Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Icon Button Magnets
Need a gift for a large group of people?
Or just something sweet and new for your own use?
How about button magnets?
I have done these for years...
These were done with icons, but have used favorite pictures and school logos also.
All you need to make are:
1/2 inch to 1 inch pictures (made mine on computer and shrunk to size)
E-6000 glue, (very smelly, don't do when the kids are up)
Magnets for base (whatever you have coupons for and are on sale)
Glass buttons (use the ones from craft store meant to stabilize flowers)
For the glass buttons, watch for ones that have too many lines inside,
as they will affect viewing your picture.
When giving them I love to put them in decorated tins.
You know the ones I mean.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Simple Christmas Centerpiece
All found at the local dollar type store.
Pretty Centerpiece not costing a fortune= Priceless
Thursday, November 21, 2013
What to give-what to give?
I love giving. This is something my hubby knew well, when he met me. He understood it even better, when we married too. It's always part of the budget, crafting and gifting. Trust me, the eyes start rolling in July, when I start talking about Christmas.
Is it just me? I didn't think so?
Anyway, I thought I would share some of my faves today about great ideas to give those who are housebound or in a nursing home. Things to think about when giving a gift; what would they like? what do they need? what is a luxury? In the end, what would brighten someone's day or bring them a lasting smile? Being remembered by someone unexpected is always a good feeling.
I love fingerless gloves which can help keep the person toasty, or a fleece wrap.
Although I think anyone of any age would love these!
Although I think anyone of any age would love these!
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| Pattern Found here on Etsy |
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| Easy Crochet Fleece |
Other ideas include,
treats and fresh fruit which are always nice, a small planter or indoor garden, photos and cards.
Warm socks, warm packs, and warm hugs.
Anything bird-watching-related is also popular. And why wouldn't it be, they are so fun to watch!
A great gift can be bird feeders or as simple as a bottle of birdseed with a bow on it.
I think making a simple birdseed ornaments, with no cleanup to be a great gift.
It's fun to do with the kids and so pretty.
Below are my two favorites!
or
For some more fun ideas, this is what I found and pinned on Pinterest. I made a board of them.
I absolutely love some of the things I found.
I absolutely love some of the things I found.
Fun things in the holidays would include, decorating for someone, whether the porch or a window, use clings, lights, a wreath, anything to make it beautiful. Remember if you decorate for someone who is homebound or elderly, please, please, please remember to set a time to go back and take it down for them. They should not be getting up on anything to take something down, or worried about it. What would be the point of the gift if it caused more worry. Another thought, singing to them, the old wonderful treat of carolers, it's fun and inexpensive and a beautiful way to connect.
Having listed all these things, let me add the all time best thing!
All time best thing to offer is TIME.
There is nothing like time together, whether it's sharing a pot of tea, watching a show together, making small talk, playing cards, or even better, helping them reminisce about the beautiful moments. I have found that any amount of time offered including a hug, holding hands and a smile is appreciated more than anything else.
So, go get out there
and
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Monday, November 18, 2013
Prayers and Service
Prayers for strength, mercy and gratitude
after the tornados in the Midwest.
and
not forgetting those in the Philippines.
Consider if you are able to offer what you can to help others.
One worthwhile and trustworthy agency is the IOCC- International Orthodox Christian Charities. As a family or as a youth group you can put together emergency kits to help those in the midst of disasters. There are so many other ways listed here also to give of yourself and help others.
Pray, Serve, Give Thanks
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Monday, November 11, 2013
Distress and the Unpleasant
“He who endures distress, will be granted joys; and he who bears with unpleasant things, will not be deprived of the pleasant.”
– St. Nilus of Sinai
Friday, November 1, 2013
Fall Mantle Reveal
I know all of you have been waiting with bated breath for this, right?
What says fall more than carnivorous terrariums?
This is in the center of the room, with a burlap and pumpkin on the tray redo.
Love the simplicity of this look and bringing these together, what do you think?
So here it is!
The Fall Mantle!
It's a little different than when I first started, afterall I was going for a primitive simple look. I emptied it off and sat there staring at it for a while. Because I have so much time to just sit and stare at my wall, right?? As I sat, I thought about different things I have around the house, in boxes and favorite things.
I brought in one of favorite framed posters, and aspects you can pick out from the fall brunch. I love the tallness and color of the wheat, and tried to bring some symmetry. I feel like it turned out pretty elegant in the end. The lanterns are ages old, and I've had out for a while, actually since last Christmas, they have touches of gold on them, as do our little gourds, so sweet.
Initially I had the big metal pumpkin on the outside of the hearth and decided it seemed too cluttered and so moved out the vases and put it on the inside.
Better, no?
I placed the big acorns, LOVE these!
Surrounded by gourds, a little triptych icon on a runner of burlap.
I actually only used two of them, and
you may also recognize the table runner.
I re-used in the fall breakfast buffet decor.
In the end, it still didn't feel complete.
Something was missing, I finally figured it out,
it was the icon of the Holy Family and
Now it is right for me.
What have you changed around?
What do you think?
It's always interesting to me how things evolve in our homes.
Sometimes you just have to take a minute and play,
and sometimes it's right the first time.
I prefer to change it up others may keep it the same every year.
What do you prefer?
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Sunday, October 27, 2013
More Love for Fall
I know I said I would post the Fall Mantle Reveal this week...
