Well, we may have survived the Mayans’ prediction, but this holiday season still brought forth The Darkness.
Before I go any further, let me say that there’s no gift better than a homemade one. My mother, Babs, makes the most extraordinary gifts.
Peppermeister’s aunt cross-stitches intricate, beautiful ornaments.
Then, too, are the thoughtful gifts. The funny ones. The ones that say, I get you.
I absolutely adore these gifts.
Deep down, I’m sentimental and romantic to a fault. I can’t write a serious card to save my life, but I treasure heartfelt words, and sometimes even carry letters in my wallet for good luck.
But.
Then.
Well.
On Christmas Eve, this happened:
I got a Kate Spade bag. From my brother’s girlfriend. She totally forsook the Secret Santa price cap. (For anyone not gasping, this is sort of like the Mercedes of purses.)
I’m not proud of this picture. Look at it. Eyes that might roll right onto the tissue paper-littered floor. A smile that could crack marble. Pure, unabashed joy. I don’t even remember it being taken.
“You said you didn’t care about designer labels,” Peppermeister (Husband #1-Who-Didn’t-Buy-Me-This-Amazing-Present) teased once he saw this up on Facebook. “I’ve never seen you this happy.”
At least I think that’s what he said. I was too busy staring at my new purse, planning our future together.
What’s the overly indulgent gift you’re a little embarrassed to admit you want[ed]?
Go Jules Go 
Haha. Your Consumer Shame Face isn’t so bad. Mine normally involves drooling. I am, like, that girl, too. In everyday life I’m all “No. I’m fine. A pair of K-Mart socks would be great. My one pair has a hole.” Recently I lost my wedding ring (one lucky toddler took it home in a party favor bag, I think). So we went to a jewelry store with an insurance check and I morphed into Kim Kardashian. Yes, I picked out the blingy-est, biggest ring I saw. It should go nicely with my K-Mart socks 🙂
Oh you’re sooo materialistic. Gawd Tori. You should be ashamed.
P.S. – Do you have a picture?!?
Fantastic! And you totally deserve it. 😉 I THINK you know what I got that ought to hold me for a while. Hope you can come visit me there soon. 😉
Thanks, Renzzz! I think I deserve all the things, really.
And tee hee, yes, that probably would satisfy anyone for a while! 😉
Nice handbag! I would have no clue what to carry in it. Garden gloves? Duct tape? No clue. Laughed at your calendar. Your moms are amazing stitchers. I used to be when I had extra time (notsomuch anymore). Happy New Year, Jules and Mr. Jules!
I like this handbag because I can fit at least four water* bottles in it. I hope you find some stitchin’ time here and there – making my first ornaments this year, I realized how fun and relaxing it is (except when you realize how long each one takes, and you’re up against the clock!)!
Happy New Year, Shannon! 🙂
*vodka
Homemade ornaments are the way to go!! I still have about a dozen crocheted snowflakes I made for my tree when I was in my 20’s, and some wooden painted ones from when I was in preschool. It’s a tradition we carry on here at DirtNKids. The tree is always so much lovelier with thoughtful ornaments from people you love.
Here’s what we did this year, coupling recycling of last year’s cards with personal touches like kids’ photos and a year circle. I did the cutting, they did the gluing and glittering. FUN! (http://www.junkmailgems.com/DIY_Ornament.html)
Hm…that would have made a nice post. LOL
What a COOL way to recycle Christmas cards – I love those!
I would have to say receiving the orignal cast member “Once More With Feeling” CD would produce the same face on me. The last time I had that smile was when someone gave me a Nancy Pearl librarian action figure. I rarely get kitchy gifts…that’s my kate spade desire.
Oh you should make sure Misty (Misty’s Laws) sees this – she is the QUEEN of perfect kitchy gifts!
You see, I already have the “Once More With Feeling” CD – this, my friend, is the PIANO MUSIC. Oh yes. We need to get you a copy, stat.
Seen. And . . . challenge . . .
