New Year, new look, new outlook

As a new year dawns I decided it was time for some changes. Changes in all aspects of my life... but the one that you will notice the most is the blog lift that I implemented late last night/early this morning.

The new look of the blog more closely resembles my own personal attitude/personality. The Mother Earth theme has much meaning to me both spiritually and as a parent.

And I love, love, love my new button that I designed! It is so classy and gorgeous. Absolutely amazing (though I am a little biased).

For the new year blog wise I will continue to bring you new and interesting product spotlights and giveaways! I will continue sharing my thoughts on life in general.

And one thing that you may have noticed in the blog lift is a name change. The new name "Optimistic Beauty" signifies my outlook on the year to come. My little family has been through many changes in the last couple of months. I am optimistic that we will continue to adapt and flourish in our new journey.

The changes that aren't so obvious to you are the more personal ones. My girls and I will continue our journey on our own up North here.

I am endeavoring to become organized again! Organization went out the window when my children were born. It drives me bonkers, and I'm hoping to get back on track.

I have also set a goal to pay off a significant portion of my debt load, start saving for a rainy-day, and eventually start saving for my retirement.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2009 is a great year for all!

Winter Wonderland

While much of Canada has been covered in snow for awhile now we just got our first dump in time for Christmas. Its absolutely beautiful around here!

Yesterday Miss Tala & I headed out to the golf course and did some sliding. Such a little daredevil she even tried to convince me to let her go down the jump on her own! Me being the chicken poop that I am said no way jose!

I screamed all the way down the hill the first couple of runs.... lol... there was no way I was going off a jump - no matter how sweetly she asked! I have my limits!

You can kinda sorta see Tala here.... right in the middle of the screen - heading down the hill all by herself - I told ya - she's a little daredevil!

Its still snowing here... and supposed to get way colder next week!

Now that's what I call breakfast!

My Dad is a food enthusiast. He enjoys good food. So when we go out for breakfast the destination remains steady. Sunday is Crest Hotel Day... being that its a huge snow storm today we decided to go out while we had the chance.

Usually we grab the kids bacon & eggs to share... but today to change things up I got them the waffle bar. $5.99 each kid (under 6) so not too shabby for such a fancy schmancy restaurant. $8.99 for adults... and I think that I'll be hitting that up next time we head out for breaky!


That's right! Smarties and gummie worms for breakfast. Every little kids dream :O) I made them add some fruit too! Malie is a huge peaches fan, Tala is all about the strawberry.


So if you ever happen to be in Rupert be sure to stop by the Crest Hotel! Amazing food and an amazing view! The Waterfront Restaurant is amazing for its view of the harbour. Definitely among the best that Rupert has to offer!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Bargain Hunting Mommy! Thank you for standing by my through my first year of blogging. What a blast! :O)

A huge thank you to Mommyknows who kicked my bum into gear and got me blogging in the first place! Without that I wouldn't be here today having so much fun!

What can you look forward to in the next year? More contests - most importantly my Beat the Winter Blahs Event that is set to launch on January 15th! At posting time 25 amazing sponsors were up to the challenge of helping you Beat the Winter Blahs! A huge thank you to everyone who's signed up! And readers - you will not be disappointed - there is an amazing selection to choose from :O)

Our plans for Christmas this year are pretty small... tonight we will open our gifts from Santa (yeah I know I fired him - but its family tradition)... I bought us all Christmas PJ's which we will wear for our annual Christmas Photos.

Tomorrow morning we'll open stockings... have some yummy breakfast and then jump into the presents. We have a huge selection under the tree and there's still more to come! Holy moly oly! The girls have been great with not getting into the presents - though I cannot report that the goodie tray has fared as well. But it is Christmas and that's what matters the most!

I managed to pull Christmas together this year without the use of credit - so that's pretty gosh darn awesome as well! Got paid today and there's a couple stocking stuffers to pick up for my Dad but that's about it. I was contemplating grabbing a Tim Hortons giftset if there are any left. $11.95 is a great deal for a China Mug & Travel Mug combo!

And so my bloggy friends I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Skating in a Winter Wonderland!

Me, my Dad & the Girls headed out to Oliver Lake today for some winter fun. After freezing our bums off for much of the last 2 weeks the lake is completely frozen and definitely skate worthy! It was a blast. We brought out the hockey sticks and ball. My Dad named me "1st Star".... so that was fun!

Tala and Malie were fighting over Mommy attention though so it was difficult at times. All in all it was a great time by all!



