4 SMALL HOSTESS Gifts that Made My Christmas Rock

We had a little party last night...at a Chinese Restaurant...with a dance in the RV resort. I wasn't chic or even exciting but it was perfect for us. We are very lucky to have 6 friends that we can count on for table partners and shared experiences. AND we know each other so well, we are always able to find the perfect gifts for each other. Here are a few we have exchanged this Christmas Season:

I originally found these at World Market. They are just gorgeous and the perfect gift for a friend that loves to cook.

CERAMIC OWL MEASURING SPOONS, AQUA, SET OF 4

Signature Housewares Global One Collection Nested Measuring Cups, Set of 4

Last night I received this knife from a friend. IT is shaped very much like my large butcher knife but is simply smaller. I fits so perfectly in my hand. I am a little arthritic so that is important. I absolutely love it.

Norpro KLEVE Stainless Steel 8-Inch Chef's Knife

I do not collect chickens but what kitchen is complete without a nod to such a wonderful image. A friend gave me one that I love.

2 Rustic Rooster Country Kitchen Art Prints Home Decor 8x10

6 Best Ways to Say Thank You

It occurred to me as I was getting ready to finish up some Christmas gifting that this is the perfect time of year to say "Thank You" to some of those people you might overlook. I know it has been a tradition to give the postman and your hair stylist a gift but what about all those people that actually did something for you without being paid. Wow, what a concept.

Here are a few ways that I think you should go about doing this. First take a minute to reflect on the year that has gone by. Were you sick or needed some help from a friend or family member? Did someone take the time to stop by and visit on a rainy day? What about the small acts of being nice that happen every day? Can you remember someone that really made you feel special?

I know, you say thank you at the time but what about just going the extra mile to make someone feel like you felt on a Tuesday when a small gift came? How about we make this Christmas mean something more than it does.

1. Have you received gift cards that you have not used? Pass them on!
2. Gather up a few cards...birthday, get well, etc. and make a packet so the recipient will have them on hand later.
3. Upcycle something you have. I spray painted an old flour sifter, placed a small plant in it and put napkins in the handle. Small gift, very little cost. But because I made it myself, it is very personal.
4. Take the time to pass on a kindness and then write the person that gifted saying thank you and letting them know that they made a difference.
5. I like the idea of passing the start from a plant I have to someone that will like it. It serves as a reminder that you were grateful.
6. And last but not least, write a real note, put it in an envelope and mail it. I like that one best of all.

Thank you everyone for supporting my Amazon Associate account.  If you order using the search on the side bar or any of the other links on this page, drop me a note at btorris@gmail.com. I will put your name in a drawing that I will hold in January sometime.

Merry Christmas everyone.

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Books: Used Books Given With Love

With Christmas just around the corner I am beginning to think about gifting and re-gifting. It has been pointed out to me that, if I love something, there is nothing wrong with giving it as a gift. I know, Seinfeld would have a fit. The people on his show gave things back to the original giver, not because they loved the gift but because they didn't. No one likes fruitcake I hear. But I am talking about finding something you love and are willing to share. That kind of gift is wonderful and rare I think.

I have decided that if I read a book and love it then it would be wrong to keep that book. I need to share what I love. I will even put a note in the fly leaf with a little review. Here are a few that are on my list:

1.  Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
2. A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar
3. Straight Man: A Novel (Vintage Contemporaries) by Richard Russo
4. Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette (P.S.) by Sena Jeter Naslund
5. Blue Highways: A Journey into America William Least Heat-Moon

When I was growing up my father gave me a collection of Robert Frost poems that I read until the cover was threadbare. I re-gifted it to him later in life and that book traveled back and forth between us with notes in the fly leaf. What a wonderful gift that book was. I encourage you to do the same.

Be well,

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