Christmas is here. I’m so excited, it’s ridiculous. For some reason, finding out that Santa Claus doesn’t exist didn’t deter from the magic of the holiday season for me. I still get all watery-eyed when I see a house decked out in lights. I can’t help but pick up wrapped packages and shake them. I’ve managed to fit seven Christmas trees — of varying sizes — in my home. It’s sick really.
This year, the fact that money is tight hasn’t gotten me down a bit. Instead of buying pre-made gifts for loved ones, I’ve resorted to sharing my talents. I’ve done some drawings and paintings for family members, offered up my husband’s photography skills to others and baked cookies and other goodies for the rest. I had to make sure I was able to get all of this done though, so there was some preparation needed. Before any baking could begin, I checked the List and find someone to service our oven — I can’t have my good-baking name marred by burnt sugar cookies!
Jackie is editor of
Quality + Design, the
Angie's List newsletter.
She's currently owned by three Great Danes named Silas, Eppie and Augustus Merriweather as well as two angry tabby cats, Bob and Polly. Her favorite album is anything by Radiohead.
I love October — it’s the best time of year. Here in Indiana the leaves start to change and the weather becomes mild. Across the nation, the NFL gets into full swing, the NBA season starts, the MLB post-season begins and we celebrate one of my favorite holidays, Halloween.
I love the horror movies on AMC and TCM, the haunted houses, fake cobwebs, witch costumes and Jack-O’-Lanterns.
Originating in Europe, Jack-O’-Lanterns were first carved from rutabagas and turnips. The name evolved from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a greedy old farmer who liked to drink and gamble. Mr. Stingy J trapped the devil up in a tree by carving a cross into the tree trunk. Continue reading ‘I love October’
Conor is an associate editor for
Angie's List magazine. He has a cat named Kanye and a puppy named Sherman, his favorite movie is
Back to the Future, he loves playing basketball and his favorite place is his couch.
