These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Let the magical month of December begin.  With it comes shopping for the perfect gift, baking our favorite Christmas cookies, special activities with the kids, and listening to our beloved Christmas CD's.  Some parts of the holiday season, at least for me, are a little more stressful.  Staying within a budget (I really try...really), trying to not to stress about the cute ideas I had but didn't have time to complete, and making a Christmas list for myself.

If you're struggling with your list, too, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things with you.  Think Oprah-except not nearly as extravagant and for a busy mom with very little time for herself!  To make it easy, I've divided it up into sections.

Kitchen Must-Haves

-A Griddle.  I got this last year and it has made my breakfast for dinner meals so much easier!
-A Ninja.  We love smoothies and this little machine is awesome.  Also works for chopping veggies!
-Airbake cookie sheets WITH parchment paper.  I've had a lot of luck baking with these forever!

Things to Wear

-I am in love with these fleece tops (I wear a pretty standard mom uniform!).  They run a bit small.
-I also love these jackets.  Practical and wear well.
-I love the Nike Flex running shoes.  When I was running (it's been awhile), they were my go-to shoe.
-I like my North Face jacket a lot.  It sheds, but it's warm!

Things to Read

This section is easy.  I love to read and could go on forever!  I'll spare you and just put a few.

-The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst
-Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
-Rhinestone Jesus by Kristen Welch
-You're Made for a God-Sized Dream by Holley Gerth
-Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider
-Any book by Kristin Hannah, Sarah Jio, Jane Green, Emily Giffin, and Jodi Picoult

Miscellaneous
-I have enjoyed keeping journals for my kids over the years.  Admittedly, my eldest son's journal is much better than the others, but each kid has a book full of treasures.
-I love my small planner to jot appointments and other engagements down in.  Small and compact.
-If all else fails, ask for chocolate.

Best of luck with your lists!  Each year I find it more difficult to come up with anything.  My request this year?  Money for the travel fund.  Happy list-making!