Merry Merry.

For those of you who celebrate, I hope you had a Christmas Eve + Christmas day. Being that I was raised in an Italian household, Christmas Eve is the real shindig, while Christmas day is pretty mellow. I spent the evening with my mom + her cousins, which was fun. I took a video of my mom making [yes, making] homemade mozzarella cheese, which is really cool. Its insanely delicious + I ate way too much. We had fun chatting + opening presents. Its an ongoing joke that my mom always forgets/misplaces one of our gifts + this year was no exception. A week ago, she told me that once she find the gift that she lost, she will give it to me. While Erich was unwrapping his gifts behind me, I heard him oohing + aahing over something he just opened. I turn around + see him ogling over The Sounds of Star Wars. I look at my mom + say to her, "Didn't you buy him for that two years ago, but you couldn't find it?" My cousin + mom burst out laughing, because when my mom was wrapping it, they were discussing the same thing. Typical.

This morning was spent sleepily opening stockings [I had two this year, one from my mom + one from Erich], followed by a coffee break, to fuel us for unwrapping our presents. Everyone was spoiled with wonderful, thoughtful presents. We headed over for breakfast with my stepdad, which was followed by gifts + March of the Wooden Soldiers [which might be the creepiest holiday movie I have ever seen]. All day, I couldn't shake the sadness I was feeling. I kept thinking about how this was the first Christmas Dom would not be celebrating, then I thought about those families in Newtown. There is so much to be lucky for in this world + I hope that these people can find things that will bring light + love their way.

Its only 830, but I am heading into bed. The holidays always wear me out, especially since we went on a crazy cleaning spree earlier this evening. I hope you all had a wonderful day + try to spread cheer to those around you.

Another Reason to Love Cards Against Humanity.

I love Cards Against Humanity - its like the adult version of Apples to Apples + makes you laugh like no other. I had been waiting to get my own set for months, after it had been sold out. I could have printed free cards from the site, but lets face it - I'm not going to waste time printing these, plus cutting, then finding somewhere to put them. No. I want the fancypants box + the shiny little cards.

Fancypants box photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

So, once I finally got word that Cards Against Humanity was FINALLY back in stock, I snagged it off Amazon faster than you can say Austral Pygmy Owl. They also released a Holiday Expansion Pack, which allowed buyers to name their price. They said they cost $3 to make, but suggested price was $5. I snagged a set, because I saw that one of the cards said "Elf cum," + lets be real  - how could I say no to that?

Well, what I didn't know was what the creators of Cards Against Humanity planned on doing with the profits they made from the Holiday Expansion Pack. I received an email today, telling us how the Holiday Expansion Pack sales fared  + how they decided to spend the money. After reading the link included in the email, I soon realized how they decided to spend the profits + gasped. This video is at the end of the email, but I wanted to put it on here in case you didn't feel like clicking the links.

Dude, this might be one of the coolest things I have seen in quite some time. I use Wikipedia on a daily basis, whether it be for academia or general information [note: regarding academia, I do not quote information on Wikipedia, but I do check the sources they utilized, to see if it is appropriate for what I am working on]. Erich + I were actually discussing making a donation to the Wikimedia Foundation [they operate Wikipedia + other Wiki projects] after the holidays. We still plan on donating, because we enjoy giving back to those who give to us!

Now, as for Cards Against Humanity, I plan on supporting them to the fullest, after this awesome act on their part - they could have used those funds for new projects or holiday bonuses, but decided to donate it to something the utilize on the regular. I still need to snag the First Expansion + Second Expansion, which will have to wait til after the holidays, but I also plan on giving the gift of Cards Against Humanity throughout the year [if it isn't sold out, which happens often]. I believe in giving back to good folks, even especially if they are foul-mouthed + inappropriate.

Update: If you looked on Wikipedia to figure out what an Austral Pygmy Owl was, let me know! ;-)

Gift Guide: Under $50.

After creating the Under $20 holiday gift guide last night, I decided to toss another one together, for under $50. Why? A few years ago, my brother + set a $50 limit for gifts, so I wanted to get him one big present, plus one or two small things to unwrap. I figured some of you might be doing the same, so I figured I'd add some more. Again, some of these items have coupon codes [which I have added for you] + some offer free shipping as well.

1. Everyday IPA Beer Making Kit $39.95 If you know a beer snob, but feel like giving them bottles of beer is kinda tacky, give them a kit to make their own brews! It'll be fun to create, plus, they can proudly serve their own beer to friends. Who knows, they might even start home brewing on the regular, thanks to you!

