The Holidays!

Wow! Time is just flying by! So far, the holiday's are running fairly smooth.  I cannot believe Thanksgiving has come and gone. I'm so happy I got a chance to spend quality time with family.  It is so important to do this. Memories last a life time!

Anyway, almost all of my Christmas shopping is complete.  Trying to find meaningful gifts can be difficult, but I think it is so worth it!  If people are special to you, then show them just how much they mean.

This time of the year is so busy and I constantly need to remind myself to slow down.  I also need to remind myself to be kind, be giving, be loving and most important, be patient. As a practicing Catholic, I have grown closer to God over the past few years. It's easy to fall back into old habits of selfishness and greed, especially this time of year. But we have to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.  A child was born to save our eternal lives. Pure and simple. We give gifts and spread joy because we are rejoicing that we will be saved!

Luke 1: 76-79
 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Holiday Shopping - Black Friday!

The biggest tip I could give everyone...don't wait til Black Friday to do your shopping. Do it now! Unless you are waiting for those really big in demand discounted items (each store does have a FEW exceptional deals) or other random things, but for clothing, accessories, home goods, now is the time!

Holiday Cards! Here we come!

So it is almost that time again. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is fast approaching.  And it never fails I am ALWAYS late with Christmas cards. This year, I vow to get them out BEFORE December 1st!  It may not happen, but a Mom can dream, right?!?!

Anyway, Shutterfly is making it even more difficult for me to do with all of their SWEET designs this year! One of my favs is this Beautiful Cranberry Damask Christmas card!  The richness of the design is fabulous and they've kept up with the retail demand lately for Damask - it's everywhere and I love it!

If you are a fan of photo cards there is nothing like letting your photo BE the card with this noteworthy Modern Damask Red.  I love when the picture IS the background as in this card.  Just pic your favorite photo, personalize and your done!  Shutterfly guides you step by step. It is truly so easy and it does make the somewhat daunting task, easier. The folded cards even have room to write your own personal holiday letter to friends and family. AWESOME!

And don't forget for that PERFECT holiday gift. Photo Calendars!!  Who doesn't need a calendar? Your friends and family do!  All of our Godparents are getting one this year!  So take advantage of the deals that are out there

Right now Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards! Happy card creating!!!

Two things...

1. I have noticed that the more we stay home, the messier my house is.  That's not fair!

2. http://www.lanebryant.com/ is having a 40% off clearance sale today.  Someof the clearance is $6.99.  I'd get there fast! :)

Winding down...

Well, there is nothing like waking up to the sound of an otter, make that an almost 6 month old coughing.  So sad.  Livi is suffering, but keeps her good spirits most of the day.  Thank goodness my 3 year old functions on a 4 year old level (or so her teacher's tell me) because this 32 year old might have gone loony if it wasn't for her help! 

Now if she only wouldn't put up an hour long fight at bedtime every night!

I ordered 120 free prints from Snapfish tonight.  If you signed up at http://www.mycokerewards.com/ you can search snapfish and you'll find the offer for 50 prints for 0 points.  I signed both of our email accounts up and then for some reason Snapfish gave one of them and extra 20 when I uploaded.  Haven't ordered pics since July and they were stacking up.  I'm really not great at remembering to take pics though and I wish I could take them better...of the dreams of taking photography classes.

We stayed home today and we'll be home tomorrow I am sure!  Can't wait to see what deals come up tomorrow.  If you ever see the http://www.groupon.com/ for http://www.soap.com/ TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!  $20 of product for $10 AND free shipping! Wow!  I am running all over town collecting my packages from where I shipped them to..SO worth it!