Cheers to Bubba

Okay, who didn't shed a tear while watching Bubba Watson win The Masters yesterday? What a great achievement for this guy. And it was so touching to see him hugging his mom. Bubba lost his dad to cancer in 2010, so I'm sure the two of them were experiencing a number of emotions at that moment.

And, bigger yet, two weeks before the tournament Bubba and his wife, Angie, adopted a baby boy, Caleb. Angie couldn't be at The Masters because Florida adoption laws require the baby to remain in the state until the adoption is finalized. She did send photos, though, and I'm sure mother and son were over-the-moon for Daddy's win. Below is a pic Bubba posted on Twitter (Love. Her. Hair.)

And speaking of The Masters, what do you think of the controversy surrounding Augusta National Golf Club not admitting women? This issue reared its ugly head leading up to storied golf tournament because IBM has a new female CEO, Virginia Rommety.

IBM is a title sponsor of The Masters, therefore the CEO has always been invited to join Augusta. Now, the all-male club is being lambasted by many over this "tradition," as they decide whether or not to admit Ms. Rommety. The club is calling it a private matter and will not comment. Even President Obama and Mitt Romney have called for Augusta to allow women to join the club. Ms. Rommety was seen watching the tournament (above), but whether it was as a member or just a spectator, we don't know. To be continued.

In addition to watching The Masters, we had a wonderful Easter. Egg hunt, parade and LOTS of candy. One of the best exchanges of the weekend came from our kids:

Little Man: "Sissy, this remote-control Jeep can do anything!"

Miss E.: "Really? Let's see it eat a banana."

Where do they get this stuff??

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!
Images from the Daily Mail and Bubba Watson's Twitter feed

Easter 'Stuffers' and Grocery Store Happiness

What I'm liking lately:

Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter hand lotion from Farmhouse Fresh. I found this lotion at a local shop, The Urban Farmhouse Market, and fell in love with the scent. (It's also vegan, gluten free and paraben free.) How perfect would this be as an Easter basket-stuffer for your mom, wife, girlfriend or daughter?

Speaking of Easter baskets, Hubby and/or I will be jetting out tonight to stock up on the goods for the kids' baskets. Is your Easter basket inventory in-check?

Early this morning the kids and I had to stop by the grocery to get juice boxes for Little Man's Easter party at school. I also had to pick up a dozen plastic eggs and jelly beans for an egg hunt on Saturday. The kids were fascinated at the enormity of the Easter candy aisle, but even more so at the emptiness of the store.

"Where are all the people?" Miss E. asked. Well, it was 7:15 a.m. At one point, they were literally dancing in the wide-open check-out lane, as Little Man said, "Look, there's no one here!" Jiggity, jig.

Ah, the things that thrill the young.
Images from Farm House Fresh and ellinee.com

Easter, already?

Is anyone else as behind as I am when it comes to Easter planning? Holy cow, it's Holy Week!

It's terrible; we've been so busy and I feel as if we've lost sight of what we should be focused on this Lenten season.

My daughter goes to a Catholic school and they've been learning a great deal about this topic on a daily basis in religion class. (Again, over-committed mom has to rely on the teacher.) Last night I was helping her with a Stations of the Cross book she had to make for class. She was coloring one of the images and asked how they kept Jesus on to the cross. I began to tell her, quite honestly, which may have been a bit much on my part. She look horrified and then put her hands over her ears. Clearly they handle this with kid gloves in first grade. Way to go, mom.

But, it made me think. Aren't there so many in the world who figuratively put their hands over their ears and not want to hear about Jesus? Who have walked away? He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. What have we done in return? I'm not pointing the finger at anyone. I'm just as guilty for not being as "present" as I could during Lent. So, I have a lot to focus on this week. How about you?

For those of you who do celebreate Easter, I hope you have a blessed Holy Week and have time to reflect and rejoice.

Image from Martha Stewart Living

What did you say?

Brian Boyd, I have a bone to pick with you.

