In My Heart On Thursday

As I prepare to head home for the holidays, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. 
Enjoy the time you have to spend with family and I'll see you again next week!

-Michelle, Wandering Still

Uniquely December: Winter Solstice

Officially, the winter solstice does not strike until late late tonight and so a lot of time zones in the world will recognize this year's winter solstice on the 22nd.  Where I live, however, the official start of winter will be at 10:30pm and so I'm celebrating today.

Having lived so long in Alaska's Midnight Sun, the Summer Solstice is my big celebration holiday.  I have a big get together in June every year.  I did spend one winter up there, though, and can tell you the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere takes on a whole new meaning in the extreme north.  In Fairbanks, where I lived, a good share of the winter months barely see the shades of dusk in the middle of the day.  Literally, the sun will barely break the horizon, move across the sky, and then retreat.  The whole sunrise, daylight, sunset process happened between 11 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.  (Makes for a really dark day when you go to work in the dark and go home from work in the dark)

In complete contrast, I've spent more than one winter solstice on the opposite half of the world.  In the Southern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest day of the year.  Ah, summer!  I need to figure out a way to swap hemispheres halfway through the year and get double the summer solstice partying and festivities!

Now I'm curious-

What does the solstice look like where you are today?

Uniquely December: Go Caroling Day

Did you grow up in a family that went Christmas caroling?  Every year our Camp Fire groups would climb on a haywagon and sing our way through the streets of our little town.  Sometimes we would walk the halls of the local nursing home as well.  Although I grew up in a family that loved to sing, I only remember us caroling as a family one time.  I'm sure I enjoyed it, but I only specifically remember one house where we sang.  It was my mom's friend, a single lady who's children were grown, and while I'm sure she loved it, the longer we sang the sillier I felt.  I just wanted to get out of there.

I wanted to find a cheerful uplifting video of Christmas carolers to share with you today.  Instead what I found was an Internet FULL of amateur videos conveying everything that I remember being painful in my own caroling life (freezing cold, people looking at you bored and confused).  So, sorry.  No classic caroling videos.  

With my search at a dead end, I decided to share the two videos that amazed me and made me smile.  I hope you enjoy!

3 songs, each one better than the last

It'll get addictive...

Do you have plans this week for Christmas caroling?

Uniquely December: Find An Evergreen Day

Today I'm re-sharing a post of one of my favorite childhood holiday memories ...

The winter holidays are meant for kids.  Santa Claus is real, snow falls solely for sledding and building snow families, and a baby (just like I used to be, they'll say) was born in the hay.  When else do we let them bring trees in the house or bury them with brand new toys, shiny paper, and glittery ribbon?  In the thick of it, they'll tell you every bit of it is magical.  It's not until we get a little older that particular pieces of that holiday magic begin to plant themselves in a special part of our memory.  For me, the enchantment was the Christmas tree.

Growing up in Iowa, the formula for the perfect Christmas tree involved waiting for a bitter cold day and swirling biting winds.  The whole family piled out of the station wagon at the country Christmas tree farm, picked up a hacksaw and trudged acres and acres to the farthest, most un-harvested hill.  The arguments then ensued as six girls poured out their hearts in defense of their " perfect"  tree.  Ultimately, Mom got the one she wanted, and the saw went to work chopping down her tree.

The adventure continued on as we dragged our enormous tree back across the snow-laden hills looking for a tractor and trailer willing to give us a ride back to our car.  If we were lucky, the tree would fit in the baler-one year it would not-and a great big Christmas tree bundle got strapped to the top of the car.  Piling back into the station wagon, we raced home to set up our tree.

The happy memories don't end there.  Getting the tree home was only half the act.  Enter Pa-pa and his voice of reason.  "Dawn, that tree is too big.  It won't fit in our house."  He was right nearly every year.  The tree's trunk always  received a second round of shearing before taking it's place front and center in the living room window.

After the tree was decorated and lit, we enjoyed seeing more and more presents accumulate underneath.  We would plug in the lights in the late afternoon and sometime before going to bed, Mom and Dad would unplug it again.  Until Christmas Eve.  On Christmas Eve we all knew the twinkling lights stayed on all night.  Early in the morning (or later in the morning depending on how old we were getting to be), six girls would tumble out of bed, shuffle into the living room and be greeted with the most breathtaking sight!  The glow of the Christmas tree illuminated the room, shining off wrapping paper, and calling attention to a big bag from Santa. Spread out on the floor, in front of the tree, were six stuffed-to-the-brim stockings inviting us to come and partake.  With the allure of new toys, the moment was over in the blink of an eye, but the living room aglow on Christmas morning is what Christmas time magical to me.

