A Passion for Scrapbooking, Decorating and Shopping

Guest room closet...

Have you made any plans to celebrate the New Year?  Family gatherings?  A night among adults?  Stocking up on celebratory beverages and watching New Year's Rockin Eve?  Or how about dinner at a nice restaurant?

For me, I couldn't resist taking the opportunity to spend our downtime installing a closet organizer ala Easy Closets in our guest bedroom.  And believe me, this closet needs some attention.

 

In between glimpses of Dick Clark on TV and drilling holes and hanging shelves, I hope to obtain a little order in a little closet.  It is nearly the last closet in our home in need of organizing.

If I can only convince my guy to allow me to organize his closet but he seems content with the function of his space.  Just think of the possibilities...t-shirts stacked by color on a shelf, socks and unmentionables folded and in full view in a drawer that fully extends.  I'm still working on him.

A sense of order can be gratifying.  It's a never-ending goal of mine.  And I enjoy chasing that goal. 

Mr. Snowman...

Have you found lately the weather to be in an unusual pattern in your neck of the woods?  In the Mid-Atlantic area, we had above average temperatures and howling winds last week.  And when we experience wind gusts, our front yard is the landing pad for everything and anything from the porches of surrounding homes.

We have collected planters, holiday decorations, newspaper, yard debris and various odds and ends. 

For the last few days, this poor snowman has been in our yard.  He sat on our stoop for a few days hoping someone would claim him, or better yet, adopt him, only to tumble down the stairs with another burst of air flowing down our street.

We are taking a liking to this snowman as he adds humor to our day.  As we pull into our driveway returning from a journey somewhere, our curiosity is piqued to see what condition Mr. Snowman is in or if he's still there.  And usually he is laying halfway down the stairs or face-up or face-down on the sidewalk.  Or he's shivering in the dark, only found to be among our holiday lights and watch-full turtle.

 

If it's owners do not claim him soon, I may need to resort to placing a sign around his neck with the words "lost & found".  And if that doesn't work, he may become a happy fixture to our winter decor.

It's the little things that can brighten our day.  Mr. Snowman, you have brightened ours.

Drawer storage...

For months now I have been searching for drawer storage that is bookshelf-friendly.  And that is no easy task. 

It took me some time to find drawer storage for the Ikea Markor bookcase in my craft room.
 

Last year, I had discovered Stockholm Paper Drawers on the Container Store website, in addition to the Lisa & Becky storage (which are hard to find now) at Scrapbook.com, that are the perfect size for this bookcase and have been happy since the day I set them in their designated spots.

I recently found myself seeking drawer storage again, this time for jewelry that would fit onto a shelf in my closet.  This required finding a jewelry box that does not open from the top, which is next to impossible.  That is until I returned to the Container Store website and discovered Portofino Jewelry Boxes. 

Because there is a shelf above where the jewelry box would sit (as you can see below), this would not allow for any type of box to be opened from the top. 

I purchased 3 Portofino Jewelry boxes that stack beautifully on top of one another.  And it is so easy to open each drawer and have full view and access to my little trinkets.

The most satisfying aspect of this task is seeing everything in order.

And it keeps me sane. 

Cheers to sanity. 

Post Holidays...

I have not had much of an opportunity to partake in the post-holiday sales but I am attempting to get my surroundings in order.  It seems to be the tradition with the new year approaching.  And that seems to be the theme of many home decor magazines....organize!

So I will share a little snipet of what I've done in my closet (with The Container Store as my resource) that is making me happy right now.  Stay tuned....will share more on Sunday. 

Ho, Ho, Ho...

[My niece with santa]

Merry Christmas
Wishing you love, peace and joy and all the magical moments that the holidays bring.

Last minute...

Are you knee-deep in gift wrap, tape and ribbon?  I have such a hard time keeping up with gift-wrapping tasks because I usually wait till the last minute and try to do it all at once. 

