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Archives for 2015

christmas, gift, guide, the Mommy, the Shopper | December 8, 2015

Not Your Typical Gift Guide

Last year we had the most stress-free Christmas when it came to gifts.  We gave the same thing to all the adults and the same thing to all of our nieces and nephews (depending on their age).  I was able to do this because I found something so great it would be coveted by all.  For example, we got all the adults a YETI rambler, I wanted everyone to experience the luxury of hot coffee for hours!  It was so easy because there was just 1 order for 15 cups and all the gift bags were the same size, less variables = less stress and more sleep. Ha!  My motivation though wasn’t just about ease, it was also about smart spending and my new anti-clutter mindset.  So of course I wanted to do the same concept this year. Below are ideas I’m working on/trying to decide between… If you are in my family, stop reading after the kid ideas!

I made an investment in the starter set of Magna-Tiles a couple years ago and I’m so glad I did because they are used the most out of all our toys.  So when I saw this clear ICE set I knew my daughter would love to get creative with it.  My daughter is 8, she still plays with Magna-Tiles and is even asking for more ICE tiles this Christmas.  I think I’m getting this set of ICE tiles for all the young girls in our family.

For the boy’s I want to get this newly found set of Magna-Tiles BLACK!  Think Star Wars and Batman’s Batcave… they’ll be able to imagine and create these tiles to be anything they want!

My runner up idea for the girls in our family is this set of The Princess in Black books. We recently picked up the first book in the series at a book fair and my daughter couldn’t put it down.  She read it outside while her friends on the block were playing.  THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVER!  The recommended age for the books are 5-8. My daughter’s teacher would probably say she needs to be reading on a more challenging level but I’m just happy she’s enjoying it and begging for the second book.  The third book in the series comes out in February so if you’re giving the set, your lucky girl will get a surprise in the future!

My runner up for the younger boys in our family is this Star Wars Epic Yarns book set by the brothers Jack and Holman Wang.  These books blow me away.  Each book has about 12 Star Wars scenes with artistically created figures made of felt.  Each scene is paired with a single sight word to tell the story.  I’d say these are great for age 3-5 or an early reader who is obsessed with all things Star Wars (that’s my son). If you’re into this, check out the behind the scenes video here: Wang.

For the women (or men) in my family, I’m thinking the S’well Bottle is perfect.  It looks like just another water bottle, oh but it’s not! My neighbor told me about this one! 😉  It will keep your water cold for 24 hours!  I am LOVING mine!  It will also keep hot liquid hot.  So basically its a YETI that can’t spill, you can throw it in your bag.  Perfect for water on your night stand, working out or in your car running errands.  They say the healthiest way to store water is in a stainless or glass container, you got it! The S’well Bottle comes in a variety of styles. These are my top 8, including a couple Mara Hoffman styles.

The other gift I am thinking about getting the ladies is a waist apron from Heirloomed Collection. So many pretty styles! And if you’re on Instagram you’ve got to check out their beautiful posts. Also, they are having a 12 Days of Christmas promotion so I’ve been checking everyday for their aprons to go on sale!

For the guys in our family, we’re getting them into the Dollar Shave Club.  This also comes recommended by a neighbor, seriously, TITYN!  He likes knowing every 4 weeks, 4 new razors will be in his mailbox.  And he likes their Shave Butter as well!  When you’re gifting the DSC there’s a choice of 3 months, 6 months or a year.

This is a gift idea for someone helping a kid buy a gift for a grown-up. I hope that’s not too confusing.   We have this book, The Book With No Pictures, and my kids like to ask every grow-up who visits to read it to them.  If your family and friends are not offended by hearing or being forced to say “Boo Boo Butt” than this book is fun!

This is a gift for a Texan, a teacher, your neighbor, your friend.  I love this Texas Print Mug by Newton Supply Co.!  Black on black, gloss on matte and a big handle, what’s not to love?!

