What's Up Wednesday

Hello,  if you are reading this then we've made it to WednesdayI don't have anything exciting to share.  I will do a Polar Express post in a few days but right now I can barely stay awake.  I don't feel like I have caught up from being up really late Sunday evening.  Kambree seems to have bounced back really well. 
Has anyone else taken a look at the calendar and had a slight moment of panic?  I need to get in gear!  I don't have anything wrapped and I have very few things purchased.  I do have a plan though and I don't believe that anything will be too difficult to find.  My company Christmas party is this Saturday evening then on Sunday me and Kambree are attending The Gift of Christmas Show at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.  I think Kambree and I will have "girls night out".  Kambree believes "girls night out" includes chicken nuggets, so I'll see what we can do to make that a reality.  

Next week will be the class Christmas Party and Jingle Bell Run then school is out for a very long break.  Kambree is 100% ready for this break.  I am ready for a slower pace too.  This is what I'm ready for.  Add Hallmark movies to this and it would be perfect.  

I'm sorry to leave you with this stream of boringness but it's all I have right now.  The only things on my mind are hoping that Kambree get a good nights sleep and that she has a great day at school.  I'm also thinking that I hope I have a good nights sleep and a great day at work.

Well if you made it this far then we must be friends.  Have a great Wednesday and I'll be back Thursday.

Favorite Things Party

Hello Friends!  Thanks for popping in today.

Last Friday night my long time close friend group had a Favorite Things Party, I'll tell you all about it.

Everyone brought food to share and we dug right in.  We had the cutest centerpiece at our table.

I brought a fruit cocktail cobbler cake and some cracktastic crackers,  I chose the most dull looking food to bring.  Next time I'll add some color to the cake.  

We talked and laughed while we ate.  

Have you been to a Favorite Things Party?  Here is how we played - everyone brings three of the same item, we set a $10 per item price limit.  The idea is that we select something that is really a favorite of ours; maybe it's something that you always tell your friends about or something that you never run out of.  Here is what I brought x3 (I actually purchased four sets so I would have a set for myself).  

Dixie Ultra 9"
Dixie Ultra 7"
Cozy Nights 4oz Soy Candle

Everyone's name is written on three slips of paper and placed in a bowl.  Everyone draws three names, making sure they don't get their own name or any duplicates.  Be sure to draw all the names before beginning to pass out gifts because it often happens that the last person to draw will somehow get duplicate names - you'll want to sort all that out prior to gifts being distributed.  Each person will receive a gift from the person whose name they drew.  Everyone goes one at a time telling about their gift and why it's a favorite then they pass their gifts out to whomever drew their name.  I shared that if we run out of paper plates one of us will go to the store right away for more and if I'm home I'll have candles lit - candles are definitely a favorite of mine.  

Here is Mandy (she was our host) modeling a Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap that she received 

Here's Kellie wearing the socks she received - maybe I'll get off the hook for the socks I owe her.

Three people received Cold-Case Christianity

Rhonda brought Honeymilk & Oatmeal Soap with Teatree Oil

I took a picture of this box but not the contents - there were some essential oils and other goodies inside.  

Here's Melanie telling why her gift is a favorite.  Melanie is a Stylist and an Instructor, look at her teaching us something.  She brought two hair styling products.  

Here's Ashley telling us all about the Thieves cleaner and wool dryer balls with essential oils that she brought.  

There were these Green Leaf Like Grass-Blade Silicone Pens Fine Point Pen  Is it a pen or is it a plant?

There was wine and chocolate, bath salts, and more.  We all left with three things to try and we learned a little about each other too.

Here are a few random pictures from the night.

Look, here I am towering over my very short friends!  These girls are jokers and those two "short friends" are on their knees.  

We had a blast at our Favorite Things Party and I'm already looking forward to the next time that we'll see other.  

Have a great Tuesday and thanks for reading!

Three Random Things

Monday, Monday!  We had a great weekend and we ended it on a real high.  We went to the North Pole on Sunday but more on that later this week.  We got home after 11:00pm Sunday evening and we'll probably pay for it with Kambree being a bear these next few days.  Totally worth it though!!

I thought I would throw a little "Three Random Things" at you today.  These are a few things that add to my crazy.  

1.  I am a compulsive bathroom user.  By this I mean I will go to the bathroom anywhere and everywhere that I am.  I just never want to pass up an opportunity to use the bathroom.  Let's say that we leave a restaurant - I'm gonna go to the bathroom.  Let's say after the restaurant we run by the gas station - guess what -  I'm going to go to the bathroom.  I make Kambree go to the bathroom compulsively too - I tell her that I guarantee if she tries to go she will be able to.  My friends that go anywhere with me know that I'm going to ask where the bathroom is.  Anyone else afraid of missing out on an opportunity to use the bathroom?

