Tag Archives: MilSpouse Secret Santa

MilSpouse Secret Santa 2012 Signups!

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The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. 
~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

I have always loved Secret Santa. I love the slyly learning about the person you are getting a gift for and finding things about them and finding that absolutely perfect gift that just screams them.

This will be my third year of MilSpouse Secret Santa (yes, fiancees and girlfriends can sign up as well!). I can’t wait to see what everyone gets for each other. This is going to be something that I will match on my end so no one will know who each other has.  I’m going to start matching after the first week and if we get more people signing up after that, then I’ll do subsequent matches but they will not go past Saturday, November 10th (and it is subject to close before then so sign up early).

I hope you all are excited about this. I really want everyone to have fun with this.

However, because I’ve been a part of several online Secret Santas and we did the MilSpouse Secret Santa the last two years, I know that rules must be set… but I know all you lovely spouses won’t need them because you are so incredibly awesome. But this way, we are all playing by the same rules.

  1. The first rule is to HAVE F UN.
  2. The gift is to be a $20 gift. This does not mean you have to SPEND $20 just because you got an awesome deal. Or, if you are one of those crafty people who I envy, if what you make is worth $20… that is just fine! If you spend more than $20, that’s fine, just know that others will be getting you a $20 gift. Oh, and if you do decide to go over…  let’s not get too carried away.
  3. The $20 does not include shipping. Shipping is extra. We have several MilSpouses who live overseas, so if you are willing to ship overseas (though I believe most of them have APOs), please let me know on the signup form.
  4. If you don’t get “as good of a gift” as you’d like, please don’t complain or be snarky because this is not what the holiday season is about. If you don’t receive a gift at all, please let me know ASAP.
  5. If you are matched with someone and find out later you are not able to participate for any reason, please let me know ASAP.
  6. In order for the gifts to arrive on time, OCONUS gifts will need to be sent by Monday, December 10th via Priority Mail (you don’t have to ship Priority if you send this earlier), except for those places beginning with a zip code of 093, which will need to be sent by Monday, December 3rd.
  7. Reveal who you are when you send the gift… or afterward. While this is a Secret Santa until gift time, I’d love for you to know who your awesome match is.
  8. Please thank your Secret Santa for your gift. Please. Either via mail, e-mail or by a post on your blog. I know you all won’t forget to do this because you all are so awesome!
  9. Also, please email me when you have shipped your item. That way, I know you’re done! wifeofasailor(at)gmail(dot)com

Tips

  1. Don’t be afraid to post anonymously on your recipients blog asking questions. Or have a friend do it. Or sign up for a free mail account and email your recipient questions. Or, as a last resort, feel free to ask me to email them a question for you.  Be creative, be fun. For my Secret Santas, I usually create an “evil elf” who asks questions in rhyme. Lots of questions so the person has no idea what I’m even trying to ask about.
  2. Be creative. Find something that they love. Send something from your home state or where you currently live.
  3. Send cards to your recipient as the days get closer… hint (or don’t!) at what an awesome gift they are about to receive. Everyone loves to get something in the mail!
  4. Pleaaaaase show off what you got on your blog… I’m going to live vicariously through all of you.

Okay…. are you ready?

Here’s the MilSpouse Secret Santa signup form!

MilSpouse Secret Santa 2011 Signups!

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I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble.
~Rudyard Kipling

Oh man oh man, oh man! You have no idea how excited I am about this. I looove Christmas.

I have always loved Secret Santa. I love the slyly learning about the person you are getting a gift for and finding things about them and finding that absolutely perfect gift that just screams them.

So, this year I’m going to be hosting the very first (that I know of) MilSpouse Secret Santa (yes, fiancees and girlfriends can sign up as well!). I can’t wait to see what everyone gets for each other. This is going to be something that I will match on my end so no one will know who each other has.  I’m going to start matching after the first week and if we get more people signing up after that, then I’ll do subsequent matches but they will not go past Saturday, November 12th (and it is subject to close before then).

