My Favorite Things: Holiday Edition

These are items I've gotten that I literally reach for day after day. It's not "oh that's cute it'd make a great gift!", it's "I will use this until it wears out so it's 100% a great gift". 

If you need some inspiration!

Hydroflask mug. This is one of those random things I didn't know I needed but I end up using it all the time. It doesn't have the stainless-feel to it like a regular hydroflask. It's actually soft to the touch. I got this for a gift last year. I saw someone post once that SAHMs should really be using travel mugs to keep drinks warm at home and now that's what I do, especially during the colder months. 

Cordless Hand Mixer. I can't remember if I got this last year or the year before because these last few years have really run together, BUT this is life changing. I don't like using a stand mixer because it takes up too much space. I hated using a corded mixer because the cord gets tangled and messy as it drags on the counter. This is amazing and is a must-buy if you use a mixer a lot. 

Long sleeve tee. While I spend summer always searching for the perfect short sleeve tee (TBD), I'm usually looking for a long sleeve tee by this point in the year. This one is a true favorite. I have it in brown but would definitely like to grab another color or two for Christmas. I'm really into basics in my wardrobe at this point. Don't believe influencers when they tell you to go to Gap or Madewell...I've tried those. This is better. 

Sweatpants. Okay, here's the path you're gonna take: American Eagle > Women > Pants & Sweatpants > scroll to the Everyday Luxe Jogger. They are not joggers. They are a true sweatpants and you will buy multiple pairs like I did because you were so impressed. I have dark brown and maroon but now they have black and gray and green!

Wireless keyboard and mouse. This is super similar to the one I have. Typing on a laptop is kind of the worst, right? I love the round keys. 

Suede boots. These are perfect for you if you do not want to spend the money on Uggs. They are an ankle boot and can absolutely be an outside shoe, although I usually don't go farther than the yard. I wear them mostly in the house and I love that they don't stretch out like clog-like shoes do. 

I posted what I want for Christmas a few weeks ago but would love to make an addendum: I checked out that planner IRL and it has too many boss-babe-esque quotes for me. So...still on the hunt for a planner if you have recommendations. 

Christmas Listing

*I bought a pair of white gold studs from Amazon almost 3 years ago. They are small. and basically the only earrings I wear in this season of life because I can leave them in around the clock. 

Then I lost one a month or so ago which was super disappointing. Adding these to my list. 

*I would also like some more wine glasses. We like stemless right now but I would do stem or stemless if I found the right ones. I like these on Amazon and I'm not willing to pay $$$. Any suggestions? 

*This extra-large tote in gray camo. Maybe with a monogram? It's for carrying All The Things. I cannot lie: I've been using a 99 cent Ikea bag to tote things to work every day. It's laughable. However, as my Kansas City friend (who was with me when I bought the bag) pointed out, it's couture in these parts because the nearest Ikea is 3+ hours away. 

*New slippers.  (gray, size 8 :)

I wear them out each year. Do those of you who buy the Ugg slippers wear them out? Or do $120 slippers legitimately last forever? I'm wondering if that would be worth it. 

The fabric on the top of these has worn off over the last few months. But I've worn them almost every day for about 15 months now, so I'd say I got my $40 worth?

*This lipstick that I posted a few weeks ago. 

*This is completely frivolous but I've also been looking for a black bag for years....so, speaking of bags: the medium Sutton in black. I have the medium Sutton in gray and I've worn it constantly since 2020 (called it a Mother's Day gift). I might call this a birthday gift. I don't know though, maybe I'll find a different brand. 

*I also like this one. The crossbody option is what gets me every time. I think I'm waiting to see if they come out with any new styles between now and January before I splurge. 

*This is also incredibly lame, but I need to get my world map reframed and the inconvenience and cost is just something I've been avoiding. The map is fine. The frame and glass broke when we lived in Pittsburgh and the map has been living rolled up in our closets ever since. 

*Also willing to take: books, Bible studies I'll attempt with the best of intentions (interested in these from A Daily Grace), a fancy planner I will get really, really into for 3 months*, and a popsocket for my new phone case.  I also will not turn down a Stanley tumbler. Like, I won't buy one. But I won't turn it away. If you get what I mean. 