2. Minnetoka Kilty Suede Moccasin $39.95 Instead of getting the ladies in your life slippers that won't ever see the light of day, get them a quality pair of moccasins. Not only can they wear them around the house to keep their feet warm, they can wear them out + about year round! Instead of tan or brown, try a pair in teal, wine, or mustard.

3. Leah Reena Goren Black Cat iPhone Case $35 This cute case comes in three sizes: 3G/3GS, 4/4S + 5, which is a plus - its so hard to find cute cases in all three sizes. If you're not a cat person, check out the other cases Goren has designed - you're bound to find one you like.

4. Star Wars Severed Wampa Arm Ice Scraper $24.99 If you know a Star Wars fan that has to deal with snow, this is a must have. Not only does it look awesome, but it'll keep your arm + hand warm while you do it. If you've ever had to use an ice scraper when you've forgotten to grab gloves, this will be a lifesaver. 

5. Hello (Adult) Red Champ Pullover $50 on sale for $35, plus save an extra 20% with the coupon code HAPPY This unisex sweatshirt is super soft + comfy. If you're snagging this for a gal pal, order a size down, as the sizes are listed in mens. If you want it super oversized, order a size up. I usually take a small in these, but ordered a large. Its like a mini sweater dress on me + I love it. I can't wait til they launch new designs - I'll have an order placed in a heartbeat!

6. Gold Buttercup Silk Fabric Belt $42 $31.50 with coupon code HOLIDAY Dress up a black dress or your favorite pair of jeans with this belt. This statement piece can be paired with neutral shades or bold tones, whatever you're in the mood for.

7. The Corkboard Map, $45 33.75 with rep code ShortGirlLongIsland This corkboard is great for offices, classrooms + bedrooms. The board is self adhesive + comes with sixteen map pins.

8. bkr Reusable Water Bottle $28 Fact: drinking water out of fancy bottles makes it more fun to drink. Plus, you're saving the earth + some cash by shunning plastic bottles that can leach chemicals [yum]. If you're not a fan of the color of the silicone screen on the bottle pictured, Spirit Beauty Lounge carries bkr bottles in fourteen different colors.

9. Cards Against Humanity $25 WARNING: this game is not for children. With that said, this is probably one of the funniest games I have ever come across. Its similar to Apples to Apples, but Cards Against Humanity blows A2A out of the water. You might want to pick up some Depends, cause there is a good chance you'll pee your pants laughing.

10. Building Block Tie Tack $44.99 Jazz up ties with this sterling silver LEGO-looking tie tack. If you spend more than $45 at Perpetual Kid, use the coupon code PKFUN to save $5.

11. The Dark Knight Trilogy $52.99 on sale for $27.96 Snag this Blu-Ray set for the Batman fan in your life, you can't go wrong for this price! If you are sans Blu-Ray, don't fret - you can snag the trilogy on DVD for $17.96.

Gift Guide: Under $20.

Tis the season for giving! In order to stay within budget [especially for Secret Santa, holiday blog swaps + stocking stuffers], I rounded up a few of my favorite items that are under $20 + created a fancy little gift guide. Many of these items include free shipping + some have coupon codes, which means even more moolah saved!

1. Pixelated 8-Bit Sunglasses $2.20 - $2.38 These shades will amuse gamers of all ages, especially those who remember the days of old school Nintendo.  

2. LEGO Lord of the Rings - Gandalf Arrives $12.99 With The Hobbit release this month, this is a great gift for those who love the "precious."

3. I'm So Broke T-Shirt $20 [20% off with coupon code HAPPY] This super comfy shirt is wallet-friendly + unisex [order one size smaller for the ladies]. Great for anyone who is paying off those pesky student loans, a struggling artist, or that cute Barista at Starbucks who is constantly complaining that "the man" is keeping them down.

4. Literary Notecard Set $12.50 These notecards are fantastic for bookworms + appreciators of snail mail. Also make excellent gifts for teachers!

5. Filigree Victorian Earrings $22 $16.50 [use code HOLIDAY to snag these for $16.50] Every gal should own a pair of nice chandelier earrings + this pair fits the bill. Plus, they gift wrap all items for free. One less thing you have to do = the best gift you can give yourself.

6. Essie Nail Polish Cube - Winter Collection $17 You can give these all as one gift, or split them up for your gal pals presents + keep one for yourself. Includes the colors Leading Lady, Where's My Chauffeur?, Snap Happy + Beyond Cozy.

