Hello!

Hey it's me!  Back and ready to get the ball rolling with the upcoming holidays.

I know it's still summer but I am so over all this heat.  And this is coming from a summer baby (July).  Any who, I recently reconnected with my friends over at Magical Holiday Home and just in the nick of time.  House & Holiday and Holiday Grand Plans are about to begin and I need to be on top of at least one of them if I want to have an awesome holiday with my family and close friends.

So far, for the last couple of days I have been working on my gift list and shopping list.  My gift list is nearly completed.  I just need ideas for 5 more people (out of 27).  Not too shabby, wouldn't you say?  My mom is usually one of the ones whom I never have any idea of what to get.  But not this year.  I came up with the perfect gifts that are going to knock her socks off.  I'm having a fleece blanket made with a picture of her, myself and my brother. And on it, it will say "A family can only develop with a loving woman as it's center."  Found that quote on Google somewhere. Then I will have a picture without the quote framed as well as a picture of her, myself and my grandmother.  I lost my grandmother back in 2012 and I felt this would be nice for her to have on her wall (Three generations).  Now tell me I'm not the woman! lol  So psyched!!!

Some other ideas I came up with - I've done before but with different people - are:

• reader's basket
• movie basket
• bedtime basket (for two of my little cousins)
• a white basket
• perfume gift set, and
• gift cards (for my best friend's two daughters)

The white theme basket is just a bath set but everything's white.  It will include a bath robe, slippers, body wash, aroma therapy candles, sugar scrub, a relaxing cd stuff like that.  That is always a well received gift.  Thinking....never done one for a man, hmmmm.

Okay back to what I was saying.

My best friend loves Belgium waffles.  That's what she gets anytime we go out for breakfast.  She's been talking about getting herself a waffle maker, but has yet to do it so I'm going to get one for her...and a really good one!

My cousin told me her son is now into Legos so I have that on my list. Then there's clothing like a nice dress for my cousin who wears them a lot now that she has gone back to church.  A new jacket for my uncle... Sorry just got a text from my niece.  I wanted to find out what her son is into these days and she just responded Pokemon.  Check another person off on the list.  It's down to four people, FOUR!

You have to forgive me with all of the jibber jabber.  I am just very excited this year for the holidays.  I haven't been this excited in a few years.  I still celebrated and was happy but not like this.  It's been a minute since I've felt like this.

Oooh one more gift idea I need to mention.  I'm putting together a baby basket for the newest member of our family.  I got the idea from Pinterest (Like where else would I find such awesome ideas lol).  Here's a picture of what I want to copy.  Isn't it cute.  Can't wait to get started on that one.

My shopping list is nearly 2 pages full and I'm sure it will grow a little more.  I hope to get started on the shopping part by the end of this month.

Well that's all I had on my chest today. LOL  Gotta go! BYE!!!

Gifts and Giving

One of the things I love about Christmas besides being with family is giving gifts.  When I am able to give it just fills my heart with so much joy.  Each gift is a representation of the person receiving the gift.  And so far, every gift I have given has been well received.  I am so glad as I put a lot of thought into what I give.

Today I was the recipient of a nice gift.  There was a knock at my door and when I opened it, there stood my neighbor with a big bag in his hand.  First he thanked me for the gifts and treats I gave to him and his mom, then he handed me the bag.  My neighbors know I am a big Christmas nut and so every year I get something really nice to decorate my little palace with.  This year it was singing snowmen carrying a Christmas tree, from Hallmark.  This makes the third one I have received from my neighbor.  I found the perfect spot for it right in front of the television.

Funday Sunday

Every Sunday during football season, my friends get together to watch our team, the Baltimore Ravens, play.  We always have a blast, screaming at the tv, throwing temper tantrums, you name it.

This Sunday was very special as one of the ladies surprised us with an early Christmas gift...this beautiful pin.

She has a co-worker who is very talented make this.  Wish I was this crafty.

Special Delivery

Today I am delivering cookies to my neighbor, co-workers and friends.

Week 2 of House & Holiday

  

Actually today starts week 3 of House & Holiday.  I have been so busy (I seem to say that a lot - lol) that I have not had time to post about last weeks tasks.  So here it goes.

Week 2 focused on Calendar & Creativity.  The goal was to create/declutter a space in your home where you will plan for the holidays, work on crafts or use as a wrapping station for gifts.   My designated space is my home office which was decluttered and cleaned in week 1.

