Christmas Home Tour

This year there are so many beautiful homes decorated for Christmas.  There are a couple of amazing Christmas Tour of Homes going on at Nesting Place and Kelly's Korner.  I just LOVE seeing all the different ways people decorate.  I'm getting some great ideas! 

I figured I might as well join, so come on in!  Let me show you around.

First let me introduce you to my Christmas Caroling Snowmen!

These little guys sit on the bar between my living room and kitchen.  

Along with my cute little Christmas Countdown!

From this angle, you can see the snowflakes we've hung above their heads. 

Look at his tiny book - wonder what song he's singing?

 The back wall of my house has these big windows.  They needed something, so I added some milk glass and a wreath with gold and white ornaments.  

 Here is a closer shot of the milk glass bowl with gold ornaments.  I love the way the light catches the glitter at different times of day.

And here is a shot of the vase with glittery swirls.  This milk glass came from my grandma, so I try to keep it displayed all the time.

Now standing at those windows, if you were to turn around - this is what you'd see.

When I first came to look at this house, I saw those banisters and could just picture garland wrapped around them and hundreds of twinkling lights.  It actually brought tears to my eyes - that's how I knew this had to be our home!

Our mantel:

I wanted to keep our mantel simple.  I love the way my santa set looks with just a couple of candles and white ruffle trees the boys helped me make. 

Isn't that sleigh amazing?!

Love that Santa!  Hope I'm on that list!

And our tree!

 I posted before about my sad little tree.  Well, I decided I like it more than I thought.  I don't need a big, huge tree!  That just means more work for me, right?  So I brought this one downstairs - by myself, not an easy task.  I had to put the ornaments back on that fell off on the trip down. lol  And now the tree is getting a prime spot in our living room so we can enjoy it more.

*Note - I'm still on the search for a perfect Nativity scene.  If you see a great one somewhere, let me know.  And we can't hang our stockings yet.  Last year we had a few accidents when the kids wanted to try to hang ON their stockings and the heavy holders fell down on their heads.  Not fun.

Dinner-time Conversations

Dinner time is supposed to be a great time to get the whole family together.  You sit around the table as a family, the children use their best table manners, you each take turns talking about your day and what's going on in the world and you come together as a family.  

ha ha ha ha ha!  Not in my house.  Don't get me wrong - I try!  I really try.  I have taught my boys manners.  They just refuse to use them.  And meaningful conversation?  That just doesn't happen often enough around here - it's more like trying not to raise my voice when I tell them for the 10th time to stop making gross noises and whining about broccoli.  

So here is where my good friend, Anna comes in.  She is one of those women that you just KNOW has a SuperMom cape hanging up in the closet.  I'm sure she has her off days like the rest of us, but I've never seen one!  She has GREAT, well behaved kids.  She does the most fun activities with them - and sneaks in Bible verses or other educational information.  I bet they don't even know they are learning; they just think they have a super fun mom.  

Well, she passed along this great idea to me and I want to share it.  It's called Dinner Talk or Family Preserves.  I think she said she originally saw it at Quirky Mama.  The idea is that at dinner time, when the whole family is around the table, you take out a question for everyone to answer.  It gets the conversations started and you get a chance to really get to know everyone even better.  I'll also share a great list of scripture verses - I'm making a jar of these, too so we can have some fun with memorization!  These are on my list of gifts to give this year - they are easy, fast and can be done low cost.  I'm getting my jars at the dollar store!

Dinner Talk Jar

What you'll need: 

Scrapbook paper - 4 sheets per jar

Printed conversation starters (links below)

Scissors

A jar

Ribbon

The first thing you want to do is print out your list of conversation starters onto your scrapbook paper (on the white side).  Choose a paper that matches your personality or the personality of the family you are giving it to.  If you don't change the size of the questions in the link, then you'll need 4 sheets of paper.  Print them all at the same time so you don't forget which ones you've done!

Cut the strips of paper out and curl.  You can curl with scissors or wrap them tightly around a pencil.  Make them look fun!

Use a scrap of coordinating paper to make the tag.  Attach with your ribbon and the jar is ready to give or use for your own family.

Want to make your own jars?  Here are the links!

Conversation Starters

Scripture Strips

Dinner Talk Tags

I can already see how some of you could personalize these - vinyl lettering on the side, spelling out your last name maybe?  Favorite sports team paper to print on?  Or maybe your child's favorite character?  Have fun with this!


