
This week I ordered the
Estee Lauder Holiday Gift Set! It is my all-time favorite gift set and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
I wish I could say I purchase it every year, but sadly, I do not. What usually happens is that I can't justify the purchase, I forget or actually don't need the new makeup. This year, I did not forget and I do need new makeup, so it was a perfect (expensive)"treat" for me. (Hey, my birthday is coming up... that's my justification!)

In addition to the holiday gift set, EL was offering a free gift when you spend over $50.00. The free gift was 4 eyeshadows, makeup brushes, a lip gloss and small bottle of "Beautiful" perfume.
And if that wasn't enough..., I was able to select 2 free sample size gifts at check out, so I selected a eyeshadow and sample of "Sensuous" perfume. Shipping was free and I got it within 3 days! You can't beat that!
On Thursday, I joined Elisan's class for their field trip to
Central Market, a division of HEB. I was awesome! I mean, y'all know I love food, so going to a grocery store on a field trip - much less a fancy one - was right up my alley! I could have spent gobs and gobs of money, but I administered restraint while I was there. Now, that's not to say I won't be making another trip again - this time by myself or with another foodie friend! (Any takers?)
One of the most intriguing items of interest was the
Black Truffle. Notice the price. $199.00 per pound. Yep, that was no misprint. The lady leading the tour said that this small container of black truffles was over $6.00. Yep, I see three in there.

I'm intrigued by the truffle and wonder what makes it so pricey. Anyone ever had a dish made with truffles? I'd love to know!
Friday, Kyla had her Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast. The kids were so adorable in their pilgrim and Indian costumes. It was such a sweet time. Here she is with some friends!

Finally, I am in the process of making my Christmas list. Last year, I discussed
Christmas budgets. So, this year, I wanted to get some feedback regarding gift cards.
I recently read an article that stated that a quarter of gift cards received as gifts go unused. That was UNUSED MONEY! I am (and have always been) stunned by this fact. Who does not used gift cards, I always wonder?
I personally LOVE giving (and receiving) gift cards. I love giving them because it allows me to stick to my budget. If I budget $25.00 for my nephews, I spend $25.00 on a gift card. No more over spending. In addition, I love getting gift cards because I love to shop - in the store and online.
I have only ever received one gift card that I didn't spend right away and that was to iTunes. It was because I wanted to carefully select the songs I downloaded. Even now, I still have about $2.00 left on that card.
So, in light of the holiday gift giving season, participate in the poll in the right hand column. I'm interested in your answers!