More Finds at the Dollar Store

I just cannot stay out of the dollar store.  I went in there hoping to find some cute little bows to add to one of my small Christmas trees.  Unfortunately they only had the red velvet ones, which I have plenty of.  Looks like I'm going to have to try Michael's or AC Moore for what I'm looking for.

Anywho...Although I didn't find the bows I did find other goodies.

You know those word plaques that are all over Pinterest?  Well I found one in Dollar Tree.  Yes! DOLLAR TREE!  And I have the perfect place for it.  (Couldn't pass up the Ho Ho Ho sign either)

Of course I found another headband.  When will I learn lol.

A Trip to Dollar Tree

Today while out and about, I stopped in my favorite store, Dollar Tree and picked up some cute ornaments for my Christmas tree.  My tree looked so bare last year, I told myself that this year it was really going stand out.

I can't wait to decorate my tree with these and the other ornaments I bought on clearance last year.  

Also found other goodies in Dollar Tree:

Now both my dishwasher and refrigerator will be decorated for Christmas.

I said I was not going to purchase any more Christmas hats, but I just could not resist lol.

This year I decided to use something different in my bedroom windows.  These snowflakes are so cute.  All I need to do is wrap them with clear lights and they will glow so pretty in my windows.

Dollar Tree has so many pretty ornaments.  It was really hard to choose.  They have these really cute Frosty the Snowman tophats in black or red. I really wanted them but then I saw some pretty mistletoe ornaments and grabbed a few of those, but put them back when I finally decided on the gold glittery ornaments.  In the back of my mind I am contemplating going back and getting those hat ornaments.  

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!

Black Friday

Black Friday is November 22nd.  Anyone planning to go out this year?  I love Black Friday.  My favorite place to shop for sale items is Walmart. A super walmart just opened a few blocks up the road from me.  Yipee.

I've been getting email alerts of various stores' Black Friday sales.  Check it out.

http://blackfriday.com/

Happy Holidays!

It's two days post Christmas.  I hope that everyone had a nice holiday.  My holiday was fantastic, though there was almost a chance that it wouldn't happen.

Woke up last Tuesday with a terrible sore throat.  I could not believe I was having the same issues I had during the Thanksgiving holiday. Still I continued to get things ready for Christmas Eve.   Wednesday I had to go out and get the remaining groceries for dinner.  I was slowly falling apart and by Wednesday night, I was feeling so bad, all I could do was lay in bed, rest and get myself together.  I dranked a hot cup of Thera-flu which soothed my throat and relaxed me.  I didn't even feel myself doze off to sleep. 

Thursday morning when I woke up I felt a little better.  I was supposed to be preparing dishes that could be made ahead of time but I ended up going out with one of my best friends to finish gift shopping.  I didn't get to do it Wednesday because I felt so bad and didn't feel like going anywhere else after marketing. 

Oooooh, I've got to tell you what I found when I walked into a Dollar Tree.  I found Santa hats that fit over the top of your chairs. 

I was just browsing through the store while my friend was grabing some things she needed, and there was one hanging on the rack.  I asked a worker if this was all they had left and she said yes.  I was so devasted, but I didn't give up.  I searched high and low through the shelves hoping to find three more.  Just when I was about to give up, I found them, hiding under a bunch of tissue paper.  I had to laugh at myself for the way I was acting.  When I got up to the register the cashier said she was surprised there were any left.  She said they knew these would go fast so they just dumped them all in a shopping cart and left it at the front of the store instead of putting them on the shelves.  When my friend saw them she wanted two so I went back and found two more.  These will be used next year.

We got home from shopping just before the evening rush hour started.  When I got in I decided to take it easy. A hot bath, warm pajamas and a cup of Thera-flu and I just layed in bed and rested.  The food prepping would have to wait until Friday.

Friday morning, I was up early with no problem.  I got in the kitchen and got busy.  Just took my time and did not stress out about all the food I had to prepare.  Know what?  It worked.  Got everything done and still had time to relax before the guests arrived.  This was the menu.

Appetizers:
cheese/ham spirals
crab-red pepper dip
caribbean style wingettes

Entree:
Pork ribs
Bourbon glazed chicken
Steak with carmelized onions

Sides:
roasted potatoes
macaroni & cheese
green beans
fresh garden salad
fresh baked dinner rolls

shrimp salad
deviled eggs

Dessert:
variety of homemade cookies
large punch bowl of eggnog with vanilla bean icecream

The ribs were a last minute thought. Just had a taste for some. The only thing I didn't get around to making were the cupcakes but it was okay.  Noone cared.  I tend to go overboard with the menu.  I just like to make sure that I have something that everyone would like.