Imagine then, the struggle it's been with a husband who grew up a little bit differently.  In a home that in all ways seemed even more frugal than my own, the electric bill at Christmas time apparently just went out the window.  He wants the lights on all the time, day and night and any extra time in between.  Last year we followed each other around, secretly plugging and unplugging.  I was certain he was being obstinate only because he didn't like digging around for the loose cords to fit into the socket.  There had to be a solution before we started our holiday celebrating again this year.

In come our kids.  Even before talking about getting a tree, Beck was telling us excitedly and assuredly that Christmas trees have lots of presents and candy canes.  I have no idea where the candy canes came from, but he was certain and now our tree is covered in candy canes and he's eating one every day.  The first night we had our tree up I heard Beck telling his dad that if he couldn't sleep he would just come out and look at the tree.  The second night we had our tree up, I found him Beck sleeping on the couch and when he woke up the first thing he said was, "I just wanted to lay here and look at this beautiful tree."

A mom's heart melts.  It's a struggle to walk by and see the lights on at all times of the day.  I want my family to know joy the way I remember it as a child.  At the same time, who am I to take away a three-year-old's joy?  Children make the holidays!

Uniquely December: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Last year for Christmas my sister Brooke brought homemade chocolate truffles to snack on.  I prefer to call them "Death by Christmas Treat."  This year she is upping the ante and has promised to bring the truffles but also 6 additional chocolate sweet treats.  She's going to kill me.

I'm foregoing the cocoa-based delectable in my homemade goodies this year.  Instead I'm filling my cute Christmas tins with Sugared Cranberries and Candied Nuts.  What yummies are coming out of your kitchen this holiday season? 

Uniquely December: Bill of Rights Day (and In My Heart On Thursday, as well)

Our Bill of Rights...have you read them recently?

Uniquely December Winner #5 (and a BIG Thank You!)

Before I announce the winner of the "Some of My Favorite Things"  giveaway, I have to say thank you for sharing all of YOUR favorite things.  I want to hang out with all of you!  So, who was today's winner?

Congratulations

#86

Jen

Winner notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before new winner is chosen.

Winner chosen by Random.org

I am blown away by the number of people who stopped by to enter my Uniquely December giveaways!  For those of you I've known for awhile, thanks so much for always being here.  

And a huge welcome to each of you who stopped by for the first or second time.  

I really look forward to hearing from you again soon!

Curly Hair Challenge Wrap-Up and a Winner

It has been a long six weeks for me and my curly hair.  My sister Kathy and I started out completely on a whim and have changed our lives forever.  Here are the updates...

Kathy, in her own words:

Was the Curly Hair Challenge worth it?  Yes!  There are definite drawbacks.  The main one being that it really requires me to wash my hair every day, which does not always work for this SAHM.  The advantages far outweigh the inconvenience, however.  I cannot remember another time in my life when my hair has been so predictable.  I know that there is going to be little frizz and the curls are going to lay nicely.  From this point forward, I plan to continue using only conditioner until the time comes when it stops working.  

Kathy's hair has always been more dry than mine, but also always had a tighter curl.  The challenge seemed to be working for her right from the beginning and the extremes (oiliness, itchiness, etc) never seemed quite as extreme on her head as they did on mine.  Her results have been great and I know she's hoping the results are as good next summer when the curly-hair nightmare, humidity, returns.

And now me:

For me, the proof is in the pudding-look at the difference in those photos! (Okay, obviously the lighting was completely different, I'd love to have the second hair color!) I've mentioned in previous posts that my hair is so much softer than it's ever been before and I get caught off guard sometimes because the curls literally bounce while I'm walking.  The greasiness in the beginning was pretty disgusting and the itchiness after that almost drove me crazy, but the last three weeks have been a constant improvement and I'm so glad I stuck with it.

Kathy's definitely sticking with the new routine in it's true form.  I think I'll be striking out to find a great modified balance.  

• I am going back to a shampoo, but have 100% switched to an all-natural product.  My scalp is definitely in need of a good deep cleansing.  However, I'm not going to shampoo all the time.  Only occasionally to let my scalp breathe.
• Originally I thought I'd cut the deep conditioning back to only on occasion, but Kathy tried it and noticed a HUGE difference in dryness after just the first time.  That's all I needed to hear-I'm sticking with the deep conditioning.
• I haven't fallen in love with the gel yet.  I have it and will keep using it until it's gone, but the next step for me is to try a couple different styling products and see if I can get the same results I get with gel.

Is the 6-week Curly Hair Challenge worth a try?  ABSOLUTELY!!  Kathy and I both have the curliest, most defined, least frizzy hair we've had since we were kids.  The last thing I'll rave about is the volume at my roots!  The hair framing my forehead has been lifeless and thin for years.  Now, my roots are just as curly and full of life as the rest of my locks.  I'M LOVING IT!!!

And now, for the winner, of the Hair Challenge Giveaway...

Congratulations, JoAnn!

Winner has been notified and responded.