I hope you all are excited about this. I really want everyone to have fun with this.

However, because I’ve been a part of several online Secret Santas and we did the MilSpouse Secret Santa last year, I know that rules must be set… but I know all you lovely spouses won’t need them because you are so incredibly awesome. But this way, we are all playing by the same rules.

  1. The first rule is to HAVE F UN.
  2. The gift is to be a $20 gift. This does not mean you have to SPEND $20 just because you got an awesome deal. Or, if you are one of those crafty people who I envy, if what you make is worth $20… that is just fine! If you spend more than $20, that’s fine, just know that others will be getting you a $20 gift. Oh, and if you do decide to go over…  let’s not get too carried away.
  3. The $20 does not include shipping. Shipping is extra. We have several MilSpouses who live overseas, so if you are willing to ship overseas (though I believe most of them have APOs), please let me know on the signup form.
  4. If you don’t get “as good of a gift” as you’d like, please don’t complain or be snarky because this is not what the holiday season is about. If you don’t receive a gift at all, please let me know ASAP.
  5. If you are matched with someone and find out later you are not able to participate for any reason, please let me know ASAP.
  6. In order for the gifts to arrive on time, OCONUS gifts will need to be sent by Saturday, December 10th via Priority Mail (you don’t have to ship Priority if you send this earlier), except for those places beginning with a zip code of 093, which will need to be sent by Saturday, December 3rd.
  7. Reveal who you are when you send the gift… or afterward. While this is a Secret Santa until gift time, I’d love for you to know who your awesome match is.
  8. Please thank your Secret Santa for your gift. Please. Either via mail, e-mail or by a post on your blog. I know you all won’t forget to do this because you all are so awesome!
  9. Also, please email me when you have shipped your item. That way, I know you’re done! wifeofasailor(at)gmail(dot)com

Tips

  1. Don’t be afraid to post anonymously on your recipients blog asking questions. Or have a friend do it. Or sign up for a free mail account and email your recipient questions. Or, as a last resort, feel free to ask me to email them a question for you.  Be creative, be fun. For my Secret Santas, I usually create an “evil elf” who asks questions in rhyme. Lots of questions so the person has no idea what I’m even trying to ask about.
  2. Be creative. Find something that they love. Send something from your home state or where you currently live.
  3. Send cards to your recipient as the days get closer… hint (or don’t!) at what an awesome gift they are about to receive. Everyone loves to get something in the mail!
  4. Pleaaaaase show off what you got on your blog… I’m going to live vicariously through all of you.

Okay, now that you see all the awesome things we have to offer…. are you ready?

Here’s the MilSpouse Secret Santa signup form! Closed Saturday, November 12.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

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The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. 
~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

So, it’s getting to be that time of year again. Yes, Christmas is just 89 days away and Hanukkah is only 84 days away (While I don’t celebrate it, I love when Hanukkah falls during Christmas because I love the spirit of both seasons!). I have decided to go ahead and do the MilSpouse Secret Santa again because despite the small amount of snarking last year, I think the majority of people enjoyed it.

But before we sign up, I’d like to know if anyone out there would like to offer a discount to those who participate. Last year, we had several great business, all run by MilSpouses, offer fantastic discounts to Secret Santa participants.

So, if you have a business, please email me at wifeofasailor (at) gmail (dot) com with the following:

  1. Your business name
  2. Your name
  3. What discount/deal you are offering.
  4. How to get the deal (is there a code, etc)
  5. A small blurb about your business/what you are offering
  6. Your business website (if you have one)
Also, last year we had a few MilGirlfriends and MilFiancees sign up. I’m totally fine with this, but I would like your opinion because I did have some people think that MilSpouses should be paired with MilSpouses, MilGirlfriends with MilGirlfriends, MilFiancees with MilFiancees etc since they are approximately in the same point in their relationships and that would possibly help with the gift giving and meet people in the same situation.
So I need your opinion on a few things….
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Tell me what you think.

