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I'm staring at my Christmas tree. I know, insane, it's not even Halloween.

I finally found the one that for years I have been pining for. (No pun intended, pine-ing). A long needle country pine, like the country cabin Christmas trees, but done in artificial. (How come nobody does long needle faux pines?). It arrived...in a huge-normous box. And instead of dragging it downstairs into my utility closet to store for a month...before dragging it back UPSTAIRS to setup for "the season"...I decided now was as good a time as any. I love it. Only regret is I should have ordered the 9footer. Somehow 7.5foot sounds tall but when you get it in your home, I dunno, it doesn't look as towering and grand as I imagined. Long needle pine are my fav. Growing up Mom used to swear by Douglas Fir. No idea why, but she used to say they were the best. How can you tell the difference? Fraser, Douglas...they all look the same to me. It's crazy how many versions of pine trees there are...

Since I'm in Christmas mode (and soon on Nov 1st, that "one" local radio station in your area will probably begin playing Xmas songs 24/7) I thought I'd share some "splurge" gift picks with you. Just a few things I stumbled on while surfing www.qvc.com:

1. Dennis Basso 100% cashmere throw - (I'm ordering this for...well, I don't know who yet)

2. Isaac New York Collection Rock Crystal Bracelet - (I own it and adore it. it is so worth it!)

3. Judith Ripka Princess Cut Tennis Bracelet - (I wear mine every day and get many inquiries from you all)

I will keep sleuthing and keep you posted, but these are three of my sure bet, absolutely "winner-winner-chicken-dinner" splurges. I also think PooPoouri is the #1 best stocking stuffer, followed by the Emjoi micropedi for the gals in your life. Check out my other handpicked loves on my host bio page. (All handpicked, no shameless plugs or pushy sales stuff in the bunch. They all are items I adore.) PS: Every Monday night on Isaac we are also now giving you Isaac-ified gift ideas. It's a new segment in place of the 'Shawny Sue Go To', we now call for the holidays, the 'Shawny Sue Gift To'. I already ordered last week's and it just arrived - Isaac 100% cotton cozy floral PJ's.

Also, you know I love inspiration jewelry and jewelry that tells a story. Well, not only are there a couple more pieces to the 'Shawn's Hear My Soul Speak' collection coming soon from Italy, but I am so excited about an item I'm told we are going to be offering this holiday season. It's a sterling silver pendant necklace in the shape of someone you love's, signature. You could have your granddaughter, or your husband etc, sign the provided form, and this company casts a pendant in sterling, of their signature. (A friend of mine has one she had her jeweler make of her 6 year old daughter's signature, in gold and diamonds, and I've admired it forever!)

In other news, I think the Killinger family Christmas is in Nashville this year. Our family has a ton of birthdays in November and December so Christmas shopping is always combined with birthday shopping. And my poor brother always gets shafted because his bday is New Years Eve, and no matter how you spin it, his bday always gets eclipsed by Christmas and all his gifts run into one. Thinking about getting him a fitness band called "FitBitFlex". Two of my friends own and wear them. I just bought myself one.

Tracks your calories and your sleep, and you wear it on your wrist like a bracelet, or near your watch. Also already got my niece who turns 8 in November, a set of Heys luggage in the most darling print. Am thoroughly stumped by what to buy 2year old nephew. I'm not so plugged into boys. Barrettes and Barbie's are much easier. Don't even get me started about what to buy my Mom.

BFF Jenny is coming to my place for Thanksgiving, from Alabama, this year. I got a chance to see her while I was home in Michigan for a week, helping my parents through some health stuff. I went to High School with Jenny and Laurie.

They are two of my besties. I wish we lived closer because as I get older, I miss them and that special "they really know me" bond we share. Going home is a special thing. Just driving by my high school brings back so many memories. Jenny is going to help me cook the turkey, which is good because a couple years ago I cooked one for my family and I cooked it upside down. Tasted delicious, looked a bit funky.

One other thing I wanted to share, if you don't have the chance to follow me and join the 'good news sharing' on my FB page every "Wonderful Wednesday", this is Lisa.

Lisa is my pseudo big sis. I've known her since I was 13 and she is the reason I know how to put on mascara, and have highlighted my hair for as long as I can remember. Lisa has known my family for almost 30years. She came to my wedding wearing a wig back in April, because she had nearly completed treatments for breast Cancer and was in the early stages of remission. Well, I had dinner with Lisa when I was in Michigan. She has hair! And she is still in remission, and feeling great. She is full of energy, has gone back to work, and says the journey through Cancer gave her incredible perspective on life. She also says the women she met through her treatment, along with her 17yr old daughter Madison who is mature beyond her years, are what got her through. This week I had a life hiccup, one that hurt and threatened to steal my hope. And Lisa sent me sunflowers. Little did she know, they are my favorite. It was like receiving a bouquet of angel wings. I love Lisa, and this is going to be her first Christmas as a Cancer survivor. And that gift of life beats any dumb splurge that comes wrapped with a bow.

s x