Happy New Year!

I must admit, I am so happy to see 2008 draw to an end. It was not a good year. It was a hard year. We lost my daddy. The whole family lost someone so dear, sweet and special. 2008 will forever be marred with the memory of his loss.

But with the hurtful bad comes a load of good. We are all healthy and happy. We have a new neice, new things to accomplish, new hills that he conquered. SO no, not all bad, but 08 was not really good.

I am looking forward to what 2009 has to offer my family and yours!

We just got back from skiing in North Carolina. It was nice, little snow but perfect for the kids to learn before we went in with big bucks and take them out west. Turns out they are quite the skiers! I will post pics of our adventures soon. In the meantime, have a happy, safe and wonder-filled 2009!

Merry Christmas and an update!

How well aware I am that we have dropped off the face of the earth in Cyber years.

I have been a busy gal. Since I last posted we have,
Put my GG in Adams Place assisted living (a huge move and not one that she especially loves)
Celebrated two birthdays, twins, it happens in twos.
had holiday parties at school,
wrapped gifts, and more gifts, and more,
been to Portland TN to visit family,
been soo very thankful for friends and family,
Celebrated the Young/Summar Family Christmas and had the kids (with much help) build Ginger bread trees.
Shopped.
Shopped,
shopped.


We find out in the morning what my Best Friend is having. they had the ultra sound on Tuesday and have the sex in an envelope. STUPID idea, not really but I am nosy and need to know what this kid is.

So anyway

I am off to be santa, say my prayers and tightly put on my cap for a rather short winters nap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

And the shopping Award Sites are.....(Drum Roll)

HO HO HO! I know that a couple of years ago, I put out a list of little known shops on the web. Most of them are off the beaten path, have unique merch, and are NOT in my neck of the woods. Think beyond Amazon and Ebay people! I have not shopped on all their sites, I only covet most of the times in the sites.

So this years cut is:

www.etsy.com This is Homemade Ebay with out the bidding. You can find only handmade goods. Can also be used for your I need to create moments. Thank you Martha Stewart.

www.seejanework.com Unique office products. They are in CA so shipping can take a while but you get wonderful merch and good service. I have ordered from them. And I love their site.

www.blueribbongeneralstore.net I LOVE THIS STORE. I think I could have one of each and be a happy lady. I am really considering a set of the greek Coffee mugs to go with my new every day wear from Ikea.

IKEA, live and an the flesh is to die! Love it and plan on visiting each time I am in Atlanta. I like to dream on that site, like what if a I had a Loft in NYC, what would I do and then ~POOF~ you can look and see! Love it Obsessed!

www.anthropologie.com I went in to this store when we were in NYC. I am IN LOVE. Of corse my BIG BUTT cannot get into any of there clothes. But clothes are one thing the need to have my house look like that store is quite the other.....Just visit a store and then try to leave in under an hour.

www.uncommongoods.com Really a CRAZY site. People can make anything from common goods and this site is there to prove it.

www.teavana.com Wonderful store. I have been in the, done business with them. And while it does look expensive, there tea is exquisite.

www.goop.com this is Gwyneth Paltrow's new lifestyle site. Good suggestions for things to do things to see and where to shop. Stay on top of the hippest London (er) American ~

www.redenvelope.com This is not that uncommon of a site. I just like it for neat easy gift ideas. I look at this site for ideas and then I go to TJ Maxx and duplicate what I like for like half off. That is smart shopping!

www.fredflare.com You can get something for the person that has everything but not......Here!

www.delight.com each day this site has a new "delight" This site has everything from eco-friendly finds to healthy living gadgets. Neat-O!

www.bluetreenyc.com Totally funky and fun. A site to dream by. If only I were so hip and modern. What fun it is to dream....

www.dylanscandybar.com Nathan and I have been in this three story candy paradise. This is a storefront in NYC, owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter. So neat, so chic! A feast for your eyes and tummy!

www.westelm.com not so off the beaten path but a great site for the traditional house keeping needs. Enjoy the classic looks when you are done dreaming with all the rest.

And when all else fails, go to www.realsimple.com to take it down a notch, simply!

Cheers to you and yours this holiday season. Happy shopping. I am almost done! Are you?

I am compiling my list of Shopping Sites.