Figured that we all need to start the new year with a good laugh!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Crafts To Do
Hello one and all! It feels good to be back after my break. Sorry to put blogging in the back seat, but with family in town, parties to go to, and goodies to cook, I figure blogging might help bring a stressed induced aneurysm this holiday. But now Christmas is over and the New Year is upon on.To get ready for this new year I have been making a list of goals, ideas, and activities I am wanting to do this year. But I did something different this time around... I decided to also have a craft goal list. So, here is my list of crafts that I am planning on completing.... wait.... um, I'll change that to planning on ATTEMPTING... we will see how successful they are :)
Clothes/Accessories
Quick Tote Bag
Apron
Head Band
Chic Shopping Bag
Necklace Organizer
Children
Growth Chart
Lunch Bags
Pony Tail Holder
Art Apron
Bed Book Organizer
Pillow Case Back Pack
Pillow Case Dress
Apron
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Toys
Octopus
Sea Horse
Fabric Doll House
Felt Strawberries
Felt Donuts
Felt Whip Cream
The Best Puppy
Monkey Doll
Robot
Cashmere Bunny
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Decorations
Hand Tracing Frame
Silhouette Frame
Family Tree Picture Holder
Key Holder
Scary Ghosts
Gratitude Sign
Odds and Ends
Sewing Organizers
Bath Salts
Birthday Banner (I have been wanting to do this one for a long time)
Apple Pin Cushion
Make-Up Bag
Luggage Tag
Hot Water Bottle Cover
Tissue Holder
Mini Photo Album
Monday, December 22, 2008
Fred Claus
FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY
Well, last week I asked people for their family traditions during the holiday season so I could post them and help pass some along to other families, but unfortunately though....... there weren't enough. I was going to post the top 10, but so many people already had the same traditions that there were only about 3 to choose from. So, sorry that there weren't more to share, but hey... there is always next year. So, for this F.M.M. I am going to share something our family enjoyed.
Curtis and I Netflixed "Fred Claus" and I have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised. We thought that not only was it a nice Christmas
movie, but very funny and cheery. "Fred Claus" is about the brother of Santa Claus; with poor Fred living in the shadow of his saintly brother Nick. Fred finds himself trying to forget the family he comes from and trying to make a name for himself. But soon Fred is needing a little bit of help and is forced to turned to his brother for it.
It was a cute movie and Vince Vaughn was pretty freakin' hysterical. Appropriate for most ages, rated PG and starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, and Kathy Bates.
Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so others can learn about F.M.M. and participate too.
Well, last week I asked people for their family traditions during the holiday season so I could post them and help pass some along to other families, but unfortunately though....... there weren't enough. I was going to post the top 10, but so many people already had the same traditions that there were only about 3 to choose from. So, sorry that there weren't more to share, but hey... there is always next year. So, for this F.M.M. I am going to share something our family enjoyed.
Curtis and I Netflixed "Fred Claus" and I have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised. We thought that not only was it a nice Christmas
movie, but very funny and cheery. "Fred Claus" is about the brother of Santa Claus; with poor Fred living in the shadow of his saintly brother Nick. Fred finds himself trying to forget the family he comes from and trying to make a name for himself. But soon Fred is needing a little bit of help and is forced to turned to his brother for it.It was a cute movie and Vince Vaughn was pretty freakin' hysterical. Appropriate for most ages, rated PG and starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, and Kathy Bates.
Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so others can learn about F.M.M. and participate too.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Cornish Game Hens
I truly understand the meaning of, "slice of Heaven" now. This weekend my sister came into town and I wanted to do a nice fancy dinner for her.... so I went out and purchased some Cornish Game Hens. For all of you out there that don't know what those are, they are tiny little personal sized chickens that they sell whole. You can usually get them for about $2-$3 a piece. .
I have never personally cooked them before, so I was a little nervous that they would turn out okay... and guess what!?!! They were FREAKIN' FANTASTIC! Not only were they uber tasty, but looked fancy and really made the evening fun. All you need is...
Cornish Game Hens
Cornish Game Hens
Bottle of marinating sauce (you can choose whatever flavor you like)
Vegetables to bake with
.The hens come with instructions on the wrapping, so whatever your instructions say... follow those. The day before you are planning the dinner, simply place the marinating sauce (I used a lemon pepper garlic) and the hens into a plastic zip lock bag and let them marinate till you are ready to cook them.
