Seems like I’ve been gone forever! Just a few days in a totally different environment can do that to you. I spent Thanksgiving at my brother’s house in Michigan. A great event – fabulous dinner (he is a former chef) and lots of visiting with my nieces and nephews and their children. I also did some thrift store shopping with my SIL.

Financially, it was not too bad. Hotel: $189; Groceries: $56; Gas: $34; Eating out: $15. My thrift store shopping amounted to $26, and for that I got a fabulous Jones New York trench coat, a cardigan, a trendy long-sleeved tee and a couple of stocking stuffers for my kids.

Also spent $48 for my son’s birthday present, one of those Rio Grande games that he loves.

Now I have to do some serious Christmas shopping. Planning to check the Amazon lists this noon. I also have a Groupon for Nordstrom Rack, which I hope to use for something for the girls, and a $50 Macy’s gift card is on the way thanks to MyPoints. I haven’t yet tapped into my “Christmas Club” – the five dollar bills I’ve been saving. I think I have about $140 there.

The big gift exchange will be on December 18, so I don’t have much time. Plus, this weekend will be a wipeout, because I am babysitting Friday night, taking my grandson to a play & breakfast with Santa on Saturday, and on Sunday I am working at our big Christmas event. Tired already just thinking about it!