~ Merry Christmas ~

Merry Christmas wishes from our home to yours!

~ * ~

It's a Doggie Jolly Christmas!

Our Jolly Doggie says!...

..."Have a Doggie Jolly Christmas!"

from:

Santa-paws

Christmas Tablescape

One of my favorite occasions to dress-up the dining table is during the Christmas holidays.  Today there's so much to choose from for decorating, so many options and color choices.  Nothing says 'Christmas' to me more than some red and green, add in some sparkle, some gold or silver, and all of that adds to making a beautiful tablescape.

I pulled this look together with what I had on hand already, except for the purchase of some new pretty red cloth napkins.  I purchased the table-runner last year from the after-Christmas sale at Bed Bath and Beyond.  I also purchased the matching tablecloth on sale at the same time, and I use it in the other room on our breakfast table.

I love my cut-glass plates and how they go so well with the crystal sconces that I've had for years.  I like to change-up the sconces by using them in different ways.  The two end pieces usually sit on top of the piece they are next to, making them taller, but, I decided I liked them this way for this setting.

I've used the acrylic napkin holders before, each one has a little bud vase area in it where I added some holiday floral picks of holly leaves, pine, and gold painted pine cones.  My gold tableware always looks beautiful to me and is especially perfect for using at the holidays.  I've had the tableware for years and it's also one of my favorite things.

I think the little gold ornament place-card holders add that little extra touch to each place setting, and they're just adorable!  I found those at Pier 1 Imports a couple years ago.  So cute to use at the holidays too.  I found the gold placemats some years ago at a Homegoods store that had been near by, it was one of my favorite stores and it was disappointing when it closed.  I layered each gold placemat with a white paper placemat, and then added a sparkly green felt sheet, I got the felt sheets from the craft store last year.  Both were low cost additions for just a few cents each.      

My pretty holiday tablescape was easy to put together and it was fun and festive too.  I enjoy decorating using mostly what I already have on hand, and I'll also mix in a few new things for an overall low cost, high satisfaction result.  It's not that I can't go out and buy new things, I just prefer not to.  I love doing low cost decorating with the bargain items I've found, or made.  All of that adds to my decorating pleasure.  And I enjoy sharing the results and idea inspirations for budget decorating, and showing that it is possible to do so!   

It's almost Christmas! {My Holiday Decor}

  

At this point most folks are either rushing among the hustle and bustle, or sitting back and feeling relaxed after having completed all their lists ...and checking them twice!  I'm somewhere in between at the moment.  For now I can relax since we will be delaying our 'family' Christmas celebration until next week, when we can all be here together.  It's what we do to be able to share the holiday, with all of us together.  The anticipation builds as I look forward to having my family close to me and being able to share precious moments and making memories with them.  In the mean time, I'll be anxiously waiting as I prepare.

I've already decked the halls to say the least, the stockings are hung and so are the lights.  I've hung a shining star upon the highest bough, while all is calm and all is bright!

~ * ~

One of my favorite places to decorate for Christmas is the Foyer and entry. I enjoy making it extra special, since it's the first room you see.
We're ready for Christmas and so is the Tree!

The Fireplace and Mantel are an important focal point to a room, and I enjoy creating many different looks for mine.
The Mantel is ready now, don't you know?!
With glitter and gold, and all aglow.

I like to dress-up my kitchen as well, it's fun to achieve a new look with festive items.
Yes, even the Kitchen, it too is now ready!
With cheerful holiday reminders, tasty treats and goodies.

Free Christmas Printable: Christmas Traditions

After seeing a few cute prints at some of the home accent stores, I decided to create a printable for myself.  And after seeing something similar, I created this graphic of a list of favorite Christmas Traditions to print and use in a photo frame to display during the holidays.  I printed it first as an 8 x 10 size to use in an 8 x 10 frame.  I also experimented and printed one in a 5 x 7 size to center in an 8 x 10 frame, or use in a 5 x 7 frame. 

