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!!

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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!

Holiday Shopping: Buy American

I have started a tradition that I try to stick to each holiday season, and that is buying only American Made products.  Sometimes it seems tough, but I have succeeded at finding some real treasures.

You can see my previous posts on the subject here and here.

Some items and sites I am looking at this year are:
Forged - website owned and operated by Navy Seals.  Amazing quality, and great patriotic wear!
Bronners - holiday gifts and décor.
Smithsonian Store - I bought some games from here for my family a few years ago!
Etsy - I have bought an incredible amount of décor and gifts from here the past year. 

Some from previous years are:
Alex and Ani - I love their bracelets.  Love.
Resails - Just bought a bag in Annapolis.  It is my go-to work bag.  It is perfect.

I just found this site, and I feel I will get lost on it for hours this season, searching for the perfect gift. 

Last year I bought my boyfriend a great shaving kit.  Every guy I know that has it swears by it!!

Do you have any favorite "Made in the USA" companies or sites? 

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!

Letterpress

I was taking in some of Newport's Winterfest, and noticed a local business was open.  I work some odd hours, so it is usually closed when I get home from work. 

I stumbled into 3rd and Elm Press, and well..I couldn't walk out with out buying something!

The owner and artist, Ilse, was so kind and welcoming.  Her work is amazing.  She makes her own paper, carves her own wooden blocks, you name it.  I roamed through her gallery, and looked at all her press equipment. 

There is something about a "mom and pop" place that always gets me.  I walked out with some handmade cards.  I am a big believer that a handwritten note is better than an email any day of the week.  I got one in the mail yesterday from a dear friend.  I was so happy to open that beautiful card! 

Here are the two cards I bought:

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Check out Ilse's website.  You will be amazed by her handiwork!

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?