On the holiday prep side, we created a seasonal calendar, set up travel plans (if you will be traveling during the holiday season), browse for decorating ideas and recipes, plan homemade gifts and get started on your shopping list.   I set up my calendar back in July.   That's how anxious I was about the upcoming holidays.  From September through December I have noted birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, wrapping parties, holiday events, countdowns, and anything else that needs to be noted.  I have a printed copy that I keep in my holiday notebook and a copy on my portable hard drive.

The only time  I will be traveling this year is in October.  A group of friends and I are spending the weekend in Norfolk, Virginia for NSU's Homecoming.  I can't wait!  I had so much fun last year.

As for homemade gifts,  I have a few in mind. For my mom and a few close friends I am making photo calendars. Those are always well received.  Confetti Bean Soup for my neighbor.  She loves homemade soups.  Kissmas Whisks for a few co-workers. And for my best friend, this ombre glitter vase.

I found this idea on Better Homes &Garden's website.  Her favorite color is purple so I think the purple with lavendar will be really pretty.  She's going to love this! I can't wait to show you all the end result!  Finally there's my homemade cookies for a few folks.  Maybe next year I will try to do more homemade crafts.  I enjoy them so but will need to make more time to complete them.  Perhaps next year I will join the crafter's challenge over at Magical Holiday Home.

Speaking of gifts, I wanted to do some shopping this weekend but it didn't happened. Had to get some work done on my truck so it will be ready for emmissions. Bummer!!!  Except for the young kids in my family, I pretty much have gift ideas for everyone on my list.

I had a crying moment when I came across my nephew Eric's name and had to cross him off the list. I didn't want to do it last year.  I miss my guy so much.  I can't believe it's been nearly two years since he passed.  I find myself shaking my head about it daily.

Okay, I'm not going to get all mushy.  Better stop here.  More holiday fun  to come.

Do You Have A Wish List?

Every year when I am making up my gift lists for family and friends, I'm also thinking of gifts for 'me'.  Though I receive some really nice and awesome gifts (doesn't take much to make me happy), I really like and feel that it's good to treat myself every now and again.  And Christmas is when I like to splurge on myself (well Christmas and my Birthday).  I started making a wish list when I joined Organized Christmas, many, many moons ago.  Every year I write down a list of things and when I had the means, go and get them, wrap them up and put under the Christmas tree come December.  Don't get me wrong, I do share a few of my wishes with family and friends.  It's usually about gift cards to a few of my favorite stores like Walmart or Dollar Tree. Or mats for my truck with the Baltimore Ravens logo. Heehee.

I remember one year, my mom surprised me big time with a laptop and portable hard-drive.  Then another year she got me a wireless printer.  We had been talking , you know, just in casual conversation. She had mentioned that she was getting a new laptop for herself. Couldn't believe she got one for me too! Talking about feeling like a spoiled kid (a spoiled, older kid).  LOL  

There's really not too much I want or need this year.  Just a small list, really:

* The new Samsung 5 phone.

* A new vacuum cleaner 

* Ipod-Touch 

I also plan to treat myself to a few nice pieces of  jewelry and perhaps some designer perfume.  

So what is on your wish list?  

Gift Ideas

I really want to do better in 2014.  This past Christmas I was not on my A-game.  I dragged my feet with everything, especially shopping for gifts.

Since the day after Christmas I have been thinking of gift ideas for family members.

I was just looking through my blog and came across the time I made calendars for family and a few friends.  Each month had pictures and noted dates like birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  They were well received.  I want to make some this year to give to my group.

Along with the calendars I'm going to make Kissmas Whisks.  These are so fun and easy to make.  I made some years ago for a few co-workers and  they were a big hit.

Now on to family.  The stores are having big holiday clearances, especially on holiday sleepwear.  Which got me thinking... each family member will get a pair of fun, Christmasy pj's as part of their gifts.  While I'm at it, pick up a few for myself.

I noticed that my brother could use a new rachets/tools set.  When we were working on my truck a few months ago, I noticed how everthing looked so old and rusty, although I must admit, they worked perfectly well.  He has had those tools for years. As always, I don't know what to get my mom.  She has just about everything.  Whenever I think of a great gift for her, whether it be her birthday or Christmas, she has already gotten it.  My nieces and nephews I won't have any ideas until it gets closer to the holidays.  Their wants change so much. Sometimes it's hard to keep up.  One niece I know really loves jewelery, peace signs and such.  So I have noted that in my notebook.  The boys will be a little tougher to shop for. I may end up giving them money cards and they can go get whatever they want.