2.  I have a huge drinking problem!  I mean I most always have a drink with me - not of the alcoholic type - usually a large water bottle AND a diet soda or unsweetened tea.  This is most definitely the reason for #1.  Years ago I challenged myself to drink a gallon of water a day and I still do that many days a week.  I usually leave home every morning with a big water bottle and a 32oz drink of some sort.  When we go out to eat I will sometimes warn the waiter that I'll be a high maintenance drinker.  David often determines the amount of a tip he'll leave by how well they kept my drinks full.  Now if only all the drinking would keep me too full to eat but that has never been the case. 

3.  I am afraid of baking.  I prefer a recipe that lists a cake mix as the first ingredient.  Anytime that I think about baking something I begin to wonder how old is the baking powder or the baking soda.  I wonder if sea salt is an acceptable substitute for regular salt.  Does it really matter if I use salted butter if the recipe calls for unsalted butter?  Kambree is very blessed with a Grandma that is not afraid to bake and she does lots of baking with her.  One time when I was a kid, me and my Dad were attempting to make a cake from scratch.  We never really figured out what went wrong but we ended up with a big bubbly mess that we had to toss in the trash.  So, all I'm saying is that you might want to think before you ask me to bring something sweet to a get together.  

Well those are just a few things that you might not know about me.  Have a great week!

Friday Favorites - Giftapalooza!!!

Hello Friends!  I'm so glad you stopped by today.  I have put together a gift guide with something for most everyone on your list.  I asked Kellie, Carol, and Linda for a few ideas and they came through for us.

This is going to be long so grab a cup of coffee and your shopping list.  Let's get started!

Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer I've wanted one of these for a long while.  This would be a great gift for a women or teen girls. This is $19.99 

Women's Winter Super Soft Warm Cozy Fuzzy Fleece-lined Christmas Gift With Grippers Slipper Socks listen, women like cozy socks and they make great gifts.  Beware - go ahead and order more than you need.  One year I ordered some for my friend, Kellie.  I gave the first pair I ordered her away because I needed a quick gift.  I ordered another pair for Kellie but gave them away too.  Poor Kellie, she never got her cozy socks.  The really bad thing is that I told her what I did and she still asks me where her socks are.  These are $15 but there are lots of options for different price ranges.  

I have written about this before and I still think it would be a great gift for $20 DASH Popcorn Machine: Hot Air Popcorn Popper + Popcorn Maker with Measuring Cup to Measure Popcorn Kernels and Melt Butter

A digital frame that you can add new pictures to from an app.  Y'all, I know a digital frame might be dated but who wouldn't love this?  This has a higher price tag at $150    Nixplay Seed 10.1 Inch Digital WiFi Picture Frame with IPS Display, iPhone & Android App

Burt's Bees Hand Repair Gift Set at just under $13 this would make a great gift to keep on hand - see what I did there?  You know when you need a last minute gift - keep a stock of these!  

I may be crossing a line that should not be crossed with this next item but here goes.  Luxe Bidet Neo 320 - Self Cleaning Dual Nozzle - Hot and Cold Water Non-Electric Mechanical Bidet Toilet Attachment a bidet is a personal gift and would probably be a great spouse gift or even a gift to the house.  There just might be one under our tree this year.  This is $68. A podcast that I listen to has talked an uncomfortable amount of times about how great this bidet is.

Some of you are like this Granny.

This Ice Roller for Face & Eyes will be in my Christmas stocking this year.  I have an eye cream that I keep in the fridge and when David cleans the fridge he often asks why I keep it in there if I don't ever use it.  I'm all like, dude back off the chilled eye cream.  He doesn't know that I use a dab of that chilled eye cream several days a week.  Well, prepare yourself David because the ice cream is about to have company.  I mean look at the girl in the picture, doesn't she look refreshed?  

Not every man would value this $81  SureFire Titan Ultra-Compact LED Keychain but if your guy is into preparedness, then maybe he'd really like this.  It'll last a VERY long time.  David received a newer version last year and he put this one on my key ring.  It's very well made.

Kellie shared that this Jessica Simpson Fancy Love is a staple in her daily regime.  It's a great price at just under $24

This is another Kellie recommendation, but I also really like this Moroccan Oil Treatment .  Kellie says that it keeps her short locks luxurious.  I say that it keeps the frizz away and gives a healthy shine to my naturally curly hair.  This is $37

One final recommendation from Kellie.  She also took it to the toilet with this Toilet Night Light[2Pack]by Ailun,Motion Activated LED Light .  Y'all it's a two pack of battery operated toilet night lights!  What a great gift and it's under $14

Linda recommends this Hanging Jewelry Organizer Wall Mount Necklace Organizer with 25 hooks I have something similar hanging in my closet and it is very handy.  This is $22

Linda recently ordered this mug but I found the same mug with a bag of coffee.  With God all things are possible mug and red velvet coffee  this is $20

I was not surprised to see that Linda recommended this Glass Double-Wall Tumbler by Sun’s Tea 18oz Travel Mug with Lid .  Y'all don't tell Linda that I said this, but she has a water bottle addiction.  We have had many conversations about what makes a water bottle perfect.  We have shopped with the sole purpose of finding a new water bottle.  I think a quality water bottle makes a great gift.  This one is just $17

I wanted to include a few ideas for pet lovers or for the pets of the pet lovers.  I knew just the person to consult and she was in it to win it.  My friend, Carol, made many of these next recommendations.

