Day 2: 52 Days of Christmas

Hello readers! I don't have a lot of time today... I have a sociology paper due tomorrow, and a weekend retreat to get to with my Kappa Delta sisters!! While I am so excited, I feel so pressed for time. These next ten items are more geared for teens. So, without further delay......

11. Have a creative one? This is pretty cool, and will keep ideas coming: Yudu Screen Printing Starter Kit. This gift is pricey, but who said everyone needs a ton of gifts? Give something they'll enjoy and 20 more gifts won't matter (or shouldn't.....)

12. Have one who won't put their iPod down? Here are two things to give them: Alarm Clock Docking Station, and Headphones. The alarm clock is great for when friends are over & they want to listen to music, or when you've decided that child has just got to clean their room! The headphones (NOT earbuds) are stylish, and are much healthier for their ears. More and more people are losing good hearing & developing problems because of the smaller earbuds, and this will help minimize the damage.

13. Teen girls love perfume. They love ones that come in sweet bottles too. Try Harajuku Lovers Perfume. I got one of these from my mom last Christmas, and I can't stop wearing it... shop around for some scents before buying one to make sure it will fit her just right.

14. What girl could resist OPI Nail Polish?? Not me! Sephora by OPI 18 Piece Mini-Set.

15. Got a gamer on your list? My brothers would die for this chair! While it is again on the pricey side, a few less presents won't hurt them: Game Chair.

16. I have a brother obsessed with LEGOs, and this is perfect for someone a little older (not necessarily a "teen" gift, but thought I'd throw it in here anyways). LEGO Architecture Set.

17. People are all about customizing their sneakers now... it's a way of expressing themselves. And while I know if we buy them sneakers, we don't exactly want them to write on them.... but if they are going to- let's not let it happen with sharpies! Sneaker Customization Kit.

18. I may have to get this for my cousin, who recently started liking Hello Kitty! This is just cute and a lot of girls are asking for make up at Christmas time.... Hello Kitty Cosmetics.

19. Have a Glee Fan (don't we all?!)... Glee Game Board.

20. And last but not least, Air Hogs Hawk Eye Channel A. Guys and their toys.....


 -Jessica ♥(:

52 Days of Christmas

Yes, I know- it's not even Thanksgiving yet.... BUT, there is nothing I dread more than Christmas shopping! It is so hard to shop for an entire family, especially the guys. Not to mention everything you're buying for your female cousins is something you secretly want for yourself. And all the Secret Santa parties? We don't really think of  how big our shopping list really is, until it's 5 days 'till Christmas and half of our list still needs presents. So why not start early and have time to actually enjoy this holiday?

Each day I'll post 10 Christmas gift ideas (that is 520 gifts.... surely that covers your list??!)


1. Have a young daughter/tween? Make (notice you don't even have BUY!!) a 365 Daily Reminders for my Daughter jar. Sound silly? Kind of... but might I remind you that at this age things start becoming harder, especially for girls- and if there is one thing they want to hear (even if they don't want to ask), is something from her mother. Yes, they still adore you. Fill the jar with 365 small pieces of paper containing notes of love, hope, reminders, appreciation, etc. On a bad day, that note could brighten it up. Decorate the jar with images of some of your daughters favorite things.

2. Again for a young daughter, buy (or make) a mother/daughter journal. I had one of these with my mom when I was about 8 or 9, and we bonded so much. We could express and talk about anything with each other. There are many kinds each with something to offer. One I recently saw & really liked was called "Just Mom and Me" (on Amazon). Fish around on the internet or go to a bookstore like Joseph Beth (they also have a Just Dad and Me book).

3. Have a picky eater? Make it more fun with a Construction Eating Kit.

4. Maybe you have someone who is really into nature and habitats you can keep at home (specifically frogs...)? Get them Planet Frog. It is a live frog habitat, break resistant, escape proof rain forest environment with a pond, plastic plants and rock cavern. I do believe you have to buy tadpoles to accompany it (although this website comes with coupons for a specific type of tadpole I think).

5. This next gift I am thinking about possibly getting for my mom or my aunt. If you knew them, you'd appreciate this title- I Hate Everything book. The author is hilarious! Share this with your best friend, mom, dad, brother, sister.... this could really be a present for anybody.

6. Buy your best friend a Chick Flick Kit. This is something I totally want.......

7. Know someone on your list that's in college? They'll appreciate this (trust me!). $5 A Meal College Cookbook. Until you've eaten ramen noodles everyday, you'll never understand this desire!

8. I don't know that this is a really a good gift.... but it's pretty cool, and I know at least 10 college aged guys who wouldn't mind getting one- Color-Changing Shower Head. I know it sounds kind of lame.. but hey, you never know!

9. Get mom or grandma something they'll cherish... Personalized Photo Throw Blanket. The one on the link is in the $70- $80 range... but I do believe I saw something similar available at WalMart.

10. Again, a present for a little girl (I don't know why I'm finding so many little girl things tonight......). This looks like it could be fun (maybe she can use it at a sleep over- who knows?) and you don't really want to buy a 9 year old make up.... Get her a Spa Science Kit.

Well... that's all for tonight... more tomorrow!

Happy Shopping.... whenever you get around to it ..

-Jessica ♥(:

Wanna Make a Word Cloud??

Yeah, that sounds kinda lame... but it's a great way to get to know the people around you and find yourself again! This was one of my assignments from my Business Writing class, and I've learned a lot about my peers, and they've learned a lot about me. Seeing the similarities and differences in people are always cool, and you might be surprised what you find/remember about yourself. Make this (if you homeschool) an assignment for your kids, or even do it just for fun. The website is free, and it's so easy to work with!

To try it out:

1. Go to tagxedo.com
2. Click on the "Create" tab
3. Under the heading "Words" click load, and type in all the words that describe yourself
4. Then get creative and change the shape, color, theme, layout, etc. (most of the content is free- but there are some "pro" content. The free stuff is really all you need!)
5. IF you want, you can save it to your computer, and print it out, or share it on the web..

Here is the one I made for my assignment: 

As I was typing this, I also thought it could be a good tool for some vocab lessons? What do you think?

Got to get back to homework now, but I thought I'd try to squeeze in a little blogging time! If you do try it out, what did you use it for? Did you like it?

Happy blogging everyone!

- Jessica  ♥

It's That Time of Year Again!

Christmas shopping time, that is, and boy do I have a lot of it. This time of year seems to be so crazy & I'm always looking for ways to make it seem more fun & enjoyable.

If you are a card sender, try photo cards this year. This is easy to personalize & is always fun! No doubt that the recipient will be full of smiles & memories. Try these sites to see which one works for you:

Shutterfly- 15 free prints when you join, free shipping on orders of $30 or more

Kodak- Free shipping on $30 orders or more (you can even make photo stamps here!)

Vista Print- 10 cards for as low as $1.99!

Tiny Prints- 15 % off first purchase when you sign up for e-mail newsletters

Tiny prints seems to be a little more expensive than others, but they do have some really unique cards & a selection of styles. I believe I'll either be using Tiny Prints or Kodak, but they all look great!

For some more Christmas Fun, try this site. I promise my next blog will have much more on it.... So much to do so little time! Until next time,

-Jessica♥