Christmas Presents: On-line Shopping or Facing the Masses

This has to be the first time in my history of Christmas shopping I am 99% complete--not wrapped, but the gifts are bought.

Between running both kids to basketball, meeting editing deadlines and the day job, I have discovered the wonderful world of internet shopping. As my beautiful niece would say, "You punch on the keyboard what you want and they deliver it to your door the next day. Oh, and you don't have to pay." Wishful thinking, Maisy.

Now I don't normally do this. Every year the dh and I dredge through the mall, store to store, window to window and immerse with a ton of bags. It's hot, crowded, and by the end of the day we've had it. Of course we always encounter the slap to the head moments like, "Do you know what we forgot?" At times, it's downright frustrating.

I have to admit, it is rather satisfying to have the UPS guy ring the doorbell and my package is delivered. No fighting for parking, no crowds and no misery. There is a little thread of guilt I'm plagued with by not shopping the traditional way, but it quickly fades after meeting the first rude holiday shopper.

What about you? Internet or do you bravely face the masses?

Canadian Escape

The clan and I recently traveled to Niagara Falls, Canada. What an amazing time! The temperatures were in the low 80's, low humidity and no rain. Who could ask for more? The sound of rushing water was so incredibly peaceful--all 600,000 gallons of water per second. I wished we could've bottled it up and brought it home with us. *chuckle* I could have sipped some on the way home when it took us three hours just to cross the border, but that's another story...

We hit the usual jaunts such as Journey Behind the Falls, Whirlpool Aero Car and Clifton Hill. This year we tried something different and actually hiked down to the bottom of the gorge. Twisting trails led us through breathtaking views of the Niagara River. When we reached the bottom, I found a huge rock and sat for a long time. Clean air, no cars, just the sounds of nature herself. *sigh* The picturesque views of the Niagara River were truly beautiful.

 

We journeyed north through the wine vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you're ever in the area, the scenery alone is worth the trip. One does have to wonder what these residents do for a living. Passing two red Ferrari's and too many sports cars to name, it was definitely the Rodeo Drive of Canada. 

The charming little shops along Queen Street beckon any passerby. Of course, this Scottish historical author could not pass up her stop into The Scottish Loft. I believe some MacGregor and Campbell items may have fallen into my basket. The dh claims too many, but hey, it's research. Right? I also found a charming little shop called Irish Design and knew some of my writer friends would have loved it (Maeve and Pat!)

Have you been on an exciting trip lately? 

I'm Possessed... Oops... Obsessed

It's true. I'm possessed--well, not really, but I behave that way. My name is Victoria Roberts and I have an addiction to Kathy Van Zeeland handbags... and her luggage among other things!

First, let me admit that I am NOT a material person and never have been.

It all started before I went to California in 2005--Emmy weekend. I could not go to California looking like a frump. Macy's loved me. I bought all new clothes, new shoes, got a new haircut, but my cheap Wal-Mart purse was not going to fit the bill. What if I ran into someone famous? 

Proceeding to the purses, I checked out everything--Coach, Liz Claiborne, Dooney & Bourke, but nothing caught my eye. I wanted to be different. Wandering aimlessly among the rows and clusters of bags, I almost gave up. That is until I saw the dazzling display before me.

There she sat all alone. Her black leather was adorned with stunning bling and she was so familiar, yet so unique in her own way. She called to me. "Take me home."

Approaching her cautiously, I gave her a raking gaze from head to toe. "Do you want to come home with me?" I asked, lifting her price tag and gasping at the cost. $80 for a purse? I think not. 

Pivoting on my heel, I left her there without so much as a backwards glance--well, that is until I looped around and found myself driven to her again. I returned three times while she patiently waited. Grabbing her tenderly from the shelf was all it took. She had me at 'hello.' 

Six years later...

12 Kathy Van Zeeland handbags grace my closet along with KVZ lavender luggage that I bought for a business trip. I was wondering why my male boss did not want to watch my luggage while I went to the restroom!

I can't help it. I'm an addict. Tell me. What is your weakness?

Black Friday, Cyber Monday

It is with a gentle sadness that we say goodbye to another Thanksgiving holiday. The turkey, stuffing, cranberries, eating ourselves into oblivion and watching football--well, that is still around. Go Steelers! There were even some of you brave enough to attempt Black Friday and I commend you for your efforts on finding those great deals. 

The dh and I actually did attempt it. Yep. It consisted of walking into Kohl's and bolting straight back out. The line was half-way around the store! *sigh* I truly have no patience for shopping. With the Christmas season right around the corner, I better get myself in gear.   

Cyber Monday is tomorrow. Wouldn't it be nice to stay home in your jammies, curl up in front of the computer and never have to leave your house to shop? My niece believes you just punch in a bunch of numbers and everything on-line is free. Did you know you can even overnight something to your doorstep the next morning? Ah, the blissful unawareness of youth.

So what about you? Do you Black Friday or Cyber Monday or both? I prefer the latter.