The holidays are just days away, which means you are just days away from a little much needed rest and relaxation! Hopefully your holiday shopping is winding down, and starting these weekend you’ll be putting the final touches on all your plans. Take advantage of your time off by creating a little R&R To-Do List. Let me help you get started with some fun and festive suggestions:

TONIGHT: Make Limoncello

You know you’re going to need some spirits to stay in the holiday spirit. Start this Limoncello recipe tonight, and it’ll be ready by Christmas!

Ingredients:

10 lemons
1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
3 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar

Directions:

TONIGHT: Use a vegetable peeler to peel the lemons. Place the peels in a 2QT pitcher, then pour the vodka in the pitcher. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit at room temperature for 4 days. CHRISTMAS EVE: Make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water. Cool completely, then add the simple syrup to the 2QT pitcher with the lemon peels and vodka. Cover and allow to sit overnight. CHRISTMAS DAY: Strain and discard lemon peels. Chill and serve! Cheers!

THIS WEEKEND: Throw a Wrap Party

You and your girls have all or most of your shopping done, and you could use an excuse to get together, share a couple cocktails, and wrap up the holiday season with a wrap party! Have each of your friends bring some wrapping materials: a roll of paper, ribbons and bows, gift tags, etc. Then you can share the wrappings and have a variety of gift wraps under your tree! If you want to spice up your get together, have each girl bring an appetizer, dessert, or drink and make a real party out of it. You’ll enjoy some much needed girl time and you’ll be getting things done – guilt free fun!

DURING THE HOLIDAYS: Read a Book

You know I’m always encouraging you to keep a reading list, and the holidays are the perfect opportunity to finally have some down time to pick up a book.  While the kids are playing or while grandmother is cooking, curl up and read! If you need some suggestions, one of my all time favorite blogging resources, Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) has 5 books to feed your mind before the New Year. With their list of business books, you can feel productive while you’re resting and relaxing.

POST-HOLIDAY: Watch a Movie

There are some awesome movies coming out on Christmas, American Hustle and The Wolf of Wall Street come to mind. IFB also has an awesome article about great fashion films available on Netflix. From documentaries to films, they’ll be something for you on this comprehensive list of 40 must-watch movies. Of course, if all else fails, a holiday movie marathon is always appropriate during this season. Add a movie to your R&R to-do list!