Amber Waves of Grain

This is your final installment of Christmas gift ideas ! ( new readers.... I've posted lists each month since Christmas in July)   I hope this means your shopping is about done.  Right? Here are the last 5 ideas! 1. Homemade Boot Cuffs.    Simply go to Etsy.com and search "boot cuff" and a variety of colors, styles, and prices will come up to choose from. I like the crocheted ones like these from ThenAgainShop ( LINK ) for $17.50.    Or, in orange with buttons from BeanieBazzar ( LINK ) for $16! 2. Water Bottle With Storage Compartment .    A water bottle that opens and has a place to fit money, ID, keys, etc.  Great for someone who goes to the gym!  Blue, purple, or fuchsia.  $12.99 on amazon ( LINK ). 3. Fleece Photo Blanket .  50"x60" at Sam's Club for $34.86. For the grandparent who has everything, right?  They also come larger and with multiple images for a higher price..... or even in velvetee...

There's no need to call the Butterball helpline for turkey advice this year.  The instructions are simple, according to Keegan.  This is what he came up with at school when asked how to cook a turkey.   "How to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.  First you hunt for a turkey.  Then you take it home. Next you roast it. Last you eat it.    Keegan" Happy Thanksgiving.  Go eat that turkey .

Kennedy got her very FIRST haircut tonight!!   Yes, I realize she's almost 4 .  We were going for the Rapunzel look . Here she is before the haircut with her hair pulled back.  Excited .   Here's how long her hair was before: And, during.... she was very serious then. Voila !   It looks so much healthier.  She looks older too, I think.  The salon didn't have suckers or anything so we walked next door to Hobby Lobby to get some candy.  This is where she completely hijacked the Salvation Army lady's bell and bucket .   Here she is as the new bell ringer:   New hair. Candy. Bell. Bucket.  Priceless .

Today's thrifty Thursday is all about me.   I did find some items for the kids, but my favorite finds were for myself! My first find is a Land's End down jacket.   These are currently $99 on their website.  For me at the thrift store?  $4.98 .   And, I needed a new winter coat! This photo makes it look way brighter than it is . And, an Ann Taylor Loft sleeveless coat ($3.50) and a Banana Republic shirt ($1.50).  Boom!  I love a deal.  And, I ESPECIALLY love a deal for ME!!!!!!!!!!!

I got my haircut today along with some new highlights.  I could tell I've reached a new maturity (or insanity) level because I told the stylist she could "surprise me" .    I would rather a hair expert choose my style than me take in a photo of a celebrity and say " Make me look like her ."    And, so.... here was my hair BEFORE ( with my bangs pulled back ):    And, here I am today.... AFTER :     It was a little funny seeing the back of my neck.  It clearly hasn't seen the sun in years . I also overheard a stylist say, "If you haven't received a compliment on your hair in a long time, it's time for a new look!".  Great advice.  What do you think?  I feel like a whole new woman!!  Next time you get your hair cut, let them surprise you!

You did so great at picking out Savannah's bedding that I've decided to let you do it again! Here's your new challenge.  My master bedroom.   Are you ready?  Our current bedding is from Pottery Barn.  It's a quilt that's cream with a maroon pattern.... but it ripped .  And, now our maroon sheets are ripped too.  I'm not sure who's been sleeping with knives in their pajama pockets. I'd show you actual photos of my bedroom, but then you'd see the clutter, the baby toys, and maybe Nathan's boxer shorts.  So, you'll have to use your imagination . Our walls are painted Sherwin Williams 'Sands of Time'.  I remember this color well since I painted our 18 foot vaulted ceiling walls by myself and maybe I was pregnant.   Not recommended.   We have accents like curtains, a big rug at the foot of the bed, towels, and nightstand lampshades all in a maroon color.  I'd rather not replace them if I don't have to. Are you still...

Here are a few of this week's deals ! A cardigan for myself, an Old Navy dress for Kennedy that I LOVE ( this picture does not do it justice ), a t flannel shirt for Keegan ( new with tags ), a Junie Jones kid's book , 18 Keurig coffee cups , a camera Christmas ornament (new), and 2 used Wii games .... All for a grand total of $19.00 ..... which makes up for my stop at DSW Shoe Warehouse where I bought new boots and shoes .  Right?!  Happy deal-finding!!

Have I mentioned that I'm currently the best wife ever ? ( until I mix Nathan's black & navy blue socks together again )  That's right, I took Nathan to see Jim Gaffigan last weekend.  I bought him tickets back in September for his birthday.  Best. Present. Ever. If you don't know who Jim Gaffigan is, he's a comedian and actor.  His material is clean and is often related to everyday things like food ( LINK to his act about bacon).   He makes us laugh.... hard.  The man is funny.   We met friends ( who also happened to be going to the show ) for dinner.  We loved having adult interaction! We ate at BRU Burgers ( LINK ).  YUM .  Lots of great burgers ( I had a turkey burger with ginger slaw & peach compote ) and the best onion rings I've ever had.  Really . Then we got to the show.  And.... we found our row..... then our seats, numbers 3 and 4. Wouldn't you know my luck?--- THIS column was between seats 3 ...