Its starting to look a lot like...

Yes, you know exactly what I'm going to say. Yup, its starting to look a lot like Christmas. And I think that is one of the most fabulous things ever!!!

Yes, I realize its currently November 5th. And yes, I realize people like me are a rare breed. We really are few and far between. But I truly believe there is something truly magical about Christmastime. So the first Christmas commercial I see, the first house with Christmas lights, the first time I walk into a store with Christmas music playing, my first reduced-fat eggnog latte from Starbucks...all bring about a childish whimsy in me.

I have many fond memories of Christmas. My Mom is the worlds biggest fan of Christmas. Like seriously. She swears that Santa Claus is real, still...even to this day. And well, my sister and I are definitely beyond the age of needing to play along any more. Now we just look at her, one eyebrow raised, hand on our hip, "Mom....seriously?" So I suppose you could say I inherited some of my Mother's Christmas craziness (although I got over the Santa thing a long time ago).

So today (well actually two days ago now), I went into Starbucks for my first Grande Reduced-Fat Eggnog Latte. Its a yearly event. The first one of the year. Oh my, it was good. So good. Now I know there are quite a few eggnog haters out there (shame on you!), but you need to at least play along and pretend like this is exciting!

And I have to say Starbucks hit the nail on the head with their decorations this year. I absolutely love it! Its like a gorgeous little winter escape. As a two-time ex-Starbucks employee, I thought I'd just share some of this new Christmas fun (Yes, this is a shameless plug for my favorite coffee company. Not like they really need the help!). And I will admit, when I got home, I begged Rob* to let me work there over Christmas so at the end of the season I could scam all of the decorations. I was able to take home the entirety of my store's decorations in 2007. It was fairly awesome. You'll see some of that fabulousness in my Christmas decorating. Believe me, I will definitely have "dumpster diving" on my calendar the day they finish that promotion.

*And just to clarify, the last time I quit Starbucks, I begged Rob to promise that he'd never let me work there again (Actually I may have done that the first time I quit too). So he promptly reminded me of that. No Starbucks for me this year! That also reminds me of the few moments right after I gave birth to Gabe and I said to Rob, "Don't let me forget how much I hate this part!!!" And with a smug grin, he said, "Don't worry Dear, I won't." And believe me, he hasn't!

The new fun paper cup

The pastry bags

So get out there, and get yourself a cup of Christmas cheer (Yes, even if it is only the first week of November!)