Battle with the Christmas Lights

And I am losing. Every year I put you a few artifical trees - Lolly's room, my room, and the dining room this year. This holds us over until we can get a real tree for the great room. Usually I have no problems but this year every day it seems like there's another string of lights out. It's driving me crazy! Maybe I should invest in some trees with the ltd lights already on them. I heard they are easier and brighter.

Do you prefer fake or real trees? Do you have any with the light already on them?

photo credit

Preppy Christmas Decorations Swap

Here are the specifics:
*Sign up by leaving ClemsonGirl a comment with your blog address. If you want to swap and don't have a blog, leave her your email and she'll match you up, too! Deadline to sign up will be this Sunday night, November 9.
* Copy this photo and add it to your blog as a linky back to her.
* She'll assign partners Monday the 10th.
* Budget is $20-25, not including shipping, but feel free to bargain shop all you want.
* Mail your package by November 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
* The contents of your package are up to you...just make them Christmas decorations that are preppy and fun! You might want to exchange emails with your partner to get an idea of her style. You can include anything; ornaments, paper, kitchenware, wreaths, decorations, stockings, garland, containers, treats...you name it.

Thanks Clemson Girl, this is going to be fun!