Christmas gifts

What is better than the gift of reading. The more children read, the more fluent they get with it. Get a book, and read with your child. The best books I have read with my chirldren is Barefoot books, and not just because I sell them. The illustrators are great, and the owners are just like you and I. Leave a comment here if your interested, and some contact info, and I will give you a code for a 20% discount good until the end of the year! http://carole-harris.barefootbooks.com

I buy barefoot books and so should you. Check it out. http://carole-harris.barefootbooks.com

Halloween is back!

They were coming out of the wood work! Trick treaters of everykind! Chuck, my husband had the girls and Sparky out trick or treating while I passed out candy. There were some really big trick or treaters, and when I asked some how old they were, they stated they were in 7th grade!!! Just what are 7th graders eating these days???

I have pics of my two daughters, in witch costumes I will load here soon.

Halloweeen is fun isn't it? So now that it's November 1st, when do you put up your Christmas tree? I'd love for you to comment on my blog. I can't wait to hear all the delightful answers.

Until next time

Did you survive the holiday rush/season

Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwhoooooooooooooooooooosh it came and went, and if you blinked your eyes you missed it. We were all inundated with Black Friday ads, and who had the best ads, who had the cheapest XbOx, or Wii, and our kids were able to fill their lists with plenty of expensive wishes. I know mine filled their wish lists a couple of times. So did you wake up at the crazy hours to go shopping? Or did you stay up late? And the car industry is trying to get in on it...but let's face it...they won't fit it in will they? They will really have to to have some scrumptious deals to offer us after we've bailed everyone else. I think the sales for the stores will still keep coming. We still have plenty of sales, but lets get back to the original question. All the fuss just for a couple of days. I must say my holidays were pleasant. My Christmas and New Year were quiet, and even though I had to work new years eve, it was enjoyable. With all the craziness, I am glad that my family and I were safe. I am glad I was able to provide just enough gifts for my immediate family and they were happy with what they have. I'm really so grateful for so many things my family won't know. I'm grateful my inlaws got my daughters coats. I'm grateful for the small gift my sister in law gave me. I'm very grateful for the gifts that my hubby and daughters got me, they were spot on.


And what about your new years resolution? I belong to cardinal fitness and I have to stop by the gym more often. I will eventually switch over to the park district because abby wants a membership. I would like to eventually like to leave joliet, chuck wants a bigger house. I just want better school choices and etc.
2011 is going to be a much better year, so happy new year to you all. I hope you have a happy and prosperous new year!

The holidays!

I had so much fun with my daughters this holiday season. Abby is 11 and Rebecca is 7, and I have to say they are at the perfect ages for Christmas!

Abby wanted to Christmas shop, just to shop, and Becky really does know how to keep a secret. Which worried me a little. Abby is getting the age to where she doesn't believe in Santa Claus, which means in no time, neither will Becky. We had a good year, in which we were able to spoil both kids. Which is good, because they are great kids!

I also got some baking time in with the girls. We baked cookies, and enjoyed them as well. I didn't get to do all the baking I wanted, but maybe next year. Baking during the holidays was a tradition when I was a little girl. I absolutely loved it, all the way into my 20's. It's something I want to hand down to Abby and Becky. We didn't get to bake for the neighbors, but we will make time next year for sure. We didn't get to go to Chicago like I wanted to either to see all the stores and lights. Instead, we went to Woodfield Mall in Schaumberg. What a mall! It's huge, and every high end store you can imagine was in that mall. For me, and avid window shopper, it would take a few days to get through that mall. My hubby went with us, he's not a shopper, but to spend time with the girls he agreed.


Next on my agenda is planning this trip to NYC in August. I have my work cut out for me since my husband agreed to go. He really is agreeing so I can go to Blogher 2010, and I'm not really sure what to expect with this convention. I hope it goes well. Other vacation plans include Boston in a few years...and then well, it's too early to decide.


Is anyone reading this I wonder. I see visitors on feedjit, but no one ever comments. On occasion I get a comment from a blogger friend. I feel like Julie and Julia, the ever persistent blogger, not knowing if I'm being read or not. Until next time.
Have a great New Years.

Weight Loss Challenge!/Happenings from our vacation

Well it has begun! My hubby is excited about our next vacation to New York City...that's not why he challenged me. Although I do look forward to it. It'll be nice to see my handsome husband get back into the shape he once was. He has two dynamite kids to keep up with. They really are a bundle of energy. No, it came when I said I'd love to take the girls to Wyoming or Montanna to go horse back riding. Hence the rub, one has to be under 250 to ride a horse! So wish me luck. I said we are to loose 10 pounds by December, he wants to loose 50 by vacation time next year. We shall see what happens.