Last but not least, I’m considering Memberships as gifts in lieu of all of the above.  Talk about clutter free!  I have found with our family Memberships to the Zoo, Art museum and science museum, we know more about the happenings and therefore we go.  There’s incentive to see exhibits before they are open to the public. Because I’m getting emails and regular mail from them, the museums are not out of sight and out of mind, they are on the brain and we go!  I know that would happen for my family and friends as well.  Here are links to the Houston memberships:

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston – Gift Membership comes with a glass!
Houston Zoo – Choose a membership level and you’ll be prompted to select if it’s a gift.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science – They’re having a promotion for current members!

A photo posted by Rachel Cruze (@rachelcruze) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:16am PST

I hope this post has helped you if you’re stumped.  And before you go, I’d like to make a PSA – Don’t let anyone or anything make you feel like you have to spend money you don’t have. 🙂 “Showing you care doesn’t always mean spending money.” – Rachel Cruze

PS – These are more ideas I didn’t have time to write about:
Beth Macri – Hidden Message Jewelry
Tickets to JJ Watt’s Charity Classic – Defense is in the 3rd base dugout
Lego Architecture Studio – To recreate The Connectivity project from the art museum at home.

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The Fall of Unfinished Business

clutter, organizing, the Night Owl | September 23, 2015

The Fall of Unfinished Business

Today is the first day of Fall and I am declaring this season "The Fall of Unfinished Business".  I'm pretty good at coming up with ideas and taking steps to start on these ideas, for example, buying supplies or sharing my plans with you.  I'm also pretty good at getting overwhelmed, Continue Reading

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These Are My Keepers

Nordstrom, sale, the Shopper | August 2, 2015

These Are My Keepers

For me, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale involves a lot of ordering and returning.  Well I am finished with that whole process and I'm happy with my keepers.  I'm so happy that I need to tell my neighbor about them before time is up!  The sale ends tomorrow, prices go up Monday, Continue Reading

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Shopping Experiment Take Two!

children's clothes, kids, school, the Mommy, the Shopper | July 17, 2015

Shopping Experiment Take Two!

A typical department store sale is a lower price on a leftover item from a previous season.  A Nordstrom Anniversary sale is positively different!  It's a ton of new styles for the upcoming season (even some tried and true favorites) offered at much lower prices for a temporary period of Continue Reading

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Summer Style Shape Up Giveaway!

fitness, health, the Night Owl, the Shopper | May 13, 2015

Summer Style Shape Up Giveaway!

I fell in love with taking care of myself last summer.  It had been a while since I worked out on a regular basis, I'm talking since before my wedding, that's about 12 years!  And last summer I realized I couldn't keep waiting for a window of opportunity to open for me to exercise.  I Continue Reading

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Hello Neighbor! I’m Erica Smith and this is where I share discoveries and tell a few stories!

