Once upon a time…..

"Do you have to potty?", my mother asked me one last time before bundling me up to head outside into the snow. I shook my head, "no". She looked at me with concern, but with the expression of a parent who was trying not to worry.  It was Christmas Eve and the second year in a row that tonsillitis had decided that the holiday was going to be spent at the doctor's office instead of waiting eagerly for Santa Claus. Mom and I stood huddled by the front door, as the sunlight danced between the snowflakes.

To My Dearest Friends, It’s been a challenging week here in Los Angeles. As I sit here, writing my thoughts from my safe, but smoky home in Beverly Hills, I have never been prouder of you. I am grateful to be one of you.

You checked your list twice, and sure enough, everyone was super nice this year. Darn your amazing friends and family! Ugh. Everyone deserves a treat, and it’s daunting because that could add up to a ton of {cookie} dough. But when the going gets tough, the tough get glue-guns! We have crafts for everyone on your list that will save the dough for more cookies to fill your Gingerbread mansion and be really fun to make. Have a gift-making party with your friends! This is the time of year to get together. While gift giving is fun, there’s something we should all keep in mind: No matter your budget, and no matter how special the people in your life are… Remember that expressions of love and gratitude do not have price tags attached. You can opt out of Black Friday and still feel that magical holiday feeling. Keeping that in mind, here are some ideas for the foodies, pet lovers, green thumbs, and birders in your life. Happy crafting!