Christmas is over and the New Year is here. We are finally back at home, having brought our journey through the center of America to a close. It was a great trip filled with highs and lows and hours and hours in the car. We drove through six states starting from our homebase in Chicago and ending up in Louisiana, with a layover to see friends in Little Rock on the way back. We were able to pack quite a bit into just over a week. So much excitement, from our trip as well as some pre-celebrations in Chicago, that we just have to share some of it with you. Let’s take a quick look back before we move forward with a new year:
Today’s gifty guide is inspired by the thoughtful, creative type. She’s delighted by tiny cute things and inspired by nature. She’s always there to take care of you when you’re sick, bringing fresh gingersnap cookies, fancy fair trade tea, and a delicately crafted card.
It’s that time of year again, folks. Time to pull out your bathing suit and beach towels for a weekend in the sun. What?! I’m just seeing if you’re paying attention… It’s actually time for holiday shopping ( if you’re a rabid consumer like me) and you know what that means (if you haven’t already deduced from the title): the Shopping Sherpa’s Holiday Gift Guides are back (and better than ever)!
Well kiddos, Westervin is one year older, and we’re all one week closer to Christmas. We thought this the perfect time to offer another one of our famed (I exaggerate) giveaways! And thanks to the generosity of two long-time readers, Mandy and her son BJ, we can offer you a chance to win the cutesy set of vintage brass deer candleholders (say that thee times fast) that you see before you! Read our interview with Mandy and BJ below, then leave a comment to enter the giveaway.
On this merry morning, I hope you arose, put on your cheery Christmas sweater and rushed to the living room to see such a sight as to fill your eyes with rainbow-colored tears of joy.
Like most people, I associate certain songs and sounds with Christmastime — Phil Spector’s oeuvre for instance. Now, this isn’t just because Phil Spector put out a Christmas album in 1963 or that I love inmates singing carols; I simply equate the reverb-soaked tracks with winter, snow, and yes, Christmas.
Now, in case you don’t quite have the same association that I do, here’s two more overtly Christmas tunes. One from Phil’s Christmas masterpiece, the other from Bruce Springsteen. General similarities abound.
With just a few days until Christmas, it’s time for our last Holiday Gift. But don’t be sad! The Shopping Sherpa isn’t going anywhere! He’ll be back with more shopping fun next week (I think he’s got a New Year’s party guide in the works, but you didn’t hear it from me). For now, take a look at all the affordable, handmade gifts he found for you Crafty Devils.