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The Archives

  • ►2018 (3)
    • ►September(1)
      • Texas Bluebonnet Award 2018-19 Books: A Visual List with Links
    • ►July(1)
      • Nordstrom Anniversary Kids Clothes
    • ►February(1)
      • Best Morning Ever Mug
  • ►2017 (14)
    • ►December(7)
      • Books Ship Quick
      • "All The Rage" for the Girls
      • Candles That Smell Like Home
      • 20 Favorites for the Guys
      • Kids Club Membership
      • Brickheadz for the Kidz
      • Let The Gifts Begin
    • ►November(1)
      • Semi-Cyber
    • ►October(1)
      • Haunted Gingerbread Houses and Cheers to Small Parties!
    • ►August(1)
      • My Favorite Lunch Box and Why
    • ►July(4)
      • Settling In 2 | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Settling In | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Back To School for Him | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Back To School for Her | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
  • ►2016 (3)
    • ►July(1)
      • 3rd Annual Shopping Experiment
    • ►May(1)
      • #TITYNBUILDSAHOUSE + Invitation
    • ►January(1)
      • Start Here
  • ▼2015 (8)
    • ▼December(1)
      • Not Your Typical Gift Guide
    • ►September(1)
      • The Fall of Unfinished Business
    • ►August(1)
      • These Are My Keepers
    • ►July(1)
      • Shopping Experiment Take Two!
    • ►May(2)
      • Summer Style Shape Up Giveaway!
      • Just A Few Things About Grand Cayman
    • ►April(1)
      • Recommendations for Seaside!
    • ►January(1)
      • the SALE is This Weekend
  • ►2014 (41)
    • ►December(4)
      • The Art of Decluttering
      • 5 Tips to Help Your Holiday
      • Free Shipping: Who's got it and for how long?
      • Insta-card Round Up
    • ►September(3)
      • New Finds in Round Top
      • More Talking = Less Shame, More Hope
      • How To Give a Baby a Bath
    • ►July(3)
      • Shopping Experiment
      • United Colors of Wimbledon
      • Emma and I
    • ►June(2)
      • Here We Go Again!
      • A Few Birthday Party Tips
    • ►May(9)
      • Scooby-Doo Meets Batman Party
      • A Few Memorial Day / Summer Discoveries
      • My Sister's Big Top Party
      • Wild Kratts Birthday Party for a Girl
      • Mickey Mouse Orange Party
      • A Gift From...
      • What I Want for Mother's Day
      • Big Kid's Sand and Water Table + Update
      • TITYN DIY Night - Painted Antlers
    • ►April(6)
      • Sunday Takeaway
      • "Modern Goods For Happy Occasions"
      • Uptown Park's Lifestyle Blogger Series: Spring Edition
      • The MVP of Baby Gifts
      • 10 Steps to Easy (and Fun!) Bookcase Styling
      • Easy Easter Bunny Wreath
    • ►March(5)
      • Round Top Round Up Plus...
      • First-Ever Kite Festival
      • Very Important Post
      • Instant Oscars Party
      • World's Championship Bar-B-Que 2014
    • ►February(5)
      • Glass Knot Trend - Luxury vs. Mega Steal
      • The Crafting Box
      • Travel Edition: TRAVAASA Austin, Texas
      • Cookie Cake: Swedish Heart
      • My Clutter Recovery
    • ►January(4)
      • The Train Trunk and More
      • Inspired by a Fresh Looking Desk
      • Sevenly
      • My Sister's Post
  • ►2013 (88)
    • ►December(8)
      • The Clutter in My Mind
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Easy Christmas Cookies
      • Best Kid's Watch Ever
      • Free Shipping for Christmas Delivery
      • Old Tradition New Spin
      • Tiptus Finds
      • Stargazer Lights
    • ►November(6)
      • It's Clear to See
      • Fall Feather Wreath
      • A Nod to The Nod
      • Nutcracker Ready
      • Step It Up!
      • Numbered Cake Sparklers
    • ►October(4)
      • A Wedding on The Prairie
      • Great Party Supplies Stat
      • Dancing Crows
      • The Prairie By Rachel Ashwell
    • ►September(7)
      • Fun Halloween Finds
      • Instagramming From Round Top
      • Here Comes the Funny... Boom.
      • Now I See Me
      • Drug Store Favorites
      • Driving Around Again
      • Moon Garden
    • ►August(7)
      • Easy Mickey Mouse Invite + Free Template!