The evening went off without a hitch.  I even got a nice surprise.  Some relatives came in from New York whom I hadn't seen in three or four years. 

After dinner we opened presents.  Everyone was very pleased with the gifts I got for them.  Especially the one who received the Washington Redskins car mats.  He completely lossed it. After I watched everyone open their gifts I opened mine.  I got a cute bath set (rug, shower curtain, hooks, towel set), a soft hooded robe with some soft slippers, 3 piece glass candle holders, another candle holder set that has some beautiful writing on them (will go nice with the new bath set), a bottle of Moscoto (my favorite wine), perfume, a 15 inch tall nutcracker (from my neighbor), a gift card for Lane Bryant, a lovely spa set, a digital photo frame (I've always wanted one) and the nicest gift of all - a new laptop computer.

Back in the summer my mom decided to buy herself a new laptop and she would give me her old one.  Well for months I had been waiting for her to give it to me but she kept saying that she was transferring information from the old laptop to the new laptop.  So on Christmas while we were opening gifts she surprised me with a brand new laptop.  When I tore off the wrapping paper I thought it was some glassware.  It wasn't until I turned the box around to open it that I realized it was a laptop.  I was so happy - like a kid.  I couldn't open the box fast enough.  Now I can sit in bed or on the sofa and use the computer instead of being stuck at my desk.  Ooooh, it's a nice one too.  It has a built-in web cam (Now I can chat with my newphew whose in college on Skype) and something called light-scribe.  Light-scribe adds designs to your cd/dvd.  No more do I have to buy the paper and waste the ink from my printer to make labels.  I'm still learning all the programs installed.  Yep, she got me good.

Christmas day for me was a day of rest.  I layed in bed most of the day and watched holiday movies.  My poor feet were hurting so bad.  I could barely stand when I got up to get something to drink.  Usually I am in a coma after partying with the family the night before, but I think because I made sure to get proper rest all week, I was feeling okay.

Well, let me stop boring you guys.  It's almost 8 in the evening and my Monday night line-up of shows are about to begin.  More tomorrow. Good night!

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  ;-)  ]

Black Friday

Love it or hate it?

Black Friday? The day after Thanksgiving (in the USA) where you can find fantastic bargins?  What's not to love?

I have gone out on Black Friday for years. Thursday mornings I go buy a newspaper.  which is packed with sales papers from all the stores advertising special deals on everything - from toys and electronics, to clothes and jewlery, to tires and home appliances. 

When I go out for Black Friday shopping, I am shopping only for myself.  I am usually done shopping for everyone else by then.  Call it Christmas gift-buying for "me."  Last year I bought a vacuum cleaner (the old one finally died), a portable dvd player, 19" flatscreen tv (for the guest room/office), blu-ray disc player, a small electric food chopper to replace the one I broke last year and a couple of dvds.  Total cost, $325.00 plus change.  Not bad eh?

Usually my experiences shopping on Black Friday are always good. This year was a dissappointing one.  I wanted a new flatscreen tv for the livingroom but when I got to the store at 4:00 a.m. there was already a line for the tv and all of the tickets were given out meaning they were sold out.  Wal-mart had a 32" on sale for $198.00.   I was so heart-broken. That was all I wanted this year (other than a new Gucci handbag).  So I was back home and back in bed before 5:00.  Usually after leaving Walmart my mom and I would go have breakfast at IHOP, then hit a few other stores before heading home.  I just wasn't in the mood for it this time.

Wal-mart is the first store I always hit first on Black Friday.  Don't know why but it is.  We have a lot of Walmarts but there are only three I frequently go to and one is a super Wal-mart.  I especially love the super Wal-mart because it is open 24 hours. 

Last year the store was well orchestrated. They taped off certain isles and formed lines throughout the entire store for the different major products.  For instance, the line for the blu-ray players was set up in the hardware section and the line for laptops was in the pharmacy section.  I thought this was a great idea, keeping the electronic section a little less hectic and overcrowding with people.  For items that they had a few in quantity they handed out numbered tickets to customers, so it was first come, first serve.

To keep the flow of traffic moving throughout the store, they set up cones and taped down the center of walkways to keep customers flowing in one direction.  The sales people had maps on hand to help direct customers looking for particular items. Plus they either had walkie talkies or headsets so that they could to talk to other staff.

Though I was dissappointed that I didn't get what I wanted the experience was still pleasant.  Dispite the crowds, it was very calm throughout the store.  It was almost like a normal trip to the store.  Plus the fact that county police were everywhere. 