Winner chosen by Random.org

Uniquely December: Monkey Day

I found an odd blog while researching for today.  It's devoted entirely to news reports mentioning monkeys.  I originally was directed there to read an article on how the Japanese government is going to continue testing nuclear-affected areas from the tsunami disaster by re-releasing native wild monkeys where it is still unsafe for people to be.  That seemed a little disturbing.

Reading through more of the monkey blog is what turned out to be disturbing.  Why?  I just want to ask, "Why?"

Please, go there, and tell me I'm not crazy...

Monkeys In the News

Hair Challenge Giveaway Winner...Almost

The good news is, we have a winner!  

The suspense is that I'm going to make you wait to find out who it is.

  Watch for the post with the winner coming along tomorrow with the Hair Challenge wrap-up.  

So you don't feel like I gave you nothing today, take a look at this great Hair Challenge summary you all wrote for me...

• By FAR, the most talked about idea was Plopping!  I'm telling you, drying with a t-shirt is definitely the answer!
• Baking soda can be used as a hair wash with varying degrees of success.
• My hair really is bouncier and softer.
• Most obvious, how could you have missed it point: Sulfates and silicones are terrible on your hair!
• Terrycloth towels make frizzy hair worse (again, switch to a t-shirt)
• It takes courage, but it's worth it (That's for you, Jeanette)
• After the t-shirt, air drying is definitely best on curly hair.
• Aubrey Organics has only natural ingredients

I look forward to hearing from anyone that tries these things out!

Uniquely December: Ice Cream Day

If you were reading awhile back, you know that I love Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey and that I also struggle supporting that particular ice cream establishment due to our differing political views.  When I mentioned it just a few months ago I hadn't found the impetus to make a definite turn away from my favorite frozen delicacy.  Today, however, I've taking my stand.

With Ben and Jerry's today throwing their corporate support behind the Occupy Movement, I will no longer support them even to indulge my strongest cravings.  Not because there isn't good to be done buried somewhere deep in the mess that is the Occupy Movement.  And not because I disagree with their long-standing efforts to support employees and consumers over corporate interests.  The reason I can no longer sneak my Chunky Monkey has much more to do with their decision to fuel a completely ineffective and direction-less movement.

Over the past few months I've found myself in several different states and seeing fairly up close the Occupy Movements in several those areas.  I've listened intently to what the Occupiers in my own neck of the woods are saying, and there's not much coherence there.  I know they must believe strongly in what they're fighting for-why else would they have stretched their protests into the bitter cold of winter?  But no one else is believing them because their is no concise point for us to be believing.

Let me share my view of the Occupy movement based on what has happened here in Salt Lake City...

Pioneer Park for years was a haven for homeless people and drug dealers.  It was a BIG problem; a historic and significant area of the city and nobody was able to enjoy it.  Finally the city stepped in to clean up the park and the problem.  Over the past few years they have made tremendous strides in cracking down on crime and finding shelter options for those in need.  Families are coming back to the park.  The farmer's market sets up there once again and a new summer concert series packs a crowd every week.

So what is the logical next step for a park with such a troubled past?  I promise you it's not a group of unorganized squatters pitching tents and piling up trash in the walkways.  It's not a group of people who apparently also have no homes because they never go there and also maybe can't read because they are completely oblivious to the printed park curfew signs.  The city bent over backwards, set aside their own city tenets, to enable a peaceable protest.  The SLC Occupiers recognized that. Then a man in a tent died. The city had to put their foot down. And the occupiers lawyered up to sue on the grounds that the city violated their own laws by letting the protesters stay.

What are the SLC Occupiers fighting for?  I have no idea.  On Black Friday they were calling for a boycott of shopping at Wal-Mart because Wal-Mart undercuts prices and products that are American-made.  Today, they're "riding our bikes very slowly" in front of trucks leaving the Wal-Mart distribution centers to show solidarity for the Wal-Mart workers who "deserve a living wage" and should unionize.  Are you kidding me?  Riding your bikes very slowly in front of a moving 18-wheeler?  Great cause.  Great movement.

If I think about it, I suppose the Occupiers are out there fighting for me.  Right?  Middle-class family struggling to keep health insurance, a bit afraid of the rate at which the price of food is rising, and wondering what comes next.  But you know what?  My husband and I won't be joining you.  No.  We're working.  We're supporting our family.  We're making ends meet the best way we can and looking for opportunities to intelligently make our situation better.  Know what else?  We're bathing!  (Well, okay, except for the no shampoo thing...)

What does all this have to do with ice cream?  Absolutely nothing.  Except that Ben & Jerry's has made it their new mission to stick their noses into the mess.  If, in the long run, their clout and own corporate dollars are successful in finally bringing a point to the Occupy movement, hurray for them.  Let them be a catalyst for something good (it'd definitely be better than touring with a burning effigy of the President).  For now, though, I am one of little faith.  I'll continue to grant them their creative tastiness, but will no longer be indulging...in their ice cream or in their involvement with the Occupy movement.