      • Preschool Separation Anxiety
      • A Creative Pep Talk
      • Red Sands Ranch
      • Thread
      • Cake Bunting in a Jiffy
      • Highlights from New York, New York
    • ►July(4)
      • A Nice Frame Ready-To-Go
      • Birthday Campout Inspiration
      • A Bunch of Stuff for Kids
      • Master Overhaul: Before and After
    • ►June(6)
      • Thank You!
      • A Platter Big Enough For Three
      • Summer Foodie Finds
      • Easy Homemade Father's Day Cakes
      • Slurried Brick
      • Minnie Mouse Birthday Party, Part 2
    • ►May(10)
      • To and Fro Swim School
      • One Hundred Winner!
      • One Hundred Posts Celebration and Giveaway!
      • Sneaker Secret
      • KEA-I-AY (pig latin)
      • For My Mom
      • Dining Room Rug
      • Minnie Mouse Birthday Party, Part 1
      • Waiting for Wind
      • Floral Workshop
    • ►April(8)
      • Welcome Home Baby
      • Southern Floral
      • Travel Edition: Punta Mita and The St. Regis
      • Jumping For Joy
      • Round Top Report Spring 2013
      • Best Slip Ever
      • The Headband Bowl
      • HC by JA at JCP
    • ►March(7)
      • Fresh Flowers for the Door
      • Master Plan and Inspiration
      • Gorgeous Easter Eggs
      • An Easter Basket For the Years
      • Free Advice
      • How To: Round Top, Part 2
      • How To: Round Top, Part 1
    • ►February(11)
      • Oscars Party
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 4
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 3
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 2
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 1
      • Be A Hero
      • Be Part of the eClub
      • Happy Valen-tine's Day
      • Classroom Valentines Plan
      • Good Night Sleep Chart
      • Service Series: Cut It Out!
    • ►January(10)
      • Fore The Love Of Golf
      • A Hug and a Kiss
      • Styling a Glass Cabinet
      • Service Series: Self-Serve Laminators
      • Coffee Cart at Home
      • Service Series: Same-Day Custom Notes
      • A Steamer Superb!
      • Wedding Inspiration
      • Thinking about Rodeo Tickets?
      • Obsessed with the COLOR BAR*
  • ►2012 (56)
    • ►December(7)
      • New Year's Solo Cup Chandelier
      • Merry Christmas, Neighbor!
      • Toddler Christmas Activity
      • Santa's Tool Giveaway - Winners!
      • A Tool for Santa (That's You) - GIVEAWAY!
      • Big Battery Operated Lights
      • The Tree Is Up and It Is Good!
    • ►November(8)
      • The Kids' Remote
      • Split Second Elf Ideas
      • Give Sleep
      • Christmas Tree Intervention
      • Snowman Wreath, Dip Baby Dip
      • Crash Course on Nutcracker
      • No Need to Drill
      • Diaper Rash Wipes
    • ►October(9)
      • Happy Halloween
      • Inspiration Board
      • Pedicure for Two
      • Art Full Circle
      • Elf on the Shelf or Skeleton in the Yard?
      • Guest Bedroom Design, Everything on Sale
      • A Rapunzel Party Without Getting Tangled
      • Birthday Morning Surprise
      • Plato del Niño
    • ►September(9)
      • Headed to Round Top
      • This Song Moved Me
      • Halloween Solo Cup Wreath
      • There's A Spider on Your Head!
      • Thirst Be Gone, Mosquitos Be Gone
      • One Dollar Tuesdays
      • The One and Only Scooter
      • Think Outside The Jewelry Box, Part 2
      • Labor Day Sale
    • ►August(11)
      • Free Gift Wrap
      • Cake For Breakfast
      • Travel Edition: La Jolla, CA
      • Mama's Got a Brand New Chair
      • Celebrate Good Times
      • Ice Ice Baby
      • Think Outside The Jewelry Box, Part 1
      • Hooked On Bundts
      • Black and White Trim
      • A Step Above the Fill-In Invitation
      • MadBox Update
    • ►July(10)
      • From Danger to New Hanger
      • Lunch Box Madness
      • Travel Edition: Jackson Hole, WY
      • Cottage Bathroom Renovation
      • Swedish Nursery
      • The Everlasting Bag
      • Game Changer, The Puddle Jumper
      • Paper Lantern Chandelier
      • Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness
      • Coca-Cola + Navy = Patio Redo
    • ►June(2)
      • Best Pool Bag Ever
      • American Flag Wreath