One of my last minute tasks included a trip to the shopping mall at 7am this morning to exchange a damaged gift.  It was pure bliss having Pottery Barn practically all to myself at that time of the morning.  And there are some fringe benefits to shopping on Christmas Eve because the sales have already begun. 

We still have cupcakes to bake, chocolate covered peanut butter balls to make and gathering up gifts to deliver to our families tomorrow. 

Tonight, we'll share our beverage of choice (hot chocolate sounds good right now) and sit in front of the fire enjoying our moments together and reminiscing about Christmases of past. 

If you are interested in a recipe for hot chocolate, I found one online here.  Filling a jar with this concoction could make a presentable gift for family, friends and neighbors.

Perhaps we'll even drive around our neighborhood and view all the holiday splendor that adorns each home.

And I 'd like to make time to hop on the treadmill today because we have 2 feasts to partake in tomorrow.  I can imagine my guy commenting to me that utilizing the treadmill for one day will not make a bit of difference to my waistline unless I am consistent about it.  He's onto me.

And he's right, but it helps my conscience and I need to do whatever I can to help me and my conscience sleep better at night.

So I will sleep well and dream of svelte waistlines and Dad's Egg's Benedict at breakfast tomorrow morning.

Sweet dreams, friends!

Music to my ears, the holiday way...

Filling our home with holiday music is one of the many things I love about Christmas.  This year, I spent some time on iTunes and Amazon downloading one of my all-time favorite holiday songs, Ave Maria, sung by various artists (Josh Groban performs an amazing rendition of this song).

It's a song I can listen to over and over again. 

May you and your families find joy in the music that enlighten our holidays. 

Gift in a jar...

It's Christmas morning and you realize that you forgot to get Uncle Bob, who is joining the family for dinner that day, a gift.  If you are like many of us, you feel the need to have something on hand for Uncle Bob to open because you do not want him to feel left out.

But on Christmas morning, the only retailer open is 7-Eleven. 

So the shopper-in-me wanted to take on this challenge in finding something appropriate for gift-giving from 7-Eleven. 

I discovered gift cards from various retailers & restaurants, including Lowe's & Applebees.  Our local 7-Eleven carries Korbel Champagne which makes for a nice celebratory gift.  They also carry NFL merchandise with our store carrying various Redskins goodies such as ornaments, pens, bottle openers and so forth. 

My purchases included Lottery holiday-themed scratch & win tickets and candy. 

Now the crafter-in-me wanted to be a little creative in the presentation, and this is what I came up with:

I took a mason jar and filled it with crumbled red tissue, scratch & win tickets around the perimeter and candy filled the middle.

I then added red cardstock to the top and added green velvet ribbon around the lid. 

If there is a gas station open in your area on Christmas day, gas gift cards are ideal, particularly for teens with a driver's license. 

And sometimes there are shops open at the airport, should you find yourself traveling or picking-up loved ones on Christmas day. 

Movie theaters are also open too. 

My advice is to make the best of every situation.  The effort you put behind the gift is what is appreciated most.

He's a little outdoorsy, that's all...

And if he is 'outdoorsy', maybe he'll like this:

Looking for daylite?



What's in your pocket?

I love your tackle box.  Can I borrow it for scrapbooking storage?


There's nothing wrong with being 'outdoorsy' as long as I don't have to go along. 

Roasting...

First, I should confess that I have never cooked a Rib Roast.  So it may seem a little ridiculous when you continue to read this post where I share tips and a resource with regard to cooking a roast.  Fortunately I am surrounded by men (my Dad, brothers and husband) who enjoy cooking and have tasted their delicious beef sliced from a rib roast.

[Dad's Rib Roast - Thanksgiving 2008]

A couple years ago, my Dad refined his process in roasting when he viewed a video on Wegman's website explaining step-by-step on how to cook a roast.  If you are not familiar with Wegman's, it is a grocery chain based in Rochester, New York and has spread it's wings throughout the northeast.  And here in Virginia, we were lucky to begin calling Wegman's our local grocery store a few years ago. 