7. Lake Champlain Organic Chocolate Truffles $11.50 Five assorted truffles for your loved ones with a sweet tooth. They're also organic, which takes the guilt out of stuffing your face with confections.

8. Haribo Christmas Mix Gummi Candies $11.99 You may have had Haribo gummy products before, but unless you've had the real German ones, you have never truly experienced Haribo [trust me on this one, I grew up as a child eating the real thing - my mom's friend used to bring them home to us + they were the best things on the planet]. German Deli has the Haribo hookup.

9. Starbucks x Rodarte Double Wall Ceramic Traveler $12.95 Fashion house Rodarte teamed up with Starbucks to create this pixellated madness. They also made cute totes + sleeves for your cups, which are also under $20. Check to see if your local Starbucks has this in stock before your order, you'll save a few bucks on shipping. I have this cup + love it - keeps drinks hot + doesn't leak. Pick one up for yourself while you're there.

10. Beatles All You Need is Love Lunchbox $13.99 Perfect gift for Beatlemaniacs. If they don't use it to tote their lunch back + forth to work or class, its sure to sit on their shelf + be a conversation piece.

11. The American Lighthouse Cookbook $19.77 This is really two gifts for the price of one - it has tons of information about lighthouses across the country, plus recipes from the regions. Its great for folks who love lighthouses + iron chefs - its even better if they love lighthouses + cooking!

Getting in the Holiday Spirit.

I love everything about the holiday season. The chill in the air, drinking hot chocolate to warm up, the music + the decorations. One of my favorite things to do with Erich is grab hot chocolates + drive around the neighborhoods with the best Christmas light setups. There is even a house that has their lights synced to a radio station you can listen to in your car - its crazy awesome! I'm also a big fan of attending the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show, but Erich groans when I mention it  [he works at a coffee shop that most light show guests stop at, so from Thanksgiving until the end of December, he is a total crankypants when he comes home from a weekend closing shift].

A photo from last year's Holiday Light Show.

Luckily, we have a few days between the end of the semester + Christmas to go exploring, so our days will be spent watching holiday flicks, getting last minute gifts + being in the holiday spirit. It always makes me so sad once Christmas is over - the decorations come down, the music is "back to normal" on the radio + life loses that bit of magic that only the holiday season provides. I guess that is what keeps the holiday season so special - if we were immersed year-round, we might not be able to truly appreciate it.

What are some of your favorite things about the holiday season?

Giveaway a Day December!

Over the weekend, I had mentioned that I had a pretty major surprise in store. Seeing as I turned thirty this month, I wanted to do something epic for my awesome readers ['tis better to give than to receive]. I figured a holiday giveaway would be something fun, right? Well, I took it a little bit further than one giveaway...

With the help from my awesome friends in the blogosphere + the business world, we are bringing merry to a whole new level + giving away something for each day in December. I don't want to spill the beans on the items that will be given away, because the element of surprise is what makes this fun. There are only a few days til the madness begins, so keep your eyes peeled!

Shop + Support Small Business!

I know that with all of the sales swirling around this weekend, many of us will be doling out some dough for holiday treats. If you are a fan of shopping on the 'net, here are a few places you should swing by to catch some great deals. All of these shops are ran by rad people who work hard, so if you can, please support their businesses!

Kouture: Kiley has the best sales over at Kouture. You can get up to 50% off your order, which is insane! Coupon codes are listed on the photo below. I'm in love with the Wildfox sweaters. Sale ends Monday evening.

Hello Apparel + Hi for Kids: Hello + Hi are having a sale on all items in the store this weekend, plus offering free shipping. No codes needed - the work is done for you! The Hello Red Champ Pullover is my fave. Sale runs through the weekend. UPDATE: On Monday, save 20% with code hellomonday.

Outfit Additions: Save up to 40% with the Spend More, Save More sale. The silver spike bangle bracelet is killer + won't break the bank. Sale ends Monday.

Tumbleweeds Handcraft: Beca + Doug, who create all of the frames by hand, are offering 20% off, with the code HOLIDAYCHEER. If I didn't have to wear prescription shades, I would definitely snag these Heart Lolita Sunglasses. Sale ends Monday.

If there are any awesome deals you come across, leave a comment + let me know! I haven't started my holiday shopping yet, but I want to avoid purchasing anything from any major corporations/chain retailers this year. I think its important to support small businesses, online + at the brick + mortar shops!