Maybe next year I'll shop online.  It depends if it's a big ticket item I'm trying to get. Then again I'm sure I'll be back out there next year. 

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.

My Adventures of the Day

I don't know what's going on with me but I am on a roll.  Today I went shopping during my break at the shopping center behind my job and found three more gifts that I could cross off my list.  Whoohoo!  Then later after work, my mom and I hooked up to do more shopping.  I bought everything I need to do my holiday baking.  The only thing I couldn't find was a bottle of the lighter molasses for the gingerbread men cookies.  All I could find was the darker molasses and I don't like the way my cookies taste when I use it.  If anyone has a suggestion of what I can substitute for the molasses, please let me know!

Well that's it for tonight.  I'm going to finish my cookies and milk, then I'm going to hit the hay.  Nite-nite 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.

A Personal Rudy Day.

Did not get much accomplished at the office today due to the fact that my computer would not work.  It had been acting crazy since Wednesday.  They tried to fix it from their office.  I tell you, today's technology.  They can access your computer without even having to be physically in the office. Unfortunately the problem was worse than they thought so a technician had to come out.  It appears my hard drive bit the bullet and had to be replaced.  Since I was unable to do much I walked over to the shopping center to look around.  Big mistake (evil grin). 

I came back to the office with three shopping bags of stuff all for me.  I bought 3 jackets, 2 cardigans, several sweaters, a blouse and a few screen print tees to wear with jeans or jogging suits on weekends.  I didn't plan to buy any gifts for myself until next month.  Right now I'm supposed to be shopping for others, but I couldn't resist. Well what's done is done. Heehee.

I'm off tomorrow so I will focus my attention on shopping only for others. 

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. 

Gifts & Giving

As I've mentioned before I have about 40+ people to buy/make gifts for.  That's why it's a good idea to shop throughout the year if you're able to.  At Organized Christmas, this week Christmas Countdown talks all about gifts and giving.

My gift list is nearly complete. I think that my family will really enjoy what I got them this year. Here's how my gift closet is looking so far:

several scarf/hat/glove sets
EZ Bake Oven cookie maker
fuzzy bedroom slippers
Men's crew-neck tops
learning lap-top
learning games
board games
light and sound helicopter
fuzzy women's robes
sweaters and jeans
Massaging/warmer foot slippers for SIL
2  movie baskets
5 pc glass candle holder set
3 pc candle set w/mirror tray
2 fleece bath wraps for a cousin
several sets of pj's
An outfit for sil's mother
An outfit and playstation game for a boy cousin
A few craft items for a kids basket
A 'baby's 1st Christmas' ornament
Pair of jeans and pullover sweater for my oldest nephew
Hannah Montanna handbag
Make-up kit
Homemade Advent Calendar
Homemade teacup candles
Wine basket, and
Several ladies house-gowns



Earlier this week I was on Amazon.com and I saw some old tv shows on DVD that I plan to purchase for my uncles.  Ma & Pa Kettle series, Hawaii Five O seasons, Topper and Blondie.  They will really enjoy watching those.

I still wasn't sure what to get my folks.  Then I thought I would get my stepdad an ipod to take with him when he works out at the VA gym.  Then I remembered I had an MP3 player that I wasn't using so I gave that to him instead.  Now I've decided that I am going to get him a nice sweat suit. He wears them a lot when he's just hanging around the house or when out running errands.  As for my mom, still undecided.

Last year I fell in love with a store called Five Below.  Everything in the store is $5 or less. I found great computer games and stocking stuffers for my younger cousins.  I'm going again this year to pick up a few DVD games that the kids as well as the adults can play.  One of the games I plan to get is "Name That Tune". This will be the game we play on Christmas Eve.  I can see us all cracking up with laughter trying to guess the titles of songs. There's one about a mile away from my job. I may shoot up there on my lunch break.

Reality Check Part 2

Well I had a productive second half of this week.  The first half I was feeling very tired and lazy and couldn't get much done. This week was my boyfriend's birthday and I did manage to make him a nice dinner: Fillet Mignon, steamed broccoli with a garlic sauce, baked potatoes and butterfly pan-fried shrimp.  He really enjoyed the dinner and his gift (a sweater).  Now that that's over and I've gotten most of my energy back, I am once again motivated to having a very nice Christmas.

