Treat Every Day Like Christmas

Christmas-in-July-Main1Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Of course you have! After all, it’s already the end of July! We only have 5 months left to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones.

[Insert fake panic attack here.]

(If you have already started your shopping for this year, please don’t tell me. I’ll get an inferiority complex.)

Okay, so maybe you haven’t made your Christmas list yet (fuggedabout checking it twice), but maybe you have an upcoming birthday or anniversary, or you just want to celebrate something mundane, like Tuesday….

I thought Holidays with Jane‘s Christmas in July was the ideal time to share some of my favorite things from the first half of the year. These might be gift ideas or delicious recipes suitable for friends or family for any special occasion.

Or you could always give yourself a little present.

Just sayin’. (I’ll add links where I can.)

Michael’s String Journal (fauxdori)

For years I’ve been looking for the perfect planner system. If you hadn’t guessed by my genre-hopping writing habits, I have eclectic tastes. A grid system–hourly, daily, weekly, monthly–ain’t gonna cut it. I wanted plenty of places to make lists in different categories, take notes, track mileage, you name it. I used to have scraps of paper and notebooks scattered all over the house, and I never had the right notebook at hand when I needed it.

Then, I stumbled across the Midori Traveler’s notebook, which is basically a classy leather “binder” that fits numbers notebook inserts. I purchased a “fauxdori”–the Recollections String Journal–from Michael’s so that I could test the concept without spending a load of dough. (I can’t find it online, but they sell them in store for about $15. Don’t forget to check for coupons.)

Michael's FauxdoriI love it.

It’s compact, light, and customizable. (There are about a squillion tutorials on YouTube that demonstrate how to make your own inserts, pockets, and sleeves. Or you can purchase them. Whatever makes you happy.) The only thing I didn’t like about the Michael’s version was the string closure. So I removed it and replaced it with–wait for it–a headwrap from the Dollar Tree.

Now, I have a small notebook for every subject, all in one place.

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals

That’s right. I said it. Birkenstocks. When these came into fashion back in the day, I didn’t get a pair. But today, I’m in love. I’ve owned mine for two years, and they are still in great shape and super comfy. I look forward to slipping them on.

birks

Starbucks Flat White

This drink is old news, but I tried it for the first time a few months back. I cannot get enough. Forget about flavored syrups–I’m looking at you Pumpkin Spice!–and try this drink for its texture alone. Seriously. Do it.

Drinking Chocolate

If coffee isn’t your bag, baby, you must try this recipe. It would be excellent for holiday entertaining or just sipping on a cold winter night.Hot Chocolate Affogato

Or, you know, Tuesday.

They suggest using a French Press for frothing, but you can use a milk frother instead. That’s what I do.

Pour it over vanilla ice cream for additional delight.

(Holiday) Entertainment

I hardcore love holiday movies and TV episodes. Admittedly, I haven’t been reading or watching a lot of holiday themed stuff at the moment. But here’s what I’ve been loving:

I don’t do book reviews, but this is what I’ve been reading and enjoying in my spare time.

Our Gift to You

Right now, Holidays with Jane: Christmas Cheer is free on Kindle. Download it and get in the holiday spirit early.

Also, you can also enter to win an Amazon gift card, books, and other assorted goodies.

Join Us for a Twitter Group Watch of White Christmas (available on Netflix) on Monday, 07/25, starting at 5 PST / 8 EST. Make sure to follow me (@JenniferBecton) and Jessica Grey (@_JessicaGrey)

Find the full Christmas in July schedule here.

In the comments below, tell me some of your favorite things from the first half of the year…and you might just have a chance to win a signed first-edition (the not-quite-perfect version) copy of Charlotte Collins! (US residents only. International shipping is expensive.)

And remember…Treat Every Day Like Christmas

 

3 thoughts on “Treat Every Day Like Christmas

  1. I haven’t started Christmas shopping ( but my wish list gets added to year round). My mom has though! Crazy woman :p

    1. GAH! Your mother is a machine! A Christmas shopping machine. However, I bet you get the best gifts!

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