Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category

Simply Said… Emily & Anne from Bloom

In Crafts, Holidays, Simply Said on February 4, 2010 at 9:00 am

Today, I want you to meet Emily and Anne of Bloom. They are two amazing mothers who write a blog covering every aspect of motherhood – budgeting, simple living, healthy eating and numerous ideas for entertaining kids. Over the course of time, I had the privilege to become blogging friends with these two ladies. I hope to meet them one day. Both Emily and Anne simply said…

Pop-up Valentines with your toddler or pre-schooler (by Emily)

It’s almost time for heart day! My little Henry and I have had so much fun making pop-up Valentine’s Greetings for our lovies this year. We found the simple step-by-step tutorial on Robert Sabuda’s website. A pop-up V-day greeting fit for a Queen (or a grandma)!

Supplies

Template from Robert Sabuda

Let little hands help with the tracing.

Fold along the dotted lines, glue to a blank card and... ta-da!

Have fun making lots of variations. Then we glued a matching heart on the front of each card. And smiled as we imagined our dear ones opening up their greetings to find a cheerful Valentine’s surprise!

Watercolor Valentines with your school-age children (by Anne)

To help my niece, Katie, with her valentines for school, I revamped an idea from my 2nd-grade-teacher days. I gave Katie a sheet of watercolor paper (regular white paper will do nearly as well) and a set of watercolors. After a quick lesson on warm vs. cool colors, I gave Katie three guidelines for her painting…

This is abstract art, so just let your brush flow. We’re not painting an object.
You must cover the entire page and leave no white showing.
Stick to the warm colors.

Katie enjoyed playing with the different hues and saturation levels with her reds, pinks, yellows and oranges then came up with this. As a side note, every mother should invest in a vinyl ‘project’ tablecloth!

Once the painting dried, we began making the cards. There are two ways to use the watercolor designs. For the first version, we used a cookie cutter to trace a heart. Cut out the heart and glued on the first card. Cardstock or construction paper will also work fine, use what you have.

For the second version, we used a cookie cutter to trace a heart shape on a red paper then cut it out making a window. Next we glued a piece of the painting to the backside of the window covering the opening. I love the way this one looks, but it is considerably more time-consuming.

The results: 1) A child who understands the difference between warm and cool colors, and has experience with blending watercolors. 2) A set of valentines that look far more darling than anything you could find in a box!

Thank you so much, Tiffany! We loved being part of your amazing site for a day!
xo,
Em and Anne

Tags

children, design, guests

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Ringing In 2010

In Holidays, Life on January 4, 2010 at 5:58 pm

Can I just say… I am excited about 2010. I love the fresh feeling of a new year. We didn’t party hardy for New Year’s. Rather, we stayed home and spent the night relaxing with the kids. It was much needed around here. It would have been impossible for us to party with our friends on New Year’s Eve.

First, Elle came down with pink eyes, ear infection that caused her ear drum to rupture AND strep in the affected ear Christmas Eve. She was also extremely irritable from lack of sleep. Would only allow me to hold her all day long. It also meant I didn’t get much sleep or much done around the house one handed (Elle in the other arm). I tried to get her into pediatric urgent care over Christmas weekend but the wait was over 4 hours long. So she suffered through it like a trooper until I could get her to the pediatrician first thing Monday morning. She is doing much better since she has been on antibiotics for a week now.

Second, it was too cold outside. It is still cold. I am freezing to death here in the South. It’s supposed to be warm. But it’s not. It’s around 12 degrees at night. Brrr.

Third, we couldn’t keep a 3-year-old and a sick 11-month-old up until midnight. My children value their sleep. And I value their sleep too. It’s the only way I get things done around here.

Last, our power went out that night. Yup. Pitch black around 10 p.m. It came back on just before the stroke of midnight. But by then, we were all ready for bed. So no ball drop for us.

We still had fun. We can use more relaxing night around here.

Happy 2010 to you!