Uniquely December: Gingerbread House Day

Someday I will learn how to make a real gingerbread house.  Until then, my family thinks they're made with graham crackers and this is what they look like...

A Winner for Uniquely December Giveaway #3 and Your Favorite Links

The lucky winner of the Season of Love giveaway is

#50

Stacie

Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Winners chosen by Random.org.

For fun, here are the birthday month links you took a look at.  Maybe you'll find something else worth reading!

Letter P (Pinterest)

Steve Jobs

A Little Spoon Love

What Are Your Priorities?

Dreams Come True

This Is Where I Really Want To Be

Little Miss Muffet

World AIDS Awareness Day

Big Sister, Little Sister

A Little Piece of Paper Defines Me

Curly Hair Challenge

Why I've Been Missing

A Year of Reading 2010

Let's Do A Little A-Z

Pay Attention

What Motivates Me

American and Free

Joy and Gratitude

Uniquely December: International Mountain Day

Out my front door right now I can see the snow-topped mountains of Utah's Wasatch Mountain Range and it has me pondering the journey I've taken to get me here from where I grew up on the grassy Midwest plains.

My first trip to the mountains was on a church youth group retreat before I graduated high school.  We took a 14-hour charter bus ride to Estes Park, Colorado and toured through the Rocky Mountain National Park.  Hanging over the edge as the bus crawled around the curves nearly had me jumping out of my skin.  And to this day I think back to our day of cliff rappelling as my first real-life faith lesson (which I failed miserably, but continue to learn from).  

My next foray into the mountains came in a big way the day I left home in my car driving to Alaska.  No person, driving solo for days in early spring over the ALCAN Highway, can say they've stayed sane.  But Alaska grew on me and living within view of Mt. McKinley off and on for eight years gave me a great appreciation for the wonder and magnificence of the Earth and it's Creator.

Several years ago I got to travel with my family to Switzerland where we spent the day shadowed by the Matterhorn.  It was beautiful and impossible not to marvel at it's grandeur as it slipped in and out of it's cover of clouds.

Now here I am living in Utah.  My husband grew up in the mountains and feels out of place in wide open spaces.  My 4-year-old is learning how to ski and I realize I'm now raising mountain boys.  When I first moved here I thought for sure I'd never take the mountains for granted, but the day did come when I was driving down the freeway and was struck by the thought that I hadn't given the mountains any thought for longer than I could remember.  And then the day came when I'd flown back to visit the land of my childhood, but only felt like I was "home" as I flew back over the Wasatch Range to land in Salt Lake City.  

The mountains have come to mean a great deal to me?  What impact have they had on you?

Winner of "What A Girl Wants"

In the midst of 121 entries, I found a winner for the Uniquely December Giveaway #2 offered by To Sew With Love!  

Congratulations

#103 Julie

Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Winners chosen by Random.org.

And I look forward to seeing what you make from the To Sew With Love tutorials!

Uniquely December: Nobel Prize Day

"If I Have 300 Ideas in a Year and Just One Turns Out to Work I Am Satisfied"

-Alfred Bernhard Nobel

Let's not shortchange the 2011 Nobel Laureates...it's actually Nobel Prize Week.  One look at their website and you'll realize you've missed out on quite the party!  At first glance NobelPrize.org is predictably dry and boring.  But give it a click or two and you'll discover that someone on the Nobel Prize Committee has made a valiant effort to make what they do entertaining.

For example, you can watch a time lapse video of the banquet set-up and gala.  If you've ever worked in banquets you'll think this is pretty interesting.  Watch the 2-minute video here...

You can read about the 43 women who have won the Nobel Prize,  

Or find the locations of many Nobel Laureates when they found out they had won the prestigious award (apparently it's a completely unexpected call only minutes before the official announcement is made). 

What did I learn while looking around at NobelPrize.org?  Something extremely useful, of course...

Apparently it's become a tradition for Nobel Laureates to visit the Nobel Museum and sign the underside of a chair at Bistro Nobel.  Why?  I have absolutely no idea!  But it happens, so the next time you stop in there for lunch, take a peek underneath your seat...you can guarantee I've added this to my list of must-do's the next time I'm traveling through Sweden!

The Nobel Prize website really is worth a look around.  Especially do it today-Stockholm is hours ahead of the United States so their December 10th has already finished and you'll feel like you're reading news from the future.  And while you're there take a stab at the 2011 Nobel Prize Quiz.  I got 9 out of 10 right and I challenge you to beat me!

Two Prizes Going Out From the Something Store!!!

Congratulations to our winners of Uniquely December Giveaway #1

The Something Store!!

#31 Christian

#64 Emily

Winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond or new winners will be chosen.