*Do we remember when we thought the LifePlanner would actually change our lives? I wish we still lived in 2012. 

What's on your Christmas list?

Gift guides for kids coming next week. 

By "guide", I mean, "this is what our kids are getting for Christmas", in case you need ideas. 

Christmas Wish List.

Scott finally asked me what I want for Christmas. I literally sent him the list I keep in my phone. This is the list. (I haven't gotten a text message reply yet. That was on Friday.)

Nice slippers.  I haven't had a nice pair (over $30 defines "nice"), ever, and I just feel like I'm going to need something warm and solid for this winter, especially since I feel like I'll be spending a lot of time at home. 

This tote. I love my MZ Wallace bag that I got for Mother's Day in 2020. This one is bigger and I feel like it'd be so useful in winter, carrying scarves, hats, gloves, and all that around. 

Air fryer.  We borrowed a friend's air fryer over the summer and used it almost every day in lieu of heating up the oven. I know we'd get good use out of it. 

Full length mirror.  Ours finally broke, after 6 moves. I got my $50 worth out of that last one. Now it costs $60. 

White sneakers. I have slip-on leopard print sneakers and camo ones too. Both were $10 but I think I got my money's worth already. I'd like something more neutral and supportive I can wear socks with. Who follows any of the bloggers who buy the $500+ Golden Goose sneakers? Fools, right? 

Regular sneakers. I have had a horrible time finding comfortable sneakers for cycling/walking/hiking over the last few years. I tried on over 20 pairs a few years ago. I don't know if I use them enough to qualify for a new pair every year. I do wear sneakers a lot though. 

Bar stools. I may check out the local furniture stores. Online has nothing. I've been searching for months. 

And my frame on my map of the world broke in Pittsburgh so I would like it to be re-framed. 

What's on your Christmas list? 

What Wells is Getting for Christmas (2.5 years)

Wells turns 2.5 in January, so I consider him to be about that age for this Christmas when it comes to what gifts we are choosing for him. 

I intentionally chose Christmas gifts that encourage his imagination. 

He really enjoys building little worlds with his cars and trucks. I'm not all-in on the Montessori methods, but I want the pretend play, not the stimulation. We generally don't do toys that make noise (for my own sanity). He loves his little tool set and his crane and construction vehicles and he will happily play for 45 minutes by himself with those types of toys. We're not super into coloring right now, but he does like to paint. He can get involved in a puzzle if he wants to; same with books. Right now, he is anti-book and I haven't even been reading to him at bedtime. He yells "no book!" if I suggest it. He seems to prefer non-fiction and explanation, not stories. His favorite books (when he likes books) are about animals and vehicles. We've tried Disney movies and cartoons and he's just not into them right now. He loves Blippi and any cartoon that depicts how vehicles work or are put together (Leo the Inquisitive Truck or Ethan the Dump Truck). 

I kept all that in mind when I made a gift list for Wells. 

A slide

We go to a playground occasionally and he loves the slides. I bought this before I figured that out but I'm assuming this will keep him amused at times this winter. (Worth noting: I hate red, so I actually got the *last* green/blue one at the local Target. Woo hoo. There's a really pretty teal/green one too, but it's almost double the price and I wasn't sold on that aspect.)

Cleaning set

I love the idea of getting him a play kitchen, but I didn't want to go forward with a kitchen set because he doesn't have much interest in the kitchen. He loves to follow me around when I'm vacuuming, with his pretend vacuum. This is from my parents. They just mailed it here so we don't have to haul it home next month. 

Little People Garage

We've gotten a lot of mileage out of the LP School and the LP Farm. This is perfect for him. I *think* my parents may have my old LP House...I'll have to check. 

Busy Board

Time to work on the fine motor skills. 

Math books

He loves to count and particularly loves shapes, and the idea/premise of these books by Danica McKellar is just the best. 

I also got our 1 1/2 year old niece a busy board and the same math books. 

Blocks

He was never super into MegaBlocks and just likes the Duplos you can build vehicles with, like the fire truck and the tow truck. He's very into "building towers" so I thought more traditional blocks would be a good fit. 

