For your viewing pleasure, I have compiled a list of my top 5 Christmas Present Steals and Deals for under $50.

• My Jones Soda- Here you can Customize your own soda pop label.  And you even get to choose what yummy flavor of soda you want!  You can get a 6 pack for $16.99 and a 12 pack for $29.99.  Enter the promo code MYHOLIDAY20 at checkout and get an extra 20% off.    I got a set for my bro and his wife a few years ago and they loved it!  Definitely a unique gift!
• Mabel’s Labels- Another great customizable gift.  For those parents who are tired of writing their child’s name in sharpie marker on everything, these are stylish name tags that apply to anything and everything.  You name it- clothing, shoes, cups, toys, etc.  And why limit it to your own child.  I had sets made for both my niece and nephew.  {And if it were acceptable for a 30 something year old to have them in her own clothing she probably would} I like the camp/school combo pack because you get a little of everything and all for $34 buckaroos. (do note that this company is based in Canada, so allow for a few extra days for the package to clear customs)

• momAgenda-  A great gift for the mom on the go!  This great day-planner has spots for both you and your kiddo’s activities and appointments.  And right now you can get 25% off PLUS free shipping!!
• Envirosax- The “original” designer reusable bag.  For only $37.95 you get FIVE reusable bags tucked neatly into one little pouch.  Perfect to slip into your purse, glove compartment, or diaper bag!

• PSA Essentials Personalized Stamp- Choose from over 50 designs for that perfect return address stamp.  The best deal I found was at expressionary.com.  Use Promo Code HOLIDAY at checkout and you get 40% off!  So instead of $53, you only pay $31.80!!

I hope these suggestions get you inspired to find that perfect gift for those people on your shopping lists!  I will make to sure to pass along any other great ideas that I might find!

The reason I ask is because my 2nd Anniversary is right around the corner.  I always like to be extra creative with my gifts and after checking the LIST, I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me.

So the Traditional 2nd year gift is Cotton.  I mean who came up with this list? The owners of Bed Bath and Beyond? I was totally stumped.  Cotton?  All that came to mind was clothing, towels, a bath robe?

I was recently at my neighbor Karen’s house and was ooh-ing and aah-ing over a painting of her dogs that her God-Mother Dianne had done for her.  And then it came to me!  I have always wanted to have that kind of painting done of OUR dogs!!  And the big twist was to see if Dianne could use a COTTON canvas! I ran home and called her immediately.  She loved my idea of incorporating the cotton and she said to send on some photos and she would get started!

Here are some of the picture’s I sent to her.  Having never met my boys I thought she would need a few personality shots.

It was SO hard to get the boys side by side in a “cute”pose.  They were totally against it.  But Dianne made it work!

Here is the finished product!

I love how she really captured their personalities!

Boots

Bailey

I was so exicited about how it turned out, I just couldn’t wait until the 13th to give it to Mr.vB.

If any of you are looking to have a portrait done I would HIGHLY recommend Dianne!  Drop me an email and I will send you her contact info!

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