In the video, it mentions 4 steps to cooking a roast:  Mise en Place, Sear, Cook and Finish.  I was intrigued by the last step, Finish because I had never heard of allowing a roast to rest after cooking.  If you watch the video, you will see the chef explain this.  Ultimately, the goal is to cook the roast 5 degrees less than the targeted temperature because when it is resting, it is continuing to cook and collecting all the juices and flavor in the process.

I still remember that Christmas dinner two years ago.  The meat was flavorful and tender.  It was the first time in a long while where I helped myself to a second serving of beef (I generally prefer all the side dishes over the meat).  And I'm salivating and anticipating Christmas dinner next week.  It's less than a week away.

Chocolate covered peanut butter balls...

The first time I heard about chocolate covered peanut butter balls was last week when a friend mentioned making some for a potluck lunch.  Since then, I have tried them, fell in love with them, got the recipe and had the opportunity to make them with my guy last night. 

The only cooking involved is melting peanut butter & butter in the microwave and melting chocolate morsels in a double boiler.

We made enough for gifts for friends and now plan to make a 2nd batch for family this weekend.

So for your holiday pleasure, I present to you Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls:

1.5 sticks butter (3/4 cup)
18 oz creamy peanut butter
1 box powdered sugar (16 oz)
3 cups rice krispies

20 oz milk chocolate chips (or half milk chocolate, half semi-sweet)

Melt butter and peanut butter (I use the microwave).  Add powdered sugar and rice krispies, mix well.  Chill for 20 minutes then form into balls, about 1 tablespoon each.

Melt chips in double boiler (or microwave, following package directions - I prefer the double boiler because they stay melted for longer).  Dip PB balls into melted chocolate coating completely, then place on cookie sheet covered with wax paper.  Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Makes about 5-6 dozen.  They freeze well.

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I'm sure many of you have tried this recipe.  So please excuse my enthusiasm as I'm typically 5 paces behind when it comes to food and recipes.

Happy Holidays, friends!

The clock is ticking...

I heard on the news today that it is one of the busiest days for the mail industry.  And it is the deadline for most retailers who offer shipping to receive packages by Christmas.  For some of us, this news can be alarming as it just occured that we are running out of time.

The good news is that many retailers are offering free shipping today.  So it was a good reason for me to place an order with Pottery Barn this morning for a last minute gift for a family member.  And Target came to my rescue today too with their offering of free shipping.

Nordstrom is my next stop for online shopping today. I'd like to get my mom some snow boots and who better than Nordstrom who has the selection of shoes that can make any shoe-obssessed-gal proud.

If you have last minute shopping to do, today is the day to do it.  Gift cards always come to our rescue for last minute gifts as they are readily available just about anywhere you go.  E-gift cards are even better.  And in the past, I have relied on Amazon.com for e-gift cards as they have a vast selection of items to please any gift recipient.

You also have the option to do some electronic gift-giving.  And what I mean by that is you can buy stock (I realize the economy is not good right now but there are bargains to be had), even a portion of a share from Sharebuilder.com.  It is a fabulous way to build up your stock portfolio.  Just open an account for your loved one, print the statement with the initial investment, wrap it up and place it under the tree.

For someone that insists that you not get them anything for Christmas, you can consider making a donation to your favorite or their favorite charity on their behalf.

I hope you are finding these suggestions somewhat helpful.  The marathon continues with a no-bake recipe and shopping for gifts where you'd least expect it.  There's more to come, including photos which have been absent from this site for some time now.

Etsy & Big Picture...

Shopping and browsing all the goods available on Etsy is a favorite pastime of mine.  Therefore, it is only appropriate that I share some gift ideas from talented crafters. 

Starting with Creative Thursday offering artwork that is suitable for adults and children.  And this print is currently my favorite.

AW Style Studio is all about handmade jewelry.  I do admire the hammered style and that is why I love this necklace.

Watercolors by Mary Ellen Golden is one of my favorite artists.  I own a couple prints that hang prominently in our powder room.

Say It With Letters offers all sorts of wooden shapes and letters.  I used one of their fancy schmancy letters as a design element for my sister's bridal shower last year. 