For those of you who listen NPR, you may have heard Robert Segal and Melissa Block interview Boyd, a writer for the Dublin Times, on the afternoon program, “All Things Considered.” The program addressed Nike’s release of a new shoe called “The Black and Tan,” and the controversy surrounding it.

Apparently, the original intent was for the shoe - which features the colors black and tan - to be a nod to the drink “Black and Tan,” which is a combination of a dark stout, like Guinness and an ale such as Harp. In fact, inside the shoe, there’s an image of a pint of beer.

Anyhoo, Nike has released the shoe around St. Patrick’s Day. But, the shoe’s name does not sit well abroad with my Irish brethren. And here’s why: Black and Tan was the name of a contigent of the British army who committed horrible acts against the Irish in the 1920s. They were sent to Ireland to quell an uprising, but massacred many innocent people in the process. In the eyes of the Irish, the name of this shoe would be akin to calling it the Nike Nazi or Nike Taliban.

Nike has since issued an apology, although I haven’t heard of plans to scrap the shoe or call it something else.

So, back to the interview. As an Irish American who has visited Ireland, I enjoy the opportunity to hear interviews with Irish writers, poets, artists, journalists and so on. But, Mr. Boyd is a jerk. Here’s a portion of the interview:

ROBERT SIEGEL: I talked today with Brian Boyd of The Irish Times newspaper, and he explained.

BRIAN BOYD: It has certain historical associations. The Black and Tans were a ruthless auxiliary force of the British army before we became independent in the 1920s. They were responsible for wide-scale massacres, butchering of people. You would not - we don't even - for example, in the U.S. you may go into a bar and ask for a drink called a Black and Tan.

SIEGEL: And that would be - I'm not saying this from great personal familiarity - that would be a half of a black beer, like a Guinness, and a half of a pale ale with it. But you wouldn't call it that in Ireland?

BOYD: No, we'd use different terms. And in fact, we wouldn't really dilute our Guinness over here. It's not really the done thing to do.

Me: False! You're so full of it.

MELISSA BLOCK: Now, Nike has released a statement saying: We apologize, no offense was intended. At the same time, Nike says the sneaker has been, quote, unofficially named by some as the Black and Tan.

SIEGEL: That said, if you look inside the shoe - as we have done with online photos - you see an image of a pint of beer with two colors, black and tan.

BLOCK: Brian Boyd of The Irish Times has reported on some outrage over the shoe. But really, he says, it's not about a shoe. It's about a holiday.

BOYD: It's how the Americans view Saint Patrick's Day and view Irish culture and history. And it's the very fact that some people are saying that these are beer-themed sneakers, that the only way to celebrate a national holiday of a country with a very rich culture and a very rich history and literature, et cetera, is to pour massive amounts of alcohol down your body.

It's how the American treat St. Patrick's Day. So we're using this story to say, look, it's the silly Americans, stupid Americans, look what they're doing again. They've got it all wrong.

Me: What the hell??

SIEGEL: Which is, by the way, a default mode for journalism across the pond.

BLOCK: But still, it seems Nike did not have its smartest moment with the Black and Tan shoe.

Mr. Boyd, where do you think the concept of drinking on St. Patrick's Day in America came from? You do realize that millions - MILLIONS - of Irish emmigrated to America in the mid-to-late 1800s? (Including my own family.) Clearly, those folks brought some traditions with them. Many in a bottle.

Now, I'm not calling the Irish drunks. But, let's not pretend that in Ireland, and England (and my hubby can attest to this during his time studying in England), drinking is not a sport. Of course, this can be said about many parts of the world.

So, stop with the asinine "stupid American" comments. Sounds like somebody needs a drink.

Friends, wear your green with pride this weekend. I shall toast Mr. Boyd and tell him to kiss my Blarney Stone. :)
Images from ifinecookie.com and beembee.com

Give Thanksgiving Its Due

Courtesy of my brother.

I totally agree. I must have my turkey and dressing on Nov. 24 before turning my mind toward Christmas. Of course, I'll start pulling out the Christmas decorations and playing my "Charlie Brown Christmas" CD on Nov. 25. But, not before then. I will wait!

