Favorite Things in Home and Technology

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.  The holidays at home are more welcoming with the sounds of doorbells and sleigh bells, for sure.  Not entirely sure what schnitzel really is, but I bet it's something made in a toasty, crowded kitchen wearing a snowflake printed apron!  This group of our faves is filled with the things that keep our homes cozy and entertaining, as well as keeping the crafts pumping.

:

Amazon Echo - $180
"Amazon Echo is designed around your voice. It's hands-free and always on. With seven microphones and beam-forming

technology, Echo can hear you from across the room—even while music is playing. Echo is also an expertly tuned speaker that can fill any room with immersive sound."

As I mentioned on my previous list, I am an out loud kind of girl,

when it comes to listening to music (well, when it comes to most things).  I like to really enjoy music when I'm listening and generally am not just listening to music alone.  There is usually a mundane task I'm trying to drown out.  So, while I'm folding laundry, and fending off both dogs and toddler from the finished pile, a hands-free music device sounds dreamy.  This speaker not only plays music but can be programmed to provide weather, news, schedules, etc.  Oprah loves it, which definitely tells me that this little speaker is worth the investment.  Besides, I need to work on my dance skills, according to my husband and you certainly can't do that without being hands free!

Apple TV  (4th Generation) 64GB - $199

"The future of television starts with apps.  The new Apple TV is designed around this reality. And the Siri Remote with Touch surface takes the effort out of searching through all these apps to find something great to watch.  Welcome to the new Apple TV. It’s where TV is headed."

This is an item that I've been drooling over at my sisters' houses for some time now.  It seems to be the please-all when it comes to good television for the whole family.  Parental controls, favorite animated films and shows on repeat and must-see prime time shows for Mom & Dad recorded for viewing when time (EVER) permits.  Want it, hard.

MyCustomCase iPhone 6 Case - $45

• Compatible with both iPhone 6 & iPhone 6S

• Protect your device in style

• Extra Durable cases are made with strong, impact-resistant silicone

• Vivid color printing using our exclusive Color Integration Technology™

Ok, raise your hand if you've never shattered your iPhone.  

If your hand is not in the air, you are fibbing, we know it!  

As great as these phones are, they are extremely fragile.

And even if you have insurance, they cost a pretty penny to replace.  

I would encourage all of you to find a durable case to protect yours, 

and while you're at it, design an adorable personalized one for 

yourself.  Mycustomcase.com is a great place to do just that!  

Choose your design and colors and then add your name or monogram.  

Affordable, adorable, and phone-saving when necessary

(especially around the kiddos!)

FujiFilm instax mini 8 Camera & Share SP-1 Printer - $300

"Easy to use, you can produce high quality, credit-card sized photos in an instant."

   "Make your smartphone memories last longer with the Instax Share printer!

In just seconds, you can print credit card sized photos directly from you smartphone

 or tablet."

I have been eye-balling both of these for about a year or so.

What a great added bonus for a planner to carry and offer for

clients! The drawback is the rather pricey film, but the results

are great instant memories that can be used as favors! Both are compact and print small photos from the camera or wirelessly straight off your smartphone. Perfection!

Adobe Photoshop Elements 14 - $70

"Edit - Go from so-so snapshots to forever-favorite photos. Make quick edits, add artistic touches like a pro, or transform your photos to wow friends and family. Photoshop Elements can step you through or do it for you."

This has been on my wish list for years.  It's any bad photographer's

life-saver, especially someone with kids!  But, also can be a great

secret weapon for graphic designing.  I have always used the free

photo editing software at GIMP, which is functional, but limited.

This is next level and would be ideal for all of my party and crafting

needs!

Silhouette Mint - $130

"The Silhouette Mint™ is the most innovative and powerful custom stamping system on earth. The machine’s special “thermal printing” ability lets you create 3D reliefs of custom designs on Mint stamp sheets."

The Mint is really a crafter's perfect toy for Christmas.  For

those of us that have 8 million rubber stamps to hand,

those days are over!  This little machine will create your

custom design for use up to 50 times!  Make sure that you

check out the demo video for details.  Amazing, and so

fantastic for those who are creative enough to design their

own logo.  Think of all of the packaging and branding

possibilities!  

