15 DAYS AND COUNTING

In 15 short days I set sail on my first cruise ever. 

The Rock Boat XI

SURPRISE!

How have I not mentioned this to you before?? Oh, I know, because I keep forgetting! We had to book it so long ago, it was always just this thing that wasn't happening until 2011, but now that thing is two weeks away and...AHHHHH! Aside from being excited because our group of seven is going to have so much fun, I'm not going to lie, I'm super nervous. Maybe it snuck up on me because I don't want to face the fact that I'm completely afraid to get on this boat! Who's afraid to go on a cruise?!?


Jump out of a plane I think I can do, but sail on a ship for four days, not so sure about that.


All fears aside, however, I am so excited to hang out with old Philly friends over live music and warm sun (and a cold beer(s)). As nervous as I am, I'm sure my first post when I get back will be "Get me back on that boat!"


But first? Christmas with the fam. I don't have to face my fears until after Christmas with the fam :)

EMBRACING THE INTERNETS

I have successfully done all of my Christmas shopping online. With the exception of a few little things, the bulk of my presents were purchased online from the comfort and coziness of my very own home. This makes me oh so happy.


There was a time in my younger years when I loved the mall, the crowds, the sales (which weren't actually sales, just too-expensive prices marked down to normal price with the illusion of a sale). But my old age and often-advertised free shipping online has gotten the best of me. I used to be against internet shopping; after-all, it does seem a bit lonely to sit and shop by yourself, but when most online stores began offering free shipping on top of a percent off your total purchase during the holidays, I caved. 


I'm a sucker for a good deal, saving gas and avoiding the cold.


I have fully-embraced online shopping and there's no going back. Aside from the grocery store and target (because let's face it, who doesn't love mindlessly walking around target), you won't be seeing this girl in the stores this holiday season. My Christmas shopping is not only done, but thrifty, stress-free and on time! That's a success if you ask me.

Some of my favorite money-saving sites?

Amazon.com (free super-saver shipping is the bomb.)

Mama Cheaps (recently introduced to by my sister-in-law and love her daily deal-mails.)

Groupon (I just like saying, "I got my Groupon!")

Living Social

Any more suggestions? I know there's more out there!

TODAY I'M THANKFUL FOR:

1.) My down jacket

The Veggie is thankful for her DOWN jacket?! YES, at 17 degrees, can you blame me??

2.) A pup that snores louder than most humans

It sounds so sweet and cozy and he's giving me some good practice for that future husband :)

COOKIES WITH THE MOM

It's that time again! Annual Christmas cookie baking with The Mom! I like how it's become our little tradition :) I don't know how long we'll live 20 minutes away from each other, so we take advantage of it while we can.


You might remember last year it was blizzarding and cozy while we baked; well this year, no blizzard but still super cozy with the chilly temperatures, candles blazing, oven warm and Christmas carols on. 


We spent the day this past Saturday each with our own bowls, beaters, measuring cups, measuring spoons, cookie trays, wooden spoons, ovens and cookie tins (yes, The Mom's kitchen is quite large; a baker's paradise) and cranked out 8 batches of cookies! Quite impressive if I must say so myself, and I even taste-tested most of them (of course) - they were all delish. 

The Mom in action

My snickerdoodles

Chubby's a big help in the kitchen, clearly.