Great Things in '18 - November

Welcome back to our challenge of being intentional all of 2018.  I have been looking forward to this one.  It is one of my favorites.  Here's a reminder of our focus areas



And here is our inspiration verse for the month.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

So here is the thing, I love giving gifts but I love giving gifts anonymously best of all.  But here is also the thing, be smart.  DO NOT freak out the recipient.  I repeat DO NOT freak out the recipient.  I really don't want to turn on the local news and there be a Breaking News - several mystery boxes have popped up on doorsteps around the city.  Police are detonating them when alerted.  If you receive a mystery box please call the authorities immediately........uggh no, this is NOT what we are going for.  So just make sure however you deliver whatever you are giving it is done in a way that they know it is from a safe source.....please don't leave some weird note that leaves their husband thinking they have some creepy secret admirer.....that is not what we are going for either.  So just think it through.

Enjoy surprising someone!  I am so excited for this one!  Even if you are just joining what a great time to do something good for someone.....remember do it your way....but be smart about it.

Thanks again for participating.

October Book Review

Well you guys know how much I love you and you know how much I love Christmas so I combined the two and read Christmas books for you in October so you can enjoy them leading up to the holiday.....you're welcome.

My sweet friend, Paula recommended this one to me and I definitely recommend reading this one versus doing the audio book


Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright is a really sweet Christmas story.  A young reporter pretends to be a college student to get a story for her newspaper.  What decision will she make once she gains the information.....choose new relationships or the big break she has been waiting for.  It is a great heartwarming story that may have sparked a new tradition at my house.

Good news....there is a part two



Christmas Jars Reunion by Jason F. Wright continues the story I feel in love with in the first book. If you thought the tradition and the relationships were good....just wait until you see how it all grows and unfolds.  Definitely don't miss this part two of the Christmas Jar story.



Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah is about a woman who receives some of the worst news in her life.  Her effort to run from it all just might lead her back to where she really belongs.  It is magical, emotional and heart warming.  I think you will enjoy this holiday journey.

Now I can't say I was as lucky with my last read


Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes. Now this is a good story, a fine story.  It is just that I don't really want any romance of the graphic nature mixed in with my Christmas.  Come on people,  just have a misunderstanding and tidily resolve it amongst snow while wearing cute coats.....truly that is all we really need. If you can get pass all that you would enjoy the story, after all it is in Paris.

So there you are, girls, a few holiday reads for your enjoyment.

See you back here on Friday!

Buckle in I am in full CM!!!!

I kind of stay in Christmas mode all year long.....but that extra hour of sleep this weekend has catapulted me into 100% full Christmas Mode.....like I am listening to Hallmark's Sirius Radio Station in the car ( it is station 70 by the way). I am, of course, watching all the Hallmark movies I have already seen and the new ones.  I even watched a Netflix Christmas Movie from last year- The Christmas Inheritance.

If you want to watch the trailer just click here.  It was another predictable, sweet little story.  Just how I like my Christmas movies. If you missed last year's Netflix A Christmas Prince, don't worry it is still available on Netflix.

And in even better  news there is a sequel to this one that will be released on November 30 - A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding.

Until then also look for The Holiday Calendar 

which is already available and apparently involves a magic advent calendar.

The Princess Switch

which will premier on November 16th and of course involves the switch of a baker and a princess.  In other words it is super realistic and festive.  It's Christmas.....just go with it.

and The Christmas Chronicles

which will premier on November 22nd and rumor is that Kurt Russell plays Santa. Santa and a fairly impressive cast of kids join together to save Christmas.

Fair warning: these movies totally make you want to put up a tree, wrap some presents and light a holiday candle.  If that strikes you, take a look at a few things that caught my eye on line.

Wool Felt Garland 

There are more than 110 color combinations to choose from.  The garlands are 5' long and cost $6.99 each.  Now if you are not familiar with Jane.com please know that items are available for a limited time.  This one will have about a day left....so if you want some.....grab them quickly.

Anthropologie has some super cute melamine holiday plates

There are four patterns and they are $8 each.  Wouldn't these be fun to just have in a stack on the counter to have for snacks and such.  One can also get lucky and find similar cuteness at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and HomeGoods.

Ok, I am off to order my Christmas Cards and work on my address list.  Let's go girls, full Christmas mode ahead.

Have a wonderful week.  On Wednesday I will be sharing some great holiday reads with you to further get you in the spirit.

Hello November....

Honestly, I was kind of shocked that November hit this week.  Do I know what comes after October - well yes.  Did I know that October ended this week - well yes.  But for some reason when my phone was blaring November 1st on the screen yesterday.....it was a lot to take in.  So I pulled myself together and began planning when to put up the first Christmas tree.

If you have started Christmas shopping maybe you just have a few more things to gather.  If you haven't started your shopping yet, maybe you are ready to begin now.  Either way, I have a few ideas for you today.

Nordstrom rolled out their Holiday Gift Tab.

You can search for gifts for her, him, home or kids.  You can also search by dollar value.  They even have it set up so you can search by interests like beauty, fitness, traveler.

Here are a few things I found that you might be interested in:

On the "for her" tab you will find this set of five nude lipsticks by Clinique

Clinique Nudes Collection

And this sweater that would be good for most anyone on your list

BP Sweater

and this cute little eye mask and blanket which is super cute

Eye Mask and Blanket

On the "for him" tab I found a little pampering for guys on your list

Jack Black Rescuer Kit

These slippers that come in four color options

Deer Stag Slippers

 and what guy doesn't need a Nike Pullover

Nike Hyper Dry Trainer

And these are on the stocking stuffer tab

3-Pack Hoop earrings

you get all three pair for $16.....If you don't need for a stocking grab them for yourself.

And this set of Jo Malone soaps is very cute

Jo Malone Miniature Soaps

 and these earbuds come in six color options

Urbanears Sumpan Earbuds

Spend some time clicking around on the Nordstrom Hoiday Gift Tab....if nothing else maybe you will get some good ideas and at least get your list started.

Have a wonderful weekend.  I wish you the best extra hour as we all fall back.  I. CANNOT. WAIT!!!!!