It's that time of year again!  Jason, my husband, has put together a fabulous set of Gift Ideas for Dad aka his Christmas wish list.

And even if some of the categories like Universal Studios and The College of William & Mary are very specific, it's easy to think about what future vacations your family may be going on and where the special man in your life went to school.

Let's take a closer look at his ideas!

Our family is heading to Universal Studios at the end of January. This is our big family Christmas gift.  The boys had such a fun time there with me in September that Jason became a little jealous. Needless to say he wants to make sure he has lots of fun when he goes.  Vacations always give Jason the best excuse to buy new t-shirts and other clothing items which he's always in desperate need of.  And of course what would The Wizarding World of Harry Potter be like without your own wand?  

Interactive Sirius Black Wand

E.T. T-Shirt-Adult Size Large

Harry Potter Gryffindor Baseball Cap

Jurassic Park T-Shirt Black

Harry Potter Weasley's Wizard Wheezes T-Shirt

Marvel X-Men Zip Up Hoodie

Returning to Virginia to live last year has definitely brought back a lot of memories from college.  I think the fact that we return to Williamsburg, VA for regular weekend getaways also adds to the nostalgia.  It only seems appropriate to be proud of your alma mater.

William & Mary Alumni License Plate Frame

William & Mary Winter Hat

William & Mary Keychain

William & Mary Baseball Cap

William & Mary Scarf

William & Mary Hoodie Sweatshirt

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Jason loves cooking and pretty much anything to do with really great food.  We share cooking responsibilities and both enjoy our time in the kitchen.  Jason can't wait to try out these new items!

The Indian Cooking Course

Made in India

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Natural Sea Salt Sampler

Laxmi Indian Spice Pack-5 Spices

MiToo Coffee Warmer

One of our favorite ways to celebrate the end of the week is to curl up on the couch when the kids go to bed and watch a good movie.  This list includes superhero movies that the boys don't like that he does, and a few others he's been wanting for a while.

Captain America: Civil War Blu-ray

Spider-Man: Homecoming Blu-ray

The Planet Earth Collection Blu-ray

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection 7 DVD

The Princess Bride (Criterion Collection Blu-ray)

A Hard Day's Night Criterion Collection Blu-ray/DVD

Music has become a part of everyday life for Jason as he works from home at the computer for several hours a day.  He has completely worn out his collection and definitely needs some new tunes.  We're still big into CDs as we always have a hard copy to use in the car or wherever else we may be, and they also don't require Internet to play.

The Beatles (White Album) 3 CD Deluxe Edition

Metallica ...And Justice for All 3 CD Set

REM Automatic For The People 2 CD Set

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody Movie Soundtrack CD

David Bowie-Glastonbury 2000 2 CD Set

Joe Strummer 001 (2 CD Set)

It's no secret that Jason LOVES to read.  If he doesn't have a great book he'll read anything he can get his hands on.  These are his newest requests.

No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon

Abraham Lincoln: A Life (Volume 2)

Beastie Boys Book

Brain Games Jeopardy: Puzzles and Games

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era

Vision (The Vision) by Tom King

I hope you were able to find ideas and/or at least inspiration from this list for someone special in our life!

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Gift Ideas for Mom

It's that time of year!  Everyone wants to know what I would like for Christmas and what I'm recommending as gifts for others.

Here are my favorite picks this holiday season.  I'm so excited about the variety in this list as it shows I'm much more than a wife, mother, and housekeeper.  Plus there are some really great ideas!

I hope you enjoy looking through these Gift Ideas for Mom.

Gift Ideas for Mom

I can't remember a time when I haven't loved musicals.  My children and husband know I listen to them all the time, especially when I work.  There's just something about listening to a story told through music that motivates me to focus better and work harder whether I'm at my desk or working on home improvement projects.

I also find that musicals inspire me to be better and help me work through personal struggles and emotions I otherwise would have difficulties with.  Whether it be the fact that I sing my guts out in the process which is stress relief itself, or I can relate to a character enough to take perspective, I love having little reminders around of my own personal growth through difficult times.  Musical memorabilia does that for me.

