Whats Hot during this cold season...

As the weather turns cold and the holidays roll in from around the corner... here are a few of my favorite things this winter for you or as a gift for someone else!

1. As my love for photography grows... I sometimes find it hard to lug around all of the equipment and keep it safe and clean at the same time. It wasn't until I found these bags on Etsy that I fell in love. The store is called Gypsy Rose and she makes all sizes of bags to carry all sizes and varieties of equipment designed specifically to keep your electronics and camera equipment safe and sound.
If you are a professional photographer check out "The Ultimate" and "The Boss" bags, if you are a mom who takes her camera everywhere check out the "Mini" or the Small Hobo bags (complete with sippy cup pockets and slots for your wallets keys ect.) You can pick and choose your fabrics and design the bag that is right for you! This product is on my Christmas list!


2. Sitting by a fire and reading a good book is one of my favorite things to do during the winter. (when the rare opportunity arises that I might have time for this lol) May I suggest the new George Bush book Decision Points?! Now whether you are a fan of George Bush or not I think this book is going to be interesting. He had a front row seat to some of our country's most historical events and I am excited to read about what it may or may not have been like to have to make the decisions for over 300 million people during some of the most catastrophic events in United States History! Politics not your thing? Pick up any book and enjoy the quiet time!


3. Start a family tradition! Many do not know that the classic book The Polar Express comes to life in many cities across the country. I myself have never been but cant wait to try it out! Children and their parents dress up in their PJs and hop on board the Polar Express where the story comes to life!! How cool is this???
Check out the schedules and participating cities Here! Don't see your city on the schedule? Google it in your city ... some local organizations sometimes create a similar experience.

4. Support an up and coming business this Christmas... Many out there are putting themselves out there and starting some a business. I love these little boutique shops for things for my kiddos. I love that their items are alway handmade and unique. I know my kids are the only one wearing that item since it was made specially for them! Most are great items and are super cheap!!!So instead of going to Gap, Old Navy or Gymboree for gifts this year... give them a unique gift that you know only they will have! Here are some of my favorites for the kids:
Bebe Designs
Mother Goose Collections
Tammy's Funky Flowers
(I know I have mentioned these shops before but they are my favs after all)

5. Get crafty!!! Money is tight these days... so grab the kids and put them to work! lol I'm kidding... well only a little bit... This year give handmade gifts. Parents.com has some great craft ideas... so make some decorations this year or make some gifts, either way you get to spend some quality time with the kids and get everyone in your home in the holiday mood! grandparents love handmade gifts by the way and homemade decorations are always adorable and great memories and conversation pieces ;0)

6. Throw a cookie party! Our family has started (or brought back) a family tradition. An annual cookie party! How it works... Everyone brings an assigned ingredient and their fav recipe. There are lots of women baking... kids decorating and everyone eating and enjoying the time together! Last year we had literally hundreds of cookies... everyone took some home... and brought canisters and baggies and handed them out as gifts to the neighbors, teachers, co workers etc.

7. Laugh!!! JibJab.com always has hilarious videos online... so make one about you and your family and send it around and spread some holiday laughter!!!!

8. Give a little. There are many out there who will spend the holidays alone, cold, or hungry. So find a local food pantry organization of a local giving tree and give a little something. Its important to look at how great we have it especially around the holidays and teach our kids to always lend a helping hand. Let them pick out the gift or donate the food. They will always remember it!

No matter how you choose to spend your holidays or winter season i hope its a great one for you and your family. Here is to a great holiday season and a great winter!