I'm off to battle the early birds over at Wal-Mart. The mission for today is to make one Pecan Pie and two Pumpkin Pies. Still haven't decided on a recipe, however. I think I'm going to make this relatively easy Pecan Pie from All Recipes. If I'm feeling ambitious later on, maybe I'll even do that pretty dough leaves around the crust thing. In between buying all the supplies and actually baking, I want to get a new Anniversary/Thanksgiving outfit (my 4th anniversary is tomorrow...a day of sweet potatoes with My Sweet Potato!) and get my hair chopped off. I was wrestling with the idea of letting it grow out but I just feel so much more spunkier with it all short and choppy. Maybe I'll have them dye it too!

Well, I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Yay, I got the new Gerbera stuff up!

http://www.gerberadesigns.com

Do me a favor and let me know if you see any bugs. Thanks!

Ack, I'll be right back (ok, maybe later today)...I've got to upload a huge update to Gerbera and work on the holiday crafts...so much to do!

Until then, visit the Indie Collective Holiday Guide!

Over 10 years ago, I went to my first concert. They were kicking it then and U2 still is. A little older, a little wiser (we're just going to forget about POP) and still, Larry Mullen has the face of a prepubescent boy. Does that man ever age?!

The new album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, comes out next week but you can stream it on this VH1 site.

More on U2: have you seen the new Special Edition U2 iPod? Mmm, iPod. The U2 iPod is so pretty. Speaking of iPod, I finally fell for that freeipods.com thing. I had seen the CNN segment on it a while ago and then read this article in Wired. Advertising wise, it makes sense how they make money and are able to do this. Luckily, my family is amazing and were willing to sign up for stuff. My college budget thanks you guys!

More Stuff My College Budget Screws Me On:
- Triple Strand Emerald Envy (ETC Creations) I can already see all the amazing outfits this would totally make!
- 3 Panel Dress (Mellifluous Couture) So pretty and unique!
- Mint Sleepytime (Small Fry) The One Sided Guys are stinkin' cute too!
- Christmas Bundle (Becca Lights) I've heard wonderful things about her candles!
- Lotto Bag (Frau Liebe) A girl after my own vintage heart!
- Anything! (Pippi Knee Socks) I think her stuff would make me a better knitter!

Remember all the much deserved hype around DJ Danger Mouse's The Grey Album? Just when you thought it couldn't get any better...The Grey Video.

Does it get any better then Ringo scratching and John breakdancing? I think not. Hurry though, it'll be gone soon!

A while ago LJC FYI posted a website where a bunch of Children's Book artists donated a illustrated snowflake to raise funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute for Sarcoma Research. You can read about the amazingly sweet motivation here.

I'm a huge fan of children's books and illustrations, Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl are my favorites. Did you know that Shel Silverstein did adult poetry for Playboy? I love that! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Witches and James and the Giant Peach are some of my most beloved books ever. A while ago, I came upon my children's books in some boxes my mother asked me to store. It was like reuniting with all these old friends that kept me warm and happy as a child. I made Jim sit and look through them with me...I told him I was introducing him to some old friends.

But back to the Charity Auction...I seriously spent 45 min. just flipping through all of the snowflakes and then made Jim look at my favorites when he got home (hah, I don't usually "make" Jim do anything but he's just such a willing participant). They're just so magical!

Some of My Favorites:
Snowgirl (Sophie Blackall)
Snowflake Bird (Robin Brickman)
Ice Skating Mouse (Mary Newell DePalma)
Olivia in the Snow (Ian Falconer)
Baby Sunflake (Marla Frazee)
First Flake (Mary Grandpre)
Baghead Snowman (Jarrett J. Krosoczka)
Winter Fairy (Gary A. Lippincott)
Rats! (Diana Magnuson)
The One That Got Away (LeUyen Pham)
Elfis and Frostine (Gary Robinson)
The Marooners (Dan Santat)
Desser the Best Ever Cat (Maggie Smith) looks like my kitty!
Big Brother's Snowman (Jaime Zollars)

Ok, so that was a bit more than a "few."
What are your favorites?

We're having some printer/computer compatibility problems and until I find the camera cable, I'm not able to upload any Halloween pictures. Bummer.

One thing I am excited about, though...I'm madly in love with Hella Good's Loaded For the Holidays Body Wash! I haven't been this excited about taking a shower in a long time! It smells like Christmas when you were a kid and lathers up quite nicely. I highly suggest you give Hella Good a try, I promise...you'll love it!

Ugh, I'm sick...Jim's sick...was in the emergency room until 6 am yesterday...and I'm depressed about the next four years...not a good day.