Christmas – Page 5 – Unlikely Martha

Christmas

Socially Responsible Gifting with Hickory Farms

As we are right on top of Christmas for the last minute shopper there are still teacher gifts to purchase, and hostess gifts to buy.

Hickory Farms has some awesome gift baskets and products that fit the need of last minute shoppers…like me. There are a variety of products to choose from that are affordable for any budget. Hickory Farms prides themselves on providing a high level of quality, freshness and value in all of their products. With the gift basket that we received I was a little skeptical, however everything was very fresh. Even after we opened and refrigerated the cheese it was still very fresh.

Social responsibility amongst brands is something that I take very serious. I love to support businesses that give back. Hickory Farms does just that with their partnership with non-profit organization Share Our Strength (SOS), that works toward ending childhood hunger. For each Party Planner gift box sold Hickory Farms is donating $5 this holiday season to the charity.

Party Planner Gift Box

In addition the company is also working with Operation Gratitude this holiday season to create care packages for members of the military and their families. Hickory Farms is also offering free shipping of 8 select products including “Home for the Holidays” to military APO and FPO addresses.

Home for the Holidays basket

Happy Shopping!

Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms.

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Children• Christmas• Family• Weekend

Weekend Wrap Up

I think it goes without saying that I am totally heartbroken, disgusted, and fearful regarding the shooting and the senseless murders of all those who lost their lives in Newtown, CT. The entire weekend I was in my feelings about how much control we really don’t have when it comes to the safety of our children when they are out of our sight. Hell, the reality is we really have little control at all. Someone can break into our homes or ambush us in the mall or theater or ram into our car at a stoplight. This has really shown me that every moment spent with our loved ones is so precious and should be treated as such because we truly never know.

I’ve cried about this, I’ve pondered, I’ve hugged my children and my husband a little tighter this past weekend. My conclusion is that the only real defense I have for keeping my family and loved ones safe is to pray and believe that God will protect them daily.

As far as my weekend shenanigans go, I stayed pretty low key this weekend.

Friday evening, I volunteered my time with the Pajama Program and when my obligation there was completed I skipped over to a party sponsored by Just Fab that was hosted by Danielle, Eboni and Trina.

top: Dee Dee, Dominique, Danielle bottom: Yours Truly, Breck

Saturday I spent the majority of the day under my covers thinking about those poor babies and their families. My husband was so kind as to take the children out with him while he ran some errands. I napped and when he came back solo because the children wanted to stay with my inlaws we went out to dinner and off to Walmart to finish up our Christmas shopping…what an impromptu date night.

Two bikes and a Doc McStuffins Doctor bag…How romantic!!

The “sickies” have been passed around so much around here I’ve lost count. So let’s just say my son was out of school two days last week and now the baby is sick again. Sunday I was busy trying to nurse her back to health. I did manage to get out and do some grocery shopping and visit Ulta for some Christmas gifts.

That’s all folks. How was your weekend…considering?

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Christmas• Holidays• Weekend

Weekend WrapUp

Hey!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

This weekend was slightly busy but in a good, non stressful kind of way. A few weeks ago a couple of my girlfriends from college and I thought it would be a good idea to do a gift exchange and cookie party for our children. On Friday evening, we all gathered at the hostess’ house and helped the children make cookies, and ornaments. We then ate pizza and exchanged gifts. The entire time we were doing our festive activities I just kept thinking how did we go from passing out and holding each other up in the club to baking and making Christmas crafts with a whole bunch of kids…I know. God is able.

Saturday we took it easy and around 4 o’clock we drug ourselves out of the house to do some grocery shopping and get our Christmas tree. Get home, put the groceries up, and the children are so excited to decorate the tree. After searching high and low for the ornaments for at least 20 minutes I conveniently remembered that I threw them all away last year with the intent to buy all new ones. Please don’t judge me. To appease those babies I let them recklessly string lights on the tree until I can get to Walmart today to get some new ornaments. I said don’t judge!!!

Sunday was a busy day. The first stop was to a local tweet up with Motions haircare. The event was hosted by Danielle of The Style and Beauty Doctor and Lexi of Lexi With the Curls. We went around discussing our natural hair journeys, and exchanged tips on how to style our hair for the holidays. I got some great tips and some great products. More detailed post to come later in the week.

Left from the tweetup and headed over to Ammazza a new pizzeria here in Atlanta. There is a group of mothers here that go by Georgia Social Media Moms and the event here was our first Christmas Party. Everyone was welcome to bring their families but I went solo..~~.cause I needed a minute to myself~~. The pizza was amazing, and the atmosphere was equally magnificent. I will definitely be headed back there with the family in tow. Unfortunately my camera and phone were dying by the time I got there so I don’t have many photos but the ambiance was amazing. If you are in Atlanta check them out.

For Sunday’s festivities I wore:

Shirt: Thrifted Jeans: Thrifted Belt: Thrifted Shoes: Target Clearance $5.98!!!!!

Overall an awesome weekend. How was yours? Are your Christmas decorations up? Is your Christmas shopping done, almost done or are you still waiting on the spirit of Christmas present to move you?

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Christmas• Holidays

Handmade/Small Business Holiday Gift Guide

I know I should’ve had this up for Small Biz Saturday but….no time better than the present.

In my dealings and perusing on the inter-webs and the streets of Atlanta I come across some pretty unique and useful things. As Christmas is upon us I thought I would highlight some of these businesses that I have patronized and love.

1. Pretty Girl Bow-Rettes by Antonette: I love her hairbows. I MAY or may not have bought some to give as a gift and kept them for myself…don’t be like me.

2. Expressions by BTS Events Inc.: She plans events and makes invitations and stationary by hand. She is currently running a Christmas card special. For $40 you can receive 20 one of a kind Christmas cards with your photo of choice. Pricing includes envelopes and shipping.

3. Bernetta’s Body Butter Blend: You all may be familiar with Bernetta from her blog but she also whips up the most ash busting body butter. I have used it on my skin, and the baby’s hair. I’m hooked.

4. D’Lish Soap Factory: I’m not sure how I came across this brand but I purchased some as a gift and was real tempted to keep it for myself. FYI, you can’t eat this, it’s soap!

5. Wrist Soiree: Once again one of my incessant late night internet sessions dropped this shop in my lap. I love these bracelets and I love the pricing on them even more. How unique are these

6. LaLynns: Efie doesn’t just blog but runs an accessories shop that has some very unique statement jewelry pieces. Whether you are in search of something for a special event or for everyday wear she has something for you.

7. Nineteen Pieces: I love jewelry can’t you tell. Nineteen Pieces also offers up some unique handmade pieces that are made to look like their more expensive counterparts.

I was not provided any compensation for this gift guide. I just like to share the love and give you somewhere to start in the event you were stumped on what to get me the people on your list for Christmas!!!!!!

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