Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.  Praying for all those who have to sacrifice these holidays with working. From service men and women, to doctors and nurses, to police and firemen.  Thank you for standing the watch.

Holiday Thoughts

This post was on my FB page yesterday.  

"The holidays can be a rough time of the year for folks. Whether they have an illness, lost their job, are suffering from something you don't even know about or could understand-this quote says it all. I have seen so much suffering this month amongst my friends. I pray that everyone overcomes their struggles and has someone to lean on."

I have family members and friends who have lost jobs.  Friends who have been diagnosed with untreatable cancer.  Friends who just need someone there for them.

We all have our demons.  We all have our issues.  They may not seem "big" to other people that are suffering, but they may be big to the person it is affecting.  Maybe that lost job is the first rejection they have ever had.  Maybe they can't provide for their family.  Perhaps that illness was just the breaking point of that person.  Who knows.  It is really easy to judge.  It is tough to understand.  Forgive.  Accept.  

This holiday season, reach out to those suffering.  Reach out to everyone.  You never know what battles people are facing each day-and they might just NOT tell you about it or advertise on FB, etc.  Be kind.  Always. 

Holiday Traditions!

Holiday traditions have always been pretty sporadic for me being Active Duty.  I have realized that for the past 5 holidays, I have always gotten Mike an ornament.  So, boom, a tradition.  I got him one this year too.  Perfect for our first tree!!

The past 5 years!

2010 I spent the holiday with my middle brother's family in Chicago.  Mike and I just started dating.
Awkward....;)
2011 I spent with Mike and his family.  I flew in from Newport, RI
2012 I spent out at sea.  It was terrible.  No mail for over a month.  We literally celebrated in January
2013 I spent with Mike, he proposed that week!  I flew in from Jacksonville, FL
2014 I spent with Mike.  Our first Christmas as husband and wife!  I flew in from Jacksonville, FL
2015 I am spending with Mike, his family, and my family.  Yay for finally living in Chicago again!

We are starting a new tradition this year regarding gifts.  I know that gift giving can be stressful.  We also try to do little things for each other.  Making a favorite meal, surprise flowers, greeting cards with a special note, etc.

Our gifts are now broken into categories.  We did it this way to make it easier on us, and for when our princess arrives.  We would rather have experiences than a house full of things.

We broke it down to an item we want, need, wear, and read.  Simple enough right?

The wants are items that aren't necessarily practical.  I want a cleaning lady.  He wants a video game.

The needs are items that are practical such as an art kit, or accessory for a computer, etc.

The wear are items such as clothing, jewelry, perfume.

The read are items like books, or magazine subscriptions.

I wish I had thought about this sooner.  I kind of want to do this for my nieces and nephews bc shopping for them is a huge headache.  I never know what they want.  EVER.  So I just buy them stuff, that they probably don't want, need, wear, or read.  Eh.  I think Mike and I gave each other fair lists this year, and I look forward to doing this for our princess next year.  That way I am not buying her 30 outfits for Christmas.  :)

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Holiday Gift Ideas?!?

So many of you know about direct sales companies.  Some of them drive me nuts.  Some I love. Some I am obsessed with, and NOT a healthy obsession.  At least for my checking account. :)

Here are my favorite 3.  I have shopped from many, but these are my repeats!

Stella and Dot.  My friend Maggie sells this stuff.  She is a stay at home mom, married to a Naval Officer.  She has definitely helped me find some great jewelry, and gotten me away from the same old stuff.   I probably purchase once a quarter, to change up my look.  It is amazing what one pair of earrings can do for you!  The jewelry is great quality, classy, and is great for gifts!!

via

Here is her website. http://www.stelladot.com/sites/meshenour

Rodan and Fields.  My friend Meghan sells this stuff.  I was hooked after a month.  I have always had some rough skin (curse of the Irish I tell you), and when I used the Unblemish Regimen, I couldn't go back.  I wished I had this stuff for my wedding.  I tell ya.  I have used Unblemish with some Redefine products, and am very happy.  It is one thing for folks to spend lots of money on shoes, clothes, purses-but this is your face!!  I feel so much more professional now that I have clear skin.  It was awful being a Senior Officer on a Navy ship with teenage breakouts.  Now I hardly ever wear makeup because I just don't need to cover up my face.  That, my friends, is awesome.

Here is her website. https://megquinn.myrandf.com/ContactMe

Young Living.  Ok, ok, ok, I sell it.  I just started.  Because I can't get enough of it.  I got hooked after I bought the Premium Starter Kit.  From diffusing the oils, to using topically, the results have been staggering.  I have three diffusers in our house (1 for our room, 1 for the living/dining area, 1 for the baby's room).  The oils you can diffuse can help with anything from restless sleep, to just having a clean/odor free home.  Take a look at my site for more info.  So much to say!!!

Here is my website. http://yldist.com/megangill/

What are your favorite direct sale sites?