Time for a yard sale! Or something!!!

A few people asked to see pictures of my CVS stockpile, so here it is.
Let me just say that my house is small, otherwise all this STUFF would be a lot more organized and neat. Also, we have different ways of storing the stuff we get. Giveaway items go in one room, and the things we are keeping and stockpiling go in another- for the most part!

Yes, we are running out of space and there is WAY more here than what you see in these pictures. Like WAY, WAY. lol
I have 5 full displays of the Magic Erasers. I love these things! They help me keep my white kitchen, well, white.
A mix of Dawn and Palmolive dishwashing liquid. Yes, I have a dishwasher. lol But it still comes in very handy to have around.
Love this Sambucol! It is elderberry juice and it tastes great. Almost too great. It has really helped me kick off the sickies this winter. Don't know how we ever lived without it.

Please excuse the shot of the potty. I was attempting to show you that this TP goes floor to ceiling, and the ceiling in my bathroom is cathedral. The packs at the bottom are 3 deep. There is enough toilet paper to last us about a year and a half, or so.
These are in our keep shelf.
More from my keep shelf.

Yet more from the keep shelf.
and again...
and again...
and again...
and again... LOL.
We ran out of room for the Dove shampoos and conditioners on the shelf, so these are currently in a drawer.
Love these Venus Embrace razors. This is all I have of these for now but will be picking up 4 more this week. I think I can fit 4 more in that drawer.
Alex's personal drawer of Gillette Fusion razors. These are his favorite and he wouldn't part with them for anything. lol
Caleb loves the Mach 3 razors. I still can't believe my "baby" is shaving!!
OK, these Glade candles... I must have 2 dozen of them but to make it easier I only photographed 4.
This is stuff in boxes in the giveaway room/piles. Pardon the dust and lack of arrangement. It all started off nice and orderly, but then got way outta control as the giveaway pile grew. Yes, there's more candles. Those are the Glade Flameless ones. I have probably a dozen of those. Then in the middle is a pile of Aquafresh toothpaste, yes, MORE toothpaste! Further left are Dove SkinVitalizer facial machines and the cleansing pads that go with them. I started out keeping these but after I accumulated 8 machines and 24 packs of cleansing pads I decided enough was enough.
This box houses a bunch of crappy Schick Quattro razors, Purell hand sanitizer that I don't have room for in my personal keep shelf, so, they got tossed in the giveaway box.
Another giveaway box. More mouthwash, deodorants, and some Maybeline? eyeshadow trios. At last count we had 65 tubes of Adidas deo. and about 40 tubes of the Steep Stick 24/7 deo. We are deo poor!
This pegboard houses a keep/give spilt. There are 60 boxes of Excedrin at last count, 80 packs of batteries- those are on long pegs and run 3 to 4 deep each. There are around 32 MORE boxes of various toothpastes, 10 Advil Cold & Sinus, 18-20 Tylenol Severe Cold, 30+ more razors, Advil, 17 -2pk. boxes of 6 Hour Extreme Enery shots. At one point we had 30 of these but they work so well that we go through them pretty fast and gave some away.


In all honesty I have lost count on how many dishwashing cleaners/tabs I have. At last count there were 34 Electrasol, and what you can't see behind those are several packs of Dawn Action Packs, and Electrasol liquid packs.


So there you have a little taste of the mess that is my house now that we've been CVSing. Like I said, this is just a small sampling of it. I will take the pics. and upload the rest of the stuff later on.

There is a lot of work to be done to get and keep all of this in some kind of order. If you want to come over and help me get it straightened up and organized better well, you come right on over. ;)

Glad to be back!

Unplugged day has come and gone. It was ok. It would have been better if my oldest didn't think of it as being "grounded". He participated but was SO bored and made it kind of hard for me to really get in to it. He loves to read so that's what he did most of the time when he wasn't whining about how bored he was. LOL

I thought I was going to work on jewelry but I ended up doing some scrap stuff instead. I didn't make any LOs though.


It's a keepsake hideaway matchbox drawer set by Carolee's Creations. When closed it measures 6X6".