MilSpouse Secret Santa Information & Sign-up Link

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It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.
~W.T. Ellis

Oh man oh man, oh man! You have no idea how excited I am about this. I looove Christmas. And if I can’t spend it with Huzzy, well, heck… I’d like to spend it with you all. Virtually, of course!

I have always loved Secret Santa. I love the slyly learning about the person you are getting a gift for and finding things about them and finding that absolutely perfect gift that just screams them.

So, this year I’m going to be hosting the very first (that I know of) MilSpouse Secret Santa (yes, fiancees can sign up as well!). I can’t wait to see what everyone gets for each other. This is going to be something that I will match on my end so no one will know who each other has.  I’m going to start matching after the first week and if we get more people signing up after that, then I’ll do subsequent matches but they will not go past November 10th (and are subject to completely close before then). THIS CLOSED ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH.

I hope you all are excited about this. I really want everyone to have fun with this.

However, because I’ve been a part of several online Secret Santas, I know that rules must be set… but I know all you lovely spouses won’t need them because you are so incredibly awesome. But this way, we are all playing by the same rules.

  1. The first rule is to HAVE F UN.
  2. The gift is to be a $20 gift. This does not mean you have to SPEND $20 just because you got an awesome deal. Or, if you are one of those crafty people who I envy, if what you make is worth $20… that is just fine! If you spend more than $20, that’s fine, just know that others will be getting you a $20 gift. Oh, and if you do decide to go over…  let’s not get too carried away.
  3. The $20 does not include shipping. Shipping is extra. We have several MilSpouses who live overseas, so if you are willing to ship overseas (though I believe most of them have APOs), please let me know on the signup form.
  4. If you are matched with someone and find out later you are not able to participate for any reason, please let me know ASAP.
  5. In order for the gifts to arrive on time, OCONUS gifts will need to be sent by Friday, December 10th via Priority Mail (you don’t have to ship Priority if you send this earlier), except for those places beginning with a zip code of 093, which will need to be sent by Saturday, December 4th.
  6. Please thank your Secret Santa for your gift. Please. Either via mail, e-mail or by a post on your blog. I know you all won’t forget to do this because you all are so awesome!
  7. Also, please email me when you have shipped your item. That way, I know you’re done! wifeofasailor(at)gmail(dot)com

Tips

  1. Don’t be afraid to post anonymously on your recipients blog asking questions. Or have a friend do it. Or sign up for a free mail account and email your recipient questions. Or, as a last resort, feel free to ask me to email them a question for you.  Be creative, be fun. For my Secret Santas, I usually create an “evil elf” who asks questions in rhyme. Lots of questions so the person has no idea what I’m even trying to ask about.
  2. Be creative. Find something that they love. Send something from your home state or where you currently live.
  3. Send cards to your recipient as the days get closer… hint (or don’t!) at what an awesome gift they are about to receive. Everyone loves to get something in the mail!
  4. Check out the discounts below. They are awesome and will help you out soo much!
  5. Pleaaaaase show off what you got on your blog… I’m going to live vicariously through all of you.

Okay, now to help you all out… here are some discounts!

We have some awesome businesses who have agreed to give you discounts on awesome stuff for your recipient. Here they are. PLEASE check them out. They are all MilSpouses!

Blue Bird Crafting- Etsy Handmade Gifts
Handmade is the perfect gift for the season. From gorgeous quilted blue star banners {for the patriotic blue star moms and wives} to cute and practical handmade burp cloths and diaper packs for the wee ones, Blue Bird Crafting has just the right gift for anyone on your list, with gifts from just $7. Bonus! It’s made by a MilMom! As a participant in the MilSpouse Secret Santa, you’ll receive a 20% discount on your order.

