Brown Paper Packages Tied Up with Strings...

Happy New Year! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful & safe holiday. We stayed in and it was really nice.

So I'm a bad blogger. I nearly forgot to share all the awesome goodies I got in December!

First Up, Secret Santa Swap

I sent to Joni at A Blended Love.

I received goodies from Meg at The Kissy Pearl

The cool thing about this swap was that I signed up so long before we actually sent packages, I forgot what was on my wishlist! I loved all of it! Especially the adorable notecards!

Then there was the December Cara Box.

I sent to Brenda, you can see her goodies HERE.

I received from Tonya at The Bashka Five

The theme this month was Holiday Sparkle. I had a lot of fun with Brenda's and I love what I got from Tonya. (Side note: There was also a large bag of M&Ms in my package.... they didn't make it to the picture.)

I'm sorry this isn't a great reveal post, but with the holiday, getting engaged, and going back to work, I've just let some things get away from me. I'm doing some real work today though! I can't wait for the official launch of the Wino Wednesday Link-Up tomorrow! It's going to be great :)

Christmas Past

There are so many sweet memories for me of Christmases Past. I thought I would share a few with you.

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2009

"White" Christmas 2010

What's your favorite Christmas memory?

Holiday Chatter with Myranda

Talk to Me Tuesday is a weekly feature where I chat with some of the coolest bloggers on the web!

Today I'm chatting with Myranda!

My name is Myranda and I blog over at Pretty Living PDX, I blog about the everyday life of being a momma to 3 beautiful little girls and wife to 1 amazing man. I am working on losing 60 pounds, and I hope to lose 10 by the end of November. 

Blog//Twitter//Pinterest//Instagram

D: Ok Myranda, first three questions! Where are you? What are you wearing? and What are you drinking?

M:  I am sitting at my desk in my living room, I am drinking a Starbucks eggnog steamer, and I am wearing my hoodie, jeans and slippers!

D: Sounds cozy!

M: I am cozy, it's been a long day and it's not over yet!

D: True! So tell me about your Christmas Traditions!

M: Every Christmas Eve we go caroling around to our friends and family. We also all get Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning we eat sticky buns that spend all night rising. We wake up and they bake as we open gifts and see what Santa brought us.

D: That sounds so nice! Do you have any extended family gatherings on Christmas?

M: My grandma and uncle usually come over for dinner and we also go to my in-laws so my girls can see their grandparents and cousins, but none of my other extended family lives close by.

D: I'm from a small town so all of my family is nearby. I start making the rounds the night before Christmas Eve!

M: Wow that is crazy! You must be super busy during holidays, but it would be fun!

D: Yeah, it's crazy frantic, but it can be a lot of fun. Do you have any decorating traditions?

M: Hmmmm...well we don't ever do a themed Christmas tree, and it's not fancy. We love to go shopping the day after Christmas at Hallmark for ornaments, so we have an assortments of ornaments that are almost all characters or cute little animals. No colored balls here!

D:  That's fun! I started with colored balls but over the past 7 years I've collected a lot of ornaments. I actually started collecting them when I travel. It makes more sense to me than coffee mugs or shot glasses that clutter the cabinets!

M: That is a good idea, I have never bought an ornament from somewhere I traveled, I love it!

D: It's a great way to display the memories once a year and keep them packed away otherwise!

M:  I am going to copy your idea and start doing that. Do you do Elf on the Shelf?

D:  I don't have any kids, So no *grin*, but I hear a lot about it! Do you guys have an elf?

M:  I actually just ordered one, so we are going to this year. I am not sure how I feel about it yet, the face kind of creeps me out!

D:  It strikes a weird cord with me. Seems like it would be scary for a kid; creepy elf sneaking around? Reporting your every move to Santa? *laughs* Some stuff does look fun though. How old are your little ones?

M:  I know, the girls are excited but we will see... they are 5, 3 and 1.

D: Oh fun!

M:  Usually but on days like today? Kind of makes me want to pull my hair out! Let s just say I can't wait for bedtime *grin*

D:  I have a three year old cousin that is around a lot. She can be a lot of fun, but she can be a handful, I can't imagine having three!

M: Yes they can be a handful, but I really wouldn't have it any other way * smiles*

D:  I'm sure you wouldn't! Do you guys have anywhere to drive around looking at Christmas Lights?

M: Yes we have somewhere called Peacock Lane where every single house gets all decorated and it is super busy buy really fun to go look at each year. You can either drive or walk down the street. 

D: That's fun! There is a small zoo here that does a huge Christmas display; lights, petting zoo, the works. You can drive through and feed the reindeer. It's fun!

M: That would be fun, my girls would really love to see reindeer and truth be told so would I .

D: So what kind of traditions did you have growing up? Any that you've carried over with your kids?