2016 Desk Top Calendar by Rose Hill Design Studio - $24

I'm pretty certain that if you follow this blog closely, you know

how obsessed I am with the work of Heather Stillufsen.  She is

a genius and her words are always inspiring.  This is my ideal

office accessory for the coming year.  A sweet new picture and

an uplifting quote each morning are just what I need some days!

 
:

Pottery Barn Bedford Modular Cabinets - $2283 (as shown)
Customize a spacious, organized workspace for all your creative endeavors with the hardwood-framed pieces in our Bedford Collection. The Modular Desk Components can be used alone or combined with others to form a desk, a console or a wall of storage.

One of my dreams is to have an organized sewing/craft space. I am currently using a large bookshelf for most of my storage and an old kids craft table for my workspace. It functions but it isn't necessarily ideal. This configuration would be a perfect fit and would help keep my supplies and projects organized! 

 

Pottery Barn Vintner's Wall Mount Wine Opener - $299
Modeled after a vintage professional wine opener we saw at a vineyard, our version securely holds a wine bottle in place for uncorking.

Ok, this is a little less of a necessity, but how fun! Probably better suited for a wine connoisseur, which I certainly am not. But I love the idea of having this mounted in the dining room, ready for any dinner party. Or even on the wall next to my nightstand, ready for a nightcap while watching Casablanca. Kidding. Possibly.
  

 
Starbucks Classic Chambord Copper Press - $39.95
The original coffee press with a beautiful copper finish. Brew up to 8 cups of flavorful coffee.

I know I mentioned how much I love my French Press back in the Baking Therapy post but guess what?? I broke mine. Of course. I shattered the glass because I'm Wreck It Ralph. Never trust me with anything fragile. Anyway, that being said, I obviously need a new one and I think this one is beautiful!

 
Starbucks Blusher Double Wall Traveler - $19.95
The mug shines with metallic details, from the gold rim to the "clasps" of the compact mirror design. The ceramic mug's double wall construction helps keep coffee hot while hands stay cool, and its blue ceramic press-in lid with silicone seal minimizes spills.

I am a little particular when it comes to my coffee. Strangely enough, this also includes traveler mugs. I don't like what stainless steel and plastic do to the taste of my coffee so I am often driving around with my coffee in a regular mug and no lid. This one is ceramic, has a lid and is absolutely adorable. You win, Starbucks. You always do.

Magnolia Heritage Cake Stand - $42
This cake stand comes in a bright turquoise and a dark charcoal color. Great for parties and weddings! Use it to display sweets and treats or as a centerpiece! It is metal with a distressed finish.

Chip and Joanna Gaines, where do I begin? Although a little late to the Fixer Upper party (I caught on during season 2), my husband and I now watch regularly and, like everyone else, wish we could live in Waco, Texas and hire them to design and restore an old home for us. Not only are they incredibly talented, they are absolutely adorable. They have a store called Magnolia Market in Waco filled with beautiful products for the home. Thankfully, they also have an online shop! My sweet sister in law thoughtfully took a peek on my Pinterest boards and found this Heritage Cake Stand from Magnolia and had it sent for my birthday. Needless to say, I was over the moon! It is such a beautiful and functional piece. I am using it as part of my Christmas decor right now, but I know there will be plenty of sweets served on it in the future! 


Wolferman's Signature English Muffins, 12 packages - $41.99
Twelve packages of our world famous, super thick signature English muffins, each package a flavor that you've selected. The extra thickness of each muffin means they're perfect for any topping you want to put on them. Their tiny air pockets ensure they have an ideal, crispy texture when you toast them.

Ohhhh bread. But not just bread. English muffins. And not just any English muffins. Wolferman's. If you haven't had these before...I'm just sorry. Our family's dear friend Abby introduced us to these years ago and it always a special treat to have them around, but they go quickly! These aren't like the ones you can pick up at the grocery store. These lovelies are enormously thick, delighfully soft and ridiculously delicious. They have sweet and savory flavors, fifteen total, so I feel like this 12 pack is necessary to try close to all of them. Don't worry, they freeze well too in case you don't consume bread products like I unfortunately do. They make great gifts too!


Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens Kit - $3099
Canon is proud to present the highly anticipated EOS 5D Mark III. With supercharged EOS performance and stunning full frame, high-resolution image capture, the EOS 5D Mark III is designed to perform. Special optical technologies like the 61-Point High Density Reticular AF and an extended ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 50 (L), 51200 (H1) and 102400 (H2) make the EOS 5D Mark III ideal for shooting weddings in the studio or out in the field, and great for still photography.

If you have seen the photos on my posts, this favorite thing really goes without saying. I have a great little point and shoot camera that I use sometimes, but more often than not I am catching life's moments with my iPhone's camera. Not to take away from it's capabilities- it is mainly a phone, after all. But I would love to have a nice camera to document the big happenings in our family! This one seems to fit the bill. I need to have it. 


So those are a few of our favorites for the home! We are keeping this to a minimum, but feel free to peruse each of our Pinterest pages for lots of home and crafty items! And keep an eye out for the last list. It's a really fun one...and has everything to do with Christmas and nothing with wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings.

xoxo

Favorite Things in Fashion and Beauty

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Cute, but they're not on this list. Today's favorites are wearables and products that would make us feel our best and most beautiful!

:

  

David Yurman Petite Albion Ring, Citrine and Diamonds - $675

"Sterling silver faceted citrine, 7 x 7mm Pavé diamonds, 0.17 total carat weight ring, 4-11mm wide split-shank."

My November birthday has landed me with a topaz/citrine birthstone and it's pretty rare for me to find it in a piece of jewelry that I like. I stumbled across this little beauty about 10 years ago and have coveted it since. The price tag of $675 assures me it will be resting on my wish list rather than my finger for a little while longer. 

Frye Melissa Tab Tall Riding Boots in Redwood - $428

"For runaway Southern belles or career girls running to catch a cab to work, there are an endless amount of looks that this boot can dream up. Hand burnishing at the toe, heel and even along the seams gives a remarkable depth to smooth vintage leather. Slender tabs accented with the signature Melissa button frame these gorgeous heritage boots."

Ohhhh Frye boots. Stunningly beautiful, yet absolutely practical. I love the the structure of these since they can be dressed up or down. And the color is perfect. Though well worth the $428, I'm going to have to keep an eye out for a sale for these lovelies.

J. Crew Twisted Pearl Necklace - $125
"Bold, twisted and a little oversize—pearls that upend the idea of pearls. Glass pearls, brass. Light gold plating."

J. Crew, you will be the death of me. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars pretend shopping with you online. (Do you do that? Pick out things you want down to the size and color and put them in your cart, knowing you'll never buy them? No?? I'm crazy. I know.) I need all of their things. All of them. But right now I need to talk about this little pearl necklace. Pearls are a classic, timeless staple in any woman's wardrobe but these add something a little more playful and fun. I need them.

Ralph Lauren Romance Eu de Parfum - $68

"The women's fragrance that evokes the timeless essence of falling in love. Discover the sensual essence of velvety woods, extravagant florals and seductive musk."

Perfumes are so personal because styles vary and fragrances wear differently on everyone. This is one with such classic, floral, feminine notes it's just timeless. It is my signature fragrance. While I do wear others every once in a while, (Miss Dior Cherie, Gucci Guilty) this is the go-to that I have been wearing for the last fifteen years.

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Liner in Deep Black - $22

"On your mark, JET SET, go! This waterproof, crease-resistant gel liner glides on with ease, then dries in 60 seconds flat for smudge-proof lines and precisely defined eyes."

I recently fell back in love with black eyeliner. I used to wear this Smashbox cream liner daily, but after becoming a stay at home mom, I transitioned into wearing a softer chocolate brown for my every day look. I also transitioned into spending considerably less time and money on my makeup. But when I came across e.l.f.'s Cream Liner  I thought I would give black liner a try again. While it smudges a bit easier than it's higher-priced counterpart and the brush is worthless, it's a do-able substitute for now (just pick up a good liner brush). I've started wearing a subtle cat-eye with it a couple times a week now and I absolutely love it. But if you can swing the Smashbox price, do it.

