A Covid Christmas

To add to the poop stain in our underwear, Christmas is officially cancelled like everything else. Too dramatic? Not hardly, in my book. This is will be one of the only times I have never made it home for Christmas and the thought alone depresses me to no ends. Life is short and I want to spend it with the people who matter the most and due to the rising cases, the fact that I have a toddler and we live 2,500 miles away from my mom is some of the many reasons we can’t make the trip this year. I also can’t convince my husband to buy/rent/borrow/steal an RV and drive across the country to be there (that’s another story for another time). 

Nike Free TR8 in double black.

Socks. I don’t know if it’s just me or what but apparently I’m really hard on socks and get tons of holes in them. 

A pillow desk because I’m cool like that. 

LapGear Designer Lap Desk with Phone Holder and Device Ledge - Gray Damask -

HP Sprocket Select Portable 2.3x3.4" Instant Photo Printer

There’s also an entire amazon wish list I’ve got going with movies and books. There’s also a few tshirts I’d like and crystals because I’m totally into those with 2020 being the crap show that it is. But yes, other than getting in an RV and rolling across the country to see my mom these are the items that might bring me some joy. 

Hang in there everyone.

Valentines Day Gift Guide

Last year, I went into labor on Valentines Day. Luckily for us it wasn't until around 11:00 p.m. and we were home. This year is clearly very different! While we will be celebrating Valentine's Day, I'm sure I'll also be getting things ready for Presley's birthday the very next day. Plus it’s Presley’s very first Valentines Day! 

I’ve even included a little gift guide for him as well. Here’s a few things that I wouldn’t shove a bow up Cupid if he were to drop on my doorstep...

1. A puffer Coat I have been wanting a puffer coat for a few winters now. I know, I know... you think California doesn’t get that cold well guess what? I live in Northern California and it still gets very cold. This one that I’ve included is a made for Macy’s DKNY with faux fur trim hood. While it isn’t grey it makes me think of Joan Wilder in Romancing the Stone. 

2. Keds I got a pair of Keds two Christmas’s ago and I literally wear them almost every day. As I’ve gotten older my feet enjoy only being in certain types of shoes and my feet love these keds. I wish I could get the exact same pair that I have now because their a salt and pepper blend and they go with a lot of the black pants that I wear but they don’t make that design anymore. 

3. Ped Egg At Christmas I said I wanted a Ped Egg but apparently no one took me seriously. No really! I want a Ped Egg! Maybe it was having a baby but my feet have taken a toll lately and I have so much extra dead skin. I have seen so many people raving about the ped egg and since I have no time to actually go get a pedicure this might be the next best thing. 

4. A Vacation I have always wanted to go to Hawaii and stay at the Royal Hawaiian. I use to watch Gidget Goes Hawaiian growing up all the time and she stayed at this hotel. While I’ve been to Hawaii, I didn’t stay on this island so the dream continues on. Also... Pigeon Forge because that’s my home away from home and I love it there. I wouldn’t snub my nose at either of those!

1. Mickey because Presley loves all things Mickey and we’ve got him the Christmas one and several others.

2. Books Presley loves all books but we haven’t tried pop ups yet!

3. Shoes Presley is currently standing himself up and cruising a little with the furniture but soon he’s going to walk. I think these would be great first shoes for him and they will go with a lot of outfits.

4. Drum Presley loves to beat and thump his hands on stuff and he loves all of his musical toys. I think this would be good for him.

All I Want For Christmas

Maybe it's because I'm another year older and another year wiser but what I'm really asking Santa for this year is to go home for Christmas.


Living 2,433 miles away from family is hard. Living that many miles away at the holidays is even harder. I've lived in California now since August of 2012. That's going on 7 years and I've been able to go back for Christmas for all of them except two. Last year I was seven months pregnant and wasn't able to fly the long distance. We vowed that I'd get home this year again for Christmas. There's only been one other time I hadn't made it home for Christmas and that was right after our wedding. We had just seen everyone 11 days before so we stayed in California for the holiday. This year we just went home for Thanksgiving so I'm really hoping we can get back there again for Christmas. That's all I honestly want. I don't need gifts, I just want the company of my mom and being able to sit in her living room, look at her Christmas tree and play with my son in front of while a Christmas classic is playing in the background.