This is by Bo Bunny Press. It's a My Word album that is NOT finished. LOL It was getting late and I was just too tired to finish it! The ribbons on the side are temporary just to keep it together until I can go get some binder rings. Then I'll tie on a BUNCH of frilly ribbons and things, and also add my pictures. I plan to ink around the letters too. It's a start! :)



Don't laugh too hard!! At one point in the day I decided to play in my makeup.

I think that about sums up my unplugged day. Caleb said he would like to do it again, but not weekly. LOL I'm going to make some coffee now because I can't seem to wake up today. Catch ya later.

Unplugging starts now!

We've decided that Monday is our day to unplug. If you don't see me online don't panic.

If you contact me via my Etsy shop, LM, HCW or anywhere else you'll have to be patient. I'll be back Wednesday. ;) You can make it one day without me. LOL

I'll be spending the day working on some necklaces like these that I made the other day. And a I also made a bracelet and earring set that my oldest son actually loves! He says it's my best work ever.

What do ya think?

Of course these pictures may have to come down if they are called for publication.


Then there is miss Faith. She has a cold right now so I'm sure I'll have to spend some time cuddling her. All she wants to do is be held 24/7 when she's sick. She's worse than either of my boys ever were. I swear she does not know that she is of the canine persuasion.

I think that just about covers everything. Take care and I'll be back soon.

Unplugged Challenge

Those of that read Rebecca Sowers blog are probably familiar with her post about setting aside a day to be totally unplugged. To use the day to get acquainted with nature, or to tap into your creative abilities and use the time making something with your hands. To spend quality time as a family. To just be unplugged ALL day. That means no TVs, no video games and gasp, NO computers! Along with other things like cell phones, though those aren't technically plugged in unless they are being charged. Still, NO cell phones allowed cause those are a distraction!!

So I've asked her exactly how extensive is this? My stove plugs in, it's electric. Do I not cook dinner?
Does this mean I can't make my coffee? LOL
Now, I could technically cook and make my coffee on the grill that is outside but it's like FREEZING out there right now. It's still winter here, ya know. ;)

So, In the meantime I am waiting on her response before I dedicate a date to this in stone.
If I'm not supposed to cook I'll need to make preparations for dinner that night. I wanna play fairly and do this whole unplugged thing correctly. lmbo

So, is anybody with me on this? Anyone else wanna be unplugged for a day? If so let me know what day you picked. I'll come back and let you know what day I've chosen.

Door to Door Salesmen, Oh gees.

We don't get many door to door salespeople out here in the county but when we do they are relentless!
And let me say here and now that the guy caught Alex off guard. He was outside on the porch when the guy walked up. Otherwise we'd never have opened the door for him.

It was about 8:30ish PM. This young guy is selling meat, yes meat, off his truck.
Now, I know it was flash frozen, packaged air tight. Still something about the words truck and meat together gives me the heebie jeebies.

Anyway, he says to me: "If you'll buy the case of beef I'll give you a case of chicken and seafood for free."
Oh yeah, that doesn't send up any red flags whatsoever. (rolls eyes)

So I politely tell him that I do not have $459.00 to drop on a little box of meat right now.
Do you think that stopped him from slamming the sales promo on me? NOPE. No surprise there huh.

Well, he then starts unpacking all the meats to show me. Guess he figured the big lady would be too tempted by the sight of the food to say no again. I then told him, You really don't have to go to all that trouble of unpacking it and showing it to me. As I said before, I can not buy any of it.
Does he listen? UGG!

So he's trying to do the math on what I normally spend on meats to prove to me that somehow $459.00 is a GREAT bargain for that tiny thing he calls a case. Plus he says to me, "This much meat will last you six months."

To which I tell him that: I have TWO teenage sons. That box wouldn't last more than a week in this house! Trust me. And I am not in the habit of spending almost $500 a WEEK on meat. Heck no!

I continue further; Look dude, I woke up to a $500 propane gas bill hanging on my front door this morning. (Yes, I really did that is the gods honest truth.) AND, We just bought a new car to the tune of $400 a month, AND my hubby just ordered one of those little garage thingies (aluminum roof, metal rod structures) for the new car, for which I have to somehow come up with $900 to pay for within the next 30 days. You came at the wrong time. Sorry but the answer is still no thanks!

