Gold Stars

I got this in the mail today. Starbucks has changed their rewards program and starting in January I will be a member of that program. Not just a member, a GOLD level member! I'm really not sure what this says about my habits. I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be proud of this. But, I intend to use it. About this time last year, I joined the new Starbucks Gold club. You paid $25 for a year of membership and they sent you this very cool little black card that was like a secret key or something. This fun card got you 10% off all purchases, free wireless, a free drink on your birthday, etc. $25 seems like a lot of money for a stupid club but my co-worker and I did the math and all you had to do was buy 45 small coffees in a year and get 10% off all of those to make back your money. Sadly, I knew that I would purchase more than my required 45 coffees. They have now changed their club and there isn't a fee anymore. The 10% discount is also gone. However, for every 15 drinks you buy, you get one free. I also still get free wireless, free flavored syrups, free soymilk and a free drink for my birthday. Bonus, I get a cool gold card to replace my black card. I'm pretty sure this makes me super cool. Even more bonus, my nifty gold card came with a coupon for a free drink which means that tomorrow morning I will go in and order something that would normally cost $7 and it will taste all the better for being FREE!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope that you all are having a wonderful day and are able to spend it with people you love. I'm enjoying time with my family in Wisconsin and thankful that I made it up here before the bad weather. The brother had to work today and my parents are helping set up for a wedding taking place tomorrow but we'll get to sit down to a cozy dinner this evening and enjoy each other's company.

Many blessings to you and yours this Christmas!

Brown paper packages tied up with string

These are a few of my favorite things!

I've been a fan of using brown paper to wrap presents with for several years now. It means that I buy one roll of paper (often the kind sold with the other packing materials and usually used to wrap packages that are being shipped) and can use it for any occasion that might come up. Since the brown paper is usually so cheap, I spend what I save and keep several kinds of really pretty ribbon around. This year for my Christmas gifts I found this great twine at IKEA in red and green. I think that it's festive yet simple and elegant in it's own way.

It's almost ready!

'It' being the schnapps that Kelly and I made at the end of October. I'm SO excited! I'll admit to having had a little taste of the orange schnapps a couple of weeks ago (long before it is technically ready) and it was already good.

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas

The extent of my decorating for Christmas so far is a poinsettia plant and a Christmas tree. But in my cozy little place, those go a long way to get into the Holiday spirit. While at home in Wisconsin this weekend my parents found a little tree that I could borrow. It's perfect. Add some lights and shiny Christmas balls and you have a Christmas tree! If I can find a little star for the top, I will be all set. I thought for a minute about getting a real tree but decided that wasn't the best idea in the world. Since I won't get the fragrance from the tree, I got this little candle to help out.

Victorian Christmas. Fantastic. I'm sure that you can find these in other places, but it's even better when it comes from the Christmas Barn.

I love this time of year!

Suggestions Please

This may seem a little nuts but I'm already starting to think about my 30th birthday and how to celebrate it. Yes, I know that it is still 6 months away. I like to plan. Deal with it.

I kind of want to do something big. Really celebrate. What I really want to do is throw myself a surprise party but that kind of defeats the purpose and ruins the surprise part.

So, I need your help. What should I do? I thought about taking a trip but that doesn't involve all my friends and I want to celebrate with them. Should I plan a big dinner out? A party in? A theme party? What should the theme be? Do we go out dancing? Should we go bowling? Do I need to hire a clown? Help!

Turkey Party '09!

I finally got to go to one of the lovely KellyRy's fabulous Turkey Parties!!! In all the years we both lived in California, I was never able to make it. Last year there was no turkey party because she had just moved to Chicago and was getting settled into life. But, I (with the help of a few others) talked her into doing it this year and I am SO glad!

Everything about the evening was delightful. K's friends who hosted live in a super cute loft apartment that was perfect for hosting a dinner. I was a little nervous about not knowing anyone else that was invited but I was made to feel so welcomed by everyone and spent the entire night laughing and enjoying getting to know new people. We were each tasked with bringing a dish to share (and everything was delicious) but K put us all to shame with one of the best turkeys I have ever had in my life! Those of you who have experienced the maple-glazed goodness know what I'm talking about and have started drooling. Those who have not experienced this, let me know so that I can help you become best friends with K and get on the invite list for next year.

I'm honored that I finally got to be a part of this wonderful tradition. Thanks KellyRy for letting me be a part of the celebration (and for letting me steal your photo for this post)!