It's Friday, friends. Can I have an AMEN?
Image from the Bare Knuckled Pundit

Beautiful Day (and Weekend)

This is über-excited me, counting down the hours until I see my boys in Nashville. Yeah, I'm a tad bit giddy (and a little cheesy, I know).

I know, I’ve droned on for days about the upcoming U2 concert so, apologies if you’re a bit sick of hearing it. But, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to this weekend, on so many levels: seeing my favorite band, enjoying time away with Hubby in a cool town like Nashville, and chilling out over a three-day weekend. This week has been CRAZY at work, so I really need some down time to just decompress, as I'm sure we all do.

Friends, have a wonderful 4th of July. I just know it's going to be a Beautiful Day.
First image property of jmw-aplacetodwell and second from u2tourfans.com

Boating on the 4th

If you received the latest issue of Southern Living, you likely saw the article about top lake vacation spots across the South. Lake Ruban in Georgia is one of them, and it looks like a fun place, especially during the 4th of July weekend.

According to the article, Lake Ruban residents have a long tradition of showcasing their vintage wooden Chris Craft boats, especially on Independence Day. The boats fly the red, white and blue, while houses and boat docks are decked out in Americana finery. I would love to see such a site - I bet it makes for a fun celebration of the 4th.

What will you be doing to celebrate Independence Day? Soaking in the sun by the water with family and friends? A parade waving your flag and an evening with fireworks? Whatever it is, I hope you have a wonderful time, sporting your red, white and blue!
Images from Southern Living and Lake Rabun

Memorial Day - Relax!

Grab the tote bag, sunscreen, your shades and a good book because the pools open this weekend, kids. Yea!!

My sister-in-law is coming to town for the holiday weekend, which is always fun. Can’t wait to see her, spend time with family and just relax a bit. Rumor has it that the sun will be making an extended appearance in these parts, joined by her sidekicks “heat” and “humidity.” But hey, as long as the rain stays away, it's all good.

Have a wonderful Memorial weekend, friends. Enjoy your cookouts, cold drinks and lounging at the pool, lake or beach, if you can. And, as always, let’s keep in mind the reason we celebrate this holiday: the brave souls who gave their lives for our beloved country. Thank God for these men and women.

Happy Memorial Day!
Image courtesy of Google

To My Mom

With all of the hoopla of Derby this past week, I neglected to take the opportunity to recognize my mom in this forum and to wish her the happiest of Mother's Days.

The kids showered her with gifts (more like pushed them upon her with great force, excited to help her unwrap the present as quickly as possible) on Saturday, while she and my dad spent part of the day with them.

In honor of Mother's Day, I am including a photo of two women who had a big influence on my life: my mother and grandmother. Wow, I'm probably around my son or daughter's ages in this picture. My grandmother has been gone for several years now - miss you, Irma!

Thank you Mom, for everything.

Hope everyone had the chance to spend Mother's Day with the women who have nurtured and cared for you throughout your life. It's a special day, indeed.

And, because I have felt like a terrible mom in not planning properly for my son's birthday tomorrow, I'm going to take an early afternoon and get some shopping done for Little Man. Can't believe my baby is going to be four!

Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!
Photo property of JMW A Place to Dwell

The Fabulous Beekman Boys

Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, aka "The Fabulous Beekman Boys"

I have a new favorite program: “The Fabulous Beekman Boys.” I read about these guys on a couple of other blogs, so I had to check them out to see if all of the tales of fabulousness were true. And, yes, they are! 

 The Beekman Mansion and Farm, Sharon Springs, New York.

Their program is on Planet Green TV, which if you don’t have this cable channel, you can watch episodes for free On Demand. Anyhoo, the Beekman Boys are Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, two city guys who found a beautiful mansion and farm in upstate New York and are trying to make a go of it by selling goat milk products, as well as other goods inspired by their farm living. Their product line is Beekman 1802.