                                                 Clinique Quickliner For Eyes in Dark Chocolate - $16.50

"Automatic eyeliner pencil twists up. Glides on. Smudges to a smooth blur of colour with the convenient smudge tool on the opposite end. Needs no sharpening.
Silky formula is always ready to line and define with ease. Stays on all day."

Not long after having my first baby, my morning routine time was significantly shortened. The days when I used to spend an undisclosed amount of time perfecting my makeup, eyes in particular, seemed over. But since rediscovering this little gem (I wore it for years in college), thanks to a gift from my sister Kate, I can sweep my liner on in seconds! It's long-lasting, richly pigmented and can easily go from a precise line to a smokey eye thanks to the built-in smudger. A staple, this guy.

 NARS Velvet Lip Pencil in Cruella  - $26

"The application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. Lips are instantly saturated with rich pigments and a velvety matte finish. The long lasting, non-drying formula is enriched with emollients for a creamy texture, while a combination of unique silicones ensures long-lasting, seamless color for hours. Use for lining, all-over lip color, or pairing with another lip product."

I mentioned this beauty a few weeks ago in my Christmas Village post. Sephora's Beauty Insider birthday gift this year was a duo of NARS lip pencils, one satin in Rikugien and one velvet in Cruella. Since I usually opt for a more subtle lip, the Rikugien delivers with a perfect rosy-pink hue. I thought the Cruella would be fun to try out but I didn't expect to love it as much as I do since I have always had a hard time finding the right red. It certainly isn't as easy as Taylor Swift makes it look. But this one is IT. It is more of a crayon than a pencil so it functions as a lipstick. It is creamy but not at all glossy, definitely a matte finish but not dry. And it lasts forever but comes off with little effort when you want it to. I have been wearing this one regularly since picking it up at Sephora, during the day and for an evening out. My husband joked that it even has the perfect name for me- Cruella. I'm pretty sure he was joking...

: 

TYME Hair Iron - $190
"The TYME Iron is a revolutionary hair tool that allows you to curl and straighten your hair! Each TYME Iron comes with an awesome TYME traveler that you can use to pack the iron with you on all your soon to be red carpet destination trips! :)"

So I tend to be a fairly lazy person when it comes to beauty.  Not that I'm the smelly kid in class, but I just don't have the time to spend hours getting ready, especially when I'm already up a 5 am daily.  This little beauty is said to be one of the easiest and fastest to use, with the best results.  They even feature a Facebook video where a little girl around 9 is curling her own hair.  My. Kind. Of. Styler.  Cause, let's be real, my hair styling ability is around that level (just ask my stylist, who also happens to be my baby sister!).

Kate Hill "Kate" Medium Tote and Zip-Around Wallet in Taupe - $60/$40

I am also a jeans and tee kind of girl.  My wardrobe is very basic, very neutral and comfortable.  I did have a slight addiction to bags for some time, but recently my extra money is reserved for diapers and Gerber Grabbers (speaking of addictions...).  Once I discovered that there was an Australian designer by the name of Kate Hill, however, I knew I had to have one.  Getting them was easier said than
done at the time, as they didn't ship outside the
country, but my gorgeous husband employed a co-worker to snag me a set while across the pond!  Since then, they have started shipping to the US!  And they run great sales.  The big BUT here is the shipping cost...$45.  And, while the bags are adorable and good quality, with great storage inside, that can be a tough pill to swallow.  Nonetheless, this set is called "Kate," so it's sort of a necessity!

Bittersweet Classic Design Bracelet by Maria Shireen in Silver - $45

"Our flagship product - bittersweet by Maria Shireen™ - is designed for sophisticated women on the go. At the gym, the office or out on the town. We make functional fashion accessories that are smart and sophisticated, versatile and unique, just like the women, young ladies and girls who wear them."

I adore this classic, clean, simple look and her husband for creating this!  Not only for her, but because I am beyond guilty of this habit and have the pictures to prove it (and thank you to Jessica Ashley for the lovely photos, despite my fashion faux pas!)  What a great way to keep a hair tie handy, without cutting off circulation and looking stylish!