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Place the hens in a roast pan or baking pan, place the marinating sauce from the bag in as well, 
and don't forget your veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions. Feel free to throw in whatever you like. Follow the oven degrees and time your wrapping says... and there you have it.... a super fancy dinner for a cheap price and no work.
.and don't forget your veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions. Feel free to throw in whatever you like. Follow the oven degrees and time your wrapping says... and there you have it.... a super fancy dinner for a cheap price and no work.This is one of the easiest meals I have made and definitely the fanciest and one of the tastiest! So honesty, how can you NOT want to try this :)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Freebie Friday
With all the money being spent on presents, decorations, 
baking, and going out to buy gifts but just ending up buying something for your self.... we could all use a little bit of savings and even better..... FREE STUFF! So, enjoy this entry of Freebie Friday.
baking, and going out to buy gifts but just ending up buying something for your self.... we could all use a little bit of savings and even better..... FREE STUFF! So, enjoy this entry of Freebie Friday.Facial tissues with lotion sealed right into the tissue.
Next movie will be coming with a free bag of popcorn sponsored by IMAX theaters!
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A sample of optimum solution haircare treatment.
Getting married? Know someone who is getting married? Heck, just like to look through all the pretty bridal stuff? Then sign up for a free year of Bridal Magazine!
Applying and request for free pet products and samples.
DermaZAid is a soothing pH balanced skin care lotion designed to help reduce discomfort, irritation, redness, dryness, swelling, rash and/or itching.
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A great sticker to place in your car that will help tell how to jump a car battery... no more hailing down a guy hoping that he will know what to do to jump it. With step by step instructions, you can't go wrong. Great for you, your husband, and especially for your kid's cars.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wilton Chocolate Melter
WFMW
This is the time of year where cheer is spread and so are waist sizes! And all I can say is.... don't fight it.... EMBRACE IT! Gaining weight and eating sweets is part of the holiday tradition like the... singing carols, decorating the tree, and opening presents. And a way that you can help embrace your holiday weight is with the Wilton Chocolate Warmer.
The Wilton Chocolate Melter is a life saver around Christmas time with all the
goodies being made and drop off. And I know that you might be asking yourself, "Do I really need a chocolate melter?" Oh my friend, the answer to that questions is a big "YES". Not only is this baby great for obvious reasons, like making chocolate covered strawberries, but you can make and store chocolate covered pretzels, home made truffles, and even use it as a fondue pot for cheese or chocolate.
These treats are not only tasty, but fun to have around and entertaining to make. They make great gifts too. I just finished making some home made truffles as a "thank you" to a friend for helping me out...granted, a bit of them never made it to my friend (We may have eaten a few). But because of the melting pot they were really easy to make, plus the melter helped the truffles have a nice professional look and is it wrong to admit that I felt pretty cool dropping off from-scratch home made truffles, because, honestly, who doesn't want truffles? :)
Some Great Ideas For Dipping
Strawberries
Cherries
Pretzels
Gummie Bears (my personal favorite)
Rice Crispy Squares
Make Your Own Chocolates with molds
Fruit
Marshmallows
Gourmet Carmel Apples
Rasins
This is the time of year where cheer is spread and so are waist sizes! And all I can say is.... don't fight it.... EMBRACE IT! Gaining weight and eating sweets is part of the holiday tradition like the... singing carols, decorating the tree, and opening presents. And a way that you can help embrace your holiday weight is with the Wilton Chocolate Warmer.The Wilton Chocolate Melter is a life saver around Christmas time with all the
goodies being made and drop off. And I know that you might be asking yourself, "Do I really need a chocolate melter?" Oh my friend, the answer to that questions is a big "YES". Not only is this baby great for obvious reasons, like making chocolate covered strawberries, but you can make and store chocolate covered pretzels, home made truffles, and even use it as a fondue pot for cheese or chocolate.