Is the flight rough? A little. Is it worth it? Yes.


With a 9 month old, you feel like you have to pack everything and the kitchen sink. Trust me, you definitely feel that way when you're lugging the car seat, pushing the stroller, with your diaper bag while carrying your breast pump and lugging your own clothes from the car rental through the terminal but in the end it's all worth it. This last trip was Presley's first time to West Virginia. He actually did really well on the flights (there isn't a straight flight from Sacramento - Huntington) and the car ride to the house (almost 3 hours). He loved being at my mom's house. He loves to interact and play with my mom (which I love).


So yes... that's all I want for Christmas. While people Christmas day will be posting pictures of their fancy purses, headphones, new shoes etc. I'll just be hoping to spend the holiday with my little family.


Do you find yourself wishing you could go home for Christmas if you are far away? I know some people want anything but to be home at Christmas time and the holidays.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

This year I have been extremely lax on my Christmas shopping. I literally have two people on a list of about 10 people done. To say that I'm almost in a panic attack over it, would be an understatement. This weekend, I will bravely hit the stores and even the dreaded mall all while being 7 months pregnant. Thank the Lord for the invention of Amazon Prime because without that I don't know what I would be doing. Oh wait, I do know... paying an insane amount for rush shipping.

I've had some people ask me what I'd like for Christmas. Honestly, I don't know what it is about this year maybe it's because I can't go home for Christmas and spend it with my mom and husbandmaybe it's because I'm so pregnant and have had such a hard time with being sick but I haven't really thought about things I would like to have. I just don't feel as festive as I normally do because I LOVE this time of the year. Here's my attempt at my wish list.

1. To spend Christmas at my mom's house! 

I've only not been home for Christmas once (technically twice but my mom came to CA so I don't count that one). This will be the second time ever. I'm 33 years old people. This is a big deal to me. It's something about being at my mom's house with her live tree and the stockings and Santa's cookies. I just want to go home for Christmas. (PS I'm not going home because I can't make the long flight at this stage in pregnancy). Cue the tears. Last year with not my husband and my mom it was perfect to me. 

2. Amazon Gift Cards.

If I can't go home for Christmas, at least let me shop for free on amazon. I've got a whole wish list of Christmas decorations on there that will keep me occupied.

3. Anything Baby.

I'm so overwhelmed. We don't have the baby's room ready, we don't have any of the furniture yet. We literally have some blankets, sleepers, onsies and bibs. Hang in there baby. I'm working on it! Here in the next 2-3 weeks we will hopefully have a bassinet and a crib. We will also have the room somewhat ready. So anything baby related that's essential is a good thing. BUT hey, I've got my amazon registry done! Including the crib, changing table and dresser.

4. Books, Movies and Christmas Decorations.

 

 

I've got a giant list of movies, books and Christmas village pieces that I want. I've added to my amazon list all year long.

Birthday Wish List

This year I'm turning the big 33. While I'm not too excited about the age, I am excited to celebrate my birthday! I always have my mom and boo asking for ideas of things they can get me for my birthday so here's a few things that I would love to call mine.

1. Toms.

I have a pair of canvas shoes that I recently pulled back out and I realized how much I love wearing those kinds of shoes. I recently saw a pair of Toms that would go with a lot of things that I wear and would be great for summer! Their in the color Ash.

2. Village Pieces.

On my recent trip to Tennessee, I was able to get several pieces for great prices. I want to keep adding to it and since all the pieces are so cute, it's hard not to! I got a great Marilyn who stands outside a theater, now I just need the theater! I love this Victory Theater! I also want the Griswold House because I have several pieces from the National Lampoon Series. I would also like to get Boss Shirley's house because I feel it's not as popular and they will discontinue it quickly.

3. Beauty & The Beast Mystery Mini.

I had no memory of ever seeing the original Beauty and the Beast animated movie. I think as a kid, I was just way more into 80s movies so I hardly remember watching any of the "classic" Disney movies. When the new movie came out, we went to see it and I really liked it! Funko came out with these Mystery Mini's of all the characters. Unfortunately, you don't know which one you are getting until you open the box and they made several of them available only at certain stores. I have got the entire set except one... Cogsworth the clock! I keep these little figures on my dresser and look at them every morning when I get up so I'd like to finish my set!