M: When I was growing up we also did the Christmas PJ's and I still do that with my girls. It is funny because both my mom and my MIL do the Christmas Eve PJ's so my girls each get 3 pairs, there is no pajama shortage here! *laughs*

D: Wow, I might move one of those to Thanksgiving so they have a pair to wear all season :) I usually end up with a pair of Christmas PJs from somewhere, but not always the same place.

M:  I know I have considered not buying them a pair but my hubby vetoed that idea.

D: Tradition is tradition!

M: That is what he says!

D: Well Myranda, it's been nice chatting with you!

M: It has been nice chatting, thank you!

How about you? What are your Christmas Traditions?

Holiday Shopping at EdenFantasys

I bet when you thought about Online Christmas Shopping you didn't think about EdenFantasys!

Well that was your first mistake. How many of you have a friend or co-worker on your list that enjoys being pampered?

Don't you think she would enjoy a gift set of beauty products? What about these?

And right now you can get in on some great Holiday Specials!

While you're shopping in the bath and body section for your friends, don't forget to put a little something in your cart to wrap a special gift for your sweetie!

Aren't these just great?! I really want the Holiday Chemise. It will be perfect for the entire holiday season, and it looks really comfortable!

So jump out of the traditional shopping box and head over to EdenFantasys to do a little Christmas Shopping!

I'm going to giveaway a $10 Gift Certificate to one lucky commenter! To be entered simply leave a comment telling me what item from EdenFantasys you'd like to give as a gift this year! Include your e-mail if you're account is not linked.

Closed for entries December 7th, 2012 11:59 PM EST

This post contains Affiliate Links

Give Thanks!

Source: Uploaded by user via Allison on Pinterest

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I don't imagine too many of us will be spending much time on the interwebs today, but I did want to take a moment to share what I'm thankful for.

I'm Thankful for...

My Faith. My faith is very important to me. I'm lucky to live in a country where I can practice my faith openly without fear of punishment.

 

My Family. I have a large close knit family, and while we are far from perfect and certainly not without our issues at times, we love and support one another.

My Friends. I have excellent friends. Growing up in a small town you don't always choose who you are thrown together with, and there were times in my childhood that real friendship was hard to come by. I am incredibly fortunate to have found a group of friends that have become like family that I can pour myself into knowing that they will always be there for me.

My Past. Having said that about difficult relationships as a youth, I am thankful for my past. I wouldn't be the person I am today with the convictions I maintain without all of those relationships and experiences and I don't resent them.

My Love. He may be last on the list, but he is certainly not last in my heart. I'm very grateful for Jason and all of the happiness and love he has brought into my life.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

When do you 'Deck the Halls'?

I love these stockings, even if I did make them! I gave them to my mom for Christmas last year. She is where I got my love for decorating! I LOVE to decorate for Christmas. It's the only holiday I decorate for, and I like to go all out. Normally I start the process the day after Thanksgiving. While everyone else is out shopping I'm putting up the tree and hanging stockings :) I play a marathon of Christmas movies and burn holiday candles. I usually grab a holiday drink and cook a cozy dinner.

This year though, since I'm staying at my grandmothers, she's already done all of her decorating. I could normally go to my parents to help them decorate, but I'm on call with work, so I can't drive down.

I'm trying to talk J into letting me decorate decorating his apartment next weekend. That's apparently really early for him, but I don't know what I'll do with myself if I can't decorate!

When do you normally do your decorating?

Talkin' Holiday Cheer!

Talk to Me Tuesday is a feature where I chat up some of the coolest bloggers on the web.

Today I'm chatting with Annabelle!

Hey Y'all! I'm Annabelle and I blog about everything country with a splash of sass over at The Carolina Country Girl! I've been blogging for two years and I never imagined the amount of support, friendships, and inspiration that I have gained from it! I share my experiences as being a parent, crafting, recipes, traveling, and much more! Come on over to my neck of the web for a breath of fresh air!

Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Instagram

Since both Annabelle and I are fighting the urge to decorate before Thanksgiving, we thought we'd talk about the Holidays!

D: So Annabelle, first three questions: Where are you? What are you wearing? and What are you drinking?

A: I am in my kitchen, sitting at the bar, just finished supper! I'm wearing jeans, an orange and white stripped shirt, and cowboy boots. I'm drinking sweet tea but I wish I was drinking a glass of red bull and Jager!

D: Love it! I'm watching OUAT and drinking hot tea!

A: I've never had hot tea before!

D: It's wonderful! So, the Holidays! What is your favorite part of the holidays?

A: My favorite part of the holidays is the parties and decorating! i love getting together with family and friends anytime! We have a Christmas party at our house every year with our friends. We always play Chinese Christmas. There is almost always a 'dirty gift' if you know what I mean!

