A Different Type of Christmas

I always feel very fortunate to be the person I am, to come from the family I come from & to have the material items that I have. I am in no way wealthy, or even "comfortable" but I know that if I need help with a utility bill or want to consider furthering my education, I can get that help & I have the option to think about more school. I am a very lucky person to have a roof over my head, money in the bank to pay the bills & the occasional extra dollar or two for a Dr. Pepper.
That is why when Christmas rolls around I honestly get very stressed out. I can't afford to buy all the presents that I want to buy for my amazing family & friends & those same amazing people don't actually NEED anything.. Why am I stressing to buy things I can't really afford for people who are just as fortunate as myself?

Well this year my family made a much needed change! 

This Christmas my family & I decided to buy no presents for each other: except for the young kiddos of course. Instead the focus was on sharing a warm, delicious meal & great conversation. The money that is normally spent around the holidays went to much greater places. My students & I created over 100 cards for hospitalized children, my mother & I "adopted" two foster children & fulfilled their Christmas wish lists, & other family members donated toys & money to the local Youth in Need shelter.
Now I am not saying that this different type of Christmas is for everyone & I don't even know if this will continue to be our new tradition but the lack of stress I felt this year and the joy of giving to those who really need it... It is an irreplaceable feeling.
If you are feeling charitable here is the link for Cards for Hospitalized Children: Cards for Kids
This is a great, year round program that distributes cards to kids in hospitals all over the country!
This is the Ambassadors for Children link where we "adopted" foster children for Christmas but they have many programs! Have an old prom dress? Donate it so it can be reused! They accept new infant clothing as well! And many other programs! Ambassadors for Children
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.
Do any of you have any unique holiday traditions?

The Drama is Back!

FINALLY! Finally an episode that I was just on the edge of my seat about. 

1. I feel so horribly bad for Katie. To have your relationship constantly attacked by not only your boyfriends' friends but they also happen to be your coworkers?! I feel bad for anyone who is in that situation. Now the cheating thing... I don't believe at all that Tom would actually go all the way with another woman when he is in such a committed relationship with Katie but it is heartbreaking to know that he even made out with another woman. By my calculations that means that Katie and Tom were already 3 years into their relationship... that's a big deal!

2. Stassi and Kristen and a real conversation?! I must have missed it if that seen was apart of previews because I was literally floored to see Stassi sit down across from Kristen. It was refreshing to see two old friends that had experienced so much hurt actually be able to have a conversation but it also was so sad to know that they could still be friends had Kristen not made that horrific mistake. Kristen is human, it's normal to make mistakes but (speaking from personal experience) I know that the pain Stassi has had to endure because of that mistake is just too much. Props to both of them for being mature and sharing some wine and gossip together.

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Bravo Roundup

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I'm not sure if anyone knows this or not but... my name is Shelbie and I am a Bravo-holic. Honestly if I am the last person watching the TV, when it turns back on... It's Bravo.. If I'm watching the TV it's more than likely... Bravo. I have been absent lately with my Vanderpump Rules dishing but honestly I haven't been highly impressed with the episodes but next week looks pretty juicy! Right now I am going to live blog about Real Housewives. Yes, this is one day after it premiered but I was taking a final last night so here we go!

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Pay Attention to Me 

1. That title is everything. It sums of all Housewives franchises and honestly.. me!
2. "I guess it's good to be over the 5... No it all sucks, I hate it all!" Love hearing Lisa Rinna talk about aging, absolutely hilarious. She's become an instant favorite of mine.
3. GIGI!!! How can I be her?? She is not only beautiful but her jet set lifestyle seems so dreamy.

4. "We need to get some friends that are a little fluffier." -Kyle Richards... isn't that what we are all thinking? Oh just me?
5. Brandi's ex wants child support?? She is trying to be independent because he left her high and dry and now he is suing her?! I just can't...

6. O.M.G. "Looks like a black tie" "Has a cocktail waitress look" DO YOU KNOW THE DESIGNER IS STANDING BEHIND YOU??? How horrible...
7. On the Brandi and Lisa argument: I have Lisa's back 100%. I think that Brandi totally messed up and that phone call was absurd. "Well if you don't want to talk then we don't have to." Can we please not be passive aggressive? Grow up Brandi. 

I'm excited to learn more about this new wife, Eileen, next week!