Christmas Purchases

My dear, darling sister, an avid blog reader who saw my Christmas wishes, gave me an Anthropologie gift card for Christmas this year. So Mr. Grubbs and I braved the mall madness to go and stimulate the economy with a little shopping. Armed with my free money and a little more from a very sweet relative, I was ready to spend. But the only problem was that the store is completely amazing and I couldn't choose. See I'm a thrifty gal, so I am not used to spending upwards of $60-100 on ONE shirt- don't misunderstand, Anthro has AMAZING clothes that are worth the money, it just isn't my daily routine to spend so much, but I was ready for the task. But then I couldn't decide if I wanted to be mindful and get 2 less expensive things or one really great piece. I found this adorable shirt that I feel in love with:

Then a dilemma arose. I also found this necklace that I also had to have but would put me over my limit:

To the rescue, Mr. Grubbs!! He bought the necklace for me, so sweet! Now I have a gorgeous new outfit to indulge myself in. I think I'll pair my lovelies with some matchstick jeans, tall boots and a cinched belt. Perfect! I hope to visit Anthropologie soon, I'm saving my pennies!!

© The Simple Wife

Neighbor Goodies

Cookies are one thing that my family does well. So this past Sunday I went to Mom's to get her expertise on making our traditional Pumpkin cookies- delicious chocolate chip pumpkin cookies with brown sugar icing!!! You may remember them from my Thanksgiving post:

 I have tried to make them once before but it didn't go so well, so I needed her on hand to help out, since she knows the recipe by heart. After 120 cookies were made I assembled goodie baskets for our 2 favorite neighbors. I used my monogram tags again: one for the Grahams, and one for the Hasteys. I hope they enjoyed them as much as I ALWAYS do. Thank goodness for Christmas baking!

© The SimpleWife

Present Wrapping

Today was a busy, first day of Christmas vacation. It started early with the gym, then grocery shopping then present wrapping. I love wrapping presents and I always try to have a theme. Not a literal one, I just try to make my presents match, so you know which ones are mine. This year I went with a monogrammed approach. I used these brown treat bags, some Christmas printed cardstock and pre-cut letters to adorn my little gifts. I think they are adorable and I'll be very sad when they are ripped into on Christmas. 

© The Simple Wife

Dear Darlings

{ The Loot }

I can't say enough, how much I love teaching young students. They are funny, crazy, silly, annoying, needy, and a big mess. But they are always being sweet. Friday was our last day of school until the Christmas break. So I have two whole weeks off from the little ankle-bitters. It was, to say the least, a hectic, all out insane day, but the kids were having so much fun. My day was constantly interrupted by little knocks on my classroom door by present-wheedling students. It is amazing how much your students think of you, enough to spend money on you for a gift. They are so generous and kind. It took 2 trips to the car and three packed grocery totes to bring my treasures home. I am so appreciative of my students and the school I work at. Christmas can bring out the worst, and sometimes the best out of people.

© The Simple Wife

To Doc With Love

So Doc received his first piece of addressed mail. It was from his Uncle Rebel (Erik's dog that lives with his parents). It was a Christmas card, and he was very excited to open it. In fact once we opened it for him he wouldn't let it go. He read it over and over again. He even carried it around the house with him. Thanks Rebel, Merry Christmas to you too. 

© The Simple Wife

Christmas Lights, I hate you.

{ courtesy of flickr.com }

I wanted to have all my Christmas decorating done over Thanksgiving break, but due to weather, we only got the inside of the house done. So since today has actually been the warmest day in the past week, I ventured out on the front porch to hang the icicle lights around out porch. I had to balance on the hand rail, maneuver the staple gun and keep the lights from getting stuck in my hair. After I had successfully made it all the way around the porch I jumped down to plug the lights in and revel in my job well done- well not so much. One whole strand was OUT!!! WHAT!! Who doesn't check for this stuff before risking life and limb hanging lights- that would be this girl. Crap. Now I have to take down the delinquent strand and purchase a new one. Or should we go with a whole new look? Maybe this is a sign that I should create a new design... I see a trip to Target's Christmas aisle in my future.

© The Simple Wife

A Stress Free Christmas?