D: Yeah, I do! I love gift swap games. They are so much fun! I usually have one at work and one with friends.

What are your Thanksgiving plans?

A: Thanksgiving is always a busy day for us. The Hubs and I both have big families. We usually go to my parent's house, then his mom's, and then his dad's. It's busy and it's too much food! I usually eat only one dessert at one of the places.

Do you have big plans?

D: My family all has lunch at my grandmother's, then I'll probably go to dinner at J's parents' house.

Do you do the Black Friday Shopping?

A: Oh Gosh! I haven't in a long time and then last year I braved it with my mom and a few of my aunts. I doubt I will do it this year. I can't stand how rude people can be during that time. It really makes me mad and then I get the urge to show my tail. *laughs*

D: I know! I'm the same way. I've never tried to get involved in it. I can't stand crowds like that. I worked retail some in/after college and I had to work some Black Fridays. It's crazy!

Are you an early shopper? Or do you put it off til closer to the holidays?

A: I am usually the one who has it planned out and most of it done by now, or at least half of it. This year, I haven't even started! I'm ashamed.

D: This is the first year I've been on the ball and gotten started early. I'm about 75% done already!

A: That's awesome! I'm so not ready!

D: Well, my grandmother has all of her shopping done and she's already started decorating! She likes to have it all done for Thanksgiving dinner. I normally wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving to put up the tree.

A: I really want to decorate soon but I have tried to hold out until after Thanksgiving. It really gets skipped so easily. My mom has all her Christmas decor out and her tree up. My Dad started decorating outside today. That's just too early for me.

D: Oh yeah, me too! Outside definitely.

I make myself wait until after Thanksgiving to start listening to Christmas music too! I love it so much, but I don't want to get sick of it!

A: I know exactly what you mean! I participated in a craft fair over the weekend and it was hard for me to listen to Christmas music all day!

D: I bet! We tend to rush straight through November! One of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving is watch the Macy's Parade. You?

A: Oh my goodness! it's not Thanksgiving without watching the Macy's Parade! oh and the Charlie Brown Special! I've watched both for as long as I can remember!

D: Yes! I can't miss Rudolph and Frosty once December rolls around either!

A:Yes, I love the classics. I've also started that same tradition with my son! He loves them all!

D: That's awesome. Are there any newer movies that you've made a part of your traditions?

A: Yes, The Santa Clause with Tim Allen! Well as new as I can think of! My brother and I always loved watching that movie!

D: that was a good one. I liked all three of the Tim Allen Santa Clause Movies. I really like some of the new ABC Family movies too, then there are the Lifetime Christmas Movies!

A: Oh my, I love the Lifetime Christmas movies too! Can you believe some have started already?

D: Really?! That's crazy!

So what are your big Christmas Traditions?

A: Every year for the last 25 years we have celebrated Christmas Eve at my Grandfather's house. We have dinner and play the Chinese Christmas game. That's probably the biggest this we always make sure we do.

D: That's fun, we do the same thing at my Grandmother's for lunch on Christmas Day. None of my sisters are married yet so we all still go to my parents and get up to exchange gifts Christmas Morning, it'll be bittersweet when we aren't doing that anymore.

A: That's awesome that ya'll can still do that! Yes, getting married and having children changes some traditions. We've encountered that ourselves a few times. Now we try to start our own.

D: I think that's wonderful. I look forward to that. Like I said, bittersweet!

A: It's been fun so far. We started last year with the Elf on the Shelf! That's challenging and fun for both the parents and the kids!

D: I've heard a lot about that. It sounds like fun!

A: Our elf's name is Eddie and my son Zane is already asking when he is coming back around!

D: Fun! Well Annabelle, I've really enjoyed chatting with you!

A: Yes, I have enjoyed this chat too! I hope that we get to meet up soon! Thanks for all the great things you've done in blogland!

D: Thank you for chatting with me!!

Interested in being a part of the Vine and being featured here on SSG? Get more information HERE!

Ornament Swap Sign-Ups!

You've heard of a Tacky Sweater Party?

Well this is a Tacky Ornament Party!

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.stephanyhyder.blogspot.com/" title="Ornament Swap with Danielle, Aubrey & Stephany!"><img_proxy_proxy src="http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w426/OlMotherHyder/1-OrnamentSwap2012.png" alt="Ornament Swap with Danielle, Aubrey & Stephany!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Thought you missed them all? Nope!

Stephany, Aubrey and I are teaming up for an Ornament Swap, but this one is a little different. You will make a "Tacky Sweater" Ornament for your Partner as well as buying them a thoughtful one. It's a swap so feel free to load your partner up with goodies!

