What could be a more perfect gift for that coffee lover in your life than famous quotes coffee mugs. Start their day with something such as “Given enough coffee I could rule the world” and send them off to, well, rule the world. Five other quotes are available including “Chocolate…coffee…men, some things are better rich” for your lady coffee drinking friends or “Coffee and love taste best when hot” for the gentlemen coffee drinkers.

But wait, there’s more. On the side opposite the quote, you can have a single-initial monogram added to make that mug even more special. If used at the office, no one will mistake this mug for theirs when they see the monogram on the back. These mugs are made of heavy-duty white ceramic to stand up to the hottest brews and will hold 15 ounces to get the day going right. See them at EyeCandyGift.com and order several for holiday gifts for all the coffee drinkers in your life. Even if they don’t drink coffee, these unique mugs can hold pencils or hot chocolate with marshmallows or even a posey! Perfect.

Tags : ceramic mug, coffee mugs, famous coffee quotes, gifts, monogram, personalized gift

School has just begun, and my oldest daughter has discovered this is the year that the school offers band. I played in the band when I was a kid, and I loved it. My daughter plays piano, and she loves music, so I decided she should also join the band. She’s not completely in love with the idea of adding band to her schedule. Despite my conviction that she should only participate in the activities she loves (because we are over-scheduled already), I have insisted she begin this new activity. I’m just sure she will love it, too!

So after “we” decided she should join the band, we had to decide which instrument to play. After much debate, she settled on the flute. (I played the tuba in the band, so was very pleased she chose a small, portable instrument.) The research began as to where to purchase this instrument, and to determine a reasonable price for it. This was easier said than done, but today, I was able to find a good quality flute for a reasonable price – at least I hope it is. To go along with the new flute, I had to purchase a repair warranty, a maintenance kit, two lesson books, a music stand, and private flute lessons. All-in-all, this is a pretty expensive (mother’s) dream!

I hope she loves the new flute. And if she doesn’t, I hope she treats it delicately so her sister can use it when I sweetly suggest (i.e. force) her to join the band!

Tags : band instruments, gifts

Summer is almost over. How sad.

We all look forward to summer vacation. The idea of endless hours to play, read, watch TV, swim, or just do nothing sounds so enticing after nine months of following schedules and watching the clock. Thankfully, we have had just such a summer.

But after three months of play time, I can honestly say, we are all craving some of that structured time. The toys that sat untouched for most of the school year are now all over the living room floor. I am ready for them to be put away. We have watched every episode of every kid’s show at least three times. (Yes, we started out limiting TV time. But like everything else in summer, the structured rules seem to fly out the window with the structured schedule!) I am ready for the TV to have a break. Our bottle of sun screen is almost empty and the chlorine damage to our hair is significant. Our skin and hair are ready for some recovery time and that lovely indoor air.

So, we are now counting the days (some of us are counting the hours) until school begins. And along with it, the lovely rat race of live. Complete with the endless hours of chauffeuring, practice, homework, and schedules. I can’t wait!

Tags : gifts, parenting

Earlier this summer, I experienced my 20 year high school reunion. I approached this celebration with some excitement and some fear. Yes, I wanted to loose 10 pounds, some grey hair, and facial imperfections. None of these wishes came true. However, I was excited, as most of my close friends, some of whom I have not seen in 10 years, were going to be in attendance.

As it turns out, the day was full of fun, laughter, and memories. It was the fastest Saturday I have spent in years. I even faced my high school boyfriend, whom I have not seen for 20 years. (To my dismay, he looks exactly the same as he did the last time I saw him!) I grew up in a small town with a graduating class of less than 100 students. Most of us went to school together from the time we were in preschool. I realize most people can’t say that, and in some ways, it is a gift! It was wonderful to see how we were able to pick up where we left off but without our immature high school ways.

In the end, I was not the big surprise of the class. I was still me, just 20 years older with a few extra pounds and a little grey hair. And as I think about it, that is truly a gift!

Tags : gifts, high school reunion

Do you remember the tradition of giving may baskets. This may just be an old-fashioned mid-west thing, but as a child, we used to make may baskets out of paper cups and fill them with candy and May flowers. Then we would deliver the baskets to our friends. The trick was to not get caught delivering the basket. So we quickly ran to the door, rang the bell, and ran back to the car. You see, if you got caught, you could get kissed!! Often, when we arrived home from delivering our baskets, there would be a couple of baskets on our own front porch.

My mother has continued this tradition by delivering may baskets to the elderly in her community and to her grandchildren. This year, I decided to ressurect this tradition with my children. We are new to our community, and are working on forging relationships with our neighbors and friends, and what better way do that than with treats. So, last weekend, my kids sat at the kitchen table with paper cups, colorful napkins, markers, scissors, and glue and created some may baskets. Sunday was a beautiful day, and many of our neighbors were outside, so we delivered our baskets a couple of days early. I’m still not sure if these neighbors are aware of the tradition, but they were pleased to get the treats! But in the end, I think my kids had more fun than anyone.

