Love, Joleen Photography Blog

50 for $100

Choose from any of these designs! Ends November 20th! Email me with any questions. ♥

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Guys

1. I got the Kindle Keyboard last Christmas and I'm obsessed with it. There are other versions now, including a touch screen, but this is really easy to use at a reasonable cost. Load it up with games and/or books or throw an Amazon giftcard in his stocking.

2. Whiskey Rocks are used to chill a single malt without diluting it. "These soapstone cubes are milled by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States." Sounds good to me!

3. These Trick Golf Balls crack me up! I know a couple of guys who need these this year. :)

4. "Where I've Been" Scratch Map Travel Edition" - think lottery ticket meets world map; track and share your travels in a unqiue way. I think it would look great in his office.

5. The Limited Edition Dark Side Star Wars Moleskine Journal is great for the guy who loves Star Wars and journaling/keeping notes. I love my Moleskine journals!

6. Along with his awesome new journal, he'll need a Moleskine Roller Pen! "Crafted by the makers of legendary notebooks, this refillable pen with cap and clip is easy to take with you and writes wonderfully. 0.7mm". I recently purchased one for a friend and he says he loves it!

7. The Walking Dead: Season 1 - "Arguably the biggest hit of the 2010 television season, the apocalypse drama The Walking Dead pulls the zombie subgenre out of its overexposed doldrums and finds, ironically enough, the humanity and emotion beneath its rotting shell." This is such a great show! I can't imagine a guy who wouldn't love it. ;)

8. Golfers BBQ Set - Hello! Golf and BBQ?! I know a few dads that would love this quirky gift. Great price, too!

9. "5: Where Will You Be Five Years From Today" - "Where will you be five years from today? You are the hero of the story in this delightful book by Dan Zadra and Kristel Wills that celebrates all the promise and possibilities in life. Inspiring and empowering, 5 helps you explore your potential while motivating you to take the driver's seat in life...Carpe diem! Makes a great coffee table book or gift." I was first introduced to this book earlier this year (or late last year?) by the family I worked for. I love the concept of this book. Such a great gift for the planner/goal oriented guy in your life.

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Kids

1. Chocolate Magic Milk Straws (there is also one with mint) would make the perfect stocking stuffer.

2. This custom color Alphabet & Numbers Nursery Art Print Set would be great in any child's room. You get to select your own colors!

3. By far my favorite kids item this season - Smencils - takes me back to the scented markers of years past, only these are colored pencils! *swoon*

4. Custom/Commissions Portrait by D. Passarelli - lovely!

5. Obviously I'm partial to pugs; loving this take on the traditional piggy bank. :)

6. Plush Fox Pillows - unique, handmade, art AND a toy. Fabulous.

7. What child doesn't like stickers?! With the baby xyron they can turn anything [1.5" wide] (stamped/drawn images; written name; ribbon; etc.) into a sticker!!

8. Where was Seedling when I was a kid? These crafting kits are so awesome they make me want to BE a kid. The kit pictured is the Seedling. Paint a Wooden Family kit.

9. "Doodles At Dinner" are tear-away coloring placemats that have step by step drawing instructions.

10. Crayon Rolls are the perfect handmade gift for a young crafter to store his/her crayons. These would be perfect with the doodle sheets in a "to-go" bag for any little one. I love this print.

11. Mr. and Ms. Food Face are a hoot! Playing with your food is encouraged.

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

Reflection

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Do you ever feel pressure to say just the right thing? It's hard to be your true self when you know that you're constantly being evaluated - by your boss, your friends, your family. I challenge you to name one person you know who doesn't want to be accepted by somebody else. It is because of this that I sometimes find it hard to write in this format. I feel I need to weigh my words against the feelings of others or the thoughts of my peers.

Lately, I've spent a lot of time in reflection. My life is still as busy as ever (with work, socializing, and creative endeavors) but so much less chaotic, if that makes sense. I still overanalyze everything. I still consider all the "what ifs" and "if onlys". At the same time I feel more at peace in my heart, head, and soul, than I have in a very long time. I can't remember the last time I was ridden with anxiety or had a panic attack. I wake up every day and try to live up to my potential. I know that God has great things in store for my life and I'm excited to be living it.

Without going in to great detail my sister, Sarah, decided to move back to California to be with my parents and the rest of our family. My mom was here last week and it was great to be able to spend quality time with her before they set off on Saturday. They're driving back with all of Sarah's belongings and are due to be home tomorrow. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers you've shared for their continued safety. I already miss having my sister here but I know that it was the best decision for her and I'm excited to see what's in store for her in the coming months! (We took these silly photos together a few weeks ago.)

With all the commotion and change around here it's brought up a lot of thoughts and feelings for me. It's honestly frustrating at times and catches me off guard to feel sad or, at times, angry, at certain people and situations. These are feelings that I don't want to harbour in my heart anymore. I know that healing takes time and patience - my life is a testament to that - but sometimes I wish it came a little quicker and easier, don't you? ♥

St. Ive's Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Expo

Come visit me at the Garlic Festival Foods booth today at St. Ive's Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Expo!!

Sunday, Nov 6 12:00 to 5:00 pm.

"Annual event featuring 40+ of the Southeast's finest artisans and crafters, plus a gourmet bake sale. Handcrafted gold & silver jewelry, fashion accessories, holiday décor, handmade organic soaps & beauty products, unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. $5.00 admission includes shopping tote and raffle ticket. All proceeds go to charities CGSI supports: North Fulton Community Charities, STAR House, Mary Hall Freedom House, CHRIS Kids, Wellspring Living and Assistance League of Atlanta."

St. Ives Country Club
One Saint Ives Country Club Dr.
Duluth, GA 30097
(770) 623-1239