Claudine Hellmuth is a collage artist whose prints and original artwork provide a whimsical side to life. 

You can find more whimsical artwork at LadyBird Land by Allison Strine.  I made my first purchase just the other day and can't wait to receive my first piece.

If you admire fabric by Amy Butler and Heather Bailey, you will like Silly Jilly Boutique.  Her store includes camera straps and hats.

For the 2nd half of today's entry, I'd like reiterate that there are some great classes at Big Picture Scrapbooking in 2009.  Two classes I took this year are available again early next year - Library of Memories and Get Organized, Be Inspired.  I HIGHLY recommend both classes.

And I signed up for A Life Well Crafted that will begin very soon. 

There is also Elizabeth Dillow's Red Letter Days and May Flaum's Scrapbooking in Season. 

If the gift-giver is not sure which class to sign-up the recipient for, you can rely on gift certificates that are now available at Big Picture Scrapbooking.

The gift of creativity and learning new things is a valuable deed for the soul.  And as for Etsy, there's nothing like a handmade gift, even if it is made by someone else.

In my next entry, I will include last minute gift ideas as Christmas is, believe it or not, next week. Oh my!

More gift-giving ideas...

We've got a marathon of gift ideas going on here where I am continuing to share them by interest:

Travel Well
Paris Double Handle Cosmetic Case and Roller Duffle bag by Room It Up are a chic way to travel.  And a Dual Access Rolling Computer Case is convenient when traveling by air as it has a separate compartment for your laptop (which you can easily access and remove when you go through security) and one for your clothing.

There is also a Wheeled Underseat Tote that fits underneath a seat of an airplane.  This appeals to me because I do not like lifting bags. 

A masculine Passport Case makes for a nice gift for the international traveler.

Scrapbooker
A pair of Scrapbooking Girl socks would make a great stocking filler.  And Copic's Spica Glitter pen set are delightful pens that add just a touch of sparkle to your cards and layouts.  They are my current favorite.

Dymo's Caption Maker (pink) is a wonderful label maker with tape in a variety of colors.

Sports Fan
A do-it-yourselfer as well as sports fan would appreciate a Baseball & Football Hammer.  Perhaps a NFL jersey?

Cosmetics
Bare Escentuals is a favorite among my friends as well as myself.  And their Ruby Collection ia gift set worthy of gift-giving.  For a stocking stuffer, John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Hair Spray is a favorite.  It's hard to find locally, so AmericaRX.com has helped keep my medicine cabinet well stocked.

Sentimental
A nativity by Willow Tree is one I can personally recommend.  It brings serenity and can become an heirloom for future generations to enjoy.  Also, a crystal ornament from Waterford is a nice family gift and keepsake.

While shopping for gifts, whether it's online or at the mall, I like spoiling myself with a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks.  It slows me down, believe it or not, as I sip and savor a few minutes of solitude.

I hope you too take the time to do something for yourself during this busy time of year as we prepare for the holidays with our family and friends.

And I promise to provide more ideas as I continue to finish my own holiday shopping.

Gifts for passionate people...

Today's gift-giving ideas are for those who are passionate about something, like:

Astronomy
Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium can locate and identify up to 6,000 stars, planets & constellations with GPS technology.  There is someone in our household who would love a toy like this.

Fly Fishing
Black Walnut Wheatley Fly Box is crafted mostly by hand and a special gift for a fly fisherman.

Handbags
Any gal who likes to coordinate her outfits down to her handbag would appreciate a Pouchee Purse Organizer.  I know someone who just received one as a gift and loved the quality of material and all the compartments.  They are also available in pink.

Cooking
All-Clad 2-pc. Nonstick LTD Panini Pan with Press is a favorite in our household.  And Giada de Laurentiis 17-oz. 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be a treat for a chef who appreciates fine olive oils.  It's the ideal stocking stuffer too. 