I didn't think such a thing could exist? With all the traveling, shopping, wrapping, and decorating, how could one possibly survive without a little stress? If there is way, believe me, I NEED to know it. It all goes with my life plan of living the easiest life possible. So I did what everyone these days does- I Googled. I found this amazing site, Organized Christmas, which gives tips on everything from gift giving rules, to decorating on a budget, to printer friendly spending guides.

I focused on the Simplify Your Holidays: 10 Ideas for a Stress-Free Holiday Season. Here is what they suggest:

• Prune the to-do list. Ask, “If I don’t do this, what will happen?”***

• Cut the gift list. Limit gifts to children only, draw names, or organize a gift exchange.

• Wrap as you go. Sticky notes will help you keep track of gift contents.

• Buy, don’t bake. Who needs long hours in front of a hot stove?

• Call, don’t send cards. Reach out and touch someone … the easy way.

• Scale back décor. Substitute a simple door wreath for outdoor lighting, a tabletop tree for the over-the-top tannenbaum.

• Cut the clean-a-thon. Focus cleaning attention on kitchen and public rooms; private areas can slide til season’s end.

• Downsize dishwashing. Hand-washing fine china is nobody’s idea of a good time. Simpler still: paper plates!

• Finger food, not feast. A smorgasboard of tasty tidbits is easier on the cook and kinder to the waistline than a sit-down dinner.

• Stay home! Cuddling down close to the hearth beats holiday travel any day.

*** I really love this one! Seriously, this should be your motto for anything!!

They also have a wonderful database of tons of lists you can print out including a week-by-week Christmas Countdown that helps you get ready for all the craziness.

The Gift Idea Sheet is very helpful for those who are always hard to buy for. You could use it during the year to record ideas you come across.

The Baking List will help you remember which neighbor likes chocolate cookies and which likes sugar cookies!

I'll have to let you know if this helps alleviate any of my holiday stress!

© The Simple Wife

Deck the Halls

{ Our lighted tree }

Since it was a cold and rainy day here, Mr. Grubbs and I decided to decorate for Christmas in hopes that it would cheer things up. He was in charge of the tree and he did an excellent job. I put around the nic-naks and hung the garland and stockings inside. Then I put out our mini-lighted trees on the front porch and our grapevine wreaths on the windows. I think things are definitely more cheery round here now.

{ I see you...}

© The Simple Wife

The Simple Mr. Grubbs

I love the fact that Mr. Grubbs always knows what he wants. Christmas gifts are no different. He knows exactly what he wants this year- shopping time. Yes, a man, who longs to shop. The only difficult part of the equation is that he is by far the most difficult person to shop for. Shirts must have cuffs, but no stripes, orange, yellow or single buttons. His hats must be low-profile, his jeans without pre-worn holes, and his t-shirts must not be too tight. So how do you shop for the man who wants anything, but specifically something...

{Photo courtesy of psychamerica.com}

Visa cash baby. He only requires a gift card. He has a list, checked it twice and only needs the money to make it work. No creativity needed, just a Visa Gift card. 

Simple, easy, perfect. Mr. Grubbs.

© The Simple Wife

My Christmas Wishes

It's getting closer! As we reach Thanksgiving, the demand for Christmas lists has begun. I'm sure you are like me and would love to have all your shopping done early- and while you have the $$$. So I'm going to let you in on a couple of my wants for this year's gift giving:

CuisinArt Mini-Prep Food Processor: I love how small it is, and it is perfect for getting ingredients ready for dips, spreads, and toppings. (I'm very bad at chopping with a knife!)

{ Kohls }

A Stainless Steel Stock Pot: I'm in need of another so that I can make my spaghetti with meatballs with bothering my neighbor Lesley for her's! An 8 quart one will work well.

{ Target }

Iron Serving Rack: Perfect for serving fingers foods at all the football gatherings at the Grubbs house!

{ Target }

Drinkware: Our glasses are due for an update. I liked the modern shape of these at Kohls.

{ Kohls }

***This is the one I really want: Northface Windfall 1 Fleece (girls XL) in Brownie color. This fleece blocks the wind and cold!

{ NorthFace.com }

I think this about does it, for now :) I'll just be glad to survive the shopping season myself!