My Dad's Response to My Christmas List...

Since I got out of college, I have been making an annual Christmas list. I finally figured out that if my family was going to spend money on me it might as well be on things that I want. Lets be honest- the year before I started my list I got around 5 items of clothing I have never worn to this day. Not that I'm not very appreciative of everything, but if you are going to spend the money I would like to give some helpful guidelines. Anyway just to show how hilarious my dad is...this is his response to my first Christmas list back in 2008. 




Dearest, Darling Kate:

The following is a link to the Wall Street Journal  www.wsj.com . I hate to be the one to break this to you but our  world, the United States, North Carolina, Snider Tire, and John and Carole Snider are in a recession.  Although your attempt to provide this economic stimulus is quite patriotic and shows how selfless you are, it may be difficult for us to get the financing necessary to purchase the items on your list. We also must run it through the whole naughty and nice testing to see what you are entitled to on the meager budget we have to work with.  Your dear mother has asked only for a battery charger to replace the one you left in New York so that we can use our camera again.  Thank you for taking the time to create this beautiful document and I suggest you save it for a time when we are again eating three meals a day.

Santa








Apparently he didn't understand that the list was a mere suggestion of things to pick and choose from... Obviously this year I have been very nice so I would think that any picking and choosing isn't really necessary. 

And the Countdown Begins...

I can't believe it's already December!! Thanks to Jono and Ashley I will be starting the Christmas season off with a bang at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert tonight! Can't wait!! If you have the chance to go see them this year I highly recommend it!! I'm hoping my jingle bell earrings aren't too much...

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities...

As mentioned before, I LOVE buying and giving presents. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to get an angel from the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. While it's exciting to give Anne-Reaghan and Taylor so many toys, and to receive stuff as well, it's important that we keep in mind what the holidays are really about. So in the spirit of Christmas, here are some great volunteer opportunities in Charlotte this holiday season!

1) Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child

Through Operation Christmas Child you pack a shoebox full of toys and other items that will be sent overseas to a child in need. The deadline to make a box and drop it off in person ended Nov. 21, but you can still donate $35 dollars online and pick out the items for the shoebox to be sent, along with a picture of you and a personalized message. I know many of us don't have tons of extra money lying around, so another option is to "adopt a box" for $7. This pays to ship boxes overseas that didn't come with a donation for shipping.

To visit the website click here. 

2) Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has quite a few ways to help out during the holidays: Angel Tree Program, Toy Drives, Silver Bells Program, Fill-A-Stocking, and the Kettle program. December 9 is the LAST day to adopt an angel and send presents to your angel. So not a ton of time left but you can adopt an angel online! Also there is a Sock Drive going on through facebook. By clicking the "like" button, Hanes will donate a pair of socks to the Salvation Army for those in need. So there's really no excuse not to do that!

 Also since I haven't really signed up to ring the bell since high school, I now have an online kettle! I don't have a very high goal because I know we don't have tons of extra money but if you would like to donate some money...even $1 it would be much appreciated! Click here. Please keep in mind how nice I have been to all of you this year. 

To visit the website click here. 

3) United Family Services

United Family Services hosts a Jingle Bell Bash which raises money for The Battered Women's Shelter. A ticket for an individual is $65 and for two tickets it's $115. There will be an open bar for an hour, food, music, dancing and an auction! It's Saturday, December 10 at the Wells Fargo Atrium. For more information click here. 

4) A Child's Place

A Child's Place in Charlotte, NC has a program called Holiday Sponsorship. This is a good volunteer opportunity for a group or if you are willing to put down some major dough. Basically you sponsor a family and provide an item of clothing for each member of the family, a grocery store gift card for a holiday dinner, and an item off each family member's wish list. Click here for more information.

Hope this inspires everyone to give this holiday season! Remember there are a lot of people less fortunate than us that rely on our help during the holidays!! Also remember to donate to my kettle- seriously even $1 helps!! 

Anne Reaghan's Christmas Presents...

I'm SO excited it's finally the holiday season!! I absolutely LOVE buying presents for everyone. Seriously if anyone wants me to do their Holiday shopping just ask me because I LOVE it. I'm going to try hard to post every WEEK day in December with great gift, party, outfit, etc ideas! I can't help that in November and June I happened to be VERY popular, which caused little to no posting. I promise to be better though because it's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!! Anyway first up...my presents for Anne Reaghan. Some of you may think that I really got these for me like when I got the See N' Say...well I didn't because she won't even be with me for Christmas. I went on ebay (seriously a great place for Christmas presents!) and found 2 of my favorite barbies from when I was little...Holiday Barbie 1992 and Totally Hair Barbie.

                                                     1) Holiday Barbie 1992

and for her close up...

What a beauty....

2) Totally Hair Barbie

So I found this picture through Businessweek and I thought this was SO interesting. Totally Hair Barbie is the topselling Barbie of ALL TIME. Don't worry both of the barbies I got Anne Reaghan are new and still in the box, which means Totally  Hair Barbie comes with the hair gel! Might want to check if that has an expiration date but surely 20 year old hair gel will still give that glossy look... 

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/barbie/source/6.htm - copy this link to read a little about it.

Also please notice Totally Hair Barbie in our Easter picture with Pop. Yep she was styling then too. 

I will also be getting Anne Reaghan some updated Barbie accessories but thought 2 of my favorite Barbies in new, unused condition could be special too. Of course she told Anne-Marie "I want a rock star barbie more than anything mom." Anne Reaghan thinks she is Lady GaGa... 

One more Anne Reaghan quote from yesterday:

Anne-Marie was putting white socks on her for school and Anne Reaghan said "Mom these socks aren't my attitude."  

And there you have it. Love it!

Uggcitrin: The Ugg Boot Vaccine

LANA DEL REY-VIDEO GAMES

Happy Friday!!!!

I'm SO far behind on blogging and I'm so sorry! I was in Naples and then Ohio and then New Orleans....it didn't stop. Anyway I'm getting ready to drive back to Charlotte and I will most definitely be listening to this song and daydreaming about howI'm going to marry Chuck.....yes it's irrational but I can't help it. Love the song in the background- "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey. Add that to your weekend playlist.