Style Stick by Marcy McKenna - 2/$15

"For too long we have put up with collars that won’t stay flat, gaping necklines and buttons, hems that won’t stay up, pockets that pop and bulge, and other day to day challenges that are now unnecessary thanks to STYLE STICK®. No need to carry around a needle and thread to deal with a fallen hem (especially when traveling) or pinning a neckline together to prevent embarrassing slips. Just Twist the Stick and apply firmly - your fashion emergency solution."

For the lazy girl in the comfy wardrobe, this is a total win!  Small enough to carry in your make-up bag and tons of different uses.  Kind of like a glue stick for clothing, which totally appeals to my crafty side!  And, for a girl who happens to need all the help she can get fitting all of the girls into button downs, this is a God-send.  No more peek-a-boo bras for this girl :)  This is a great little secret weapon for any mom on the go!

Look in a Box Face Kit in Style Maven by MAC - $50

"A face kit in a wave of plum-mauve that features two powder blushes. six eye shadows, two lipsticks and a duo-handled brush."

Ladies, who doesn't want an easier time of make-up application?  Not to mention, toting it simply.  I have searched high and low for a full face kit and have yet to find one.  This one, however comes close.  As I'm quite picky about my liner and mascara, with the most sensitive eyes in life, this kit is ideal.  I can grab this compact, my eye colors and go.  No need for an entire bag of 800 tubes and brushes anymore!  Gorgeous, long lasting colors all in one spot!

Laila Eau de Parfum by Geir Ness - $76

"Laila Eau de Parfum spray by Geir Ness is “fresh, clean & alluring - everything a woman wants to be!”. An exhilarating blend of natural oils, Laila is an infusion of Norwegian mountain wildflowers with just a touch of fruit inflections – including watermelon. With no synthetic additives, it mixes with the skin’s own oils to remain fresh all day without turning or fading. Laila intoxicates the senses."

In 2009, my husband and I were attempting to drink and eat our way through Epcot's World Showcase (I say attempting because even in the dating years I could not hold my own past two countries.)  This is an extremely cool place that I highly recommend for the food and shopping, if for nothing else.  Not as interesting as Magic Kingdom is for the kids, but we absolutely love it!  Anyway, we were exiting China, when a woman passed by that my husband insisted smelled better than anything he had ever smelled.  My first instinct was to promptly push her into the lake that the showcase surrounds, but thankfully we continued on.  The next country happened to be Norway, that of Jordan's heritage and there we discovered where the mystery woman had bathed in fragrance, the Puffin's Roost shop.  No, back then, it wasn't Elsa's signature fragrance, but a fragrance created by Geir Ness many years ago.  With the way my husband was drawn to it, the ties to his history and the gorgeous, light floral fragrance, I knew it was my new staple and has been since!


This is just one of our three lists this holiday season.  So, please come back and join us for the next two and indulge with us!  We can't wait to share them with you!!

Golden Hand's Favorite Things

Golden Hand's Favorite Things

So we're all in full swing when it comes to the holiday season, but what kind of blog would we be if we didn't share the things we're dreaming about this Christmas??  So, in the vein of Oprah, Gwyneth and the ever-offensive Kardashian-Jenners, we've put together our lists of must-haves to share with you!

Please understand that we mean this to be fun.  This is NOT going to resemble their lists.  We live in the real world and intend to keep our wish lists there as well.  If you're into that sort of thing and happen to have a heavy wallet, we encourage you to check out some examples from their over-the-top lists below.

featured on Goop's list, Kim K's list and Kendall J's list

So, don't these just jump to the top of all of your lists? 

Gwyneth features the Cartier LOVE bracelet, which the site describes as "a grand gesture.  Forever."  That's because at $6300, you will be paying it off FOREVER.  Cartier claims it's "a timeless tribute to passionate romance."  Really?!  Looks like a tribute to handcuffs to me.  Enjoy.

