The Christmas List

And so, I bring you my second annual "For the Last Minute Shopper" list!

If your gift-giving adventures this Christmas season have been anything like mine, you have experienced confusion, cluelessness (yup, I make up words!), and even frustration. My husband will tell you that I typically disregard the gift ideas people give me in sight for my idea of a perfect gift. He always says, "Just give them what they are asking for!" But I can't. I know better than them! ;) 

With that being said, I feel for you. That is why I am here! Compiled is a list of personally tested, personally loved and personally adored items. It's a smaller list than last year, but hey, we all need to be wise in our spending! If I help just one person find a little holiday shopping peace, then it is an accomplished mission!

Books

1. If history holds little interest for you, perhaps it is because it has always been told in a boring fashion. Give Being George Washington a chance and have your mind blown. Learn of George Washington in a way you never heard before!
2. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas is one of the greatest reads I have had this year, and quite possibly in my lifetime. Your life will be changed by Bonhoeffer's amazing character.
3. The Zion Covenant Series - quite possibly the greatest series I have had the joy of reading! Another way to learn history in an exciting adventurous way!

Entertainment

1. The Help was the best movie I saw in the theater this year. I don't typically purchase movies anymore, but this is one I would own myself. I promise you will love it!
2. Each year I find new music artists that capture my attention, and this year's artist is definitely Gungor: Beautiful Things. Simply amazing talent with a splash of pure funkiness!
3. ClearPlay is an amazing product that allows you to load filters for movies that actually silence and remove unwanted language and compromising scenes. My family has been a huge fan since they hit stores years ago!

Unique Ideas

76 Garments is a company I am excited to share with you! What better way to share their ethics and values but in their own words? "Doing it the hard way means doing it right. Our shirts are made and printed in the United States because sometimes shortcuts just don’t cut it. We’d rather support American industry and pay honest wages than save a few bucks. Embracing the truth means wearing it on your sleeve, chest, or wherever our shirts are emblazoned with uncompromising food for thought..."  (Continued...)

My Favorite Things

1. I'm not kidding when I say I want to eat my hands every time I use my Vanilla Bean Noel lotion. The scent is Christmas in cream form. (I am smelling my hands right now!) 
2. BlogStomp just might be the greatest invention in the blogging world. It uploads, formats, sharpens, and stomps your photos in seconds. It's perfect for the photographer or blogger in your life! It's pure awesomesauce. 
3. My husband treated himself to this unique hat from Gasden & Culpeper this fall, and I must say, it's pretty cool! There are many styles and features to choose from for the hat-wearing man in your life!
4. For the impossible person on your list, Shari's Berries can come to your rescue! They are truly as delicious as they look - even more so. Worth. Every. Penny.

Thankfully, I am done our Christmas shopping! And thanks to Dave Ramsey, we don't owe anyone a penny this Christmas! It seems frustrating to be putting money away for Christmas presents in March, but I will tell you, come December when you look at your budget and realize it's all paid for!! It brings a happy smile to your face!

Merry Christmas and happy (and wise!!) shopping!

Spring Awoke with the Birds

"And woke the flowers on its way..."

Yesterday was the most beautiful day of the year thus far. I have spent more than two-thirds of my life in the northeast and I still cannot get used to this Virginia spring! It's unreal to me. There are flowering trees everywhere. Does spring really come this early every year?? In Maine and New York, this scene isn't seen until past May! It's such a breath of fresh air. Literally. 

Strom had a late day yesterday with extra training after class, so I played hooky from dinner detail and went to the park for an hour. Sitting under simply gorgeous apple and cheery blossom trees, I kicked my shoes off and dove into a book, soaking in the rays (too many rays, mind you. My shoulders and chest are still pink today!) I felt like I was in Anne of Green Gables land. It was just beautiful. 

I of course had to walk around with my camera and capture this southern spring. Here's to you, Mama! I know how much you'd love to be here!

Reading List for 2011

Confession: I'm a bit of a book snob. On average, I have four books going on at once. While this is great when I want to change it up from an informative political read to an adventurous fiction novel, it slows my pace down from maybe a week or two to finish a book, to months to complete them all. It is a problem, I know. That is why this year I am vowing to at least try to read through a singular book at any given time. This will be a challenge (I get a bit overzealous with a new book!) but I am willing to give it a genuine shot. 

One way I plan to implement this challenge is to set my reading list of 2011! I attempted to keep it to ten books, hoping it would set me up for success, but ended up with nineteen. The number is hardly a problem (I imagine by 2012 the actual number will be significantly higher), I am just so excited to read through a number of them that I may find great difficulty sticking to one at a time. 

Nevertheless, I give you my list for 2011 and give you full permission to keep me accountable - whether or not I do! 

Bonhoeffer: Pastor Martyr, Prophet, Spy: This book was the only thing I asked for this Christmas (hence the excited picture in my Christmas post!) I admit I even let out a little scream when I opened it *wink* And it is the top book on next year's list. I've already started it and am completely addicted. The only reason I am not reading it at this very moment is due to this post! Bonhoeffer is my newest inspiration in life.

 

  

The Great Divorce: This book somehow slipped through my reading list growing up. I'm unsure how I have yet to read this one, but I am quite excited to take it in!

Mere Christianity: I haven't picked this book up since I was in high school, and am quite eager to be reacquainted with brilliance of C.S.Lewis' writings.

 

The Athena Project: I first learned of this book on the Glenn Beck program and instantly wanted to read it. I don't read much fiction anymore (though Brad Thor's style is considered "Faction"), but this one made it on my "must read" list -- and under my Christmas tree!! 

 

 

The Real George Washington: I have had this book since my birthday in May, but as previously stated, I always have several books going, and this just hasn't made it up the list yet! But this year, it will happen. I have heard nothing but incredible things. 

The End of Reason: I began this book last winter, but had it stolen from me by my dear husband (which was fine for it sparked his love for the study of Apologetics). So now that it is once again available, it will finally be fully read by me!

Ethics: Bonhoeffer continues to inspire me, and by doing so, I must read more of his works. This book is a must for me.

The Cost of Discipleship: Another must read for me from Bonhoeffer. I can hardly wait to read it - when I buy it of course!

 

The Paradise War: I have always preferred non-fiction to fiction, but this book is an exception for me. I read it once back in high school and was blown away by its plot and character development. Strom got it for Christmas, and I'm thinking it is time for another read! Maybe this time I'll read the second and third installments...

 Pursuit of Honor: Another read I found under my tree! I have heard nothing but good things about Vince Flynn and can't wait to dive into this one!

Redeeming Love: I have read this book nearly every year since I was a freshman in college. It is by far one of the most amazing books I have ever read. And remember, I'm a book snob. I failed to find the time to read it this past year (ya know, working, wedding planning, moving and all that boring stuff!) But this year, it's going down.

 

The 5000 Year Leap: One of thee most understandable books on the Constitution anyone could ask for. I read it this past year, but I want a refresher course due to the great importance of needing to know what I believe. 

Believe it or not, I have never read the Chronicles of Narnia. Shame on me, I know. I watched the BBC movies growing up, and fully enjoy the new versions, but I have never sat down and read through the collection. This year, I have every intention of changing that.

And there you have it. My publicly stated challenge and commitment! 

Bring it on, 2011!

A New Week

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