When it comes to shoes I’m picky. Every detail must be right. If I were to choose another career path I believe it would be shoe designing, as most companies could truly use my help. There are some AWFUL ideas out there!! Companies I’ve found over the years that make shoes that don’t break the bank, are comfortable, and cute are Sofft, Poetic Licence, Mudd, Dansko, and Sketchers. Oh, they have blunders too – but all shoe companies do. Today though – we’re not going to talk ugly shoes…

Oh, hello lovers.

I do LOVE shoes. *sigh* I’ve been on the hunt for the “right” pair to add into my collection for CHA and beyond… and here are some that I did not get. A few? I WANTED but couldn’t get in my own size. Others? Well they’re not practical AT ALL. Here’s some of my favorites you won’t see me in this year…  Poetic Licence “London Calling”, Sketchers “Clog Crafter”, Fergie “Accente too”, Poetic Licence “summer bloom in mint”,  Dansko “Suzy”

Actually, you may well see me in the “Clog Crafters” (how CUTE is that name?!) or the “Suzy” shoes by Dansko. They’re still finalists…

update: I got ‘em!! Found the grey “london calling” shoes I wanted sooo much. victory is mine!

I like the sparkle. The detail. The hoopla surrounding this time of year.

I believe in not just focusing on my own immediate family here that I live with, but making sure to spread cheer and gifts to lots of people I care about. To send more happy mail, to enjoy each and every moment of the season. To let myself get carried away in a sea of glitter and giggles, spend an entire day doing a jigsaw puzzle or just laying around watching movies.

Whatever you’re up to this weekend, and this holiday season in general I hope you make merry. Have fun with it. Don’t justify or excuse yourself for stuff- just smile and enjoy whatever it is you are doing. If you don’t want to send cards or spread cheer – well that’s fine too!

I will just say that in my experience, *I* get the greatest joy from the season when I’m giving and spreading cheer to others.I get more enjoyment from giving gifts than whatever I might get – which is how it should be. I don’t focus on what I want, what I would like… I just make merry and trust the rest to fall in place.

Know what? I’ve found that it does.

The years I focus on me and don’t share holiday spirit? Those are the darkest and seem the least special in retrospect.

Just something to consider…

It doesn’t have to be expensive either. A card, email, phone call… reaching out can make someone’s day. Not to mention put a bright spot in your own day.

I’m off to make some memories, try some new things, and stick to some traditions as well this weekend. Enjoy!

Happy mail coming your way (just email me mflaum @ comcast.net with mailing info):

Jamie
april w
noelle
angie in co
mothtalk
marianne

The puzzle was intense (but awesome) – Miss E was able to do about 1/3-1/2 of it!!! We completed in a 24hr period!

A quick tin (gift) I decorated with Girls’ Paperie Tinsel & Twig + my favorite Cats Life Press stamp + doily.

Santa brought me these. SO pretty + way yummy…

Princess enjoying Christmas morning. She cracks me up!!

Best purchase of the week? Jason got chocolate dipped whoopie pies (shaped like trees) at Whole Foods. AMAZING!!

Hope you had a Merry & Bright kind of weekend – I’m off to get productive! I read 3 books, played lots of games, and enjoyed our (mostly) quiet holiday 4-day weekend. But I’m feeling itchy from all this relaxing. Time to get creative again!!!

I’m all about the holidays. I *love* giving gifts, baking, gathering for parties and dinners, the decorations… I’m all about December and all the celebration and magic it can hold.

I’m embracing it and rolling with it and enjoying all the special moments. I’m not doing my annual big baking, and my cards were about 2 weeks late going out… that’s ok. I’m going to do Valentine’s Day baking and I got my cards out at least so it’s a win. We’re good.

Seinfeld’s “festivus” episode = maybe my all time favorite episode of any show. It’s classic.

In keeping with tradition of festivus, I’m going to list my two issues, as my ‘festivus grievances’:

1. I am fully disappointed in the USPS and it’s lack of timely delivery. I get that holidays = slowed down service… but 3x the normal amount of time is REDICULOUSLY BAD BUSINESS if you asked me. *IF* I get some pkgs tomorrow it’ll be 3x normal speed, that is. Not cool. I’ve never experienced it quite this bad and it disappoints me big time. What’s the point of paying priority?! My own post office tells me that it shouldn’t be taking this long, that they’re “only slight delays”. Ugh. I want my photos and fun stuff!!

2. Holiday Cards. What is up?! If you’re not into it or prefer sending out e-greetings via email I understand… but truly there is something magical about getting a card in the mail. It’s my favorite treat this time of year. It was suggested to me that my lack of cards is because a lot of people only send cards to people who sent them cards first.

Oh please tell me this isn’t true.

PLEASE tell me people aren’t out there counting cards and doling them out only if they got one first. That breaks my heart. That so goes against all Christmas spirit!!! I sent cards out to everyone I could think of that I wanted to send a card to. If I get an unexpected card from someone I didn’t send to already or realize I forgot someone? I’ll send them one out asap. But I’m not holding cards or my happy wishes hostage.

Now that I’ve aired my grievances hopefully I can re-immerse myself into the magic of the season. Actually, I’m not at all worried. I already feel some magical ideas coming to me. Elizabeth is home from school for the next two weeks and they should be memory & good times filled.

Know what? I’m going to combine my current frustrations & turn them into a gift. I’m off to make some homemade cards + gather some little gifts for some of YOU. I’ll be back Monday to share & give you a chance to win…

until then – have a beautiful weekend!!!