We, at Golden Hand love our candles.  Burn them all the time.  Kim, on the other hand, prefers to fragrance her home with the "dark and enigmatic" fragrance of her Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir candle.  And, for a mere $455, you too can "transform the atmosphere with luxury and opulence."  GAG.  My guess is that the candle is about as lovely as the inside of a pomegranate actually looks.  Ew.

And finally, the piece de resistance, Kendall's headphones.  I'm an earbud girl, if I use them at all, but I like to dance and sing along, so generally I prefer loud and proud.  These babies are quite the statement.  Not only are the large enough to see from space, they are bedazzled to the nth degree for those of us whose heads are just not heavy enough (I assure you, mine is, just ask my husband about this giant noggin).  As is typical to the Kardashians, these are branded.  Dolce & Gabbana, baby.  Sigh...  When Kendall listed these, she was obviously being fashion-forward, despite the $8895 price tag.  But, won't she be in for a shock, when she learns that D&G is running them now for 50% off.  A steal!

Guys, these women don't live in our world.  I don't begrudge them for their gift lists, however, I do think there needs to be a reality check for real people.  Oprah does come down some from Mount Olympus and lists more affordable options, some of which landed on our list as well.  But, she does have some items that only a celebrity could really love.

Eli's Bread Challah Menorah

Alma Chocolate Favorites Icons Collection

Now, this bread...WHAT?!  I mean, all religions need to be accounted for absolutely.  But, um, Oprah, could you maybe have found an alternative item?  I mean, menorah, yes.  Bread, mmm.  Highly phallic representation?  PASS, even at only $45.  And the chocolates are lovely indeed, but edible gold leaf seems excessive at $120 a pop.

So, bear with us and hopefully you'll keep your eye-rolling to a minimum at what we consider to be a much more reasonable, if not relatable favorites list!

Polar Express Party

The Polar Express holds very special memories for so many people. I remember checking the Caldecott-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg out of the library at Elsmere Elementary over and over again, wishing I would wake one Christmas Eve to the sound of the steam engine outside my own window. Since the movie's release in 2004, it has become a tradition for us to watch it at least twice during the Christmas season. When Nora was about a year and a half, she asked to watch "Choo choo moonie" almost every day in December and when Connor was around two, he wanted to watch "Po-fress" every day. All year long.


When it came time to plan his third birthday, he asked to have a Polar Express party. I thought it would be fun to do a pajama party since the kids in the story were all in their jammies. I found these "believe" cards in Target's Christmas section, printed and adhered a photo of the famous train with the details of the party to the inside, making sure to add a note at the bottom asking guests to remember to bring their ticket. I printed out these Polar Express tickets on gold scrapbook paper and tucked them inside the card.

I decided to have a hot chocolate station, since the hot chocolate scene is a favorite with our kids in both the book and the movie. I also set some warm apple cider out for anyone who didn't like hot chocolate. I covered plain white paper coffee cups with blue glitter scrapbook paper. While this looked really cute, I don't necessarily recommend it unless you like glitter in your beverages. It. Was. Everywhere. 

I covered the buffet table in white linens with a couple strands of white lights underneath. I added silver and blue ornaments, star garland and jingle bells around the table. I hung some white glitter snowflakes from the ceiling and chandelier along with a train birthday banner my sister Kate made for his first birthday party.

I set out a jar with assorted flavored hot chocolates next to a kettle of hot water and white chocolate stirring spoons.We had several different toppings and mix-ins for the hot chocolate set up in these cute water goblets I picked up from Pottery Barn for a steal (and I later discovered the reason: they all perished shortly after, along with the rest of our Pottery Barn glassware...not very sturdy. Get it together, Pottery Barn!)


 

We had candy canes, cinnamon sticks, caramels, marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips and whipped cream to add to the hot chocolate and cider. I found some printable labels and tent cards online and customized them with a picture of the Polar Express bell. I attached the labels to wooden paddles to stick down into the goblets of toppings.

As for the food, I stuck to simple sweets. "Snowball doughnuts," as Connor calls them, stacked on a tiered stand, fudge brownies, white chocolate covered pretzels and little s'mores bites. These were a fun addition and a hit with everyone. I used a small round cookie cutter to carefully cut each graham cracker, then added a large marshmallow and Hershey Kiss to each. They went under the broiler for a couple minutes and that was it!



