Christmas Vacation Update

kids

Hi! I'm still here! I haven't posted since before Christmas, which I know sucks, and I really have no good excuse except to say that I've been watching the backs of the boys' heads while they play nonstop video games and letting Kaitlyn play way too much Nintendo DS doing lots of intellectually enriching activities with the kids, and that has kept me pretty busy. As an overall holiday, Christmas was pretty good this year. We went to my parents' house for Christmas Eve, which we do most years. My brother, his girlfriend, and her son were there, plus my stepbrother and stepsister, plus Dad and Jean, so it was crowded, but we had a lot of fun. We have a buffet dinner and the kids open presents, and when it gets too crazy we shoo the kids down to the finished basement to watch TV. A neighbor stopped by to drop off a gift and snapped a quick photo of everybody. Thanks to the PR firm repping Bob Evans, I contributed a "Farmhouse Feast"  to our dinner. I have to give a shout-out … [Read more...]

Just the usual Holiday Stress around here.

If I wasn't a blogger, would the holidays still be as stressful? If I didn't wake up every morning with a list of posts I need to write, reviews and giveaways and unanswered emails and sponsored posts that pay the bills, all swirling around in my head, if I didn't wake up every morning thinking about all of that, would I still be stressed out just because it's the holidays? Probably. I don't even know what I want any more.  I love blogging. I love the opportunities it brings me, the people I get to meet both virtually and in real life, the new products I get to review, the giveaway opportunities that bring me new readers.  I just wish I could organize it all better, integrate it better into my family life. Today is Nathan's 12th birthday. I bought his presents, but I didn't wrap them, didn't buy him a card or order a cake. I haven't addressed or sent out a single Christmas card. Or wrapped a single gift. At least they are all purchased though. Gah. I'm just a ball of … [Read more...]

Gift for a Gardener – 1001 Sundials

Sundials

The sundial is the oldest known device for the measurement of time, and is quite often found in backyard gardens. As the sun moves across the sky, the sundial casts a shadow on the roman numerals on the dial and tells the time. It's pretty cool when you think about it! 1001 Sundials sells a wide variety of  brass sundial shapes and designs. If your garden has a theme or you use a particular color scheme with your other garden decorations, you'll probably find a sundial that will coordinate! Choose from round, octagon, scalloped, or clover shaped dials, and patterns like angels, butterflies, foliage, and birdbath-style. You'll also find another style of sundial called armillary, plus pedestal bases to set them on. It appears that every sundial on the site is on sale, with prices starting at just $31.99. Check out the site to find the perfect sundial for your garden or to give as a gift! … [Read more...]