Christmas on a Peppermint Striped Shoestring

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
~Oren Arnold

I like the way you think, Oren. But you know what? My friends and family are going to be looking for something wrapped up under the Christmas tree.

And I am on a budget. I mean, seriously. Those days of reckless spending and paying off the Christmas bills around the fourth of July are over. If there isn't cash to pay for it, I'm not buying it. And there is powerful little cash left over after expenses. So what is a gal who loves absolutely everything about Christmas supposed to do?

I recommend handmade gifts. Whether you cook or bake, sew or craft, work with wood or provide useful services, you can come up with something to satisfy just about everyone on your list. If you're feeling short on inspiration, click HERE for some great ideas. I'm gonna try my hand at those chocolate spoons this week!

And if you're short on time, I would like to suggest that you visit Etsy.com and support small local craftsmen. To get started, I invite you to browse my selection of handmade jewelry at The Wishing Box (click HERE). And if you need a few stocking stuffers, please consider buying a handful of beaded bracelets to support Asberry School of Music's efforts to help Beading To Beat Autism raise $300 million to build an autism research and treatment center in Louisville, Kentucky.

Shiny!

Bracelets come packaged in a ziplock baggie containing a color insert describing the project.

The suggested donation is only $3 per bracelet. 6", 6 1/2" 7", and 8" lengths available; we will do our best to honor your color preferences or, better yet, let us choose for you! These make great party favors, stocking stuffers, and holiday gifts for teens and teachers. Checks should be made payable to Beading To Beat Autism; all proceeds will go directly to the organization. Please leave a comment if you would like to place an order and I will get back to you with the details. Thank you in advance for your support!

What are your favorite low cost Christmas gift ideas?

Author: Pam Asberry
Website: http://pamasberry.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/pamasberryfanpage
Twitter: http://twitter.com/pamasberry

Friday Show & Tell

Lindy - Decatur, GA

The Register Twins - Gayle and Gwyne

What are they up to? Hands raised. Big smiles if not outright laughter. Are they emulating a roller coaster ride? Did the home team just get a home run? Is there a spooky ghost on this side of the camera? What do you think?

*****

Megan - Roswell, GA

My 5-year-old's painful little toes.

Admit it. You've been aching for us to post a photo of toes. Rejoice. The day has arrived. This photo is of my son's little piggies (try not to weep with joy). The poor kid - who of course loves to run - has naturally ingrowing toenails on both middle toes, with slightly less aggressive ingrowing on his big toes. We've tried everything: trimming the sides of his nails, "turtle bites," you name it. Any suggestions? Please?

*****

Pam - Dacula, GA

Wasabi Green Seed Bead Mix

I bought this to make ankle bracelets, intending to place the beads randomly on the wire to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs. Sounds easy, right? Well, it was a great idea in theory but quite difficult in practice, as I am apparently obsessed with symmetry and pattern. 

In the end, I was able to let go of my need to control the outcome of this project and create a lovely anklet that any abstract peace loving wasabi eater would love. And I think I learned a little something about myself in the process.

Friday Show and Tell

PAM (Dacula, GA)

I faced some unexpected challenges yesterday, so I am going to be extra kind to myself today and fill the hours with things that bring me comfort and joy. No cleaning or laundry today or grocery shopping or errands. I'll be writing and baking and eating and knitting and beading.

And looking forward to wearing my new shoes tomorrow.

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LINDY (Decatur, GA)

To the outside observer this may look like a piece of wood. In fact, it is a piece of 1/8" subfloor I reclaimed from the neighrbor's garbage. No, I don't have a sag in my living room floor that is sqeaking and needs repair. To me, the 4' wide by 3' high piece of subfloor looked more like a blank canvas. In the next few days I will begin  to transform it into a masterpiece.

Until then, I can't wait to wear my new t-shirt and see lots of good friends tomorrow at Georgia Romance Writers monthly meeting.

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Have a great weekend, everybody! And remember to check back on Monday for more wit and wisdom from Writers Li.P.P.!