A Busy Couple of Weeks

I have been MIA and I apologize! I feel like the month of December has flown by and I've completely neglected my blog. I find myself in the midst of wrapping and baking with so much left to do and only a few days left to do it all!

I will be spending the next two weeks visiting friends and family, spreading the holiday cheer, and I'm afraid I won't be online much. I promise to be back by the new year with great stories and fun to share with you all!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. May you all have time to savor your visits with friends and family. I wish you all a very happy holiday and a safe and healthy new year!

Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas... A Special Episode of Community

I'm a huge fan of NBC's Community. I watch every week. When I heard about this upcoming special stop motion animation episode, I was pretty excited. (If you're not familiar with stop motion animation, this is the same technique they used to make Gumby or the Rankin/Bass Rudolph Special.) I'm always entertained by the Community cast and writers, so I knew this was going to be a pretty special Christmas episode.

 

ABOUT THE EPISODE: ABED'S UNCONTROLLABLE CHRISTMAS


When Abed (Danny Pudi) wakes up in stop-motion animation, he takes it as a sign that he and the group must re-discover the meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) become growingly concerned about Abed's mental health and enlist the help of Professor Duncan (John Oliver). The group undergoes hypnosis to explore Abed's winter wonderland and soon unravel the truth behind Abed’s madness. Chevy Chase, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover, and Ken Jeong also star. 

I won't ruin anything for you with this review, but thanks to the One2One Network, I was able to preview the episode earlier today, and I really enjoyed it. To me, Community has a real charm about it. I care about the characters while they make me laugh every week, and I felt the same way about this special episode. It was really well done! 

During the episode, the characters are transformed into toys during their journey to help Abed find the meaning of Christmas. Wait until you see Jeff as "Jeff-in-the-box"! So good! I also love that there was a bit of music and singing in the story. It really gave it that feel of a true Christmas special and I was surprised by the cast's singing abilities! (Some of them are really good!)

I'm going to leave you with a short preview to wet your whistle, but you should definitely check out the episode tonight, Thursday (12/9) at 8pm EST/7pm CST on NBC! If you're already a fan of the show, or if you're new to the gang on Community, you're in for a treat!

Disclosure: The One2One Network emailed me a link to preview this episode to facilitate the review. By posting the review, I am entering to win a gift card or video camera. I was not compensated for this post and the opinions here are my own.

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Winners!

I had 485 entries into this giveaway which really thrilled me! I discovered some great blogs through the hop too! It was so fun! I want to thank Simply Stacie, Little Yaya's, My Wee View, and Stockpiling Moms again for hosting this fabulous event!

So onto the winners! Thanks to everyone who entered and visited my blog! I used Random.org and the winners are...



The winner of the $65 CSN Stores Giftcard is...

 

The winner of the $30 Pear Tree Greetings Giftcard is...

The winner of the $5 Starbucks Giftcard is...

Congrats to mkjmc, Cakeblast and Heavenly Savings!! I'll be contacting you shortly by email! You have 48 hours to respond or I'll have to choose new winners.

Thanks again to everyone for entering and BIG thanks to CSN Stores and Pear Tree Greetings for sponsoring the event and supplying gift cards for the giveaway!

Lovelies For Less Than $20 Shipped

Blue Birds Earring Studs by Lila Ruby King

These adorable blue birds are made from acrylic and hand-drawn and hand-colored. Aren't they lovely?! Lila Ruby King is Australian and based in Greece. These charming little blue birds are only $13 and shipping to the US and Canada is $4.50, since they're being sent from Greece. Totally reasonable, in my opinion. They come boxed for gift giving too. Be sure to visit the shop for other earrings, pins, cards and postcards. If you love the look of these sweet little birds, you're going to love the other items in the shop! I love that the shop owner is working towards making her business carbon-neutral. It makes shopping for beautiful things that much better when you know you're helping the earth!

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Ends Tonight!

If you haven't entered my giveaway for the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop, make sure you do it before 11:59pm est tonight! You can enter to win a $65 CSN Stores GC, a $30 Pear Tree Greetings GC and a $5 Starbucks GC. There will be 3 winners -- one for each gift card! But the giveaway ends tonight so don't wait too long! You can also find the linky there to enter the other giveaways by participating blogs!!

Enter here!!

Lego Store!

My boyfriend and I went to the Lego Store today. If you have a Lego fan in your family, you know what an exciting trip this can be. The last time we were in a Lego store was 5 years ago in Disney World, so we were looking forward to the trip. (The next time you're in Disney, definitely visit the Lego Store. They have a really cool Wall of Mini Figures and some really cool statues outside.)