Now, if I was smart I would've just stopped him in his tracks when he first pulled up and told him that we are vegetarians. LOL Now that would've been a LIE straight out of h.e.double toothpicks, but he wouldn't know any different and could've probably saved us both a lot of valuable time.

Needless to say, he left angry. But was it MY fault? I was upfront and honest with him right at the start. I told him not to unpack all the meats. He got fair warning! HE is the one that chose to continue on and on. Them's the break dude. The economy sucks right now. Fuel is so high that most people don't leave home unless they absolutely MUST. You chose to drive down a little pig path of a road wherein there are like 20 single wide trailers and ONE house. Mine. Figured the people in the permanant structure on this poor country road were loaded, did ya? (Yes, I am being awfully sarcastic but I can't help myself.) I mean, I know it's not true in all cases, but around here a street that is littered with "mobile homes" is NOT a sign of a wealthy neighborhood.

So don't come knocking on my door trying to sell me meat. We are vegetarians now. (wink)

What's happening to me? LOL

Isn't it strange how tastes change? I love natural hues. Cranberry and garnet over Christmas red, sage over kelly green, dark blue sapphire over primary blue, and if it's gotta be orange, I go for terra cotta!
That being said, HOW do you explain my latest shoe purchase? LOL LIME, lime green!

Will I actually wear these in public? I plan to get some lime green, neon orange, neon pink, and blue shirts to go with these shoes just so I can hopefully look sorta "normal" and summery.

I've got a few lime pieces of jewelry I made that I can wear with them as well. Maybe, just maybe I can pull these off without looking too funny. I hope!

Would lime green eyeliner be a bit over the top? LOL

Just feel like sharing.

Some new earrings I listed in the shop today.

I should go play lotto right NOW! lol

Today was an awesome day!
First, I heard from Bead Trends and they want all five of the items I submitted for their upcoming July/Aug. issue. Woooooo
I've been up literally all night typing up the items I used, where they were purchased- though I am not sure WHY that matters! And (how to) instructions. The paperwork takes me FOREVER, but it will be worth it when I see my pieces in the book. I'll get 5 copies of it AND $100 GC to Fire Mountain Gems! YeeHAW. lol

Then, I got a rebate check in the mail. It wasn't huge but money is money.

Last, I sold two items in my Etsy shop today!

Published, checks, sales. Oh yeah, I need to buy my first ever lotto ticket. I'm feelin' lucky. LMBO

I want your opinion.

So I'm CVSing and saving TONS. I am stockpiled to the year 3000 on toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, household cleaners, and all that stuff.

My DS Alex keeps bringing up that we should be learning how to do the same low OOP on our grocery bill. Sounds great but....

I'm having a hard time when it comes to couponing on groceries. We get groceries at a discount store. The bulk of what they sell is dented, or otherwise sustained some form of (safe) package damage. Ninety percent of it is name brand also. The prices are already wholesale and so, they will not, can not accept coupons.

I can go there and fill up two heaping buggies and still not spend $100 on groceries that will last us half a month. So I do not know if I would be better off sticking to the discount grocery or start keeping those food coupons and see if I can get out cheaper at a national chain grocer.

Another thing that concerns me is that the food coupons seem like they are always for the same "sad" stuff week after week, after week. I mean really. How many cans of tomato paste does one family need? Besides that, tomato paste (Hunts) is only .10 a can at my discount store as it is. LOL You get my point!

And will I have to give up my beloved breads? At my store ALL breads, name brand, whether they be pumpernickel, german, rye, plain ole sliced white bread, hot dog buns, rolls, hoagie buns- WHAT EVER- is all only fifty cents each. All fresh too! Can I do better than that if I start shopping "X" chain store and use coupons?

What is your thoughts on this? Can I save more by leaving the discount store, or do you think I've got a pretty good thing going where I'm at and just save myself the extra "hassle" of hunting and gathering more coupons?

