Sweet Little Surprises

I like sweet little surprises. Who doesn't! And “sweet little surprises” sum up this time of year pretty well here in our new neighborhood — crisp mornings, visits from family, friends, new neighbors, and migrating birds at the feeder. Reds, oranges and yellows are slowly coming into the landscape, and we've prettified our front porch with some happy mums and a pumpkin (or is that a gourd?). Hope you are enjoying the shift in seasons as much as we are.

Some newsy news...i recently learned that a bunch of fun gift wrap, tissue paper and gift bags i designed has finally landed at 400 select Michaels Stores! Pete and i raced over to the nearest store to check it out and take some pictures so i could share this exciting news with you. We didn't find any in our location, so maybe you'll have better luck! Here's a sampling of what it looks like:

You can always ask the store manager if they'll be getting it in or if they could order it (wink, wink). If you find it and like it, i'd be so grateful if you could leave a "thumbs up" or review on the Michaels website. Thank you!

As we were roaming the aisles at Michaels, we came across another sweet little surprise...

...my Christmas goodies have already arrived! I had no idea they'd be in the stores so soon. I don't know about you, but i'm not exactly ready to be decking the halls or making lists and checking them twice (i haven't even bought Halloween candy yet), but now i'll be prepared for when the time comes. There's all sorts of fun stuff including these note cards, magnetic list pads and chubby pens...   

...and these adorable little shaped melamine plates.

I think these plates would be perfect for some festive cookies, don't you? Fortunately, my extensive clutter of cookie cutters, colorful sprinkles, and frosting bag/nozzles made it in our recent move. I know i saw them somewhere around here, and hope to find them before Christmas! An assortment of cute holiday gift wrap should hit the shelves at Michaels some time in November, so keep your eyes peeled — for all i know, it might even be there already.

What sweet little surprises are finding you these days?

 And here is a little fur to end the week. These two are so happy that their kitty hammock was finally unpacked!

It's starting to feel like home sweet home around here at last.

Have a wonderful weekend.

xo,

kate

stocking stuffer #8

Congratulations! I might just have a little something that your heart desires ;) Couldn't resist. Please email me your mailing address and I'll send it off!

Have i mentioned that i've been to the post office more in the last week than i have in the last two months!? Whewieee! I'd do anything for a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer right about now!

So, if you're just popping by and are wondering what the hooplah is all about, I've been giving away stocking stuffers to one lucky recipient each day for 12 Days. There are 4 more days for you to enter so please go back to this post and leave a comment. That's all you have to do!
And some people have started to get their gifties already! FUN!

stocking stuffer #7

Woohoo to you, bmayer!! Please email me your mailing address, and i'll add your stocking stuffer to the sleigh!

This next part is a little repetitive, sorry. I just don't want any newcomers to miss getting in on the fun! So...if you've just spotted this post and are wondering what the heck is going on...i'm giving away stocking stuffers! A new winner each day for 12 days. Well, we're down to 5 but there's still time for you to enter. All you have to do is go back to this post and leave a note. That's it!

Puzzles

Over the past year, i've had the great pleasure of working with Andrew's McMeel Publishing on many of their Pocket Posh® puzzle books and a few fun calendars. I absolutely love how they've turned out and was so happy to see many of them available at our local Borders bookstore over the weekend! The Christmas ones would sure make some cutie little stocking stuffers — but i have to warn you...get your gatorade out and your sweatbands on and prepare for some brain exercise. Whew! Below are some direct links to specific designs shown in the photos, but you can also find these and many other Pocket Posh® products at these online retailers:

Target

The Container Store
Borders
Barnes and Noble
Amazon.com

Something tells me you might just recognize a few of the patterns too? Maybe? :)

Christmas logic

Christmas Sudoku

Codewords

Sukendo 2

Crosswords 2

Brain Games 2 (not pictured)

Aster monthly/weekly planning calendar or monthly calendar

Circles and Squiggles monthly/weekly planning calendar or monthly calendar

Sudoku day-to-day calendar (not pictured)

Hey, speaking of Sudoku, have you heard about the Central Park Sudoku Quilt Kit?? Nono, i'm not kidding! Look:

Moda has done it again. A quilt puzzle! How do they think this stuff up? They must do lots of brain exercises. So why not head over to the Fat Quarter Shop and sign up to receive notification when this is available. I think it should be some time in January, but don't hold me to it. I need to go do some memory exercises :)