‘Tis the Season and Treasure Tuesday
Welcome to Treasure Tuesday on My New Website!
Cue the confetti, because this is my very first Treasure Tuesday post here on my shiny new website. Thank you for your patience and encouragement as I wade through this uncharted territory. If you’ve read my bio (and if not, no judgment, but you *should*), you might have noticed I’m not exactly the Hemingway of blogs. If I didn’t mention it there, consider this your official disclaimer: I am *not* a writer. What I am, though, is someone with a knack for spotting treasures worth sharing—be they thoughtful, meaningful, or just sprinkled with a little fairy dust.
So, what makes Tuesday special? It’s the one day I intentionally share cool gift ideas, especially with the season of giving upon us. Spoiler alert: I’m not about flashy or generic. My picks lean toward meaningful gestures, giving back, and a sprinkle of magic—also known as live music.
Thoughtfulness: The Gift of Memories
Let’s start with a gift straight from the heart—one for my incredible in-laws. Without them, I wouldn’t have my husband of 20+ years, my two fabulous teens, or frankly, half the sanity I have left. These two show up. Eight-hour drives just to cheer on my kids at a high school event? That’s who they are. Their support isn’t a gift—it’s a legacy.
Each year, I create a Shutterfly calendar filled with photos of *everyone*—grandkids, cousins, family dogs (past and present)—you name it. It’s a tradition I love, even if I’m usually scrambling to finish it at the eleventh hour. This year, I’m stepping it up with a digital photo frame. At first, I wondered: Are these out of style? But then I pictured it in their kitchen, perched in front of that gorgeous window, and it clicked. My plan? Load up 32GB of photos from two decades of family calendars. They’ll relive the memories with every glance—and probably need tissues, too.
Giving Back: A Soft Spot for Furry Friends
Animals hold a special place in my heart. My two Boston Terriers crossed the rainbow bridge several years ago, and while I’m not quite ready to welcome a new pet, I often dream of one showing up on my doorstep. (Hint, universe: Make it happen.)
Duke and Chester (aka Little Guy and Big Guy)
Until then, I channel my love into helping animals in need. One of my favorite organizations is Rescue Village, a group dedicated to saving and caring for homeless or neglected animals. I support them by donating items from their Amazon wish list—things like food, toys, and blankets. I’ve also started dropping off towels and bedding we no longer need. It’s a small effort, but one that makes a difference. If your heartstrings are tugged, hop over to Rescue Village’s donation page or their Amazon wish list. Trust me, these animals—and the people caring for them—need all the help they can get.
Fairy Dust: Experiences Over Stuff
As my kids inch closer to adulthood, I’ve started prioritizing experiences over things. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good gift, but when I see unopened birthday presents from two years ago gathering dust, I know it’s time to pivot.
For our family, nothing beats the magic of live concerts or the thrill of an amusement park. We’ve made unforgettable memories seeing Taylor Swift (2023), Alicia Keys (2023), Elton John (2022), Justin Timberlake (2024), Meghan Trainor (2024), John Legend (2024), and of course, my personal favorite, Andy Grammer (2024). We’re also regulars at Blossom, where we’ve soaked in the sounds of the Cleveland Orchestra under the stars. Next on the radar? Coldplay and AC/DC. Admittedly, I’m not fluent in either band’s music, but I’ll happily learn if it means making more memories with my crew.
Andy and Sandi - Kent State Performing Arts, October 2024
Wrap it Up: The Heart of Giving
As you plan your own holiday season, I hope this post inspires you to think beyond the tangible. What can you give that will truly matter? Whether it’s a heartfelt gift, support for a cause, or a shared experience, the best treasures are the ones that leave a lasting impact.
Happy Treasure Tuesday, and thank you for being part of this new chapter. Let’s make it meaningful—and maybe sprinkle in a little magic along the way.
Before I sign off, I have to give a heartfelt shoutout to my friend, Maria. This website wouldn’t be what it is without her talent and patience. She truly listened to my (sometimes chaotic) ideas, turned them into something beautiful, and made the whole process feel effortless. Thank you for bringing my vision to life—you’re an absolute gem, and I’m so grateful for you!
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission that supports my ongoing thoughtfulness, acts of giving, and a sprinkle of fairy dust.