Letter/number puzzles

This was an impulse buy. Will be useful though, I'm sure. 

A flashlight. 

He loves flashlights? And we never have one around when one is needed. So he and Scott are both getting a flashlight (or four). 

Plus: Slippers! And new winter boots. And another water bottle. And some cups. 

I know he's getting gifts from grandparents too, so that might be all for this year. I grabbed some water beads and kinetic sand and little crafty things, but we might be forgoing stocking stuffers and pulling all of that out to make it through December.

What do I need to get through a long winter at home with a two and a half year old? 

Linking up with Prime Purchases!

The Best Things I've Ever Bought (Christmas Gift Edition)

If you need a gift idea for yourself...

I don't do traditional gift guides on this blog, but my absolute guilty pleasure on the internet this time of year is reading blogger gift guides. 

Gifts are so specific. I'll share what we're getting for Wells but Scott is not a traditional gift guide person; I can't say I've ever bought him a monogrammed flask, you know? That appears on every blogger gift guide and I'm still not sure why. 

I've never actually bought something recommended on a gift guide but, rather, I bookmark ideas throughout the year. 

This is specifically a list I made when I thought about the question of But what do YOU want for Christmas? You know, when your parents ask you around this time each year. 

As in, my recommendations for things that I love enough to use constantly. 

1. Hunter Boots

I got the short version last year, not the tall. I wear them outside all the time. I wear them out and about. In fact, in Pittsburgh, we had a ton of rain last winter so I wore these almost exclusively from November-March. It was ridiculous. I got them at Costco. That link is for Zappos and they're cheaper now! They are indeed waterproof, they're lightly lined, have a bit of a heel, and are pretty stylish (in my less-than-stylish opinion).

2. AirPods

Whoa, guys. I got these last Christmas and I use them. every. single. day. They are a GAME CHANGER. I use them to listen to podcasts (I don't have to carry around my phone and strain to hear), do workouts at home (I'm not constantly adjusting computer volume and straining to hear), and talk on the phone hands-free (again, I don't have to carry my phone around).

I usually just put one in at a time so then I have one ear out for Wells but can still enjoy just listening to whatever I'm listening to while cooking dinner or doing things around the house. 

If you like to talk on the phone while driving, they're also great for that. Put one in and you don't have to yell into the car's sound system. 

I'm sure most brands of wireless earbuds are created somewhat equal but I didn't consider that to be the case for me. Scott has off-brand ones that he doesn't use much. I just find them SO helpful because I'm naturally such a multitasker. 

3. Longchamp

I first got a Le Pilage medium-sized tote in 2013 and I used it to death over the next few years. I also got a small one and used it so much I actually wore a hole into it over the 3 or 4 following years. My only issue with the small one is that the cell-phone pocket was too small...have they adjusted that in the small size over the last couple of years? 

I tried the Club Tote version last year and didn't like it, which was kind of a sad waste of money :/ ($50 plus shipping if you want it! It's like new!)

But I'm thinking maybe a new size small one? That gray one is my most-loved and well-worn bag. I have enough large totes for now.

Anyway. They are stylish. They are simple. They are classic. Any time I see someone with one, I automatically assume they know what they're doing. It's a weird measure for assuming the best of people, I know. 

4. Uniqlo vest

I bought these for everyone last year. I love mine. Gretchen Rubin mentioned it years ago on her podcast and I told my mom that's what I wanted for my birthday and she got me one. I wear it from October to May, basically, and sometimes in between. I don't wear it because I'm cold; I wear it to talk the dogs or work outside. It has 3 pockets, and is lightweight. 

So what's on my Christmas list this year?

There's really a few things I'll eventually buy for myself if I don't get them for Christmas/birthday in December/January. 

+ Gift cards for Nordstrom, Sephora, or Amazon. StitchFix gift cards would also be nice because I really do enjoy buying higher-quality items there now. Concerning Amazon, I could find anything there, but I'm also looking to move back to Audible for nonfiction books in 2021, so I could always use that as well.*

+ MacArthur Study Bible ESV

+ Bearaby Weighted Blanket - that's the big ticket item...I've researched weighted blankets and that's the one I would want. My sleep has been absolute garbage for the last 2.5 years. Some nights it's better than others (getting a job again actually has really helped), but I think this might be a good solution. 

