Our Family Christmas awaits


I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We are waiting to celebrate our Family Christmas until this weekend so we can all be together. A few more days of wonder and excitement, with hope and joy, in anticipation of us sharing gifts, laughter and good cheer together, filled with love and family.  
We will also share in the joy of ringing in the New Year together!   







Evergreen and Gold Wreath



This wreath was a simple put together of just a few items.  I used an evergreen wreath, a multi-stem floral of golden and bronze colored leaves and golden curls, that I simply tucked into the wreath.  Gold tipped evergreen boughs wired onto both sides of the bottom.  A fancy green and gold ribbon is used to wrap the wreath and also for the bow which is embellished with a center feature ornament of cream and gold, along with a little bow, flower and pearls.  I love the beautiful ribbon, and although there wasn't much of it, I am pleased with what I was able to do with it.







A warm and cozy entry...
~ Tammy ~



Merry Christmas



*** We wish you a Merry Christmas ***

Ho Ho Holiday Greetings from: Marty & Tammy! 




Our Bobble-heads with Santa hats...


Merry Christmas...
~ Tammy ~

A Decorated Christmas


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It sure is!  I love decorating for Christmas!
I usually begin my Christmas decorating shortly after Thanksgiving, or during the first week of December.  It can take a couple of days to get to it all, and I enjoy every bit of it!  (Hubs helps out a lot too I must add!)  I have collected many things over the years and try as I may to not get anything else, I always find something new to love and add to the collection of Christmas decor.  I just love Christmas! (Hint: those after-Christmas sales are awesome! *wink*)  I did finally take a few photos of some of the decorating.  
Enjoy!  


A little glimpse of Christmas at our place

 "Merry Christmas" greetings upon the mantel.


Our beautifully decorated Christmas tree.  
I found this artificial tree that is about 7 feet tall, and narrow.  I have had larger trees over the years and I find this one takes up less space, for where we place it, and it looks like a live tree up close.  It gets filled up with many ornaments full of memories.


A view of the foyer and staircase.  
I love dressing up the staircase in this way, its very beautiful all lit up at night too!


A closer view of the staircase, also my little village(which I have posted before here) and a peek of my beautiful Angels.


Santa in his sleigh and a couple reindeer, they're on the ready to greet our visitors.


A closer look at Santa and his reindeer.  
These are just adorable, and I like placing them on the steps in this manner.



Beautiful Nativity set and what the holiday is really about.
"The reason for the Season" 


My beautiful Angels, all are gifts given to me throughout the years.  A couple of these were handmade for me by my sister.  (She is crafty too.  Maybe I can get a how-to from her on making them, if so I will be happy to share it.)


Mr Snowman on the door.  
You may have seen him before here in one of my previous posts and how to make him.




The door looks wrapped in warmth with the evergreen garland.  
Mr Snowman again, and Santa is "hanging" out with him on the door.



The Dining table gets a couple of mini-Christmas trees,
 and I hung a wreath on the mirror, one I made of course!



A Merry Christmas greeting for the wall.
Little mini-wreaths and evergreen garland dress the windows too! 




Hey, even the frig gets some dressing-up!



But wait, there's more!  Merry Christmas greetings, glitter gifts, shiny gold tinsel garland and a small Christmas tree for the breakfast area.



Another door dressed up with shiny gold tinsel garland and my winter white wreath, I also posted this before here with a tutorial on how to make it!




The Mantel wide-view.  Do you see on the left a few Santa hats? (Close-up below)



These little Bobble-head dolls are gifts that our kids had made for the both of us on our 50th birthdays.  
We remember our beloved dog Jake, with this Golden Retriever statue.  I found Santa hats for us and Jake got one too!  These are just the cutest, and everyone gets a laugh, along with us, when they see them.  I had Christmas cards made this year with a photo of just Hubby and I Bobble-heads with Santa hats on, and they have been enjoyed by those that have received them from us.





Outside many wreaths, each decorated with golden bells and bows, 
and a spray of greenery with white poinsettias, golden ribbons and bells to dress the front door.