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My Go To Store for Entertaining

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

My “go to” for holiday entertaining

Pier 1 Imports has always been a “go to” place for me for home decor, gifts and entertaining!  Whether I'm going into the store or shopping online at Pier 1, I know I can find exactly what I need.  I love the variety of items and styles both in store and online.  I am planning a few get togethers this season, so I thought I’d show you some of the items I LOVE, some great deals they have right now, and even some unexpected things on their site!

My Must Haves For Holiday Entertaining:

This year, I’m really drawn to simple designs.  I am mostly decorating in white with splashes of red and some silver and gold here and there.   These are some of the items I have, or will be purchasing to use in the next few weeks.

This sampler set is a really fun way to make sure all my guests get to try a bite of everything!

  This Cocktail Shaker Set will be perfect for after the kiddos go to bed!  It even comes in a gift box - that would be perfect for giving to your hostess if you aren’t hosting your own event!

  This Red Etched Dot Stemware is so pretty, and is actually on sale now!  That will sure brighten up the table!

I’m also LOVING Pier 1’s Tasting Party idea!   Go here for different tasting party themes AND great recipes!!!

For my dinner party, my absolute #1 must have is probably the white divided serving dish. 

  I love it!  I have two - one will be used for veggies and dip; the other will be used for fudge, brownie bites and other small sweets.  You could also use it for nuts, chips and dip, or candies!

Pier 1 for holiday gifts - 

The last time I was in Pier 1, I saw several items that I knew would be just perfect for my girlfriends!  I don’t want to say too much, because I want surprises this year, but here are a few of my favorite items that may or may not be given as gifts this year. ;)

 These Rose Clutches are adorable!!!

  The Shopper Tote Key Rings are reusable shopping bags that roll up into the matching key ring!

Honestly, the website has so many gift ideas that I could spend all day deciding.  Want to know what’s on my wishlist?   I want one of these business card holders!   I want the zebra one!

holiday gifts

My decorating style - 

Many readers know we just recently moved to Texas and have a bit more room to furnish and decorate.  Because of this, I’ve had to finally come to terms with what my decorating style is.  I’d say we are mostly traditional, but I like to throw a bit of something different in for fun.  Right now our furniture is all chocolate brown.  But you know what I think would be a PERFECT?  This  brown & white zebra print chair:

  I love it!  Of course, that would be MY chair - no boys allowed!  

Great Bargains Right Now:

Right now, Pier 1 is doing a Daily Deal - it’s a different bargain item each day.  It’s only valid in Pier 1 stores for one day only and you need to check back each day to find the new deal!

They’ve also got some special discounts here on all kinds of items - I see TONS of pillows I’d like to buy.

Want an even better deal?  Go the their clearance section to get BIG markdowns.  Hurry - I’m sure some of these items will sell out quickly.

During November and December, Pier 1 has been working hard to support Toys For Tots.  You can do your part by dropping off an unwrapped toy or make cash donation at register.  We all know the importance of Toys for Tots and the great joy they bring to so many children and families this time of year.  In fact, you can help spread the holiday cheer by liking Pier 1 Imports on Facebook.  For every new fan they get, they will donate $1 to Toys for Tots!  How easy is that?!

Oh Christmas Tree, Sad Christmas Tree

You can see a new post on my other, more girly blog here: Fabulously Domestic

I've linked up to a Christmas Tree party and talk about my sad, humble Christmas tree, my tree envy, and my argument for a bigger, better version!

Our humble little tree.  

Christmas Countdown Craft

I've  been looking for an easy, cute countdown to Christmas for a while now.  I've seen a lot that I love on different blogs and websites, but none that I could make right away with what I have on hand.  This time of year I'm SUPER busy making gifts and crafts with the boys, shopping, decorating, and baking.  So I needed something simple and fast that wouldn't make me head out to the store for more supplies.  

Enter Random Thoughts Of A Supermom!

She always has great ideas that I want to try.  Today she posted a gorgeous Christmas Countdown tutorial.  

No need to post my own instructions - she did a great job showing all the steps here.  

Here are my final products - one is for me, and one is for a friend.

I did go ahead and put mine back in the frame - but only because BOTH pieces of glass had big chips in the corners.  :(  Apparently Kelli will have some ideas for what to do with the empty frames, so I'd say it would be ideal to follow her tutorial as much as possible.  I also put some shabby rolled flowers on one frame.

