All Wrapped Up.

This year, my gifts look like this:


I made 5 pounds of my grandma's/mom's cinnamon sugar pecans:

Now I just need to find time to deliever these before we leave town today, (for 2 whole weeks!).

I found a new app I love, Instagram. Try it, love it.

blabla.

One of my favorite things about living in Tallahassee is the close proximity to Thomasville, GA. I went to their "First Friday" last weekend with some girlfriends to shop and dine.

We started the evening with a glass of wine and a cheese board from Liam's. I've decided I have a very immature cheese palette, because I thought most of the cheeses had a terrible after-taste.

We shopped at Lavish where I made my favorite purchase of the season:

blabla finger puppets.


You are right. I do not have kiddos of my own to enjoy these, but I could not resist. They will make for excellent gift toppers. Let's just say I'm a great steward of our money!

We ended the evening with cyclone shrimp from Jonah's. [my new favorite restaurant]

500 Pieces of Prudent Advice...

Are you familiar with the blog turned book "500 Pieces of Prudent Advice for my Baby Daughter"? I discovered this gem-of-a-blog a while back [post here] and loved both the idea and the advice given. Now, it's in print.

My friend Beth [who finally put a blog together- she's a great writer and you'll want to follow her] sent me this pic/text yesterday:

We're published! This was my contribution:

#157 If you want to leave a party and you don't have a good excuse, spill something on yourself.

Jaime's blog is a great read and I can't wait to own her book. My mom did something similar for me when I graduated from high school. She had the meaningful people in my life: family, mentors, teachers, other moms, etc... write me a letter with their advice and then she had it bound in a book. I love it and was humbled by the thought that went into it.

Gifts

A few months ago I posted about this hanger from Lila Francis on etsy, and I wanted to show you the final result. I wanted "Eric heart Kristen" on the hanger and the bride (my-sis-in-law) was thrilled. I told Kristen she should hang lingerie on it in the morning so her husband has something to look forward to when they get home from work... Adorable.

Gifts.

Before I make a purchase, I always look to etsy first. In case you do not know about this website it is an organized online community of handmade items. There are many creative sellers and craftsman with inspirational artwork on this site.

I just purchased something unique for a bride to be. I am pretty sure she does not read the blog and I am not in jeopardy of ruining a surprise, so here it is:

The Original Silver Lingerie Wedding Hanger by Lila Frances

Blog Fairy?

Do you believe in blog fairies? I would never use my blog with the intention or hopes of receiving the actual items I document, but who doesn't want a little fairy to grant their wishes from time to time?

I had this wish come true in the form of an order confirmation email a few weeks back.

Tony's parents, or Dad2, Mom2, bought me this beauty:

I posted about it here.

After being on back order for two weeks it has arrived and it is better in person. I feel like I should name her and treat her like a family member.

Thank you so much. I'm glad you read Smitten ;) and I bet you'll be glad you have a shower curtain in the guest bathroom for your next visit.

Pretty.

I am loving my new egg crate. It can hold my eggs or my jewels if I want to mix it up.

I received this as a gift from my friend Jen- who is always sweet, generous and detailed. I watched her son Luke so she could go on a date with her husband and she repaid me with this ceramic beauty. I like Luke, he was completly entertained at our house by using the remote control to turn our lights on and off in the living room. It didn't get old for him for 2 hours. Jen, I'm happy to watch that rascal anytime and thank you for my gift, I love it. {Do you notice my coordinating salt and pepper shakers? I am a sucker for blue}

Christmas Present Ideas.

I apologize in advance for the teeny bopper nature of this post...

Musically, not much has changed about my preference in the past 5-6 years. My favorites still bounce between Michael Buble and John Mayer.

If you are searching for a stand out Christmas present for your loved one, you cannot go wrong with taking your sweetheart to a Buble concert. It's magical. Buble promises an entertaining evening with his suave stage presence. The night will make you want to travel back in time to hang out with the Rat Pack.

There's a lot to be said for Mr. Mayer as well. His music is my definition of easy listening. I can, and do, put his cd on repeat. I think you love an artist when you can listen their entire cd over and over and never tire of them.

Lucky for us consumers, they are both on tour. Check Buble's here and John's here. If I were you I would not act long to purchase a ticket.

Edward, how'd you get here? You can stay you little cutie.

Cheap Thrills

 I feel the need to give two product reviews.

 Since my purchase of this {unnecessary} item, I find myself daily excited about my morning cup of coffee. It's a porcelain mug with a rubber sleeve {not pictured below} and a rubber lid. This mug provides a lot of enjoyment for me and I want to pass that joy onto you :)  

I bought mine at Paper Source in Atlanta. It was displayed at the "gift" table and I decided to give it to myself. However, it would make a delightful gift for those coffee/tea drinkers in your life. 

{Here's a free idea: Any company looking for some new product to distribute to clients, put your logo on the sleeve and your clients will be oh so pleased that you did not give them a pad of paper or a pen that does not write well. You're welcome.}

{"I'm not a paper cup"} found here

And the next product: Elastic Waist Skinny Jeans from Forever 21.

Oh my, these pants are so dang comfortable. I rationalized buying another pair of jeans like this "I can wear them when I'm pregnant" but truly, I doubt that the Forever 21 pants will hold up until the day we decide we want kids.   

All my pregnant friend, you better buy yourselves a pair or two. Anyone else who wishes it was socially acceptable to unbutton your pants after dinner, you can do yourself a favor and buy a pair as well.

They're fantastic!