A CSN gift card under the tree ? Extended until 12/30

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Update: I realized a lot of you must have been out of town or too busy to think about blogland so I decided to extend this giveaway until December 30th (midnight EST) to give a chance to everyone to win.


Want to treat yourself to something special for Christmas? I'm very excited to announce one extra Christmas gift will be under one of my Reader's tree. 


One of my lucky reader will receive a gift $40 gift card to shop at any of the CSN Online Stores. Yes, for you, just for you!! 

CSN has 200+ online stores offering everything from coffee tables, to cookware, rugs, linens.. Speaking of linens, I've been thinking about a bedroom makeover for a while. Why not get a pretty new duvet cover? Check out  CSN's modern duvet covers, a great start to transform your master bedroom into a zen retreat. Don't you think ? 

  

How to enter: 
- Open to USA and Canada residents only (sorry!!!) 
- you must be a GFC (Google Friend Connect) follower 
- leave one comment to this post telling me what you would like to treat yourself with.
- BONUS entry: tell me what your favorite Atelier Caroline post was this year


The giveaway closes at midnight EST on Christmas day and the winner will be picked through random.org and announced on Boxing Day (December 26th)
EXTENDED until December 30th  the winner will be picked through random.org and announced on New Year's Eve (December 31st)




NOTA: Additional shipping charges may apply outside of the US

Vacation starts now

I'm on vacation.. until next year. Hmm OK that's only 2 weeks but I really really needed the time off not only to enjoy spending time with the family celebrating Christmas but also because I haven't had a break from work other than a couple of long weekends since... LAST CHRISTMAS. Yikes. The plan: 2 days for the final preparations for Christmas. Then of course the big family gatherings. After Christmas, I'm going to spend lots of time with Little Bug and lots of time in my studio. Lots of sleep and a few baths on the menu. Oh and I have a few books set aside to read. Heaven!

What I've been up to this week

My studio has been very neglected this week. I only visited to wrap and label presents - no crafts. Instead, I want into baking overdrive. 15 dozens of sugar cookies, 250 chocolate Grand Marnier truffles, various other creations for Christmas parties. 

Hard to resist all that chocolate

Lots and lots of cookies

Fist batch of royal icing decorated cookies

Second batch - Making progress with the technique 

I'm glad I am taking some vacation time starting Monday evening to rest up. This time of the year is always a bit stressful. There is so much to think of. The days were stretching from 6AM until 1 or 2AM.  The list kept being scary so I ended up crossing a couple of items off to keep my sanity:

- Christmas cards - done 

- Handmade gifts - done - removed from present list : the play tent 

- Handmade ornaments - done  - removed from the list : bunting and garlands

- Holiday baking - done - removed from the list : gingerbread

- Photo album - Postponed 

- Holiday shopping - Mostly done - I have 2 more days next week to finish since I refuse to brave the weekend crowds at the mall

Still on the list: 

- Plan Christmas eve menu and grocery shopping for the family visiting

- Cook and bake some more

Unexpected items: 

- Straighten up the family room that is cluttered due to the water heater almost disaster

- Paint the baseboard that my hubby suddenly decided to replace (I'm still wondering about this one...)

Added item: 

- Take a long hot tub or 2 since the new water heater provides unlimited hot water on demand

- My letter to Santa : can I have time for a nap please ?

How's your Christmas list coming along ?