Baking
Barefoot Contessa Pantry at Stonewall Kitchen.com contains the perfect ingredients for wonderfully baked goods.  And good baking dishes are essential too, so check-out the Spode 15.5x11-in. Baking Days Baking Dish, Red.  It's red with white polka dots which evokes a festive look without screaming "holidays" so it can be used year-round.

Sleep
If your passion is sleeping, then pillows play an important part. Woolrich Flannel Sheets are our favorite for cold winter nights.

Papercrafting
There's nothing a papercrafter likes more than tools.  Zutter's Bind-it All and tool accessory kit can help any papercrafter create books in all shapes and sizes. The Provo Craft Cricut Jukebox and Cricut Essentials Kit are both excellent accessories for the infamous die-cutting machine.

Single Malt Scotch Aficionado
The "Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch" is a handy reference guide for those who appreciate good scotch.  And Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whiskey Glasses, Set of 2 is the perfect accompaniment to the book.

Wine Aficionado
Great wine like the Award Winner Pack from My Wines Direct is wonderful for someone who appreciates wine.  And Wine.com shares their popular red wines, providing some nice options for your consideration.  The Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator is a contraption any red wine-drinker will appreciate to help speed-up the breathing process.

Coffee & Tea
I have learned from my friends that the Keurig B70 Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System brews coffee very quickly and is quite convenient.  Not only does it brew coffee using k-cups with a variety of brands, including Coffee People K-Cup Obama Blend, but you can brew your own coffee grinds using a Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter.  There are also teas & hot chocolate available in k-cups for your drinking pleasure.

Photography
An appreciation for photo-taking can take you down an expensive path of toys.  I have though received great recommendations for items that are reasonably priced.  A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens has a multitude of great reviews listed on Amazon.com.  And friends that own this lens rave about the quality for the price.

The Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Pink) with Selphy CP760 Photo Printer (Pink) is an adorable set that includes the pocket camera as well as a mini photo printer.  I keep this camera in my handbag at all times now as I do not want to miss any photo opportunities in attempt to capture everyday life digitally.

As ideas continue to pop into my head, I will gladly share them here.  I've also got some favorites from Etsy, so please stay tuned.

The Ladies...

Today, I continue with gift ideas for the ladies. Whether it's for your grandma, mom, sister, spouse, daughter, friend, or for yourself, hopefully you will find the ideas inspiring at the very least.

I selected the Heidi Klum Sterling Domed Clover Pendant w/Chain from Mondera because the hammered look is a design element I admire.  It looks good on anyone.

The Brighton Frame Collection Set of 3 is such a classic gift.  And if you have pictures to include in the frames, even better.

A Pink Billiard Cue stick is a feminine way to express yourself while challenging your spouse to a game a pool. 

How about a Garmin nuvi 250 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator in Pink?  I know someone who owns this little piece of pink technology and it seems to work quite well.  Plus the fact that it looks so cute on your dashboard.

Let's continue to keep these gift ideas colorful and suggest a Apple iPod nano 8 GB Purple (4th Generation).  Load it up with the gift recipien's favorite tunes so they can enjoy their iPod immediately.

Fragrances from Jo Malone makes for a wonderful gift.  The packaging itself is so classy there is no need to giftwrap it.  

A make-up organizer / case from Pottery Barn could be the answer to many females who own everything and anything when it comes to cosmetics.  This organizer is the ideal piece to keep it all in one place.

A Nordstrom gift card, perfect for everyone on your list.  She could apply it toward a nice handbag, sweater, cosmetics or a fabulous pair of shoes. 

I have more to share on gifts for those who like anything to do with food and/or cooking as well as ideas for papercrafters. 

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season.

The Gents...

Are you nearly finished with your holiday tasks?  If I allow myself to complete everything by December 11 of each year, I wouldn't know what to do with myself between now and December 25.  I like the idea of having a to do list.  It gives me a mission.  Just do not overdo it.  Because when that happens, I get overwhelmed. 

I've got a few gift ideas dancing in my head for gentlemen.  And if you've got one or two or more gentlemen in your life and need an idea or two, I've listed a few below.

