crazy*little*words

holiday lists . . .

I don't know about you, but I am definitely a list person. I have to make a list for everything - groceries, activities, daily events - everything. If not, I will be certain to forget something. Most things, actually. I have to have a list to keep to focused and on-task, and to keep me organized. I am one of *those people* - the one who would forget their head if it wasn't attached to my body! My lists are my lifeline and they make the holidays just a little bit easier!!! They're also a way of keeping others in my life organized as well. Take my sweet husband, for example. He always says I am THE hardest person to shop for. How, I ask? Anytime a catalog comes in the mail or a newspaper, filled with retail ads is sitting in front of me, I can immediately find SOMETHING that I like, SOMETHING that I would love to be given to me. I am constantly dog-earring pages in catalogs. Hinting at a new kitchen gadget that would be PERFECT for the kitchen. Oogling over some super-soft, uber-comfy jammies found on page 14 of the newest catalog sitting on the coffee table. How can I be hard to shop for? Seriously. So, after nine years of being married to the most supportive, loving, caring, honest, loyal person that I know, I have realized that a Christmas list is NOT just something that my children must make to send to Santa each year. It is something that I must put together for my hubby - to make his shopping just a bit easier! Now, honestly, I don't need a thing. Nothing. There really isn't anything that I just have to have this year. The fact that we are now a *retired* military family, and DH actually has a job, in these tough economic times really is biggest gift. The fact that we were able to sell our house - in Florida, mind you - AND in a little over a month's time - AND make a profit off of it - Well, that is truly a blessing. And even after a year of much uncertainty - military retirement, resumes, new jobs, moving across the country, new schools, new home, new friends {not to mention leaving behind some VERY cherished friends that were there for us through it all - and supported us - me - when I didn't think I could take much more!} we are here, together, starting a new life with lots of new opportunities, and the blessings we already have With two small children and two almost grown teenagers. I'm sure this post doesn't make much sense, as it was drafted and never published ... so I am publishing it now so that I'll it to look back upon in the future! Merry Christmas!

the sweetest place . . .

Today I found what I think has to be one of the sweetest places on the web! I came across it accidently, while browsing the Papertrey Ink blog, where one of their new sets being released tonight was being showcased. Now, for those of you who don't know me well - I am addicted to PTI things - their stamps, their papers, their buttons - you get the idea! Well, today I saw the CUTEST thing ever from one the PTI Design Team members - Betsy Veldman - she made these adorable candy buttons that are SO cute I just can't stand it!! She found the candy mold from Bake It Pretty -which is now my new favorite "sweets" shoppe!! I will definitely be getting this, along with some of their cool flavorings and candy chips, for Valentine's Day! Yes, I know, Christmas hasn't even arrived and I am already talking about Valentine's Day, but it's my next favorite holiday after Christmas! I just love all of the pinks and reds, the sweet little hearts and just the girlyness of it all!! Oh, and of course, it's the perfect day to let those that love the most know it!!

In other news . . . I did much of my Christmas shopping on Etsy this year. I just love the idea of giving handmade gifts {and since I am not multi-talented in knitting, soap-making, jewelry making, etc. - it's the next best thing!} Want to see a few "peeks" of some things I got? I thought so!

For Emma's teacher {whom I love - she is THE best Kindergarten teacher ever!}

You can find this from Kim at The Charming People

Next up, a simply adorable hat for my little sweetpea -

Isn't it SO cute!! You can find it HERE - she has lovely things!

And, since my baby isn't a baby anymore - it was custom-made in a larger size. Fabulous!

Here's what my mom is getting {not that she would ever look at my blog, since she isn't a "computer" lady, but just in case, I'm not posting pictures!} It will be customized with her name - "MiMi" - and all four of her grandchildren's birthstones. I have been looking at these for a while and finally found one that was truly fitting for my mom {'cause she's SO special!} Princess by Design has some BEAUTIFUL little baubles - perfect for every occasion! I even got myself a little something, which I'll end up wrapping and putting under the tree!

And finally - and by NO means least - are these yummy bath goodies for a few of the other special people in my life!

Bath Fizzies, Soaps, and Body Lotions from Sweet Petula.

I seriously flipped when I stumbled across this store - they have such a cool, eclectic selection of bath goodies with amazing scents! And, they are located in one of my FAVORITE cities - Seattle! Of course! So many good things come from Seattle - Starbucks, Tom Douglas, Nordstrom - and I could go on and on!

Those are some of my favorite Etsy *Christmas Gift* finds. Let me know what you think. What have you found this year from Etsy - or anyplace unique - for the loved ones on your list? I'm curious. Really. I love to shop {just ask my hubby!} and I love to buy handmade and from small businesses! So spread the word and pass it around when you find something unique, and kitschy, and just plain pretty! Others will certainly enjoy it - I know I did!

all merry and bright . . .

. . . the blog, that is! It's been a while since I've been on here, so I decided to *spruce* things up for the holidays! Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year - the decorations, the lights, the colder weather, and the spirit of giving! I just love everything about it! This year, since we are in a new city and a new home, decorating was a little different. We usually put up lights outside and decorate our tree, but I don't do much decorating inside of the house, because we are never home over the Christmas break. So, when it came time to decorate this year, I sadly discovered that I did not have very many cute, holiday decorations for my house!! Well, Hobby Lobby's little After-Thanksgiving sale fixed that dilemma!! At least for this year - I am sure that after Christmas I will hit the sales and stock up on more holiday home-decor for next year!

I will have pictures posted this weekend of the house and the tree and all of the cutesy stuff sitting around.

Here's a little FYI, for those of you who read my blog and haven't seen this yet -

With the holidays fast approaching, and most of us having little or no time to plan menus for entertaining and make Christmas gifts for our friends, family, teachers, etc., now is the perfect time to check out the Tastefully Simple website and discover the food you love, the time you deserve!!! From now, until Decembe...r 15th, if you place an order with me you will receive 10% off of the total.

So, just go to the Tastefully Simple website, and check out all of the wonderfully simple, totally yummy goodies and give me a call with your order BEFORE Tuesday, December 15th! Oh, and I almost forgot - if you spend $50 or more, you will receive a full-sized Bruschetta Cheese Ball mix absolutely free! Spend $100 or more, and I'll also include another freebie! Just be sure to contact me, because the offer is only available through me and not on my website!

Well, I guess that's it for now! I hope to be back tomorrow, after my Zumba class, to post some recent pictures of the kids and the house. Here's hoping you all have a fabulous Friday!!