Tala is quite the little skater.. but not as good as the show off in this video ... aka Grandpaw! What a hambone... now I know where the girls get it from!


And just incase anyone out there is in disbelief that I headed out on the ice today! Photo evidence!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

My girls have been coming home from preschool filled up with Christmas Carols.... they are so sweet! Thought I'd share a video from today. Please excuse my horrible voice! I have been suffering with a cold for 2 months and I sound awful!



Merry Christmas Everyone! All the best for 2009 from my family to yours :O)

Totally Free Christmas 2009!

This year I participated in the Totally Free Christmas 2008 through Frugalshopper and did pretty awesome. Things went well, but I was a tad disappointed that a couple sites went under and I lost out on almost $500 worth of gift cards. How disappointing!

I also developed a severe addiction to Starbucks coffee! And all my hard earned Starbucks giftcards ended up drank.... lol.

I did end up with a whole whack of free stuff through points & prizes. A good selection of giftcards for stores such as Chapters.indigo.ca and Toysrus.ca among others. I also through my own shopping, trades and random acts of kindness from my Frugal Family ended up with $450 worth of Optimum points through the year.

Despite all this success I still ended up about $250 out of pocket for Christmas pressies and also Christmas decorations.

This year I am setting my sights a tad differently (aren't I so organized? Christmas 2008 isn't even over yet and I'm already planning for next year).

My goal is to garner:

$5 per week deposited into my savings account
$200 in Optimum Points (which cost me taxes on redemption only)
$50 in Starbucks Giftcards (my goal is to save half of what I earn online)
$100 in Reitmans Giftcards (through airmiles)

Get as many gifts through points & prizes as humanly possible!

Use HBC points to my benefit. I just redeemed for an amazing $100 piece of kitchenware for the same amount of points that would get me a $20 giftcard. Total no-brainer on my part! Woohoo!

I also endeavour to put half of any survey earnings that I get into a bank account to cover the incidentals!

Enter as many contests as possible for suitable gifts for friends & family!

If all goes the way I am hoping I would like to be less then $100 out of pocket for next Christmas.

All that being said when I'm out shopping around and I find a great deal on a product I cannot resist picking it up! So I may have to dip into my survey earnings to pick up those items through the year!

I also endeavour to be totally done Christmas Shopping by December 1st next year! This is the first year ever that I haven't been done early!

I will keep my goals outlined in the column to the right, down near the bottom. And will update everyone as I go!

Wish me luck!

Sorry Santa! But you're outta here...

Perhaps I am the true Scrooge of the North but I have just fired Santa. Not literally (I have no control over who the mall dresses up)... but figuratively.

What do I have against the jolly big guy? Nothing really, but why should he get all the credit?

Sorry Santa but this gifts mine! After scrimping and scrounging and finding every loophole, and money saving endeavour possible I fully intend on reaping the hugs and appreciation that these gifts generate!

I will more then likely make the stocking from Santa, but the big pressies will be from Mom!!! With Love!!!

Hopefully Santa enjoys his night off!

Skin MD Natural Review

Recently I was contacted by Skin MD Natural with an offer to review their products. Being that we live in Northern BC and the wind is so cold and so strong that it cuts right through you, I jumped on the opportunity. And let me tell you this, I am so glad that I did!
The products that were sent for my review are the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion & Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion with SPF.

Never heard of shielding lotion? Neither had I. This is what their website says:

If you‘ve been looking for a skin care product that can heal dry skin and keep the ravages of time at bay, take a look at a breakthrough based on years of research by doctors and chemists - shielding lotion.

A Shielding Lotion is far more effective as a dry skin treatment than conventional moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion doesn't solve the problem. A shielding lotion does much more than just treat dry skin – it’s a new kind of skin care product that makes a real difference to all skin types.

Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

These lotions are amazing. I have been busy hitting up every relative, friend and coworker up for their opinions on this lotion. And the reaction is unanimous approval. I have not had one person who wasn't impressed by how quickly this amazing lotion rubs into the skin. Its like a magic show how quickly it absorbs into your skin. I have never found a product that rubs in so quickly, and without any sort of greasy residue.

I have been a long standing fan of Aveeno products but after using the Shielding Lotion I cannot stand the residue that Aveeno leaves behind.