So as an early Christmas gift, I bought the Lego City Advent Calendar for him. Every day has a different Lego model to build. He's building himself a scene with the models (and blogging about it on his website LaserFarm.com ) and he needed a green base board and some bricks for the background wall. So off to the Lego Store we went.

The Lego store offers some fun ways to buy Legos in their stores. You can buy some really cool sets, but you can also buy your own mix of Legos by the cupful. $14.99 for the larger cup (looks about 20oz) and $7.99 for the smaller (about half of that). They have a wall of buckets along the back of the store full of all different Lego components. My boyfriend needed some red bricks to build background walls, so we filled the cup with the number of red bricks we needed. (Yep, we did the math.) And then he filled the rest of the cup with random bits. Steering wheels, ladders, single bricks with eyeballs printed on them, orange "jewels', levers, and all different sizes and colors of random bricks. We probably spent a little more time trying to conserve space in that cup than most people, ok a lot more time, but we fit a ton of Legos in that cup. The cup is pretty cool looking too. The top looks like a Lego and if you bring back your cup and lid next time you need a refill, they'll give you a discount.

I also thought it was cool that kids (or adults) could also build their own mini figures. You could make 3 figures for $9.99. It didn't seem like they had a ton of options and pieces to me, but the kids in the store today were having a great time picking out their mini fig features. They had a cool blister pack to put your 3 figures in to take home too. As a kid, I think would have liked making a mini fig that looked like me. I saw one mini figure today with a ponytail and that impressed me. I would have loved that as a kid.

Minifigure Ice Cube Tray - $7.99

They also had some fun novelty things in the store too. I loved the Holiday Ornament sets and the mini-fig keychains. They also had watches, pens and these fun ice cube trays!

If you have a Lego fan in your house, and a Lego store nearby, I definitely suggest making the trip. You'll definitely be impressed with the number and variety of sets and cool stuff you'll find there!

Happy Weekend and a Reminder!

It's Friday night and the weekend has begun! :) I want to wish you all a happy weekend and remind you about the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop! You can enter to win a $65 CSN Store GC, a $30 Pear Tree Greetings GC and a $5 Starbucks GC. And those are just on my blog!! Over 200 blogs are participating and they're all giving away gift cards or cash!

So start here on my blog, enter to win (only takes 1 comment to be entered!) & then follow the Linky at the bottom of my post to enter all of the other giveaways! With so many chances to win, you have great chances to win a gift card or some cash to help you with holiday shopping or to treat yourself to something nice (like a latte!!) :)

Enjoy your weekend everyone, stay warm (we're looking at highs in the 40's this weekend) and good luck!! (Giveaways -- mine and all of the others -- end Sunday night at 11:59pm est. So get on it!)

Pretty as Peppermint

Cherry Red Millefiori Stud Earrings

These millefiori earrings from Natural Amber caught my eye because the colorful design of the vintage glass cabochons reminded me of swirled peppermints. And the cherry red background is so festive! They feel like Christmas to me. I love that they're tiny, simple studs that will truly stand out! Plus, they're only $11 and Natural Amber always ships for free! If you love vintage style jewelry, you'll want to check out this shop! There are lots of beautiful things to see.

Crunch Time

Now that December is here, do you feel the "crunch time" stress? (And I don't mean the candy bar!!)

For those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, crunch time is right up on you, since tonight is the second night of Hanukkah. (Happy Hanukkah, btw!) Is your shopping all finished or are you still buying gifts?

My family celebrates Christmas and once December rolls around, I always start to feel the stress of the holidays. Getting the shopping done, baking cookies, decorating, getting the cards written out... I always feel like there's too much to do and not enough time. Now, I know it's only December 2, but as I'm writing this, my brain is trying to stray and think about how much I have to do. The list in my head is already down to where I can't see the top anymore!

I did get a good amount of shopping done over the last week, and I already have my Christmas Cards here. Return address labels have been shipped and I've chosen what kinds of cookies I'm going to bake this year. (Decorated sugar cookies, chocolate chip and white chocolate cranberry pistachio!) So I've got a good start, but I'm telling you...crunch time stress has shown up with bells on! Are you feeling it yet?