Winners chosen by Random.org.

I can't wait to see what "something" you receive!!

Uniquely December Giveaway #5 Some of My Favorite Things

*Giveaway now closed*

For the final Uniquely December Giveaway I wanted to share with you a special Christmas gift...a few of my favorite things...

First, I'm a journal junkie and happen to have a stash of new ones waiting to be used.  I picked this one out for you, along with two pens that I'm in love with.

Second, don't these look delicious? I'm resisting the urge to open the bag, take one out, and then seal it back up before I send them to you.

Third, I love these socks from Target.  They're super affordable with lots of bright colors to choose from.

Fourth, some cute new earrings because jewelry always makes me feel happy.

Are you getting excited? Here's how to win:

Giveaway Items: 

1 Journal, 2 Pens, 1 package Ghirardelli Dark & Sea Salt Caramel Chocolates, 2 pair socks, 1 pair earrings

Giveaway Information:

One winner will receive entire giveaway package

 Contest will begin at 12:01AM(MST) on Friday, December 9, 2011

 and end at 10:00PM(MST) on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.

Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada residents only 

Entry Options:

~Mandatory Entry~

EASY!!!  Leave me a comment here mentioning one of your favorite things.

~Optional Extra Entries(Leave a comment for each extra entry)~

Follow Wandering Still through Google Friend Connect

Subscribe to Wandering Still email updates

Follow Wandering Still on Facebook

Uniquely December: Christmas Card Day

This is our family Christmas this year.

My 4-year-old drew and narrated it.

Are you sending Christmas cards this year?

The Final Stretch (Hair Challenge Update) & Giveaway

*Giveaway now closed*

Bet you thought I'd forgotten, didn't you?  Nope, just held off a couple days to include the giveaway with my next to last hair challenge update...Not sure what I'm talking about?  Catch up on my 6-week Curly Hair Challenge.

As I enter the last week of my 6-week curly hair challenge, my mind is shifting to the reintroduction of my hair and shampoo.  If the idea is to eliminate shampoos containing harsh sulfates and silicones, here is the list of ingredients to avoid (Be warned, it's going to look like a scary chemistry exam):

Sulfates (in shampoos)

 Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, Ammonium laureth or lauryl sulfate, Ammonium or Sodium Xlenesulfonate Sodium, C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sodium laureth, myreth or lauryl sulfate,  Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, TEA dodecylbenaensulfonate,  Ethyl PEG 15 cocamine sulfate, Dioctyl  sodium sulfosuccinate

Silicones (in conditioners)

     Cetearyl methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone,  Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone (in combination with Trideceth-12 & Cetrimonium Chloride), Trimethylsilylamodimethicone

I know, that list looks completely overwhelming.  And when you start looking at the ingredients list on your shampoo bottle, it'll set your mind spinning.  But it's worth it!  Let me give you a much shorter list of ingredients that are safe (or at least safer) to use on your curly hair...

Shampoos

Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocobetaine, Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamphodipropionate, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocoamphodipropionate, Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Conditioners

Dimethicone Copolyol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane, Lauryl Methicone copolyol

So what am I going to use next week when I go back to shampoo?  Well, I'm definitely not going back to my old stand-by, VO5.  It's got nearly every no-no ingredient on the list.  I've had good luck with Biolage
in the past, but their shampoos also are high in sulfates.  I read great reviews of a brand called Jason and their shampoos follow the good ingredient guidelines fairly closely, but my research has found their conditioners to stray completely in the opposite direction.

For now I've settled on Aubrey Organics Balancing Shampoo  It doesn't have a flashy label and no flowery fragrance, but there are no chemical name in the ingredients list and that impresses me.  Other natural hair-cleaning lines with good ingredients are: Desert Essences,  Kinky Curly, and SheaMoisture. 

My 6-week hair challenge may be nearly over, but I also feel like it's just the beginning of learning for me.  I'm committed to using healthier shampoos and healthier styling products as well.  Make sure you come back on Monday when I'll reveal our "after" photos and wrap up the hair challenge with our final thoughts!


Now, finally, today's giveaway:

Giveaway Items: 

Curly Hair Care Package: 

1 Bottle Aubrey Organics Shampoo, 
1 Bottle Aubrey Organics Conditioner, 

1Wide-Tooth Comb, 1 Microfiber Towel

Giveaway Information:

1 winner will receive entire package

 Contest will begin at 4:01 PM (MST) on Thursday, December 8, 2011

 and end at 10:00PM(MST) on Monday, December 12, 2011.

Giveaway open to U.S. residents only 

Entry Options:

~Mandatory Entry~

Browse my Curly Hair Challenge posts and leave a blog post comment here about something you've learned.