Right now I'm motivated and feeling good about things.  Just hope it stays with me throughout the year.

I am so psyched!  I had the day off so I got up early and went gift shopping.  It was so nice and peaceful...not many people in the stores yet.  Plus the fact that it was still a work day for many, helped.  I found a lot of great deals too.  In Macy's I found a nice watch for $10, a pretty sweater for $12, a bath robe (purple - my girlfriend's favorite color) for $14, a men's sweater for $20 and a really nice blouse for a cousin for $5.  Yes I said $5 smackaroonies.  The blouse was originally $19.98.  It had been reduced to $9.99 but when I got to the counter it rung up $4.99.  Talking about a happy camper...

Next I went to Five Below where I picked up several craft kits, games, and a skateboard for the younger family members at $5 each.  When I was done I had only spent a little over $50.

I was done shopping and on my way home by 10:00.  Once home, I wrapped the gifts and placed them under the tree.

I placed my gifts on one side of the tree so that there will be room for family to come place their gifts when they arrive Christmas Eve.  I love when we exchange gifts.  It's always so much fun.

Any who, I just need to pick up 7 more gifts and I will be done.  Considering that I had 30 to get, that's a major accomplishment on my part. LOL

I had also planned to start my baking today but I just could not get motivated.  If I can't start early in the day, it's pretty much not going to happen.  I'm also off tomorrow and don't have any plans to go out, which means I can start first thing.

Tonight I am going to finish making the dvd's for the gang I watch football with, along with a copy of  mixed Christmas CD.  I need to have them finish before this Sunday's game.  I'm also going to add in their gift bags, beaded football necklaces. This is what they look like (click here).  They come in black, purple and gold.  I wanted to get the ones with the Ravens charm but the cost is little out of my league.

Better get started. My Christmas lights just came on which means it will be dark soon.  TTFN!

Gift Idea

Every Sunday since football season began I have been gathering with friends to watch our Ravens.  Over the course of the season we have taken so many pictures of all the good times we have.  Which gave me a great idea!

I thought about a few years ago when I made dvds for family members.  I gathered pictures from all the past Christmas Eve dinners and burned them on dvd to music.  Then at the end of the dvd was the invitation to that years' Christmas Eve dinner.  They were well received.  So that's what I plan to do for my friends...put together a collection of pictures from all the football Sundays so far and burn them on a dvd to music.  And I have the perfect song to use.  It's the Ravens fans' chant song - Oooh, oh-oh-oh, oooh, oh!

First I had to find out the name of the song and who sung it (Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes). I honestly did not know it was a real song. I just thought it was some chant the fans started. It wasn't until we won the superbowl earlier this year and I heard the actual song playing in the background when the City of Baltimore held a huge parade for the team.

Anyway, I know my friends will get a kick out of that.  They can play it over and over and over again when they want to.

Cookies

I spent some time today reading the blogs of my friends at MHH .  One of the ladies Leann was quite busy baking all kinds of goodies.  She had made 19 different kinds of cookies and 4 kinds of homemade candies.  Everything looked so scrumptous.  I know the receivers of those sweet treats are very happy campers.  And I thought the 10 I did was an achievement.   My hat goes off to Ms. Leann.

Last weekend I spent time in the kitchen baking away. I love baking.  I've only been doing it for about 4 years or so.  I think I'm getting better every year.  I hope to one day try some real fancy baking, especially decorating.  I filled 3 large cookie tins, handed out two at the office and one to my neighbor and her son.  They were well received which made me very happy. 

I have several cookie recipe books I've collected from BHG over the years.  I think I will take a look through them for some ideas for next year.

Are You an Easy or Difficult Person To Buy Gifts For

I think I am the easiest person in the whole world to please.  I don't care what I get, I appreciate everything that I receive because for me, it's the thought that counts. 

Over the years my family and friends have come to know several sure things about me.  One is I love to decorate.  Two, I love to entertain and three, I am a big Dollar Tree and Walmart shopper.  I'm in those stores so much, they say I should have stock in the companies.  I do have a few other favorites, but they are definately #1 and #2 on the list. 

As a result of my hobbies/interest, I receive gifts that are very useful to me.  Serving pieces which I use quite often, home accessories, appliances, things of that nature.  I have collected so much from my love ones that now I have no more storage for anything.  So a few years ago I asked that if they choose to get me a gift that it be a gift card to my favorite stores.  I can always use them when I need to stock up on supplies for the house or something. 

