great! :)

Another person who has recently changed up her hairstyle and color is our very own Kellie herself! Look at how great she looks!

With this all being said, I think it is great to switch it up and change your hairstyle/color. It's always refreshing to try something new. If you feel like you want to change up a physical feature for the season or for this certain time in your life, maybe you should consider trying something new with your hair. But most importantly, remember to continue to be the beautiful you! 

How to use Daylight Savings Time to be More Productive and to your Advantage 

Was anyone else confused for a split second this morning when they woke up and realized that we gained an extra hour of sleep? Regardless, I'm sure no one is complaining about getting an extra hour of sleep, we could all use it! However, instead of doing what we all want to do: lay in bed for an extra hour, we should think about using that hour more wisely, productive and to your advantage.

It is better to get up early and get things done. Research shows early risers report feeling healthier and happier, in contrast to night-owls and those who hit the snooze-button. It's not the easiest to change your sleep schedule and completely go from night-owl to being an early riser, but just getting up even just an hour earlier than usual is a step in being a more productive/morning person, and making that stick long-term.

Here are some tips for taking advantage of the time change and make that shift into being a morning person:

1. Adjust your sleep time/wake time slowly, but surely  

To be able to stick to your goal of getting up earlier, its better to gradually shift into it, because its definitely harder than it sounds. Starting off slow by waking up 15 minutes earlier at first, then 30 minutes, etc. is what I would recommend.

2. Avoid electronics/technology at night 

As hard as it sounds, the best way to fall asleep faster and earlier is to avoid using your smart phone, computer or any other electronic before bed. Their bright light suppresses melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.
If you absolutely cannot give up your smart phone or computer at night, there are other things you can do to limit so much bright light before bed, such as lowering the brightness on all of your electronics.

3. Take a melatonin supplement at night 

Taking a low dose of a melatonin supplement before bed can help you fall asleep faster. The suggested time to take one of these supplements is 90 minutes before you want to fall asleep. I actually do this sometimes and it really does help.

4. Time your coffee drinking wisely 

A lot of us are used to our cup of Joe first thing in the morning, but studies actually show that this might not be the best idea. Natural stimulaters, like exercise, are better in the morning, so it is actually better to sip your first cup of Joe about an hour and a half after you get up.

5. Sticking with your new sleep schedule 

It won't be easy, but you won't regret it! The best tip is to keep a consistent sleep schedule and to wake up at the same time everyday, even on the weekends. It is okay to hit the snooze-button every now and then, but the less you do that, the easier it will be to keep your schedule on track.

I hope these suggestions/tips help!