Merry Christmas wishes from our home to yours...  
~Tammy~






What the Friday?... Dec 21, 2012 the end?



an unusual event or item, something of question? or...
things that make you go hmmm?

WTF?  What the...Friday
is that?: 

The Mayan Calendar
December 21, 2012...The End?
Some have been believing that it marks the end of all time, dooms day!



Dec 21, 2012 - Not the end, a new beginning!




Most information I have read has stated that this instead, marks a new beginning.  Just as our Calendar year starts over each Jan 1st marking a new year!  Lots of different opinions out there as there will always be, but I am an optimist, and so I like the idea of a new beginning!  
I got a chuckle when I heard someone on TV say that this day should happen on a Monday, why mess up the whole weekend!

Here is a good read about the Mayan calendar, and it not
meaning the end of the world ... world-wont-end-2012



Here's to wishing you a new beginning!...
~Tammy~ 









Little Angel of Hope


This little Angel and Friends is an *Angel of Hope* for my Sister Sherry!
I know she would love this beautiful Angel! I pray she gets well!

~Thinking of you Sherry!~
Love your lil' Sis!






Aching Hearts for Newtown, CT on this day


Newtown, Connecticut 

A truly sad and tragic day in America.  It's hard to go on and move past this, but we'll have to.  It's hard to comprehend, and no words can explain it.  Nothing can help us to understand why?   I am always encouraged though, by how people in our society pull together and support one another with great love and compassion in troubled times such as this.  Today we hug our loved ones just a little bit tighter and longer, with our hearts breaking for the others that can no longer hold theirs.  I don't want to remember the name of the evil person who took these lives, most of which were young innocent children.  I do want to remember each one of these 26 people who are forever loved and will be missed by their family and friends, and those of us whom they have touched our hearts.  Bless their souls and may they rest in peace, and shall they always be remembered.





Thoughts with a heavy heart...



~ Tammy's Tip Today ~ Fun gifts ideas



Looking for a gift for the person who has everything, or something out of the ordinary?
You're sure to find it here! - gagsandgoods.com.  There are many cool gadgets, fun gag gifts, prank gifts, adult humor,
and fun drinking gear items.  This place has something for everybody, and is a good source for that unexpected, "what do I get?" gift.




I think these look fun and interesting and would be great for parties and gatherings.


Adhere fun name suction charms to any glass or bottle.




~ ____________ ~ ____________ ~ 



Identify your bottle with fun Bottle Markers.





~ ____________ ~ ____________ ~


Keep your drink cold and your hand warm with The Can Grip.





~ ____________ ~ ____________ ~





Reusable silicone drink tags with dry erase marker.




Happy shopping and sipping!...




  

Twelve Days of Christmas - My True Love Gave to Me




On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Actually I gave to my true love twelve days of gifts.  In the spirit of giving I did this last year for my husband on the twelve days leading up to Christmas, beginning on December 13th.  He was like a little boy enjoying each day, also looking forward to the next day's surprise.  I had a fun time and really enjoyed doing it, and spoiling him a bit!  Funny thing also, my daughter had planned this for me too, and I didn't know it.  She had hidden little things around my house when she was here for Thanksgiving, so sneaky and very clever!  So I got to give and receive each day as well!  It's not too late for you to start this fun way to share in some Christmas cheer, and show that special someone you are thinking of them each day with a little something.  It can be what ever, and how much you make of it.  Enjoy!  


Here are some helpful ideas for you to plan your twelve days of Christmas for your true love.
(my examples are for a male, but could be adapted for a female)

-Day One - A single object, a book or a bible, a special ornament for the tree, or perhaps that one special item you know he wanted or something he likes... Go on let him have it early!

-Day Two - Think items in pairs, gloves, or anything that has a set of two, or two of something, two tickets to a movie or concert...

-Day Three, Four, Five, and Six - A packaged set, maybe briefs, or socks, five "honey do" exemption coupons, six pack of beverage...