I just couldn't get to it,
multiple factors, I won't bore you.
It is on it's way.
But I did want to share some more of my love for fall
and the beauty it holds.
Fresh apples from the trees.
The last of the dahlias and a bit of wine to share with friends.
So grateful for the moments we have.
Are you able to slow down a bit,
at least once in a while,
to enjoy the colors, and each other?
Go outside and take a deep breath.
Look at the beauty that God has given us.
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Rustic Breakfast Stromboli
So here the breakfast stromboli from our Fall Breakfast Brunch, it got raves and many asked me to share the recipe, so here it is!
Wanting to make something hardy and yummy.
I thought about it and I this totally fit the bill, it's filled with protein and all the components of a healthy breakfast rolled into one. A rustic breakfast stromboli. What makes it rustic? Well, the handmade dough, of course. What makes it breakfast, ham, cheese and eggs, of course.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Beautiful Fall
Beautiful Fall Geese-to be watched-out of formation
Beautiful Fall Colors-to be enjoyed.
Beautiful Fall Bulbs- to be planted.
Beautiful Warm Fall Nights- to be ending soon
Beautiful Fall Gourds- to be arranged.
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Coming this week, Rustic Breakfast Stromboli Recipe and Fall Mantle Reveal...
Friday, October 11, 2013
Fall Breakfast Buffet Menu
When planning an event when you need to feed a crowd,
the place to start is to know the location and resources available.
For this function, there are two sets of stairs, no elevator and no kitchen but lots of tables.
How did we overcome this, you may ask?
Four ways is the answer.
1. Have fantastic help,
many hands make everything more fun,
and more beautiful.
2. Plan the menu
(nothing that needs to be reheated/cooked at the site)
3. Coolers/ Pack smart
4. My favorite-this year we were blessed with a clergy kid extraordinaire,
who joined us and did tons of running up and down those two sets of stairs.
God Bless Her!
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This year's Menu included:
Coffee, creme, etc.
Apple Cider
Bougatsa (creme-filled fillo pastry-sweet and delicious)
Assorted Fresh Fruit including,
Grapes, Watermelon/Melon, Pineapple, Figs, Blueberries and Strawberries, Apples
Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Nutmeg on the side
Pumpkin Cake
Apple Strudel
Blueberry Cake
Pumpkin muffins
Cornbread
Apple Crisp
Sesame Anisette Biscotti
Cheese Plate and Rolled Deli Meats
Bagels and Cream Cheese and Jams
When planning a menu, try to consider dietary restrictions and a balance of sweet and savory.
The little leaf toothpicks doubled as decor and we had written on them if something was gluten-free, or had nuts, etc. you get the idea.
Some of the decor you will end up seeing back on my mantle, reveal will be soon. You may recognize a few pieces already from last year, like the Three Little Sweater Pumpkins and this year's Glitter Gourds before they were dressed for a party.
Still loving me some burlap.
Do you think we missed anything?
What should we add to the menu for next year?
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Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ham and cheese, rethought?
Ok, who doesn't love ham and cheese. In sandwiches? On rolls? As an omelette?
I've bought these roll-ups before at the big box frozen section. I decided how hard can it be to make them. The fall breakfast table needed some more protein. What could be more perfect. These were it!
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
You will need:
4 TBSP cream cheese
4 TBSP mayo
2 tsp each of garlic powder, oregano, dried basil and mustard
1 tsp paprika or cayenne pepper or hot sauce (it's good without the heat, but better with it)
1 cup grated cheese (of choice, I like mexican)
4 flour tortillas
8 slices thin of ham (your choice)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
How to Decorate Fall Table
So we had this beautiful Fall Breakfast Buffet in past few weeks.
It is an annual event,
last year we made the table theme,
"Fall Chicken and Sunflowers."
At least I think that would be a good name for it,
we had these lovely centerpieces, for the buffet,
from one of my best-ies!
Isn't this rooster, GORGEOUS!
Monday, September 30, 2013
How to Serve Yogurt
Burlap Your Yogurt
I love offering yogurt and granola and fruit as a breakfast option. The problem is how to serve it?
When I thought of doing this, I actually started giggling out loud.
So easy, simple and why had I not thought of this before?
It made it so much easier to transport and are you ready for this, easier to clean, no bowl.
Now I'm really smiling.
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| Fall Breakfast Buffet |
Why this didn't come to me sooner, after all,
I have been having an affinity for this material for a while.
Well, the affinity has grown, just you wait and see.
For now,
I covered the yogurt container with burlap and ribbon.
I know! It's cute, isn't it?
What do you think?
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Friday, September 27, 2013
Are your Gourds dressed for Fall?
Well, the Fall Mantle is almost done completed, I'm running late.
Not an unusual pattern in my life.
Never enough time and committed to too many things.
Can you relate?
In the meantime,
I decided to add some sparkle, who doesn't need this in their life?
I popped open a little gold craft paint and went to town on my $3 bag of gourds.
Look at how much sweeter a little paint can make these!
Easy-breezy and less than 5 minutes, took me longer to take the pictures and write the post.
Seriously.
I will be sharing the full mantle with you soon!
How are you adding sparkle to your mantle and day?
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Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Jennifer Rizzo , Thededicatedhouse, An Original Belle, FarmHousePorch, I should be Mopping the Floor