Be a Giver: Homemade Gift Ideas

Christmas can be a difficult time when it comes to giving gifts to all of your loved ones. Especially, if you are required to give to your co-workers as well! I was never a fan of homemade gifts, but as I've become a bit "craftier" and more resourceful since we're on a budget and we have to provide for Gretchen's Christmas, I think that homemade gifts can be a great idea!

All of these gift ideas were found here. The first is a message board. This would be great for anyone! If you're giving too a teenager, use fun and funky fabric with coordinating ribbon! If it's for a parent, friend, or co-worker, use something a little more timeless that can go with the decor in their home or office. DJ and I acutally have a magnetic message board and I love that it hangs on the side of our fridge and holds all of our little importang messages!

The next is Cocoa in a jar. If you are required to give gifts to your co-workers, this would be a great idea! You could also include a cute coffee cup!

Okay, so the 3rd is a little strange, but I remember making these as a little girl, so I had to include them! Pinecone fire starters are fun to make with kids and can serve as a great gift to grandparents or great-grandparents- just make sure they have a wood burning stove. Take your child on a scavenger hunt to find pinecones and melt your old candles to create the wax. Tie a string around the top, and let your child dip the pinecone in until it's fully coated.

If you know a mother who needs some time to relax; make her these adorable soaps! You can use cookie cutters to make different shapes.

Or, give her a beautiful jar of bath salts!

DJ and I are giving a few homemade gifts this year for Christmas. I'm not going to post them until after the holidays, so I won't ruin the suprise. But, I'm excited to share them with you! Hopefully, you can take some of these ideas or google for some of your own!

More Branson Pictures

I wanted to share just a few more pictures from our Branson trip- I promise, these are the last ones! These were on my mother's camera card and I've just taken the chance to transfer them onto my computer. And, I had to share them with you all! This was taken on Saturday of Gretchen and Hannah before we left to go shopping. Gran made Gretchen's outfit, and I'm hoping that we will soon sell them on our website! I just need to take the time to post them! Right now, we will not be selling the ruffled leggings, just the dress, but they're adorable!!!

Someone taught Gretchen how to jump on the bed in the hotel room. Aghem.... Aunt Jan and Aunt Tiffany!

The waiter sung to Gretchen at The Hard Luck Cafe.... apparently, he was more interested in being in the picture than she was!

As we were leaving Hard Luck, Gretchen was able to visit with Santa Claus! This Santa is always at the Grand Village Shoppes (except on Mondays), and he has a real beard!

I was shocked that she was willing to give him a hug! It must have been because he also gave her a toy!

A touch of Christmas: Our tree!

These are the last decorations I have to show you, but it's my favorite!!!! Our Christmas Tree!

DJ put the tree up while Gretchen and I were in Branson, and we spent last Thursday evening decorating it! I love that our tree is so personal to our family. DJ and I always purchase an ornament when we travel, instead of a cheesy souvenier. It's so much fun to unpack the ornaments and remember all of the fun places that we have been! If anyone ever wants to buy me a cheesy souvenier- please buy me an ornament instead!

DJ's favorite is the ornament he purchased when he went to Hawaii. He purchased it from the Pearl Harbor memorial. I'm not sure if I could choose a favorite, but we purchased a Mardi Gras themed ornament last year when we were in Alabama for the bowl game, and I love it!

The pictures aren't very good, for some reason I can never take wonderful pictures of my tree.

But, I hope you enjoy! Our tree with the lights on.

The top half of our tree. The angel came from my Aunt Donna; I love her!

A further away view of the tree. I purchased the gold tree skirt from Hobby Lobby a few years ago, and the little train, came from my great-aunt Mary Lou. Gretchen's fascinated by trains, so we have to warn her to not touch it!

See!

I took a few pics of her Saturday evening after her bath; hence, the wet hair! My mother purchased these pj's for Gretchen and monogrammed her name under the snowman!

I would love to see pictures of your tree, so if you have a moment leave me a comment with a link to your blog!

A touch of Christmas: Kitchen and Living Room

We finally have our entire house decorated! Much thanks to my husband for putting up all of the lights (he even bought timers for all of them!) while Gretchen and I were in Branson.

I have been racking my brain all weekend about what to post; I feel like it's been a while and we had such a busy weekend that I really had to take some time to get in the mood. But, as Gretchen and I cuddled by the fire last night with the Christmas tree beautifully lit and watching The Santa Clause 2; it just put me in the mood! I needed that- the holidays are so stressful and I'm not sure that's what God intended as He sent His Son to be born on that day. I hope that you are finding some time to relax and enjoy the season!

Okay, on to the fun stuff- the decorations!!! Have I told you yet how much I love Christmas?! It's my favorite holiday, and remember I was married at Christmas time! A few weeks before our wedding some wonderful family members of mine hosted a Christmas themed bridal shower for me, and it was by far my favorite! Thanks to this shower, I was set for Christmas decorations for our tree and house, and wound up with beautiful serving pieces. If you know someone getting married, you should keep the idea of a holiday themed bridal shower in the back of your head!