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Currently on Instagram

The best gift tomorrow will be a boy turning 12! ♥️🥳

These streamers took me years to find. Years searching on the internet even though they were right under my nose! My Mom used to use them at every birthday, she’d throw them all over the chandeliers. They were messy fantastic! I finally figured out they are called Serpentine Throws or Streamers. And when you call them by the right name you can find them everywhere! 

#birthdaydoor #birthdaytradition
#notetoself “…the more we stand in awe of Him #notetoself “…the more we stand in awe of Him the less we’ll stand in judgment of others.” - @bobgoff 🌎🤩

Have y’all seen the @expedia Super Bowl commercial with Ewan McGregor? The ad of course is trying to get me to go to their site and travel but I like that it FIRST is trying to convince me to not spend on STUFF! It feels like they are putting my purpose before my money and I’m just going to believe that because I love it! 🙌 

The photos above are all mine and have all been taken since the last Earth Day. They are all #nofilter and if you swipe left you can see their location. Also my file for this post has 76 photos 😆 so it was hard to narrow down to the annual nine! Keep swiping for bonus Planet Earth!

#borntocreate #inawe #creator #earthday2022 #undistractedbook #lovedoes #bobgoffquotes #lessstuff #moreplaces #thankyougod
Easter snapshots 👆 and my notes from @thejohnst Easter snapshots 👆 and my notes from @thejohnstephens’ message we streamed from @levyparkhouston (because we didn’t want to leave our lovely family breakfast to get ready in time to be early enough to find a seat at @chapelwoodumc 👌):
•Created to value and focus on the intangibles.
•Set your heart on things above.
•Live in the light of the resurrection, that’s what Easter means.
•The WORST things are NEVER the LAST things. ♥️

I started listening to/reading the Bible back in February. It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole adult life. I’m following a chronological Bible in a year plan, listening to cliff notes and trying to finish faster than the whole 365 days. It is a struggle and I can’t believe I’m actually doing it! 😫💪🏼 I’m on day 64 and I just looked up how far I have to go before I get to the event we celebrated this past weekend. I have to make it to Day 274 for the first mention of Jesus and Day 319 for the resurrection. My friends and family have heard me say quite often, “I can’t wait to get to Jesus.” And I’m also looking forward to the New Testament on @audible because I found a version read by @johnnycash! Now if I’m going to make it to Jesus and Johnny I’m going to have to change up what I’m doing for the Old Testament. Do y’all have any recommendations on audible? I’m looking for the impossible: a voice that’s captivating and storytelling but not dramatic and cheesy. And a version that’s easier to read in general. Any help in the comments below would be great for all to read! 👇 Thank you and Happy Easter! 🙏🏼

#easterinthepark #chapelwood #bibleinayear #imnotatheologian #easter #theyearofthedonkey #thelegendofthedonkeyscross #easterbasketsforever
Houston, we have a @buffcitysoap! I’ve been driv Houston, we have a @buffcitysoap! I’ve been driving to @buffcitysoap.pearlandtexas because I’ve been hooked on their Narcissist scented laundry soap and dryer balls since my cousin’s daughter introduced us to it in Dallas last Thanksgiving. (Thank you, Lane! @tsno06) Now it’s just a drive to The Heights and I’m already scheming for a soap making party. 🧼 Go check it out! 👃🏼@buffcitysoap.northheights  #buffcitysoap #htown #houstonshops #titynshops
This was her Christmas gift from 2019! When we gav This was her Christmas gift from 2019! When we gave it to her she was 12 years old and she thought it would be hard to Wait For It until July 2020! 😆 How about March 2022?! Worth the wait to see Hamilton live a 2nd time. She was still in awe! 🙏🏼 And if a mask 😷 had not been required I might have put one on anyway because It’s Quiet Uptown and I didn’t have a tissue. 😭😭🤧🤧🥺🥺 

#hamiltonmusical @hamiltonmusical @hobbycenterhouston #waitforit #itsquietuptown #americanhistory #alexanderhamilton @joseph_1_smith
We’re in New Mexico and happened upon the oldest We’re in New Mexico and happened upon the oldest church structure in the U.S.A. in Santa Fe! Circa 1610! 😲

If you’re interested in traveling to New Mexico, I started sharing our trip highlights in my stories and will continue to share when I have a chance. What I’ve shared so far is saved to my highlights on my page.☀️ 

#springbreak #santafe #newmexico #santafenewmexico #tityntravel

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