OY! KRISTEN

1. "Love is Strong as Death" Hand-Lettered Print by Jenny Highsmith // 2. Mercury Glass Volcano Candle by Capri Blue // 3. Watercolor Postcard Calendar by Papermoss (see below for giveaway opportunity!) // 4. Golden Peach Moonstone Ring by Sundance // 5. Staub Coq Au Vin in Basil// 6. Cava Linear Post Earrings by Anthropologie // 7. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella // 8. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond the Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert // 9. Roses de Chloe

It's that special time of year again! Gift shopping is one of my all-time favorite things to do, and this year has been no exception. It's just so much fun finding the perfect gift for the perfect person. I've compiled a few things I'm currently favoring for that special gal in your life - be it your mom, sister or best friend - I know there is something here that she would LOVE.

Because - PRESENTS!
Okay friends, I want you to take a good long look at this gorgeous watercolor calendar, a collaboration of genius from Papermoss and Nantucket v. Hamptons. When trimmed, each month's artwork becomes a lovely post card. I love the cheeky, summery New England charm of each month's art. This could not make a sweeter hostess gift or Christmas gift (hint hint, Stevie), so make sure to snatch one up before they are gone! P.S. - you can also have the added benefit of bragging about your "small business shopping", which is not only all the rage, it's really how you find the most unique gifts.

*Printed on luxe 130lb paper with an eggshell finish, each 5x6.5” month features a one-of-a-kind watercolor that when trimmed turns into a 3.5x5" postcard. Mini magnet included to display each month.*

I've teamed up with Emily at Papermoss (the most luxurious paper products you ever did see) to give away one of these 2016 "Lovers of Summer" Postcard Calendars to one of you! All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter below. Follow all the prompts to enter, and the winner will be contacted one week from today. Good luck, and happy gifting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is always a funny week, the week after Thanksgiving. The societal pull is frenetic, spastic, telling us to hurry up! This sale won't last! Hurry up - the deal is over at midnight! My email inbox is flooded - literally flooded - with zillions of sale notices and the tone of each and every one is - HURRY, or else you might miss out!

You guys. What would happen if we didn't care? Didn't care to MISS OUT.

I can't let myself get overrun by the holiday crazy. So much about the holidays is just wonderful - the meaning of the season, the traditions, the surprise, and especially the wonder. I am finding myself wonder-fied over and over again, because I am introducing my son to the season of Christmas and it is so much delicious fun. He saw a house lit up in icicle lights in our neighborhood the other night, and he was absolutely mesmerized. He just stared. Then clapped. It was THE BEST. He definitely saw lights last year, but it's a whole new year - and he is so much more aware. He opened his first Christmas gift with my sisters over the weekend, and there it was again - the wonder! That distinguished moment of pure, radiant, child-like joy. It was enough to make me like a giddy little girl again. The wonder of the season! That is the good stuff that I want to remember and focus on.

And then I open my email, and literally, all I see are "Cyber week savings!", "Last Day! 50% off!", "30% off starts now!"

I know what you're thinking. Delete your emails, girl.

I totally agree with you.

The thing is, I love a good sale, and I have no problem with a bit of hoopla. I just think it's important to not let the hoards of hoopla rock the internal compass of this season. I want to buy gifts and give gifts, because I am a crazy gifting person. It's one of my favorite things to do. But there is a point where the consumerism suddenly becomes like when you ate one too many cookie. The sugar doesn't taste good, and sort of turns to ash in your mouth. That's how I feel about all the sales and promotions and consumerism - it's just ash. Tomorrow there will be another deal, and another, and another. And suddenly, its not satisfying anymore because DO WE REALLY NEED THIS STUFF. I'm realizing it's my job to remove myself from all of it.

I am reeeeeally close to being totally done Christmas shopping. And it's on me to finish my list, and then be done - and not get sucked into overspending, or lusting after more than I need/want. It's my responsibility. And the one way that I am managing going about that this year?

First, I am going to finish my Christmas list.

And then I am going to play play play!

Get outside and throw around some leaves and remember what it's like. To be a kid. And play. Play hard. Play like it's my job. Man, kids have the best life. They aren't tempted by the notion of a good sale. They are expected to eat well, sleep long and play hard.

That's what I wish for you this Christmas season. Eat well, sleep long, and play hard, friends.