My wheels are already turning with thoughts of my Tacky Ornament. Have you ever been to a Tacky Sweater Party? I haven't ever had the opportunity, but my friends have. This is by far the best picture I've seen!

Source: myuglychristmassweater.com via What Women on Pinterest

Swap Details:
$15 Spending Limit (not including shipping)
You must get tracking (delivery confirmation) for your package. E-mail the host and your partner with the tracking number.
Sign-ups: November 12th-20th
Partners Announced/E-mail Sent: November 21st
December 3rd: Packages Mailed
December 14th: Link-up!!

SIGN-UPS ARE CLOSED

A Crafter's Dream Giveaway

I'm so excited to present #ACraftersDream Christmas Giveaway! This giveaway is hosted by My Merry Messy Life, Earning-My-Cape and Tutus & Tea Parties and has a Christmas, crafting, and supporting small business theme! Each blogger is offering her/his own giveaway worth $25 or more going on now through Sunday, November 4, 2012.

All of the individual giveaways will feature handmade crafted items or crafting supplies. Everyone is looking to give and receive unique one of a kind gifts and this is a great way to try and win some for free, and also to discover some new businesses!

I am giving away a Wire Dragonfly Necklace and Czech Glass Earrings from Wired Essentials (my business).

Wire Dragonfly Necklace $20 Value

Czech Glass Earrings $10 Value

Christmas is just around the corner, and the time to start crafting our gifts for friends and family is now! Some of the blogs in the giveaway group will be giving away some awesome crafting supplies! Sometimes we want to give a handmade gift, but just don't have the time or know-how to make them ourselves. This is a great opportunity to support small businesses and shops who offer handmade items! Some of the blogs in our giveaway group will be highlighting such small businesses and offering giveaway items for them, as well. Even if you don't win the giveaway, we hope that you will keep these small businesses in mind when shopping for that perfect gift for your special someone.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Now you can hop from blog to blog entering as many giveaways as you want!

A Crafter's Dream

I am participating in 'A Crafter's Dream Christmas Giveaway' hosted by My Merry Messy Life, Earning-My-Cape, and Tutus & Tea Parties.

 

I am so excited about this is a group giveaway! It is a great opportunity for crafter's small businesses and bloggers! Each participating blogger will be offering her/his own giveaway worth $25 or more. The giveaways will run from October 21, 2012 to November 4, 2012. Bloggers, as well as shop owners, are welcome to sign up to join in the celebration. Bloggers who are not crafters and shop owners who are not bloggers can still join the giveaway by pairing up together! If you need help finding a shop or blogger to link up with, the hosts are doing their best to help.  

  <a border="0" href="http://earning-my-cape.blogspot.com/2012/09/acraftersdream-christmas-giveaway.html"target="_blank" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh547/EarningMyCape/a-crafters-dream-christmas-giveaway.png"/></a>

The idea:

It's time to start thinking about Christmas, and these days everyone wants to give unique gifts that they've put a lot of thought into. Some bloggers will be giving away crafting supplies, while others will be hosting giveaways for handmade gifts!

Sometimes there is simply not enough time or resources to do all of the handi-work yourself so why not support small businesses on etsy or storeenvy? These giveaways are a chance to rack up on some great gift items, and we hope that even if you don't win the giveaways, you will keep these shops in mind for your Christmas Shopping

Here is how it works:

Bloggers:

• Each blogger will run their own unique giveaway, worth at least $25 or more, on their own site using Rafflecopter as the entry form. Please set your Rafflecopter to start at 12:01am October 21, 2012 and end at 12:01am November 5, 2012. You have total control over what you would like to give away (as long as it ties in with our Christmas/craft/small business theme) and to whom (country). 
• Please announce that you have joined on Twitter using this hashtag - #ACraftersDream,  and/or make the announcement on your Facebook Page.
• Facebook Group - (this is optional) find our group, A Crafter's Dream Giveaway Group, on Facebook and request to join (you must be using Facebook as your actual name and not through your blog page for it to work)
• Please write a post announcing you have joined the giveaway, and include the html from the form that you will fill out.
• Grab the giveaway button and put it in a prominent place to promote it on your site! The more bloggers who sign up, the more entries we ALL get!
• Please fill out this form to get started.

Shop Owners:

• You can team up with a blogger on your own, or we can help match you with a blog to sponsor with a giveaway item worth $25 or more, from your shop.
• Please announce that you have joined on Twitter using this hashtag - #ACraftersDream, and/or make the announcement on your Facebook Page.
• Facebook Group - (this is optional) find our group, A Crafter's Dream Giveaway Group, on Facebook and request to join (you must be using Facebook as your actual name and not through your blog page for it to work)
• Please fill out this form if you would like help being paired up with a blog.

Bloggers, please enter your blog link below.