4. Books and Movies.

 

I love reading and I love movies. I'm still trying to get these movies (I've wanted them for quite some time) and I love books! I've been reading a lot this year! I need several of my favorite author- Stuart Woods.

Of course, I would just be happy to spend time with my boo and my mom! I wish we could spend my birthday together but this year Skype will have to do!

Last Minute Birthday Ideas

Last week I mentioned my Birthday is coming up. My mom and my husband both asked me to make a little list of things I'd like to receive. While I'm more than happy to just eat Blondies and go on a vacation, I complied and made a little list. You can find it here. Once I posted my list my husband said I needed to give him more options. Shew... this birthday list is getting serious. So I went back to the drawing board and thought about a few more items I would like to have. 

 

1. Wallet.

I've been carrying around a pink wallet since I can remember. I've literally had this wallet at least a decade but somehow in the last few months it became ripped and my cards keep spilling out of it. Now everytime I have to get my ID or debit card out I have to hunt for it in my purse.

 

2. Wall Art.

 

I have been looking at palette knife painter Leonid Afremov since I was in high school. I love the colors and brightness all of his paintings have. I was looking on his website and Instagram and it turns out he does random auctions for large canvas prints. Our house needs something on the walls and I refuse to buy some random poster at IKEA to put on our walls. 

3. Life Magazines.

 

Remember the old Life magazine? Well I have this idea of giving our laundry room a vintage feel. My mom has sent me some old life magazines with the covers featuring the NASA space program. I'd like to get a few more of the magazines featuring big moments and frame them. Maybe I'll even carry on my moms tradition of old washing powders displayed. 

 

4. Ornament Supplies

 

I've been making a huge amount of ornaments gearing up for the Christmas season. I go through dress pins and foam balls like no tomorrow!

Birthday Wishes & Cavier Dreams

This year I got a vacation for my Birthday! I feel like the trip itself is the present but my husband and mother have both requested that I tell them a few items I'd like to have for my birthday. I can't believe I'm going to be the big 32 this year. Time is flying... make it slow down!

I racked my brain and consulted my Amazon wish list and came up with a few items I'd like to see from the Birthday ferry.

1. Sleep In Heavenly Peace Pillows.

These just aren't any pillows, they are literally pieces of heaven. They are so soft they feel like they could have been clouds plucked from the sky. I've rested my head on them for one night and they were magical. They are made exclusively for the Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge and can be purchased only from them. Seriously, even if you've never used these pillows call and order one. They will change your sleep forever and in an amazing way!

2. Department 56 Animated Skating Pond, Lemax Chan's Chinese Antiques & Lemax Village Christmas Cable Car.

I seriously love Christmas and last winter I started collecting village pieces. I had been wanting to start a Christmas village for years and last year I got the first few pieces to begin one. Then at Christmas my mom surprised me by adding more village pieces to my collection. This Christmas season it's going up for the first time! I am so excited to create this tiny village that I have created in my head. These are three of the many pieces I would love to add to my collection! They have them all at Christmas Place and I even have a membership card there for rewards!

3. Starlight Mint Red & White Tree or Stiletto Black Pencil Tree.

The past few years I've created a new tree every year. Last year was no different when I created my Gold Elvis Tree. Last year for our wedding we had guests sign ornaments and our cake topper can be used as a tree topper. The ornaments for our wedding were bright colors. I feel like they would look great on that black tree. I've always played with the idea of having a black tree. The Red and white tree would be another great tree to put up. It's a slim tree and would go with some ornaments that I have. 

4. Books.

My favorite author Stuart Woods has several books out that I haven't read yet. Scandalous Behavior, Family Jewels and Dishonorable Intentions. He's got three books out and I've never been this far behind in his book series. I've been reading them since I was 14 years old. He's got another book scheduled for release in August. I've also really started liking the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly. I've read the first three books in that series. I think he has 21 books out so far.