Scene It? Seinfeld is a game well-suited for anyone who enjoyed the series and currently views their re-runs.  Truthfully, I think I've seen just about every episode.  And to this day, I hear individuals quoting from the show all the time.  Have you ever used yada, yada, yada in a sentence? 

AAA 73 Piece Adventurer Road Assistance Kit is something we all need.  Recently I found myself without jumper cables and my battery was dead.  This kit is definitely on the practical side of gift-giving.

The Ultimate Popcorn Bowl and Six-Pack Sampler from Dale & Thomas Popcorn is a delectable snack during football season.  I just read in a magazine recently how popcorn is a better snack option than potato chips, including baked chips. 

Cutter & Buck Brighton Men's Milan Woven Leather Belt Brown - a classic and sturdy belt by the one-and-only Brighton. 

Digital Photo Album Watch available from Orvis.  You can store up to 60 digital images and it is Mac & PC compatible. 

Craftsman NEXTEC™ 12 Volt Lithium-Ion Hammerhead Auto Hammer can help drive nails quickly with very little effort on your part. 

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator if he doesn't have one already, I believe any driver can benefit from this tool.  It's amazing the confidence you gain by having one at your disposal.  I do not like driving into the city but with a navigator I'm ready to take on any big city.

Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation) is the next best thing to an iPhone.  And you don't have to pay any monthly fees as you can tap into your home wireless network or anywhere that offers free wi-fi, like Panera Bread.

And when in doubt, rely on gift certificates.  And the nicest thing about GiftCertificates.com is that they come to you.

I have more gift ideas to share in the days ahead. 

Artisan 700 printer by Epson...

I find it challenging to keep up with technology, but I try.  And it takes time, patience and trial & error when I begin using something new.  Today's "something new" is an Epson Artisan 700 photo printer.  I received one several weeks ago from the folks at Epson who are kind enough to take interest in my feedback on their printer.

The first thing I did was take it to a crop for my friends to try.  Ensuring all the settings are to our liking, including the saturation level (with thanks to my friend, Denise), we printed vibrant photos to our heart's content. 

My friends brought photos files on USB sticks and compact flash cards and found it very easy to print straight from the printer.  You can make adjustments, including cropping photos directly from the printer's menu. 

The features that appeal to me are it's ability to print from other PCs, laptops, Macs via wi-fi hook-up (I haven't tried this yet), the dual paper tray...

I love how you can place 4x6 or 5x7 photo paper on the top half of the tray and copy paper or 8x10 photo paper on the bottom half of the tray.

You can also print directly onto CDs and DVDs.  Think of the possibilities....you could make CDs of holiday music from your MP3 collection and print holiday images onto the CDs as gifts. 

There are 6 Claria Hi-Definition ink cartridges utilized by the Artisan 700. 

Scanning is easy too.

The printer itself is not bulky and easily sits on a shelf, or in my case, an end table.  The front panel adjusts for your viewing pleasure.  These days it's all about ergonomics, right!?

 

There are many more features to this printer I've yet to utilize (read more about those features here) but I wanted to share my experience thus far because it would make a practical and useful holiday gift for the family. 

In fact my friend, Amy liked the printer enough to purchase the Artisan 800 for herself, which includes a fax and document feeder.

The Epson Artisan 700 will get no rest in my home.  Having learned a thing or two in Photoshop recently has given me added incentive to print more photos at home.

 

And I may take my own advice and make some holiday CDs.  There are photo ornaments to make too. 

It is going to be a colorful photo-filled Christmas in our home this season, with thanks to Epson.

Gift ideas: Artwork & Calendars...

When I last wrote about Kimberly Applegate and her artwork, I mentioned that I made some purchases myself.  The artwork has been framed for sometime now.

They've been leaning against a wall in our bedroom because we have not moved forward on our wall color selection.  My fear of color commitment is preventing progress but that is a story for another day.

I am very excited though about these pieces and know they will complement our room very elegantly when it's complete.