They are an inexpensive and easy way to add to your holiday decorating.  So easy to print off and add to inexpensive frames too, the dollar store comes to mind here folks!  I created mine in just a few minutes, printed it in different sizes and had a couple to enjoy in different rooms.  You can download a copy for personal use.  Click on the image below, then right click on it to choose "save image as..." to save to your computer.  I simply used my printer settings to choose the size to print!  

Happy crafting!...

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

* Merry Christmas Wishes *

From my heart and home to yours!...

Get it together with "Project Life"

On a recent visit to one of my favorite places to shop for my crafting needs and lovely home decor must haves, Hobby Lobby, I noticed something I hadn't seen before. 

Have you ever seen or heard of "Project Life," and all of the goodies available for it?  If you know all about it already, then I'll bet you are enjoying it and all that there is to offer.

Project Life, created by Becky Higgins, if you haven't heard of it, is a simple way to create scrapbooks and document your life, and record moments to remember in an easy no-need-to-be-a-crafter kind of way!  Even if you have never made a scrapbook before, you can do this!  If you are a scrapbooker you'll also find this to be the easiest way to make a scrapbook, ever!  You don't even have to cut or glue anything.  It was a jaw dropping moment for me when I happened across the Project Life display area and learned of it.  I'm telling you it's so simple.  It is totally fantastic!  It's absolutely brilliant!    

All that is needed to start your own Project Life scrapbook is a Project Life Album, Photo Pocket Pages, a Core Kit containing the Project Life Cards, along with your own personal photos.  You simply place your photos in the Project Life Pocket Pages and you add the Project Life Cards, and you can add your mementos and memorabilia too.  You can even fancy them up all the more if you like!  There are ideas and many goodies on the website to entice you.  You'll find lots of helpful information and also some freebies that you can download, and who doesn't like freebies, huh?  Check it out here http://beckyhiggins.com/ there is lots of information and ideas there.  Most everything for Project Life can be found on the Project Life website, and their items can also be found in many craft stores too!

With the holidays approaching this would certainly make a fantastic gift for that special someone on your list!

Here are some of the items that were available at the craft store!  Lots of variety and choices!

- Project Life Core Kit -

Contains lots of fun and colorful cards, you can add notes to them too.  

These cards are easily slipped into the Photo Pocket Pages.

-  Project Life Organizational Tray -

 Helps to organize the cards.

(more of the fun and colorful cards included)

* * * 

 

- Photo Pocket Pages -

There are different sized packs with a variety of assortments.

You simply add the cards and your photos to the pages!  You set the pages up the way you like them!

You can add notes and other memorabilia too!

* * *

- Project Life Albums -

Lots of styles to choose from.

* * *

An example of what you can create with all of the Project Life goodies and your own photos.

* * *

This was above the area where all the Project Life essentials were on display!  

That is a photo of the lovely and talented Becky Higgins, the creator of Project Life!

I like the message there..."cultivate a good life and record it."
Project Life makes recording it so simple and easy to do just that!

What a fun way to record your life!...

Holiday Wreaths

I love the look of a wreath hanging on the front door, welcoming visitors, and dressing up the look of it from the outside, and also on the inside for something pretty to look at there as well!  I also like to hang a wreath from each of several windows outside my home for a beautiful look for Christmas.  

I enjoy making wreaths and I do make most of my own.  The holidays are the perfect time to make wreaths, and I like to have several around the house at that time.   Most supplies to make them are easily found around the holidays, and the after holidays sales are great opportunities for those items too!   

Here are a few of my handmade holiday wreaths that I've featured before.  Each one was easy and didn't require a lot of time, money, or materials to create.  I've heard others say, "I'm not crafty, and I don't have the time or extra money to make something."  I know I've said it before, but I feel that if I can do it, anyone can!

