Open Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I know it’s only November 19th but I wanted to give you a head start on shopping by offering some options. And if my husband happens to see this…well, that’s just a crazy coincidence.

Option 1: Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries.

This book looks really funny and interesting. Reviewers have called it “investigative satire” and Jon Ronson spends time with the craziest, real-life people – like Phoenix, the masked superhero. I need to read this

Option 2: A coupon for a date with my husband to Wickliff Books on High Street (you’ll have to coordinate this with him, obviously, Santa).

Option 3: C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve (available at Bath & Body Works).

 

Option 4: An iPad cleaner cloth.

 

Option 5: Sparkly hair pins (not barrettes - there’s a subtle difference which I’m sure you will understand).

Option 6: One thousand kisses (not from you, from Kyle – way to make it awkward, Santa.)

If you think I’m being greedy…I am.

love and (sort of almost-ish) Merry Christmas,

elizabeth

Recycled Wrapping Paper

I made a couple promises to myself about the holidays this year. One, that I would stay OUT of the malls and do my shopping elsewhere for my own personal sanity and contentment. Two, that I would not buy a SCRAP of wrapping paper but instead use up my leftover paper from last year and/or recycle/repurpose other creative wrapping.



I used newsprint for nearly everything this year. If anyone gets a colorful newsprint catalogue like Lush or a weekly newspaper from their university like I do, these are great alternatives to wrapping paper! I dressed them up with ribbon I had saved and one bag of shiny bows from the dollar store.



I just love the idea of something that is normally thrown away being repurposed and made beautiful again. And I’m super excited to share these packages with my family…


Some other ideas for wrapping: recycled brown paper grocery bags, magazines, and old calendars.

What about you? What crafty Christmas tricks are you trying out this year?

love, elizabeth

Black Friday: Shop Safe, Sane, and Sensational

1. Give yourself plenty of time to park.

Nothing is more frustrating to the harried holiday shopper than the endless searching for a parking spot outside the crowded mall, outlet, shopping center, big box store, or downtown. And while walking from the outer regions of Siberia where you parked your car may suck, nothing will ruin your Black Friday like one of those fender bender/side scrape run-ins with the gigantic SUV parked too close to you.

2. Budget earlier in the week and stick to your plan.

Remember that 42” plasma screen isn’t really a good deal if you weren’t planning on buying a new television, at all. Buying something that isn’t on your list doesn’t actually save you any money. And sometimes all the hustle and bustle and good smells and cheerful music make us emotional.

3. Dress for comfort.

You know those incredible boots that make your calves look fantastic but your feet want to fall off? Leave ‘em home and stick to cozy sneakers for those long, long lines you’ll be waiting in. Layer for warmth and leave the heavy coats in the car. Those department stores get toasty fast!

4. Scan ads before you plan your day to get an idea of prices and deals.

Here are two of my favorite online sources for Black Friday ads: HERE and HERE. It’s easy to get lost in the rush and if you’re looking for something specific, you may wind up frustrated and disheartened.

5. People first, things second. Always.

Courtesy and kindness are always the way to go! We all hear the horror stories of pushy shoppers trampled to death in a mad rush to get whatever amazing deal is being offered to the first 8 people in line. But if you have to risk your humanity, your sanity, or your personal safety to score the bargain, consider the true cost before you dive into the fray. No thing is that important. After all, it’s Christmas.

I mentioned a few posts ago that my family is exchanging books only this year so most of my shopping is done but I AM making a short Black Friday trip for some stocking stuffers and a couple Secret Santa gifts.

So lay it on me. Are you a Black Friday fanatic? What are your shopping traditions? Any tips and tricks to share?

love, elizabeth

DIY: Junk Mail Christmas Tree

When Christmas rolls around and the malls are extra full of extra shiny, pretty things, it’s easy for me to get wrapped up in a desire to buy and to have. So I’m always pleasantly refreshed to discover a free way to create Christmas magic at home! I’m a huge fan of recycled crafts and this one caught my eye.

The Junk Mail Christmas Tree…

It was pretty time consuming but I think the finished result was totally worth it and it didn’t cost me a cent! Bonus: I used up a huge stack of junk mail flyers for the coming Black Friday sales. Fitting, I think.

In progress…

The finished product…

You can find the instructions to make your own by visiting here.

What about you? Anyone have a fun recycled Christmas project they’re trying out?

love, elizabeth

Christmas Shopping

That’s how many shopping days till Christmas. A little frightening how quickly that happened.

This year, I have vowed to stay out of the malls (they just make me feel sad and lonely most of the time) and to give more creatively. My family has agreed to exchange only books this year and I’m so happy about that! So except for one more book and some stocking stuffers, I am DONE with my Christmas shopping for 2011! And it feels grreeeeeeeeeat….

What about you? Any special gift-giving strategies this year?

love, elizabeth

A Rainy Afternoon with the Books

We spent Saturday afternoon in downtown Warren, Pennsylvania and waiting for Emily and Jeremy’s wedding to start, we wandered into a couple nearby bookstores. It. was. heaven. I even got some Christmas shopping done! There is just no place like a bookstore. I could spend my whole life with my nose pressed to the printed page. THIS, people, is why I will NEVER buy an e-reader. Ever. Ever. EVER.

What about you? What do you love the most about bookstores? And what are you reading lately?

love, elizabeth