Shopping for Others?

Why is it when you're out shopping for others, you find the cutest things for yourself? Does this ever happen to you?

I found this cute coat at Old Navy. Have no fear, it will be mine once it's marked down after Christmas. It will have a nice home in my closet.

Or this cute hat at Talbots Outlet.

Alas, I had to put both back on the rack and walk out empty handed. Although, it has gotten me excited for the after Christmas sales.

How are you doing with your shopping?

The Season of Giving

If you're interested in reading my post on holiday giving from last year, click here.

I know that money is tight for everyone, especially this time of year. I'm lucky in the fact that I'm a shopping addict and I can't resist a good deal. This results in me shopping all year long for things that I put away for the holidays. This works out especially well when I want to give to charity. I have a pretty decent stash in my gift closet.

Here are some of the charities that I've either donated to or heard good things about:

Toys For Tots-I love that they have so many drop off locations. Oh and if you drop off inside the mall, there's usually a gentlemen or two in their Marine uniforms.

Christmas in the City-They are a 100% volunteer organization. Jake Kennedy and his family and coworkers work VERY hard to pull off a very big party, complete with a gift for every child, every year. They do wonderful things for local children.

Room to Grow-I haven't had the pleasure of working with Room to Grow...yet. I will make it a priority after the new year. They help families by giving them needed supplies AND support for children up to age three.

DOVE-stands for DOmestic Violence Ended. They offer counseling, support and emergency shelter. I love to give to DOVE. When women flee an abusive relationship, they often go to the shelter with nothing but the clothes on their back.

Globe Santa-Since 1956, Globe Santa has been The Boston Globe's annual appeal for needy children in Greater Boston. The Globe Santa Fund collects donations from the general public to purchase holiday gifts for underprivileged children.

If you're looking for something in your own neighborhood to contribute to, check with your local house of worship. They often have families that you can "adopt" for the holidays.

What are some of your favorite charities to give to? Feel free to leave the link to the charity in the comment section.

Waiting....

Waiting for January clearance sales to start is like waiting for a baby to be born; "What will it be like?" "When will it happen?" "Will it hurt?" Okay, maybe not that last one, but you catch my drift.

I'm {not so} patiently waiting for these freakin' sales to start. I see the stores gearing up for Valentine's Day and even (gasp!) spring! What the heck? Spring? I'm not ready to put my pasty white body into spring clothes and bright colors. I'm still hiding in my bulky sweaters and jeans, thankyouverymuch.

The sale that I'm most looking forward to is the Target toy clearance. This is the time to stock up on toys for the coming year. How many children's birthday parties do you get invited to? Do you find yourself running out at the last minute (or on the way to the party) to buy a gift? With this sale you can stock up on some great toys at a fraction of their regular price.

I'm really waiting for this sign

to change to 75% off.

During the July Target toy clearance I was able to buy many Christmas gifts and gifts for Toys for Tots.

I've been to Target every day for the past four days waiting, waiting, waiting. I guess that's the only thing I can do.

Bargains? Not So Much

My sister and I headed out early on December 26. We were in search of post-Christmas bargains. We were extremely disappointed. Our first stop was Target. I got some wrapping paper and holiday themed paper towels, both marked 50% off. Some of their other holiday items were only 30% off, some were still full price. What the heck?! Next we headed to Pier 1. We're not really regular Pier 1 shoppers, so we weren't sure what to expect. I ended up getting some cute gift bags for $1. They were the reusable bags (think grocery store reusable bags).

Next we went to Michael's. We saw lots of signs like this:

Again, I picked up some holiday gift bags. I noticed a real shortage of gift bags when I was wrapping this year, hence the need to stock up for next year.

My sister was in search of crafts to keep the kids busy for snow days and for next year at this time. She did end getting a few things, but nothing to sing about.

As we were leaving Michael's it started to snow. It was just a quick squall and boy did it come down fast.

After navigating the snow covered roads, we headed to Crate & Barrel. It was a mad house! They had some really great ornaments and other Christmas items priced at 50% off. Trouble is, I didn't need any ornaments. I was looking for little "gifty" items to put in my gift closest for next year.

After that we headed to Ann Taylor Loft. Upon entering the store, we were greeted with this lovely sign. Doesn't it just make your heart go pitter-patter?

After searching through all the racks and checking out all of the merchandise, including clearance, we both left empty handed.

In the end, we got a few things for Christmas next year: wrapping paper, gift bags, plates, napkins.

I'm still holding out for the January sales. I'm really looking forward to the Target toy clearance, Old Navy winter clearance, Gap clearance and any other clearance sales I can sink my teeth into. What about you? Did you get any good deals after Christmas.

Christmas Wrap-up

Ahhh, it's over. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday. I love giving presents. I also love getting presents from my nieces and nephews that they pick out for me. The look on their faces as I'm unwrapping them is priceless. They're so proud of themselves. It's great.

My tradition is to go to my sister's on Christmas Eve day and bake to get ready for the next day. I also bring presents for her and the kids and we open them then.

Here's one of my favorite gifts:

Yes, that's a pack of toilet paper. I just love practical gifts.

After we get the baking done, I head home (for a nap) and head off to my BFF's in-law's for Christmas Eve.

Here we are with her youngest child. It's her first Christmas. She looks pretty excited about it.

Here are the stockings at my parents house. Notice that the cats stocking is bigger than mine.

I had a great Christmas. How about you?

Special Day

Yes, I know it' s "Christmas Eve Day" but it's a special day for another reason. Exactly two months from today, I will no longer be 39. YIKES!

I have a new list of goals to reach before the big day:

• Learn to fly a 747
• Learn how to board a 747 without vomiting
• Learn how to drive a standard
• Lose 46 pounds
• Grow out my new bangs
• Learn to cook
• Finally realize that there is such a thing as eating too many brussels sprouts
• Go to a casino
• Clean under my bed
• Meet Jon Bon Jovi
• Forget about George Clooney since he won't return my calls.

I have a feeling that 2011 will be a great year. Who cares if I'm going to be 40? It's just a number, right? Yeah, right! You know who says that? The people who aren't 40 yet!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Training Camp

If you haven't seen this, it's a must for small children. My kids love it!

Happy Holidays!

Elf on the Shelf

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf at your house? We do. His name is Jingle.

If you're not sure what the Elf on the Shlef is, it's an Elf who comes to visit your family from around Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Every night the Elf flies back to the North Pole to report how the children behaved during the day. When he returns to your home, he's hiding in a new spot for the children to find him. On Christmas Eve when Santa delivers his presesnts, the Elf flies back to the North Pole in Santa's sleigh.

Shortly after Jingle came to see us, he forgot to find a new hiding spot for a couple of days. The boys were very concerned that Jingle was sick. I jumped at that and quickly agreed that Jingle must not be feeling very well and maybe we could think of something to help Jingle feel better.

The boys thought that maybe a blanket and some rest would help him feel better. It worked! Jingle flew home to the North Pole that night. He left a note for the boys thanking them for the use of their blanket.

I love this age...watching the wonder and excitement in their eyes.