Christmas Magic

You want to know something I love about Christmas?  

The innocence of my children!  

They get so excited about a few snowflakes falling.  They love the sound of the bells ringing at the stores, and they get very excited to drop money into the bucket.  I get to cuddle up and read all of our Christmas books with them and share the story of baby Jesus, and they never tire of it.  

I especially love that they all still believe in Santa.  But, sadly, I know that time will be gone quickly.  The Chief has already started telling me that some kids at school don't believe in Santa.  Which probably means they have older siblings.  But my son clings to the believe in Santa, and shares it with anyone who will listen.  In all honesty, I think he's afraid that he won't get any Christmas presents if he doesn't believe.

We attended a Christmas party at the school this week.  Yes, that's right, a Christmas party - not a holiday party.  And yes, it was school sponsored.  Man, it's nice to be back in Texas.  A big part of the party was getting a picture taken with Santa.  Now this was a great Santa.  My kids said they knew he wasn't THE Santa, just a helper, but still - he was gooood.  He asked each child what they wanted.  Now, of course my kids get the deer-in-the-headlights-look and clam up, reminiscent of poor Ralphie in A Christmas Story.

And because he was a good Santa, he kept talking to the boys until they spoke up about their wish lists - he acted like he had all the time in the world!  The Chief wants a DSi and a cell phone (dream on, kid).  Con-man wants a DSi and a tv.  And Monkey-Man wants Buzz Lightyear.  When they were done, Santa told them they need to listen to me, then he told Con-man to stop picking on his little brother and told The Chief to clean his room.  How did he know????

This was the best picture I got, and even though Con-man isn't looking at me, they all look happy!

Easy, Inexpensive Gift Idea!

Woo Hoo!  

Christmas is finally on the horizon!

Ok, so I'm not actually THAT excited about it.  

The thought of shelling out tons of money on gifts for our ever-growing list of family and friends stresses me out!  My stomach hurts just thinking about it.  So this year, I've jumped on the homemade gift bandwagon!  At least following this crowd will have us putting more thought into our gifts and maybe a little less money.  

I'm also getting the kids involved.  There are several things I want them to take away this year:

1 It really is the thought that counts.

2 Money can't buy the best gifts.

3 Jesus is the WHOLE reason we celebrate!  As we make each and every item, the boys and I pray for the recipient.

I'll try to post as many gift ideas as I can in the coming weeks without showing EVERYONE on my list what they will be receiving this year!  

Christmas Coasters

For these super cute, totally customizable Christmas Coasters, you'll need:

4x4 inch tiles

scrapbook paper

Mod Podge or similar product

paint brush or sponge

sealant

felt

hot glue and glue gun

scissors & other cutting tools desired

Start off with your 4x4 inch tile

Cut felt into 4x4 inch squares and put hot glue around all edges

Line up and press down on back of tile

Yay!  Now it won't scratch the recipient's table.  

That's not the kind of gift I want to give.

Gather your cute Christmas or other decorative papers

Cut them just shy of 4x4 inches square

These are the products I used to apply paper and seal my coasters

Apply Mod Podge with brush or sponge.  

I apply directly on tile in a thin layer.

Place paper on tile and let dry 15 minutes.  If ripples appear, smooth down while wet.

Apply layer of Mod Podge on top of paper - but only when it's dry!

Allow Mod Podge to dry.

Spray sealer outside (!!!!).  Dry 15 minutes, apply again.  

I did 3 layers.

These were a few of the finished tiles.

I packaged 4 coordinating coasters together for a teacher gift.

And I'm sure she'll love it!

These coasters I show above are waterproof as long as you seal them well (I've tested mine).

I did very basic designs for the example on here, but others will have names or initials stamped on them, etc.  I'm also doing several sets that are not in Christmas themed paper so they can be used all year.  There are so many possibilities!

Tips I learned the hard way:

*If using photos, have them printed at the store.  Inkjet printed photos will change colors and run.

*Allowing Mod Podge to dry between layers greatly reduces ripples.

*Using a brush will leave brush strokes in the Mod Podge.  This does not bother me, but if you don't like that, experiment with sponges and other applicators.

*Be creative, but be careful of too many layers of paper - you want the glass you be level on the coaster.

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