A Crazy Busy Holiday Weekend (and a Giveaway)!

The past 5 days have sort of been a blur. Since Thanksgiving was late this year, we wound up decorating our tree this weekend too! We went to my in-laws for Thanksgiving with family, so I was thankful we didn’t have to travel far. Even though it wasn’t snowing here, it was rainy and windy and not really great travel weather.

After Thanksgiving, the next few days were spent on home improvement. We finished up the den (I will share pics later this week), and I love the way it turned out. We also refinished the floor in the boys’ playroom and started the painting prep for their bathroom. It feels so good to start checking things off the ever-growing list!

For the first time in years I snuck out for some Black Friday shopping. It was surprisingly not very crowded at the BJ’s I went to. I needed a new Keurig, so I snagged one with a $25 instant savings. Instead of about $149, I paid $95 at BJ’s. This momma is  now happy to have coffee on demand again. I also picked up some beautiful handmade gift tags and wrapping supplies while there.

Yesterday we went out to get our Christmas tree. Amazingly, the boys went up and picked a beautiful one right away. It was the fastest tree buying experience I have ever had!

We continued a family tradition from my childhood—having fondue while decorating the tree. I love fondue, and I wish I did it more often. We did steak and then chocolate fondue for dessert, with dried apricots, bananas, pound cake, and strawberries. It was DELICIOUS!

Although my shopping is almost done for Christmas, I wanted to share a unique gift idea for those that don’t need anything. World Vision issues a catalog each year that allows you to give gifts to those that need it most. You can make a financial contribution in exchange for a small symbolic gift to give someone on your Christmas list.

These gifts are handcrafted in other countries, and they are beautiful. I received a set of 3 Christmas ornaments (that are already on our tree!) that were handmade in Kenya from recycled materials. There are a number of other gifts you can see HERE.

For a chance to win your own ornament gift set, leave me a comment with your favorite gift from the catalog!

30 Something Mother Runner received a set of ornaments and one to give away in exchange for sharing information on their program with my readers. All opinions and writing are 100% my own, and I think this is a FABULOUS idea for people who already have everything they need.