Each item comes thoughtfully packaged safely in a protective sleeve, nice enough to give as it is. We can ship directly to your Secret Pal, including APO’s or FPO’s, so we can save you the extra shipping step.
{To receive the 20% discount, include MilSanta in the note to seller box, I will then send you an invoice for you to pay reflecting the discount.}

Mary Kay
Get her something you know she will use!! I sell Mary Kay products, and they have the best skincare line out there! All makeup is made from minerals, so you don’t have to worry about putting anything “harsh” on your face. For the Secret Santa program, I am offering 20% off your order! Just enter “Secret Santa” in the comment section of your order. This offer is only good for the duration of the program. If you decide to order later, I always offer 10% off your first order with me! I offer several payment options, so contact me today! Email: calbertson81(at)yahoo(dot)com or website: www.marykay.com/calbertson81.

Pampered Chef
The Pampered Chef offers great tools, gadgets and recipes to help you get dinner on the table quickly.  There something for everyone, whether they are a master chef or barely know their way around the kitchen.  With 80% of our catalog costing less than $20, it’s not going to break your budget to get a great gift for your family & friends.  From stocking stuffers to a gift for a swap, there’s something for everyone.  I’m offering 20% off on all orders and a free gift on all orders over $60.  You can contact me at soleary05(at)gmail(dot)com for website information. (Due to company policy it can’t be posted on a blog).  You can check out our products at www.pamperedchef.com.  20% off is only good through Shanna Miller.

Scentsy- Flameless Candles
 The holidays are drawing near and we all know that there is nothing better than a warm and happy home. In this holiday season, make your home even more inviting to your family at home and those who come to visit. Scentsy provides a rich atmosphere with decorative charm and a variety of scents to match any individual preference. With low-heat, flameless candles, Scentsy warmers are also great additions to homes with children, pets and even those with allergies. Scentsy offers a wide selection of decorative warmers, including limited-offer holiday warmers. Match these with their special fall and winter scents, and you’ll have everyone thinking those store-bought gingerbread are fresh from your oven or ready to cozy up to the fireplace!As a special thank you to all of her Military Family, Patty (aka MommyTaco), is offering a special holiday discount of 10% off of your entire order! Just browse the great selection of warmers and scents on her Independent Consultant site (http://www.scentsy.com/mommytaco) and contact her directly to place your order [mommytaco(at) gmail(dot)com]. Be sure to mention Wifey’s Secret Santa event to receive this special offer!

P.S…. Scentsy also ships to select APO addresses, making easy to direct ship to your recipient!

Tupperware

I’ll be happy to give a 15% discount on Tupperware products and have the item direct shipped to the Secret Santa recipient (APO/ FPO addresses are included, no other overseas address though for this offer). To take advantage of this offer
YOU cannot order from My Tupperware Site: www.My.Tupperware.com/LaDonna_Rae
IF you interested in taking advantage of this offer, please email me at LaDonna(dot)Raye(at)yahoo(dot)com; include in the Subject line TUPPERWARE/ WIFEY’S SECRET SANTA.
For Gift Ideas:

Okay, now that you see all the awesome things we have to offer…. are you ready?

Here’s the MilSpouse Secret Santa signup form!

A Real Post

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Sometimes, when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated.
~Lamartine

Well, I’ve been back home from the Defense Information School for a bit now.  Huzzy is gone. I missed him by SUCH a small window it hurts.

With him on the different type of submarine, we are going to have even less communication than the last boat. It’s been two weeks-ish since I heard from him (I’ve received one email since he left). I really don’t expect to hear from him until they are ready to return after the holidays. It’ll be tough. But we went through the holidays last year without any communication, either. That was seven weeks without an email. This is expected to be much longer.

I think the part that makes it harder this year is I’m in a new place. And I won’t be with family. At all. My mom (who I haven’t seen since February) was going to come out in November and celebrate the holidays early with me but is now not able to.

It’s really bummed me out.  Especially since we only had 12 days together after the last deployment before I left for Maryland and then he was gone before I got back.

However, I’m really excited about the MilSpouse Secret Santa that I’m putting together. I think that will really help my spirits. I hope you all will join in!

I also really need to get photos up of my trips around the DC area while I was in Maryland.