What Would You Like For Christmas?

I, for one, like to plan. No matter what the situation is, I typically like to know what's going on/a sequence of events. This helps to prevent me from having to make last minute decisions...which I hate AND am terrible at doing.
This definitely goes for Christmas time! Around this time (Halloween) I start to brainstorm gift ideas, craft ideas, decorating ideas, etc. Let's be honest, most stores already have a Christmas section out -- I don't usually go buy stuff, but I at least write it down, and if I've seen it in a store, I'll make a note of it.

This gift planner is an awesome resource for someone like me who likes to plan what I'm getting people early and most importantly stay on budget! I always find myself completely broke in December - partly to blame on my birthday, my mom's birthday and Steven's birthday also all being in December. I found this checklist on Pinterest and the link took me to the blog Life in Yellow which I am so happy to have discovered! Tons of cute things here!   I've also found it helpful to plan gifts ahead of time because a) it gives you time to DIY a gift...always makes it more meaningful, b) you can keep your eye out for groupons/living social deals to help with cost, and c) you aren't stuck in the mad Christmas rush in December and can, instead, be home snuggled up with hot cocoa :)

Anyone else an early gift planner like me?

Great Gifts under $40 from Sweet Tea Paperie

Sweet Tea Paperie has it all: jewelry, phone cases, stationary & more! They make the perfect gifts for your sister, Mom or best friend...or even yourself! ;)

Here are my gift picks - all under $40!

Yes - they have a sample plate with my name on it! I think it's a sign ;)
And how adorable are the bag tags?! You get a set of 4!


Next time you're looking for a gift, shop Sweet Tea Paperie!

Happy Tuesday!

Holiday Blog Challenge, Day 1 & 2

I decided I want to join in on the Fabulous Holiday Blog Challenge hosted by Neely and Amber before it gets too late! So, today I'll catch up and do day 1 & 2 together!

Day 1: Favorite Gift Ever Received

This is a tough one...I remember really great presents from back in the day, but it gets fuzzy whether they were for Christmas or my birthday! They're in the same month, so sometimes I get confused. Most of my awesome presents were dolls - once an American Girl doll, once the American Girl Bitty Baby and once a Lee Middleton doll that I named Joey (don't ask why)...I remember being ecstatic over all of those! My American Girl was Felicity and I got the brown haired Bitty Baby and I named her Karen (again...don't ask me where the names came from!) - I still have all of them!

This isn't exactly what outfit he came in but close enough!

Day 2: Favorite Holiday Tradition, New or Old

I have a couple!

The first would be cutting down the tree! We always get a real tree. I look forward to going out to the tree farm and finding the perfect tree for our living room. Then we cut it down, tie it up and take it home!

Putting the star on top. We have always used (until last year when I think it broke) a gold star to top the tree and when we were little we kept track of who put it up and each year we would take turns, so I got to put it on every third year! Nowadays, it's whoever can reach the top...usually little brother!

Christmas Cap'n Crunch!! This might be the biggest tradition. We always get a box of the Christmas Cap'n Crunch under the tree and that's what we have for breakfast! Without fail, my mom somehow finds a box!

I love watching Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special. I'm sorry if this sounds creepy, because yes Pee Wee is kind of creepy, but when we were younger we LOVED this movie. Still, as "adults" we get on the couch and watch it at least once every year! It's one of those childhood things that will never die...

Those are my favorite Holiday traditions! Tomorrow is Holiday decor!
xoxo,