Tags

children, families, thoughts

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Friday’s 5 at 5: New Years Resolutions 2010

In Friday's 5 at 5, Holidays, Project 52: Date Nights on January 1, 2010 at 5:00 am

It’s a new year. Time for a fresh start. Another year wiser, right? This is what I hope to accomplish personally in 2010…

Project 52: Date Nights. Nathan and I are excited about this. We need this to make time for the two of us. Date night is no longer a luxury. It’s a must! Have you signed on yet?
Practice photography. Just because you have a nice camera doesn’t mean you take nice pictures. Very true in my case. I have so much to learn about photography. And part of that learning process is practicing. I thought of doing another Project 52 for photography and I am still considering it.
Take my kids outside more. I need to get them out more. I always admire those outdoorsy moms because I am not one of them. The girls and I need a breath of fresh air.
Sew a hand bag or purse. I have always wanted to learn how. I have heard it’s not hard. I am going to do it this year. I love sewing. I should do it more often.
Paint Kaye’s room. I am slow to paint the rooms in our house. We’ve lived in this house 3 years now and have 3 rooms painted. Kaye’s room is next. And yes, it’s going to be pink. I am also hoping to bunk Kaye and Elle in the same room by the end of the year.

Tags

families, learning, lists, moms, photos, thoughts

▶ 6 Comments

Our Christmas 2009

In Holidays on December 29, 2009 at 9:00 am

Overall our Christmas we a delight. It was a surprisingly relaxing Christmas. We weren’t able to make it out to Washington (state) to visit my husband’s family. Rather, we spent Christmas with my family here in the South where it was rainy and windy. All went well with the exception of all of us getting a little cold. But our poor little Elle had ear infects the night before Christmas. Our pediatrician’s office was closed over the holiday and weekend. The pediatric urgent care had a wait of over 4 hours. So she suffered through until Monday morning when I could finally get her to a doctor.

Christmas Eve, Santa made an appearance at our home. We must have been good this year.

Christmas morning the gift opening began around 8:30 for us. Not too bad. The gift opening took quite a while because the kids wanted to play with each new toy as soon as it is opened.

The sketchbook caddy was a hit. She almost forgot about her other presents.

Kaye wrapped some of Elle’s toys in tape and construction paper as my Christmas gift. She was so excited. I loved every bit of it.

Kaye’s royal coach from Santa.

Elle looked and felt the worst on Christmas Day. But she was such a trooper making it to all the family gatherings.

This and another princess dress up clothes was the cause of all the glitter in the house. It’s on every one of us, all the furniture, carpets, floors, toys and everything else in the house.

Nathan got me a charm gold necklace. Love it!

I got him a fire pit. This one fit better in our backyard. It was too big to wrap without him noticing. So I hid it in the trunk of his car.

We had such a memorable Christmas. Hope your family did too. If you have a post on your blog of your Christmas, leave a link in the comments. I would love to see how your Christmas went.

Tags

christmas, families, thoughts

▶ 8 Comments

Twisted Paper Snowflake Tutorial

In Crafts, Holidays, Tutorials on December 23, 2009 at 9:01 am

I am being featured on Bloom today! Emily of Bloom invited me to guest post on their site and I was more than excited to do so. I even came up with a forth snowflake design for the special occasion. If you haven’t been over to Bloom before, you will have to visit. Anne and Emily of Bloom are full great articles about family and motherhood.

Back to the snowflake. I got a bit crazy with this one… probably because I have been cooped up in my house for the last few days. But did you noticed that this time I used double sided cardstock paper? Yes, I upgraded my snowflakes. This is the last one I promise. I’m sure you’re quite sick of them now. Just in case you are not, here is a picture and links to the other three previous snowflakes. The piping paper snowflake, the twirly paper snowflake and the cookie cutter paper snowflake. This twisted paper snowflake (nicknamed crazy octopus) is a combination of both the piping and twirly snowflake.

Supplies:

cardstock paper
8 markers, pens or pencils
4 pipe cleaners/chenille
paper cutter, scissors
ribbon, string or thread
needle
hole punch or other embellishments for the center
glue
low adhesive tape

1. Cut 9 strips of cardstock 3/4″ x 6″.

2. Place glue at one end of the first strip. Then make a ring, only to one strip of cardstock.

3. Fold one end of the remainder 8 strips at 3/4″.

4. Tape one of the strip diagonally to the markers, then wrap it around and tape the second end. Do to all 8 strips. Allow the paper to settle for at least an hour. The longer the better.