-Day Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten and Eleven - think creatively since these are larger numbers, seven or eight different candy bars or snacks he likes, a CD with ten songs on it perhaps...

-Day Twelve - think dozen, a dozen of his favorite cookies, or two six packed items...


After I planned the what to give on what days, I planned the how to give them.  A gift under his seat in the car, a note telling him where to look for a gift, or I would have a gift ready to hand him when he got home from work, or I chose a moment after dinner or before bedtime.  This kept him guessing and wondering too.  

I started on December 13th as the first day and planned gifts to give accordingly on the remaining days.  I also added a little poem for each day, and tucked it in with the gift.

On the 1st day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
A partridge in a pear tree I don't have for you today!
Instead I will give you a nice bottle of Taqueray! :o)

A bottle of Tanqueray Gin


On the 2nd day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
Two turtle doves might be something you could love.
Two Turtles & Dove candy I'm sure you will love!

Turtles Candy and Dove Candy


On the 3rd day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
Three French hens I gave them a thought,
but my better judgment said "Better not!"
So instead I will give you 3 Hanes comfort t-shirts,
you like these 'cause they're tag-less and your neck won't hurt!

3 Hanes T-Shirts


On the 4th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
4 calling birds must have been called off to somewhere,
you can look all you want, but you won't find them here!
you'll be much happier with what is inside,
and now your excitement must be building, tomorrow is day 5!

2 Shirts & 2 Lounge Pants


On the 5th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
5 golden rings?
Nope, that might seem a bit strange,
but these 5 packs of targets can be used at the range!

5 packs of Targets


On the 6th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
Six geese a-laying, that would be funny indeed!
I'd rather give you something I know that you need!
This goes with day one it's not ironic,
today I give you 6 bottles of Tonic!

6 pack of Sweppes Tonic Water


On the 7th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
Seven swans a-swimming would be a pretty sight,
but that's not what you're going to find here tonight!
Today being day 7 you know I'm not finished yet,
today I give you a 7 piece shot glass set!

7 piece Shot Glass Set


On the 8th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
8 maids a-milking, oh no not a chance!
No maids of any kind will you glance!
8 Milk Duds or Rolos?  I just couldn't choose,
with these, I knew I just couldn't lose!

8 Candy Bars


On the 9th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
9 ladies dancing, that is not going to happen and you know it!
So if you're disappointed, you better not show it! :o)~
Although there's not 9 you'll think it's real fine,
a Wine Areator to aerate our wine!

Vinturi Wine Areator


On the 10th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
Ten lords a-leaping where and how high,
I would sure like to know and I sure wonder why?
On this 10th day of Christmas I wondered what to do,
so these 10 things I decided I would give to you.

(-no photo for this gift, a box containing 10 items:
2 Shirts, 1 DVD, 1 CD, 1 Gift card, 1 barrel of Pretzels, 
1 bag of Pistachios, 1 bottle of Margarita mix, 
1 jar of large Olives, 1 pack of Microfiber cloths-)


On the 11th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
11 pipers piping would be too many to keep up with!
So I decided to keep it simple with a simple gift!
On this 11th day of Christmas it will soon be Christmas night,
I give you these 5-11 sunglasses to protect your sight!

5-11 Sunglasses


On the 12th day of Christmas your true love gives to thee...
On this 12th day of Christmas 12 things you'll find in here.
Given with much love and hope that I've brought to you great cheer!
May you always have this memory as you travel onward through your life,
the joy you had experiencing The Twelve Days of Christmas from your wife!

12 bottles of his favorite wine

** Merry Chrismas  **
With Love
~Tammy~



A Christmas memory a true love will enjoy!...
Merry Christmas!





.

.

.

.
Tammy is the design enthusiast behind the blog, Tips, Treats & Treasures, where her creativity is explored with a mixture of her artistic abilities and style through her home decorating, thrifty finds, DIY and creative craft projects, along with her family favorite recipes. She shares through her blog her ideas and helpful tips on everything she has learned over the years and much of which she is passionate about in the hope of inspiring others, with her own unique style storytelling.