The cake was just 8" rounds with a 6" layer on top. I carved out of the side to make it look like a mountain, iced it in grey buttercream and added some white icing on the top and edges to look like snow. Then I added black licorice for train tracks, a couple bottle brush trees and our wooden Polar Express train climbing the "mountain."

As the guests arrived, our little conductor/guest of honor was ready with his ticket punch. He punched each ticket and directed everyone to the hot chocolate station. We had the movie on in the background, but no planned activities for this party as it was mostly family and a couple close friends. Connor and Nora each wore their Polar Express jammies from their Mugga and Papa. They took turns receiving "the first gift of Christmas"- the silver bell from Santa's sleigh - while drinking their heavily-topped hot chocolates.

The birthday boy spent the rest of the evening in his blue robe with the bell in the pocket, engineering his very own Polar Express!

The Polar Express has become a big part of our Christmas traditions. They have Polar Express Day at school, where the kids parade around the school wearing a box they have decorated to look like a train car, they drink hot chocolate and watch the movie. We have ridden the "Santa Express" on Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, an hour-long train ride which includes hot chocolate, Christmas carols, stories and activity books, elves delivering candy canes, Mrs. Claus delivering a bell and, of course, Santa himself posing for photos.

We read the book and watch the movie several times each season. The magic of the Polar Express will forever stay part of our family's tradition. "The bell still rings for all who truly believe."

xoxo

A November of Gratitude: Final Week

by Heather Stillufsen

Typical of my character, I have waited until the last minute to finish with my list of things that I'm grateful for.  My apologies for the delay, but I enjoyed my Thanksgiving with my boys to the fullest, and slacked on everything else!  And so, the day AFTER the end of November, my treasures.  I find that I do love what I have and therefore have what I need.

Treasures

This list had to be on its own, as the items didn't really fall into the other categories, per se.  I certainly don't think I'm a jewelry girl, but it so happens that several of them fall in that group.  But, I have to admit, it's not for materialistic reasons, as one would assume.  They are simply special to me for what they are, as the others listed here.

1. "Push Gift"

So, I'm not Kim Kardashian (and her $1 million diamond choker).  Not even close.  I'm not really even a big jewelry girl.  I never demanded a "push gift," nor did I expect one.  However, this necklace is one of the best gifts that I've received.
Almost two years ago today, I found myself in a hospital bed, numb from the waist down, hooked to monitors, anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first child.  When he finally arrived, I was left a puddle, albeit blissfully happy.  An hour or so later, we were sharing our sweet boy with our parents, waiting to move out of labor and delivery.  My mother-in-law came over to hug me and gave me a small white box.  She explained that when my husband was born, and they had very little money, my father-in-law wanted to give her something to mark the occasion of the birth of their first child.  This was well before anyone coined the term "push gift."  In turn, she wanted to pass it on to me to mark the birth of Jordan's and my first child.  Crying ensued beyond my control once again, as I was truly touched.  Each time I put the necklace on, I'm proud to be his wife and Colin's mom, but also to be a part of their family.

2. Grandma's Pin


I am very lucky to have had the privilege of enjoying time with three out of four of my grandparents growing up.  We all so looked forward to time spent with them and I cherish the memories we made visiting historic battlefields, twisting our own pretzels in Amish country, watching the bug zapper on summer nights, walking to the library listening to cicadas, giving living room fashion shows, and "working" in our homemade doctor's office complete with office supplies and forms.
We continue to make great memories with my mother's parents when we go back to Philly with Colin and those are just icing on the cake for me.  But, in 2002, we lost my sweet Grandma (my dad's mother) to cancer.  The time we spent saying goodbye to her was a very difficult time, but I do remember one moment that I'm so thankful for;  Grandma loved jewelry and had some to match every outfit.  After she passed away, my aunt wanted to be sure that each of us were able to find pieces that were special to us to keep.  There were several pieces that I tucked away, but one in particular that I knew each of us would cherish having; a simple ceramic pin, with her name painted on it.  I held on to it for years until the first one of us got married.  On her wedding day, I gave it to my sister to wear so that Grandma would be there with her.  As each of us has gotten married, we've kept up the tradition and carried her with us.  And, while my mother's parents weren't able to make the trip for my wedding, I was sure to call them just before our ceremony so that they were with me.  And of course, Grandma was with me too, even in my pictures, through the simple, beautiful pin that she once wore.   I keep the pin in my vanity as a constant reminder that she is with me.