Although with my microwave going up on me this year.  I wouldn't mind if someone got me a replacement. [ wink  ;-)  ]

Countdown Calendar

I don't know if you all remember this but last summer for CIJ I made a countdown calendar for my 11 year old niece.  This was year two and I stuffed it with lots of neat gifts.  Well she called me the other day to say that the dog got to it and you can guess what happened....

Here's what it looked like before the dog got to it.

  I can only imagine how it looks now.

Gift Giving

Are you a practical or creative gift giver?


I'm mostly practical but sometimes I can get a little creative.  I like to give out the basics like clothing, gift certificates/cards, and toys for the kids.  But I also make various baskets and baked goods for gifts as well. 

For instance I like to make bedtime baskets for the smaller kiddies.  In the basket I put a pair of pajamas, a children's dvd,  bedtime bubble bath and lotion, a couple of toys & a few pieces of candy and other things like toothbrushes, puppet washcloths, bedroom slippers - that sort of thing.  I even put in some snowman soup for the little older kids who can handle drinking it.  Other baskets I've done were filled with lots of crafts, various games and treats - like making candies/chocolates.

I remember the first year I started doing baskets I gave a family member- who had just moved into their new place - a kitchen basket with pots, kitchen towels, pot holders, etc.  She was very excited when she opened to see what all was inside.  I used a large pot as the basket to hold everything. 

I've also done popcorn baskets, pampering baskets, sports baskets and pizza making baskets, to name a few. 

I start my gift list immediately after the holidays because I already have some ideas of what to get a person next Christmas. Everytime I get a gift idea, I right it down in my trusty notebook which I carry in my purse 365 days of the year.  Then transfer my notes to my holiday planner when I get home.

I like to think that I do very well when selecting gifts for people.  Many of the ideas come from knowing the person's interest and what they like.  For instance I have a few family members and friends (who are just like family) that are real sports fanatics.  One person in particular eats and breaths Washington Redskins.  I look for gifts that I know they don't have that is Redskins related.  This year I got them a set of car mats with the Redskins logo on them.  They are truly going to lose their mind when they open this gift.  This may even top the scarf.

Sometimes people will tell me what they want.   At a memorial Day cookout I attended this year one of my closets friends told me she would like more make-up as the ones I bought her a couple of years ago are almost gone.  This is what I found for her.

This set is really nice.  I wouldn't mind receiving this myself.  But I already have way too much make-up as it is and don't need any more.


Other ways I come up with gift ideas are by being observant and picking up on certain things through everyday conversations with people.  Like one day back in the spring my cousin, her 9 year old daughter and I were out shopping. I don't remember what store we were in but the daughter noticed a Hello kitty clock.  She really liked it but knew her mom wasn't going to buy it.  Her mother began telling me how the daughter loves and wants a Hello Kitty room.  Unbeknowns to them, I made a note in my little notebook that her favorite character was Hello Kitty and maybe I would get her the clock or something else. 

And remember the person who loves Redskins?  A couple of years ago I had an oversized scarf made for them.  They were watching a game on tv and saw a woman in the stands wearing a really nice Redskins scarf and they just could not stop talking about it.  Every so often they would bring it up so I thought it would be really nice if I could get one for them.  After doing a lot of searching on the internet, I found out someone on my job is a very great knitter and I had her make me one.  Plus the price couldn't be beat.

Sometimes if I'm not sure what to get the kids in my family, I ask their parents.  I always have my nieces and nephews write me a list.  Since I myself don't have kids, I never really know what kids are in to and I know their fascination about things change over the year.  What was popular in February is no longer popular in September.

Workout Saturday

What a day!  From 7:30 this morning until about 45 minutes ago, I have been going non-stop.  First I did some checking on my Christmas decorations, checking what I have and what I need.  Then I updated my holiday budget - staying on track with this (very good).  I also updated my gift and master shopping lists - checking off and crossing out people who are finished and items that have been purchased.  The lists are getting shorter and shorter.  My master shopping list is now down from three pages to half a page.  Whoohoo!  "I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it!" (singing and snapping my fingers)

Next, I held my own personal wrapping party. I put on some Christmas music, sat in the middle of the floor of the guest bedroom and wrapped gifts until I couldn't wrap anymore. I just finished grouping the gifts by families for easy tracking.  I still have a few more to wrap but that will wait until tomorrow. 

