Stuck in my head - Christmas Memories

Growing up we have certain things that remind us of a time in our life, an emotion, a feeling.

I was just sitting here and this song popped into my head. I don't know when I first saw this little cartoon or what popped it in my head, but it makes me feel all Christmasy. 

PS I was totally a Disney Vault kid... I would stay up late just to watch the old re-runs of the Original Mickey Mouse Club, Nancy Drew, & any old movie with Annette Funicello!

Enjoy!

Holiday Guest Blogger: Sarah (a.k.a S.S. AWESOME!)

Seasons greetings, Followers of Megan! I’m Sarah (or S.S. from previous posts) and when I’m not distracting Megan with a bottle of wine and the latest episode of Toddlers and Tiaras, I’m helping her navigate the New Jersey transit system (and by helping, I mean looking around all wide-eyed and confused while cracking wise about the number of trains we have to take to get from Point A to Point B).  J

What’s not to love about Christmas?  The lights, the songs, the opportunity to dress your dog in their best and get their photo taken with Santa (yes, I’m one of those people).  So when our favorite Prep blogger asked to me to share my Christmas traditions, I just couldn’t say no.

When I think of Christmas cookies, I think of biscotti and kolaches. Every year at Christmas, my grandmother makes her homemade almond biscotti (delish!) and my mother whips up some kolaches (if you’re not familiar with kolaches, they’re a delish fruit pastry type of cookie).  I absolutely love baking and each year try out at least two new recipes (one for the hubby to enjoy and one for my puppies).  For some great ideas for cookies that are not for your canines, check out The Joy of Baking’s website (http://www.joyofbaking.com).

mmm….fruit pastry type of cookie….

There’s nothing better than grabbing a cup of hot cocoa, piling in the car and driving around the neighborhood to look at the decorations.  But while most people are enjoying the soft glow from hundreds of twinkling lights, I’m on a hunt: the hunt to find the tackiest home in town.  You know which ones I’m referring to.  They are the houses that inspire the following chain of thoughts: “Wow! I’d hate to pay that electricity bill!”; “I wonder how long it takes them to put that all up”; “What the heck do dolphins have to do with Christmas?!”  Okay, so that last one might have been in regards to a house in my neck of the woods but you get the idea.  So while Megan and I discuss the relation of aquatic mammals to the birth of our Lord, enjoy these pics from other tacky homes (and count your blessings they don’t live next door to you!)

Doing their part to ensure the local power company has a VERY Merry Christmas.

But my favorite part about Christmas traditions is making new ones.  My husband is a police officer so we don’t always get to head home for the holidays.  When it’s just the two of us, I try to make Christmas all the more special.  We do holiday ride-a-longs where I get to watch him in action (and try my darnedest to stay awake all night, a hazard of the midnight shift), we make a fancy Christmas dinner together and sip on eggnog while we watch the classics.   It’s a quiet way to pass the holiday, but Christmas is about being with those you love so I wouldn’t have it any other way.  For me, it’s perfection. 

That’s it for me, blog-o-sphere!  I hope each and every one of you has the Happiest of Holidays!

2011 Christmas Letter!

Ok, I can finally share it with y'all!

I finished my annual Christmas letter a few weeks ago, but made sure not to mail them out till I had specialty Christmas stamps! They were mailed out Monday, so without further ado...

I wish you all the best this holiday season!

If you have a Christmas card, do share!

Cyber Monday Deals 2011- Preppy Editions

I've compiled some of the Cyber Monday deals that I've found for our favorite Preppy Companies. If you've found any others, please let me know and I'll update throughout the day!

Tucker Blair LINK - 30% off using code: CyberMonday

Starbucks LINK - Free Shipping on orders over $10 using code: CYMONFS11

Duckhead LINK - Free shipping on orders over $100

Cash Robinson LINK - 3 for $50 polos & 50% off Accessories using code: cyber

Vineyard Vines LINK - 20% off any order of $200 or more with code: FUNDAY

Anchored Style LINK - 20% off your order + Free Shipping using code: CyberMonday

Knockaround Sunglasses LINK - Free Shipping using code: Cyber Monday

Cape Madras LINK - 50% off entire site

J. Crew LINK - 25% off entire site + Free Shipping using code: SURPRISE

Brook's Brothers LINK - 30% off entire site

L.L. Bean LINK - 20% off entire site + Free Shipping

Kiel James Patrick LINK - 20% off entire site


Salmon Cove LINK - 30% off entire site + Free Shipping using code: cybermonday


Rifle Paper LINK - 20% off entire site using code: cybermonday20

Am I missing something you've seen? Let me know!

Christmas Present Ideas

As the Holiday season approaches, I've started thinking more about some things that I need. With that comes the inevitable internal argument of 'do I purchase it for myself, or hint at it for Christmas'.... and so family & friends... this is your hint...

I promise I'm a classy lady, but that doesn't put me above gift registries and wish lists to help those I love when they're looking for gift ideas (I, myself, love them for others, especially those that I don't get to see frequently).

I've always been a particularly practical person. I've also been the kind of person who understands realism vs. wishes. Last year's Christmas ideas were VERY much wishes, even though my wonderful family did get me some of them (they're incredible and spoil me!).

So here is my 2011 Christmas List

1.) I always love to have a calendar on my fridge, maybe because my parents always kept a family calendar completely detailed on our fridge at all times. My Google calendar is by far my bible... but I still fill out my fridge calendar.

2012 Lilly Pulitzer Wall Calendar but I also LOVE the Chick-Fil-A Calendars!

 Link $25

2.)  I got new towels last year, and I realized, I think I'd like to get new towels each year... only because they get less plush throughout the year, and I absolutely LOVE new towels.

Link $20 each (x2) - preferably in a pastel color

3.) & 4.) Bless its heart, but my poor Lilly case is getting gross... and unless I get a new a phone.... which would also be nice since my iphone screen is loosing sensitivity. But in lieu of that.... there's this really cool iphone cover by Marley Lilly. It's $59, and the apple green cover with the swirly monogram is just so FETCH.

5.) I love these cut-out necklaces, rings, and earrings. Price $159 LINK

6.) I'd love a magazine subscription to either Southern Living or Martha Stewart Living! Great recipes and craft ideas!

I'm in dire need of a new umbrella:

7.) This one from Vera Bradley is awfully cute in Safari Sunset for $32.

 J.Crew Slippers in nutmeg- $40
8.) My poor Ralph Lauren slippers are dying....

9.) My poor Brighton watch has been getting worn out! It'd be awesome to get a gold/tan colored watch similar to Sister's Tortoiseshell Michael Kors. (Don't know the cost or place to purchase)

10.) The last time I got a new camera was as a gift from my parents when I was heading into my sophomore year of College... (7 years ago... YIKES!). That being said any form of digital camera would be better than what I currently have or my iphone ;).

11.) My Ralph Lauren classic fit oxfords could use some replacements or additions. In any pastels or classic colors, and prices vary depending on purchase location and coupons. ;)

12.) Since LimeWire is no more... I've been buying more and more of my songs on iTunes (I know, don't judge). 

So iTunes gift cards of any value are greatly appreciated!

13.) Pocket-book organizer: I previously mentioned some of the cool organizes for 2011, and I bet the same brands have just as cool 2012 versions!

If I think of anything else I need, I'll be posting... I'm seriously not trying to be greedy or selfish, I'm just trying to assist my loved ones ;)

Xoxo!