What's on your Christmas list? 

*This is neither here nor there when it comes to Christmas lists, but subscription services are what get you, right? Right now, I like BOTM because it's FUN and doesn't break the bank. I have a $9/month Pilates membership, as well. I canceled all of my Patreons..I only had a few..because I want to listen to more nonfiction books in 2021 than I do podcasts. 

What to Buy a Young Toddler for Christmas?

In case you want any ideas or, like me, are just super nosey and also have a weird tendency toward hating gift guides but also love seeing what people are buying and recommending.

None of these are affiliate links and I don't have time to make a collage today (thought about it, didn't do it), but I'm not trying to be click-baity. :)

In Wells' stocking, I'm doing a theme: food-related items. These are some necessities I've being meaning to buy him and transition to and I thought it'd be nice to put it all in his stocking, since opening them up wouldn't exactly be thrilling for a one year old. 

Camelbak bottle. I got the one with airplanes on it. I'm packing up the sippy cups. 

Snack containers. To make life easier for all of us...less spills and all, hopefully.

Silicone mat for eating in restaurants. A friend suggested this, and I've been meaning to look for something similar for months.

My "splurge" was a bento box. When we goes places like out to eat or the zoo or a museum, I pack up like 6 different packages of food for him and spend a lot of time doling it out. This will solve about 7 or 8 logistical problems, by my calculation. They're on sale right now on Amazon!

Also, a winter-themed book to open on Christmas Eve. I got this at Marshall's for $3.

VTech Puppy. Babies/toddlers love pull toys.

Little People Bus.  He has the zoo train and I thought about the airplane because he loves planes (they go over our house many times a day and he loves to watch) but the bus looks like his beloved Buster the Bus. And I'm not spending $$$ or space on an actual Buster. If someone else were to get him something like that, fantastic! That wouldn't bother me because he'd love it. I'm just not bringing it on myself purposely :) Maybe for his birthday. 

Puzzle.  Amazon doesn't have the one that makes sound, but I got that one at Walmart.

Magnets. More magnets. He has lost all of his animal ones by shoving them under the fridge and, as soon as I pull them out, he puts them back under there. So these may end up on a shelf for a few months.

My parents got him blocks and magnatiles. Those were things we wanted him to have, so they said they'd get them. 

We tried, as you can tell, to stay away from "big" things like riding toys, play kitchens, etc. We don't really have the room right now unless we suddenly start making use of our half-finished basement and, to be honest, he doesn't seem to need it right now. I'm thinking that a few of those bigger pretend-play toys would be great for his birthday next summer or Christmas next year, when he's doing more pretend-play anyway. 

What do you buy younger toddlers for Christmas? A 16-18 month old is so different than a baby but definitely not big enough to be trusted with or play with certain toys. 

Christmas Wish List and Christmas Will-Never-Likely-Get List

I've realized that being an adult is just replacing things you already own so as to keep your belongings in good condition. And/or to use things up, wear them out, and make sure you got your money's worth before buying something new that's similar.

That being said, this is a very adulting-ish Christmas list.

1. New living room pillows and blankets. This is an "always" on my Christmas lists. They just change the whole look of the room, so I try to refresh them once a year.

2. New slippers.
I love the slippers that I got at Costco last year but they don't last forever...I briefly considered sticking a pair of Ugg slippers on my list (so many friends have them) but I don't know that I like them that much for that price.

3. New phone.
Mine is two years old and doesn't do everything I want it to do all the time. I'd like an upgrade. This will likely be a birthday present in January.