Alright: I had to post a few more of my decorations in the kitchen: Our advent calendar (has pb cups inside-yum!) and an adorable serving dish that I received from my high school friend/sorority sister, Rebecca. I just received the smaller countdown from my Aunt Mary while we were in Branson.

A few decorations on top of my fridge (sorry for all of the cluttered art work and menu's- that's what happens when you have a child!) I have a Santa cookie jar and Santa pitcher; I believe my grandmother gave me both of them.

And, in our back hallway. I placed all of my "country" themed decor on our antique secretary. I purchased the sign above the secretary last year after Christmas (on sale; so it was dirt cheap!) and placed the ribbon to hang it with hot glue!

My mantle- I wanted to make it "big", but this was about as big as I could get it! I used garland, gold mesh netting, beautiful holly bushes that I have, my 2 rose bowls (1 with a candle, the other with sparkling berries), and 2 candlesticks (a gift from my MIL last Christmas), along with our snowflake stocking holders and stockings- purchased from Lillian Vernon.

And, another view....

If you haven't taken the time to post your holiday house on your blog, please do so! And, leave me a comment pointing the way to your blog so I can see everything! I still need to take the time and post my tree (I love it!), but I can't wait to see everyone else's! If you still need some holiday inspiration, check out this blog!

And, don't forget to enter the December giveaway! I'm probably going to throw in a suprise for the winner!!!!

Branson Post 2

Onto the afternoon of day 2!

After spending the morning shopping at my favorite outlet mall, Tanger Shops, we headed to the Hard Luck Cafe for a late lunch and suprise 50th birthday shindig for my aunt! The ladies planned well and had tiara's and boa's for each of us! Gretchen had not had her nap by this point in the day, so she was exhausted, but still well behaved. Above she is sporting her "boa" and crown.

Gretchen and I at Hard Luck. I think she loved being a little princess for a few hours!

And, the queen of us all- my grandmother!

Gretchen and Gran at the Hard Luck Cafe.

Above: My aunt being serenaded by the staff at Hard Luck. If you ever take a trip to Branson, you must eat at the Hard Luck! It's located in the Grand Village shopping center, and is fabulous! The waiters take turns singing songs (no, not karoke style) while still serving you delicious food and shakes!

When we left the restraunt, Santa was waiting! I have some pictures with Gretchen and Santa, but they're on a different camera card. Gretchen actually warmed up to him after a few minutes and she loved the "Cat in the Hat" toy that he gave her. Santa also took some time to take a picture with our group. Yes, all 14 of us- and we all fit in one 2 bedroom condo! Thank goodness for blowup mattresses!

Saturday evening, we went to see a play/musical about the birth of Christ. It was wonderful, but because Gretchen was absolutely exhausted at this point, I have no pictures! She did very well during the play though, and we had the best aisle seat, so she was upclose to many of the animals that had to use the center aisle!

And, later that evening, my grandmother, The Queen, read us a little poem about growing older! (She's going to kill me for posting this picture).

And, Libby, entertained us with another poem. Libby is my mom's best friend and writes wonderful poems for everyone on their annual Branson trips!

Relaxing at the condo, and snacking a bit too!

Gretchen with her fabulous cousin, Hannah. I'm fairly sure they were watching t.v. at this point.

This rounds out day 2, and likely some of day 3. My picture taking was getting few and far between at this point, but I may have a few more to post later!

Branson Post 1

I'm going to have to seperate our Branson trip into a few different posts. If I can find the time today, I'll try to go ahead and post all of our pictures (I have way too many for just one post).

Gretchen and I left bright and early Friday morning. By bright and early, I mean 5:30, which was 4:30 central time! It wasn't so bright when we left, but hey, we did see the sunrise! Gretchen did very well in the car. She was awake for about an hour, and then slept for another hour, and then ate breakfast in the car. I had everything layed out and prepared, and close to me, so I could reach it all and pass it to her in the back seat. We drove for about 3 1/2 hours before stopping to get gas and change her diaper and clothes. We got back into the car and just drove! It took us about 9 hours to get to Branson, and I can't brag enough about how wonderful Gretchen did in the car! If you travel and you're not using a DVD player, I suggest you get one! It was a lifesaver, and a treat since Gretchen's t.v. time is limited!

We met my mom and sister-in-law at The Branson Landings. The shopping centers is a few years old, but it was my first time being there. (I haven't been to Branson, since our honeymoon 4 years ago!) The Landings are set right on the lake with beautiful fountains and wonderful shopping! The weather was a delightful 70 degrees, and after Indiana weather it was very much welcomed! I was even warm in a tank and hoodie!

Gretchen was able to visit Mrs. Claus. It took her a minute or two to realize that she was just a nice old lady.

Once she realized, she was okay, she warmed up and gave her a hug. It helped that Mrs. Claus also gave her a small candy cane.

We also met up with my cousin Jan, and her daughter, Hannah. Hannah looked forward to getting a chance to "babysit" Gretchen. She was a wonderful helper and Gretchen loved playing with her!

