Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

Gift buying is at the top of everyone's list this time of year. Remember to get something special for your kids' teachers as well. Get started with these naughty and nice gift ideas--- an enjoyable treat for the teacher and something nice for the classroom too. Check ahead for food/scent allergies. Something naughty: Holiday scented bubble bath and lotion set, such as peppermint, cinnamon or vanilla. Something nice: Box of glue sticks. Wrap it: Inside a one foot plastic rectangular bin (with a lid) to keep things organized at home or at school. Wrap the bin with recycled wrapping paper and top with a festive bow. Something naughty: To-go tumbler mug stuffed with instant flavored coffees and hot cocoa packets. Something nice: Small case of hand sanitizer gels. Wrap it: Inside a reusable cloth tote bag for groceries or carrying items to and from home/school. Something naughty: Blockbuster movie gift card with a box of microwave popcorn. Something nice: Paperback dictionary and thesaurus. Wrap it: Use a square cloth tote bin for home/classroom organization. Stuff with shredded recycled construction paper. Something naughty: Milk or dark chocolate assortment from a local or on-line candy shop. Something nice: Kleenex boxes and/or sanitizer cleaning wipes (for desks and tables). Wrap it: Small but colorful trash bin for home or classroom use. Cushion the inside with recycled tissue paper and tie a holiday ribbon around the outside. Something naughty: Soothing lip gloss and glittery nail polish. Something nice: Package of colorful white board markers. Wrap it: Inside a new cloth make-up carrying case for her purse or drawer at school. You've got extra green for something exceptional? Try these gift options below: Something naughty: Local dinner gift card to a fancy restaurant. Something nice: An electronic tablet for the classroom for on-line quizzes and learning websites. Wrap it: Inside a sophisticated briefcase or leather tote bag. Something naughty: A spa gift card for a relaxing massage or facial. Something nice: Set of learning/academic books/DVDs (try to find out your teacher's preference ahead of time). Wrap it: Inside a lightweight magazine rack, for use at home or at school. Tie a simple bow around the outside using reusable twine.

Tis the season to give-- but why not enjoy yourself in the process? Some must have mommy essentials: First: After dropping the kids at school (or letting Daddy watch them on Saturday morning), head to your local caffeine refill station to buy your favorite fru-fru coffee drink. You can get the skinny version if you must, but don't skimp on flavor; add some low-cal mint, nutmeg, or cinnamon for a little zing. Catch up on a few texts while you wait and then you're off! Second: Head to your favorite department store for that little black dress you've been dying to fit into all year long. Reward yourself for all that hard work at the gym. And get some new shoes while you're at it. Make sure they're cozy but sexy too, not just practical "Mommy" shoes. You need to sparkle at those upcoming parties and holiday banquets, so grab some new earrings and a necklace too. While you're there, pick up that flashy new watch your mother-in-law wants and boom, it's one thing off your list! Auntie might like that new handbag two aisles over as well. Third: Bounce over to the salon for a new hairstyle and a manicure. What better way to get ready for the new year than to charge December with a new look? Go darker, go lighter, go redder, go longer, go shorter (well, you could get extensions???), it doesn't matter as long as you're feeling fabulous. Did I mention you should bring a best friend along for your day as queen? (This is where she pushes you over the edge when you're thinking of running back to your car.) Nails are next. Now, you could go with the standard French manicure, or you could pick a dazzling red, pink, or green, depending on your personality. The last stop: This one is for your home. Since you spend so much time in it, spoil yourself with a few calming items for your surroundings. Buy a new holiday candle for your kitchen: creme brulee, peppermint, or vanilla. Then get a fragrant holiday wreath for the front door. Tip: when the season is over, you can dispose of your wreath in the backyard fire-pit for some fun S'mores with the kids. But you forgot to buy some fun holiday hand soap for the downstairs bathroom? Not a problem, there's a warm apple crisp one waiting for you just a few stores over. After being on your feet all day long, head home to soak with your new pomegranate bubble bath. Did I mention you might need another job to pay for all of this? That's okay, spending less will be a resolution for the upcoming year, not this one, LOL. :)

Go green and save some green too-- with these easy lunch trades! Try them for work as well! Trade This: Traditional juice box/pouch or water bottle For That: Reusable (bpa free) plastic or stainless steel canteen. Make sure it's top rack dishwasher safe and that the lid seals tightly to avoid leaks. An easy trick: rinse it right when kids get home and flip it over on the drying rack so it's ready for the next day. Trade This: Brown paper bag and paper napkin For That: Reusable lunch pail and matching cloth napkin (preferably from recycled materials). Pick a design that hides stains so items last all year long. Buy some extra napkins to use at home too! Let kids see that small choices make a big impact. Trade This: Plastic sandwich bags and foils For That: Reusable (bpa free) plastic containers with lids. Pick fun colors and designs to make lunch-time more cheerful! Helpful tip: choose one drawer near the dishwasher to store these smaller items so you don't lose your marbles hunting them down each morning.