These treats are not only tasty, but fun to have around and entertaining to make. They make great gifts too. I just finished making some home made truffles as a "thank you" to a friend for helping me out...granted, a bit of them never made it to my friend (We may have eaten a few). But because of the melting pot they were really easy to make, plus the melter helped the truffles have a nice professional look and is it wrong to admit that I felt pretty cool dropping off from-scratch home made truffles, because, honestly, who doesn't want truffles? :)Some Great Ideas For Dipping
Strawberries
Cherries
Pretzels
Gummie Bears (my personal favorite)
Rice Crispy Squares
Make Your Own Chocolates with molds
Fruit
Marshmallows
Gourmet Carmel Apples
Rasins
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas Wall Hanging
I maaaay be going a little over board with all these Christmas decorations, but what can I 
say!?!?! I can't help it! I JUST LOVE THIS SEASON! So, hopefully this fun holiday craft will help feed you Christmas need for mooooore festive fun!
To start this craft take your wooden shapes and start gluing them to your holiday scrap booking paper. Make sure you are gluing the shapes to the BACK of the paper, so the pattern will be face up on the shape. The best glue to use is aerosol/spray glue if you don't have that you can use Elmer's glue... just make sure that you use VERY LITTLE or else the paper will pucker on the wood. Buy a little extra paper so you can try again if you accidentaly use too much.
At this point take your wooden letters, the pole, and the wooden ends and paint them the color of your choice. Once they are dried, hot glue your wooden letters onto your festive shapes.
With all of the steps completed, you now just need to tie some ribbon or twine to help you hang the whole thing on the wall. I tried ribbon, but thought it looked a little much, so I switched to twine and loved it.
say!?!?! I can't help it! I JUST LOVE THIS SEASON! So, hopefully this fun holiday craft will help feed you Christmas need for mooooore festive fun!This simple wall hanging is a great decoration and super easy craft. All you need are...
Wood Holiday Shapes
Scrap Booking Paper
Letters
Wooden Pole
Wooden Head Beads Ends (optional)
Ribbon and/or TwineTools Needed - Sand paper & hot glue gun
To start this craft take your wooden shapes and start gluing them to your holiday scrap booking paper. Make sure you are gluing the shapes to the BACK of the paper, so the pattern will be face up on the shape. The best glue to use is aerosol/spray glue if you don't have that you can use Elmer's glue... just make sure that you use VERY LITTLE or else the paper will pucker on the wood. Buy a little extra paper so you can try again if you accidentaly use too much.Once all the shapes are glued down, cut them out as best you can. Now take
your sand paper and use it to help smooth out the jagged edges... this will really make them look professional. Now you should have all your pieces cut out and sanded.
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your sand paper and use it to help smooth out the jagged edges... this will really make them look professional. Now you should have all your pieces cut out and sanded..
At this point take your wooden letters, the pole, and the wooden ends and paint them the color of your choice. Once they are dried, hot glue your wooden letters onto your festive shapes.Start cutting out your ribbon so you can attach it to your pole. If you are doing the Christmas ornaments like me you can thread the ribbon right on through those holes, but if you are doing Christmas trees or reindeers you can simply glue the ribbon to the back.
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Now you can start hanging your shapes from the pole... I glued the ribbon to let them hang from
the pole, you can glue them directly onto the pole if you like or simply tie a knot and hang them from the pole as well. When all your shapes are nice and hung you can now hot glue the wooden ball ends onto the pole.... this step is optional, these balls just help to give a more professional/completed feel.
the pole, you can glue them directly onto the pole if you like or simply tie a knot and hang them from the pole as well. When all your shapes are nice and hung you can now hot glue the wooden ball ends onto the pole.... this step is optional, these balls just help to give a more professional/completed feel.
With all of the steps completed, you now just need to tie some ribbon or twine to help you hang the whole thing on the wall. I tried ribbon, but thought it looked a little much, so I switched to twine and loved it.The whole project ran me about $10-$12... depending on how nice of paint 
and paper you buy. But this only took me a couple hours and turned out fairly nice. What I really love about it, is that I can totally use this for other holiday ideas too. It will be fun to make one for Halloween and Valentines... but maybe I should just worry about one holiday at a time :)
and paper you buy. But this only took me a couple hours and turned out fairly nice. What I really love about it, is that I can totally use this for other holiday ideas too. It will be fun to make one for Halloween and Valentines... but maybe I should just worry about one holiday at a time :)Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas Traditions
FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY
When I think about Christmas one of the main things I think of is tradition. We have so many wonderful Christmas traditions that I look forward to every year. One of my favorite's is the Christmas nut. On Christmas morning my mom always made a great breakfast and somewhere in the main dish was a nut and who ever found the nut was declared the winner and got a special present.