Shopping for gifts today was great. I found a lot of great bargains. I made sure to take my shopping list with me that way I didn't stray.  In Walmart, I found new holiday air fresheners by Freebreeze. I bought the twin pack of Fresh Evergreen & Snow ($5), Mistletoe & Magic, andPomegranate Berry & Sparkle. I can't wait to use them in December. I stuck to the list and only bought what I set out to get.   Once home I sorted the gifts, then put everything into the gift closet and updated my gift closet list.  I had planned to do some baking but I was out longer than I expected. It was a fun day. I'm so very proud of myself.  So much so that as a reward I treated myself to some icecream. 

Tasks for Reality Week are now checked off on my list.

• Budget:  I usually keep the same budget each year which in the last few years have been more than I actually spend for the holidays.  I set up my budget the same time I create my gift list.  
• Holiday Housework Plans: Housework will be minimal (Thanks to HGP).  Just the normal, everyday cleaning as  is all that will be needed.  
• Check Smoke Detectors:  Maintenance has been to all the units to check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors as well as change the batteries.  
• Tabletop Check:  Throughout the month of December I use holiday decorated paper plates and napkins for everyday meals.  On Christmas Eve I pull out the real dinner plates, flatware and glassware, etc.  I bought a lot of dishes at Dollar Tree several holiday seasons ago. They are white with a Holly pattern trim. I even purchased several sets of matching salt/pepper shakers, and napkin holder and spoon rest. I love those dishes. To have come from the dollar store, they are holding up very well.I need to come up with a centerpiece for my dining table.  I made a nice holly centerpiece which had three glass candle holders with shades.  Last year while trying to bring it down from the closet top shelf, it slipped out of my hands, hit the floor and the candle holders broke into pieces. : (    
• Christmas Cards:  Earlier this week MHH members received the list of names for the Christmas Card Exchange. I pulled out my Christmas cards and started signing and addressing them. I like to mail out my cards December 1st.  We have members all over the world participating in the exchange. It's so much fun getting mail from other countries.
• Good Health Habits: 

Fall decorations will come down the day before Thanksgiving.  I have taken that whole week off and this year Thanksgiving is being held elsewhere. So I can take them down early and clear the way for Christmas decorating which always starts "Black Friday".  I spend the whole weekend decorating.  Thinking more about it, since I will be off all week, the fall decor may come down earlier than that, and I just may go ahead and start Christmas decorating. Perhaps doing the lights on the balcony and outside my front door. (It's always a good idea to start putting up outdoor lights before the temps get too cold.)

HGP Holiday Prep Week Three

Well it's week three. Time to take care of the entry/foyer. My foyer is pretty small and there wasn't much to do since I had tackled that area weeks ago.  This weekend I just swept and mopped the floor.  Then I put up the fall decorations there and in the livingroom. Things are looking pretty good.

Now on to holiday prep.

This week the plans suggests

1.  Make one batch of Holiday Goodies. I planned to make a Boston Cream cake with upcoming Sunday's dinner but may instead bake a few cookies. They won't be for the holidays though. LOL!
2. Make one extra meal for freezer again labeled HOLIDAY MEAL.  So far I have two meals in the freezer - meatloaf and minced bbq.  They will come in handy during December when I don't have time to cook. I can make sandwiches with those. Mmm, mmm, mmm!
3. Buy two canned food items from Menus (get 2 of each item, one to use and one to donate to food drive).   I need to get started on this.  I want to make sure I have less to purchase when the holidays drawer closer. I hate when I'm in the middle of cooking and I realize I'm missing an ingredient and have to run out to the nearby store and pay a fortune when if I had remembered, the cost would have been cheaper at my regular store.
4. Keep 2 boxes in a pantry area or storage place to put these in so that they are not used in everyday cooking - make sure to label them so that when food drives start your holiday supply stays intact and the food drive gets the food purchased for it.
5. Buy all supplies for homemade gifts. Package each project with directions and other information in zipper food storage bag and place in a basket or box in craft/sewing area.
6. Buy film, camera batteries, blank videotapes. Hide them; write yourself a note. I recently bought several packs rechargeable batteries for my digital camera. I need to purchase more DVD recordable disks for making movies to give to folks after the holidays. I always film everyone opening their gifts and just having fun. This year I want them to see how crazy the are. Hahaha

That's it for now. Happy planning!

Gift Closet

Recently I updated my list of gifts purchased and added them to my gift closet. A gift closet is an area where you keep all your gifts purchased for whatever occassion: birthdays, anniversaries and of course Christmas. Where the gift closet is set up is up to the individual. I use the spare closet in the guest bedroom hidden behind my summer wardrobe and noone suspects that they are there. Some people have clever ways of hidding there gifts from family snoops. Some people wrapped and tagged gifts in a way only they know so kids and spouses don't know which gift is theirs. Another person says she keeps her gifts in shopping bags hidden in her closet. Another person hides her gifts in suitcases.