Tags : gifts, May Baskets, May Day

Last weekend was rare for us. There was nothing on the calendar! For the icing on the cake, it was a beautiful day. Originally, I thought I would spend the day painting a bedroom or working in the yard. But the idea of missing out on a free Saturday was too much to bear. We started the day by having our coffee on the patio while the kids put up their tent. Later, the kids and my husband played ball in the backyard while I read a book and watched. (I know, I know – I should have joined in.) In between relaxing activities, we would take the dog for a quick walk or go for a bike ride. We topped off the day by grilling out and then going out for ice cream.

At the end of the day, there were dishes in the sink, paperwork untouched, a room that still needs painted, and yardwork to be done. But that’s OK. I’m thankful for the rejuvinating gift of a free day.

Tags : gifts, time management

It is such a gift to see your child excel at something he or she has a passion for. My youngest daughter is playing t-ball. She is very small for her age, but she is very active and persistent. While this can drive us crazy at home, it has proved to be a benefit when playing ball.

At her first game and first time up at bat, she hit the ball the typical two feet. But the second time at bat, her determination showed through. She hit it into the outfield, and got a home run. She then pestered the coach into letting her play “pitcher”. (She knows this is where the action is!) After letting one runner get past her, she then got two runners out at home plate.

The evening was cold, and it was pretty late for a 6 year old, but she was on a real “high” from the game and her performance. It was great fun to watch her do well at something she worked hard at and has a passion for. I hope she has many such successes in all areas of her life!

Tags : gifts, girls sports, parenting

I spent my entire Saturday painting my daughter’s bedroom. We moved into our new home four months ago, and I have been promising to paint her room ever since we moved in. I finally lived up to my promise.

The room is a cute little space with a small alcove at one end. But it was a bit dark, as there is only one small window. And the ceiling and walls were the color of mustard yellow – very nice for a living room or an adult bedroom, but not a good color for a young girl.

So, I pained my first ceiling (aching neck and all) a bright white. Three walls were painted a light yellow, and the remaining walls a violet color. (Can you tell she is a pre-teen girl?) Now the room is bright (it’s amazing what a difference the white ceiling makes) and fun. My daughter is thrilled, and feels as if she has a new room!

Tags : children's room decor, gifts

I recently paid a visit to my grandmother. It’s a 10 hour drive to go visit her, so unfortunately, we don’t get to see her very often. Grandma is now 95 years old, and will be 96 this June, but she has the looks and presence of mind of a much younger woman. Because Grandma is wheelchair bound, she lives in a care home. My aunt recently received a questionaire from the care home asking some questions about my grandma’s life. Grandma’s only comment was, “Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone there how old I really am.” We were all so surprised by this comment, as we would be really thrilled to be her age and be in such good health. Her reasoning – “No one believes me, and they can get really nasty about it!” I just hope I have such problems when I am 95!

Tags : family, gifts

My husband is in the process of taking two classes to complete his masters degree while working full time – plus. Needless to say, this studying and working cuts into his “family” time. However, last Friday, he decided to take our two daughters out on a “date”. He took them out for breakfast at our favorite local diner, and then dropped them off at school. I have never seen my children get ready for school so fast in my life! The entire “date” took about an hour an a half. But that hour and a half meant more to all three of them than words can describe. Just one more example that gifts don’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. They just need to come from the heart.

Tags : family, gifts, time management

My daughter recently turned ten years old, and we had a small party for her this past weekend. About three months ago, our family moved to a new city, so this was the first time we have spent some extended time with her new friends. Ten years old seems to be a pivotal birthday. Cliques of friends form, and it becomes so very important for the child to “fit in” with a crowd he/she feels comfortable with. I’m pleased to say that I think she has found some very nice young ladies to hang out with.

The party was held at our home and four guests were invited. My daughter planned each minute of the party, including crafts, games, a movie, food, and free play time. (Yes, she is a “Type A” personality!) There were no fights, tears, or hurt feelings for the entire three hours. This is a major accomplishment for 10-year-old girls!

As for gifts, my daughter has obviously let her new friends know what she likes. She received some scrapbooking materials, a bookstore gift card, a purse, and a stuffed animal that you can register on-line and then play games and such on the web-site. All were excellent ideas!

Maybe for her 11th birthday our family will be ready for that all-important Sleep Over Party!

Tags : family, gifts, kids party ideas

My dad, brother, and nephews just love sporting goods stores such as Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop. You could buy them anything in those stores, and they would be thrilled!

My mother’s birthday was yesterday, and as you can read in one of my articles, Bass Pro Shop would not be her favorite store. However, when it came time to present her with her gifts, my nephew proudly announced that his gift was from the Bass Pro Shop. It was a lovely bird feeder. Then my daughter presented our gift, and announced it was also from Bass Pro Shop. It was gourmet coffee beans purchased at the coffee shop in the store. Then my dad presented his gift, a lovely coral colored top – from Cabela’s.

We all had a good laugh, and decided that gifts from a sporting goods store can make everyone happy – even Grandma!

Tags : family, gifts