Friday Favorites - The Four Gift Rule

As an avid and daily blog reader, I have quite the collection of starred posts in my Google Reader that fit into one of two categories: 1. they either speak to me or 2. they are make me want to {try to} DIY or 3. they introduce me to a new product.  Sometimes I go back at reread these posts and other times I just forget I’ve starred them at all.  So instead of letting them pile up in my Google Reader, I thought it’d be best to share some of my favorites with my readers, especially since I know how much I enjoy being introduced to new {to me} blogs that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.


This week's favorite is a pin that I found on Pinterest months ago and felt like it was just what I was looking for.  A little backstory --- every year around this time, I find myself finishing up my Christmas shopping and doing everything I can to find the perfect present for everyone on my list.  And I will be the first to admit that I live to spoil my loved ones with everything they want/need!  However, in a time where money is a little tighter and people don't always need more "stuff", my gift giving direction has shifted a little from the past and this year I am giving The Four Gift Rule a try.

Easy right?  In a world where consumerism is at an all time high, the simplicity of this list is what really attracted the idea in the first place.  And while the intention is for kids, I think it can really be a guide for anyone on your list.  It can be big or small, but instead of stressing over tracking down a pile of gifts that someone may or may not truly enjoy or just buying whatever is on their wish list this year, The Four Gift Rule allows expectations to remain in check and opens the doors to a little creativity on the buyer's part.

Here are a couple posts from other bloggers I follow on their Christmas plans:
Elm Street Life - Christmas Giving
Where My Heart Resides - A Simple Christmas


What are you doing for Christmas gifts this year?

37 Weeks!

How Far Along: 37 Weeks!

Size of Baby: a watermelon {19 to 22 in, 6.5 lbs} according to What To Expect.

Maternity Clothes: *insert similar response to the last several weeks*  But if you follow me on Twitter, you might have heard that I'm down a pair of maternity jeans...

Gender: a sweet baby GIRL!

Movement: The movement is still there and she's still hanging out on the right side, but I've noticed it's not as often as I believe she's got to be running out of room in there.

Sleep: Much less than before, but still able to function from day to day.  I read somewhere this week that maybe it's baby's way of preparing you for what's to come.

What I miss: Back to being painless --- this last stretch feels like it might go on forever...

Cravings: Citrus & chips.

Other crazy symptoms: In the last week, my feet have become more swollen and after trying everything Dr. Google says to do, I think I'm going to pick up a pair of compression hose on my way home tonight and pray for some comfort in these last two weeks.

Best Moment this week: Spending time with family and reflecting on what I am most thankful for!

#fmsphotoaday November Week 4

Last week was busy --- between going up to Portland for a baby appointment, having family in town, celebrating Thanksgiving, and helping the economy (a.k.a. Black Friday shopping), the week flew by!  Even though we have Charlotte's birthday on the books (12.12.12) and some say time will slow down, I'm not so convinced.  I'm afraid things won't slow down and things won't get done.  I hope I can remember to enjoy the small things in life before our small little one arrives.

How was your Thanksgiving?

+ Day 19 - something awesome {seeing our little girl in 4D and scheduling when we will get to meet her}
+ Day 20 - work/play {while I was working, my mom was playing/shopping for Thanksgiving}
+ Day 21 - what I wore {a favorite pair of Toms & hello baby bump :)}
+ Day 22 - grateful {to host family at our house for Thanksgiving}

+ Day 23 - black {Friday movie date with Sam, my mom, and brother}
+ Day 24 - a sound you heard {Saturday college football games all day}
+ Day 25 - sky {clouds as far as the eye can see}

If you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, check out my feed here!