Christmas Already?

Have you started thinking about Christmas yet?

I think about what I am going to buy early into the season. One reason is so I can budget my funds to get the kind of presents I want to buy.

I am a BIG BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPER! I love it! I can't help it there are just some awesome deals that I normally wouldn't be able to buy.

However, this year I am taking a little different approach to some of my gifts. I am setting out to buy gifts that also give back. Isn't that really the true meaning behind the gift giving is to give back? We are celebrating Jesus' birth and he gave the ultimate gift to us all!

SO... Here are some ideas!

ONE WORLD FUTBOL PROJECT

Why a soccer ball you might ask?

My niece Abby is why!  She is a unbelievable soccer player and I can't wait to actually watch her in a game! We live so far from each other I don't get to see her play!

BUT, I can get her a really cool soccer ball for Christmas!

For every soccer ball purchased they give one to a community in need.

Check out ONE WORLD FUTBOL and this really cool idea!

TOMS

Yes I know I have talked about TOMS shoes before but I love the idea!

TOMS has a movement of One for One! Buy a pair of TOMS shoes and they donate a pair to a child in need!

Click HERE to read their awesome story!

TOMS also has a program for eye wear as well and cute kid shirts and onesies!

Blanket America

Please check  These Videos out! They are inspiring and this is a great company!

For every blanket purchased they will donate one!

HAPPY BLANKIE

This idea is great! And this was created by a really cool kid!

You have to check out this video HERE!

Oh my aren't these the cutest little blankets? Again this company will donate a blanket for every blanket purchased. These cute little blankets run about $20.00 and you can have them personalized for $10.00 if you would like!

They also have adorable clothing and same concept - buy one they donate one!

There are quite a few companies out there that are super generous and donate items when another item is purchased! I encourage you all to check these and many others out!

Do you know of any you would like to share with us?

Making a Small Difference

In my small little world I am trying to make a difference somewhere else in the world.

I am sure many of you have heard of TOMS Shoes but it is a fairly new product to me and I LOVE them!

If you haven't ever heard of them I encourage you to check out their website at http://www.toms.com/ to check out the shoes and the story that started it all!

I LOVE the idea that when I buy myself a pair of really comfortable shoes that a child somewhere in need of a pair of shoes will receive a pair for FREE! They also do the same thing for apparel and eye glasses!

My FIRST of many many many pair of TOMS

These are stonewashed black. I chose these because they will go with so many differnet outfits. I can't wait to pick out a few more!

I will be giving some TOMS for Christmas gifts because in the true spirit of giving, it really is the gift that keeps on giving.  I am super excited this year to be searching for products that make a difference - I can't wait to share some of the companies and gifts I have found with you.

There are baby TOMS, TOMS for Men, Wedges, and even glittery TOMS!

Shopping Anyone?

Do you like to shop?

I used to love going shopping and I do love getting new clothes but since I have been a little under the weather for the last several months it seems that my go go go attitude has totally changed and now I am more of - let me sit at home kind of person. Of course it doesn't help that I have to drive 45 minutes each way and it is over a 100 degrees and miserable outside.

I think I totally freaked my husband out when I didn't want to go shopping the other day. I was seriously almost dreading it.

We are going on a trip soon back to see our family and have our 15 year class reunion and you always want to feel and look your best. I finally drug myself to the mall by myself and here is a little of what I tried on and found.

Excuse the really ridiculous face I am making - obviously I was concentrating WAY to much on how to take the pic lol. I took these pics and then would send them to my hubby to get his vote on what he liked the best - I guess you could call that Virtual shopping?

This shirt is really adorable and not something I would typically pick out but I am trying to stretch my creative style and put something other than black and gray in my wardrobe. In this pic I put a gray tank underneath but didn't buy it. At home I went for a little more show and showed some skin- very odd for me and almost uncomfortable but seems the hubby liked it! (my 12 year son -not so much he kept looking like WTH)

This picture makes me laugh because I was trying on different jeans and I snapped this one and sent it to my hubby to ask how he thought it made my butt look - he replied I can't really tell in the pic. I ended up not getting these jeans but I think I liked them quiet a bit but a little pricey for me on that day.

I was at my favorite store - The Buckle! I love that place and it can get me in some serious trouble!

Where do you like to shop? What kind of styles do you tend to buy and do you struggle with switching it up and adding something new to your wardrobe?

Operation Class Reunion

When you hear Class Reunion What do you Think?

Well I always think what am I going to wear?

Remember I was a cheerleader in high school? I always think I wasn't your average stereotyped cheerleader - maybe that is my wishful thinking but seriously how many cheerleaders are the editor of their yearbook staff? I hope I was as nice as I think I was.

Remember This? Tiny Cheerleader.

Here is my graduating Class 15 Years Ago!

I always think that most people can't wait to see the cheerleaders at the reunion - come on we all know what people are thinking and hoping. I wish it wasn't true so I always put this pressure on myself - like EAKS I have to put my best face forward! (OK so if you are going to be at my reunion act like you never read this blog).

So I have set out on Operation Class Reunion!

Remember my Self Tanning? Yep that's why! Remember that Fat Girl Skinny? Yep that's why!

So my Hair Fairy came to the house today and touched up my highlights! Love you Sheena! You are the best!

Now I am at a place of total confusion! I love to shop but I am at a lost of what to wear! I have to go shopping this weekend and I am just needing some good ideas!

First of all - our class reunion is going to be held on a Saturday evening at a lakeside Marina! Live Band, Great Food, Great Atmosphere! I can't wait! Now remember, my hubby and I well we went to school together - been together since we were 15 so we know all the same people - see why I can't wait? Makes it so much more exciting!

OK OK Back to Clothes! I know I have lots of bloggy friends with awesome style! I have lots of friends period with great style so I need your help!

I am pretty sure I am wearing Jeans - not sure if I am buying new jeans but none the less jeans.  As far as my top goes I  JUST DON'T KNOW! I am not a big fan of my arms but they probably aren't quiet as bad as I feel like they are.  I do tend to like a shirt that is fitted at the waste.

OK Seriously - I have searched on the Internet for hours trying to find examples. I can't even do that! Send me some links people! I need help for the perfect outfit!