We went shopping on Saturday as well (what else do you do in Branson?) Gretchen was finally able to take a break from sitting in her stroller and played in this ride-on toy. She had tons of fun driving the "car" and did not want to get out! Gran made the outfit she is wearing and I love it! I hope that we can start selling these online very soon!

Stay tuned; I have more Branson pictures to post!

December Giveaway!

Alright, I'm a little late posting the giveaway, but I'll extend it until Dec. 15th, and I will announce the winner on the 16th!

This month I'm giving away this adorable Snowman clippie! It's set on a fully lined alligator clip (i'll add a non-slip gripper upon winner's request), and features an adorable pink satin bow. The snowman and clip are made of a cream grosgrain ribbon.

Want to win it????

Here's how:

1. Go to my website and tell me which product is your favorite! And leave a valid email address. (Required entry)

2. Follow my blog! Be sure to leave a comment telling me that you follow!

3. Grab my button for an additional 3 entries!

4. Make a purchase and receive 5 additional entries!

5. Post about this giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter. 1 entry for each post.

6. Blog about this giveaway on your blog for an additional 2 entries!

Winner will be chosen by Random number generator and will be notified via email. Winner has until December 18th to contact me with a mailing address!

Good luck!!!

Thanksgiving!

A few pictures from Turkey day 2009! The family on Thanksgiving day. I think this is a horrible picture, but we were just trying to get one made as we were scrambling out the door at the same time!

Our immediate family: DJ's BIL, SIL, Nana, me, Gretchen, and DJ.

Gretchen had tons of fun playing with their toys and trying on Mr. Potato Head glasses- good thing she's getting a potato head from Santa!

And, more on our trip.....

Gretchen and I just got back from our trip to Branson (after driving 9 hours yesterday!). We had a wonderful time and I want to catch everyone up with pictures from that trip, but first, I hate to post about our Thanksgiving day!

We left Wednesday evening after I got off work and drove up to DJ's grandparents house. The trip was longer than expected, because I was starving and we had to make a detour to Sonic! We do not have a Sonic in our town, and I go through withdrawls every once-in-a-while! So, our 3 hour trip turned into 4, and Gretchen was a mess! DJ and I forgot to pack toys to keep her entertained, and the DVD player would have been nice to have too! Not to mention, she could've benefited from a nap and having dinner on time.

As we were driving, DJ received news that his grandmother had to be admitted to the hospital. We believe that she is doing well and is okay, it was just a little scary for his family that was already there. We were greeted that evening by his Uncle Ron, and later by his sister and brother in law and DJ's mom.

Thankfully, Gretchen went to sleep without much of a problem, and Turkey day finally arrived! We spent the morning around the house, and I even got in a quick workout (pats self on back!). Gretchen took a little nap, but woke up with a snotty nose and not feeling very well.

We sat down to a wonderful dinner around 3:00. DJ's Uncle made wonderful ham and turkey, with all of the fixings! It was all delicious!

We had a wonderful time with his family and a great trip! I hope you all had a fantastic Turkey day as well!

A touch of Christmas: Our kitchen

Christmas is my favorite holiday!!!! I was married at Christmas time, and I have so many wonderful childhood memories from Christmastime.

My mom and grandmother made me help them decorate our house every year! It took at least 2 days to decorate my mom's house, and that's working non-stop! I use to dread helping them, but now I wish they were here to help me!

Over the next few days, I'll take some time to show you around my house and all of my Christmas decorations. Just ask my husband, and he'll tell you that we have enough. If you ask me, I'll tell you that I plan on buying more when the sales hit on December 26th! This is our center island. I wanted something simple because I end up pileing our belongings on the countertop. I've decided that this is one space, that I'll need to purchase new things for! Or, perhaps, Gretchen and I will begin decorating gingerbread houses next year!

The buffet table in our dining room features all of my Spode serving pieces. I received many of these as gifts (I had a Christmas themed wedding shower!), but I've also purchased pieces over the years after Christmas. Last year, I purchased the salt and pepper shakes!

Again, the buffet table.

A close up of the dining room table. I wanted to do a little more on my table than I've done in the past. I'm not sure if my husband enjoys moving a few things out of his way so he can eat, but it's only for a few weeks! The cobalt blue candle votives have been in storage for the last 2 years, but I've dug them back out since we moved. I purchased them in Louisiana, and I love them! I've placed greenery around the votive holders, with cobalt blue and silver balls. I've also placed beaded fruit pieces, and red beads. I learned a trick from another blog that I have to share! Use floral wire to tie your balls to greenery and your tree! I always use the hooks, but I love the look that the balls are so close to the greenery.

And, a wider view of the table. Each place setting features a red charger, green napkins, and Christmas tree napkin rings (to match the spode!)

I hope you've enjoyed a touch of Christmas, and that you're inspired to add a touch to your home.

Personalize it!

I just love these personalized stickers! I just purchased these from Littlebeane Boutique. I plan on using them for our home made gifts this year! I think they'll add an adorable touch to the gift bags!

The best part? They're only $5.95 for a set of 12!

Littlebeane Boutique specializes in invitations, stationary, stickers, tags, and more! Check out her shop on Etsy and enjoy adding a personalized touch to your gifts this year!