There are a few pajama sets I need to exchange.  I don't know what I was thinking when I bought them.  After taking a second look, I realized that they are way too big for the recipients.  So back they go Monday.  I hope I can find the right sizes. 

Tommorow, after wrapping the remaining gifts, I hope to get started on making the cookie doughs to freeze.  I would like to get that done so when I'm ready to bake all I will have to do is pull the dough from the freezer and into the oven.

Right now I am going to jump in the bath, put on some warm pj's as it has gotten very chilly after having such beautiful warm days since Thursday.  Pop a big bowl of popcorn, lie on the sofa and watch some Christmas movies.

Happy trails!!!!

Happy Wednesday

Today has been a really good day.  Quite honestly this week, so far, has been very productive.  I started gift shopping late in the game and now I have 3/4 of my list done.  I will still make my yearly deadline to be finished by the end of November. 

Today I picked up my Kmart layaway.   That's another three people crossed off my list.  Plus I got a pleasant surprise. The video game I bought my newphew a few weeks ago: Medal of Honor is on sale this week from $59.99 to $39.99.  So I showed them my receipt and got the difference back - $21.00 plus change.  Can you say, "You the woman."  LOL

My boss had these cool pencils with the Baltimore Ravens' logo on them.  He said he doesn't use pencils so he gave them to me.

One of the erasers even has the Raven on the helmet.  I have a little cousin who is a die-hard Ravens' fan.  This will go with the little gift I got for him.

Tuesday

Got to work a little early than normal today.  Had my breakfast and dranked a cup of tea.  About an hour later I put on my coat and left.  Why, you ask?  Because today is Tuesday.  What's so special about it being Tuesday? Well I had to get to the store before they opened.  See, one of my nephews has been talking for months about this new video game called Call of Duty: Black Ops.

 I'm not sure what the hoopla is all about but it seems to be a very sought after game.
So much so that some idiots robbed a Game Stop store in a certain part of this area and took all the copies as well as some gaming systems over the weekend.  I tell you, some people can really make it bad for others.  I don't know how they expect to sell them on the streets when the theft has been blasted all over the tv news and in the papers.

Anyway... I saw the commercial for the first time last night.  I must say the commercial is really cool.  I like how they used celebraties to promote the game.  Colby Bryant (sp?), Jimmy Kimmel (sp?) and a few others I couldn't recognize.  I see how it can get people anxious to grab this game.  I'm not a gamer myself.  The last game system I ever owned was the original Nintendo and my brother bought me that when I was home recovering from a life-threatening car accident (That was the year '96).  So that should tell you how much I know about today's video games.  Whatever happend to Frogger, Donkey Kong, Galaga?  Now those were my games. Heehee

My nephew is going to go nuts when he opens this gift.  I also got him the new Medal of Honor video game.  Another person crossed off my list.

Now you know I couldn't just leave the store and not buy something for myself.  I picked up Home Alone on DVD.  I can't believe I did not have this movie in my collection.

Well looks like it's going to be another early night for me as I am very sleepy.  I tell you, this time changing thing is throwing me for a loop.  Good night all.

The First Sunday!

It's the first Sunday of November.  Thanksgiving in the USA is only three weeks away. Time for talking turkey - gobble, gobble, gobble.

Today I had plans to spend the entire day indoors but it was not to be.  My mom has been having trouble with her truck and finally was able to get it fixed.  Her catalytic (sp?) converter had to be replaced. 

So while her truck was being worked on we had breakfast at IHOP and then went shopping at the nearby shopping center.  We had loads of fun.  First we went in to Marshall's where I picked out three nice outfits for gifts.  And I saw the cutest little baby bib that said, "Baby's First Thanksgiving."  I may have to go back and get that for my great-niece. 

Then we went in to Dollar Tree where I found two Christmas movies on VHS: "Veggie Tales The Toy That Saved Christmas" and "Surviving Christmas."  (Yes I still own a VHS player - lol)  I am going to watch them tonight.

Adventurous Friday

I headed out the door at 4:45 Friday morning with shopping list and itinerary in hand.  First stop, the 24 hour Super Walmart.  I love going there after normal hours.  There's no huge crowd and when done shopping, checkout is a breeze.  They were just starting to put out there Christmas decorations.  I was like a big ol' kid.  I was in there for several hours.  Most of the things I bought were household things.  I did get a couple of the Diary of a Whimpy Kid books for my 11 year old niece.  She's really into them.  I had gotten her the movie early this month. 