Caleb's BIG Fish

Isn't it wonderful the bonds and lasting memories that come from something as simple as going fishing with your dad?
I have many memories of me and my dad fishing by the lake. (Though I think I spent more time scaring them off or piddling around than actual fishing.)
Even if we didn't catch anything there was always a fellow fisherman that would come by and share his catch with us. My dad would gut, clean, and grill the fish right there on the bank of the lake at our picnic table.

Back then I just thought fishing was something daddies do, but now I know it was more. Because of those times I know how important these father, son fishing trips really are. Because of my dad I know how to prepare fresh fish for grilling. I watched him do it many times and didn't even know that I was learning. Chris didn't really have a father figure in his life. He never had a dad to go fishing with. He is making sure things are better for his kids. He makes sure to make memories with them. I am very proud of him for that. And I can pick up where he leaves off by instructing how to prepare the fish for the grill. :) We are a pretty good team I'd say.

Caleb's catch weighed between 15-18lbs. Chris says. He sure was big and heavy. He was mighty tasty too! Way to go Caleb! ^5

Silly Me.

Chris is on his way back from an account in Miami Fl. and I am still not caught up on his laundry from last time he was here, 5 days ago. Not to mention my own and the boys.

All I want to do is sit with my CVS ad, and my calculator and plan my shopping scenarios for CVS. The deals ROCK next week. It has my head spinning. I'm not going to be at peace until I've crunched all the numbers, located all the coupons and written the perfect plan of attack.

Laundry? It can wait a lil' longer, right? bwahahaha

EDIT: OMGosh. Hot Coupon World is down! Sound the alarms! I am having withdrawls!!! I HAVE to see the ad to work up my plan. Somebody, anybody, get HCW back up online STAT!

Good Quote!

Saw this on another site and thought it might come in handy for others as it has for me.

"Failure is an EVENT, it is not a person.
Yesterday really did end last night,
and today is your brand new day..."

...unknown

Pimpin' the Shop

There's nothing like a huge new car payment and new full coverage insurance to cause a girl to beg with no shame. LOL
If you haven't checked out my Etsy shop lately, you really should. My loyal blog readers always get a price cut!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5055265





Any sales generated from my shop are being squirreled away in savings for when it "rains" and the pmt. is due. :)

Of course if you don't shop I'll still love ya!

Aye Yei Aye

This year has been BAD for us so far! If it can go wrong, it has!

It started on Jan. 1st.-my birthday, the start of a new year full of new hopes, blah, blah, blah...
Then it happened.
My Jeep started leaking transmission fluid like crazy.

That same night our propane heater (that is attached to the wall) came OFF the wall. Just fell. kerplunk! It's the heater that we use to heat the whole house- I might add.

Not five minutes later the wires in the lighting fixtures in my livingroom fried and shorted out.

A couple days later my microwave decided to die.

Then, yes THEN, the sensors went out in my washing machine and it didn't know when it was full so guess who's bedroom floor got soaked?!
THEN, when we went to pull it out to replace it the pipe busted BELOW the shut-off valve and water just super flooded my bedroom. Poor Caleb, he ran as hard as he could to the end of the driveway (about 125 feet uphill) to shut off the main water valve.

So far we have: my car, my heater, my microwave, washing machine, and lighting fixtures. All pronounced dead or in need of serious repair. All within a fifteen day time frame.

In the past couple of years we've had to replace the Neon, get a new clothes dryer, fix a water pressure connector, a new stove for the kitchen, new refrigerator, TV, my printer, etc. etc. It goes on and on.
At this point almost all of our appliances are now new, along with the car. UGH

This year is barely started and it's cost us a fortune!! I just hope that nothing else major goes wrong. Please Lord. No more mishaps. My wallet runneth dry. lol

If anything else bad happens for a while I think I am going to CRACK!!!!!!

Let the debt begin!!!

EDITED on Jan. 15th to add pictures. Overlook the dirt! We have a gravel driveway, unfortunately. lol

OMGosh you guys! When I woke up today I had NO idea what I was in for.