Accepted!! 😉
an iPhone for me, but I got a Bose. Your “consumer face” is retailer’s heaven! I can see you are in “fantastic bag land”, and no wonder you didn’t remember. Fun and quirky post, and I just love the Advent calendar. 🙂
Thank you so much! Babs is a sewing goddess. And my husband’s ears definitely perked up at the sound (pun totally intended) of “Bose.”
Ok, here’s the part where you will probably take away my girl card, but I really don’t care about any of those things. One Xmas, the hubs bought me a super expensive Coach bag . . . which I promptly returned, and now have a $700 Coach gift card just hanging out in my purse. Meh. I am not a jewelry girl, either. He has bought me stuff in the past, and I never ever wear it (diamond necklaces, earrings, bracelets . . . sitting in a drawer). All that shit is just wasted on me. I am so ridiculously low maintanence it’s revolting.
But send me a homemade bacon ornament, and it’s like I won the freaking lottery!! Something about thoughtfulness in gifts really strikes something in me. Anyone can purchase something with a lot of cash to make someone happy, but to truly figure out what another person would LOVE? That’s what gets me. 🙂
Oh, and it goes without saying that I absolutely ADORE Bab’s advent calendar. 🙂
Misty, I hear you! I’m always saying that to Peppermeister. I tell him I’d much rather GO somewhere or DO something than have expensive accessories. But then, oh, there are times when something just gets me. Buttery soft leather, or sparkly diamonds… sigh. I also love clothes, but RARELY pay full price for anything.
You are the queen of thoughtful and funny gifts! One of the many things I love about you!
so jealous of your Kate spade! I got so many lovely gifts it’s hard to say my favorite . most extravagant I love? definitely came in a turquoise box with a white satin ribbon .
Happy New Year, Marta! My heart just fluttered vicariously at the mention of that box.
I ask every year for a massage, mani & pedi package… To me, that’s utterly indulgent and over the top… to everyone else, because it’s not tangible – they don’t purchase it. I would be on cloud nine if that’s all anyone bought me.
AND that’s something you can do where they actually DISCOURAGE pants! I love it!
Exactly! Hmm, perhaps that is why nobody gets me that as a gift…. How devious of them.
I totally want that bag. But I got coated denim leggings from my husband. I am still in shock, but falling more in love every day. Oh, and I love my husband too.
Oooh Nancy, I LOVE your new gravatar! I’m not even sure I know what “coated” denim leggings are, but I trust that they’re awesome, because you have impeccable taste.
Here’s my post about the awesome leggings:
http://notquiteold.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/i-hope-he-kept-the-receipt/
You’re a woman after my own heart! Kate Spade is some serious arm CANDY! As for me, I got a down filled ski jacket. Because ya know, I need that sort of thing where I live.
Ha! Well I bet you rock that jacket, Anka, and I hope you have some really good antiperspirant.
I wanted a tablet, but knew I wouldn’t get it. And I didn’t! Yay?
*sad trombone*
Thanks.
I think that’s the secret to gifts – most of them should be small, meaningful, homemade is always great. Salted with just the occasional just-purely-materialistic-bordering-on-vanity THING you want.
My mom decided, once, to get me a nice leather jacket. I showed her exactly which one I wanted. This one. No other. This one.
And then the salesman talked her in to a different one.
There is nothing like quality, buttery soft leather – that’s why I asked for a “nice black leather purse” this year – but I didn’t think I’d get one THIS nice.
But normally a book of dog hair styles will do just fine.
P.S. – I can’t believe you didn’t comment on the “Once More With Feeling” book. That’s the PIANO SCORE. Did I just top my own nerdiness? I think I did.
yay you – nothing fits the bill like Kate Spade
Now if only I had lots of bills to fill the Kate Spade with 😉
bills as in dollars not bills as in bills–if you needs bills that are not dollars, I have lots
come to my party and party hardy
My husband and his brother actually got me the same gift this year. It has been on my Amazon list for THREE years. You would think they would talk — but, they are men. Anyway, I lit up like the North Star when I opened my USB record player. It is awesome. And, I am in love with the dusty vinyl LPs that I made them drag upstairs from the depths of the basement. We’re talking Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra … and many, many other obscure names from decades ago … heaven.