Vintage Style Blossom Necklace from Smile Sophie

Vintage Style Blossom Coral necklace

Isn't this pretty? I think it's beautiful! Sweet and feminine without being too tiny or dainty! And I really love the addition of the coral cabochon. So so pretty! The two different flower motifs give the necklace such an interesting balance too. Smile Sophie has some lovely pieces in the shop, all at really great prices as well! This one is $15 plus $2.50 shipping in the U.S. and Canada!

Clay Cuties by Sabrina

Personalized Clay Penguin Ornaments 

I think personalized gifts are adorable and a great gift around the holidays is a personalized ornament! These penguins from Clay Cuties by Sabrina are so charming! You can choose your scarf color and have them personalized with a name or short message. There are 3 penguins included in this listing for only $10 + shipping. Wouldn't these make fabulous stocking stuffers for family members or really wonderful package toppers?! Talk about a fancy gift tag! There are so many cute ornaments in this shop! Snowmen, Christmas lightbulbs, snowflakes, angels -- they're all so sweet and perfect for gift-giving.

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop!

*Giveaway is now closed! Stay tuned for winner announcements!*

Yep! The Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop is here! Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm so thrilled to be a part of this hop and I'm really excited to enter some giveaways myself! Isn't a gift card or cash themed giveaway a great idea!! And such perfect timing -- right before the holidays!

Big thanks to Simply Stacie, Little Yaya's, My Wee View, and Stockpiling Moms for hosting!

So here are the giveaway details!

I'm giving away 3 gift cards to 3 different winners!

CSN Stores is offering one winner a $65 gift card!

Pear Tree Greetings is offering one winner a $30 gift card!

I am offering one winner a $5 Starbucks gift card

There will be 3 winners. Giveaway ends Sunday Dec 5, 2010 at 11:59pm est. and I will choose the winners using random.org on Monday Dec 6th. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Winners will be contacted via email and they will have 48 hours to respond to my email or I'll have to choose another winner.

To enter:

For your first, mandatory, entry:  You must leave a comment here telling me which giveaways you'd like to be entered into. You can list any or all of them! :) (*You must also include your email address. If I can't contact you, you can't win!*)

Once you've completed the first entry, you can do any of these to earn extra entries. *Please leave a separate comment for each one you do.*

Extra Entries: 

• Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect (1 entry) *Please make sure you following me on Google Friend Connect and not on Networked Blogs. I've had a lot of people miss entries because they clicked follow in the wrong box*
• Like Jodibee Designs on Facebook *leave FB name in comment* (1 entry)
• Visit CSN Stores and leave a comment with one thing you'd love to get (1 entry)
• Visit Pear Tree Greetings and comment with one thing you'd love to get (1 entry)

That's it! Easy as pumpkin pie! (It's the holidays! I have dessert on the brain!) Good luck! And don't forget to follow the linky and visit all of the other blogs participating in the hop! There are lots of great prizes to be won and many great blogs to discover!!

*About Our Sponsors*

 CSN Stores has 200+ stores all on one convenient site! They offer everything from shoes and cookware to bathroom furniture and holiday decorations! You can also find a ton of really unique gifts there. Shopping with CSN Stores is the perfect way to keep your holiday shopping stress-free! Read more about CSN Stores on my preview post!

Pear Tree Greetings offers beautiful stationary options at affordable prices. There designs are unique and fresh! Wouldn't a set of personalized note cards be a perfect holiday or hostess gift for someone on your list?! Pear Tree's products are always top-quality and totally gift-worthy! Read more about Pear Tree Greetings on my preview post!

*Disclosure: I was not compensated by CSN Stores, Pear Tree Greetings or Starbucks for this giveaway. CSN Stores and Pear Tree Greetings are offering these prizes to my winners, but they did not edit or influence my opinions in any way. The opinions here are solely mine.

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Preview - Pear Tree Greetings

Pear Tree Greetings is doing so much this holiday season to help others around the country and overseas! With Operation Gratitude, Pear Tree Greetings is sending coloring cards to teachers all across the country for their students to color, write messages on and send to soldiers serving overseas. If you are a teacher, or know one, who'd like to participate, sign up! Help Pear Tree and Operation Gratitude put a smile on the faces of our military's men and women this holiday season!

Pear Tree Greetings has also partnered with the American Cancer Society to help fight cancer! They have designed 6 exclusive Christmas cards and when you purchase one of these cards, 100% of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. They're really great designs too, so you'll be proud to send these cards to your loved ones AND help fight for a cure for cancer!

And as if Pear Tree isn't being generous enough this season, they are also sponsoring me in the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop! They are donating a giftcard to help one of my readers with their holiday shopping this year!!