After becoming so enamored with the boys, I just had to order Josh’s book on my Kindle last night. The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers – An Unconventional Memoir, is a hilarious account of their efforts to purchase the farm and make a go of it in the country. Along the way, both men lost their jobs during the peak of the recession; but rest assured, they bounced back. If you like David Sedaris, you’ll really like this book. Josh is a former drag queen turned ad executive. Brent is a doctor, who also served as vice president of healthy living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia. So, with ties to Martha and the world of drag queens, it’s never a dull moment with these two.

I think I may have to purchase the first season of “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” on DVD. I’ve only seen a few episodes of season two via On Demand and they are such fun. If you can, be sure to check it out.

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter. Our weekend was full of a variety of activities leading up to the special day. It was wonderful spending time with family and watching the kids’ excitement over their Easter baskets. I could have done without the endless rain, though. It would have been nice to release our sugar-filled kids into the great outdoors yesterday afternoon. Oh, well. The basement had to suffice.


Happy Easter Monday!Images from www.beekman1802.com and www.planetgreen.discovery.com

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Tomorrow we will fast. Today we will feast!

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone! I've already enjoyed a piece of King Cake this morning - let the sugar rush begin! I didn't find the baby in the cake this year, so I'm not "King for the Day." But, it's delicious anyway.  I'll have to scout-out some crawfish etouffee at some point today, too.

Look at this image from Bourbon Street. Can you imagine? There was a time I would have loved this scene, but now, no thanks. There will be no crazy partying-like-we-live-in-New-Orleans tonight.

Instead, we'll be gathering at church for a potluck dinner and preparing for Ash Wednesday. Our daughter was talking about Ash Wednesday last night and how her class,  along with the rest of the school, will receive ashes during Mass. Miss E. asked if the ashes would ever come off. I assured her that they would, but Lord only knows what was going through her head when it was described to her!

For Lent, I'm abstaining from chocolate and soft drinks (I know, I should stay away from the latter at all times, but it's a weakness). So, I plan to chow-down on the Samoas this evening. In addition to "giving up" something, we're also "doing," by forming small prayer groups throughout our parish, and meeting once a week during Lent. I'm looking forward to getting to know other parishoners and talking about my faith, something that I don't do nearly enough.

Lent also means Fish Fry Fridays, the St. Patrick's Day parade this coming weekend (Hubby and friends have entered a float -  there are boxes with hundreds of green-beaded necklaces in our entry hall.), and preparation for Easter. Hard to believe we're heading into this time of year.

Any big plans for Fat Tuesday? If you observe Lent, what will you be doing this year?
Images from costumzee and Chris Graythen/Getty Images

My New Year's Eve at the Salon

For Christmas, Hubby gave me a gift card to a local salon where spa services are available. He suggested a massage or facial. Sounded good, but then I thought it would be fun to have my hair and make-up done for our night out on New Year’s Eve, so off to the salon I went.

I have short hair, so there’s not a lot that can be done with it. Yet, the guy who did my hair didn’t do the greatest job. He said, “Let’s go for that big party girl hair!” Tease and lift away he did. So I was rockin’ my Kentucky Big Hair as I headed to the make-up chair.

I tend to go more natural with my make-up, playing up my eyes a bit, which are brown. I gravitate toward warm earth tones, browns, creams, maybe a light pink.

Here’s me taking a photo of myself, going out to some random function over the summer. Not sure why I appear so startled; perhaps I could see into the future to New Year’s Eve and what the makeup lady would do to my face. Anyhoo, this photo gives you an idea of how I normally wear my make-up and what the lady had to work with.

The young woman who did my makeup wanted to go crazy with my eyes and boy did she ever. She picked out some startling shades of green. I don’t do green eye shadow. But she assured me that the color was more subtle once applied on the eyelid. Hmm. My little voice inside was saying “Hell to the no!” But, then I thought, “Be adventurous! Try something new! It’s Aveda, what could go wrong?” Oy.

So, I get home with a few minutes to spare before I have to pick up the babysitter. I march upstairs to get dressed, but I refuse to look at my husband. He keeps saying, “Let me see!” I keep my head down saying, “No, I look like a drag queen.” Finally, I show him the full effect and his neck jerks back a bit. “Wow.” I shake my head as I take a brush to my big hair and make-up remover to my eyes. My husband asks, “Is it because you have big eyes that make-up artists want to experiment with you?” Again, I just shake my head. Who knows? Anyway, I tone down the eye make-up (some) and the hair, pick up the babysitter and then we head out to ring in the new year with friends.

