Tuesday Tute- Glass Ball Ornaments

I love clear glass ornaments. There are endless possibilities for easy crafts with these suckers. Above is one with a picture of my late mother-in-law. (My husband's aunt had made these for him and his sisters the Christmas after his mom passed away.)
These are some other ones that I have gotten. They are made with transparencies.
All you do is photocopy an image onto tranparencies (at an office store, using the photo setting). Black-n-white sketches are best on transparencies. (Colored photos are best on paper, or you can't really see them very well.)

Then you use a circle cutter and template (like this one above) and cut out the image. Then roll it up and feed it through the hole on top of the ornament. Put the lid back on the ornament and tie on some ribbon or whatever. You can also put confetti inside, like in the picture.
For images, I like the clear glass ornaments that are slightly flat, like the one in the last picture. You can find those at any craft store.

Here is an "I Spy" one.

The only thing is that you have to glue down some of the ribbon to close off the hole on the top, or all the stuff will come out.

For more clever ideas for glass ornaments, I found some on Bizzy Bee Creations, Alpha Mom via Skip to My Lou and It's All in My Head. The possibilities are endless! Be creative! Pin It

The BEST Christmas Cookies!!

Here are my two most favorite sugar cookie recipes. If you can top these, I want to know about it! This first one is from my sister, Amanda that she got from her friend, Chrissy. They are SO soft and perfect.

Soft Sugar Cookies

1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1 c. sour cream
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 1/2 c. to 5 1/2 c. flour (sifted is best)

Directions: Cream butter, sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla until smooth. Add dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Chill in fridge at least 1 hour.
Roll to 1/2" thick on floured surface (the thicker, the softer, the less flour, the more flavor)
Bake @ 325 for about 11 minutes. (cookies will look barely done)-DO NOT OVER BAKE!

This other is the one I grew up with. These are the very BEST, in my opinion. But I'm not sure if it's just because I grew up on them or if they really are the best.

Butter Cookies

2 c. butter (softened)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. lemon extract
6 c. four
1 tsp. baking powder

Directions: Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and lemon ext. Mix in flour and baking powder. Chill dough for several hours (I don't). Roll thin and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 425 for 5-6 minutes, (until barely done). Do not overbake!! Cool and frost. Makes 12-14 doz.

Now there IS a difference between these two cookie recipes. The sugar cookies come out puffier and the butter cookies hold the cookie-cutter's form. I love the hint of lemon flavor in the butter cookies, and the way they crumble and almost melt in your mouth. They even taste good plain (without frosting), but I like them best frosted. Sugar cookies are not my fave unfrosted, but with frosting and sprinkles I love the texture. Tasting the two recipes side-by-side and frosted, it's hard to decide which one is my most fave.
(Click on image for closer examination)

For another wonderful sugar cookie recipe, go to Picky Palate. Her sugar cookie recipe is very similar to mine. I have yet to try hers out. She also introduces us to "fondant" which is something else that looks fun to try! (Maybe I'll try it for Valentine's.)

Lastly, here are a few important sugar cookie tips:
1. Never overbake! (or they will not be soft)
2. You can freeze UNfrosted sugar/butter cookies in air-tight containers for several months. (I don't know about you, but rolling out these suckers can get pretty tedious! so why not make a bunch one time and freeze!)
3. Homemade frosting is the best on sugar/butter cookies, in my opinion. Be creative and try using different flavorings in your frosting. Some good ones to try are almond and peppermint. (Not at the same time of course). :)

And here is my favorite frosting recipe:

Butter Frosting (from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook)

1/3 c. butter or margarine
4 1/2 - 5 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
1/4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cream together with a mixer or beaters.

There you go! Now have fun making the most fabulous Christmas cookies for friends and family! Let me know how it goes!!

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Christmas Fun for the Kiddos

My friend, Gina just emailed me a link for Santa to send a personalized video to your kids. I tried it and it's super easy, and really cute!


Gina also reminded me of the cutest website where you can make a virtual gingerbread house. This is a good one for a bored child in need of some entertainment while you're doing laundry or wrapping gifts or something. Be careful though... YOU may end up being the one making the virtual gingerbread house. It's actually quite fun!