So, for this F.M.M. I am wanting to hear about YOUR family traditions. Please leave a comment or e-mail me at motherhoodfordummies@hotmail.com with your fun family traditions. I am going to read through them all and I'll post my top 10 favorite, with a link, and a clip about your blog for the next Family Moment Monday.
Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so others can learn about F.M.M. and participate too.
When I think about Christmas one of the main things I think of is tradition. We have so many wonderful Christmas traditions that I look forward to every year. One of my favorite's is the Christmas nut. On Christmas morning my mom always made a great breakfast and somewhere in the main dish was a nut and who ever found the nut was declared the winner and got a special present.So, for this F.M.M. I am wanting to hear about YOUR family traditions. Please leave a comment or e-mail me at motherhoodfordummies@hotmail.com with your fun family traditions. I am going to read through them all and I'll post my top 10 favorite, with a link, and a clip about your blog for the next Family Moment Monday.
Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so others can learn about F.M.M. and participate too.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Christmas Decorations
I am a sucker for Christmas decorations and have been slowly collecting them over the past few years. But unfortunately since I have a child who has the ability to pick things up, but is still lacking in the hanging on tight area.. we have been looking for, um..... less sensitive items :) But just because I have to pass on items, doesn't mean that you have to. So, here is a great list of oober cute Christmas decorations.
Christmas Tree Advent Calender
Who doesn't love advent calenders... I know I do. Seriously, I love collecting them. They are just too cute and kids love having something to open everyday. This calender can be found at Target and is on sale for $19.
Christmas Card Holder
I have seen card holders pop up more over the years, but this has to be my absolute favorite one, and seriously... who wouldn't love it... ITS FROM POTTERY BARN! Everyone loves Pottery Barn.... okay, maybe not the prices... but they do have dang cute stuff. This super cute swirly card holder is going for about $49.
Table Runner
I have been thinking about making a nice table runner for a while now, but just never got myself to do it. But hey.... now I don't have to! I found this adorable snowman table runner from Amylinz on Esty that I have been eyeing this season. And if you are eyeing it too, you can get it for $43.
Christmas Puzzle
This is a great holiday decoration if you have children in the house, because it is made to be played with. I just love that fact that I wont have to watch Lucy like a hawk anytime she goes wobbling on over to it. I also love that it isn't just any old puzzle, but a great 3D one that is bound to give the children some festive fun. Selling from "The Lang of Nod" for only $13.95.
Reindeer Ornaments
This adorable reindeer set is more than just cute.... it is.... okay... well, maybe I don't really know a better word to describe them, but they sure are super DUPER cute! With each reindeer dressed a special way and tagged with their own name, your kids will have fun hanging Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. These ornaments come from Pottery Barn and you can get the whole set on sale right now for $49.99
Festive Bella Apron
I never thought a apron could be sexy, but I have to admit... that this little number has a little va-va voom to it! I know it doesn't have your typical Christmas colors, but is does have holiday presents all over its cute print. I think I might just have to get this to reward myself for all the Christmas baking I plan on doing this year! I think I could treat myself for only $28.75. Plus the apron is called the Bella apron and for all your Twilight fans you know you gotta love that!
Reindeer Rocking Horse
This has to be the cutest holiday decoration that I have ever seen! Seriously! I am already a sucker for rocking horses, but this! A reindeer rocking horse, toooo cute. And besides being a cute decoration, it is a wonderful toy for your kids to play with during the holidays. This reindeer comes from the Mammas & Pappas store in the UK, so if you are interested in ordering one for your home, you will need to contact them and discuss delivery arrangements, because they do deliver internationally, but they need some information first. This darling chair is on sale right now from 70 pounds (about $130) down to 25 pounds ($45).
Felt Christmas Ornaments
These adorable ornaments are just calling my name! MiChiMa's shop is just filled with very simple but adorable ornaments: Santa Clauses, Christmas trees, angles, wreaths, and even candles. They are a little pricey for ornaments, but the seller MiChiMa is having a sale of buy 3 get the 4th free. So, if you don't mind paying $7 for an ornament, these little fellas can be yours.