We ended up having a great night and I learned that, for the most part, I can do my own hair and make-up pretty well. I should have used the card for its original intention and scheduled a massage. Oh, well. Live and learn. :)

Ringing in 2011

New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.    ~Mark Twain

Wow, my friends, what a year it has been! Tomorrow we say farewell to 2010 and ring in 2011. It’s been quite a year for us to say the least.

The Good: Our new house, our daughter starting kindergarten;
The Bad: My mom’s illness and the after-effects;
The Ugly: The economy, politics, celebrities behaving badly, etc.

But, I am determined to see 2011 as a glass-half-full-year- red or white, whatever you prefer - and I pray for good health and happiness in the new year. The fact that my mom is returning to teaching part-time in January already has things off to a great start! And, my brother and his wife are expecting a baby in March, so another awesome event in which to look forward!

So, dear friends, how will you ring in 2011? Any special traditions, such as clanging the pots and pans at midnight? A champagne toast? Black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day? By the way, if you’re looking to start a new tradition for New Year’s Day, consider making a batch of Hoppin’ John. Mmm, good!

We’ll be ringing in the new year at a dinner dance with friends and then spending the weekend taking down the Christmas decorations. Sad to see them go, but it’s time to clear the clutter and get ready for the New Year. As far as New Year's Resolutions, I bought a new pair of trail shoes today and have already put them to work on the treadmill. I hope to bump up my exercise regimen over the next year, eat healthier and have a more positive outlook. What are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2011?

Thank you for such a wonderful year. I value your comments, insight and support that you provide every day. I may not always respond directly to each of your comments, but please know that I appreciate them so very much. It means the world to me that you read my daily ramblings and find it worthwhile to visit often.

I wish you and yours the happiest of New Year's! Talk to you in 2011!
Image courtesy of Google and recipe from Garden & Gun

Christmas Traditions

Last year, we started a tradition of giving the kids Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. I had heard of other people doing it - including many of my blogger friends - so we decided to pick up the practice in our home.  Christmas Eve, before we leave for Mass, the kids will again open packages featuring their new pajamas. (They certainly need new PJs - what the heck are these kids doing by getting so big?)

I'll be sporting my flannel reindeer lounge pants I got last year at Old Navy. They're comfortable and no need to buy another set of PJs for me. I'm certainly not growing like the kids - nor have I grown in other ways, thank God. :) Although, if I were to get new PJs, I'd love a pair of these Vinyard Vines lounge pants. Cute and comfy!

Another tradition we've continued this year is "Elf on a Shelf." Last year, our Elf, Jack, was a gift we received just a couple of weeks before Christmas. This year, Jack made his first appearance on Dec. 1 and each day, Hubby and I have to find a new hiding space for him.

If you're not familiar with Elf on a Shelf, he's a special elf doll who stays with your family until Christmas, and each morning he appears in a different place, watching what's going on and reporting back to Santa each night. (A friend of ours said this is a bit creepy. Yeah, kinda). The kids have to seek him out each morning; it's a fun little activity for them leading up to the holidays. Meanwhile, for parents, it's another thing to try to remember each evening, as you relocate Jack to his new place. Add the fact that last year, Mommy thought it would be a good idea to leave a little note each morning from Jack to the kids, putting more work into the process. Yeah, that was a tad bit insane on my part. But, the kids love it and so that makes it worth while. Except on those mornings when we realize we didn't move Jack from the night before, nor did we write a note, so some creative scurrying has to take place behind the scenes to continue the magical facade. Sigh.

So, dear friends, what are some Christmas traditions in your home? Cookie-making? Caroling? I would love to hear about it!
Images from Vineyard Vines and Elf on a Shelf

P.S. - Please keep my Little Guy in your prayers. He was up late last night sick to his stomach and is feeling pretty lousy. (It wasn't pretty - let's just say I was washing my hair at 10 p.m.) Fingers crossed that this is just a 24-hour bug and he's much better by Christmas.

