spice it up! Holiday Gift Idea #4

I didn't find Penzeys on Elmwood until a few months ago.  I needed some new spices and boy, was I impressed.

The store smells wonderful first off.  And the selection was overwhelming, but in a good way.  The staff was more than helpful and there is even a little station for kids to color at while you shop.

They do offer some gift sets already prepackaged.  But go nuts!  You can make your own sets up in either the pretty glass jars or in the bags.  To be honest, its really not that expensive.  For the amount that you get, they do last quite awhile and if you store them correctly, they won't get stale.

I need to go back and get some good Vanilla for Christmas this year.

pottery junkie - Holiday Gift Ideas #1

This is part of my pottery addiction.  Only 4 pieces are missing.  I adore handmade pottery and I am fortunate to know several potterers.  

The newest addition is the Polish Pottery - the white and blue.  I won them at a basket raffle and boy was I lucky.  I used it last night and I couldn't have been happier.

The bowl on the top left was made by a local artist.  The Cup on the left was made by Dancing Pig Pottery and the little green/blue mug on the right was made by Hughes Pottery  

I adore these pieces and I really do use the mugs every day. So if you are thinking of getting something for the Holidays this year, why not consider hand made pottery.  They are unique and very well made. Don't hide them in a china cabinet...USE THEM!!

-----

Note: These are not endorsement  at all.  I was not paid or contacted by these wonderful artists.  I just simply adore their work and a wanted to share some different Gift ideas for the Holidays.  Enjoy!

Super Cheap

My god, its possible to buy a nice shirt for $1.50. Old Navy had a huge sale on clearance. I walked away with 3 shirts for like $7 when full priced would have been like $55! Erin got a new winter coat for $10 - normal price was $58! YAH!!!!!!

Bar-goon shopper

I hate shopping with a 4 year old. Impulse buy every time. Since I stopped getting the paper, I don't get coupons or ads anymore. I've resorted to browsing online before we shop. Shoes for example. 4 year old = growth spurt. Somethings you need to try on and others you don't. Payless Shoes is pretty reliable for 'tappy' shoes (black mary-janes) and we've gone through some 8 pairs. Kohls also has been a life saver. They carry black jeans for kids.

Now, if I take said 4 year old shopping for clothes, we end up with a heck lot more than what we need. My hubby turned me on to online shopping coupons and if there is a bar-goon, I'm on it. Coupon Chief lists by store - perfect for me since I have little time to wander through specials of the day. I know where I need to and what I need.

For the frugal mom who hates buying full price anything, especally clothes the kids will grow out of in 3 months, they keep tabs on Old Navy, Kohls and Children's Place. I could have used this years ago.

Happy shopping!
***************

***************************