You don't have to spend a lot to make something beautiful.  A simple grapevine or evergreen wreath and pretty bow is all that's needed to make a wreath.  You could add more embellishments to dress it up, such as ribbon, ornaments, or use floral picks that you can tuck into the wreath.   I also like to change-up my wreaths and re-purpose them for different seasons too!  I hope these simple and easy wreaths, and suggestions, give you some ideas and inspire you to make a new wreath, or two, or more...

Evergreen and Gold Wreath

This beautiful wreath was created using only a few items and was simple to put together!

You can view more about this wreath and how I made it here.

Snowman Wreath

Just a few items pulls this cutie together in no time at all, and the items can be found at the dollar store!

You can view a tutorial and more about this wreath here.

Winter White Wreath

This wreath is surprisingly simple and inexpensive to create!  Items you probably already have on hand will have you making it in a short amount of time.  The kiddos can help with this one too!

You can view a tutorial and more about this wreath here.

Glittery-Gold & Gladiola Wreath

This wreath I actually made in the summer, but it works nicely for the holidays as well! 

I tucked in some fall colored leaves and a couple pine cones and displayed it as a pretty fall wreath this year also.

You can view more about this wreath and how I made it here

Happy Holidays and Happy Crafting!

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

source

Believe!...

Over 30 fun and inexpensive Christmas gift ideas!

Happy Holidays everyone!  If you haven't started on your gifts list yet, welcome to my world!  Well I have done a bit in preparation, but I am far from finished.  Need a little help with some ideas?  Here are over 30 fun and inexpensive gift ideas you can create, to wish your neighbors, friends and family a Merry Christmas.  These would work well for Teacher gift ideas too!  

Simply add one of the cute sayings below to a wrapped treat, to make something they will enjoy and also remember!  There's plenty of time for you to choose a project, buy the supplies and get them finished before Christmas!  This list should help you if you are wondering what to give some of those who are on your list.  Give them a little gift that won't break the bank, but will let them know you thought of them! ...and hey, it's the thought that counts, right?!  

I have shared this sweet idea before, it's one of my favorites from the list!

Hershey's Kisses in a whisk: We 'Whisk' you a Merry KISS'mas!

I think most everyone likes to get kisses, especially of the chocolate variety! 

Hershey's Kisses, a whisk, and just a few items is all you need to create this sweet gift!  You can see how to make these with the tutorial here.

Here's the list of gift ideas!

Any sweet treat:  Wishing you a Christmas filled with sweetness! or season/holiday
Cookies: Here's a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is dear! or friends we think are dear!
Cookie sprinkles: May your Christmas be sprinkled with sweetness!
Hershey's Kisses in a whisk: We 'Whisk' you a Merry KISS'mas!
Hershey's Hugs & Kisses: Christmas Hugs and Kisses to you.
Candle: May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright.
Candle: Have a bright and happy holiday.
A pencil/pen and notepad: Merry Christmas to a "noteworthy" friend! or neighbors! From our pad to yours.
Snickers candy bar/bars: Don't "snicker," at least you got something! or be glad you got something!
Snickers bars and Almond Joy bars: It's a "joy" to make you "snicker"!  It brings us "joy" to "snicker" with you!
Dip: To help you dip into the holidays.
Jar of jam: Hoping your Christmas is "jam-packed" with cheer.
Berry Jam: Have a "berry" nice holiday season! or Have a "berry" Merry Christmas!
Cookie dough or Cookie mix: Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas.
A plate of cookies:  Wishing you a "Merry Christmas," from your "crummy" neighbors!
Cash or gift card:  Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas.
Measuring cups/spoons: Wishing you joy beyond measure.
Grater: To a "grate" neighbor!
Nuts: We're just nuts about you! or From your "nutty" friends! or use both.
Chex Party Mix: Remember Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice, so be good for goodness sake!
Muffins or Muffin mix: There ain't "muffin" like good friends.
Soup or soup mix: Wishing you a "soup-er" holiday.
Salsa: Adding a little "spice" to your Holidays.
Spices: Here's a gift to spice up your holidays.
Divinity: May your Chrismas be "divine" and your holiday so fine.
Rice Krispie treats: Having you as friends is such a treat!
Bread/Banana bread: Bundled up with 'warm' wishes.
Sparkling cider: Wishing you a "sparkling" holiday season!
Oranges or Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad we're friends? or "Orange you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a sweet one.
Ho Hos and Ding Dongs:  Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas, from the Ding Dongs next door!
Cornbread or mix: We're not trying to be "corny," we just want you to have a Merry Christmas.

