Thrifting, Candy Cane Lane, and Tree Reveal!

December 1st. An extremely bittersweet day for me. 

It's the day that announces to the world that Christmas - along with other holidays - are coming. It's the beginning of the end. It means that while we have 24 days of glorious festivities, the days are drawing closer to Christmas being over. It also means that the year is almost through. Again, bittersweet. 

I truly believe that 24 days is not nearly enough time to celebrate the greatest holiday I have the good fortune to celebrate. Which is why I decorate and go all out as soon as possible after Halloween. I also tend to keep my decorations up until end of January/early February. Honestly, I don't ever want it to end! I belong in the North Pole. Someday...

For now I'll just make due with what I have and the numerous Christmas celebrations offered around town. One of which is literally nicknamed, "Candy Cane Lane". Every year I try to take my little padawan to see the blocks of beautifully decorated houses, which are covered with Christmas lights galore. They even have a few houses that sell - and hand out free - hot cocoa and/or apple cider. It's a family event that allows for a calm stroll through a seemingly quiet neighborhood, that has put on a show of sorts, for all to come and admire. After a good 45 minute walk, you'll leave with a sense of Christmas spirit and smile of joy. 

Seeing as how it is the 1st, my uncle, son and I decided to take a quick look at "Candy Cane Lane". Not every house was up and running just yet, but it was still a sight to see. With new light shows, Star Wars blow up ornaments, and even music politely playing, we sipped our homemade cocoa in our warm jackets with a heart of glee. Everyone was pleased with the little that we saw and we've become determined to return for the full "festival". 

Seeing as how "Candy Cane Lane" isn't a huge thing to talk about, I thought I'd also share with you all a mini thrift haul that I've forgotten to post for you guys. A few of the items I've already semi-shared with you guys, but I couldn't leave you guys hanging. So I just decided to be all over the place with this post and squeeze it in here. Because I can and the things I found are awesome! They are kind of my "Christmas presents to myself", so it sort of fits in with the theme. 

I only found 5 things for this haul. 4 at the ever-faithful Goodwill and 1 at Target. 

The first was an infinity scarf in green, with a knit pattern. It's extremely warm and I am absolutely in love with how soft it is! Normally I'm quite picky with knit, as it can agitate my skin and make me itch, but thankfully with this $1 scarf, I don't have that issue at all. 

The second thing was a really cool Barbie shirt. To me it's hysterical and while it may be considered "immature" to some, I really don't give a flying patootie. I absolutely love it. It's soft, hysterical, and it's a good graphic design. Bottom line, I love my $3 shirt and there's nothing anyone can say to make me think otherwise. 

Next was a "gift" for my son, to help us with his addition for school. It's a box of flashcards that we found for $1 and it helps him to recognize the numbers AND do "speed" addition. He's gotten really good at it and loves taking a few of these with him on the road to practice. While I'm walking around doing chores, he even grabs a handful and follows me around to practice. They ended up coming in handy and now we've even started adding double digits! Mostly smaller numbers, but he's only in Kindergarten, so I think we're ok. 

The fourth find was something I shared with you guys briefly in a prior post (seen HERE) and on Instagram. It was a huge hit and trust me, as soon as I saw it I hugged it with all my might. It's an adorable cat head, in the galaxy, eating a slice of pizza and a taco. TELL ME THAT ISN'T AWESOME! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but this momma was extremely happy and more than willing to spend $4 on this soft and cuddly over-sized shirt. 

My last find - the only thing from Target - was also briefly shown on Instagram and on a prior post (HERE). A very soft and cuddly, knit patterned, cream beanie with a small faux fur poof on top. I freaking love this $3 find. It keeps my ears from freezing and hides my bed head. Also, it's another "knit" that doesn't itch me at all. Plus, it's adorable with the tiny FAUX fur poof. 

Overall I'm ecstatic with my thrift finds. I know they aren't crazy fantastic, but for having only spent $12 on these 5 items, I'll take that as a successful thrifting day!

Now that Christmas is nearing though, I don't think I'll be doing ANY more thrifting. I'm more focused on finding the perfect gifts for my padawan and family. I already have a few ideas for each loved one, but I definitely won't be sharing anything BEFORE Christmas. Don't want to spoil the surprise! I will however, be sharing a few gift ideas for you guys in another post. Just for additional inspiration. 

I hope you guys have had a great week so far! We only have 24 days until CHRISTMAS!!! Don't forget to enter my Winter Giveaway! It ends tomorrow (December 2nd, 2016) at 11:59pm PST. There's still time, but don't wait to long or you might just miss it! Click HERE to enter now!

With all the splendid Christmas festivities going on, we will be having a fun-filled December! What's your guys' favorite thing to do in December?