If you want to swoon over an eclectic collection of holiday goodies, Shop Ruche has some fabulous gift ideas, including some sweet toys and treats from Shop Ruche Children’s Shop.
My favorite gift picks from Shop Ruche for this holiday:

For Her: (from left) Sweet Miss Clara Dress, Hellenic Grace One Shoulder Maxi Dress (love!), Carraway Tassle Purse, Navy Luba Heels, Bond Tortoise Shell Glasses, Ruby Maharani Bangle Set, Patisserie Date Necktie Blouse
For Home: (from left) Shoegazing Note Card Set, The Bear Indie Print, Retro Cherries Apron, Rise & Shine Alarm Clock, Sweet Splendor Ceramic Bowl Set
For Child: (from left) Zebi Swaddle Blanket (just picked up this same one for baby boy), Plush Elephant, Organic Knit Shoes, Olivia Crayon Caddy, Me Without You Book

Check out Shop Ruche’s new Holiday Look Book, their helpful gift guide and their holiday DIY guide full of fabulous ideas for homemade crafts and recipes.

December makes me feel like Christmas record people.  Oh, you don’t know them? 

You know…these people:

The smiley ones with big teeth and shiny lipstick and perfectly tilted heads. That girl up there? She’s saying, “I’m so full of Christmas cheer, I can’t feel my legs!”  There’s a snowy pine behind her, she’s singin’ carols, and sister is happy.  December, of course, has its regular dose of daily frustration and stress and exhaustion. It’s just that there’re so many twinkly lights to sort of daze and distract me, so I smile.  Because smiling’s my favorite.

Speaking of records, my first order of random enjoying business…

An early Christmas present–early because I had 99 cent Goodwill Christmas records that couldn’t go to waste, so a new record player for the kids’ room it is.  It has since found a safer, higher place to spin.

And Hark! (hell yeah, I just said Hark) I found Christmas prenatal vitamins:

It also should be noted that if Honey, I Shrunk the Kids could really happen, I’d be first in line to be shrunk, and I’d spend December in this Village Inn.  Dude, there are fifty shades of good stuff happening up in that Inn, and I only wish I was small enough to fit in the door and see what’s going on.

So, where were we? 

I pushed my cart past a giant crate of real fir wreaths today at Costco.  Not to over-persononify, but I kid you not, the fir scent climbed out of the crate, chased me and my cart and tackled me for a hug–so hard that I had to spin my cart around, return to the crate and bury my head in it.  People stared, but I am not ashamed.  That stuff is to be enjoyed. 

So we do.  Enjoying…

New Goodwill Treasures

Little Shoppers

Growin’ Kid
I saw him yesterday, in 4D, and I love him all the more.  He has chubby cheeks and a Lainey-like forehead.  And he flips so much, it takes my breath away.  My explanation on in-utero baby movement to Brett the other day: “Picture a raccoon.  Inside your body.  And he’s goin’ all crazy.  That is happening right now.  Inside me.”

My Kid Standing out in Ballet
…the undies give her away

The Beginning of Impromptu Holiday Adventures
Like night trips to IHOP for hot cocoa and pancakes.

The come-to-Jesus, slap-your-face-and-get-with-it phone call to Heidi yesterday:

Heidi: “Hello?”
Me:  “This is bullshit.  It’s December 4th, and we haven’t had one crazy holiday outing.  I expect you, in green tights and reindeer antlers, knocking on my door soon.”
Heidi:  “I know, I know.  We’re going to change that.  Promise.”

Needless to say, there are festivities to come.  They will involve a white van and possibly commence in heist fashion.  I may or may not be wearing this when we pull away. (Hey Heidi, can you rig your horn to beep Jingle Bells?)

Nella Begging for Walks
She brings us her boots. “Boots? Walk? Please?” And a flash of a smile that would warm the Grinch’s heart.  Saying no is very hard indeed.

North Pole Prep
…the making of which induces record lady smiles for me.  I can’t feel my legs.

Blurry Lights
…along with in-focus ones, colored ones, clear ones, flashing ones, red ones, green ones and all the in-between ones.

And I feel this should end with some deep-voice radio announcer rattling off disclaimers in super speedy auction manner. Because that’s a lot of cheer, a little bit of swearing and yes, a Hark! But it’s December.  So there you be.

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Happy Camper Studio is back with a newly renovated storefront that offers clothing and homegoods, hand-dyed and designed by a Southern Arizona family living in the Sonoran Desert. As Happy Camper Studio puts it, “we are the “Official Outfitters of Daydreams and Adventures” for children of ALL ages and we don’t do fussy!” My girls’ mermaid dresses are the second round of Happy Camper Studio products we’ve owned, and one of Lainey’s favorite things to wear–super comfortable, authentic mermaid wear (the scales!), and the real selling factor…they twirl!

I love the simple, sweet Christmas dress Happy Camper Studio offers and the affordable price ($25, but use code 1STCAMPER for $5 off your Christmas or mermaid dress order).

Check out the Happy Camper Studio blog as well!

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Cup ‘o Cheer, Friends. Cup ‘o Cheer.

Introducing two new holiday sponsors (cue Christmas cartwheel and the throwing of silver tinsel):

FOR KIDS: 

I had the pleasure of meeting award winning children’s author Maria Dismondy at one of our road trip stops this summer.  Her message is one we share: “In today’s society, it’s important to remind children that, although we are different on the outside, we are very much alike on the inside.”  Maria highlights this message in each of her children’s books, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, The Juice Box Bully, Pink Tiara Cookies for Three, and the newly released Potato Chip Champ.

In each of her books, Maria talks about important childhood issues–bullying, recognizing differences, understanding kindness, and celebrating individuality. By presenting entertaining scenarios and characters, Maria Dismondy’s books empower kids and help equip them with ways to deal with challenging circumstances.

We love our books–they spur so many great conversations with Lainey.

Books can be ordered through Maria‘s website using links to Paypal, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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FOR MAMAS:

Returning sponsor Nella Designs‘ shop right now is a virtual Christmas candy store: personalized illustrations, cards and holiday labels and stickers, custom jewelry, gorgeous art prints and silhouette gifts.  Nella Designs site is a happy place to visit and one that is sure to give you some great ideas for the perfect gift this year.

That wishbone necklace!!  Bottom row: A unique illustrated wall calendar, my cherished silhouette necklace of my girls, personalized art print

Use Code MERRY for 10% off your order.  The international holiday shipping deadline is December 5th (tomorrow), and US shipping deadline is December 14th.

Like Nella Designs on Facebook to learn of upcoming sales.

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  Merry Merry Tuesday!