22 Questions & Answers about Christmas

Saw this on Caitlin's blog and had to steal it.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I like them both. Though I made some egg nog pound cake that was to die for.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Always wrapped or in a gift bag.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?  We never decorate the outside of the house. And we have colored lights on the tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.

5. When do you put your decorations up? It varies from year to year, but when I was attending college it was generally right after Thanksgiving so that everyone was home and could participate.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? This incredibly delicious mix of carrots and turnips that my grammy makes. It’s so good.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I don't know if I have any favorite memories... the Christmas that I had the chicken pox was memorable, but not in a good way...


8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I found Santa’s outfit in the linen closet, put it on, and went downstairs where my parents were sitting. They kind of had to explain it at that point.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. It’s definitely a tradition!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Ornaments from throughout the years, an angel on the top, and lights!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I’ve grown up in Maine, and went to school in Vermont. I hate/dread snow. Not a fan.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes. Though I hardly go ice skating… the few times that I have gone recently were with the kids from the mentoring program I was in while in college.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Probably a book about Mother Theresa my grandmother gave me signed by the author.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seeing my family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My aunt has a cake that she makes and we sing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus and eat cake.


16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We have a DVD of TranSiberian Orchestra music that we all watch as a family.


17. What tops your tree? The same angel for as long as I can remember.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I like both. Though I love the look on people's faces when they get a really great gift that they were not expecting.


19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yuck.


20. Favorite Christmas show? I don't really have one... I'm not a huge fan of Christmas shows.


21. Saddest Christmas Song? “The Christmas Shoes” which is a song about a boy trying to buy shoes for his mother, who is dying. He doesn’t have enough money for them and the guy waiting in line behind him gives him the money. It’s a beautiful but sad song.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? I don't really think I have a favorite.... there are so many good Christmas songs!

Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday & Etsy Folks You Should Check Out

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I love small businesses. I know many small business owners, and I just think they're fabulous. My parents and I did our part and went and supported local small businesses and crafts people this weekend.



I've been looking for something for the extra bracelets and jewelry that don't fit on my hanging jewelry holders... and this cool bowl made out of an old record was super cool and fun! Now my dresser looks less cluttered!

And now I want to share with you a few small etsy buinesses folks I'm loving at the moment... This is definitely not a full list, but just a few people I want to share with my friends. :)



Megan has an etsy shop with a ton of cute things. I have this watch. I'm loving the hats, and pretty much everything in her shop! She also has a blog, as well as a blog with her sisters (she's a triplet!)



These eco friendly cat toys are awesome. I especially love these made from wool sweater scraps. I definitely want to get some of these for Charlie!



I'm actually known for drinking cold Starbucks drinks in the wintertime, even though it makes my hands freezing cold! I love these cozies, it would be the perfect thing to keep my hands warm(er). I love the best friend cozies, but there is such a variety!



I love these! Olivia started this business in college and it's taken off. I just got mine in the mail on Friday and I have been wearing them since! She has tons of colors, and a huge variety. And the best thing is that when I take my hair down, it doesn't leave that dent that you sometimes get from other hair ties.... and I can just put it on my wrist and wear it like a bracelet!





If you're a pinterest addict like I am, then you probably saw these legwarmers. After these hit pinterest, Melissa, the owner of Sienna's Closet, got so much interest that she's had a steady stream of people going to her etsy store and facebook pages asking for them. I ordered a teal pair that I wore when we got some snow last week, and they are gorgeous as well as being cozy and warm! Your best bet is to check out her facebook page, she will keep you updated as to what she has in stock and when!



I happen to think that you cannot go wrong when you mix pearls and ribbon! Twillypop does just that! I have my eye on a few of them.

Also, I did not get paid to mention any of these lovely folks... I just like sharing good finds with others! All photos/banners belong to the shop owners!

TV Shows I'm Currently in Love WIth

The X Factor: I've never really been into American Idol, The Voice, or any of those other music competition shows. I watched a little bit of The Sing Off when On the Rocks was on it. But I've been SO into watching the X Factor. My favorites are Drew, Rachel, Lakoda Rayne, Josh, Leroy, and Marcus. If any of them won I would be content.



Kitchen Cousins: John and Anthony are cousins (as the title might alude to) from a big 'ol Italian family in Jersey. They work together at a construction company. They are cool, fun, have a great space (an old firestation) and they design great kitchens.



Check out the boys, their office, and two of their completed kitchens. Or watch them Wednesday nights on HGTV.

Bones: On after the X Factor on Thursday nights, I normally just keep the TV on the same channel and have been watching the last 3-4 episodes of Bones. I love the characters.

 

X Factor pictures from the X Factor website. Kitchen Cousins pictures from their facebook page.

Review & Giveaway: Start Something That Matters

The book started off with a poem about success (often attributed to Elizabeth Anne Anderson Stanley), which at the time I was reading this book I wasn't quite feeling very successful. But the book and poem reminded me that there are many ways to define success. The book then starts telling the story of TOMS, which is a mix of things that as a huge TOMS fan I already knew, as well as information I didn't know before reading.