Gentle enough for use on babies over 6 months old, and formulated so that you don't have to think twice before using it on your face. My 4 year old gets these dry patches of skin on her face during the winter. A little dab of shielding lotion daily and the dry patches have disappeared. The huge red circles of dry, itchy skin are gone - all you can see is her beautiful face.

One of my testers has bad eczema and was so skeptical about giving it a try. Every lotion she tries leaves her skin burning, and some even make it worse. Rest assured though, she loved it just as much as I do!

Its a great lotion, absorbs so quickly and completely, has a very light fragrance (barely noticeable and not from the addition of perfumes), and is high on my list of must have beauty products!

A little bit of lotion goes a long way, so each 4 oz bottle will last you approximately 1-2 months with daily use.

SkinMD is so positive that you will love their products that they offer a complete money back guarantee, just return the bottle and they will refund you the entire purchase price of the bottle. But trust me - you will not be returning this product!

Still not convinced? SkinMD offers sample packages free of charge when you mail in a self-addressed stamped envelope, or for a $2 charge they will take care of the leg work for you!

Interested in putting in an order? Fill out a short survey letting them know that you found their site through this blog and SkinMD will send you samples along with your order! The short "10-second" survey is located at the bottom of the order page

Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

I'm broke... err I mean Christmas! Yesterday and today have been power shopping days for me around town. I am pretty much finished Christmas Shopping. Tala has half of a pressie for Grandpaw left to pick up... and Malie wants to get him a new Coffee Bean Grinder as his fell off the counter and broke. Thankfully it still works as we can not function without our Kicking Horse Coffee around here - its soooooo good :O)

Also on the list of things to buy today was a collection of Christmas Ornaments as we had none. $50 later and I got a great assortment plus a totally funky Christmas Wreath. No lights though... they were totally sold out at Zellers. Hopefully we can track some down tomorrow.

The girls had a huge hand in selecting the ornies. And the neatest thing is that I finally got to do a tree the way I want to. The colours aren't overly traditional... and really have no theme other then being gorgeous. All the pretty sparkly ones were selected by the girls. They are so proud of everything.

Here they are with their Christmas Tree Loot!

I'll post more pictures once we get them on the tree. First we need a tree stand... and lights. We have lots of pressies to go underneath though! Still need some stocking stuffers but other then that we're set! Hooray!

Looking like it'll be a great holiday for me and the girls. They're so excited!

A Post for Mommy Knows

And for anyone who loves beautiful nature shots!

As I was walking to work this morning I couldn't help but notice how absolutely gorgeous the moon was! Huge, full moon that was a glow with beauty. Combine that with the sunset and you have the reason why I call Prince Rupert the Most Beautiful Place on Earth!

Of course I didn't have my camera with me, but I did have the second best thing.... my camera phone!


This one was taken from right down by the harbour... the next picture from up by Summit Park. You can really see the moon in this second picture... though the sunset isn't as clear. Darn phone camera!


Enjoy!

eblankies Review - A Must Read

So tonight's review is very dear to my heart. As I mentioned yesterday I received an amazing package from Eileen of eblankies. I had initially approached her in regards to sponsoring a giveaway with A Bargain Hunting Mommy on the Go! She agreed and sent me out a care package for myself and the girls. When the package arrived I was flabbergasted and could not believe how wonderful everything was. Far exceeding my wildest expectations. I had the most amazing sleep last night all cuddled up in my new blanket from eblankies.

As much as I love these blankies I was so worried as how I could possibly manage to get across in writing and pictures exactly how luxurious these blankets are. When I say that they are the softest, most beautiful, cuddle worthy blankets imaginable I am not joking. And yesterday when I posted that these blankets are the most beautiful items that I have ever owned, I am not exaggerating in the least.

So after careful deliberation I decided that the best way to share these blankies with you in all their wonder was through pictures. My daughter's have fallen in love with them, and even came home today with an art project today dedicated to Tala's Princess Blanket (you should have seen my Mommy Smile at that one!).

These blankets are perfect for babies right thru to grown-ups... and are a great addition to any bed or couch. I'm cuddled up in mine as I blog my little heart out tonight. The quality is amazing, and the little extra details that come along with the blankets are what make them stand out in my eye. The fabrics are amazing, each of the blankets is made of a different fabric, but still presents the exact same comfort and great style.
As you can see from the above pictures these blankets are very well designed, and just plain gorgeous!

I am so sad that Eileen has made the decision to close up shop as of December 31st, 2008. So if you're in the market for a wonderful blanket that will bring smiles to the faces of the recipients you need to act quick! Everything in her shop is currently marked down 20% and well worth the price tag!