We went to Walt Disney World on our vacation this year. It was Beccas' 2nd airplane ride, and am so glad we all made it back in one peice. Of course we couldn't have an uneventful vacation. I ended up hurting my shoulder, and it took three doctors to determine it wasn't dislocated. I go to my own doctor this saturday. It was, and still is very painful, although I am able to move it a little better. Chuck had to help me with my bra on or I had to keep it on. I was wishing I had help this morning, it wasn't easy! Abby tried to help me, bless her soul. I think I may need some physical therapy, but will let the doctor decide that. All in all, I think the girls, Chuck and I had a great trip. It was fun seeing all the characters, parades, and rides. Becca is a real daredevil, and Abby still is my waterbug!! So is Becca! My girls do make me feel young, and I wish I could bottle up their energy. Abby bought back these cool light up drumsticks from Disney! They really are a cool toy for all. Now how can I top that for Christmas?

That's all for now.

Peace out.

Carole

A Funny Story On Christmas Eve

So every year, we give the girls pajamas for Christmas. It is our family tradition. We try to keep them, picking out ornaments and such. (this year we didn't do that) So after we spent the night with inlaws, we surprised the girls, and let them open one gift. Abby loves footie pajamas, so she was estatic. Becca, the less thrilled of the two, exclaimed. Mommy I am six years old. I'm not wearing them. LOL, I got it. In Illinois however, it was 7 below zero, and I was wishing I had footie pajamas. It was then Dad said to Becca, you hurt my feelings. After all, it was Dad who picked them out, (and did a good job, nice fit I must say) After that, Becca says, I'm gonna wear these every night! Ah kids!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanks for reading.

carole

My Grown up Christmas wish, from my family to yours!

Michael Bublé - Grown-Up Christmas List

Lyric:

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well, I'm all grown-up now
Can you still help somehow?
I'm not a child, but my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself, but for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Every man would have a friend
That right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in that blind belief can we ever find the truth

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Every man would have a friend
That right would always win
And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list
This is my only lifelong wish
This is my grown-up Christmas list

Christmas in July!

How many of you do your Christmas shopping early? I know I do, and you can get some great gifts at a great bargain, and save on gas money too! Online shopping is big because everything has gone up, but I think you will find these businesses have very affordable prices, and you will save money in the long run. Take a look, some of my companies will ship anywhere, if you need to ask me a question, email me. Thank you for looking at my sales.





Kondash Kreations
Take 30% off your enitre purchase for the month of JULY. It is our Christmas in July sale. Use code 30xmas in the voucher section as you check out. These hand painted whimsical items are
great for gifts, decor, for yourself, and for any occassion. Check out Kondash Kreations today! You will find we are very affordable, and with 30% off you can't loose!
http://www.kondashkreations.com/store/aGo.asp?aff=161

Letters by Design
We too have a Christmas in July sale! Take 25% off your entire order and be entered in a raffle for a $25 gc for Letters by Design. Use code ShopJuly
http://lettersbydesign.com/store/aGo.asp?aff=105
We have the most unique gifts on the net, museum puzzles, postcard books, memo mousepads, our kids section is one of a kind, and we have bundles. You get more bang for your buck with a bundle!

Simply SweetnSassy
This is your one stop shop for everything! We have cakes, decor, makeup, bath and body, pet accessories, dresses and clothes, hand poured candles, hand made soaps, gifts for him and her.
Gifts for baby girl diva and baby boy diva. We are sure you will find something. For the whole month of July take 15% off!
use code july15 during checkout process
http://www.simplysweetnsassy.com/carole.htm

Designs by Kim Twiss
Grab summer savings all month long! Save 15% off graphics or whatever you may need with Designs by Kim Twiss. Take a look at my testimonial page and
Kims portfolio for the terrific work she does. Kims graphics are very affordable!
Use code SummerFun in the checkout process for your 15% off today!
http://www.designsbykimtw.com/store/affiliate.asp?aff=15

Thank you for reading about my specials. Don't forget about my vendor fairs. I have specials for those too! Get 10 spots for $5, and if you refer someone to me, they book, pay and show up. You get
5 free spots. Do it today!

Carole Harris



Mineral Girlz
Have you heard about Mineral Makeup? Do you know how good it is for your skin. We've had a facelift, why not check us out. 15% on all brushes until July 21st
http://www.mineralgirlz.com/members/caroleand2daughters

if you need to contact me, carole@go.cc

Can you do Christmas shopping in JULY???

Of course you can! and you can do it with Kondash Kreations!

http://www.kondashkreations.com/store/aGo.asp?aff=161 Use 30xmas when you check out in the voucher section! This sale is good for the whole month of July!

Kondash Kreations are whimsical prim hand painted items. They are hand painted by Denise Kondash, and she can paint on glass, wood, and fabric. Take a look at some of her work and you will see how talented she is. These items make a great gift for anyone who is looking for hand painted uniqueness. The mini baskets can be used for biz cards, lotions, tarts, or candy. Check us out!

Denise ships very fast as well, and if you see if something is sold out, don't hesitate to see if we can still get it for you. Kondash kreations is a free biz to join as well, and buy or sell I'd love to have you as part of my team. Just let me know whether you've joined or purchased something, so I can follow up.

Carole