Stockings
Most people already have some nice stockings, but we have yet to find a nice set that we want to hang on for Christmases to come. But Pottery Barn has a nice set called the Sun Valley Stocking Collection that have a cozy home knit feel that I just love. They are on sale right now for $19 each and you have three cute patterns to choose from; Santa, snowman, or reindeer. You can also get them personalized for an extra $6.50
Christmas Plaque
This beautiful plaque is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. With a simple and elegant design, it helps remind visitors in your home about the loveliness behind Christmas. Priced at $18.
Telluride Advent Calendar
Surprise, surprise, another Pottery Barn find.... this brightly colored advent calender has to be one of my favorites. Besides being a fun wall decoration, it is one of the biggest I have seen.... and I LOVE IT! I especially love that since the pockets are bigger you can fit better surprises in it, like toy cars, toy jewelry, and little trinkets. It is selling at $69 for a calender, but if that is a little hefty of a price, then just think of it as only $2.76 per pocket :)
Christmas Tree Advent Calender
Who doesn't love advent calenders... I know I do. Seriously, I love collecting them. They are just too cute and kids love having something to open everyday. This calender can be found at Target and is on sale for $19.
Christmas Card HolderI have seen card holders pop up more over the years, but this has to be my absolute favorite one, and seriously... who wouldn't love it... ITS FROM POTTERY BARN! Everyone loves Pottery Barn.... okay, maybe not the prices... but they do have dang cute stuff. This super cute swirly card holder is going for about $49.
Table Runner
I have been thinking about making a nice table runner for a while now, but just never got myself to do it. But hey.... now I don't have to! I found this adorable snowman table runner from Amylinz on Esty that I have been eyeing this season. And if you are eyeing it too, you can get it for $43.
Christmas PuzzleThis is a great holiday decoration if you have children in the house, because it is made to be played with. I just love that fact that I wont have to watch Lucy like a hawk anytime she goes wobbling on over to it. I also love that it isn't just any old puzzle, but a great 3D one that is bound to give the children some festive fun. Selling from "The Lang of Nod" for only $13.95.
Reindeer Ornaments
This adorable reindeer set is more than just cute.... it is.... okay... well, maybe I don't really know a better word to describe them, but they sure are super DUPER cute! With each reindeer dressed a special way and tagged with their own name, your kids will have fun hanging Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. These ornaments come from Pottery Barn and you can get the whole set on sale right now for $49.99
Festive Bella ApronI never thought a apron could be sexy, but I have to admit... that this little number has a little va-va voom to it! I know it doesn't have your typical Christmas colors, but is does have holiday presents all over its cute print. I think I might just have to get this to reward myself for all the Christmas baking I plan on doing this year! I think I could treat myself for only $28.75. Plus the apron is called the Bella apron and for all your Twilight fans you know you gotta love that!
Reindeer Rocking Horse
This has to be the cutest holiday decoration that I have ever seen! Seriously! I am already a sucker for rocking horses, but this! A reindeer rocking horse, toooo cute. And besides being a cute decoration, it is a wonderful toy for your kids to play with during the holidays. This reindeer comes from the Mammas & Pappas store in the UK, so if you are interested in ordering one for your home, you will need to contact them and discuss delivery arrangements, because they do deliver internationally, but they need some information first. This darling chair is on sale right now from 70 pounds (about $130) down to 25 pounds ($45).
Felt Christmas OrnamentsThese adorable ornaments are just calling my name! MiChiMa's shop is just filled with very simple but adorable ornaments: Santa Clauses, Christmas trees, angles, wreaths, and even candles. They are a little pricey for ornaments, but the seller MiChiMa is having a sale of buy 3 get the 4th free. So, if you don't mind paying $7 for an ornament, these little fellas can be yours.
Stockings
Most people already have some nice stockings, but we have yet to find a nice set that we want to hang on for Christmases to come. But Pottery Barn has a nice set called the Sun Valley Stocking Collection that have a cozy home knit feel that I just love. They are on sale right now for $19 each and you have three cute patterns to choose from; Santa, snowman, or reindeer. You can also get them personalized for an extra $6.50
Christmas PlaqueThis beautiful plaque is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. With a simple and elegant design, it helps remind visitors in your home about the loveliness behind Christmas. Priced at $18.
