GAP Give and Get Results

I got an email awhile back that I have been wanting to share with you regarding the amazing results of people taking the time to participate in the GAP Give and Get annual program. A certain percentage of your purchases goes toward a charity of your choice. We purchased some basic items that we needed and felt good that a certain portion was going to the charity we chose. I can proudly say that I contributed from my purchase to Feeding America; a lot of my friends participated as well - the results are posted below. A little bit goes a long way and every little bit counts - over $2 million dollars were raised total for the charities listed both in the US and Canada, with just over $450K going to Feeding America. A job well done - THANK YOU participants!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

To all our family, friends and readers near and far, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Remember to take the time to remember the Reason for the Season, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Keep Christ in Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6-7

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Happy Christmas Eve!

Just wanted to share a little something the hubs (yes, the hubs did this) put together while I was out running errands the other day. Got home and surprise - I'm a dancing elf. Who knew?! It's a fun thing to do and even funnier to watch. Guaranteed laughs for sure. Enjoy the clip :)

Now, are you going to go Elf Yourself? It's quick and easy to do - go here to create your own. We hope you are enjoying the holiday season as we prepare for the birth of our Lord.

Talk to the Moose

This has got to be the CUTEST commercial E-V-E-R! Well, it's my favorite of the moment right now. The reason, you ask? My 2 1/2 year old will drop everything, yes, I mean everything...toys, M&Ms, ice cream, etc (Santa could be in the room)...and RUN...literally RUN to the TV and as they say, get into formation (you cheerleaders know what I'm talking about). Anyway, she sings, dances and grooves right along with the girls having a complete blast (picture perma-grin and wide eyes) and she knows a lot of the words, especially HOW CUTE ARE THESE BOOTS?!

After it is done, she turns to me and says, "Mommy, I want to do that." And I tell her she just did. And she states, "No. On TV." Every time it comes on, you swear it's the first time she has seen it as her reaction is more excited each time it airs.

For your viewing pleasure, I present to you the GAP Holiday Commercial "Talk to the Moose". Enjoy! I'm off to write Hollywood a letter about the arrival of my performing drama queen :) And I'm warning you, it's catchy! I caught myself chanting it while doing laundry today (*blush*).

Great Group Gift Exchange Ideas

So, if you are exchanging gifts with a group of friends or coworkers this year, you may just want to consider this 5 pack of Envirosax reusable bags. They're stylish enough to carry them proudly at the store, to the gym or the library and take up little to no space in your desk drawer or glove compartment. Individually they end up costing less than $8 per bag! Throw some little goodies in there and voila, an instant gift with its own reusable wrapping.

And the little goodies could easily be:

From E.L.F. cosmetics, these delicious little lip gloss tins come in tasty, lip-smacking flavors and are sooo incredibly affordable at only $2.00 per tin. Stock up for yourself and everyone's stockings! I'm sure you'll find some other goodies on their site as well - everything is reasonably priced, ALL the time!

Little matchbook notepads, found on etsy.com here and here. At these prices, you can't go wrong and you'll never be without a piece of paper on which to jot a note.

These midnight blue scalloped lace beauties are just calling to me! At this price point, you can have every color under the rainbow and not go broke. She's running a buy three (3), get one (1) free sale right now too!

Beautiful flower adorned hairpins - buy a few different sets and hand them out individually to your friends, one for their favorite color. Attach them to a little letterpress note card that you can find here (the bird is my ABSOLUTE favorite) or here or here.

SHOP THE POST HERE:

Delight.com Envirosax 5-pack
Eyes Lips Face Candy Shop Lip Tins
AR Creation's Etsy Shop Matchbook Notepads 10-pack
April Adriance's Etsy Shop Matchbook Notepads 25-pack
Vera Vinn's Etsy Shop Scalloped Lace Earrings
Parlene's Closet Etsy Shop Flower Hairpins Mixed Pack of 3
Missive's Etsy Shop Letterpress Gift Tags and Cards
Parrott Design Studios's Etsy Shop Letterpress Postcards

(Images courtesy of Delight.com, E.L.F. cosmetics, Parlene's Closet and Missive)

CHICAGO RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I missed the fall Chicago Renegade Craft Fair due to 'THE BIG MOVE', but the hubs and I are determined (well, I am determined) to get to this one. I'm hoping to browse through some excellent talent and take home some fabulous handmade goodies! What are your plans this weekend? If you are in the Chicago area, be sure to check out the Renegade Craft Fair this Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm both days. It's free to attend and you can always check out the holiday decorations and shop windows while you're in the Windy City.

(Image courtesy of The Renegade Craft Fair)

Nicole Miller Sale

Oh drool! I am SOOOO in love with this Nicole Miller dress! It is just gorgeous. She is one of my favorite designers - so classic! Run over to ideeli.com to sign up for their exclusive designer sales so you can see what a steal this dress was today. You won't be sorry. Maybe you'll find something nice to wear for Christmas like I did. Or browse her site; I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without.

(Image courtesy Nicole Miller via ideeli.com)