5. While waiting for the twists to settle. Take your pipe cleaners and mark at the edge of the ring where the holes need to be. There will be 8 holes all evenly spaced.

6. Unwrap the twisted strips then apply glue to the end where you had previously folded at 3/4″.

7. Glue the strips of twisted paper onto the ring according to the markings previously made with the pipe cleaners. Make sure they are all equally spaced.

8. Use a small hole punch or scrapbooking hole punch with hammer tools to punch holes in the middle of each glued ends on the ring.

9. Pull the pipe cleaners through the holes across from each other. Then wrap the curls around the pipe cleaners.

10. Trim off excess pipe cleaner ends.

11. Use needle to attach ribbon or thread to the snowflake to hang. Optional, apply embellishments to center of the snowflake.

Tags

christmas, decorating, design

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Kaye’s Sketchbook Caddy

In Crafts, Holidays on December 21, 2009 at 9:01 am

I have been lucky in the sense that Kaye’s Christmas wishlist to Santa has been pretty simple the last two years. Last year, she wanted a candy cane. That’s it. I got her the biggest candy cane I could find. This year, the list got longer. A horn (the musical instrument kind, not the rhino kind), paper, pencils and a book. Easy enough, except the horn.

And because I can’t just wrap a ream of paper and a couple pencils and toss it under the tree, I came up with a sketchbook caddy for Kaye. You see, we’ve been having a little problem with Kaye and her drawings. She sees me with my sketchbook and is motivated to draw, too. I love that she is creative like me. However, the problem has been she takes the crayons, pens and markers then draws on our hearth, dressers, bookshelves and my office desk. Not ideal for the resale value of our house if we ever move. I’ve been trying to drill in her that we only draw on paper. Nothing else. Hopefully this will take care of the problem.

I drafted the caddy idea in a day, then finished it the next day. And I had all the supplies at home, just needed the sketchpad and markers. What do you think? And anyone out there with an idea of how to get blue crayons out of a slab of marble?

Tags

children, christmas, design, gifts, sewing

▶ 23 Comments

Gingerbread Houses ‘09

In Food, Holidays on December 16, 2009 at 9:01 am

Our family holiday tradition, building gingerbread houses. It’s a contest although none of us actually declare a winner. We all trash talk each other houses and declare ourselves the winner. Enjoy our parade of homes gingerbread style. I built the one pictured above and the back of the house is pictured below. It has a pond in the front of the house and French back doors. That Twizzler sticking out of the ground was supposed to be a fountain. Didn’t work out the way I expected it to, so now I call it a small tree.

Tags

christmas, decorating, design, families, friends

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Blanket Stitch Christmas Stockings

In Crafts, Holidays on December 15, 2009 at 9:01 am

I can’t take credit for this one. My amazingly talented and fun spirited friend, Marcie, came up with the patterns and designs for my stockings. This is actually a set of six stockings… gingerbread men and a candy cane are the other two designs. See all six designs below. They were so simple and cheap to make -felt, fleece, floss, buttons and scrap fabric. It’s a simple blanket stitch all the way around. I was able to finish all six in one day.

Tags

christmas, decorating, design, friends, ideas, sewing

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DIY Microwavable Dough Ornaments

In Crafts, Holidays, Tutorials on December 14, 2009 at 9:01 am

A tradition Nathan and I started when we were dating was add a new ornament to our tree each year. Something that reminds us of that particular year. Last year, we couldn’t find any store ornaments that represented our year, so I decided we would make our own microwaveable salt dough ornament. It was quick and easy with only THREE ingredients for the dough.

Supplies:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3/4 cup hot water
toothpicks
cookie cutters
rolling pin
microwavable glass plate
paint, acrylic or tempera
glitter, optional
Mod Podge
paint brushes
ribbons
cooling rack

1. In a bowl, mix together the three ingredients – flour, salt, and water. Mix well, then roll flat on a flat surface (counter or table top). You will want the ornaments to be less than 1/2″ thick.