To keep track of gifts I have purchasesd I use this Gift Closet form. Here's what's in my closet so far:

Pair of jeans and pullover sweater for my oldest nephew
Massaging/warmer foot slippers for SIL
2 half done movie baskets
5 pc glass candle holder set
3 pc candle set w/mirror tray
2 fleece bath wraps for a cousin
2 sets of pj's for a cousin
An outfit for sil's mother
An outfit and playstation game for a boy cousin
A few craft items for a kids basket
A 'baby's 1st Christmas' ornament

My goal is to have all presents purchased/made by the end of November. I have 47 people to shop for and looking at my gift closet list I better get a move on. I know it seems like a lot of people to shop for but believe me it is not expensive as it seems. You will see what I mean in later posts.

Great Finds

I'm back from Walmart. Boy I tell you what, these retailers are not playing. Walmart has several isles of back-to-school supplies and the parents were stocking up, getting their kids ready.

After leaving Walmart I stopped in my favorite store, Dollar Tree. I hit the jackpot for storage items. I picked up several canvas storage cubes for my dresser drawers and closet shelves. I couldn't belive it. They also had the over-the-door storage unit which I should have bought but didn't think I needed it. Now that I'm back home I could use it to hold craft supplies. So I'll be going back but not today. It is hot as the dickens outside and will be this way for at least into next week. I will venture out again tomorrow morning when it's more bearable.

A Day Closer To Christmas

Today during my lunch break I went to the nearby Dollar Tree. I was in Dollar heaven! I went there to pick up some fall bushes to finish my topiary for the diningroom table. Wow did my eyes get very large when I saw the isles of Christmas decorations. I picked up some really cute photo ornaments for the office tree...and that was all (as far as Christmas was concerned). I will go back when I have more time to look although to be perfectly honest I don't need any more decorations...my family and friends will tell you. Just as I'm typing this I do need some ornaments to fill in my tree...wish I had picked them up. The photo ornaments are really cute! I only bought 6 as I already had a few from last year. They are green, gold and red - ornament, bell, Christmas sock, sleigh, Christmas tree, and wreath. They will hold wallet size (or maybe a little smaller) photos.

This year I'm decorating the whole office. I've got it all written out. I've brought in the decorations that I usually have in the master bedroom and will take the decorations I used last year in the office to use at home. I'm waiting for the other Dollar Store to put up their Christmas stuff. I see that they've cleared an isle so I'm assuming it will be very soon. (Everything in this store is not a a dollar though, but their Christmas stuff usually is.) Anyway they have the red and gold glittered gift box ornaments I need. I have some already but need more...I hope they have them this year.

Here's my plan:

• Cover the main door and the head assistant's door with burgundy paper with gold lettering
• Cover my boss' door with the coordinatin green paper with gold lettering.
• Hang wreaths decorated with small gift boxes on all three doors.
• Cover bulletin board behind my desk with snowman print paper. Cover the lady I share an the office with board with coordinating Santa print paper.
• Cover our two desks with the green paper mentioned above. Add gold ribbon and bow to look like wrapped gifts.
• Cover our two chairs with the big Santa hats. (It would be great if I could find one that was a snowman for my chair.)
  
• Cover top of file cabinets with batting; decorate 3 ft tree with gift box ornaments, lighted red glass beaded garland, clear lights, photo ornaments, lighted star tree topper and coordinating ornamments - inside each ornament will be a picture of everyone in the office; The two smaller trees will sit on either side of the larger tree and will just have red lights and a large red glitter ornament as a tree topper; also there will be an animated snowman and Santa; along the front will be my small Christmas village pieces and maybe a few small wrapped gifts. I'm undecided about adding the gifts as I don't want the display to look to busy.
• And finally...The bookcases: cover the fronts to mimmic a fire place; cover the top with red & white felt (The red felt will be cut into a pattern and layered over the white felt); a small tree will sit on top as well. We have baskets up there for work and they will be decorated with little velvet bows. To finish it off, our little 4 ft inflatable Santa that my boss brought in for us a few years ago will stand in front.
  
• I will dress up the clock which is hung over the book case with a wreath
• I need to find a place to display my altered Countdown to Christmas clippboard...When I finally get it done. Here's one that one of my MHH buddies made. Isn't it adorable. I hope mine's will look almost as nice.

Well that's it for now. I'll be leaving work in about 45 minutes and I need to start clearing off my desk.