And, this also means that I have TWO record players. One is being exchanged for $$$ to add to the vinyl collection.
That’s awesome!! Although, figures, after 3 years they BOTH got it for you. I trust you are going to have a very, very groovy New Year’s Eve.
Groovy, schwanky … uhm … probably pretty boring, as in, just staying at home with my dudes. 🙂 That’s OK. That’s the way (uh huh uh huh) I like it.
Welcome to the dark side, Jules. We’ve been expecting you.
It’s so nice to see a familiar face.
I want my own jet airplane.
I went purse shopping for my wife last year. I think a really good purse and a jet airplane cost about the same.
And she would totally trade my plane for that perfect purse.
Tim
My boyfriend got me a purse… its, uh… interesting.
Ha! I like your wife already, Tim. Perhaps you can fly us both to Paris to go purse shopping in 2013.
All I wanted was the Tom Daley Offical 2013 Calendar. That’s it. No one would buy it for me though.
I think you need to trade up. And I don’t mean with Tom Daley, I mean with your friends and family. You deserve that calendar.
Oh, man, Jules – I read that sentence and it gave me serious pause: “I got a Kate Spade bag.” And I’m the person who’s always said I’d NEVER pay that much for a purse! I have to say it’s pretty impressive that someone GAVE you the purse as a gift. Hmmm…I need to rethink this….
As for my want – I really, REALLY WANT a big-ass 60″ LED TV to watch movies on.
I know! The shock factor on this gift was through the roof! And I am such a sucker for the big, high-def TVs. Peppermeister created a monster. We got an LG floor model from Sears for a STEAL and it’s AWESOME. Already had it almost 3 years! Definitely recommend that approach, if you’re willing to risk it re: the warranty.
I got a guitar once. Now I play the guitar.
I knew I liked you.
Also, I kind of want to have Buffy’s baby… which is currently not possible… but I’m counting on science to come through for me. I mean, it mostly get’s used for nonsense… so I think it’s my turn to benefit.
I think Girl on the Contrary’s finally got some scientists in her corner, and she’s a Buffy fan, too. I think she could help you out here.
I got a suit this year. I expected a sport coat or a suit coat (you know, to wear over you suit. It’s a Mormon thing.) but no, I gut a brand new, top of the line suit. Mormons be pimping too.
“Mormons be pimping too.” Promise me you’ll use that phrase EVERY chance you get in 2013.
I will do my best.
I got a new cake mixer this year. Therefore the family got a shitload of desserts and I got an extra unwanted 5 inches on my ass and 40 more reasons why I needed a gym membership.
Ha! Don’t you wish you could shake the hand of the person who invented elastic waisted pants? (And vodka, so you don’t remember you’re wearing them?)
Me and my boyfriend agreed on $50 gift limit and I said i wanted something that was like an inside joke… something sentimental. He said he didnt know how to do that crap and i told him to try. I got him a half redskins jersey half cowboys (i stiched it in half)because i love cowboys and he redskins. He got me an emerald(my birthstone) promise ring. I am sure i cried with happiness.
Oooh, and you know, there’s only one way to top a promise ring… Christmas 2013? 😉
I have a “friend” that got a Michael Kors purse. She may or may not have screamed when she opened the box.
Also, you look stunning in that photo. I don’t know if it’s your pure happiness or the color of your shirt.
You should invite your friend the next time we get together.
And seriously, now I know you’re lying. That picture is terrible. It’s a testament to what I’ll do for my blog that I put it up. But thank you – I’ll still let this go to my head.
An iPad, but I am glad I did since Santa left one under the tree!
Merry New Year’s Jules!
SCORE! Someone was very good this year. Happy New Year, Sus!
I would SO be this excited about a Kate Spade bag. I got Kate Spade sunglasses last year for Christmas and thought I’d pass out!
Oh yes, you need the purse now, Michelle! How else will you carry those sweet sunglasses?
Oh my! I laughed so hard that you don’t even remember the photo being taken. Truly a moment of utter joy.