2. Using cookie cutters, cut out the ornaments.

3. Use the toothpick to make a whole at the top of the ornament to string ribbons through for hanging.

4. Place similar sized ornaments onto a microwavable glass plate. Heat in microwave until water has evaporated from the mixture. And since all microwaves are different, I would start out heating 2 minutes, check it, then continue in 30-second or 1-minute increments. If you heat too long, the top and bottom of the ornaments may start to brown. A little browning may be OK if you use a darker paint color over it. And most ornaments will crinkle a bit at the top. There is not much you can do about that except sand it down later. The ornaments will be extremely hot.

5. Allow the ornaments to cool on the cooling rack. Then paint. Once the paint is dry, you will want to seal it with a couple layers of Mod Podge.

6. String a ribbon through the hole and hang on tree.

Tags

children, christmas, decorating, families, ideas

▶ 9 Comments

Twirly Paper Snowflake Tutorial

In Crafts, Holidays, Tutorials on December 7, 2009 at 8:59 am

Last of the 3 part snowflake tutorial series. Hope you have been having fun making the other two snowflakes, cookie cutter paper snowflake and piping paper snowflake. Then a surprise forth snowflake, the twisted paper snowflake.

Measurements and sizes are according to the snowflakes I made for this tutorial. You can adjust to make a snowflake bigger, smaller or fuller.

Supplies:

cardstock paper (must use a thick type paper like cardstock)
paper cutter, scissors
pens, pencils or markers
stapler
ribbon, string or thread
low adhesive tape
hole punch or other embellishments for the center
glue

1. Cut your paper into 1/2″ x 6″ strips. Cut 6 strips.

2. Tape one end of the strip diagonally to a pen, pencil or marker. Twist the rest of the strip around the marker, then tape the second end. Do to all 6 strips. Let it sit for about an hour or so.

3. Unravel the paper from the marker.

4. Take two of the curled paper and join them together in the center, they are across from each other. Then take two more curled paper and space it evenly between the previous two strips.

5. Staple that first portion in the center.

6. Take the last two strips and space it evenly on the open part of the snowflake. Staple it again. You may want to staple a few more times to keep the strips secured.

7. Hole punch a different colored paper and glue the punched circles to the center, covering the staples. Or add other types of embellishments.

8. String it with ribbon or strings using glue or tape on the back.

Tags

christmas, decorating, design

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Start a New Holiday Tradition

In Holidays on December 1, 2009 at 8:59 am

Our 2nd annual gingerbread house contest with my parents and brother.

There are so many great ideas for family traditions out there floating around the blogosphere. One of our family traditions at Christmas is our annual gingerbread house building contest. It was a tradition that Nathan and I started our first Christmas together as a married couple where we spent it with my family. Every year, the houses get more and more elaborate. And every year, we find numerous creative ways of using graham crackers, frosting and candy decorations. My little brother is notorious for building the craziest stuff.

Here are some other ideas for family traditions you may want to try…

Have a guest of honor each night at the dinner table. Everyone says something nice about that person.
Visit a local nursing home to cheer up those less visited – carol, do a puppet show, karaoke, play games.
Anonymously donate items to the homeless shelter or to a family less fortunate.
Have a family outing to a museum or a play.
Start a traveling package with a family member out-of-state by filling a shoebox or a flat rate box with little gifts or homemade items back and forth to each other.
Make a special meal or treat and only make it around the time of the holiday.
Write a year in review letter to your future self or to your children/grandchildren and talk about the lessons learned that year and the things you are grateful for.
Look through old family photo albums or scrapbooks and laugh at old memories.
Do a Christmas treasure hunt by hiding all the gifts Christmas morning and having the children hunt for them.

What are some of your most cherished family traditions?

Tags

children, christmas, families, ideas, thanksgiving

▶ 1 Comment

Piping Paper Snowflake Tutorial

In Crafts, Holidays, Tutorials on November 30, 2009 at 8:59 am

Continuing with the 3 part snowflake tutorial, this is #2. Here is the cookie cutter paper snowflake, the twirly snowflake and then a surprise forth snowflake, the twisted paper snowflake. See all three in the picture below. And if you make this, please link up in the comments so I can check it out!

Measurements and sizes are according to the snowflakes I made for this tutorial. You can adjust to make a snowflake bigger, smaller or fuller.