5. Movies.

This is how they get you. I love the movie The Martian. I have it on dvd and I've watched it at least 25 times. Now on Jun 7th their coming out with an extended dvd that has ten more minutes of movie and extra deleted scenes. I want to get this so I can see the new 10 minutes of the movie. It's so good! There is also a TON of Christmas movies that I want from Hallmark. What can I say? I love those movies. I have a ton of them on my Christmas wish list on amazon. Hint.

6. Contemporary Orange Chair and Ottoman.

I saw this in a furniture store and loved it. I think it would look great in our front room or even in our bed room. It was so soft and the whole set was only $200.00 but I'd love to get two chairs and a table for our bedroom.

Easter Baskets

Easter is right around the corner! When I was growing up every Easter Sunday I would get in my new dress, head off to church and open my Easter basket that the Easter bunny dropped off the night before. You can see my 1986 year was a good one...

Once I got older we kept up the tradition of giving each other baskets. Year after year we figure out little gifts to stick inside them and on Easter Sunday the bunny leaves us some goodies to open up. This year will be no different as one basket is taken care of already and I'm working on the other two. Here's a few items I'd like to see in my basket...

1. Elvis Tumbler & Elvis Clambake Sound track

I keep a cup on my desk at work for water and this would be a great one to have on my desk year round! My favorite Elvis movie is Clambake so it should be only fitting that I finally get the soundtrack.

2. Christmas Adult Coloring Book and Colored Pencils

My other love besides Elvis is Christmas! I have had this coloring book in my amazon cart for months! I'd love to get an adult Christmas coloring book and some colored pencils!

3. Amazon Gift Card

Who doesn't love a good amazon gift card? I have so much stuff sitting in my amazon cart. Am I the only person who just adds stuff to their cart all the time? Well I do.

 

 

4. Telescope

I actually already own a telescope but it's still in West Virginia. I would love to be able to see Mars when we make a pass at it next month. It won't be this close again for another two years. I'm ready to see the red planet up close!

Do you still do Easter baskets in your family?

Weekend Recap

Our first Valentine's Day as a married couple is in the history books. Last year we went to Las Vegas this year we were originally going to San Diego but changed our plans at the last minute. So while our actual Valentine's Day was low key we still spent time enjoying each other.

 

We saw, Ride Along 2.

 

I thought it was really funny. A lot of people have asked me if it was worth seeing it in the theater. Well.. you have it take it for what it is. It's not a movie that's going to be Oscar nominated but it's a good movie. I thought it was really funny and just as good as the first one. If you liked the first one then I think you'll like this one. Then I had a project for work to do. I volunteered to help out with this year's Valentine's Day fundraiser and ended up doing a lot of the work. We had to make 144 pretzel rods, 130 strawberries and 65 rice krispy treats. Oh the fun....

 

All of my hard work was rewarded though when my Valentine gave me this...

 

The Apple iwatch! I've wanted it since I first saw the commercial for it! I feel like a mixture of Penny from Inspector Gadget, Marty McFly and Tom Hanks in Dragnet when I wear it and that is perfect for me! I've already got the apps I want on it, got my settings adjusted and learned how to voice text! It's pretty cool if you ask me. I know some people don't love Apple products but I really do. Now I just need to get a black band as well to mix it up.

 

 

Hope you all had a very Happy Valentine's Day!

6 Valentines Day Gift Ideas

1. Brahmin Bag.
2. Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder.
3. The Martian book by Andy Weir.
4. Lip Kit by Kylie in Candy K.
5. Lucky Brand ankle boots in Pewter.
6. Apple iwatch 38mm. Black band.

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! Don't forget to get the special person in your life a little something!

Valentines Day Treats

 

Valentines Day is coming up quick! While there is a few shopping days left, I really have only asked for a card this year. Since we've got our wedding to pay for we are on a big no spending money freeze. Now if we did have a giant bundle of cash to spend, I'd love to get a few of these goodies come Valentines Day.

1. Nike Leggings...

 

2. This red Bebe dress...

 

3. A trip to Memphis...

 

4. A pair of Blue Suede shoes...

Aren't they all just perfect gifts?!