The plan...
Chris and I were going to drive to Knox this morning (yesterday morning now), to have a look at some cars. That's all, a look.
See, I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and LOVED it. It's 4WD, automatic everything, cruise control, all the bells and whistles. BUT, it is also a total gas guzzler! And the transmission was leaking fluid. It was from a bad seal, but still, the Jeep also had over 170,000 miles on it so we knew it was just a matter of time before we would have to part ways with it. Going out to look at cars was just give us an idea of something we might want to look for in our next used car.

Every time we've bought a car it has always been used. Always! We usually drop $4,000 (cash, no financing) or less on a good used, low mileage car and just drive the hound out of it until it falls apart and then get another "new" car. (We have connection to good quality, affordable vehicles.)

Well anyway, We have never liked the idea of going in debt for a vehicle. Still don't. That is why I am astonished to tell you right now that I am an owner of a BRAND NEW 2008 Ford Focus. GAHHHH! HOW did this happen?

I'd like to say that I am all giddy and proud, but I am not. This is my very first brand new car, and also Chris's too. We should be ecstatic but instead I am worried sick over the debt end. I know logically that we can pay for this car, but I still just want to puke when I think about it.
Chris feels ok about it and he's not as worried because it came with a 5 year warranty. Heck, the tires even know when you've hit a nail, or when the tires are losing air, the car tells you!

He feels good about it because he is gone so much and feels like he won't have to be so worried about me breaking down somewhere. That much I can understand.

I know this is going to sound strange and even funny to some, but I was so upset that I cried TWICE at the dealership. I asked the sales guy if he ever saw a woman cry over getting a new car? He said, "Yes, but not because she did NOT want it. Usually because she does want it and her husband says no." LOL

Emptying our belongings out of the Jeep was another emotional roller coaster for me because I wasn't prepared to part with it. I did not know that our ride to Knox was my last with "her."
Just a vehicle-maybe, but we all know that they are our "babies" because they get us where we need to go. We take great care of our vehicles and I don't think that it's too insane that we get attached to them. Jeep was awesome for this short 5'2" girl. The cruise was kickin' too! :)

Anyway...
I'll take a picture of the new car tomorrow and post it here. I would have taken it tonight but it was dark and very rainy when we got home with it.
You can also click this link. That blue one that comes up when you open the page is the car I got. Same color and everything.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/focus/

Please tell me I won't regret this. LIE to me if you have to. But tell me every thing will be ok.

Got the call. :)

So... I was telling you a few posts down that I submitted some designs for the Bead Trends May/June publication. Well, I got accepted in the issue and my jewelry is en route to them as we speak. Too cool.
I am kind of bummed that I totally forgot to try out for the March/April issue. Other than that one I've been in every issue, so far.

Just thought I'd update and share because I knew you were all waiting on baited breath. LMBO ;)

lump update

The lumps on my neck are gone and so is the soreness. I guess I had a mild infection and the penicillin took care of it. Well, that and a lot of prayer. It was very noticeably present for several days though. I just hope it doesn't come back!
I'm still going to tell my Dr. about it and have her feel around. Make sure everything is ok in there. :)

New Year, new birthday.

So today is New Years Day and my 35th birthday. Today has been like any other day. No cake, no plans. Just taking it easy. If I could have had one birthday wish it would have been that Chris could have been home today, but he couldn't.

I hope you all had a pleasant New Years Day. Here's hoping that 2008 is less eventful than the past few years have been, even though that's probably not likely. It doesn't hurt to have hope. lol

Waiting game.

So I submitted a few jewelry pieces for Bead Trends May/June calls. Now to just sit and wait and see if I'll be called.
The deadline for submissions is Jan. 1st. I don't expect to hear from them for at least 2 weeks, and that's IF I am chosen.
It would be nice because I get more $$ to buy supplies.

And about the throat...
I'm not feeling quite as anxious about it right now. Some one must be praying for me. Thank you!! and ((HUGS)).

Not an upbeat entry...

Chris had to return to work the day after Christmas. He is now in Ohio. I wasn't ready for him to leave but life must resume as usual I suppose.


(Look away if you have a weak tummy before you read further.)