Supplies:

cardstock paper
pipe cleaners/chenille
paper cutter
ribbon, string or thread
needle
hole punch or other embellishments for the center
glue

1. Cut cardstock paper into 3/4″ x 6″ strips. Cut 7 strips.

2. Glue the strips into circles.

3. Use the hole punch to punch holes into the circled strips. I used a scrapbook hole punch and hammer for smaller holes. Gently bent the circle in half then punched a hole through both sides so it comes out even. Do only to 6 circles.

4. To do the holes for the center circle, lay the chenille over the circle like the picture below and mark with a pencil where all 6 holes will go.

5. Then repeat step 3, but do it three times ending up with 6 holes.

6. Pull chenille through the holes, aligning the circled strips in place. Trim off excess chenille.

7. Glue the outer circled strips at their touching points.

8. String it with ribbon or strings using a needle.

Tags

christmas, decorating, design

▶ 15 Comments

I’m Gobbling…

In Holidays on November 26, 2009 at 9:00 am

Happy Thanksgiving from Simply Modern Mom! I am off to spend the day with my family and you should do the same. Have a wonderful day and I’ll see you back here tomorrow. Three winners for the Pomodoro Giveaway will be announced and the usual Friday’s 5 at 5 with things I am grateful for. Sign up for the giveaway if you haven’t yet. It’s your last day to do so.

Tags

thanksgiving

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Cookie Cutter Paper Snowflake Tutorial

In Crafts, Holidays, Tutorials on November 24, 2009 at 12:38 am

It is winter, meaning snowflake season. I designed three simple paper snowflakes you can use as decorations, tree ornaments or just something to get you in the mood for snow. I am not a snow person myself, however, I do like decorative snowflakes. I made these snowflakes with single colored cardstock. Next time, I’m planning on using designed double sided cardstock.

I am doing each snowflake tutorial separately to prevent extra long posts. Here’s the piping paper snowflake tutorial, the twirly snowflake and then a surprise forth snowflake, the twisted paper snowflake. If you make some snowflakes, please leave a link or email me so I can see these snowflakes in action.

Measurements and sizes are according to the snowflakes I made for this tutorial. You can adjust to make snowflake bigger, smaller or fuller.

Supplies:

cardstock paper
paper cutter
ribbon, string or thread
needle
hole punch or other embellishments for the center
glue

1. Cut cardstock paper into 3/4″ x 6″ strips. Cut 7 strips.

2. Fold one end of the strips at 1/4″. Do to all the strips.

3. Keeping the 1/4″ folded, fold the strip in half.

4. Open the half and fold in the two ends, with the 1/4″ still folded, into the center.

5. Apply glue to the 1/4″ portion of the strip and glue the other end to it. It should be diamond shaped.

6. On the outside of the diamond, apply glue to the center point and to the left point of the strip. Then attach a second diamond strip to that. Continue until all diamonds are glued together at the center and the touching points.

7. Hole punch a different colored paper and glue the punched circles to the center. Or add other types of embellishments.

8. String it with ribbon or strings using a needle.

Tags

christmas, decorating, design

▶ 26 Comments

Christmas Cards & Newsletters

In Holidays on November 23, 2009 at 9:00 am

Yes, it it not even Thanksgiving yet, but if you are planning on sending out Christmas cards or newsletters this year, you might want to think about this. Christmas cards do require some preparation.