It's not just about TOMS. Blake also talked to others who "started something that matters" including the guys behind method, an eco friendly cleaning brand. I was fascinated to learn that beef fat is a common ingredient as a softening agent in dryer sheets.

It's an easy read, with the book split into different sections such as learning how to tell your story, facing your fears, which includes a great story about Blake's mom! There's also great advice like when Blake suggests reading biographies and that the timing is not going to ever be right. I thought it was a pretty quick read. Whether you just want to learn more about TOMS, want to make a difference, or want to learn how to do what you love, it's a good book to check out.



And...

I'M GIVING AWAY TWO COPIES!

Sorry for the caps lock/yelling. I'm very excited to share with you! All you have to do is comment below saying that you are a follower of my blog.... and I will randomly choose two people to receive a copy of the book! Make sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win!

The giveaway ends on November 28th, 2011.

How to Create an Awesome Care Package

Step 1: Create a theme, whether it is a holiday, season, or if it’s just because, come up with some other crazy type of theme!

The example I’m using in this post, is a fabulous Maine themed care package for Eileen and her hubby!

Start on your care package adventure!

Step 2: Think about things that go along with the theme. For me, Maine – lobster, maple, and moose related items.



{Picture thanks to Eileen.} As you can see, there's some LL Bean candy. Lobster shaped and moose shaped. There's also a magnet shaped like the state of Maine.

Step 3: If someone mentions wanting something in particular, make sure to try your hardest to get it for them.

Eileen told me that she really wanted these Moose lollypops from LL Bean. So this was a picture I took with my webcam and posted on her facebook page so that I could make sure that I got what she wanted!

Step 4: Include something homemade, also if possible. I didn't get to do this, but I definitely plan to next time!

Do you have any suggestions for how to make a great care package?

I love this color so much, I want to marry it.

That is how I feel about this shirt. I am in love with the color. It goes great with my pale complexion and red hair. But yes, if I could marry a color, this would be it. Yep. I might be going a little overboard about my love for this color though.

I love what an outfit can do for a mood. There are just some outfits that make you feel so good! This was an outfit I loved as soon as I tried it on. I wore it on Wednesday while I ran some errands, and it was a gorgeous day. Wednesday also marked one year since Casey Irish, a young man from Maine, lost his life in a car accident. His sister Sarah attended the same college I did. Although I never met Casey, if he is anything like Sarah, I'm sure he was a very kind, sweet, generous young man. So in remembrance of Casey, Wednesday was "Calves for Casey." So this outfit was my way of showing off my calves in remembrance for Casey.

I'm thinking I might have to create a regular feature where I talk about fun feel good outfits. :)

Cool & Pretty Things

I'm pretty darn excited about this. My little etsy store that I'm hoping will be a cool side business for me.



 

 

 

 

Currently I have a few bracelets up there. I also have the reflective dog collar that is shown in the picture below. I'm planning on expanding to do headbands and watches too, because many people make the bracelets and collars (though their prices are not as good as mine!) but I haven't seen people expand to other items. I'm also planning to do items that don't involve paracord.



 

 

 

 

For the fabulous few blog readers out there, use the code SMALLTOWN for 25% off for a limited time if you like something that is currently listed for sale!

twelve by 2012 check in!

With about 7 weeks left until 2012, I figured a goal check in post might be in order. I made my list about 3 weeks ago, so let's see how things look!

In progress goals will be in blue, finished or unobtainable goals will be in green.

1. Read 2 books. - I'm currently reading The Power of Half by Hannah and Kevin Salwen. I need to finish this book so that I can move on to my next one.


2. Give Mia, Lila, and Jordan their belated birthday presents, and buy Dan his. - I bought Dan his birthday present. I need to either wrap or get bags for these presents and bring them over to the kids I babysit. So this goal is one that is almost near completion.


3. Post on my blog 3 times a week. -I feel like I'm doing well at posting multiple times a week.


4. Open my etsy shop. - Check it out! YAY One goal completed.


5. Get a job. - Multiple interviews. I'm trucking along with this one. But this one needs to be completed (as apposed to reading books) so I can pay off my loans.


6. Visit Eileen and Kyle before they head to Alaska. - So I set myself up for failure with this one. I don't have the money to take a trip, so unfortunately this goal is not going to happen.


7. Start a little freelance business. - I have business cards designed, though I need to print them. I have a friend with a business who needs a website, so I guess I can consider myself having my first client? I have started planning out what my portfolio will include. But need to make more headway with executing and finishing it.


8. Spend quality time with my friends here. -I've definitely been successful here. I've done dinners and gone to concerts with my friends here. I'm gonna call this goal good.


9. Finish my room design/clean/reorganization/set up. - Really haven't done any work here either. Maybe I will post pictures of what it currently looks like and what I need to do with it!


10. Figure out budget and start saving! -I haven't really worked on this goal yet. I should probably wait until I have a job.


