10 things I plan on doing this holiday season

As far as I 'm concerned its the holiday season! Summer is officially over in my book, and its time for all the fun to start!! I just cant wait for the leaves to turn, for the cooler weather, and all the beautiful golds and browns to make way. Fall is by far my favorite season. The smell and the feelings I get right around Halloween is the best. There is nothing like it. AND It makes way for the most wonderful time of the year... CHRISTMAS!! As much as I love christmas, I love all the preparations and things that go into this time of year. I love all the shopping, decorating, baking and even wrapping. I don't think anything makes me happier.
So... I thought I would make a list of Ten Things I Plan On Doing This Holiday Season. There is so much more we all can do this time of year (especially me) and I want to make a list of things I really want to accomplish both big and small this year. So here we go!!

• BAKE.  I want to Bake a lot. I always make treats here and there, but this year I want to bake goodies for others and myself. I want to try baking new things and make extremely pretty desserts that nobody wants to eat because they are so perfect. And then I want to eat my masterpiece.  

• VISIT someone in a nursing home. I really plan on doing this one hopefully a few times this year. Ross has a family member that lives in one (just in Bakersfield)  and I know she would appreciate it so much. Especially if I bring some of my fabulous baked goodies.

• Make more SHOEBOXES. I really want to make a lot this year. I was able to make some last year and it honestly filled my heart with so much joy. I plan on tripling my number this year. If your not sure what Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are,  here is the link that explains who they are and what they do: http://www.samaritanspurse.org 

• Get another christmas TREE. A small little one for the end of my hallway. Christmas trees have a way of lighting up my life and I really want to decorate two this year! It will be fun! 

• MAKE a delicious dinner. Last Christmas I was able to host christmas in my house and I LOVED it. I made prime rib and it was delicious. Even if its not at my house this year, I plan on making a really good holiday dinner sometime around christmas! Here is a pic of last christmas at my place. Had to put two tables together and move some furniture but this was the setting and we all fit!!    

• SPEND less. I will try anyway! My christmas shopping has already started and Im off to a good start! Thanks to Outlets!!!! People always tell me "When you have kids you wont like christmas as much cause you'll see how expensive it is..." HA! They are mistaken. I think I know how expensive christmas is, thats why I try and save all year. My list of people I buy for is usually double the size of my friends but thats ok with me. I shop early. Hit the sales and make my way through the crowds and I LOVE it. Im usually pretty good with staying on budget so well see If I can this year.

• GO see some amazing christmas lights! We usually drive around, but this year I want to go far away and see some pretty extravagant lights. Know of any GREAT places??

• Adopt/Help a FAMILY this christmas. I usually buy a gift or two for a child in need in Kern County, but how cool would it be to Help a whole family this christmas?? They wouldn't have to know who helped them and It could be in a multiple of ways: money, gifts, food etc... I don't even have to know them personally. I saw on Pinterest someone saved all their change throughout the year and gave it to a needy family at Christmas time. Love the idea.  

• DECORATE more!! I want santa on the roof with his reindeer and the whole shebang!!! 

• SING. I want to go christmas caroling or perform a favorite christmas song somewhere! Why not? Christmas and Singing are my two passions!!! Sounds like a no-brainer to me!! 

AAAAHHHH:) 127 days people!! Cant Wait!! What are some things you plan on doing this Holiday Season???
     

My Favorite Cheap-Dates

I've been on some pretty amazing dates in my short love life. Some of them I will never forget. Being in different countries seem to enhance the excitement and fun of a lot of them. However... I have to say, some of my absolute favorite dates I have been on are the fairly inexpensive ones... the simple and cheap ones. I'm lucky to have married a guy who likes to do things all the time like me. And he's lucky it doesn't take a lot to make me happy. Mmmmhmmm... The thing is, we both have to be doing something quite often or we get bored. Every now and then it's nice to just stay home and relax, but not all the time.

So,  I've put together a list of 5 of MY favorite "Cheap" dates. There not luxurious or fancy, but they are fun! And better yet, Cheap!!  Some of these can turn expensive fast especially if your married to a man named Ross BUT, if your careful they can be pretty savvy. So here we go!!

•  Go to a game. Any game. Soccer, baseball or basketball if you must. Get a hotdog and some cotton candy and it's the best! If you have never been to a soccer game we can find you some cheap tickets. Ross got some for $11 bucks the other night. I promise you will both have fun!! As long as you don't act like her at the game. 

                                            How To Lose A Date In 10 Minutes

• Go out for some dessert. This is one of my favorite things to do and probably the one we do the most. You can still get dressed up and go out! Don't bring Rite Aid ice cream home and watch TV (even though I do this all the time) But go out and share something off the menu or go get frozen yogurt and take a stroll. If money is tight or you just don't want to spend it on a fancy dinner just go for dessert. Its the best part of a date anyway and its probably only going to be about $10. Go do it. Look how divenely romantic it can be....

                                                      

• Take your dogs to the beach! This is MY favorite cheap date list remember?? But seriously, its so fun. If you don't have dogs but have kids, never mind.. Just ignore this one all together. Its not really a date with kids... We take our pups to Cayucos. Its the quietest dog beach and they Love it! Its about 3 hrs from Tehachapi so it would cost some gas $$$ but its worth it. Bring a picnic basket with sandwiches and you won't have to spend any money while your there. Its perfect.

• Go for a drive. A long drive. We do this one often too just to get out of the house and talk. You can bring some snacks and your favorite playlist and just drive!! We usually go look at houses or something and just drive til were tired. I love it. 

• Star gazing. We did this last week and its one of my favorites!! Ross surprised me by taking me to do this in the back of his truck. It was stuffed with blankets, pillows, he brought some chocolate, wine, and a movie. It was perfect. He also got this cool app that you can point to the stars and it shows you where all the constellations are!! So we had lots to do and look for. This one is a must! 

                                             

So there you have it! Short and Sweet! 5 fun-cheap dates!! 

Now you have no excuses!!!!! Enjoy the simple things!