It's practically Christmas already

I'm not one of "those people" who starts preparing for Christmas before Halloween even arrives, but I AM always on the lookout for wonderful Christmas gift ideas and beautifully decorated homes.

As we enter November, I thought I'd share a few things I've seen in magazines and on the Internet over the last month or so -- things that I'm either going to buy or -- at the very least -- drool over during the next six weeks. And if people sometimes lump you into that "hard-to-buy-for" category, you might want to direct them to one of these things!

Christmas stockings in designer fabrics

OMG. Why didn't I ever consider this as an option? These make my red and green stockings look downright DOWDY.

She has tons of fabrics, and you can customize yours to your own style. BRILLIANT! They're not cheap, but you could add one to your collection each year, and when your set was complete, you'd have some heirlooms. $40 each

Calling cards for moms, bloggers, single ladies ...

I bought a batch of these to give out to people who ask for my blog URL or to give out as calling cards to women I meet at blogging events. I am completely in love with them! I purchased them in this design:

... but there are so many cute ones from which to choose.

And each set comes in a cute little tin with a clip that allows you to attach it to your purse or diaper bag.

A great gift for your wife, babysitter, teenage daughter, teacher ... you can customize them to include her name, e-mail address, Twitter tag, home, work, cell phone numbers. The sky's the limit! $15 for 24 cards

Absolutely anything from lettergirl

In preparation for return-addressing 300 Christmas cards in a few weeks, I bought a return-address stamper that is going to do a beautiful job on my envelopes! I purchased one in this style:



but she has many, many from which to choose, and they are ALL irresistible! $38 each


The Pioneer Woman Cooks

Ree's cookbook is finally here! One of my favorite bloggers published a cookbook of her favorite recipes this Fall. It's been fun reading about her journey over the past year or so while she's been getting it ready for publication.


Before the cookbook was even a glint in her eye, though, I'd tried three or four of the recipes she'd posted on her site. I give them all high marks! $17 each