Curly Hair Challenge Posts

~Optional Extra Entries(Leave a comment for each extra entry)~

Follow Wandering Still through Google Friend Connect

Subscribe to Wandering Still email updates

Follow Wandering Still on Facebook

In My Heart On Thursday

"By going and coming, a bird weaves it's nest."

-Ashanti proverb

Uniquely December: Take It In the Ear Day

Many years ago a cable movie channel let an intern play editor for a day.  Off the shelf came, "Liar, Liar" and off he went to work.  His goal for the day?  Change barely offensive dialogue into family-approved rhetoric.

The scene:  Retrieving his car from the impound lot, lawyer Fletcher Reede notices a new scratch on the side.  Irate, he begins taking it out on the lot boy.

The dialogue:
"You scratched my car!
"Oh, yeah, whatcha gonna do about it?"
"NOTHING! If I take you to small claims court, you probably wouldn't show up, and if you did and I won you'd just stiff me anyway.  So, I'm going to turn around and just take it in...the ear...


Feeling confident in his choice of insults, the intern quickly inserted ...the ear... into another movie or two (The Wayans brothers "Bulletproof" for one), punched the clock and called it a day.

Is there anyone my husband knows that has not heard this story?  I don't think so.  Is he overjoyed to have a day devoted to this most ridiculous of dialogue dubbing.  I am positive there isn't a person he runs into today that won't hear his over-excited re-telling of an intern's innocent attempt at real job for a day...

Uniquely December Giveaway #3 Season of Love

*Giveaway now closed*

Today's giveaway comes from me!

It's a vinyl decorated picture that I made for a gift a year ago and then never got around to sending (I made one for myself as well, and though it's definitely a decoration for the holidays, it's been hanging for over a year. If you've read today's Uniquely December entry, you're starting to see I have a huge procrastination problem).

Here's what you'll get:

Giveaway Item: 

1 11x17 "Season of Love" Picture in Gold Frame

Giveaway Information:

 Contest will begin at 12:01AM(MST) on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

 and end at 10:00PM(MST) on Sunday, December 11, 2011.

Giveaway open to U.S.  and Canada residents only 

Entry Options:

~Mandatory Entry~

Since I have nothing to sponsor here, we're going to have a little fun.

Find the "My Path" archive list in the right sidebar.  

Then choose your birthday month, find a post you like in that month,

 and comment on this giveaway post what caught your eye. 

~Optional Extra Entries(Leave a comment for each extra entry)~

Follow Wandering Still through Google Friend Connect

Subscribe to Wandering Still email updates

Follow Wandering Still on Facebook

Make sure to enter these other Uniquely December Giveaways...

$10 Something Store Surprise

What A Girl Wants Prize Pack

Uniquely December: Letter-Writing Day

A few weeks back we had a lesson at church focused on taking care of ourselves as women.  One of the challenges we were given was to go home and write a letter.  Not an email, or a text, or a facebook comment...a genuine later.  The promise was made that taking the time to sit down, form our thoughts, and then express them would bring peace in the midst of our harried every day lives.  And not just our lives, but also the lives of the people to whom we're writing.

Letters are "the keepers."  Don't we all have a box or a file somewhere holding treasured salutations?  Maybe tucked inside a birthday card or folded neatly inside a scented envelope?  We don't read them everyday, but when we come across them our hearts are immediately carried back to the emotions of the day we received it.  A hand-written letter guarantees to bring a smile to mind over and over again.

I had three people come immediately to mind after receiving my letter-writing challenge.  One a friend I've been out of contact with for years but who just reached a goal she'd set way back then.  One a sister-in-law I admire for the life she's lived and the choices she's made.  And one my grandmother.

In my lifetime my grandmother's letters have been a precious gift.  They don't come often.  The thought comes to mind to write her only about once a year, but I always know I'll hear receive a message in return.  Her tiny cramped scrawl is pretty hard to read, but the squinting and transcribing is always worth the work.  Especially because my grandma is of the generation that believes nothing that happened in her life is important enough for people to want to know.  The letters she sends with brief accounting of how she passes her days will add immense depth to the history I'll piece together and share with the generations of my family.

I'm ashamed to admit I've only written one of my three letters, and that envelope is still waiting on my kitchen counter to be mailed.  I'm grateful for the reminder today to put my pen to paper and send a short little ray of happiness to the people in my life.

Can I pass the challenge along to you? 

 Sit down and write a letter to someone you know.  

See if it doesn't make you both feel better!

Uniquely December Giveaway #2: What A Girl Wants

*Giveaway now closed*

A little while back I participated in a blogger's craft exchange.  From that exchange, I received these...

The handmade clutch and barrettes are BEAUTIFUL!  Unfortunately, they're not quite my style so I've never  been able to use either of them.  That's lucky for you!  I've contacted Lelanie at To Sew With Love and she's excited to offer her handmade items as today's giveaway!