Make a list. Begin by making a list of friends and family you will be sending cards to this year. Email people for updates of their addresses. To save time next year, you may want to keep this list somewhere safe or type it on a spreadsheet. You need to know how many cards to purchase or order. Narrow your list by taking off those you see all the time. You may also want to think about those you can email a holiday greeting to and save on paper and stamps.
Order soon. Dec. 21 is the last day for you to send first-class mail and have it delivered anywhere in the U.S. by Christmas Eve. If you are ordering cards, photo cards, or personalized stamps, you will want to order them soon. Most orders take 3-5 business days to process then another 5-10 business days to arrive at your house. You will also need time to write a note, insert newsletter, address and stamp.
Check the deals. It is that time of year where everything goes on sale and deals are everywhere. Check sites such a Retail Me Not for printable coupons or online codes.
Size matters. Consider the size of the envelope. The maximum letter size for it to be $0.44 is 6 1/8″ x 11 1/2″. If you are unsure, you can check USPS rates here.
Forgo lines. Don’t wait in the long lines at the post office. Order postage online or ask your mail carrier for an order envelope (see pictures below). You place your order on the envelope, insert a check, and the mail carrier deliver it to your mailbox the next day or two. No shipping or handling charges.
Simplify newsletters. You don’t have to do it all in one sitting. Break it up, think ahead, write notes of things you would like to mention.
Be creative. Have everyone write their own portion. Better yet, draw names and write a tidbit about that person in the family. One year we did a newsletter emphasizing numbers (number of trips we had taken, number of movies we watched, number of visitors in our home). Last year we used the alphabets to talk about our year.
Family photos. Hiring a professional requires you to schedule early. This is one of their busy seasons. Alternatives may include asking a friend or neighbor to do some candid shots with your camera. Using a tripod and the camera’s timer.

Tags

christmas, design, ideas, lists, tips

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Entertaining the Children

In Crafts, Entertainment, Holidays on November 18, 2009 at 9:01 am

{image by Parents Magazine}

If you are hosting a party or the actual holiday itself, one of your sanity savers this holiday season will be keeping the kids busy. Sending them outside won’t always work. Here are some children’s craft and game ideas to keep them entertained on their own. Or designate another adult or a teenager to supervise. And don’t forget about the Thanksgiving garland.

Prop improv. Gather random things around the house and the kids have to improv a scene with that prop.
Sock puppet show. Collect old socks, provide decorations, and have the children make sock puppets. Then have them do a show for everyone.
Magic tricks. Look up some simple magic tricks online and have the kids learn a few.
Entertaining kids’ table. Cover the table with butcher paper and have a cup of crayons or markers for the kids to doodle while eating. Let them design their own placemats with pre-cut paper shapes or foam shapes.
Yarn necklaces. These never get old as long as you supply them with edible beads such as Fruit Loops and LifeSavers.
Fake mustaches. Have them make fake mustaches on a stick. Then take a picture of each child with his/her mustache to take home as a souvenir or mailed later as a thank you card.
Fingerprint tree. Draw a tree with only the trunk and branches. Or use brown yarn and glue on paper. Then have the children fill the tree with leaves made by their finger prints. Use water based paints that will be easy to wash off such as tempera paint.
Pumpkin bowling. This will have to be done outside. Use uncut leftover Halloween pumpkins as the bowling ball and empty liter soda bottles as the pins.
Gratitude pie spinner. It is pictured above from Parents Magazine. Go to link for a how to.
Mayflower place cards. It is picture below, also from Parents Magazine. Go to link for a how to.

{image by Parents Magazine}

Tags

children, ideas, thanksgiving, tips

▶ 4 Comments

Did You See Me on Tangled & True?

In Crafts, Featured, Holidays on November 17, 2009 at 9:01 am

Did you see me yesterday on Tangled & True? The lovely Brittany from Tangled & True invited me to be a guest on her blog and I posted the Thanksgiving garland that is super simple to make. You can also find the tutorial on my TUTORIAL page or this link. Thanks, Brittany, for allowing me to experience Tangled & True. It was fun!

Tags

decorating, ideas, thanksgiving, websites

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Thanksgiving Garland Tutorial

In Holidays, Tutorials on November 16, 2009 at 8:21 pm

I love this time of year when we reflect on the many things we are grateful for in our lives. The last couple of years, I wanted to teach my 3-year-old Kaye to express gratitude for the many blessings in her life. Thus began the tradition of our Thanksgiving countdown. A little tradition that began with construction paper chain links a few years ago. The main idea: Write down one thing we are grateful for each day in November. Each member in the family participate in writing down things they count as blessings. Then we display it somewhere visible as a daily reminder of the things appreciate in our blessed lives.

This year, I upgraded the construction paper chain links to a leafy garland. Here is a simple tutorial for you to count your blessings in November with a garland.