If you aren't familiar with Pear Tree Greetings please go check out their site. They have everything you could need to fill your stationary needs -- everything from cards and invitations to labels and announcements. They have designs for all occasions and make a beautiful product! I have purchased cards for myself and as gifts and they're always gorgeous. So go take a look around, fall in love with all of their fabulous designs and then come back here tomorrow to enter to win a giftcard!

Candy Cane for Christmas?

Candy Cane Sterling Silver Necklace - $12

We're smack dab in the middle of the holidays. This is the time for gift-exchanges, parties, fancy dinners and sparkle. I like sparkle as much as the next girl, but sometimes you want subtle accessories. When I saw this sterling silver candy cane necklace from Charm Star by freshie & zero, I knew it was perfect. It's festive without being too over-the-top for daytime. There are other holiday and non-holiday sterling silver items too at really great prices. (I know a 13 year old girl who would love this Running Horse charm necklace too.) All of their items come gift-ready in a gift box with an anti-tarnish cotton pad to keep your sterling silver jewelry shiny when you aren't wearing it!

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Preview -- CSN Stores

The Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop starts tomorrow and I'm thrilled to have CSN Stores as a sponsor for the event! CSN Stores is a wonderful one-stop-shop for gift-giving! They are committed to helping you have a stress-free holiday! With 200+ stores to choose from all in one place, you're sure to find something unique and affordable for everyone on your list.

Whether you're looking for toys for your kids, cookware for your favorite hostess or tools for the guy in your life, you'll find it all here. They also offer tons of stuff to buy for yourself -- everything from shoes to bathroom furniture. (If you're anything like me, you tend to shop for yourself a little bit while you're shopping for your friends and family too. And if there's a good deal to be had on something I want for myself all the better.) There are also a ton of items that come with free shipping, and to me, that's a big plus!

There are some great deals right now, so go check out the site for yourself (Give yourself some time though! There's a lot to look at!) and come back here tomorrow to participate in the hop and enter to win a CSN Stores giftcard. While you're window shopping, think about what you might get if you win! I'm sure you'll have no problem spending it!

A Green Christmas

Mountain Dew Christmas Tree Earrings $4

Aren't these festive? They'd be really fun for a holiday party! They're made from recycled Mountain Dew cans and recycling is a good thing! How great is it that you can even feel good about your earrings being green!! I love the embossed ornament details and the red sequins star on top. So cute! Gergeex on Etsy also has really great holly leaf earrings too. I still can't decide which pair I like better. They're both adorable and they come at a fabulous price!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'm on my way out for the weekend, but I wanted to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving! I spent most of yesterday baking and now I'm heading out to visit family and friends all over the state. It'll be a busy weekend, but it's well worth it to spend time with the people we love!

I hope you all get to spend some time with your families tomorrow and enjoy some fabulous food! I know many of us are going through some tough times, but I hope we take time tomorrow to really appreciate the gifts we do have. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving!

CardsDirect Winner!

There were 62 entries and Random.org chose #24....

Congrats to Cheeky Momma of Being Frugal & Making it Work! I'll be contacting you via email today. Thanks to everyone who entered! 

It's In the Details

Maya's Earrings with Gray Pearls $15

These earrings from Beads Story are gorgeous. They're simple enough to look great with jeans, but also great to mix with fancier clothes for a night out. I love the look of the silver lace-like dangles with the dark gray pearls. So pretty! My mother has always loved marcasite and I think she'd love these. They have a similar look, full of intricate details, and at $15 with free shipping, you can't pass up the price!

Some Green From Loda

When I was a kid, I loved those plastic magnetic letters on the fridge. I loved standing in the kitchen while my mom cooked and putting words together to make "my stories". These days there are still many kitchens across America with plastic magnet letters on the refrigerator, but I found a great company that's making those letters in an eco-friendly way!

Loda is making these fantastic magnetic alphabets from recycled soda cans! How cool! These letters are backed with a foam backing to help hold their shape and there are no sharp edges! These letters are not recommended for small children, but I think they'd be a great way to reinforce the importance of recycling with older children! I think they're so smart and really cool looking at a great price!

Recycled Coke Can Alphabet - Magnetic from Loda - $10

Loda makes other magnets and ornaments from the recycled cans as well! I think they'd give a really cool, retro look to your tree this year. There are single ornaments and sets of 10 available in different shapes and can colors.

The sets are $20 for 10 ornaments and some of the designs are available individually for $2 each. Put a little extra green on your tree this year with recycled ornaments from Loda!