Christmas Story

This is universally cute.

{via Leigh vs. Laundry}

This is how we decorate

This year we went out and cut down our own Christmas tree.  Neither Dave nor I really know what qualifies a "good" tree.  Quite honestly, we're clueless.  But we bundled W, braved the FREEZING cold and hitched a ride on the trailer to the tree farm.  

What we came home with isn't quite the fullest, tallest or straightest tree, but we had a good time scouting out an evergreen that seemed to fit the bill.  I suppose it's about making memories, right?  

Here she is.  Even W is excited.  

Both boys really just wanted to use the saw.  W would have preferred to run around in the field, saw in hand.  

Afterward, when it came time to decorate the tree, I risked my body and tried to string lights.  Those needles are sharp!  And W taught us a, perhaps, more efficient way of decorating the tree.  Something like unto treating it like a basketball hoop.  (sorry for the grainy iPhone/dark room video).

Good oatmeal

I make a mean bowl of oatmeal. At least W thinks so.

Hints for: Him

For the dream boat in your life.  (Or for the brother-in-law you just know what to get.)  

1.  Honestly, who doesn't want this?  

2.  TIMEX Watch.  So classic.   

3.  Michael Jackson + Game System = Possibly the best entertainment ever.  

4.  Not a fan of jerseys?  Me neither.  Try a vintage-esque version of his favorite team.  

5.  You'll see this on the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, but really, it's the best down around.  Practically weightless.  Sooo warm.  Tried.  Tested.  Approved.  

Hints for: Little One

1.  Custom and/or creative crayons

2.  Rumba Watch

3.  Winged Sneakers

4.  Best baby toy of all time

5.  Classic Ramona Set

6.  Really Cool Teepee

Hints for: Her

I don't know about you, but I've got to get rolling on my Christmas shopping.  When I hear people say they only have one more gift to get, they're already finished, or that their presents are already wrapped and under the tree...I die a little inside.  

But I've been doing some homework, and here are some ideas that maybe, just maybe, could be the perfect gift for someone on your list.  

1. Ina's New Book.  Fail-proof recipes.    

  

2.  Nestling Birds Necklace

3.  Hand Embroidered State Pillow.  

4.  Soup and Sandwich Tray.  What's not to love about fancy presentation to comfort food.

5.  Windowsill Herb Garden.  For the person who has everything?

6.  Lovely Bowls.  

7.  Favorite T.  How 'bout multiples?

8.  I agree with Oprah.  Sequins + Ugg = Perfect

9.  Personalized Service Wares.  Personalized gifts are always a fave.

10.  Something I want...that you might too

  

Random: Black Eye

• So I was blog hopping.
• That was my first mistake.  
• Saw a picture of a friend of a friend.  Who is prego.  
• Like, super pregnant.  
• She showed her obligatory baby body/profile shot.  
• All cute and TINY.  
• t. i. n. y. 
• This girl's got weeks on me and I look (and feel) like my baby tum could barrel over her entire body.  
• I felt like I'd been punched.  
• Then I wanted to punch her.  
• By the looks of things, this little lady of mine is plenty healthy.