Telluride Advent Calendar
Surprise, surprise, another Pottery Barn find.... this brightly colored advent calender has to be one of my favorites. Besides being a fun wall decoration, it is one of the biggest I have seen.... and I LOVE IT! I especially love that since the pockets are bigger you can fit better surprises in it, like toy cars, toy jewelry, and little trinkets. It is selling at $69 for a calender, but if that is a little hefty of a price, then just think of it as only $2.76 per pocket :)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Mini Christmas Stockings
Tis the season to get creative! I found this wonderful mini Christmas stocking pattern that is perfect because you can use it for practically everything. With this mini stocking pattern you can make name-place holders, a beautiful way to spruce up a present, festive money holder if you are going to tip your mailman or such, you can even make a super cute advent calender with these fuzzy little bad boys.To make these cute stockings you will first need to make
sure you have...Stocking Pattern
Fabric
Ribbon
First go ahead and start cutting out stockings with the pattern and the fabric. It will be easier if you fold the fabric in half so you can cut the stockings out faster. As soon as you have as many as you want, then go ahead and cut out (from paper) a rectangle that will be your pattern for the cuff of the stocking. Make sure that you cut the 
rectangle a little wider than the stocking pattern cause you will need some extra space. You should have one cuff piece for every complete stocking and a complete stocking should have a front and back piece..
Now you should have all your stockings and cuffs cut out. Take one front piece of a stocking and take one of the cuff pieces. Fold the cuff piece hot dog style over the top of the stocking piece, now you can sew the cuff onto the stocking front..
Now you should have one front piece of a stocking with a cuff attached and
one back stocking piece with nothing on it. Take these two pieces and turn it inside out (place the patterns facing each other). Go ahead and take a piece of ribbon about 12-13 inches long and fold it in half, slide the ribbon into the inside out stocking. Make sure you have just a pinch of the ribbon sticking out over the edge of the stockings (I am pointing to this in the photo). Pin this all together and start to sew the stocking together; just make sure that you don't sew anymore of the ribbon to the stocking than that folded little bit.Once all sewn together, you can now turn the sock inside out! Now you should have a nice stocking with two strings of ribbon sticking out of the back end of the stocking. With this ribbon you can attach it to a napkin at a table setting, add it to a present to make it look nicer, a box of homemade cookies, or even make them into Christmas ornaments.
If you are wanting to make a advent calender with this pattern you can get some great ideas from Scribbit and over at Burda Style
Monday, December 8, 2008
Christmas Lights
FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY 
Well we have some decorations up and soon we will be getting a tree... we just need to figure out a time that we can go tromping off into the forest to get one. With most of our Christmas "to-dos" almost completed we still have one more festive decoration that needs handling...... dreaded Christmas lights.
Every year a few days before Christmas, my family would all pile into the car and would drive throughout Anchorage enjoying the Christmas lights. We would spend time singing Christmas carols, asking ridiculous questions "what if" questions, and sharing our favorite part about Christmas while we enjoyed the beautiful festive lights. It was a wonderful way to do something Christmasy without having to spend money, plus it gives you a chance to spend some time as a family away from all the phones and tvs.
Well we have some decorations up and soon we will be getting a tree... we just need to figure out a time that we can go tromping off into the forest to get one. With most of our Christmas "to-dos" almost completed we still have one more festive decoration that needs handling...... dreaded Christmas lights..
My poor husband hates them, truly, truly, hates Christmas lights. ME on the
other hand LOOOOVES Christmas lights and wants to be "that" house on the block that decorates every nook and cranny to help give the holiday feel. But even though we are still trying to decided if WE want to do lights or not (I hope we do!) we will just have to enjoy the neighbors.... which brings me to a fun F.M.M.
other hand LOOOOVES Christmas lights and wants to be "that" house on the block that decorates every nook and cranny to help give the holiday feel. But even though we are still trying to decided if WE want to do lights or not (I hope we do!) we will just have to enjoy the neighbors.... which brings me to a fun F.M.M.
