blessings
My Favorite Christmas Presents
I got some awesome gifts for Christmas. Some books, a necklace, tickets to the Performing Arts theater… it was truly a wonderful Christmas. But there are two gifts in particular that have become instant loves in my life.
1. Keurig Coffee Maker
Have you ever used one of these? I unexpectedly got one for Christmas from my in-laws and it’s amazing. This fabulous little machine has simplified my morning coffee routine: instead of using my huge pot of coffee to make one cup in the morning, this genius machine will give me the perfect serving size. I love it!
^That New York mug was also a gift. Since J and I gave each other the trip for Christmas, we decided to wrap up a mug we bought in the Columbus Circle Starbucks so we’d have something to open. The package said “To Jeff & Ginna, From Jeff & Ginna.” Yeah, we’re nerds.
2. A Beautiful Bike!
I feel like a little kid when I say I got a bike for Christmas, but it truly was such a wonderful surprise from my parents. Long time readers may remember when I had a bike in DC, but I gave it away when I moved to Raleigh because my first apartment didn’t have a good spot to keep it dry. So finally I have a bike back in my life! I cannot wait for spring’s arrival so I can take more frequent rides. Look how pretty she is. :)
What were some of your favorite Christmas gifts this year?
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Ornament Swap!
This holiday season I participated in Micaela’s Ornament Swap, where you send an ornament to a blogger and get one back in return. I had the privilege to swap an ornament and receive one from Amanda at Project Simple Life. She gave me a sweet package of a holiday mix CD (currently playing in my car!), a peace ornament from an Etsy, and an adorable card.
In her note, she wrote:
“Here’s hoping your holiday season & 2012 is filled with peace. That is why I chose this ornament for you & Jeff, to be reminded of the peace you have through Christ, every time you look at the tree.”
I think I’ve found another blogging kindred spirit! What a sweet, thoughtful gift to receive in the mail. :) Thank you Amanda for the wonderful gifts and special thanks to Micaela for organizing the swap!
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10 Things I Am Thankful For
1. Good health, which I take for granted too often.
2. In-laws that like each other so much we share holidays.
3. Jesus and the gift of salvation.
4. Pets, especially this loveable one:
5. My cozy apartment that I love to call home.
6. A job that pays the bills and coworkers who keep me laughing all day.
7. Old and new friends who bring me so much joy.
8. My sisters and sister in-law. (And Allison, who’s practically my sister and slipped into this picture… sorry Al.;)
9. My best friend and awesome husband.
10. My amazing blog readers. Yes, I’m talking to YOU!
–
I hope all of you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! I will be back online next week. :)
xo,
Ginna
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Promoted.
Ahhh, what a funny world we live in. On the same day where I post how life is dull and hard, that same afternoon I find out I got a job promotion. I am so grateful, excited, and a little overwhelmed.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some budget numbers to crunch. :)
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Being Grateful
It’s been one of those weeks–and it’s only Wednesday! The kind of week where nothing terrible has occurred, but the days are long and the stresses of life seem big. On days like today, I have to consciously remind myself of all that I am grateful for, that there are bigger things in life than a bad day or a negative mood. Things like good health, happy friends, cool(er) weather approaching, and the hope of a relaxing weekend ahead.
What are you grateful for today?
(image found via pinterest)
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2010 Taxes are Done!
I love filing my taxes. I know, I am in the minority of those who feel that way, but I do. I love getting my W2s back and calculating all of my interest earned ($93 in case you’re wondering) and figuring out how much moolah I should get back from Uncle Sam. Sure, it’s all money I technically loaned to the government and I really should withhold more to earn interest, but I like getting money back each spring. It feels like a bonus.
This year, after filing federal and two states, I will be getting back $1,452. I paid about $56 to file for two states, so the total gain I am getting is about $1,390. Pretty sweet eh?
Now… what to do with this money? :)
Last year I got back $650 and the year before that I got a whomping $1,488. Both years I was super lame awesome and put both refunds towards paying off my debt. Well this year, guess what? I don’t have any debt! (Can I get a YEEEEAAH!)
Since my money is soon going to be our money, I asked J what he thinks we should do with it. He’s getting a few hundred back as well, so we decided we would use some of our refunds to buy a nice camera and then save the rest. We would love to buy a camera to capture our fabulous Mexican honeymoon, so will probably buy one soon after we get the refund.
Which brings me to my question for you fabulous readers: What kind of camera should we get?
We want something a little nicer than a simple point-and-shoot, but don’t want to spend more than $500 on it. Do you have a favorite camera you use? What brand is your favorite? Suggestions welcome!
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