Christmas Decor and Ice at the Door

Well, the kids are home from school yet again. This time around, ice and sleet hit the region, so the roads are pretty darn slick. The kids are watching "Curious George" while Hubby and I work on our respective laptops. Ain't technology grand?

So, while at home, I've taken some shots of random holiday items, including our tree. Please excuse the quality - these were taken with my phone.

I bought this pillow at one of the Christmas craft fairs I attended this season. I think it fits my kids well, considering the antics of late.

The other night, we stopped by our favorite Irish restaurant (where Hubby and and I first met) for some pub grub with the kids. 

This little elf was a tad to full of energy, not able to sit still and actually fell out of the booth. Friends asured me that that wasn't the first time that has happened at the pub. :)

Meanwhile, this little elf had difficulty keeping her voice at a normal level, clearly out of excitement over eating out and anticipation of the holidays. I'm pretty sure there is no button on this child to turn down the volume. It's set on full throttle. Needless to say, these kids are wired for sound heading into the holidays.

Back to holiday decor, I purchased these coasters at the same craft fair. I had them out for our holiday get-together last Saturday. I like them - kinda fun.

Finally, we have a print that was given to us by a good friend, Doreen. Doreen is great graphic designer that Hubby and I have worked on projects and her twin sister, Jeaneen, is a local artist. The sisters have collaborated on artwork for the Kentucky Derby Festival and St. James Art Fair and the posters always look amazing. Last year, Jeaneen released a Santa print that was very popular in this area. Doreen gave it to us a housewarming gift. This guy is the latest additon to our house and we are displaying him with Christmas pride!

If you're home with the kiddos for a snow/ice day, hang in there. Hopefully we'll get the free-and-clear for them to return tomorrow. Although, in our case, Miss E. only has a half-day on Friday and is then out for Christmas vacation. So, not much else to wrap-up at this point, at least for kindergarteners. And, if you don't have snow and ice, count yourself lucky as you count your days down to the holidays.

Take it easy, folks. The weekend is almost upon us.

Barbie Video Girl

Have you heard about the latest Barbie doll, Barbie Video Girl and the controversy surrounding it? Apparently the FBI has issued a cyber crime alert on the new doll.

Mattel's Barbie Video Girl has a video camera lens built into its necklace that can record up to 30 minutes of footage to be downloaded on a computer.

According to the Associated Press, "Officials warn that it could possibly be used to produce child pornography, but say they don't have any reported crimes. The FBI's Sacramento office issued a report with the warning on the doll last month...A Mattel spokeswoman says the FBI has confirmed no reported incidents of using the doll for criminal activity." Oh, Mattel, it's just a matter of time, now.

Hmm, interesting choice for a doll. I guess Barbie was getting a bit bored hanging out in the Dream House with Skipper and Ken, tooling around in her Corvette Power Wheels, so she needed a new hobby. Here she
is filming her new posse. Clearly, Ken has gone "all Justin Timberlake" on his bad self.

I can tell you ONE thing that WON'T be under our tree this Christmas.
Images from amaszon.com

Reaching a Hand into the Darkness

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift-buying, party-hosting and at times, great frustration - and even hateful thoughts and words - if you get caught in a traffic jam during the holidays. (Seriously, there have been times I thought I would lose my religion trying to access the mall parking lot.)

But, the holidays are a good time to step back from ourselves and place the focus on those who are less fortunate and in need of our support.

When I was a child, there was always a line that my mom added to the end our prayers, and I now do this with my kids. “God bless the poor, the sick, the old and the lonely, and all the little children of the world.” It’s the prayer that I carry with me this holiday season and share with you, in considering charitable gifts during the holidays.

As you know, there are many worthy causes in your communities – the Salvation Army, United Way, an Angel Tree program, a local women and children’s shelter, an organization that helps recovering addicts – there are countless organizations that would appreciate your donations of time or treasure.