Now just add a little imagination and...Happy creating!

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

Only 24 days til Christmas!...

Our belated Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  It's nice to have a day to slow down and enjoy with our families and friends, a time to be thankful and share time together with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

As is sometimes the case, we all can't be in the same place at the same time even for the holidays.  Try as we may!  As much as I would love to be with all of our family it just isn't always possible to achieve with so many of us living in different cities and states.  We do what we can to be together, which is why we enjoyed our Thanksgiving celebration on Friday this year.  I'm always thankful for the time to get to spend with my loved ones, and being able to be together while sharing in delicious foods and special memory making moments adds to that all the more.  It was a smaller than usual gathering this year with only four of us, but that didn't make it any less special.

Thanksgiving dinner was well anticipated with the extra wait time, and

Thanksgiving tablescape

The holidays are always a perfect time for dressing up the table.  I like to work with what I have and change things up and also try different ideas.  I enjoy adding little touches to dress the table for holidays and special occasions.  I find that I don't always have to run out and buy something new for every occasion, I just add little bits now and then, and mix items old and new, to get the look that I want. 

~ My Thanksgiving tablescape ~

There is just something about a lace tablecloth that appeals to me.  I've had this one for years and I feel it dresses up my glass-top table nicely and softly.  I like the look of it, and the lace paper doilies placed under the glass plates seemed just perfect.  You can find the paper doilies about everywhere for just a couple dollars.  My placemats were a markdown at Bed Bath & Beyond and work well with the bronze color in the dining room.   The beautiful little bowls with the gold design and gold rims were given to me by my Mom and are sweet, treasured pieces.  I have just a few plates and other pieces that match them.  

My centerpiece was an arrangement I made a while back, I simply just add and take away to dress it up for different occasions.  I added some fall flowers and pine cones, along with the organza ribbon bows.  I love my gold tableware, purchased years ago.  I do insist on hand washing all the pieces, but they look as good as the day I first got them!  I love anything cut-glass or crystal, like the glasses and the candle sconces, I've had them all for years.   The more that sparkles the better if you ask me!  A cloth napkin is always a nice touch.  They are also a good way to add color or coordinate with your dishes, or they can add to a holiday theme if they have a pretty print.  I look for new ones on discount all the time, and I've even made my own from pretty dishtowels too.     

I found the acrylic place card holders a few years ago in the wedding area of hobby lobby, it was a package of eight of them, and later found the acrylic napkin ring/bud vases there too.  They were both about the average cost of a dollar per each piece, as I recall.  They go very well with other elements in the room, the cut glass and crystal pieces, and another one being my chandelier.  

I like to do different things with the little napkin ring/bud vases by using something that applies to the season or holiday.  Here I used two fall leaves and a small bit of dried corn husk, along with a pine cone I added wire to so it would have a stem to stick down in with the leaves and corn husk.  It kind of reminded me of a turkey when I finished it, even though that was not my plan, but it worked well for Thanksgiving!

A close-up of the place card holder and the napkin ring/bud vase.

This angle is a better view of the napkin ring/bud vase.  A napkin can be placed in the opening there, or not.  I chose not to put the napkin in there this time and only used it for the bud vase.  

I'm always saying, "you don't necessarily have to buy all new things for different seasonal and holiday decor, and they don't have to be expensive either."  I have collected most items over the years, and one of the best times to get new items is after the holiday sales.  I've found many things in the discount bins, and also find great deals on second hand items from thrift stores.  You just need to have a look around and have a plan of what you have, and what you like, or need the most!  It really doesn't have to be expensive to be nice or beautiful looking.  Work with what you have first, then add little extras along the way!  Make it fun, and enjoy the adventure!  