Carol recommended this Petlandia Personalized Pet Book How cute is this for a pet lover?  I would love a book like this with my Patch or DD in it.

This Retractable Dog Leash with Bright Flashlight would be great gift for a dog lover in your life.  This is just $18

Our girl Tiffy would really like this Dog Brick Treat Puzzle Dog Toy. It's under $18

I have been interested in this dog bed for a long while.  This is definitely a huge investment at $200 but I think we have spent that amount on beds for our huge lab, Sammie.  He is so big and I think the orthopedic benefits might just make this bed worth the investment and check out the warranty.  Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed for Large and Extra Large Breed Dogs

Carol recommended this Kitty City Cat Toy it's just $10 and looks like lots of fun.

I never even knew that a cat tunnel was a thing.  cat tunnel and toys this is just $13

The cats need a bed too. This Cat House Cat Condo looks like a great deal at $31

This Cat Feather Teaser would be a great gift and for $10 it's a great stocking stuffer too.

You did it! You made it to the end.  Let me know if you own any of these suggestions or if you order one of them.  Happy Friday, friends!!

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All About the Elf

Hey y'all!  How was your Wednesday?  Mine was VERY long!  Kambree woke up with an upset stomach and we decided to keep her home.  She spent the day with her Grandma and she seems to be feeling better.  I had a busy work day and got home after 8:30.  I'm so glad to be working from home the next two days.

My former co-worker and dear friend, Julie, came to visit me and brought some gifts too.  We visited a while and it was great to see her.  She's a forever friend.

I thought that I'd take a few minutes to introduce you to our elf - Kambree calls him Elfie.  We didn't intend to do the whole elf thing, but she was so excited that her school elf arrived.  Also, one night Kambree and I were cuddled watching a Christmas movie and Kambree said very quietly - "I hope I don't get coal".  Y'all!  My heart couldn't take it, I just started pouring into her and telling her what a good girl that she is.  So, we decided to roll with the elf and it's been so fun.  David and I believe that she really is motivated to do well because of the elf. 

I ordered this The Elf on the Shelf Plushee Pal for under $11.  This doll doesn't have the ability to be posed, but I'm pleased with the quality.  We decided that our elf would arrive December 1st.  Kambree was heading out for the Dallas Christmas Parade with a friend that morning and I hung a new Christmas t-shirt in my bathroom and told her that we didn't know where it came from.  She just knew that her elf left it and she wondered when she would get to see him.  Here she is looking all cute in her Christmas Elfie shirt.

While she was gone for the day we put everything together.  I wrote this letter.

Dear Kambree,

My name is Jolly and I’m here to stay

But I will be gone by Christmas day

Santa sent me to keep an eye

He is such a fun and loving guy

In this house I must stay

You must never take me away

You can hug me once or hug me twice

But any more will not be nice

Keep me where I go to rest

Don’t leave me down that would be best

Some days I’ll move and some I’ll not

Just keep me in my favorite spot

You are a girl that is so sweet

I’m so glad we get to meet

With Christmas Love,

Jolly

P.S.  I hope you like the shirt, you look so cute.

Enjoy these brownies, share with your Daddy.

 Then I baked these mint chocolate brownies.

I don't know why that elf can't clean up after himself.

I was just going to sit the elf on the microwave and be done but David put some brownie in a little bowl and he even cut off a piece to make it look like the elf took a bite. 

Kambree was thrilled when she got home and saw that the elf was officially here!!

She's done really well with the elf and hugs it once or hugs it twice, per the instructions in the letter.  

One night the elf got into some cookies.  Last night he was watching TV with his face pressed to the TV - yeah I was tired.  Tonight he is laying wrapped in what looks like a shiny pink blanket, but it's a pair of leggings that she might want for Fancy Nancy day at school.  Then there was the night that he brought her the book and was wearing her glasses.  

So, I have a few more ideas and several more little treats for the elf to gift her.  It's only been five days but so far we don't regret getting an elf.  In the letter I gave us an out if we forget to move the elf one night - Some days I’ll move and some I’ll not

Thanks for reading today.  Do you have any fun elf ideas to share?  Have a great day!