11. Make 5 things (either food or crafts) I've pinned on Pinterest. - Doing well with this goal. I've made 2/5 things.


12. Visit Burlington! -I haven't even figured out when I might want to go. But if I want to go before they leave for Thanksgiving break, I should go soon. Or wait until after they get back from break.

Okay. 6 in progress. 2 finished. 1 unobtainable. Should get crackin on those other 3 that I haven't really worked on yet!

What the People Really Need is People

The other day a certain big company's career website's application took about 4 times the "45 minutes" the website claim's the application takes. It was mostly because the page was ridiculously slow to load. So it was frustrating, but I know that I just have to keep at it, because something will come along! Though I do wish that job searching was different.



This one part really struck with me. "What the people need is people." I just wish I could print out my resume on my nice resume paper and hand it to someone. I hate that I have to spend hours filling out an online application that I'm not even sure if anyone is going to see. I just wish they could tell me that they even got my resume. I just think that Human Resources should have a lot more of the Human that is in the name. But what can I do. Hopefully the job search will be better. I know that I will find something eventually. I just hope that it's soon so I won't have to stress about my finances as much!

But I was very excited {earlier} that same day (like before the whole job application thing). My mom and I ran some errands and went to a few stores. And since I look a lot younger than my age, I don't ever get asked to open store cards. And although I'm sure some people hate getting asked to open a store credit card, I wish they'd ask me. Because at least it means that they think I look closer to my age than most people think. Like when I was at the mall and got asked if I was looking for a dress for homecoming. Like my last homecoming was in 2007! No, I'm not looking for a homecoming dress! So for you to ask me to open a store card, I will for sure thank you, and tell you that I'm flattered before I say no! But I got asked twice!! the other day. I was thrilled.

Financial Double Edged Sword

Well, first of all Welcome! To all my new readers. I'll try not to bore you with talking about my cat or student loan debt too much. :) Also, feel free to drop me a line at smalltown20something@gmail.com if you want to chat!

I woke up really early this morning, and my mind was racing everywhere. I was thinking about my student loans (which is a nightmare, really) and I just couldn't get back to bed. So I got up, and ended up taking a nap for a few hours this morning.

Which leaves me with the fact that it is now NOON, and I haven't really got much accomplished today.

SO my plan for today (I must warn you, it's THRILLING!):

• Roll Coins


• Take bottles to redemption center


• Working on my portfolio so that I can try to get some freelance clients!


• Hopefully launch my little etsy store!? This is really the only fun part of my day. I have a few bracelets made, and I'm going to work on some reflective dog and cat collars. Though I'm going to branch out. I'm also planning on making a watch and possibly some headbands! So stay tuned!

I don't know if it's the fact that I woke up at 5AM thinking of student loans, and that is why my financial situation is on my mind today. I don't know. But I'm feeling like my finances are a double edged sword. I am so incredibly thankful and greatful for what I have. I have this computer that I use for blogging, I have parents who make sure I eat. I have a roof over my head, I warm bed to sleep in, and cats and a dog to cuddle with. I feel so lucky that my parents have always been able to provide for my sister and I, and I really hope I can return the favor to them when they are much much older. But it's hard to know that pretty much all the money I have right now needs to go to the student loan payments I need to make. I kind of wish I had some spending money, to buy silly (kind of) frivolous things.

I've pretty much realized that I'm not going to be able to see Eileen and Kyle before they go to Alaska like I wanted to. I was really hoping to hang out, do bloggy things with Eileen and see them. But it's just going to have to wait.

So yeah, that's where I'm at today. Thankful for what I have, but kind of wishing I was in a better situation financially, so that I wouldn't have to worry about spending a few dollars buying my favorite drink from Starbucks.

Pinterest Challenge Part 1

It's Pinterest Challenge Day!

According to Pinterest, it's a virtual pinboard that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

And Katie from Bower Power and Sherry from Young House Love have held 2 Pinterest Challenges so far, and today is reveal day for the second challenge.

I also had in my twelve by 2012 list that I want to create 5 things that I've pinned, so this just helps me cross that off!



This is just a part of my "For The Home" board. I figured that the photo collage on the right part of the screen would be a perfect little undertaking for this challenge.

I had photos and little double sided photo splits to attach the photos to the foam board... which I was able to pick up at Target for $2.49. You cannot beat creating a nice collage and super easy project for less than $3!

I had so many photos around that I created this 20 X 30 board collage out of pictures of the kids in my extended family, my cousin A, and B, D, M, and R, who are all kids of my cousins. I love how it came out! I just cut all the 4 by 6 pictures to 4 inch squares and attached it to the board. Although my little picture split things didn't work out as well as I had hoped, so there will be a part 2 to this project where I will actually tape it down with double sided tape, and then cover with modge podge, like Cali over at Bits of Everything did.

So, part number 1. Part number 2 to come. But all in all, it was a quick project, I was able to do laundry, feed the pets, do the project, eat dinner and still be finished before The X Factor came on TV! Though I will put in a little bit more time to finish the project later.