Eileen is so confident that you will love her blankies that she offers a full guarantee on them.

Visit eblankies here!

This blankie is so similar to the one that Tala received that I can personally guarantee squeals of delight from the lucky little lady that brings it home!

Thank you so much Eileen for your kindness to me and my girls. I will never forget this wonderful gift that you have given us.

ZuZu's Petals Creations Winner Announced

The winner in the ZuZu's Petals Creations Contest has been drawn. One lucky reader will bring home a giftcard for $25 for use at ZuZu's Etsy Shop!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

15

Timestamp: 2008-12-11 03:33:17 UTC

Congrats Misty!

Misty said... 15

im a follower.
mommy2skie@yahoo.com

I will contact you via email shortly!

Just Like Christmas

Today I felt like a child ripping into their Christmas Present when I got home from work. It was a long day full of meetings, and non-stop running around. But my goodness did the goodies waiting for me when I arrived home make my day a million times better. And then the smiling faces of my children when they arrived home from school and saw the goodies made my day two million times better!

Awhile back I found an amazing Etsy Seller... eblankies. I contacted her about the prospect of doing a review and/or giveaway with her. We made arrangements, and she was going to send me a blanket for review.... well she went above and beyond and sent each of us a beautiful blanket that are so amazingly soft and divine that it is all that the kids and I have been able to talk about today! I am so sad that Eileen has decided to close her shop doors effective December 31st due to new regulations coming into play in the US for Children's Products. However, while the giveaway will not go ahead, please check back tomorrow for a full review along with links to her shop. Her blankets are the softest, most beautiful items that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. When I contacted her this evening I mentioned that they are the most beautiful items that I have ever owned, and that is not an exaggeration. They truly are the most beautiful items that I have ever been blessed to have. I thank Eileen from the bottom of my heart (oh gosh now I'm crying) for her generosity and for helping my daughters and myself make our new home more of a home. These blankets are actually so soft that even my dear ole Dad could not resist cuddling up with Tala's pink princess blanket on the couch - now that says a lot about how irresistable these blankets are!

So please be sure to check back tomorrow for a full review on her wonderful shop!

Here is a picture of everything that arrived today... notice how excited Malie is!
In addition to the blankets today the mail person delivered a tote bag from rainbowswirlz (you will see more from her in January!), a Christmas Parcel from a Frugal Friend (all the Dora items), a book from Chatelaine Magazine's 10,000 book giveaway and my Skinit (that I won through Thoughts from the Mrs - which I totally love btw and will review down the road).

Oh and there's something missing... I realized after I took the picture that I left out a beautiful pair of earrings sent to me by Etsy Seller Red Bess Bonney Creations! Now the reason is quite innocent - I was wearing them!

I apologize to Susan for the poor quality of this photo... it does not do these earrings justice. They are moonstone & pearl earrings... and they are gorgeous! I love them to pieces and will be wearing them to work in the morning.

Speaking of work... I really must get my bottom off to bed! More tomorrow!

But before I go have you checked out Etsy yet? If you haven't I strongly encourage you to do so. The quality of goods is absolutely amazing, a must have for anyone who feels strongly about handmade items!

Beat the Winter Blahs Giveaway Event!

I am currently accepting applications to participate in the "Beat the Winter Blahs Giveaway Event! This contest will follow the same pattern as my wildly successful Christmas Wishlist Extravaganza!

~*~ A new sponsor will be revealed everyday for as many days as I have sponsors lined up.

~*~ Each giveaway will run for 7 days!

~*~ Blog readers will have the opportunity to receive up to 6 entries into the contest, including visiting your shop and picking their favorite item, blogging about the contest, and making a purchase!

Think you have what it takes to get my readers excited for Spring and past the winter blahs? Do you have a product that you would like featured? Please contact me at bargainhuntingmommyblog(at)gmail(dot)com

I am looking for innovative products for any and all members of the family. Only products that are PG-13 will be considered. This is a family blog and I'd like to keep it that way :O)

Have you found this page after being contacted by me? You should be honored! That means that I have come across your product and found it to be of high quality, innovative, and worthy of a review on the A Bargain Hunting Mommy on the Go! Blog.

I am always on the lookout for new products to spotlight, and if I haven't found you yet, please let me know and I will be happy to work with you to promote your product!

This is a great opportunity to get out there and get your product on the lips (or fingertips) of consumers.