Baked Stuffed Apples

{This recipe is part of my Slightly-Homemade recipes collection.  I like short cuts and easy to make recipes, my Slightly-Homemade recipes save time and often have ingredients that make it easier and quicker to create them.  I enjoy using these Slightly-Homemade recipes that are often easier, quicker and time saving, and I hope that you find they do that for you too!}

Sometimes the sweet tooth needs some satisfaction so after going on the hunt I found myself staring at a bowl of apples.  I wasn't in the mood for that, but a warm baked apple pie sounded real good.  That led to visions of bubbly apple crisp but, I didn't have oatmeal, and only had very little brown sugar, so that wasn't going to happen either.  Then it came to me, I did have a couple packets of instant oatmeal and fortunately they were of the maple and brown sugar variety.  I had a plan for joy to my sweet tooth and warmth to my soul ...warm, delicious, baked, stuffed apples! 

..._________...

The first steps of the preparation were to core the apples.  I made about a one and half inch opening, leaving about a quarter of an inch at the bottom.

After stirring well to keep it mixed, I added some of the instant oatmeal to about half way up the center, then added a couple teaspoons of water.  I then drizzled a bit of honey (just a little) on top of that.

I added more oatmeal mixture to fill the apples, then a little more water, and added another little drizzle of honey.  I topped them off with a touch of butter.

I placed the apples on a small shallow baking dish, then added a little water to the bottom of the dish, covered them loosely with foil, and then baked them to perfection!

After cooling I added chopped walnuts, and I made a sauce to drizzle over the tops.  In just a few minutes I had delicious baked, stuffed apples topped with a yummy warm sauce.

And here's something that is gonna make you love me, and if you loved me already ...well, you're gonna love even more!

That yummy sauce I put on top, it is as simple as simple can be.  Take a heaping spoon full of brown sugar and put that in a glass pyrex bowl and add to that about the same amount of butter.  Now zap that in the microwave for just a few seconds, I mean few!  Don't walk away, don't sneeze, don't do anything else, just stay right there watching it til you just see the butter melting, now stop!  Carefully remove it and stir it to combine well as the sugar and the butter have a happy union, and then you'll notice that it looks a lot like caramel sauce.  Uh huh!  You're welcome!  Now just drizzle that lovely sauce all over the top of those apples.  Mmmmm.  I know!  Trust me it sounds as good as it really is!  If you like apples, apple pie, or apple crisp, you'll like this.

..._________...

mmmmm, baked stuffed apples = sweet tooth satisfaction!  

Baked Stuffed Apples

Ingredients:

4 sweet apples, (I used Gala)

2 packets instant oatmeal-maple and brown sugar flavor

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped or pecans (optional for topping)

1 tablespoon butter divided into four parts

approx 2 tablespoons honey

1/2  cup water

for sauce:

2 teaspoon butter

2 teaspoon brown sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F.  

Use an apple corer or paring knife to remove apple cores, cut within a quarter inch of the bottom.

Cut about an inch and a half wide opening for stuffing.  

Open oatmeal packets into a small bowl and stir well before filling apples half way full with oatmeal mixture.  Add a teaspoon of water on top of oatmeal to each.  Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon honey on top of oatmeal mixture in each apple cavity.  Mix oatmeal again and repeat filling each apple with the oatmeal mixture, a small amount of water and finish each with honey.  

Top each apple with one piece of the divided butter.

Add water to the bottom of the dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake in center of oven for 20 minutes, then remove foil. 

Continue baking up to 20 to 30 minutes until apples are soft and the skins appear wrinkled.  Test by poking a fork through the oatmeal and into the apple, if it goes in easily and if they feel soft the apples are done.

While apples cool slightly, make caramel sauce.  Drizzle sauce over warm apples and serve.

Enjoy!...

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!