Baby's first Bears Game

String Bean enjoyed her 2nd ever professional sporting event today: a Chicago Bears game. It was in the 30s, but that did not stop her from napping during the first half and cheering throughout the second half.

She was by far the youngest child at the game (that we saw). She loved the attention she got from all the fellow fans. Sporting her Bears jersey, she rooted on the home team. (Like my play on words there?) She taunted the Rams fans sitting next to us, and ignored the drunk guy (who eventually passed out) a few rows in front of us.

All in all, it was a good day to visit Soldier Field! Bears win!

Need Unique Christmas Ideas?

I have some hard to shop for people on my list this year. I love to get well thought out gifts for people--things I think they will love. Sometimes that person who has everything makes that difficult!

My co-blogger, Amy, is planning on making Christmas gifts this year. Not me. I'm not so crafty. Instead, I thought I'd share with you some of the things I'm considering getting some special someones in my life. Maybe it will inspire you as you start finish up your shopping.

For Her:

I think I've mentioned previously that I am having a love affair with Etsy. I found this adorable customized rubber address stamp, Funky Swirls, made by designer babyjewels. There are quite a few customized stamps available on Etsy. Just do a search and you'll come up with all sorts of ideas and some shop owners who will work with you to get your own designs in stamp form.



If I were finished having children, I would be tempted to purchase Mommy Cards. What a cute idea to leave a calling card for your family when you meet new moms at the park, at school, or at church. This company will also do Pet Cards, Allergy Cards, Grandparent Cards and more. There are also designs appropriate for Dad Cards.

For Him:
Sports equipment. My man is into football. Maybe yours is into ping pong. Either way, getting some replacement sports equipment for that raggedy stuff that's falling apart in the garage would be a welcomed gift. Say you are getting a football and you just aren't exactly sure which football is the right one (there are about a billion out there ranging in price from $10 to $90 or more), you can always go the route of a gift card to the Sporting Goods store. Or one of those handmade coupons you used to make as a kid inscribed with "Good for one __________ of your choice from Dick's Sporting Goods." Bonus: purchasing a new play toy for that macho male in your home may just promote wellness and fitness!

You know that movie (or trilogy *cough, cough*) that the guy in your life just loves and for the life of you, you can't find any logic as to why? Chances are it has recently come out with a collector's edition that he does not own, yet (or in the case of Mr. Bean any collectible from his favorite move will do). Amazon.com is a great place to look for the latest (and often times cheapest) movies and the old favorites that you can't find on the shelf at the store.

For Anyone:
I love iTunes. If someone on your list has an ipod, you can't go wrong with iTunes gift cards. They come in denominations of $15, $25, $50 and $100 through the Apple Store. At least you know they will love what they get!


I wasn't sure how to graphically represent this idea, so I made the image above instead. Have you considered getting an "experience" gift for someone? One of my best Christmas gifts ever was a swim with the dolphins adventure at Sealife Park in Hawaii. I will never forget that day and I have photos to prove I did it! Think about the within-driving-distance locations with extreme adventures. Think about the people you know or the friends-of-friends that you could call that favor in from. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing: flying in a private plane, deep-sea fishing, shadowing the local meteorologist, rock-climbing, scuba diving lessons, wine tasting at a vineyard, golf lessons...you get the idea.

Good luck with your shopping!

Football and Golf

Don't forget to enter our giveaway which ends 11/30 at noon! As of this post, we have about 20 entries!!

My husband is a huge football fan. We watch Da Bears every Sunday. Ironically, he had to go to a meeting at church today and is missing the Bears Packers game. They are huge rivals and it is probably for the best that Mr. Bean is missing it since the Bears are...well...lets just say it isn't pretty right now at the end of the 3rd quarter.

My husband also loves to watch golf. He's a fan of Tiger Woods; I cheer for the underdog (usually Phil Mickelson) just to spite him.

I'm not much of a sports fan. I generally know the rules of the game, I just don't enjoy being a television spectator. I do OK if I am at the game. For me, sports, especially those played on the weekends, are for naps. It is Sunday, the Bears are playing, String Bean is asleep. I'd better go and... Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!