Bonne Annee!

{...that's french for happy new year...oui,oui...}

Wishing you blessings in the New Year.  Be Well. Be Good. Be Happy.

Quote of the Week

"Where words fail, music speaks." ~Hans Christian Anderson

Wishing You All....

....a very Merry Christmas!
{love}
The Zebra crew.

Quote of the Week

"A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice." ~Bill Cosby

Santa Baby- Mom Edition

  Just a little list of the things that make me swoon.  Just a little.  

Nook Color:

My obsession with books is slowly moving from the collection phase to the hoarding phase.  This sweet e-reader will help me help myself.

Breville Pie Maker:

I’m crushing on this pie maker something awful!! This is so beyond a want….. I need this!

Pretty, Shiny Things:

This lovely piece was made by my very talented sister/girlfriend, Robin.  You can check out more of her goodies here

Golden Rules:

Love the sentiment behind the sign. 

Mommy Needs a Break:

I lost my craft area when we decided to homeschool both kiddo’s.  Since then, I’ve been like a nomad looking for a home.  I need a space to craft and create.  It’s been hard and I’m willing to take my crafty goodness to the closet.  Seriously!!  I’m willing to take over a small part of our overly crammed master closet.   Just one wall, a table and a chair.  I’m not picky, but I need a space to do what makes my spirit happy.  You know the old, wise tale:  “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”  Truer words were never spoken.  Oh, and can I get some more time.  Seriously, 24 hours is just ain’t cutting it for me anymore.

 

So what are you feigning for the Christmas season.  Let’s pretend that Santa is trying to impress you with a goody that would make you heart flutter, what would it be?  Remember the sky is the limit!!

Quote of the Week

"No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I'm not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal. " ~Bill Cosby

Oh, the places I go...

• Just looking at this picture makes me drool.  I am so making this next week.
• I'm doing this in 2011 even if it starts to become tedious. I've started before and by March, I'm over it, but next year will be different.  Her ideals inspire me to try again.
• Oh, and since I'm going to be doing 365, I would love any of these great prizes here. 
• This site makes me want to get married again.  Same man, new dress!!(..a girl can dream, right?)
• Oh, I'm so stealing, **cough** using this ideal to help create some inexpensive, yet uniquely personal,Christmas gifts. 
• Girl Power!!  Oh, how I love the Corps!!!  Semper Fi!! More pictures here

• I need to make these puppies quick before I eat all the toffee candy bars.  I've never had a toffee candy bar before and now I can't imagine my life without them.  I love you Toffee!
• In need of some new Christmas music?  Lucky for you. Pink Martini has you covered. Honestly, Pink Martini will never do you wrong!!
• I absolutely adore this book. As a homeschooling mom, this is my go to book for all subjects. Absolute must have.
• I found this rather interesting.
• I. Want. This.  ( you listening hubby?) 

Yeah, I know,  I spend waaay to much time online!  So what have you been up to this week?

Santa Baby- The Mulitcultural Edition

Here’s a quick list of some of the things you might want to include on your Christmas list.  And, of course, most items will have a multiracial/cultural/ethnic vibe.  Enjoy!

For the Girlie Girls:

This lovely doll is called Bella by Vanange dolls.  She comes with a book( definitely has a Christian vibe, but not over the top ) and the price is comparative to an American Girl doll.  Thankfully, that’s where the similarities end.   Bella is biracial with a black mom and a white dad(….and, no, this is not a typo..LOL!!).  Each doll comes with their own unique story and each doll is somehow connected.    Oh, yeah, this cutie below is named  Marybelle.  Marybelle is Bella’s first cousin and best friend!!   Seriously, this doesn’t get any better!!!  I. Just. Love.  it!!

And to sweeten the deal the company is offering all the dolls half off.  Don’t worry, I’ll do the math for you, it’s $49.99 and trust me, well worth the price.

For the Girl Who Love Geography:


Ling comes from Karito Kids and is another absolutely gorgeous dolls.  I’m also a huge fan of the company because with each purchase of a Karito Kid doll your child actually gets to help another child by selecting a charity in which to give a donation.  Is that the coolest concept or what? 

For the Girl Who Dreams Big:

I love these paper dolls from Eeboo.

I just about fell out of my seat when I saw this at Dolls Like Me.  This is an action figure of Asian Space Shuttle  Commander, Dr. Amy Taylor.    Seriously, how cool is this!!  Oh, and did I mention it’s on sale.

For the Boys:
I hate to tell you, but if you have a biracial or multiracial little boy, your pickings will be  slim.  On the upside though, most boys( okay, my boy) loves action figures like Iron Man, Batman and Spiderman. Thankfully,  they all wear mask, so race is an non-issue.  My little guys preference is cars and you can’t go wrong with Matchbox.

This cutie pie is Bur Bur, a biracial little boy who loves to hang out and play baseball with all of his buddies.  Bur Bur originally started out as a series of books by JoAnne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons- both moms of multiracial, multicultural kids.  You can check out their site here.

Okay, sorry boys, but that’s all I got!!  I know, poor boys!!

Now on to the non-gender toys( my fave )
For the poet:


For the Book Lover:


For Family Game Night:


For the Budding Artist:


Whew, well that’s it.  I really hope it helps those looking to put a little culture into your Christmas bag.  Happy Shopping!!

Quote of the Week

"Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach Out. Share. Smile. Hug." ~OG Mandino