Supplies:

paper – white, scrapbook, paper bags, construction, printer, etc.
scissor
pencil
pens
raffia

1. Draw your leaf pattern. If you need inspiration, collect some fallen leaves outside then trace. You will want to make the stem about 1″ long. Then cut out the pattern.

2. Trace the leaf pattern on various different types of paper. Trace 30 leaves for each day in November.

3. Crumble the paper with the tracing on it. Then smooth out and cut.

4. Give each family members a few leaves and have them write their blessings.

5. This is an optional step, but it makes the garland look fuller. Cut out smaller size leaves to put in between the large leaves. Luckily, I had a large leaf punch.

6. Gather about 6 or 9 strands of raffia then tie a knot on one end.

7. Begin braiding. Braid about 3-4″ before adding leaves into your braid, sticking the stem of the leaf into your braid.

8. If you are using the small leaves for a fuller garland, insert the small ones into some of the braids between the larger leaves. Keep going until all the leaves are gone or you have reached your desired length. Make sure to do 3-4″ of plain braids before ending the raffia with a knot. If you need a longer length, add more raffia into the braid.

A back and finished view of the garland.

If you make this garland this Thanksgiving, please leave a link to a picture of it so I can check it out!

Tags

children, decorating, families, ideas, lists, thanksgiving

▶ 27 Comments

Holiday De-stressing Tips

In Holidays on November 10, 2009 at 9:00 am

{image by Country Living}

Take that tensity level down a notch this holiday season with these 10 tips…

Gather ideas. Look in magazines, search online, talk to friends. Find ideas and put them in a folder for referencing. Better yet, add to the folder all year long so you are ready when the holidays arrive,
Recruit help. Regardless of what you think, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Get the family to pitch in and help with cleaning, decorating, shopping, gathering ideas, whatever you can think of to delegate to others. Hire help if needed.
Purchase gifts in bulk. Only the gifts for everyone else – your neighbor, PTA moms, mailman, hair stylist, kids’ teachers. A general gift that will cover them all such as stationary or your favorite gourmet food ingredient.
Order what you can online. Skip the hassle of waiting in lines, especially at the post office. Check www.freeshipping.org for free shipping codes or deals.
Stick to what you do best. Keep it doable for your lifestyle. If you are best at doing the main course but not the dessert, then make the main course and purchase the dessert. Or ask others to bring their favorite desserts.
Make a time chart. If you are doing all the food, you will have to plan ahead to know when to cook what at what temperature to keep all the food warm.
Gather supplies early. Make sure you have the necessities on hand. Grab all the canned and dried stuff early. If you have guests staying in your home, stock up on extra toiletries.
Plan entertainment for the kids. It will keep them out of trouble and out of your hair.
Reserve appointments early. Weekends in November and December gets booked up fast. If you are planning a party, reserve those dates with your friends and family early. And don’t forget about your hair, nail, and massage appointments.
Let it go. Most likely, everything will not go as planned. So just let things be and enjoy the moment.

What are some of your holiday de-stressing tips?

Tags

ideas, lists, organizing, shopping, tips

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Simplifying the Holidays: Table Centerpieces

In Holidays on November 9, 2009 at 9:00 am

We are two and half weeks away from Thanksgiving and seven weeks away from Christmas. Are you stressed yet? From now until the holidays are over, I will be focusing articles on simplifying all the worries that surrounds this time of year. I am going to throw ideas at you, make up a few lists, and inspire you to have a delightful holiday season. Are you ready?

Simple 5-minute table centerpieces. Click on picture for details, descriptions below. What are your centerpiece ideas and tips?

Floating fruits in glass vase. Also good to mix the colors or use fall colors.
Bold color fruits in serving bowls.
Gerbera daisies in wheatgrass box.
Pinecones in glass vase or other glass serving bowls.
Fall wreath hanging from a ribbon.
Pumpkins and foliage on cake dish and table runners.
Vegetables tied to candle with ribbon.

Tips for centerpieces:

Use what you have around the house — serving bowls, antique china, glass vase, cake stands, platters, bottles, trays, candles.
Use what is outside of your house — leaves, twigs, thin branches, berries, nuts, seeds, sand, rocks.
Use what is in your grocery bag — fruits, vegetables, candies, nuts.
Think colors — bold colors, fall colors, shades of white.
Table runners can be made from anything — wrapping paper, tissue paper, colored plastic wraps, scrapbook paper, butcher paper, fabric.
Don’t make it too tall. It blocks people’s views and slows conversations.

