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Birthday shopping Pandora style

Posted on December 4, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Without a doubt, I am a horrible person to shop for. I can never think of anything I want. When/if I do, I often do not tell people what I want for fear of my taste not being matched. Thanks to this, my birthday (next week) and Chanukah (begins at sundown next Friday night) are tough for people like my parents and my hubby. It is especially hard since they are usually at the same time or within days of each other.

Last year, my parents told me that they wanted to buy me a watch. Mine had died and was not worth replacing the battery. They are ~~addicted~~ hooked on Invicta watches. They have some gorgeous items, but no matter how long and hard I looked at items online at Shop NBC (or where ever they sent me), I never found anything I loved. Part of the problem is I like to see an item in person before I buy it. What if it doesn’t look right on me? Spending that much money for something meant homework.

When we all went to Disney World, I looked for a watch there, but nothing sparked my interest. As we approached another birthday, my mother mentioned something to me. She asked if I had ever thought about a Pandora jewelry. I had heard about them before, but had never seen them in a store.

Thursday, this all changed. I told my mother that I was really intrigued with the Pandora bracelets and charms. Thanks to seeing Aunt S and Cousin A’s bracelets at Thanksgiving I wanted to go to the store at our local mall. Mom was off work yesterday, so we went to look at this. All I can say is WOW! I was in love from the moment I walked into the store. The set up was amazing and the person who worked with us was patient and wonderful.

In the end, I finally picked out my birthday present for last year and this year. Here it is:

There are two little boy charms, one for NHL and one for JSL. I did not like the birthstone charms, so I looked at the Murano glass beads. I have a history with Murano glass. When TechyDad and I were in Las Vegas before we had kids, I fell in love with the Murano store at the Venetian. I stood for a long time debating whether to purchase something. In the end, I did not. The light green bead on the left is for NHL’s birthday in August and the dark green for JSL’s in May. Worked quite nicely! I also took a book and circled a Forget Me-Knot charm for hubby to get for our marriage/love/life together.

Forget Me-Knot

That one will go between the two Murano beads when I get them. I’m also eyeing an Angel bead, but want to see that in person first.

Angel

So my questions for this week:

Are you easy to buy presents for – whether birthday/holiday?
Is anyone else into Pandora? Would love suggestions from others.

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the MckLinky there if you are participating.

Aloha #76

Categories:
Aloha Friday birthday looking back me moments photos shopping

Black Friday 2009

Posted on November 27, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

I have to admit, I do not think I have ever gotten up before the sun comes up to go to Black Friday sales. My mother never did it, so I never caught the bug. Sure, there are things that interest me, but I am not into fighting crowds of people hounding the same deal of which there are not enough to satisfy the masses. I would rather stay home, cozy and warm in the house. My hubby works today, so the boys and I will stay home and do something special together. If we venture out it will likely be to a quiet lunch location and maybe the newly library.

On Thanksgiving I did head out shopping. I pulled out the newspaper and looked at the CVS and Rite Aid ads. A few things were very interesting to me because they were free or 99 cents. NHL was up and watching the parade while JSL and TechyDad still slept. I went to CVS first. The items I bought were close to $50 on sale, once I used my ECBs (which were expired, but this store accepts them), my total was $3.50 for the tax.

I could have done a little better had my coupons not disappeared. Still this was a great deal and I still have almost $35 of ECBs to use for another CVS visit. Oh and the candy was free with ECB and needed so I would not forfeit additional ECBs that I had to use.

After this I went to Rite Aid and had my $5 coupon from Fall Spending. I almost bought NHL the $20 Guitar Hero for the Nintendo DS, but my trusted friend that works at a gaming store said it was not a good plan for a child. So it was a no go. I spent just about $20 on sale items – my coupon. Of the $14 that I spent out of pocket, $12 will be coming back in Rite Aid rebate. The cost of the Hot Wheels cars was $3, so this was a fabulous deal, even without my missing coupons.

So, I bought all of the above items for under $7 out of pocket! It was so nice and quiet in the stores Thursday without many bargain hunters. Sure, I would love some of the deals on Black Friday, but I will enjoy the day home without the crazy stores. Now to see if there are any Cyber Monday specials.

My question this week:

Will you or have you already gone out to shop this Black Friday? What are your favorite places to go to? Please feel free to share the deals that you got.

BTW – Be sure to check out three giveaways that are going on right now: Softlips Winter collection, Movie Moments Prize Pack (4 movie tickets and cereal), and Sweet Ones Prize Pack. Another one for the kids will be coming soon (hint – it will be a Crayola product).

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the MckLinky there if you are participating.

Aloha #76

Categories:
Aloha Friday deals holidays me moments photos shopping

It’s the little things

Posted on November 24, 2009 3:58 pm by TheAngelForever

Yesterday, the little guy and I spent the morning with my mother. She had the day off because she will be working on Thanksgiving day. We went shopping looking for some last minute Chanukah gifts before retail craziness really begins. While at one of our stops, I bumped into a former colleague of mine. I had not seen her since she retired and asked her how she was enjoying her new retired life.

