Now... it feels like Christmas

Last night my Mom and I decorated the house for Christmas, finally. Even though it was only like 3 days past due, it felt like forever, and I felt like I was failing the Christmas joy. But, we got it done, and the house looks great, and I just feel so ready for Christmas craziness to begin. Like others, it really is one of my favorite times of the year.

I've said it before that I just love giving gifts, I love the joy in peoples eyes as they open my gifts and seeing them so happy to get something I knew they wanted, or something they didn't know they wanted until they opened it up. I like to think I am a pretty good gift giver, because I truly think about it all year long, getting ideas and jotting them down.. and boy do I plan. (see this past Black Fridays post for more details on that)

This weekend it packed with some good fun.... that includes Christmas shopping... and a Christmas gift that has to take a little work... so wish I could post pics of the day (lets just say it is a handmade gift)

By the way, saw this ad and thought these were great ideas for Christmas gifts - personalized ornaments and a great deal on Holiday cards (if you haven't got yours out yet) I love Personalization Mall, I got a few gifts from there for my wedding party, and they were beautifully done - and SUPER quick shipping.

I also updated the Sweet Deals page with some news coupons, so take advantage of the savings, especially this time of the year!

I can see the weekend.... its peaking around the corner, halfway there!

Amber lee

Shopping, Food, and everything in between

These past couple days have been filled with lots of goodies (not all food) Guess I was still stuck in food/shopping coma and was to lazy to write... it happens.

Of course Thanksgiving was filled with family and good food... what more can ya ask for? And honestly, that about sums it up.

Friday, my mom and I ventured out for Black Friday, it's actually something we love... and let me tell you, we get some good deals. I think people are crazy for NOT wanting to go out! I calculated from receipts and promotions, etc, that I saved about $450-$500! How can you not be happy with that? I got 3/4 of my Christmas shopping done, in one day. This is why I love Black Friday shopping. We also never really run into crazy situations like every else says will happen, yes they do happen, just not to us yet.

I'll tell you there is a way to do Black Friday shopping that won't let you down, and that is to go out with a plan. For weeks I plan my Black Friday shopping... our route, what I want to buy, and I make sure I have as many coupons as possible. No craziness, no over spending, and always getting what I want. It's the best way to do it... plan it out - you cant go wrong.

The rest of the weekend was just relaxing...

I did get a chance to go down to Value City Furniture, which was awesome. They have some great deals and some lovely furniture.... I can see my wallet now, it has a lock on it, because I know exactly what I want to get.. time to start saving.

Now it is the Christmas season, and it is OK to listen to Christmas music. I refuse to listen to it before Thanksgiving, because it just takes the fun out of Thanksgiving. One Holiday at a time for me. We usually decorate the house Thanksgiving weekend, but we didn't yet, guess my mom and I have been lazy, but I plan on doing it this week. Then, let the fun begin. I have lots of plans for Christmas crafts and DIY projects, and of course lots of baking....

It's the most wonderful time of the year =)

BTW... I finally got into Pinterest.. one word - addicting!!

Amberlee

My Thankful List

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already tomorrow... this year has really flew by. But, in the time of being thankful, I wanted to let out all that I have been thankful for this year, because sometimes I don't always say...

I am thankful for....

*Having had an amazing wedding, with my family and friends, but most importantly, being able to marry my best friend, and soul mate, who I cherish dearly
*Being able to go on a honeymoon we will never forget
*Having both our amazing families, and being able to turn to them in any time of need (good or bad)
*A job, period. Because a lot of people out there need one, and can not find one.
*my cute little puppy Leo who keeps me company when I have no one else, because he follows me around 24/7, and I'm ok with that.
*Coffee... I don't know what I would do without it.
*A reliable car... can't say that for my husband's though
*All of the wonderful things we have acquired for when we move out, I truly feel blessed.
*The Home we will be moving into, and being able to start our lives, THIS I am so thankful for.
*Being able to continue my journey through weight loss... I know eventually I will get where I need to be, but I am thankful for how far I have come and the struggles I have been through - one day I will beat it.
*Having such a strong Grandfather, as he battles his way through fighting cancer
*My brother in law who has left his family and is overseas fighting for our country.


I am thankful to be here, alive, and well...

I am thankful for what lies ahead of me...

I am thankful.

Amberlee

Jam Packed Weekend

I meant to write this weekend... but I just didn't find a minute to spare, it was a jam packed weekend!

Saturday I went out shopping with my hubby and mother in law, getting some fun stuff, and curtains for the house when we move... I realized at this point how your view of shopping changes when you get older, and the things that make you excited, because these curtains got my excited.

We then went to dinner at Applebees, which is always so yummy, and ended the night at the movies to watch the new Twilight Breaking Dawn, which I thought was fantastic by the way, and now I have to patiently wait until the next and final one comes out.

Early Sunday morning (I'm talking like 2 am) my sister in law and nephew arrived in PA from California! My father in law flew out and drove back with them, yes drove across the states. They left Thursday morning and were here by Sunday, not too bad really. They are staying for a few months, which will be great to be able to see my nephew for an extended period of time.

My sister in law and I took him to see Thomas the Train, because he was visiting at the local railroad. He loved it, every time a train would whistle he would just freak out (he is 2 1/2 by the way) He also enjoyed riding the school bus shuttle we had to take, and that was all he talked about the rest of the way home, was that darn school bus.

Luckily it was a beautiful day, and we were able to play outside, in the large pile of leaves, he absolutely adored it. I got some pictures of him playing in the leaves, and let me tell you this was NO easy task, because he was constantly moving in those things, but I did manage to get a few good ones.

It's only a 3 day week for me this week.... that I am thankful for. I'm sure ready to start my holiday season, and get some shopping done!

Its the weekend..eeek!

Ohh Friday how I love the sound of your sweet name....

Because it obviously means its the weekend... whoop-whoop!

This weekend should be a good one... tonight the husband and I are watching the 3rd Twilight (Eclipse) again before going to see the new one tomorrow night in theaters (Breaking Dawn)


This makes me super happy, because I am a super freak when it comes to books and movies like this. I love sci-fi.. and everything about it. I think it is the idea of a completely different world then our own, and the possibilities of the unknown, boy does it suck me in. I mean some of my favorite movies and shows are obviously Twilight, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, TrueBlood, American Horror Story (new show on FX!) Chronicles of Narnia, just to name a few.


I don't care if I am 22 years old... I enjoy a good "kids" movie now and then... anything sci-fi, I'm in.



Also, doing a teeny bit of shopping to start of my Christmas shopping, there is a store having an "event" that I just can't miss because there are things there that I want to get for someone, so I can't give to much details! But, this is just some small items, I don't start the crazy shopping until next Friday!

I'm also finishing up a DIY project for the house... nothing big. I bough a filing cabinet for $2 at a yard sale a few months back, and just haven't had much time to finish it, but Sunday I WILL... I'll post some pics. I love getting deals and turning them into something great.. even if it's just a filing cabinet, we totally need one. Besides those things are like over $100 bucks for a good one! I just had to sand this one down, get the rust spots off and re-paint, which I picked the paint the other day to match the rest of decor that will be in that same room..

3 months... just so you all know. 3 months and Ryan and I will officially have our very own place to start our very own journey.

excitement... can't begin to explain how I feel. Blessed? Probably more of the word I am looking for.

Amberlee