On Christmas morning I woke up and noticed that there is a lump, or knot, on my throat. It's not IN my esophagus but it feels like it's deep inside my throat. It's about the size of a jelly bean and it doesn't move around. It is tender but not terribly painful to the touch. I admit that it has me alarmed but I'm trying my best not to panic, though I do at times.

I had noticed a couple days prior that I felt some tenderness just under my jawbone, right side. And there was a bit of a different odor coming from my throat. It didn't worry me because I have had a cold the past couple weeks and I just figured all the coughing caused the tenderness, or maybe I developed a mild infection. After two days the odor went away. All seemed fine, and now this lump appears.

I know that I am not a doctor and I shouldn't be guessing and self medicating, but I have started taking penicillin in case it is infection. If I don't notice any changes or improvements by the end of the month I will call the doctor. I promise. If it does seem to clear up I will still discuss it with my doctor. I'm scheduled to see her Jan. 15th for my thyroid check-up anyway.

Nevertheless, if you wouldn't mind saying a prayer for me it would be MUCH appreciated beyond words. Pray that it's nothing serious and pray for calm nerves as I haven't slept since Christmas morning. I am constantly feeling of my neck, hoping the lump was just a dream. Night time is the hardest since I already have insomnia. I just sit up all night trying to think of ways to stop thinking about it, and hoping and praying that the penicillin is all I need. I did read that a lot of lumps are caused by stress or anxiety. It is highly possible that could be the case for me. I do stress quite a bit being here, being mom and dad. Hoping that I'm doing everything right by the boys, praying Chris stays safe out there in those strange places he's never been to before. Praying that he stays awake at the wheel when he's worked a 16 hour shift and then drives another8 hours to the next state and job site. Praying that we don't get any traumatic weather here and that the good Lord watches over us and the house, etc.


And... I really don't know why I'm even blogging about this except I thought maybe it would help me feel better to get it out there. I don't have Chris here to talk to and I don't want to worry the boys. I just need to stay focused and stay positive. Easier said than done!

Thanks Anne

I don't think I've ever been given blog awards before. Imagine that! LOL

We wish you a Merry Christmas...

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas...
and a Happy New Year.

I know it's a tad bit early to wish you all Happy Holidays but things are just too busy for words at the insomniac theater these days. I don't know when I might have the chance again before the holidays.

The stockings are all hung and the tree is up and decorated. All the greenery is placed in baskets with candles, and I even sprinkled some baking soda around on the piano and window sills to look like we got a light dusting of snow, since we won't be getting any of the real stuff.

Since Chris is the "big boss man" over his team of 7 now, we are doing what any good boss does. We have booked a chalet and are having the guys and their families over for dinner.
We went to town and threw together some pretty nice goody baskets for each family to take home with them as well.
I wanted to show my appreciation to the wives of these guys as well. Us wives don't get the recognition that we deserve. Our husbands, our children's fathers, are gone for weeks at a time. We are left here to hold down the fort, pay the bills and keep things running smoothly.
Keeping the kids in school, fed, bathed. We are left here with ALL of the household chores, vehicle maintenance, Drs. appointments, among other extra curricular activities.
The hardest part of being married to a man that is never home is probably playing the roles of both mother and father.
So, I wanted to let them know that they are appreciated. I put together some leather gift totes just for them filled with all the things a girl loves. There are candles, chocolates, something to make their home smell good, jewelry (that I made), and I forget what else! Hopefully they are well received.

Caleb, our youngest son, just turned 14 yesterday. He didn't want a party. He didn't even want a cake but we got him one anyway. Love you Caleb! Happy Birthday!! :)

We will be out of town a couple of nights during the party for the workers and then back home to do the Christmas thing here at home. I am going to try my best to leave it at the as far as Christmas is concerned. I just am not up to traveling out to the inlaws this year, but that's a whole other story.

