Christmas Eve

It's been a lovely weekend. Today I'm typing away from home in my pajamas because our office is closed for the holiday. How nice is that? I know some folks have to work so I'm not going to rub in how nice it is that I don't. Hubbs is on that list of people who have to work and I feel a little bad about it. Hopefully he, and everyone else, will get to leave early. That would be nice.

So on to my weekend. I spent the majority of my Saturday wrapping gifts. It took forever! Our tree is packed to capacity with neatly wrapped presents that drove my nephew and Lil' Man to great hights of curiosity. Little voices exclaiming, "Which one is for me?" and "Hey! This one has my name on it!" were heard. (I love those little guys!) It really brings out the excitement a little more than our previously naked tree. Even Hubbs the Grinch thinks so too. :)

These are just the ones you can see sticking out from under the tree! The rest are under the sagging branches and stacked on top of each other. Granted a bunch of those are things I purchased and wrapped for my dad to give away, but who cares. It still makes my tree look awesome.

Saturday night we had sushi for dinner and chilled out together. So nice! Hubbs and I watched Super Bad from our Netflix pile and generally enjoyed each other's company. Perfect way to end our day.

Yesterday was a busy day. In the morning I went to breakfast with Speedy McBridey who'd flown into town for the holidays. It was so nice to have some one on one time with her. We ate at the Black Cow Cafe and the food was yummy. Best of all, they had a very tall Santa dressed there and we took a picture together with him. It was sweet. He gave a hug afterwards and wished us a merry Christmas. Aww...we're still big kids. :) I'll share that picture when she sends it to me.

Before that fantastic breakfast I had stopped by my friend's house to drop off gifts for her kids and pick up the gift they had for Lil' Man. I got them personalized duffle bags from Lillian Vernon-camouflage for her son and a pink bag with ballet shoes embroidered on the front for her daughter. She is taking classes and loves it so I hope she likes the bag. They got Lil' Man a light saber that he is going to go ape shit over when he opens it tomorrow.

After breakfast I headed out to Chado Tea Room to meet a couple of friends for Afternoon Tea. We were scouting the location for a bridal shower for NY Bride next April and had decided to meet there to discuss details while we checked out the food, service, and set up. We had such a nice time hanging out and catching up. The food was pretty good and with over 200 tea selections you can't go wrong. We decided to book the place and left our deposit. How fun! It'll be a grown up style bridal shower and hopefully our bride friend will enjoy it.

So, there was a lot packed in to my day so far don't you think? On my way home from all that, I decided to stop off at my old nail place for a little maintanence. Since I don't live near by there anymore it's rare that I can get in and see my eyebrow lady, Amy. I've been plucking on my own and the shaped had definitely lost it's luster. Anyway, I got my eyebrows waxed and finally got a manicure. It had been months since I've had either done and I left feeling pretty. I'd say that was a successful $40 spent. Merry Christmas to me!

Some of you had asked where I got the personalized covered cake pan for my friend. Well I purchased it from Simply Sublime. Let me tell you, the design I chose was a diamond in the rough. There are some really country-fied craptastic designs you can choose from that made me cringe, but there are a couple salvageable options. Check it out and see for yourself. You'll know what I'm talking about. ;)

I know this is a long post so bear with me a little while longer. I have to share a couple of other little gifts I'm giving out this year.

Blinged out slippers for Nina's mom and grandma with their respective initials on them.

And little G's Dora Adventure book. She loves to have books read to her and she loves Dora and Diego. I'm hoping she'll be excited about her new book. And even if she isn't, I am! ;)

Tonight we are going to Nina and Nino's house for a Christmas Eve gathering. We'll have a turkey dinner and I'm bringing my mac 'n cheese. Santa will be arriving around 8:00 and then we'll play games. After that we will open presents and watch the kids get all excited and happy. That's the best part of it all. Seeing the smiles and giving the hugs.

Merry Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas everyone! I hope your holiday is filled with love and warmth along with great food and drink. :) Be safe and be happy.