The fabric on this clutch is fabulous!  The prints and wording are travel related, but the design makes it very shabby chic and vintage looking.  The sewing is impeccable and the rose embellishment gives the clutch a soft romantic touch.

 I love that the detailing on the inside is as intricate and detailed as the outside (this is the inside pocket).

And the rolled rosette barrettes are icing on the cake!

Wouldn't these be a sweet treat for yourself or a friend right before Christmas?  Here's how to enter:

Giveaway Items: 

1 handmade clutch and 2 rosette barrettes (shown above)

Giveaway Information:

1 winner will receive both items

 Contest will begin at 12:01AM(MST) on Tuesday, December 6, 2011

 and end at 10:00PM(MST) on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

Giveaway open worldwide.

Entry Options:

~Mandatory Entry~

Visit the To Sew With Love tutorials page
and leave a comment on this post about something else you love there.

~Optional Extra Entries(Leave a comment for each extra entry)~

Follow Wandering Still through Google Friend Connect

Subscribe to Wandering Still email updates

Follow Wandering Still on Facebook

Don't think twice about this one!  Every girl deserves to feel pretty!
(And don't forget to enter my other low-entry giveaways!

Uniquely December: National Pawnbroker's Day

My husband has a friend who bought his wife's engagement ring at a pawn shop.  If I have the story right, she was on board with the idea and went along to help him pick it out.  Since then, when recounting the event, they've heard a wide range of opinions on if that is okay.  

The yeah-sayers tout it as a GREAT money-saving move.  They got a much larger ring at a much smaller price than they would otherwise have been to get.  

The nay-sayers walk away shaking their heads, jaws wide-open.  Building your future on another person's failure.  Where's the upside in that?

I'm definitely of the camp that says, "Go for it!"  My engagement ring cost about $15 from a kiosk in the mall. When I lost that one we replaced it with the same thing and when I lost that one it had been discontinued and I was out of luck.  My wedding ring is a plain gold band and it's perfectly fine.  But, one day I'm going to get myself a big flashy ring and if it can be bigger and flashier because I got it at a pawn shop, all the better for me!

Which side of the pawn shop aisle are you sitting on?

Uniquely December Giveaway #1 Something Store

*Giveaway now closed *

(But keep reading, it's still fun information!)

Along with my Uniquely December posts this month, I want to share with you some things that make me happy. Literally, I want to share them with you...that means giveaways! Here's a little preview:

• Today:  Come on now, be patient and keep on reading...
• Tomorrow: A feminine gift for you or a friend
• Wednesday: Something handmade to help you focus on the season
• Thursday: Catching up and connecting to the Curly Hair Challenge
• Friday:  It's a surprise...even to me...

Each giveaway will be live for 5 days and have fairly easy entries.  Good luck and now onto the giveaway!

I LOVE the Something Store!  The idea behind it is simple:  Pay them $10.00 and they send you...something. It's that easy!  The surprise and fun is in not knowing what you're going to receive, but the company guarantees the item's value will be more than the $10.00 you've paid.  And to make it even better, that $10.00 also includes your shipping!

Honestly, the Something Store isn't a website I remember all the time.  It just pops into my head every once in awhile and I treat myself then and there to a pick-me-up treat.  In the past I've received...

• silver earrings
• flashlights
• glass earrings
• Toys

One year we even used the Something Store to buy all of our white elephant gifts.  That year we got...

• a silk scarf
• a wine thermometer
• a cheese board
• an egg timer

The only downside that year was that I bought 8 things and got doubles.  So two of each of the things above.  I don't know if that's always how larger orders go, but it did happen that way that year.

So, how does it work?  It's easy.

• Click "Get Yours"
• Select the number of "somethings" you want to receive (up to 20 per order)
• Finish your purchase through Google Checkout and wait for you package to arrive.

It's so easy and who doesn't love a little mail surprise?

Ready to win?  Here we go...

Giveaway Items: 

Two $10.00 items from the Something Store.

Giveaway Information:

Two winners will receive (one) $10.00 item each

 Contest will begin at 12:01AM(MST) on Monday, December 5, 2011

 and end at 10:00PM(MST) on Friday, December 9, 2011.

Giveaway open to U.S. residents only 

Entry Options:

~Mandatory Entry~

Visit the Something Store website and leave a comment on this post about something you see there.

~Optional Extra Entries(Leave a comment for each extra entry)~

Follow Wandering Still through Google Friend Connect

Subscribe to Wandering Still email updates

Follow Wandering Still on Facebook

Tell me, aren't you at least a little bit curious? 

The Something Store is providing this item at my request. 

 They in no way have asked for my endorsement or influenced my review.

Uniquely December: Bathtub Party Day

 I'm a shower girl.

I find sitting in the bath to be extremely boring.

I can't stand rubber duckies getting all moldy on the inside.

The paint on our current bathtub is peeling off.