Every year a few days before Christmas, my family would all pile into the car and would drive throughout Anchorage enjoying the Christmas lights. We would spend time singing Christmas carols, asking ridiculous questions "what if" questions, and sharing our favorite part about Christmas while we enjoyed the beautiful festive lights. It was a wonderful way to do something Christmasy without having to spend money, plus it gives you a chance to spend some time as a family away from all the phones and tvs. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
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p.s. If you live in Alaska the news paper, every year, has a map with a list of the top 25 decorated houses in Anchorage and they are always pretty good.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Music
If you are tired of hearing the same version of Silver Bells by Sinatra year after year then join 
my band wagon because as much as I love Christmas music I am ready to hear some new Christmas cheer. And guess what!?!?!? I am going to pass my findings on to you! Lucky you!!!!! :) So here is a nice list on my favorite nontraditional Christmas music
my band wagon because as much as I love Christmas music I am ready to hear some new Christmas cheer. And guess what!?!?!? I am going to pass my findings on to you! Lucky you!!!!! :) So here is a nice list on my favorite nontraditional Christmas musicDo They Know It's Christmas - Bare Naked Ladies
Where Are You Christmas - Faith Hill
Angels We Have Heard On High - Relient K
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings - Bare Naked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan
Silent Night/Away In A Manger - Relient K
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Jack Johnson
Let It Be Christmas - Alan Jackson
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Cary
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Relient K
Run Run Rudolph - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Believe - Josh Groban
When Christmas Comes To Town - Matthew Hall & Meagan Moore
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Christmas Craft Ideas
I bought a book months ago and I have been waiting and drooling all over it for this Christmas season... AND IT IS FINALLY HERE! If you can't tell... I kind of like Christmas and go a little over board :) So now I am busting out my "Crafting Christmas Gifts" by Tone FinnangerYou can pick up a copy from Amazon for only 8 bucks. With pages filled with fluffy snowman, sweet reindeer, and Christmas stocking you will definitely get your money's worth. So, look forward to seeing some fun new projects these next few weeks.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 1, 2008
12 Days of Christmas
FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY
With Christmas approaching fast (yea!!!) I have been getting in the Christmas spirit. Yes, yes... I am one of THOSE people...a festive caroler that will listen to Christmas music at the first sign of snow and as soon as those Thanksgiving plates are put away the Christmas decorations come out! So, to help celebrate the Christmas spirit I will be posting Christmas activities and fun family traditions.
Christmas is all about giving, but unfortunately some kids get too
wrapped up in all the receiving to remember that. A wonderful way to help remind the children about the true spirit of the holidays is to do the 12 Days of Christmas. Gather your family together and you all can decide on a family they would like to help. If you don't know a family that is in need this holiday talk to your church leader, an HR rep at your work, or a counselor/principal at your child's school. These people will probably know a family in need. Once you have a family in mind, think of 12 gifts/surprises that you can secretly drop off every night for 12 nights.
Great gift ideas to drop off are baked treats, toys, books, gift cards, or Christmas decorations. Some great places to buy some inexpensive gifts or little knick-knacks is the dollar section of Target; they always have some fun kid books or stuffed animals. Michaels also has a great dollar section for kid note pads, markers, and stamps. Michaels also sells some fun kids crafts and plastic animals.
The gifts don't have to get lavish or even something you buy. Just something that shows a family that someone cares and is hoping that they have a great holiday. Plus this is a wonderful way to show your children, by example, what Christmas is about. They will enjoy the planning, the door bell ditching, and the secret they need to keep about who the presents are from.
With Christmas approaching fast (yea!!!) I have been getting in the Christmas spirit. Yes, yes... I am one of THOSE people...a festive caroler that will listen to Christmas music at the first sign of snow and as soon as those Thanksgiving plates are put away the Christmas decorations come out! So, to help celebrate the Christmas spirit I will be posting Christmas activities and fun family traditions.Christmas is all about giving, but unfortunately some kids get too
wrapped up in all the receiving to remember that. A wonderful way to help remind the children about the true spirit of the holidays is to do the 12 Days of Christmas. Gather your family together and you all can decide on a family they would like to help. If you don't know a family that is in need this holiday talk to your church leader, an HR rep at your work, or a counselor/principal at your child's school. These people will probably know a family in need. Once you have a family in mind, think of 12 gifts/surprises that you can secretly drop off every night for 12 nights.
Great gift ideas to drop off are baked treats, toys, books, gift cards, or Christmas decorations. Some great places to buy some inexpensive gifts or little knick-knacks is the dollar section of Target; they always have some fun kid books or stuffed animals. Michaels also has a great dollar section for kid note pads, markers, and stamps. Michaels also sells some fun kids crafts and plastic animals.The gifts don't have to get lavish or even something you buy. Just something that shows a family that someone cares and is hoping that they have a great holiday. Plus this is a wonderful way to show your children, by example, what Christmas is about. They will enjoy the planning, the door bell ditching, and the secret they need to keep about who the presents are from.
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