And in the wet bar area of our basement...

I decided we needed something whimsical and bar-appropriate.

It's the foil & wire from the top of a champagne bottle made to look like a chair.  I love this piece for it's uniqueness and imagination.  Very clever of Ms. Applegate and her creativity to create such a whimsical piece of art.

As I shared in the Art & Photography section of this site, it's the architectural muscle and style of chairs that truly represent my passion for interior design.  And I find her artwork to be the ideal gift for almost anyone who admires design in any shape or form. 

There are some pieces that represent a moment, such as a favorite chair with a pile of books nearby that would appeal to a book reader's typical setting. 

And with all the fuss I've made over calendars lately, I also learned that Joie de Vivre is offering her version for 2009 featuring her artwork (there are 3 versions).  It is the answer for my desire to have a home decor themed calendar as well as space to note small details. 

Both the calendars and artwork at Joie de Vivre make divine gifts for the holidays.  Keep an eye on eBay too for Ms. Applegate's original artwork. 

I hope you find these ideas helpful.

Joyeux Noël my friends.

Stockings & stuff...

Contents for a holiday stocking.  Sometimes it not so easy trying to find practical, affordable goods to fill one's stocking.  And in our childless home, we often ponder whether to carry-on this tradition.  At the last minute when Christmas nostalgia kicks-in, we decide to continue the tradition that began the year we were born. 

I present to you adult-filled ideas for the traditional Christmas stocking.

A battery-operated Sonic Travel Toothbrush.  Finally one that's easily transportable in your toiletry bag.  We are a fan of the Sonic Toothbrush in our household and even updated our model-type last year as a Christmas gift to each other.

Do you cry as you slice and chop an onion?  I do.  That is why I am intrigued by these onion goggles.  And the pink pair in particular.  A fashion statement can be made in your own kitchen.

Aluratek AIRJ01F USB Internet Radio Jukebox (Black) is something I just discovered on Amazon's website.  It gives you the ability to access more than 13,000 radio stations in over 300 countries around the world with no monthly fees using a USB stick.  And there is no software involved either.  I am very intrigued by this piece of technology.

Stanley 95-155 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight can come in handy in those instances when your partner asks you to hold the flashlight while he looks at something. 

Holiday teas like Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Holiday Tea by Celestial Seasonings is a stuffer that is bound to get lots of use during the cold winter months.  And it's something you can find at most grocery stores too.

Ballard Designs - 25th Anniversary Crown Tote is made of natural jute and has silkscreen images such as the crown, bee & Eiffel Tower.  I think they are quite classy.

Starbucks Holiday Coffee is another stuffer that can be put to use immediately.  If you get up as early as we do on Christmas morning, it should be the first thing that is opened if you need an aroma boost.

And don't forget the ever-reliable oranges, apples, lottery tickets and gift cards.  I've even found cash in my stocking in the past which always helps when you are in a last minute pinch.  If you are a crafter, there are many possibilities to make mini-albums, even cards to stuff homemade coupons making promises like watching his or her favorite movie with them (for me to make that promise, it means watching John Wayne movies). 

We haven't decided yet whether this will be the year we end this tradition in our household but I can pretty much guess that on December 24th, we'll scramble to do something.  That's what makes this holiday so fun.  It gives us an opportunity to be creative, which is always good for the soul.

China...

My goodness, check out this "china room" from House Beautiful's website:

I'd love to have a closet like this but not for china.  Couldn't you see bottles of stickles in various colors lined up on a shelf here.  And the mounds of cardstock that could be stored behind those glass doors.  How about your wardrobe and accessories stored in a space like this.  I'd never leave this breath-taking room.

My collection of china would only fill up one shelf in a room like this.  Our pattern is circa 1988 and has only been used twice.  Such a shame the little use it gets in our home.  I should try to use it more often. 

And those who have china handed down to them from previous generations are fortunate to possess a piece of their family's past to share with future generations. 