(image by Real Simple}

{image by Real Simple}

{image by BHG}

Tags

christmas, ideas, thanksgiving, tips

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Friday’s 5 at 5: Non-Traditional Halloween Treats

In Friday's 5 at 5, Holidays on October 23, 2009 at 5:00 am

halloweek

I am probably the neighborhood mom that all the kids complain about. I don’t hand out candy. I figured they get enough candies from all the other homes. At least I’m not as bad as my neighbor who makes children do push ups for candy. He’s a personal fitness trainer. He would probably hand out protein bars if it were safe for babies.

Moving on. Other than candy…

Glow sticks. It has yet to fail me year after year. The kids love them. I get the bracelet ones with the connectors so it can also be a necklace if they had two.
Play-dough. You can find them with the candy stuff in big super stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.
Bouncy balls. Or other party gift bag toys found at party stores.
Bubbles. The small bottles found in party stores.
Pretzels or crackers. Individually pre-packaged of course. Nothing homemade.

I have also seen people who attached their business cards to whatever it is they are handing out the kids. I guess that is one way to advertise.

Tags

children, gifts, ideas, toys

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Creative Pumpkins

In Holidays on October 22, 2009 at 9:00 am

halloweek

Pumpkins is in style again, at least for the next few months. Don’t just carve, try some of these. Some link round up of creative things to do with your pumpkin this year. Click on photos for more info and tutorials.

Pumpkin posies vase.
Pumpkin candles.
Bat-o-lanterns.
Mod pumpkin.
Gilded pumpkins.
Mr. Pumpkin Head.

{image by BHG}

{image by Parents Magazine}

{image by Family Fun}

{image by Parents Magazine}

{image by Country Living}

{image by HGTV}

Tags

decorating, design, halloween, ideas

▶ 3 Comments

Halloween Costume Ideas

In Holidays on October 21, 2009 at 9:00 am

halloweek

This year, Kaye wanted to be a fairy princess. I made her a pink and white tutu. She’ll have wings and I’m debating a magic wand. Elle, well, she’s going to be a chicken. A friend of mine handed down a chicken costume that I just couldn’t resist. Even though it’s a 0-3 month costume, I’m squeezing her into it. She’s normally wears 9-12 months. It is also fitting since my dad raises chickens. He’ll love the costume. I’ll post pictures next week.

If you are in need of costume ideas, here are a few simple ones you can make at home. Click on photos for details. Although it’s children in the pictures, you can tailor the costume for adults too.

{image by Country Living}

(image by Country Living}

{image by Family Fun}

{image by BHG}

{image by Parents Magazine}

Tags

fashion, halloween, ideas

▶ 3 Comments

Halloween Kids’ Crafts

In Crafts, Holidays on October 20, 2009 at 9:00 am

halloweek

Link round up of kid-friendly crafts to get the little ones into Halloween. As if they need more motivation. Click on photos for more details and how-to’s.

Mummy candy holder from water bottles.
Hanging sock bats.
Tissue paper bat garland.
Broom stick place cards.
Haunted house.
Halloween character hangers.

{image by Parents Magazine}

{image by marthastewart.com}

{image by Country Living}

{image by Family Fun}

{image by Hershey}

Tags

children, halloween

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The Procrastinator’s Halloweek: Decorations

In Holidays on October 19, 2009 at 9:00 am

halloweek

Yes, we are a bit over a week before Halloween and you know what? I don’t have a thing prepared. Nothing made. No decorations. Na-da. So this procrastinator’s week is actually for me. However, if you need ideas or encouragement… you came to the right place. Each day, we’ll focus on different parts of Halloween to get you ready for the big day 12 days away. Today is decorations. Tomorrow, kids’ crafts. Wednesday, costumes. Thursday, things to do with pumpkins. Friday’s 5 at 5, goodies to hand out other than candy.

A link round up of simple decorations. Just click on photos for more information and tutorials.