Now that the holiday season is upon us, everyone seems to be thinking about holiday gifts, family, friends, counting your blessings and feeling grateful on Thanksgiving.

Along with the busy shopping, cooking, wrapping and rushing that happens during this time of year, there’s always a warm tingly sense of togetherness that makes the holiday season so magical. That’s why I love the idea of True Meaning Jewelry.

This online boutique offers beautiful beaded jewelry that’s handmade by special needs artisans. Not only do many of their products support specific causes, they also offer you the chance to give back with your holiday shopping by simply providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to bring home a paycheck while performing meaningful work.

I love the concept, and the jewelry! Check out a few of my favorites below:

Sea Glass Arthritis Awareness Bracelet

Allergy & Asthma Awareness Bracelet

Winter Jewelry Set featuring Glass Pearls and Swarovski Crystals along with a few of the artists hard at work!

When I was younger, my mother and I would bake holiday cookies for her friends and colleagues; and once I was on my own, I set out to recreate that tradition for the people in my life.

However, last year, I could not bring myself to endure we week of baking and cleaning.  So, instead, I gave everyone jars full of hot chocolate or cookie dough mix. I thought this worked out really well. It was easy and had minimal clean up!

That’s why a recent post on Bakerella caught my attention. These colorful oatmeal chocolate chip and M&M cookies are the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen! Perfect for just-because and holiday gifts or as edible party favors, they are something I will definitely be trying!

We recently read about a baby shower that left us a little befuddled. The shower was planned, and all the guests had R.S.V.P.ed when the mother-to-be found out she couldn’t make it. On doctor’s orders, she was supposed to stay off her feet and rest.

But instead of canceling the shower, she insisted that her mother host the event with her friends and family members despite her absence so that she could still benefit from the gifts her guests were bringing.

Does this seem odd to you? Have you ever been to a baby shower without a mom-to-be as the guest of honor? What would you do if you were in her shoes? You tell us!