On that flip side, I was asked how I liked being at home with the boys. I told her that most days I absolutely love it, but we have our moments. Let’s be honest here, I think we could all say that about any day, whether at work outside of the home or with our children. I told my friend that I loved being able to be at events for my older son, now a first grader. I did not have to worry about asking for the day off, leaving substitute plans or any of that. In addition to that, I was watching the boys grow in front of my eyes. She told me that she never once regretted staying home when her children were little. My mother has always told me the same thing and I truly do feel blessed that TechyDad and I are able to make it work for our family.

Today was a perfect example of how it is the little things in life that I love as a stay at home mom. The little guy and I got ready to head to the library. It was story hour and I thought it would be good for him to get back into the swing of things. Today, there were at least 20 children there along with parents, grandparents and other adults in their lives. It was slightly overwhelming for my shy 2 1/2 year old. JSL eventually warmed up and started to participate in the songs and dances.

During that time, I felt a twinge in my heart. This was something that I never did with NHL. He was in daycare from the time he was one until he started PreK. I missed those moments of him singing and dancing, listening to stories and interacting with his peers. So when JSL asked to jump into my lap, I hugged him just a little tighter trying to cherish these moments a bit more.

After the stories were finished, there was a craft today. The kids were all able to make little turkey puppets. This was JSL’s first real craft time. When given the glue stick to use for the items, he was clueless. He quickly learned how to dab on some glue and toss a feather onto his turkey.

Once again, my mind was racing. I never saw NHL’s first time using a glue stick or other little milestones. So many things I missed with my first born baby. I know I can not dwell on them too much, but I do feel bad. Of course, on the flip side if I go back to teaching once JSL is in school full time I will not be able to do the things that I have done for NHL. I have been a room parent for two years now. I have gone into his classroom to help teach the kids about Chanukah, read stories, and participate in parties.

In the end, I hope that both boys will know that I love each of them with all of my heart. I will always do and be there for them as much as possible. On that note, it is time to wipe my eyes. *sniffle* *sniffle*

Categories:
jsl looking back me moments nhl photos sahm

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

Posted on November 23, 2009 8:40 pm by TheAngelForever

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

A new laptop that does not make funky noises, has all of the letters visible on the keyboard (not worn off), and is ready to roll. This is more practical than diamond earrings.
Train tickets and entry tickets to BlogHer ’10 for TechyDad and me to go in August.
DVC Membership – all Disney people will know what this is.
A nice new, bigger house with more space for all of us (dreaming big here)
Season passes for Six Flags again – lots of family fun.

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?

Love the afghans that my Aunt T and Mimi have made for us (hoping to have their patience to knit/crochet something that big one day). They are gorgeous. Also in love with the quilt that my Cousin M made us – wish I had her talent.

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?

Would love to make some larger knit items. Working my way up by knitting a baby blanket now for my nephew due in February.

4. What was the best ~~Christmas~~ Chanukah gift you received as a child?

Loved my original Cabbage Patch Kid that my parents nearly were killed trying to get for me. Her name was Christina and I took her all over for a long time.

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?

My 6 year old would like the Toy Story Mania Nintendo Wii game (loved the ride when we were at Disney World in May), Up, Bolt, books and not sure what else.He is at a tough age to shop for.

My 2 year old would like more Duplo LEGO blocks, Leap Frog Text & Learn, Cars/Trucks, Kota & pals Triceratops, Transformers RPMs, Nintendo Wii game for his age, and books.

6. What is your favorite holiday food?

Love potato latkes with apple sauce.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

Will be knitting some items for people. At least I think I will since Chanukah starts December 11.

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?

A Rugrats Chanukah

9. Favorite holiday song?

Hanukkah Blessings from Barenaked Ladies gives me chills. It is the most amazing and beautiful song (blogged about the song and our traditions here last year).

10. Favorite holiday pastime?

We’re Jewish . . . is there something other than eating?!

Feel free to play along. The amazing prizes up for grabs can be found here. Thanks to TodaysMama for all of the fun. You have until December 13 to join in.

Categories:
dreams holidays me moments photos web fun

To chop or not to chop

Posted on November 20, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It’s confession time here. I do not get my hair cut very often. Part of the reason is I have done hair donations several times over the years. Other reasons are that I am too cheap and never seem to have time to get it done. When I do decide to do something to my hair, it happens quickly and I just do it.

Before we went to Disney World in May, I went for a major chopping. I had 7+ inches cut off and felt fabulous. My hair was light, curly, and easy to care for. My only request when it was cut was to make sure I could still pull it back into a pony tail. This was crucial with the hot and humid temperatures in Orlando and summer coming here. The stylist was able to do just this.

Here is a photo of TechyDad and me in May. Please note when this photo was taken, it was already 90 degrees and humid that morning as we made our way into the Animal Kingdom.

I am getting antsy with my hair again. This weekend we are taking the boys to get their hair cut (I think) and I may just get mine done at the same time. Here is a photo that was just taken.

Oy! It was a no makeup kind of day here and out of control frizz issues with the hair, not a great combo. As you can see, my hair has gotten a lot longer over the last six months and could really use ~~another trip to Disney World~~ some freshening up.

So my question to you this week:

How often do you have your hair cut and do you usually go in with a plan?

BTW – Be sure to check out three giveaways that are going on right now: Softlips Winter collection, Movie Moments Prize Pack (4 movie tickets and cereal), and Sweet Ones Prize Pack.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the MckLinky there if you are participating.

Aloha #75