How’s that for an opening line?

I hope you had a wonderful holiday. I know I did. I took some time off to relax with my family and enjoy this special time of year.

So what’s with the header?

I fell off the wagon a while back and began drinking pop again. UGH. Not a good thing. Sooooo bad for you! So I’m once again trying to get off the juice (heh) and drink something healthier–like tea. I love tea but I hate buying something new and then not liking the taste. I’m hoping you can save me some cash by recommending (or not recommending) blends. Are you a tea drinker? What kind of tea would you recommend???? I have to admit to a sweet tooth (thus the pop and my cravings for it) so a “sweet” tasting tea would be awesome.

Recommendations, please!

Kay :helphang:

I know everyone is busy, busy this time of day/year/month but I just wanted to issue a very special MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my readers and friends. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you so very much for your love and support.

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with the Spirit of the season.

God bless,

Kay and Family

masprs: masprs:

Okay, so here we are! Sorry I didn’t post yesterday. Drove four hours round trip to spend the day at a friend’s house for a luncheon with great people. By the time I got home last night, I went to BED! LOL

Number 1…

Do you like taking care of your environment? Recycling? Do you like different and eclectic things? I absolutely, positively LOVE :winner: my number one choice for the Twelve Faves of Christmas. My critique partner bought a pendant for me for my birthday. (Heh. She said I was hard to buy for but her gift was PERFECT! She knows what to get me from now on. LOL) I absolutely loooooooved it so I got online and searched for more. Why?

Because it’s the perfect gift for women who like unusual jewelry, who like antiques and old things, who like to see things recycled and used again and who just like beautiful things. Ever hear of typewriter key jewelry?

Must. Have. MORE!

Typewriter key jewelry is just that–jewelry made from recycled typewriter keys. Instead of throwing those old broken typewriters away, some crafty person has come up with turning the keys into pendants and bracelets and earrings that are just gorgeous. Since I write romance, my CP purchased a pendant that said “X-O” for hugs and kisses. My search had me purchasing a bracelet that reads “Writer”. There are bracelets that read FAITH, DREAM, HOHOHO, you name it. And they are absolutely GORGEOUS! Not to mention affordable. My bracelet was under $30 (Not sure how much the pendant was.) I’m on the hunt for earrings next.

And that’s it, my TWELVE FAVES. Hope you enjoyed it!

The weather is nasty outside but I actually don’t mind. We have nowhere we need to go, nothing we need to do. So we’re just sitting back and enjoying a Saturday morning which is something we haven’t been able to do for a while. I hope you are, too.

So are you finished with your shopping? Still have more to do??

Kay

Okay, doubling up today since time is closing in on us. Sorry I got such a late start this year.

Marcie mentioned posting a few more expensive gifts so here we go.

First up: Gadgets.

Numbers 3 and 2 are glommed together today because I’m going to list several of my absolute favorites.

First up: the iPhone. Prices have dropped drastically since the iPhone first appeared several years ago and I have to say–I love my iPhone. It does everything. It’s gives me email, internet capabilities, GPS, Facebook (or any other social networking spot you want), is an e-reader with a screen you can zoom in on to increase the font, weather guide and so much more. I wasn’t one to believe the hype when they first came out but after finding myself constantly borrowing my husband’s iPhone because I liked his phone better, I got one of my own. And if the price is still a little high, check around. You can find refurbished ones online.

Next: A netbook computer. About half the size of a regular laptop, a netbook does everything a laptop or desk top can do. But because they’re so small, they’re much less. You can find netbooks around $200.

If you need another option, how about A Nook or Kindle or Borders’ latest venture called a Kobo? All are e-book readers. You can be GREEN, save the environment and still have your books.

And for less expensive options…

Got a girly-girl in your life? Does she want that flat, straight hair her friends have? What about a nice flat-iron? Be sure to watch out, though. Cheap isn’t always good. The more expensive ones do not damage hair the way the cheap ones do. Just a warning… Prices range from about $15 to $200. Try Trade Secret in the mall.

Cameras and printers: I love to take photos but I don’t like the hassle of going to have them developed. Yes, I’m an instant gratification girl. LOL Like the iPhone, prices have come down drastically on the camera and photo printers. What about giving your gift receiver, or yourself, something to enjoy and snap away to capture those precious moments?

Purses: I’m a total bag freak. Yes, I admit it. Hello, I’m Kay, and I’m addicted to cute bags. Purses, totes, laptop bags, overnight bags, you name it, I love it. Coach is always a favorite, though expensive unless you’re near an outlet and discover a great sale (I LOVE Coach sales! LOL :banana: It’s the only time I buy.) but what about the cute bags you see in the mall? Try Fossil and Buckle for a few brand names, or stick with Coach or Kate Spade for someone who prefers dressier bags. Get a gift receipt and if they don’t like it, they can return it.

Wraps: No, not an edible one. LOL For the lady who has everything? How about a beautiful wrap to wear? I have several I absolutely love. You can wear them with dresses, slacks or jeans. It’s an instant dress up/warm up. I bought several on a trip to San Francisco and love one in particular. It’s a black, gray and brown mix and goes with just about anything! Prices range from about $20 to $200 depending.

And if all else fails? Lotions, soaps and sprays, oh-my! Bath & Body Works, people. Enough said. LOL I looove getting anything from this store because honestly? It’s not usually something I’ll buy for myself. I buy lotions and soaps etc for other people, sure, but me? Something from here would make most people’s day.

And now I’m idea-ed out LOL I hope something I’ve posted will spark an idea and help with those last minute gifts. Tomorrow we hit number 1! (And I think you’ll like it.)

Kay :reading:

Number 4… do you have someone in your life who loves gadgets? Do they have an iphone, ipod, some other device with a touch screen? Winter is upon us :veracold: and one of the complaints I’ve heard comes from people having to remove their gloves in order to get their touch screen device to work. Well, #4 comes to us via Think Geek and is soooo cool! Techies are hard to buy for (I should know, I’m surrounded by them–which comes in handy when my lack of techie skills begins to show :shake: ) So how about getting them gloves they don’t have to remove in order to get their touch screen devices to work??? They’re $14.99 and a great idea for that someone always on their phone.

What do you think of my list so far? Would you like more expensive gift ideas? Less?

Kay