Christmas Idea #7

This is the best t-shirt I know. Perfect for laying or just wearing alone. Long in the length, not too high in the neck, great sleeve. Get it for $15 right now at the Gap.

And if Mark happens to be reading this: I would like it in gray. And black. And this Carie-brown color. If only they had cream!

More Books to Love/Christmas Idea #6

I could talk about books all day. I could also talk about clothes and food all day if you are keeping track.

I think I blogged about these before, but I think these books are so lovely and would make a very thoughtful gift. Real Simple thought so too.

Favorite Reads of 2009 according to me

I was thinking how many great books I read this year. Nothing beats a good book. In no particular order, I give you some of my favorite reads:

The Book Thief is such a fantastic read. Great characters, beautiful story, interesting narrator.

I checked this one out from the library and would love to have my own copy. I like how the authors blend their design with the story of their life:

Everyone is reading this. I am currently reading the second in the series, Catching Fire. Compelling, well written, unlike anything I normally read.

This book is adorable.

I could not put down The Help. The dawning of civil rights was such an interesting time in our nation's history. I really enjoyed all the different perspectives/narrators.

Of course you know, this was my favorite read of the year. It is rare that a book takes over my life as this one did.

What were some of your favorite reads this year?

Invictus

Invictus

by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul.

Christmas Idea #5

In my humble opinion the holiday hand soap by Method is a must have. Sometimes it is hard to find. A dear friend found the peppermint vanilla at Hy-Vee and was kind enough to share the joy.

Christmas Idea #4

I can personally vouch for this. It's phenomenal. And I am a bit of a hot chocolate connoisseur. This would make a great hostess gift or maybe teacher's gift. Or possibly a gift for your favorite blogger.

Arrival

Got the computer in the mail this morning. After 4 rough weeks, it's official: I am back online.

Christmas Idea #3

In general I am anti- appliances as Christmas gifts. But this is definitely on my list. Shark Steam Mop. It would make cleaning my hardwoods (and life) so much easier.

Stella at the Gap

I had heard that Stella McCartney designed a line of clothing for Gap Kids. I have now seen it in person (at the Gap Kids on the Plaza.)

It's dreamy.

Christmas Idea #2

You may want to buy your loved one one of these if:

1. Their laptop died while they were on vacation in Mexico.
2. They have been without a computer for weeks although it feels like years.
3. They have so much to blog about but no computer to blog on.
4. You have clever computer minded friends (thanks Eric) that let you know of good Cyber Monday deals - since you slept in on Black Friday and missed all the laptop deals.
5. You are my husband.

Dude, I'm getting a Dell. Due to arrive next week.

More Catch-up

www.carie-list.blogspot.com

It's About Time

www.carie-list.blogspot.com

Perfect Shirt

I took advantage of Ann Taylor Loft's Friends and Family and bought this.

I really, really love it.

New Bedding

It was time for a change in my bedding. We have had the same bedding for 10 years - and I still really love my old bedding- I just needed something new.

Wah-lah:

I can't resist sharing the deal I got.

Brown and Turquoise Duvet + King Shams: Overstock.com $40

White Button Gathered Comforter + King Shams: Target $89

2 Turquoise Euro Shams: Target $33 each.

2 Euro Pillow Forms: JCPenney $7.50 each

2 Brown Quilted Throw pillows : Pottery Barn, already owned.

Total cost: $210.

*Special thanks to JJ for the motivation and JK for the shopping/creative help.