My kids like to use it as a floating raft for their non-molding bath toys.

Sometimes we feed the kids in the tub to keep the rest of the house from getting dirty.

Wondering how many people in the tub makes it a party?

Uniquely December: Wear Brown Shoes Day

I'm wearing mine.  How 'bout you?

Uniquely December: International Sweater Festival

I'm pretty sure this one is made up because I can't find any information on it, but who cares...

Ugly Christmas sweaters immediately came to mind when I sat down to write for today.  That naturally led me straight to Pinterest.  Here's how my searching evolved...

The Ugly Christmas Sweaters didn't really do anything for me.  No milk shooting out my nose or vomiting.  This, though, this seemed appropriate...

And though it's not an ugly Christmas sweater, this knitted beauty absolutely takes the cake!

For some reason I really liked this look...

And even though I'm definitely not an animal person, these dogs keep making me smile...

Finally I gave up on the Christmas sweaters and moved onto clever sweater repurposing...

What about you? 

 Share your most inspiring sweater photo 

on the Wandering Still Facebook page and 

get an extra entry for each of next week's giveaways.

Uniquely December: National Fritter Day

"Tomorrow is National Fritter Day."
"What are fritters?"
"You know, like zucchini fritters and potato pancakes.  Basically anything grated and fried."
"Oh.  Aren't there apple fritters?"
"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!  Apple fritters!!!!"

Working my first hotel job I was responsible for ordering the doughnuts for the continental breakfast.  The hot fresh doughnuts were delivered at 4AM and always disappeared quickly.  What was always the last to go?  The apple fritters. Apple fritters would normally never be my choice for eating, but watching them go into the trashcan morning after morning (and adding in the 3rd shift lack of reasoning) gave me a brilliant idea.  I figured no one was going to miss them and started pulling a warm and gooey glazed fritter out of the box immediately after the delivery man handed the boxes over to me.  One of those wired me for the rest of the morning.

In honor of National Fritter Day, I decided to try my hand at frying up my own batch of fruity fritters.  My husband and kids are loving me!  Here are the fruits of my labor...

The Pioneer Woman Apple Fritters

My kids' favorite

Paula Deen Apple Fritters

DIVINE as a dessert, or, in our case, a SINFUL midnight snack!
Uses a whole apple slice.  We added vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce.

Uniquely December: World Aids Awareness Day

I was just a kid when Magic Johnson announced that he had been infected with HIV/AIDS.  Back then everybody was scared.  We didn't know about the disease, didn't understand how it evolved, how it was spread, or what a life with AIDS could be. That was twenty years ago.  Magic Johnson is still living and the face of AIDS has changed tremendously.

I have to admit I haven't had personal experience with HIV/AIDS and honestly have not given much thought to the disease.  I do know that while AIDS is present in people all around the world, infected people everywhere are living longer due to increased research, treatments, awareness, and education.  Unfortunately there are still places where the infection is still an epidemic-in particular, many nations of Africa.

A prominent reason for the AIDS explosion in these undeveloped countries is transfer of the infection from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and/or breastfeeding  With the uneducated stigma of such a terrible disease, mothers too often receive inadequate information and resources to treat themselves, and they don't know there are precautions they can take to keep their babies healthy and safe.

The good news is that the picture of HIV/AIDS is looking better.  The 2011 UNAIDS report shows a significant drop recently in the number of new infections.  This has to be a result of hard work to increase the availability of testing and education and I've been especially touched by the efforts of the organization mothers2mothers.

mothers2mothers provide a full range of help to mothers in Africa dealing with the AIDS epidemic.  These include:

•  education and support to pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV to increase access and adherence to lifesaving interventions for them and their infants
• Provide education to clients before and after they take their HIV tests during pregnancy
• Provide one-on-one peer education and group support sessions to pregnant women and new mothers with HIV
• Offer services to women together with their partners as a couple

Visit the mothers2mothers website and find out more about the important work they are doing in Africa and Europe.  While you're there check out this sweet idea to get involved...

I have no affiliation with mothers2mothers-just a cause that moved me :)

For more information:

http://www.unaids.org/en/

http://www.aidsresearch.org/index.html

http://www.amfar.org/

http://www.time.com/time/interactive/0,31813,2021888,00.html

Fun Things Coming!

I had so much fun writing regularly when I was doing my A-Z's.  Yesterday when I came across a list of lesser-known December holidays I got excited again.  With a mix of serious events and hilarious observations it'll be perfect to motivate me for another 30 days of writing.  Check in later today, and every day this month, for what I'm labeling, 

Uniquely December

Even better?  Each day next week I'm giving away some of my favorite things!  Some are fun, some are handmade, some are great and amazing.  Hope you'll stop in Monday to see!

Oh, you know I'll give you extra entries (one for each giveaway)...

Tell me in a comment on this post what you love about December.