sleigh bells are a ringin'

One of the reasons I love living in this area of the country is because of the drastic season changes. Just as I am getting tired of one season, another one is right around the corner. And I don't think I even have a favorite...I just love the change. I am a person who loves and appreciates change. Well, for the most part anyway. I guess it all depends on the situation. Let's just say I like changes for the better. I digress...

So we are in the midst of fall now - the colors are extraordinary and the temperature is just right, in the mid- to low-60's. Thanksgiving is practically here already and Christmas is right around the corner. Every year the Christmas themes start earlier and earlier...beginning the constant pressure for us consumers to spend, spend, spend! ugh. Like I need any added pressure to spend money. So this year I promised myself that I'd get a head start on my shopping instead of waiting till the last minute, only to end up charging everything on 14% interest credit cards. It's like nails on a chalkboard, I know.

And this will also be the first holiday that my husband and I will spend as a married couple in our new home. It's so exciting! New traditions to begin, new memories to capture...good times. This year my husband and I have agreed to buy something for the house rather than exchange presents. We'll see how that works out. But in the meantime, I have a list of about 15 people that I have to buy gifts for this year and have no clue as to where to begin. A few places I am checking out are:

RedEnvelope.com - great site for unique gifts
Amazon.com - a no-brainer
Allposters.com - a cool site to find unique, hard to find posters or pictures; can be framed to add a special touch
Mags4Cheap.com - a unique and inexpensive gift is a magazine subscription

I'll continue to add to my list of places as I continue my shopping journey...