I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you!

MamaWess Winner Announced!

The winner in the Mama Wess Contest has been generated courtesy of random.org! Congrats to AmandaSue! What will you spend your $20 on?

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

38

Timestamp: 2008-12-09 05:49:39 UTC

AmandaSue said... 38

Toothy Tooth Fairy Pillow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8261196 is my favorite, I love the pink color and it just looks so cute and friendly! My niece would love this for when she starts losing her teeth. Thanks for entering me.

November 29, 2008 9:45 PM

Congrats!

Woohoo! Awesome Win!

A huge thank you to IHChicky over at Everything Up Close. Last night I was sitting in my living room on my computer doing my blog contests. It was laundry day so I was wearing a pair of jeans that don't fit very well after my weight loss... and I was so frustrated about the waist band exposing my back and undies... major major frustration for a lot of women I'm sure.

I had previously seen her contest for IsABelt, but hadn't entered as I figured it wasn't a product I would actually use... until a lightbulb went on in my head! I need that! LOL... so I ended up putting in a last minute entry and was so surprised when I checked my email this morning and won :O)

(Not to sound preachy or anything like that but....) Let that be a lesson to everyone! You can't win if you don't try... seems so simple but I catch myself every so often complaining about a dry spell and then I realize that I've fallen off the bandwagon again.

This year I am up to over $1800 in wins through various sources... yay me!

I cannot wait to receive my IsABelt and you can bet your bottom that I will be showcasing it for you after I do.

Adorn with A&M Winner Announced!

This Bargain Hunting Mommy on the Go! is so totally jealous that someone is going to get an amazing purse for only $10 from Adorn with A&M. Which one will you choose? My choice of course would be the Medieval Magic purse!

Totally adorable, and totally one of those fashion accessories that would have people asking "where did you get that from?". High on my list of must haves!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11

Timestamp: 2008-12-08 16:12:44 UTC

Congrats cathyhall!

cathyhall said... 11

I am a follower.

November 26, 2008 11:49 PM

I will be in contact with you via email shortly. Please confirm acceptance of this awesome prize within 48 hours. If I haven't heard from you within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn!

Simple & Classy Winners Announced

A huge thank you to Jen over at Simple & Classy for today's contest drawing. She has generously offered 3 lucky Bargain Hunting Mommy on the Go! readers the opportunity to bring home any item of their choice from her site!

A huge congrats to the winners drawn by Random.org a couple minutes ago! micaela6955, Andreah & Mommyhood is Thankless are our winners!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

59 51 9

Timestamp: 2008-12-06 02:48:17 UTC

Congrats you three! I will be in contact with you via email shortly, after which you will have 48 hours to respond confirming acceptance of this prize!

A little note...

Hello Bargain Hunting Mommy on the Go! readers. I am currently in the middle of a huge working transition that sees me working 2 jobs. Tonight thru Friday and then repeating next week will see me working 11 hour days. I am exhausted, but am proud to be bringing home money for the kids, and being able to afford to buy little things that will help me in my new career!

I haven't forgotten about you guys. I appreciate your readership and will have some more amazing contests coming up in the coming weeks.

Working on the contests is a huge passion of mine. I truly enjoy the entire process of finding new and amazing products to share with you (my readers), writing the reviews, and then hosting the contests. It is so exciting for me to be able to do this. An amazing opportunity. And I am so thankful for all my amazing sponsors who have put their trust in my abilities. I have received some amazing feedback from my sponsors, and also from my readers.

In the new year I will be working towards a new contesting format, and am in the process of ironing out another event! My Bargain Hunting Mommy's Christmas Wishlist Extravaganza was a huge success and I'm hoping to see an even better turn out. So be sure to pass this blog on to all your friends and family!

And if you haven't already had the chance I currently have 3 contests running! Current giveaways are always listed on the top right hand corner of my blog. Plus, if you're curious to find out who's won the coveted items as of late right under the current giveaways section is the recent winners.

Once again I thank everyone for taking the time to stop in and read this blog. It truly is exciting for me, and as I transition down to one job I will be around more and more!

Zuzu's Petals Creations - the Review

Sitting on my table yesterday when I arrived home from work was a little white package. I love mail, its like Christmas everyday of the year.

Enclosed in that little white package was the most amazingly detailed pair of earrings!

