Wishlist Wednesday

I'm on the hunt for baby boy's first Christmas ornament.


In the past couple years I've really become interested in Christmas tree ornaments. Growing up, my mom used to decorate the tree in 'color' themes. I remember one year she did an amazing all red Christmas tree that included red and gold ornaments, candy canes, little red bows, and the tree topper was a beautiful burgundy bow. I hope I can find a picture of this to show you. While my mom's Christmas trees were very pretty- we never really used specialty ornaments. I'm not sure why- we just didn't.

While in undergrad I worked for Victoria's Secret. One year the holiday display included a HUGE Christmas tree that was filled with VS ornaments. When it was time to take the display down my manager told use the ornaments were going to go in the garbage (I think that's right- unless they sent them back to the branding department). So each of the ladies who closed the store grabbed an ornament and there began my obsession. In hindsight I wish I would have grabbed at least two. You see I was still living with my parents back then and my mom refuses to relinquish the VS ornament to me. I'm not mad about it at all as that was a part of my life when their house was my house so I think it's rightful place is with my parents tree. But it's so pretty I want one for my tree! Since then I have been trying to collect ornaments that reflect some of the important things that make me who I am. Now, I don't go over board and collect an ornament from every place I've travel, every store I shop, etc. That's what magnets are for.

One of my favorite ornaments is an two-parter (if that makes sense). The ornament is basically a pair of mittens that says 'friends' on one side and 'forever' on the other. I have one mitten and my bestie has the other... so sweet! I also have ornaments for the year hubby and I got married ('Our first Christmas'), the place where hubby and I work ( I've been there almost 4 years and he's been there almost 6), and a coca-cola ornament I won as a free gift from the Coca-Cola factory.

So now that you know the FULL back story of my recent obsession with ornaments- you'll understand why baby boy's first ornament is so important.


 I want something classic, timeless, personalized, and not cheesy.

Not Cool (I apologize if you have this ornament)

I'm leaning towards something more like

photo credit

It's clean, modern, timeless, and sleek. I also like this

photo credit

but I think this signifies more of a baby born during the Christmas season- but I still like it.

So, what do you think? Which ornament would you order? Or do you have an even better ornament suggestion. Feel free to leave any links in the comments!

Wishlist Wednesday

Let me start by introducing the series. Since it is officially the Christmas season I am dedicating a few posts to the holiday. A series of which will be wishlist wednesday. Don't get me wrong - I already have the greatest gift anyone could ask for and I am so excited for his first Christmas.

A total of 14 (now 15 {with my son} and sometimes 16) of my family members normally get together for the holidays. We eat, we laugh, we reminisce, and we play games. In the past we would all exchange gifts with each other on Christmas. However, a few years ago my family decided that we would no longer buy gifts for everyONE. Not only was this an economical decision but it was becoming increasingly hard to buy original gifts for everyone. So on thanksgiving we put all of our names on the Turkey platter and then draw. Somehow a hat eluded us and this was after we ate and cleaned it. We set a budget of $60 and give our top 3 wishes.

I have found that over the years we have gotten creative and some people will buy gifts for everyone! I don't know why but putting a limit on everyone has forced us to get creative and thrifty. For example, my unmarried Aunt always talks about how she wants a man- so the year my mom pulled her name she went the toy store and got her a GI Joe figurine... and there you have it folks- she got a man! It was absolutely hilarious! My mom also got her a 'real' gift in addition to that but we all wait in anticipation on see who it going to be the most clever.

This year I want a new camera.

I know this is way (waaay) over budget but a girl can dream... can't she? I mean I have a pretty good point and shoot camera and don't really NEED much more. But I also feel like I want to take the best pictures possible of this little guy: I kind of want aDo-SLR. I feel like I could take better quality pictures with this type of camera. I could be wrong, but I'd like to try.

With that I also want to learn how to edit pictures beyond the basics. I have already learned a few good tips and free editing websites from some other bloggers but I'd like to take my editing to a whole 'nother level. In fact, for the new year (and for my son) I would like to do the 365 day photo challenge. I've seen quite a few other bloggers do this and with some awesome variations ( see this mom's 365 love letters to her daughter). I would have to do my own variation of this and probably 52 love letters. You all know I don't like setting myself up for disappointment and surely if I try to take a picture once a day- I would. So I could do once a week and then put them into a book for him. I like the love letters take on it because it makes the pictures that much more meaningful.

But instead I'll compromise with a tri-pod. I think this would help with some of my picture taking endeavors and costs a boatload less than the former.

So whoever has my name... hint, hint!