Dear Evan Hansen CD

Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel

Today Is Going To Be A Good Day and Here's Why: Blank Journal

Dear Evan Hansen T-Shirt Size X-Large

Come From Away CD

Channel Of Peace: Stranded In Gander on 9/11

The Band's Visit CD

The Band's Visit Book

Hamilton: The Revolution

Hamilton: the Musical T-Shirt Size X-Large

Montessori is such a huge focus of mine as a mother, teacher, and entrepreneur.  I have always said next to my belief in God, I have never felt so strongly about another set of beliefs and values.  I am constantly craving more information and try to find fun ways to incorporate Montessori into my life a little bit more.

Montessori Grammar Symbols Short Sleeve Shirt in White Size X-Large

Montessori Bead Stair Key Chain

The Advanced Montessori Method

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

Sewing in a Montessori Classroom: a practical life curriculum

The Montessori Elementary Material

After a tough day with the kids or a work deadline that I've finally met, my favorite go to relaxation activity is watching a movie.  There are some I've been wanting to see for a while and haven't, and others that I find myself wanting to watch annually no matter how many years have gone by.

The Meg blu-ray

Hidden Figures blu-ray

The Martian blu-ray

Pearl Harbor blu-ray

Titanic blu-ray

Forrest Gump blu-ray

Over the past year we have worked extremely hard to take Every Star Is Different to the next level.  Next year we have even more exciting plans.  There is so much to read and learn though.  We always find we're wanting new resources.

And then there's our office space.  It used to be completely fine to just have a desk with a computer.  But now with progress comes the need to be more organized in a space that is specifically designed for work purposes.

Ask.

Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online

Will It Fly?

Framework Daily System File Bins

Set of 3 Wire Desk Accessories in Black

Barnaby Recycled Glass Task Accent Lamp

Jason and I absolutely love to cook and bake.  Some of our favorite memories are of working in the kitchen together.  This is a good thing too because with four kiddos who have very different dietary special needs, we spend a lot of time making things from scratch.

Sadly, some of our favorite kitchen items are starting to deteriorate or have been lost and it's time to replace them.

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Standard Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Odd-Sized Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Colanders Set of 3

Sugar, Butter, Flour: The Waitress  Pie Book

Littledeer Wok Paddle

Wilton Loaf Pan

I have spent the last year furnishing our new home.  It's now time to start the decorating process.  After finally deciding on a color scheme and style I have come across these items that  I can't wait to use in our home.  I already know where I want to put each and every item.

Faux Succulent & Stone Arrangement

Electric Mercury Votive Holders, Blue-Set of 6

Unscented Votive Candles, Set of 12

PB Classic Table Runner-Sailor Blue

Nantucket Silver Coastal Lantern

Unscented Pillar Candle 4-4.5 in White

Monique Lhuilier Sliver Taper Candlesticks-Set of 3

Unscented Taper Candle, Set of 6 in White

Winter Wonderland Guest Towels

Three years ago I started my journey with minimalism.  I haven't looked back since.  It has been the most freeing experience and has helped my stress and anxiety levels so much.  If it wasn't for minimalism I don't think I would be functioning as well as I am today with all that we go through with our special needs kiddos.

I love adding to my minimalism library.  These books are from some of my favorite authors. And the magazine is one that I've loved for at least a decade.

The Minimalist Home

The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Masterclass on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up

Real Simple Subscription

Clutter Free With Kids

Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism

When it comes to reading for pleasure I'm quite picky.  I want to be awed and inspired in a good way.  Biographies seem to be the best fit for what I'm always on the look out for.  They also feed into my love for details about important people.  I can't wait to get my hands on these books!

Becoming

The Romanovs: 1613-1918

Wishful Drinking

Let Me Tell You My Story

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

I Am Malala

And there you have it!  Whether you're looking for gift ideas for yourself or for others, I hope you've found something to enjoy on this list.

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