Happy Holidays

So Christmas is over, and New Years is upon us.

We had a great Christmas, we kept it small C-man is only one so we didn't need a ton of stuff. Not that you ever need a ton of stuff, but as parents I think we tend to go overboard- a lot. I was proud of myself for keeping in my budget this holiday season. I think a big part of my success is that I shop all year long. When I see a good deal, I buy it and I keep it in my "gift center" (read: rusty old shelf in the basement) until the appropriate gift giving occasion arrives. I currently have stashed a huge my little pony sea castle thing for my niece they go for $40+ and I snagged it for $5 or $10 I honestly don't remember. This year I also saved cash by making gifts for my 4 nieces. I made them tutu's and they loved them. It was great. Not that the holidays are about gifts, it's just I love giving so it's a bonus for me.

Sunny was here too so that was fun. For those of you who don't know, Sunny was our exchange student a few years ago, he comes back for Christmas. It's nice to have him around, he's a good kid. (Even though he's 20 now.) He has a great sense of humor and he's always willing to help. Though he does kind of make me miss my early 20's when I didn't need the sleep I'm not getting now.

In other great news I will be starting off the new year in good spirits, my car will be fixed, I got a new car seat for the little man, and I am going to clean the house. Well that's the plan anyway. I got my craft stuff out of Connors room, and moved into the basement. Now I just have to reorganize. I got him a toy box for his room (not that he has much but now we have a place to put it.) He got a bunch of cars for Christmas so now we have a place to keep them. He got some cute plastic little tykes cars from his Great Grandpa (James's G-pa K) and some cook rubber Tonka trucks from his grandma (James's mom.) My brother sent him some little musical toy in hopes to annoy me, but he's going to have to do better- we have lots of musical toys. He asked my what the most annoying toy he could get was, but I'm not telling. I'm not going to mention it here because even though I am sure he doesn't read this, with my luck it would be his first time when I say what I don't want my kid to have.

I got a video camera for Christmas, so look forward to some cute videos of my cute kid. :D And that's all for today. Anyone out there have a new years resolution or do you skip them?

Wordless Wednesday

Say a little prayer

 

Things have been crazy here, and I haven’t even drawn the winner yet for the jam. Sorry about that, and I’m not posting about that now. I just read a post from a fellow blogger (if I can call myself that) and I wanted to share her story. I cried the whole way through. So please whatever religion you do or do not subscribe to, however you pray, or send good juju, or whatever else you do- please do it for this family. I can’t imagine how they must be feeling.

Our Ordinary Life - Tragedy

Be sure to read the updates as well.

Holiday Gift Guide Vol. I Part III–GIVEAWAY INCLUDED!

This year I am very pro hand made business (bonus points if it’s from the USA but I’m not very exclusionary.) I just want to make purchases where it will make a difference to someone. While if we go and shop at Wal-Mart or Target, it may not make the same impact as shopping at your local mom and pop shop, or making a purchase from an etsy shop owner. So, please join me in making a difference in the lives of our neighbors this year. Even if you only purchase half of your gifts from home owned shops know you are making a HUGE difference.

WOLF CREEK CREATIONS

Apple Pie and Sweet Pepper

My Jelly. Yum!

Buy it here: Wolf Creek
What: Some of the yummiest jellies you will ever find.
Cost: 4oz jars start at only $3; Holiday packs including shipping start at $26 including shipping!
Who to buy it for:ME!  Great for the foodie, the hard to buy for person, the person you have no idea what to get, someone with a sweet tooth or you know anyone else on your shopping list.
Why: This stuff is so good! I am so happy with my choices! I have only tried two of my six jars and I am hooked. I originally found them looking for something to send my dad for Christmas. However Crystal (the lovely lady behind the jelly) had some fun and games on her page where her fans got to rename the jelly; so my husband suggested the name “Sweet Magma” for the hot pepper jelly and he won! So I got to try some out too! I was really impressed with the packaging, I liked that she used a lot of packaging, and it was mostly "green" too! I am a huge fan of packaging with paper. 

I have to tell you her chocolate covered cherry is AMAZING! It tastes like a cherry cordial, and it’s not too sweet. I have eaten almost the entire jar by myself. It’s fantastic on toast, pb&j and I am sure just about anywhere else you might think to use it. I am thinking of trying it in some thumbprint cookies. I am telling you I think I am going to order a six pack of this stuff because I do not see myself getting sick of it. I have also tried their Apple Pie (soon to be renamed Apple-licious) It really tastes like Apple Pie filling. It was also awesome on toast, I was thinking it might also be good a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or again anywhere else you can think to use it. It’s sweeter than the chocolate covered cherry. Another great thing is she has some sugar free options available as well. All of the jars are sealed and dated with the day they were made, so you know you are getting a fresh and super yummy product, made with love.

Here’s the best part! Wolf Creek Creations wants to share their jelly with you too! They are giving away two jars in your choice of flavor! All you have to do is like their page, and leave a note saying you came from “Becoming Mom.” Then come back and fill out the rafflecopter form!


US only please!

Holiday Gift Guide Vol. I Part II

 

This year I am very pro hand made business (bonus points if it’s from the USA but I’m not very exclusionary.) I just want to make purchases where it will make a difference to someone. While if we go and shop at Wal-Mart or Target, it may not make the same impact as shopping at your local mom and pop shop, or making a purchase from an etsy shop owner. So, please join me in making a difference in the lives of our neighbors this year. Even if you only purchase half of your gifts from home owned shops know you are making a HUGE difference.

TZ Burps

Buy it here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/tzburps?ref=ss_profile

What: Some of the worlds most adorable plush buddies and other accessories.

Cost: $8.00 and up

Who to buy it for: The kid in your life, or just the person who loves soft things.

Why: These plushies are so amazing! I had actually planned to post something else today for my gift guide, but this came in the mail today (in an adorable Christmas bag too) and I fell in love. It is super soft and so so sweet. The owl I have is the one pictured above, it’s called the Woodland Owl. I love it, the colors are warm and cozy, and this is well stuffed and super cuddly. I think it is going to look perfect peeking out the top of my little guys stocking for Christmas. The stitching is nice a even, all of the cuts are clean and crisp,the orange details are a little lopsided, and one ear is a little larger than the other, but I think that gives it character. This little guy is stuffed too, no skimping in that department either. It makes for a cute little pillow. I know anyone would love this. So go buy two! TZ burps has other items available as well. Hats, bibs, taggy blankets, fishes, monsters, and more! Here are a few items from their etsy shop:

 

Girly Tooth Pillow Owls                                                                  Fish Friend

 

                        Gift Set                                                              Crinkle Bird

So go now and buy from her, these are amazing! I love them, they are so worth it!

 

 

If you or anyone you know would like to be featured in my Holiday Gift Guide, please let me know! I am happy to share include you, (preference given to those who make something available for review.)