10th day of Christmas

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Carols I love almost all Christmas music. I love when it FINALLY comes on the radio but hate that it is abruptly stopped by Christmas evening.....boo One of my favorites is Christmas in Dixie as I always remember listening to this with my mom growing up. They hardly ever play it on the radio (even here in the south) so that maybe makes it more special. Also love holy night , O come O come Emanuel, and Angles we have heard on high. I am creeped out by the Christmas shoes song just as much as my SIL Kathryn

9th day of Christmas

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Since apparently Dutch thinks this is my "go to recipe" (in full disclosure Ive only made it twice) Ill share it will all of you. My friend Sarah actually made this for a last hurrah girls get together before her precious baby Anna was born. So she gets all the credit : )

Pumpkin Fluff

1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

This makes 32 servings so its great for a party. I suggest halving the recipe for a more manageable portion. Serve with apple wedges and graham cracker sticks..... YUMMO

8th day of Christmas

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays
- That it goes by so fast

- The mall/roads/walmart/grocery store/etc are PACKED with crazies

- Its cold

- Dutch or I having to work and not being able to spend some of our holidays with his part of our family.

BUT luckily I have so many favorite things about the holidays to make up for it. : )

7th day of Christmas

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY 

This is a DIY/Craft that I have been dying to do! I will probably attempt after Christmas when I can get lots of shatterproof ornaments on sale at hobby lobby or something..... I have lots of DIY decor ideas but that will come in a few days when I get to show everyone my holiday decor this year : ) Cant wait! For now, check out this tutorial....

http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2008/12/no-wire-hangers-well-maybe-just-one.html

6the day of Christmas

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? 

We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!) 

 

Ok, I think I am almost caught up....

 

There are lots of things I would love this year but my fantasy is a new DSLR camera. I have outgrown my Olympus (its for sale.....$400 obo) which is an amazing camera and is my baby. However to grow my business and take my family portrait skills to the next level I have to upgrade (this is very common with photographers as you advance your skills. Cameras also hold there value so its common to sell to newer photographers) Also, cannon cameras will allow me to upgrade through their cameras and mix and match lens which is a huge advantage. For portrait photography there is a specific lens that works best and combined with this camera..... lets just say it will be awesome. Hopefully I will be able to sell my Olympus in the next few months in order to afford this new lady..... Check her out....

 

here

 

5th day of Christmas

So Im a little behind.... oh well... it will add some suspense.

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

 

My favorite movie isnt very festive but it always comes on tv around Christmas....

 

Here's a few hints....

Climb every mountain.....

Nothing comes from nothing.... nothing every could.....so somewhere in my youth, or childhood....I must have done something good

Dancing the Landler..... hands down my favorite part of the movie....

I started my Holiday movie watching early this year by watching all 3+ hours of it a few Fridays ago while Dutch was at work. Yes I live a very glamours lifestyle.

 

4th Day of Christmas

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season
Tip 1- If shopping for yourself and a big sale is coming up (black Friday etc) go before the sale (if you have free time??) and try on the things you like. That way, when you go to the store the day of the sale you can grab what you want in the size that works and go. No waiting in huge lines for a dressing room. Tip 2 - Make a list. I am list crazy. Some of my lists say to make a list for something else. That way I know what I got for each person and who is missing. That way I focus on one item instead of wander the store buying lots of random stuff. Tip 3- Set your budget (to correspond to the list) well before you shop. Helps keep you under check.  Tip 4- For close friends gift small ornaments or have a get together to celebrate each other. Tip 5 - Sign up for email lists for restaurants or stores that you know you will go to. They will send "thank yous" for signing up. New York and Company sends you a 20% off your purchase coupon. Chili's will send you a free app or free dessert coupon. Score! I have an old email address I use for this so if I do get junk mail from it later its not clogging up my main email address.