In addition to local charities, there are global organizations making a difference in the lives of others, such as Heifer International, Nothing But Nets, Unicef and many, many more. Do you have a fair trade gift store in your community? We have Just Creations, which features unique crafts, clothing, home goods, jewelry and many more items. Sales benefit artisans in third world countries. It's a great way to do some holiday shopping AND contribute to a good cause. 

I know that so many of you in Blogland have kind hearts and often lend a hand to those in need, all year long. Please share with us what you may be doing to make this holiday season a little brighter to those who may only live in darkness.
Images courtesy of wikipedia and Google and title is partial quote from Norman B. Rice

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

The snowy weather arrived this weekend, as did the arctic blast that we endured on the way to school and work this morning. Brrr!

Above is a photo I snapped of our street Saturday morning. When you get a blanket of snow during the Christmas season, it really gets you in the holiday spirit. We put up the tree yesterday and Hubby put lights on the bushes in front of our house. I tried to take some photos of the house with my phone this morning, but it was too dark and the pics didn't turn out well. I'll try again in the coming days.

So, dear friends, what kind of weather are you having right now? Frosty cold? Warm and balmy?

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

So, what’s on your Christmas wish list this year? You know those commercials that have been airing lately, featuring the Lexus wrapped with a giant red bow, waiting to surprise a lucky someone on Christmas day? Well, guess what? That won’t be happening at my house.

Soooo, let’s discuss a more reality-based Christmas wish list. (Hubby, if you’re reading, or paying any attention to my oh-so-subtle hints at home, like “Hey, I want this!” here are some things to consider.)

And, just like me, my wish list is all over the place. :)

First, I’d love a pair of rockin’ Western boots (and if I get these puppies, perhaps I’ll even break down and buy of pair of jeggings. Or, not. We’ll see.)

I love this gray flannel bag from kate spade. Super-cute.

I’ve held off from buying the last of the “Girl” series from Stieg Larsson (it’s never been available at the library or else I would have checked it out by now), so I’m hoping Hubby, I mean, Santa, finds a copy of it for my stocking.

I am loving this Branching Cables cardigan from the Sundance Catalog. Would go perfect with my boots!

These artisan hooded mittens, also from Sundance, are fun. Plus, when it gets really cold in the winter and I’m freezing at my computer (yes, it’s like that every year where I work - my hands and nose get so very cold!), I can wear these Bob Cratchit-style mittens and stay warm.

Aveda products always make a good gift.

And, of course, one cannot forget my sustenance that gets me through each day, Starbucks. It's not only a welcome gift, but because I consider coffee a food group, I would say it's a necessity.

What's on your holiday list this year? Any special goodies, clothes or gadgets?

And, so I don't sound like a complete materialistic dolt, later this week I will be posting about worthwhile charitable organizaitons and crafts that support third-world countries that should be considered this holiday season.
Images from Lucchese, kate spade, Amazon, Sundance Catalog, Aveda and Starbucks.

Thanksgiving is Over; the Christmas Season Begins

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, full of food, fun and family. We ate until we about popped. Good times, for sure.

Hubby made some delicious turkey and stuffing and I baked some tasty biscuits. My parents, my brother and sister-in-law, and my mother-in-law brought even more food and we dined like kings.

Before our Thanksgiving holiday weekend ended, I was determined to get a photo of the kids to use on this year's Christmas cards. The weather was nice on Sunday, so we headed outside to get some shots. The "photo session" started out pretty good...

With the kids being sweet together...

But then they started getting antsy, having had enough of Mommy and Daddy constantly saying "Cheese!"

 

It then devolved into a wrestling match...

And that was the moment when we decided to call "Cut!" and head inside. Luckily, we did get some decent shots, and one in particular we plan to use for the Christmas card.

A little later, while Hubby and I were viewing the selection on the computer, the kids came into the office, having yet again used each other as a canvas for their creative coloring. They looked like scary clowns (is that redundant?), so I had to scrub their faces yet again. Ugh. 

Now we're onto Cyber Monday to search for some great online deals. The holiday shopping season is officially here - best of luck to one and all!