Walmart Gift Card

Sis gave me a $20 Walmart gift card.  With it, I bought these two items:

• Marathon by Timex watch in purple
• Neutrogena Moisture Smooth color stick in rich raisin

This is Christmas

The first thing I did was to finish my blog post.  Then I listened to Christmas carols on the radio.  Afterwards, I woke my twin up at 2 a. m. (she was mad about that!). 

Sis liked her presents, and so did my parents.  Dad joked that he knew now why we were broke.  However, one gift I gave early.  Mom wanted to order from L. L. Bean 2 days before Christmas.  So, I let her use the gift card at that time.  Needless to say, she was very happy.  Dad said, “That’s so nice!”

Another present I got for everybody was a service gift (washing dishes, etc.).  I did that because Sis gave me four packages.  My sister and brother liked the present, but I don’t know what my parents thought about it.  This was probably because we’re not used to those kinds of gifts.  Oh well, only time will tell how that will go.

Meanwhile, I loved all my presents.  Here was what I received:

• “Mother Wore Tights”
• “Coney Island”
• “Wabash Avenue”
• “The Pact”
• “Buffy The Vampire Slayer:  The Complete Fourth Season”
• Conair 1875 watt compact styler hair dryer
• Walmart gift card
• Target gift card
• Kohl’s gift card
• Animal print brown fur scarf
• Cloud fleece vest in leopard
• Scandia fleece vest in amethyst
• Fleece hat in rich violet
• Fleece gloves in rich violet
• Money

Much later, we went to early mass.  The decorations were fantastic!  A big white star and little white stars shone beneath an Advent wreath suspended from the center of the ceiling.  Two stain glass angels hung on either side of the stars.  In addition, a gold star glittered under each light fixture dangling in a circle.  Sprinkled around the altar and church area were baskets of evergreens and poinsettias.  Finally, lit trees glowed near the confession booths.

The one thing I remembered besides the decorations was that Mom and I shared a hymn book as we sang carols.

After church, Sis and I saw “Mrs. Santa Claus”, while eating leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner.  We had roast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted sweet potatoes, olives, cranberry sauce, and pistachio pudding dessert.

Then, Bro opened his gifts.  He was pleased with all of them.

After some sleep, I spent an hour listening to Christmas songs.  Eventually, I got tired of that, and played a computer game instead.  At 12 midnight, I checked the radio, but the holiday music was off.   It seemed strange, considering that I listened to carols for 7 weeks, but I experienced a twinge that the Xmas music was no more.

At any rate, this Christmas was a good one.  How was yours?

Christmas Bird

I bought this Christmas bird decoration at Meijer.  It looked so interesting; I just had to have it!

Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Memory: Movie Review

A boy and a slow woman spend one last Christmas together in “A Christmas Memory”.

At first, I was confused, because the movie doesn’t start with earlier events like the DVD says.  Fortunately, the film soon added details about what occurred before.  Patty Duke as Sook was a character, all right.  I also loved the way they made fruitcake!

This picture was a discovery I won’t easily forget.

Christmas Crazy: Book Review

During preparations for Christmas, Zoe investigates the murder of a substitute Santa in “Christmas Crazy:  A Zoe Donovan Mystery (Volume 3)” by Kathi Daley.

I loved this book!  Most of it was filled with Christmas doings.  I especially liked the periodic mention of food.  Besides that, I cared about solving the mystery, since the fate of the animals rested on it.

In conclusion, this novel was the perfect holiday story.

The Christmas Ornament: Movie Review

In “The Christmas Ornament”, a widow finds hope after receiving an ornament from a tree lot owner.

This Christmas movie was different from the ones I usually see.  It definitely had a bittersweet flavor.  I also couldn’t get used to Kellie Martin making droll jokes.  However, this actress was the best when her character remembered her late husband.  On a lighter note, those cookies sure look good!

That ending was so satisfying; it made me glad I watched the film.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal-Chip Cookies

This cookie was a success.

It was from “Taste of Home:  Best Loved Cookies & Candies”, 2012, on p. 94.

This is the online version of the recipe:

Peanut Butter Oatmeal-Chip Cookies

I wasn’t sure this dessert was worth the work, but it definitely is!

We added Smart Balance instead of butter.  Also, we used Splenda granulated white sugar and brown sugar blend in place of the regular stuff.

The cookies only took 9 minutes; we didn’t want it to burn at the bottom.  For me, it was hard mixing the batter (maybe because our beater conks out sometimes!).

Annie Claus Is Coming To Town: Movie Review

The daughter of Santa Claus searches for love in “Annie Claus Is Coming To Town”.

At first, I thought Annie was too perky.  However, I soon realized that Annie Claus glowed with a joyous Christmas spirit that was hard to resist.  I also liked the way she sweetly threatened a girl that was mean to her friend.

The only problem with the film was that they didn’t show a lot of romance between Annie and Mr. Right.

Still, it was a good movie.

Christmas Finds

To my delight, I discovered that Meijer’s Christmas decorations are on the shelves.  What’s more, I found these cute animal ornaments:

Chester the chipmunk

Felix the fox

Bobo the dancing bear

Family Presents

Once again, I managed to finish my Christmas shopping by mid-September.

