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?

Etsy!

So I have bought many things on Etsy lately, as I am absolutely terrible at decorating.  Well..I have actually gotten much better at this decorating thing. 

Especially for the holidays. 

Here are three items I have bought recently.

Give Thanks Blocks

Autumn Pillow

South Side Irish Pillow

What have you bought on etsy lately?

I can't wait to purchase some Christmas gifts for my family on here soon!

Forged

One of my new favorite American Made companies is Forged.  This company is owned and operated by former Navy SEALS.  I have bought a few shirts for myself on here, as well as for my siblings, friends, etc. 

I just bought this one to wear for Red Fridays.  The shirts are well made, and so comfortable.  If you want to buy a Patriotic shirt, and support the troops, check out Forged!

Favorite Gift Website

I have been buying a lot of great engagement, wedding, and baby gifts off of one particular website lately, and I have to say-I am hooked!  www.personalcreations.com is a great site, with plenty to choose from.  I bought this baby blanket, which many friends have used in their professional newborn photos.  I bought this beverage tub for some dear friends who are having an outdoor wedding this month.  And finally, this engagement gift for a friend who is getting married this fall.  This was just perfect for her!

The beauty of this site is that it is married up with other companies, and you get great deals from them all.  I sent my boyfriend chocolate covered strawberries from Sharies Berries last Sweetest Day!

Happy shopping!

Buying American Made..

I wrote this post last month...and I have stuck to most of my buying American practices this holiday season. 

I got my boyfriend an American made tie at a local clothing shop, along with some art work from ETSY.  I love the etsy shop I bought the print from..I bought a print for myself too!

I got one niece a handmade bag, and an art kit from a local shop in Newport. 

I got my infant niece made in the USA onsies, as well as handmade ABC blocks.

I also purchased a family game for my niece and nephew..Presidents of the United States.  I stuck with handmade, and educational gifts for the most part, and to be honest, it wasn't hard.  A lot of folks think it is difficult to by American..you just have to look at a label and do research.  Seeing how awful unemployment is in Rhode Island, I couldn't think of going any other route. 

CNN just did an expose on this today, like it is a "new" idea.  I love the idea of supporting local shop owners, and trust me, they love the business.  I am residing in a resort town right now, and any business is great for these folks. 

Some of the Newport area shops that make "handmade" include: 

Alex and Ani, amazing jewelry and bangles
Style Newport, nautical jewelry.  The owner is amazing, and extremely helpful!
Only in Rhode Island.  Food, you name it from Rhode Island.  I sent a box of goodies to my family..ranging from chowder from the Black Pearl, to soy candles. 
Resails.  A store that uses old sails to make bags, etc. 
Scrimshanders.  Scrimshaw and other artisan finds. 
Art on the Wharf.  I got a few paintings here from the artist, Anthony Gill.  Amazing sea scapes..

I am hoping to add to this list soon.  I am drawing a blank on some of the stores, but just off the top of my head, this isn't too bad!  Do you have a favorite "buy American" store or gift?

Buy American this Christmas..

So I saw something on Facebook today.  It sparked my interest, because my family celebrates Christmas in a different way.  We only buy for the kids, not each other.  I have 4 nieces and nephews, so we buy for them, and I wouldn't have it any other way. (Although I did buy the bf one thing, and yes, it is made in America).  One thing I did not really consider when I was purchasing gifts for the kiddos was whether or not it was made in America.  With the "occupy" movement, unemployment rates, etc going on, that should be important.  It should be important to support jobs in America, and hire Vets.  These things are important to me, and when I continue my Christmas shopping, I am definitely taking all of that into consideration. 

**I did change a lot of this, because I am not into discussing major politics here**

This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in foreign  produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down
the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day. (** I would love a cleaning lady...hint hint**)

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy
who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
other countries can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

As I peruse the shops of the NorthEast, I will be sure to look at the "made in America" tags.  I will be supporting the local shop owners, ETSY, and probably will be making my own cards.  With unemployment as high as it is, I want to support these folks because I am fortunate enough to have a job.  I would love a haircut at my fav salon, maybe even an oil change for Christmas.  Why?  Because these are things I need.  I want a few things, sure..who doesn't? 

The following are websites that will direct you to made in America companies, etc.  It is amazing how much stuff I found just searching the internet. 

www.saveourcountryfirst.com

www.madeinusa.org

www.countryliving.com

http://www.dumptv.com/made-in-usa/index.html

http://www.toysmadeinamerica.com/

http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/bamw/bamw-061208-christmas.shtml

http://www.shopforamerica.com/

http://www.flyingcloudgifts.com/

http://americansworking.com/

http://www.ibuyusmade.com/home/

http://buyamericanchallenge.wordpress.com/

http://www.madeinamericabuyamerican.com/

Easy Edible Gift!

So each year for the holidays I feel like there are a million people in my building that I have to "give" gifts to.  There is an office staff, maintenance staff, concierge, and the valet.  I love them all, which is why I signed a lease at my building in the first place..the people are great! 

I have been thinking about how busy I have been, and how I haven't been able to bake, assemble fun treats, etc for these folks.

Last night I found a great recipe, and I am going to try it out tonight! 

Easy Pretzel Turtles from http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Ingredients:
small pretzels
Rolo candies
Pecan halves

Yup.  That's it.  3 ingredients. 

First you put the pretzels on a baking sheet covered in wax paper or foil.  Then you put a Rolo on the center of each pretzel.  Put them in a preheated over at 350 degrees for a few minutes, they should still look like a Rolo!  Take them out, and put a pecan in the center.  Yup..its that easy!!

Can't wait to see how these turn out!!