Good morning! If you are in London. I think it is morning there. In the way of having breakfast and coffee, not just morning by technicality, which is the situation here. Two. A. M. …eff.

My grandmother has this saying when somebody can’t let go of a situation. “You’re letting them rent space in your head for free,” or something to that effect. I’ve heard it so many times that you would think I’d have it down by now. I get so hung up on pleasing people. When I can’t, I stew. Tonight, today, this morning, whatever, I am stewing so much that I can’t sleep. All over a person and situation that is so totally out of my control and doesn’t deserve this kind of mental energy. Yet I cannot stop. I can’t just say, “I tried, it is what it is.” …eff.

Oh, well. I have been meaning to post, so no time like the present, right? Speaking of presents (?), Christmas is one week away! Where did the time go? I know, me and everyone else out there. I bet you still need a couple of ideas. Let me help! Are you pleased and excited? Tell me you are. I need it. =)

I needed a gift for a White Elephant gift exchange, but wanted to think outside of the wine/scratch tickets/candle set box. My solution? A hot chocolate kit! I dipped marshmallows in chocolate and crushed candy canes, filled a couple of cellophane bags with them, and set the bags into a pair of cute mugs. I found a gorgeous gift box, tucked the mugs in with a nice box of cocoa and a small bottle of Bailey’s. Yum!

I had asked my SO what I could give his parents, and he just said flowers. Well, me being me, I can’t just give some flowers. Thanks to Pinterest, I have a new love (obsession) for glass etching. Plain $10 vase and a little time, and now I have a monogrammed vase for the flowers! I did large L’s on two opposite sides, and filled the other two sides with a variety of smaller L’s in different fonts. Learn how to etch glass here.

I hope you have a blessed and joyful Christmas! Enjoy the time with your family, and be sure to make some chocolate and candy cane dipped marshmallows. They add just the right amount of mint to your cocoa. Don’t forget the Bailey’s – perfect holiday stress relief. I promise. I think I will have one right now, in fact. =)