After that I just have to get over the hump of New Years. I don't like new years because, to me, it just reminds me that I am getting older and older. I am not kidding you in the least when I say that I do NOT want to turn 35. I know it's not OLD, BUT it is older. I wish I could just stop right here at 34. LOL

And lastly...
How ever you celebrate. Where ever you celebrate. Make memories and hug the ones you love. Take time to reflect on what Christmas means to you.
For me it's is a time to remember Christ was born into this world to pay for my sins. He came knowing that he would be put to death, and he came willingly and prepared for it because he loved me. He paid the ultimate price so that I don't have to. If it weren't for that day, Christmas Day, the birth of The Savior, life for me would be hopeless. When I put it in the proper perspective I am able to also remember that all the gifts, be them good or (what were they thinking?), were given out of love and I was thought of. It's not about the latest gadget. It's not about the shiniest bow or the biggest box. Material things pale in comparison to the gift of forgiveness.

With that I bid you all good night. :o)

Thank You Ann!!! :)

From Ann, my stocking swap partner. :)

My HUGE box from Ann arrived today and I had to open it right away. The presentation was spectacular! The stocking is adorable!
(Now I think I may have a stocking collecting fetish in the works.)
Ann did such a wonderful job on every thing! I really mean it. It was like she called Santa himself to get the 411 on my Christmas wish list.

Ann, you had me pegged to the T. Your items couldn't have been more right on. Even people that have known me all their lives still don't have a clue what I am about, but you picked up on it right away. I am impressed. LOL

When I saw the little tin of candy with the snowmen ornies on it, it was love at first sight. I just love it to pieces! Not to mention those adorable salt and pepper shaker snowmen. They are now on my kitchen table next to the poinsettia.

Her little snowflake dangles. I LOVE it!

Ann is super talented and gifted! LOOK at these ornaments she made for me. The Santa one is red on the back side and glittery. Again, love'em to pieces!!! (no pun intended since they are made from light bulbs, lol.)

I am a gingerbread collecting junkie. As soon as I saw these I hugged them and cooed. LOL My Babies!! And OMGosh! Would you look at that tree. Ann made this for me as well. It was one of the first things I saw when I opened my box. My first thought was- that's it! If that would have been all she sent it would have been enough. I adore it and will cherish it for years to come.
Ann sent me handmade bath salts in the little stocking. They smell SOO good.

The snowman ornament is also right up my alley, as it the rustic star. I can not wait until Chris gets home and we can go get a tree! All the ornaments will be included on the tree and give me warm fuzzies every time I see them, I'm sure. They are just perfect!
(I usually have a tree up by now, but this year has been a little more busy and complicated. )

Mint chocolate candy filled tin- my FAVE guilty indulgence! Grubby candles! Be still my heart. More handmade lovies for my tree. I am in heaven.

Ann and I must be on the same wavelength because we sent each other teas to try. LOL It will come in very handy right now because I have a miserable cold. Warm tea is just what the doctor ordered. The water is in the kettle as I type this.

The candle in the little rustic base. What can I say...
LOVE IT!

And last but not least, a couple of over-all close-up pics of my stash.

Ann, I can't thank you enough. There wasn't a single item that I don't adore and cherish.

When I was first considering joining the swap I had two main reasons why I decided to.
First, was to get to know more people. After having "met" Peggy through her Etsy shop and then her blog, I knew I was amongst good people.
Second was because I love giving. I love sharing. I am so glad that I decided to go through with it. It really is about more than the gifts themselves, but ones giving of themselves, and hopefully spreading a little bit of Christmas cheer in the process. I for one know that putting my stocking package together greatly helped me get in the spirit.
I'd like to send thanks out to Peggy as well for orchestrating this swap. I've hosted my fair share of swaps and there is quite a bit of work that goes in to them. So, Thank you, Peggy. If you host again next year I will be thrilled to participate again.


That all being said, I am off now to decorate my house with all my new pretties.
To Ann and all who stopped in to read...

Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!

The Better Half

Chris- (my dear hubby, my better half- HA and wink LOL)- he made it safely to San Diego. He said the flight was pretty turbulent but otherwise uneventful.
I just hope he doesn't have to spend a small fortune to eat while he is out there. The prices are crazy on the west coast! LOL
He said he expects to be there at least 10 days. Cross your fingers for a safe flight home for him. I know that flying is supposed to be super safe, but I HATE flying and so, I always worry a bit until he is back on the ground.