I missed out on a lot of blog parties yesterday. I had good intentions to join, but the day just got away from me, and I was just too tired. This pregnancy thing is getting a bit old. So I'm joining late. But I have to tell you, I loved all your name suggestions and have been going through them with my husband. Y'all should write a name book! Thank you so much~I have a few I love, and will let you know the final decision when he makes his appearance!

So, here are some more Christmas touches around my house. For those of you visiting the first time, there are lots more Christmas posts, just go to my December posts.

Be sure to check out some great Christmas ideas, tips, and decor at these blog parties:

Hooked on Houses tour

Here is another recipe I love. If you like coconut, almonds, and rice chex, you'll be in heaven. It's chewy and gooey and very addicting, plus super easy to make~microwave! I got the recipe from my friend, Ginger in Idaho.

Chewy Almond Chex MixIn large bowl, put

12-15 oz Rice Chex
2 cups shredded coconut
2 cups sliced almonds

What a title, huh?? :)

These little bells were also at the Dollar Tree again this year~they were in the ornament section, and I think they come 9 in a box? I know I should take a picture of what they look like at the store and what section they are in, but you're just going to have to bear with my pregnancy brain and find them. I liked the brushed silver ones because they remind me of the bell from the Polar Express. They are great fillers!

The Nester is having a show & tell with garland today~she is all about taking plain green garland and froofing it up with whatever you have about the house. I loved hers when I saw it and knew I wanted to fluff mine up. I took a plain green garland, added some clear lights, gathered some white berries that are on my mantle all year, some red sticks of berries from Target's global bazaar clearance last year, and some greenery garland from Hobby Lobby.

Do you remember the glass jar I got at a yard sale over the summer?
and the silver balls?

Maybe I should start calling this Melissa's Deal Blog, lol. I have to share good deals with friends though! I got in on this deal last year, and was so glad I did. Pottery Barn is clearancing out these
ornaments for $3.99 each, with free shipping and free personalization! (up to 8 characters!) Thanks to daves_wife over at FFD for the heads up on this deal! So, this is what I did last year:

ETA: It looks like most of the prices have gone back up, but if it's anything like the past few years, there will be more good deals to come! Good luck!

I am letting you in on a huge secret of how I get great gifts for my kids throughout the year for amazing prices. This is usually the best toy sale of the year, at the beginning of December! I have gotten crazy, crazy deals for the last couple of years that are even better than Black Friday. Even if all your Christmas shopping for your kids is done, think of the angel trees, toys for tots, birthdays, cousins, toys for the "gift closet," etc.