Christmas Photocards & Last Minute Shopping

For some reason, I want to send out Christmas/holiday cards this year. It might be my recent obsession with stationery, all this free time I have, or the fact that being engaged makes me want to do a million projects.

Here are photos from the past three Christmases of Prentyce and me.

Photos edited with iOS apps: Diptic, LabelBox, and PhotoTreats 
(Yes, I used all three apps per pic.)

I think we look pretty gosh darn sexy, but you might beg differ. My favorite thing about all three of these photos is that our poses are so similar. I also absolutely love that Mr. Albright has gained weight since 2008. Doesn’t he look scrumptious great?

We have yet to take our picture this year due to the fact that Christmas Eve has not arrived (only 6 more days!). If it is tasteful, I’ll be definitely sending it out to a few friends and some of my our relatives.

But for now, I have bigger things to worry about, like finding gifts for my big brothers. Boys are so hard to shop for! You can buy girls just about anything, i.e. lip glosses, lotions, nail polishes, make-up palettes, cosmetic bags, tops, shoes, etc. What are you supposed to get boys? Tools? Ehh. Shirts? I get them this every year, but I hate being so repetitive. Gadgets? I’m too poor. Ahhhh… I need another Christmas miracle in the next 6 days.

What’s the first Christmas miracle, you ask? I am feeling so much better! I haven’t had a muscle spasm in 2 weeks and I can walk around without getting fatigued. The physical therapy exercises really helped a lot. I continue to do them twice daily. Prentyce keeps reminding me to slow down though and not rush myself to health. It’s so hard to sit idle and while I have forgotten at times, nothing bad has happened yet. I am asking Santa for more progress and long-lasting health for me and everyone I know. I hope he comes through for me.

I probably won’t update again until after Christmas, but I’m wishing you and yours a very happy holiday! Don’t forget to spread peace, love, and joy.

Forever 21: Hello Kitty Fashion Collection

I haven’t been to a Forever 21 to personally check this out, but I am hoping to when I get better. These are my favorite items from the Hello Kitty collection that debuted in stores on 11/18. I want to own all of these; I love sweaters and cardigans.

NOTE: There are some products online, but not the entire collection. : (

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Source: Hello Kitty Facebook.

Isn’t the hairstyle on this model super cuuuute?! Wish I could I get my hair this high and bangs this neat. And, no, I don’t think I will ever tire of Miss Kitty, not even when I’m 50.

12/9/11 UPDATE: View more photos of the collection at the launch party in Japan at Tokyo Fashion.

5 Things: Cyber Monday Awesomeness + Deals

There’s less than 12 hours left of Cyber Monday, just in case you didn’t make out well on Black Friday. Personally, I prefer Cyber Monday, but to each his/her own. Here are the 5 reasons why Cyber Monday is absolutely awesome!

1. Save on gas
Not having to drive to the store is great, especially since it hurts so bad to walk still. Plus, less chances for a car accident! I haven’t purchased gas for my car in more than 2 months and the tank is still practically full! That’s a savings of $200+. Think of how much money you would save if you didn’t have to drive anywhere?! (Not really happy about not being able to drive anywhere, but I have to look at the positives!)

2. No waiting in line
About two years ago, Pretyce and I were in line at Target on Black Friday. It was cold, sad, and worrisome. You had to be on guard so that these other em-effers wouldn’t cut you in line. I hated that! Check out this photo from the People of Walmart. It’s madness!

3. Gets bigger every year
With the increase of online shopping, many retailers are choosing to participate in the Cyber Monday bonanza. Check this article by the San Francisco Chronicle, which states that Cyber Monday sales are up 15% in comparison to last year . More retailers means more competition which means more savings!!!

4. Storewide discounts and free shipping with no minimums
Looking at the sales online today, I noticed that many online retailers were offering such awesome deals! Additionally, the abundance of free shipping promos has risen compared to last year (in my experience). Free shipping are two of world wide web’s most beautiful words!

5. Here’s a list of the deals I liked:
Wet Seal – Free shipping (no minimum) & 40% off your entire order
Living Social deals - I got the OfficeMax $10 for $20
Apple.com – Free shipping (no minimum) until 12/22
Kohls.com – Free shipping & 20% off your entire order (Coupon Code: CYBER20)

I only have a few people left to check off my Christmas list! Isn’t that great? I just hope I am well enough by Christmas Eve to wrap all the gifts.

Good luck on your holiday shopping! Are you almost finished or not even close?