Today I was privileged to review an extraordinary picture book, My Uncle Martin’s Words for America. You’ve got to read it yourself. Both the story and the illustrations are wonderful.

http://wordplay.hubpages.com

1. Lose weight
2. Workout more
3. Get control of finances/spend less/save more
4. Change jobs/careers/get job
5. Spend more time with family/friends
6. Remove oneself from toxic people (friends/spouse/co-worker)
7. Get rid of clutter/downsize
8. Take up a new hobby
9. Take an exotic trip
10. Become more decisive/take action

http://free-clipart.net/

My two favorite this year gifts were:

Reusable Bags for shopping – Baggu

Earrings form Beadz and More

What were your favorite gifts?

Supplies:

• Hot Glue Gun
• Glue Sticks
• Wooden Clothespin
• Pipe Cleaners
• Craft Paint
• Small drum ornament (from craft store)
• Scissors

These little guys are a lot of fun to make! Kids will love these too. Beware of the hot glue gun!  Use your imagination to decorate them. The sky’s the limit!

A few simple supplies and you’re on your way!

Paint the body of the clothespin one solid color but leave the tip unpainted.

Paint the bottom a different color than the top.

Paint a contrasting design on the jacket.

Glue the pom pom on the head with glue gun. First cut out a small opening in the pom pom with scissors so it rests properly on the head. Also cut out some arms out of pipe cleaners.

Hot glue arms on body.

Hot glue drum on body and lay flat until it dries.

Voila! You can line these up or hang them from the tree or even attach them to your gifts!

All you’ll need:

• Unfinished wooden ornaments
• Acrylic craft paint
• Small paint brushes
• Water
• Paper towels

Simply paint the ornaments as you wish, let them dry, use a Sharpie to write the name of the giftees on them and tape them to the front of Christmas packages. Be sure to rinse off your brush well and tap it dry on paper towels, every time you want to use a new color. You can get creative and use metallic paints, glitter or whatever else works for you. What is great about these is that the ornaments will be used for years to come, and the recipients will think about you every time they put your hand-painted ornament on their Christmas trees.

1. Hearing that horrible song on the radio, “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time.”
2. Selfish people who put their shopping carts in empty parking spaces so I cannot park there.
3. Shoppers who walk across the parking lot on a diagonal, while looking down at their cell phones, in front of cars and assuming they will never get hit.
4. Accidentally burning gingerbread men cookies in the oven that took a long time to roll out and cut out.
5. Post office lines out the door, only one clerk at the counter and patrons without senses of humor.
6. Hideous wreaths and baskets with cheap plastic greenery and fake pine cones.
7. Batteries not included.
8. Christmas lights that have partial sections burn out that I cannot get to work again no matter what I do.
9. “Some” assembly required.
10. People who ask me, “What time is Midnight Mass?”