After leaving Walmart I headed to Target. There I hit the Dollar Spot section where I found a lot of nice things for my niece's advent calendar.  I got her glow stick bracelets, play dough, a Santa Claus pen, holiday packs of hot chocolate, stickers, candy-filled ornaments, and a host of other stuff.  Some of the stuff was marked 1/2 price.

I also found a lot of Hello Kitty stuff to give to my bestfriend's daughter. She loves Hello Kitty.

All of the gifts will go into this Hello Kitty paper pail and wrapped up in a cello gift basket bag. 

Other stores I hit were Michael's, Kmart, TJ Maxx, JoAnn Fabrics, Five Below, a beauty supply store, another Walmart and several Dollar Trees. 

If you haven't heard me say time and again, I am a big Dollar Tree shopper.  My mom always says that I should own stock as I'm always in there. LOL  Anyway I hit the jackpot at one of them.  They were stocking the shelves so there was plenty to browse through.  I bought several packs of red feather birds for the main Christmas tree.  It's a new additon to the tree this year.  I've used the birds on the tree at the office last year and thought I would use them at home this year.  I also bought several packs of red glass ornaments, an advent calendar, a couple of gingerbread dish towels, gift boxes, gift bags, and Christmas cards.  I didn't need the cards but at least I won't have to worry about getting any for next year.  Plus they were so pretty, I couldn't resist. 

gift cards

gift bags

advent calendar

gift boxes

gingerbread dish towels

gingerbread house ornaments (for the gingerbread tree in the kitchen)

Monday during my morning break, I am going to walk over to the Kmart directly behind the job and pick up several make-up gift sets.  I noticed them last Thursday but didn't have time to look at them.  I have a friend who wants some makeup and the prices looked very reasonable.

I'm still waiting for the two dvd sets I ordered from Barnes & Noble.  I hope they arrive this week.  I also ordered Nanny McPhee on dvd for my mom.  She really likes this movie and has been looking everywhere for it. I hope that comes soon also.

Christmas Journaling - Gift Bags

Reuse? or Never use?



I love using gift bags.  They come in handy for that last minute gift you fogot to wrap, and it's Christmas Eve, and you have a house full of guests.  And there's so many pretty ones to choose from.  I use them all the time for birthday gifts.  9 times out of 10 I don't shop for a birthday gift until the day of the party.  I know what gift I'm giving. It's just that I procrastinate sometimes going to get it.   Then while I'm picking up the gift I also grab a bag and some tissue paper (oh and a card).  It's terrible I know, but what am I gonna do?  (wink)

As far as Christmas, the last few years I've resorted back to gift boxes.  I think it's because you can get them now already decorated so there's no need for wrapping paper.  I was never any good at wrapping gift boxes, but I loved trying.  I still use gift bags for those items that cannot go into a box.  I like to coordinate the colors so it doesn't look too busy under the Christmas tree.  The really small gift bags are great for things like gift cards, jewelry, snowman soup, baked goods - things like that.  Whatsmore, gift bags are easier to transport when your arms are full and they're reusabled if you manage not to rip them.  I guess the same can be said about giftboxes (being reusable) but they take up more space than a gift bag will.

Shopping for Christmas Gifts

Yesterday was Columbus Day here in the USA and all government offices were closed.  I took advantage of the time off by having a Rudy Day and went shopping for Christmas gifts.  I'm happy to say that after months of putting off this task, I have about half of my list done. Woohoo! 

I got my step-dad a new MP3 player with FM radio so he can listen to his music when he does his exercises at the VA gym.  I got my mom a couple pairs of pajamas (something she mentioned last year).  My mom is the only person each year, I have difficulty shopping for.  I'm still not done with her though.  I bought my 11 yr old niece Diary of a Whimpy kid movie. I'm doing a craft basket for her and will put the movie with everything.   For my two old high-school friends I'm putting together  "white" theme baskets for them.  So far I got them cute robes with hoods and a pair of slippers. Just a few more bath items (bubble bath, body lotion, etc.) and they will be done.

For the guys/boys in my family I bought a Dallas Cowboy shirt, a sweater, a polo shirt,  2 crew-neck thermal henley shirts, a graphic t-shirt and graphic hoody, 2 race track sets, a sweat suit, and a cute toddler outfit.  For the ladies/girls I bought a fleece vest with coordinate pants, 2 'Down' quilted vests, satin pajamas, fleece pajamas, 4 hat/scarf/glove sets, a bath robe, 2 sweaters and a pair of jeans.

By the time I got home I was exhausted, tired and hungry - but happy.