We are headed back East for a little over a week to visit with family and friends. As excited as we are, planning for Christmas with a 1 and 3 year old to shop for has been a challenge. And I am not sure if my parents are more excited or scared that we’ll be descending on their house for over a week. It will be so fun next year to host in our new/old home!
From our family to yours, I wish you all a wonderful Holiday and I’ll see you in 2012!
Wow, it seams that the holidays snuck up on us this year. Less than a month away until Christmas…and despite the fact that four of us are living in a third floor apartment with no chance of our remodel being done by the holiday (we knew it wouldn’t be when we started) I am still finding myself in the spirit. Between the Home Tour today, a holiday parade this weekend, School Christmas party and Santa making a special visit to the neighborhood this next week…complete with warm beverages and a hay ride to look at Christmas lights…..it is hard not to feel in the spirit.
If I can get back to my pans in our storage facility, I plan to make a bunch of rum cakes this weekend. My mom has a recipe that is to die for and I find them great to give to teachers, friends and neighbors at the holidays.
Instead of the standard bottle of wine, or perhaps in addition, why not surprise your holiday hostess with a chic keepsake. I cannot think of anywhere better to stock up than at The Zhush. Here are some of my favorites…..
At this time of year, it is always fun to remember your hosts’ children too….so how about a cute ornament for the tree?
Or even better, how about putting a few dollars in one of these to keep the kids occupied. The photo may look tacky but we have a coouple and they provide lots of entertainment for kids of all ages! They make great stocking stuffers too.
And finally, for ease of packaging during this busy season, I love to buy personalized stickers and name labels. Slap them on a plain colored bag, add some tissue paper and ribbon and voila….you are good to go. I love this local Dallas company that does personalized products from stickers to melamine and acrylic and lots in between.
Ok, now off to get to my Christmas lists…..Have a great weekend!
I cannot believe it has been ten years since that fateful day. I will still remember that day, hundreds of investors in town for our annual investor conference. And how the conference was immediately shut down and the TV Screens brought in allowing all to watch the events unfold from the Georgetown Ritz. I remember starting to walk home with my sister who worked nearby before finally finding a ride….and the feeling I felt when we drove by the Pentagon seeing the smoke.
For those who lost their lives that day, who have lost their lives since and those who continue to serve in an effort to keep us safe. I will never forget.
Hope you and your family enjoy this quintessential summer holiday!
Nicole Hill Gerulat for Real Simple
We are headed to the neighborhood parade, the pool, husband has plans for his smoker and fireworks with friends. Hope whatever you have planned, the day is great!
It’s Black Friday and the frenzy of the holiday season has officially begun. While I’d love to do a post on holiday gift ideas, I know my family and friends read my blog and I don’t want to give away any secrets. I have to admit that I really detest shopping and try to do as much online as possible!
Here is a fun idea for personalized gifts that I did last year.
Personalized Market Totes via The Craft Pantry on Etsy.com
I am not sure about you but I have a growing collection of eco-friendly bags for the grocery store. I thought these were cute personalized totes that I would have been happy to add to my collection. I am a sucker for anything personalized and always think it is a nice touch when gift giving.
I also usually do peppermint bark and rum cakes as well. I love edible gifts…although my waistline may not benefit from receiving them! I am still trying to decide whether or not these are in the cards this year…as the movers arrive in just over 2 weeks…we’ll have to see.
How are you making your gifts personal this year?