That's right! My new pair of earrings from ZuZu's Petals Creations arrived. These Athena Little Owl Earrings are absolutely adorable, and very unique. They are a tad bigger then I had anticipated (darn metric system)... and so I was a little worried at first that they would be too heavy. I was so relieved when they weren't. They sit perfectly in my ears and I adore them!

The little owls in the picture above are done in silver, the ones I received are done in copper. The copper adds a little bit extra to the owls. Both pairs are exquisite, however the copper adds a little bit more of a rustic charm.

I'm currently in the middle of a very long 2 week long training session in my new position and so I can use all the help I can get in the intelligence I can get! Remember I posted the excerpt from Yvonne's website?

A Little Tidbit... Owls have been connected with mythology and mystical symbolism since the earliest of civilizations. The owl has been used to represent many different things both good and bad. It is the symbol for the "m" sound in Egyptian hieroglyphics and is often drawn with a broken leg to keep the bird of prey from coming to life. In Greek mythology the owl is connected with the goddess Athena and is used to symbolize WISDOM. The Pawnees view the owl as a symbol of PROTECTION. ....Basically, when you wear these earrings they will protect you and make you more intelligent. Alright, that might be a stretch, but, they will make your ears look GREAT!

Regardless of whether or not these earrings make me feel more intelligent or protected... they sure do make my ears look great!

If you want to win a pair of earrings from ZuZu's Petals Creations please check out the contest I am currently running. It ends December 9th and you could bring home a $25 gift certificate for use in Yvonne's Shop!

All purchases from ZuZu's Petals Creations also generate a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation so you'll have gorgeous ears and be helping in a greater good!

A 4 Year Olds Wisdom

We can all learn a thing or two from our children... I must remember to ask her what she thinks of the coalition government in the works!

My little future David Suzuki!

Room Threads Winner Announced

One lucky lady out there is set to receive a $25 gift certificate to Extreme Home Makeover Recognized seller Home Threads!

Thank you to everyone who participated. There was some amazing feedback and I can tell that you all love Sue's beautiful totes as much as I do!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

24

Timestamp: 2008-12-03 04:28:57 UTC

Congrats Whimsical Creations!

Whimsical Creations said... 24

I love the R.E.D. Tote with a Reversible cover pink and moss green palette.

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

I will be in contact with you via email shortly. You will have 48 hours to confirm acceptance of this wonderful prize. If for some reason I haven't heard from you within 48 hours a new winner will be selected from all eligible entries

December already?

Where oh where did the time go? My kids had their first piece of advent chocolate this morning so it must be so!

Christmas Party season has arrived and so I find myself a tad busier then usual! Between working at a Deli (my gosh Christmas Time is busy!), and my new job, plus making time for friends and family I'm running non-stop. So much fun to have an excuse to get out there and visit with everyone.

Christmas time is so exciting and I cannot wait for my kiddos to have the opportunity to open up their presents... and if anyone has any suggestions on how to wrap lumber it would be greatly appreciated!

LOL! And yes I am serious. My lovely, darling, most thoughtful 4 year old daughter has decided that she wants to give my Dad lumber for Christmas. His patio is a tad lopsided and falling down. So we don't use it. Its been out of commission for a very very long time. When we first arrived up North here she asked my Dad why we couldn't go out there, and he told her that he needed to pick up some wood to replace the porch, as well as redo the cement that supports the posts. So about a month ago I asked her what she wanted to get my Dad. She took my hand and walked me to the back window and told me wood. Isn't that adorable?

I was thinking of asking for a piece of scrap wood at Rona and then getting a giftcard?

Me and my Dad were looking through a home decorating magazine today and found an amazing wallpaper that I would love to find something similar to as my present to him. His kitchen has a black and white theme (has for eons)... and the wallpaper desparately needs to be replaced. So I was thinking that the white & black pattern that I found would be a great compromise. My Dad's house was built in 1918 and so the pattern is rather victorian, but at the same time its pretty modern (with the black & white).

Helene's Dreams Winner Announced

The winner in the Helene's Dreams Giveaway has been drawn. One lucky reader will receive this beautiful pair of earrings courtesy of Helene!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

32

Timestamp: 2008-12-02 01:07:46 UTC

Emily said... 32

The Oregon's High Desert earrings are my favorite - they're so earthy and original!

ecibelli(at)wellesley(dot)edu

Congrats Emily! I will be in contact you shortly to confirm acceptance of this beautiful prize!

If after 48 hours this prize remains unclaimed another winner be drawn!

Thanks Helene for participating in this giveaway. Your products are amazing!