Christmas is Near!

My darling CF has been asking me to give him my Christmas list, which I finally completed. We both agreed that we were going to have a "small" Christmas this year due to the upcoming wedding and it's related expenses. It's been hard for me to keep things low-key (because I LOVE buying and giving gifts) but I think I did a pretty good job with his gifts and stayed within budget. I got him one practical gift, one fun gift, one hilarious gift, one unique gift, and one gift that is not needed but nice to have! I think he'll like all of them. As far as my little list goes, check out what I've been eyeing this year :)

This gorgeous limited edition "Formal Attire" crystal flat iron by CHI

(Perfect for straightening my thick, wavy, and frizzy hair!)

The Bonjour Salad Chef from Williams-Sonoma

(Perfect for my homemade salad dressings!)

Some Vera Bradley items in my new favorite pattern - Very Berry Paisley!

(Perfect for all of the travelling I do!)

 This Peach Pitter from Williams-Sonoma

(Perfect for my obsession with peaches!)

A membership to the new YMCA in our town

(Perfect for getting in shape for our wedding!)



This cute little bowtie charm

(Perfect to add to my Pandora bracelet!)

If I get just one of these items I will be beyond happy! They are all so cute and so me! Did you make a Christmas list to give to anyone in your family? If so, which item is your favorite?

I Received One Of These!

Every year after Christmas, I go shopping with my mom and get lots of fun holiday items for 50-75% off. When I get home, I immediately pack them away in a storage bin so that the following year I have a bunch of new decorations! Last year, I even picked up 5 boxes of cute greeting cards to send to family and friends this year. I had every intention of sending them out and even purchased a custom return address stamp and 80 postage stamps. Then...I saw the cute holiday cards that Shutterfly is offering which stopped me dead in my tracks! I had the pleasure of seeing one in person because my lovely cousin, The Real Life Mom, sent one to Mr. CF and I. Let me tell you that I LOVE the matte finish and both the design and quality were amazing. I headed right on over to Shutterfly to check out what else they had to offer and I want to share some of my favorites!

I'm loving their Holiday Cards:

{Cranberry Joy Christmas Card}

I'm loving their Christmas Photo Cards:

{Retro Kaleidoscope Holiday Card}

And if you're throwing a New Year's Eve party and are looking for the perfect invites, they have those too!

{Funky Disco Ball Invitation}

Have you sent your holiday cards yet? If not, head on over before it's too late!

Need a little incentive? How about 50 FREE cards? If you're a blogger and would like 50 of these babies for free, click here to take part in this amazing offer!

Weddings Unveiled

My comment was featured on the Weddings Unveiled blog the other day! I expressed my thanks to all of the lady bloggers out there and won 50% off a holiday card order from a fabulous stationer, Delphine (who has been featured in every wedding magazine imaginable). Sadly, I am not going to be able to use this discount. If any of you are interested, let me know and I will find out if it is transferable.

{Delphine Holiday Card}

Your Gift Giving Guide - Part One {Ladies}

Tonight I'm sitting by the fire thinking about my favorite holiday, Christmas! I love Christmas for so many reasons. I especially love gathering with family at Midnight Mass. Last year I attended Mr. CF's church with  my mom and his family. I remember it being completely dark inside, with the exception of hundreds of candles held by each person in the room. The voices of those singing in the choir sounded like angels. The experience moved me to tears, just as it does every year.

Of course my faith, family, and friends are part of the reason why I love this holiday so much...but there is one more thing. GIVING! I love to give gifts. I love the anticipation I feel when someone is opening a gift I gave to them. Seeing the excitement on their face and seeing how loved they feel is priceless to me. I have never been able to give people expensive gifts but I have always tried to make the gifts I am able to give special and meaningful. I spend time thinking about each person before I go shopping and I think I like the thought and planning aspect more than I like the shopping itself!

In honor of it being the season to give, I will be posting a series of entries to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Tonight I will focus on the women in your life and every gift featured is handmade by an Etsy seller and is under $26.00!

Later this week I will be posting gifts for children! If you have a child or know of something a child would love, please comment and I will feature your gift idea! Also, feel free to comment with an inexpensive gift you'd love to give or receive this holiday season.

{Gifts for the Ladies}

For the Coffee/Wine Lover

Wine Coasters - $18 - Buy them here

Doily Coasters - $18 - Buy them here

Coffee Cozy - $10.50 - Buy it here

For the Jewelry Lover

Sterling Silver Letter Necklace - $23 - Buy it here

Jewelry Pouch - $16.50 - Buy it here

For the Technology Lover

Hand Stitched Camera Case - $20 - Buy it here

Cell Phone Case - $14 - Buy it here

For the Girl that Loves to Send Cards

Personalized Note Cards - $16 - Buy them here

Custom Address Stamp - $19.95 - Buy it here

For the Cook

Wood Grain Custom Recipe Cards - $20 - Buy them here

Reversible Half Apron - $25.75 - Buy it here

For the Bride-to-Be

To Have and to Hold Tote Bag - $15 - Buy it here

Crystal Bouquet Wrap - $25 - Buy it here

For the Girly Girl

Ruffled Neck Warmer - $24 - Buy it here

Knitted Cupcake Coasters - $13 - Buy them here

Doily Necklace - $12 - Buy it here

For the Traveler

Travel Laundry Bag - $20 - Buy it here

Fabric Luggage Tag - $12 - Buy it here

Mermaid Passport Cover - $18 - Buy it here

Let me know what you think and be sure to share your ideas on gifts for children of all ages!!!!!! Happy giving!