What did I want, but didn’t get? A certificate for a free hour-long massage good for every day for the entire year of 2013 from Leonardo DiCaprio. You’d think Jim would have been on board with that gift, but no. I’m not bitter or anything.
Whoa…nice gift!!! I’m not jealous…nope, not at all. 😉
When my wife bought me a Nintendo Gamecube I was pretty elated. It’s nice to be surprised, isn’t it?
I got a Nintendo Gamecube from my wife, who swore she would never get me a game console.
Dude. I’ve so given up anybody giving me anything nice or THAT I WANT that I down-sized to what I NEED: I asked for 4 drip pans for my stove and a shower curtain rod. I got the SHITTIEST of both. I didn’t know they made $1.74 a piece drip pans. It’s basically aluminum foil. Same for the rod. Talk about rods…anyway.
I’M SO HAPPY for your greedy little sparkly eyes! At least somebody’s getting decent shite. It’s buy my own, I tell you.
The Mercedes of purses- now that is the sort of description you don’t read every day.
I went crazy over a new flat iron. My Chi died, and along with it, my soul, or so you would think. I never knew I placed so much emphasis on straight hair. I got a Paul Mitchell straightener, (which is actually much better than a Chi), and you can now not convince me that I did not walk straight out of a Pantene commercial.
Congrats on scoring some cool girlie swag, Jules!
If you think Crazy Birds are cool or funny check out my blog
The overindulgent gift I’m (almost) too afraid to admit I wanted was the $600 plane ticket to fly home and spend the holidays with my family. Which I got from my mom. To which I said “No mom, it’s too much… really” (to which I thought, hmm how much is it to upgrade to those really comfy seats?).
Just because you’re emitting joy like the tractorbeam on an alien space ship at the sight of your new bag, doesn’t mean you don’t also love all that homemade crap. You do – practically EQUALLY as much. Theoretically.
Oooooooo….
I mean, the plastic is all reflect-y, but definitely looks beautiful ^.^ Hope you and your new purse are doing beautifully together!
Ah! Your bag is truly beautiful. I adore Kate Spade!! I am terrible at building up gifts in my head. This year (and I cringe now) I thought I was getting a car. My sister and I have awfully old automobiles and they have given us so much uphill this year, spending just as much time in the shop than on the road, having to use my dad’s spare car (a boat-like Volvo). My dad is in the motoring industry so when he said in November that is definitely time for my sister and I to get new cars we were expecting two cute little matching cars in the driveway on Christmas morning. Which of course makes us sounds like awful spoilt brats. But I was very happy with gift cards! I went shopping! And now I have some fun items in my closet to kick off the new year 🙂
Nobody really gets me gifts at Christmas, or birthdays for that matter; no really and I’m not a Scrooge misery guts either. My wife gets chocolate, coffee beans and cigarettes for me from her and the kids and everyone else doesn’t bother. I tell them that they have given me priceless gifts during the year. I say I like the really expensive stuff, the stuff you can’t buy. I tell them their gifts are; being there to help and thinking of me and doing things that needed doing without me asking. Every kind word at the right time and every bit of time expended on me is a greater gift than money can buy. They all go ahhh when I say it, but come Christmas day they all look uncomfortable when everyone is opening presents and I have none, but then I see a lot of wrapping paper on the floor and piles of pointless crap by each person, so I know I’m not missing out; Christmas is for the kids, though I do get my wife presents and the fun is that my son and daughter are both old enough to go shopping with me and choose stuff for her; help at last. As far as luxury gifts go I got mine early; no luxury gift greater than me working nights for Royal Mail, getting sick at midnight and walking four miles home, puking, freezing and dizzy to have my fourteen year old son open the door and when I collapsed on the sofa exhausted to have him help me get my back pack and coat off, cover me with a duvet and get me a bowl and some water; what a gift! He didn’t complain at being woken at 1 am and he didn’t think I was too tough to have him help his old dad. That’s about as luxurious as any gift a man can get, knowing that after all these years there’s a strong, intelligent young man whose got my back when I need it watching. Ahhhh. (Too cheesy?)
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