3. Wedding Bands

Most would assume that the engagement ring would be any girl's favorite.  Not so for me.  Now, my engagement ring is stunning, without doubt (see the picture in the above item), but I adore my wedding band.  We all know that wedding bands are symbols of unending love.  There is no question how much I love my husband, but what's so great about our wedding bands is the constant reminder.  I find that whenever I look down at my hand and see it, I can be in that moment, holding hands with him in front of God and everyone we love, promising to love him forever.  I love that he picked mine out himself, knowing my tastes.  I love the simplicity and how it compliments my engagement ring.  And I absolutely love looking down at his hand and seeing his and knowing that it ties him to me.  Not as a brand, but a constant promise of my love for him.

4. Mall Madness

Ok, stop laughing.  This is more of a symbolic treasure, folks.  Not that the game isn't delightful (as evidenced by the looks on both of our faces) or remotely unappreciated, because I assure you, it currently resides in my bonus room alongside our other games and comes into rotation to this day.  However, this game is meant to represent ALL of the games that I grew up playing with my sisters.  We had so much fun together and I'm so blessed to have those memories.  Of course, we all still play games together today, though they're more adult and often accompanied by alcoholic beverages.  But the treasure lies in the imagination and the connection.  I see it with Colin already, while he plays with his trucks and constantly asks "Mama p[l]ay too?"  I can't wait to give him a sibling to connect with and pretend with.  Such a treasure is irreplaceable and I am so thrilled to have that with my sisters to this day.

5. The Heimlich Manuever

Y'all, learn this!  Seriously.  There's a reason it's on this list.  I am forever grateful to Dr. Henry Heimlich and his abdominal thrusts, first described in 1974.  It is life-saving.

Two years ago, at Thanksgiving, we were joking around in my parents' kitchen while my dad carved the turkey, as he's done my entire life.  Since we're always goofing around, we all assumed that when dad motioned that he was choking, it was an act, so we all did the requisite "pat, pat" on his back.  To our horror, this was no joke and the back patting was doing nothing.  I'm not sure if it was fear, or the lack of color in Dad's face, but we were all frozen.  With one exception, my husband, Jordan.  As he works with children, he is required to be certified in first aid and CPR.  Out of nowhere, he simply got behind my dad and began the abdominal thrusts that quickly dislodged the piece of turkey on which he had been choking.  I'm not sure if it was pregnancy emotion or sheer terror, but that moment has stuck with me.  You never know what can happen and you should never take for granted how educating yourself can save someone's life.  So thank you, Dr. Heimlich (and Jordan) for your precious gift.

6. Irish Heritage

I think at this point, we're all mostly "mutts."  I mean, i think we can agree that America as a melting pot has certainly been fulfilled.  I do not count myself out of that collective pot at all.  And with a maiden name like Zebrowski, I absolutely would not deny my Polish heritage.  But, both sides of my family are also rich in Irish heritage.  I grew up taking pride in that and entering doorways that were adorned with "Céad Mile Fáilte" (a hundred thousand welcomes).  My relatives have always spoken in Irish blessings, worn claddaghs and of course, their green.  And, on my mother's side of the family they have visited our ancestor's castle in County Cork, Ireland; Castle Donovan.  The castle dates back to the 1640's and still remains today.  I am certainly proud to call myself a descendant of these rich backgrounds and thankful that the traditions are a part of me!

As I've said before, diving into the things you are grateful for is eye-opening.  As humans, we tend to dwell on the things that are keeping us down.  What a refreshing and fulfilling experience this last month was, in discovering the abundant blessings in my life and sharing them with all of you.  At this time of year, I encourage you to do the same and I guarantee, you will be as happily overwhelmed as I have.  Enjoy the amazing things you have!