Do you bring out the good china for the holidays?  Do you have a favorite pattern you use only for the holidays?  I have been tempted by nice patterns reminiscent of fall colors to add to our collection for use at Thanksgiving.  Then the reality-check is we do not host a Thanksgiving meal in our home every year.  I think it would be nice though to have a few accessory pieces, including the above platter I linked to.

It is china we use to enhance our dining experience, attempting to create an environment that is pleasing to the hosts as well as the guests.  And it's the sentimental moments we enjoy with family and friends.  That is what creates the fond memories and turns our china into cherished heirlooms. 

Being a scrapbooker, memories are what it's all about.

Calendar entries...

Recently, I mentioned how I was seeking a wall calendar for 2009.  I opted to go the rock 'n roll route with the lead vocalist of my favorite band and received the calendar last week. 

First, I want to say, yes, I think Jon is gorgeous.  He represents a time in my life when I was young and loved his music.  Slippery When Wet was our very first CD purchase.  And I'd blast my stereo to the sound of You Give Love a Bad Name over and over again.

When I removed the wrap from my new calendar the other day, I anxiously opened it up anticipating the photos of each month that lay ahead of me.  What I wasn't prepared for was the style of each month's calendar.  Take a look:

Where am I suppose to write little reminders of upcoming trips, dates with the gals, family gatherings and concerts????

There is no room to write.

Seriously.

I now realize the intent of this calendar is to enjoy the visual delight and the dates are just for background.  I visualize my guy rolling his eyes at this very moment.

My little haven now consists of visual delight with nowhere to write.  Ha!

Did I mention that I have a Palm Treo with a calendar feature that syncs with iCal on my MacBook Pro?  Technology sometimes makes it too easy for me.  I need to see the writing on the wall, so-to-speak. 

OK, I'm off to browse at wall calendars. 

Gift ideas: What to get mom...

It's the first of December.  Time for me to begin putting a dent in my gift-giving shopping list.  It is this time of year where my sister and I have the same discussion each year.  What do we get Mom for Christmas?

If you ask our mother, she will tell us that she does not need a thing.  We want to express our love and appreciation for our mother.  For all those moments when she'd help remind Santa that we wanted Barbie dolls, the Welcome Back Kotter board game, satin jackets and platform wedge sandals.

As a scrapbooker, I have begun working on a pictorial of the grandkids (my nieces and nephew) using a kit I purchased sometime ago from Creatologie by Carol Wingert. 

And I purchased a feminine and large duffle bag from Vera Bradley to encourage more travel for our mother to see me as well as my sister and the grandkids more often.

If you find yourself in the same predicament, trying to find the ideal gift for your mom, I've listed a few ideas below:

• A cashmere wrap from Nordstrom is perfect for this time of year.  I keep a knitted wrap at the office as I always have a chill.  
• Hot Flash Pajamas & Nightgown from Acacia.  I think my Mom would get a laugh out of this.  And it seems pretty practical too.
• Brighton Jewelry from Cutter & Buck is one way to treat your mom to a nice piece of silver jewelry, particularly if you need to ship it to her.
• Yoga for Beginners from Gaiam would actually make a nice gift for any female in your family who is interested in fitness that is not too fast paced like aerobics.
• A Rosemary Tree from Gardener's Supply Co. is perfect for the mom who likes to use fresh herbs when cooking.  This is an ideal hostess gift too.
• A Cross Pen in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness is a good deed kind of gift.
• Down Surround pillows by Pacific Coast Feather Company's Hotel Collection accompanied by a good book will set the mood for some R&R our mother's deserve.  Or if you can get your hands on an Amazon Kindle (they are on backorder), and if your budget allows it, would make for a fabulous gift for book-reading moms.
• A subscription to your mom's favorite magazine is a great way to "send" a gift.
• A Keurig Single-Cup Coffeemaker is a wonderful gift for not only coffee drinkers but for tea drinkers too.  

I hope this helps spark some gift ideas for our mom's.  And if you have any ideas you'd like to share with me, why I'd love to hear all about it. 

I will be sharing more gift ideas in the days ahead.