Here is my final present list:

• Dad
• Meijer gift card
• Nino Salvaggio gift card
• Amazon gift card
• Mom
• Meijer gift card
• L. L. Bean gift card
• Amazon gift card
• Sis
• “Leslie Sansone:  Walk to the HITS Party Songs”
• Old Navy gift card
• Amazon gift card
• Bro
• “The Kent Chronicles”
• Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Concentrated Theraphy Cream
• Amazon gift card

I changed my mind.  Mom and Dad are receiving 3 gifts each.  I’m also giving Sis Old Navy, because she added it to her list.  Furthermore, I know that hand lotion doesn’t seem exciting, but Bro really needs it.  Sometimes his knuckles get cracked.

I hope they like my selections.

Onward Christmas

Here’s some more festive stuff for this jolly Christmas season.

As usual, I’ll watch movies, like “Annie Claus is Coming to Town”.  Sharing a recipe and completing my shopping will also be on the list.  Besides that, I’ll review a book called “Christmas Crazy”.

I can hardly wait!

Christmas Tree Past

Over the years, we've displayed many different Christmas trees.  Shown below are some top picks:

1986

  

1995

  

2003

  

2011

  

Well, that’s it for the Christmas in July posts.  I hope you liked them!

Christmas Crumble: Book Review

A lady detective finds herself in trouble after hosting a Christmas party for seniors in “Christmas Crumble” by M. C. Beaton.

This is a different type of mystery from what I’m used to.  Nevertheless, the Kindle e-book makes me want to read the other books in the series.  It was especially amusing how Agatha Raisin prepared the Christmas pudding.  Besides that, the short story length is perfect.

If you like funny mysteries, you’ll enjoy this one.

Glass Ornaments

We have several kinds of glass ornaments for our tree.  Here are some of the more interesting ones:

  

 

This bird was a Michael’s find from 2 years ago.

This starred ball is among my favorites.  I bought it at a garage sale.

We purchased the rose decoration 8 years ago at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts.

  

The snow people and poinsettia were from Michael’s, from 2 years back.

Possible Gift Ideas

Once more, I’m casting about for gift ideas.  Thank goodness for my sister’s long lists!  Here’s what she wants for Christmas:

• “Leslie Sansone:  Walk to the HITS Radio Remixes”
• “Leslie Sansone:  Walk to the HITS Party Songs”
• “100 Hits:  80’s Classics”
• “Essential:  80’s Love”
• “Super Hits of the 90’s”
• Meijer gift card
• Target gift card
• Kohl’s gift card
• Barnes and Nobles gift card

I’m thinking about giving my sister and brother Amazon gift cards as well.

I might also get Bro one of the following:

• “Brimstone”
• “Roar – The Complete Series”
• “Witchblade:  The Complete Series”
• “The Kent Chronicles”

Mom and Dad tell me every year not to buy them presents, but I don’t like to exclude them.  Luckily, they use gift cards, so I may give my parents a few from Amazon and Meijer.

This time, I’m going to purchase 2 – 3 gifts for Sis and Bro, and 2 each for Mom and Dad.

I’ve already bought my siblings a present each.  I seem to start earlier every year…

Christmas in July

Happy Christmas in July!

To celebrate, I’ve lined up a few interesting treats.  Among other things, I’ll review a book and share some gift ideas.

Enjoy!

Final Holiday Thoughts

On Sunday, we took down the decorations.  Now that we’re done with that, I’m ready to share some final holiday thoughts.

In retrospect, I’m glad that we saw a movie on Christmas Eve and Christmas.  I’m also pleased that almost all of the shopping was finished by mid-September.  Next time though, I won’t wait for any specialty Xmas stuff.  Besides that, I plan on giving fewer gifts, because I think I spent too much.

When we opened our presents, I loved most of them, but I didn’t get everything I wanted.  A couple of items I’m sorry I got.  I especially regret that I asked for “The Addams Family” & “Addams Family Values”.  Fortunately, I had the money to buy what I needed.  Now I’m happy.

On another front, I’ve found out that posting twice a week is not my cup of tea.  Maybe I’ll try it once a week instead.  On the other hand, I liked writing about a variety of things.  I’ll keep on doing that as long as I have the material for it.  These changes will allow me to enjoy the season more.

Meanwhile, I’m loading up on discounted Christmas items.  So far, I’ve purchased gift wrap for 50% off, one 40 count bow for 70% off, and two 24 count bows for 75% off.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any tags.  Perhaps I’ll buy two at full price next year.  They can’t be that expensive.

Anyways, that’s it for now.  I had a great Christmas time, and I hope you did too.  Furthermore, thank you for reading my blog.

With any luck, I’ll be back in July!

Gift of Money

I received my annual $200 from Dad and Mom.  Here’s what I purchased with it:

• 2 Series
• “In Search Of…” The Complete Series
• “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” The Complete Third Season
• 5 Books
• “The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style:  Secrets to Shopping Cheap and Looking Chic”
• “Halloween:  Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre”
• “Halloween Hijinks:  A Zoe Donovan Mystery” (Volume 1)
• “The Trouble with Turkeys:  A Zoe Donovan Mystery” Book 2
• “Christmas Crazy:  A Zoe Donovan Mystery” Book 3
• 1 Magazine
• “InStyle Beauty” Fall 2013
• 1 Food
• Russell Stover assorted creams
• 2 Personal Care
• Neutrogena Norwegian Formula hand cream
• Neutrogena Norwegian Formula foot cream
• 5 Clothes
• Faded Glory ladies’ crew socks
• Fruit of the Loom ladies’ warmwear - long sleeve v-neck top and bottom
• Climate Right by Cuddl Duds warm underwear - long sleeve crew top and bottom legging
• 1 Xmas
• December Home holiday gift wrap - Santa, snowman, and reindeer print