4. New rubber boots. (Scott already got me a pair)
I bought these rubber boots in the spring of 2011 because Scott insisted I go clamming with him and the fake Uggs weren't cutting it. I wore them twice in Alaska. I wore them not at all in Missouri. When we came to Colorado, I realized they made perfect prairie boots. They prevent the tumbleweeds and grasses from scratching me and falling in my shoes. They provide moderate protection against snakes. They're great for helping Scott pump water out of mud puddles on our dirt road. They're my dog-walking boots.
They are also now full of holes. I had to patch a hole with duct tape the other day. It's time for new boots. I will say this may have been the BEST $39 I ever spent (at Sports Authority in Wasilla, Alaska).
The ones I have are Kamik and they've lasted this long so maybe I'll look for another Kamik pair. 

6. PSU/Steelers gear. I will have to stock up when we go home for Christmas.

7. Books?
I don't love buying books because clutter is the worst and I'm always afraid I'll dislike a book (I'm not afraid of a DNF) and have it taking up space. That's why I've done so many ebook-borrows from the library and audiobooks in the last few years. However, I want to buy books without feeling like I'm wasting my own money on something frivolous (I prefer to buy clothes as my frivolous purchases). I think a gift card to Amazon or Target or somewhere I can get new release hard copies of books would be the push I need.

8. A dutch oven. I wanted to make a bread recipe and realized I couldn't because I needed one of these. It'd probably be overall useful for other things as well. Is a 6-quart big enough?

9. Movie theater gift cards. Since we discovered that there are two theaters within 2 miles of our house in Laramie (and nice theaters, at that), I decided it'll be pretty easy to keep my resolution for next year...I'm planning on going to the movie theater once a month. I love small, well-kept theaters that aren't over-crowded cattle chutes. The ones in Laramie are perfect for me to go to in my pjs (because that's what we used to do in Wasilla).


And then the wish list items I'll likely never get...

1. Neverfull bag from LV. I've had my eye on one for a bit now. Funnily enough, when we were in San Diego I saw SO many and I'd always point them out to Scott. When we we flying from Atlanta to Denver in October, a girl on the plane (because she was probably college-age) had one and I made sure Scott saw it. He rolled his eyes. His exact words were something along the lines of "Not even if we had a million extra dollars lying around". Sigh.

2. Ugg boots. I've never had a real pair of Uggs. (I might actually get these.)

I like these black ones with a bit of heel.

I really like these too. 

What's on your list? Things you'll actually get or buy yourself? Or things you'd rather not splurge on?

Christmas listing...

Yesterday, I listed a bunch of things I'm thankful for...which means that today I show my gluttonous side. That's how Thanksgiving works, right?

Just kidding...

I wasn't originally going to make a Christmas list this year, but my mom asked me what I wanted and then Scott asked me what I wanted, so here we are...

Kindle Paperwhite. I have an iPad (from 2011) that is in good shape and I use it for everything, including reading on the Kindle app. It's just so inconvenient to take places because it's huge, so mostly it just sits on my nightstand. A Kindle would be a breath of fresh air.

Planner --Either a Plum Paper planner in the new year but I can't decide on a cover I like.

Or a Happy Balance Planner. They come in 6 month installments, which is perfect for me. 

UPDATE: I BOUGHT A PLANNER LAST WEEK. 

Pilates ring.--what I'd love is a reformer but I don't have a thousand dollars lying around or the space for such a contraption.

Slippers. I think I like these ones?

Northface fleece. This one looks nice and fuzzy on the inside.

Blankets.

I'm linking to Pottery Barn just because they're pretty, but I'm not picky. I love new throws. 

A new Penn State sweatshirt (or two). When you live far from home, people represent themselves by their "home". I need something new to wear to work on Fridays. I was wearing my Happy Valley t-shirt at Costco a few weeks ago and a man with a PSU shirt on said "Class of '86...I'm on the alumni board". It brings you together, with complete strangers, in a new place.

This one. 

Or this one.

I'd like socks too, but I'm going to put that in small letters because last year that's all I got from both my parents and from Scott.

In reality, this is just a list of things that I would like and will likely eventually buy for myself. I would really REALLY like a new dishwasher (the one in this house is from 2003) and I would really REALLY like new living room furniture. However, when Scott asked me what I wanted and I said, "What's something WE want?", he laughed and said, "Oh, is that how new furniture happens?".

Fingers crossed.


What's on your Christmas list???

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