Okay... Check back later today for my next post. I'll be posting my 2 fave sugar cookie recipes- yes TWO recipes! (I create my posts before I go to bed the night before they post, and right now it is extremely late and I'm exhausted.) I'm behind a day on my posts because Thursday night there was something wrong with Blogger and it wouldn't let me do my post (or did I do something wrong?). I will stack some posts together to get it all in before Christmas. Stay tuned for some fabulous holiday recipes from my own kitchen, and some more holiday inspiration! Pin It

Christmas Tradition- Twelve Days of Christmas

Some girlfriends told me about this book, The Twelve Days of Christmas by Betty Van Orden. A few of them are following the ideas in this book for a more meaningful Christmas. I don't have a copy, but I did read through it pretty good recently while at Seagull Book. It's awesome!! Betty Van Orden wrote this book after her kids were grown and raising their own families. These are the things she does for her kids to share with her grandchildren. She has different themes to choose from inside the book. You'll just have to go and check it out. It is found at Seugull Book, Deseret Book, Amazon.com, and I'm sure it's probably also at Barnes and Noble and Borders. Pin It

Giving to Our Neighbors

For the first time ever we got "jingled" the other night. We've been "Boo'd" several times (for Halloween) but never jingled. It was fun, and yummy too! Now we get to jingle 2 of our neighbors if we want to keep it going. Go to this website to print out the poem and go jungle your neighbors tonight!!

Something I did last year for our neighbors was the Giving Basket. I filled this pretty basket with all kinds of holiday stuff and attached a note with instructions and our Christmas greeting to our neighbors.

Here's a closer look at what I put in.

Here's the little note that I had attached to the basket. (click on picture to enlarge)

And on the back I made a little map and schedule to help make it easier.

And it worked! It came back with different stuff in it and greeting cards from all my neighbors. It was a neat tradition that my friend, Debbie shared with me. Her neighbors look forward to the giving basket every year!
Go here and here to see my posts on this from last year.
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Friday Faves on Tuesday- Christmas Books

These
are just a handful
of the books that
we keep under our Christmas tree
to be read during "Around the Christmas Tree"
and all throughout Christmas time.
This last one by Glenn Beck is new this year. Glenn was here in my town last night, and we got to go to his Christmas Sweater concert! It was incredible. This book is so moving and inspirational!

There are many more Christmas books and stories that are so wonderful. What are your faves? Pin It

My Town Monday- The "Real" Santa

Who's your favorite Santa? We think the best one is at the Karcher Mall in Nampa! We tell our kids that he is the REAL Santa. We love him because he has a real beard and is so tender and personable with the kids. We also love going to Karcher Mall for 2 other reasons: It's never crowded, and the Victoria Secret store is not right next to him with women in lingerie covering the window for the kids to look at while waiting in line.

We took our kids to visit the "real" Santa at Karcher this last weekend, and there happened to be no one else waiting in line. So Santa spent time talking with each of the kids, and even told a couple of stories about the reindeer and how Rudolf's nose became red, and about things going on at the North Pole. He made the kids laugh by calling them made-up names at the end so they would tell him their real names again. Just a warm, sweet man! You can tell that he enjoys being there.
We are very impressed.

Now for a scary story. I just got an email from my sis-in-law last night about something that happened in my safe lil' town this last week...
"I just got a call from a co-worker who had a frightening experience at the corner of Orchard and Fairview on Monday night. She was sitting at the light when a man walked up to her car and reached for the door. Luckily she saw him coming and quickly locked the car because just as the locks clicked he jiggled the door handle! He kept trying to get in the car until she drove off!!! We don't think of these things happening here in Boise but now I know someone that had it happen to her!!! PLEASE be sure to drive with your doors locked and be aware of what's going on around you. He wasn't grossly dressed or anything; just looked like a regular guy until he was trying to open her car door and pounding on the window!!! She contacted the police as soon as she got home and found out that there are more and more of these cases happening here. I think it's only going to get worse with the economy taking a nosedive. Girls......please be careful, cautious and safe out there and please please take this seriously and pass it along to anyone that you care about! This happened not too far from where I live and at an intersection that I drive EVERY day!!! SCARY!"

That was copy/pasted from the email I received. Pin It

Friday Fave Christmas Tradition- "Around the Christmas Tree"

Another one of my favorite Christmas traditions is called Around the Christmas Tree. Every night before family prayer and bed, we gather around the Christmas tree with our blankies to read a Christmas story together. We turn off all other lights in the house so the Christmas tree is the only one shining. Sometimes we share a scripture and sing a Christmas song along with it. I know some families who also have a little treat (like a piece of chocolate or warm cocoa). Not us, because teeth are already brushed by then! I like this tradition because it brings the family in and keeps the spirit of Christmas strong in our home.

Speaking of a little piece of chocolate...

My husband makes the best Christmas fudge ever! Here's our special recipe:

3 c sugar
3/4 c margarine
2/3 c evaporated milk
1 (12oz) pkg milk chocolate chips
1 jar marshmallow cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 c chopped nuts (optional)

Combine sugar, marg. and ev. milk. Bring to boil. Stir 5 min. over medium heat. (238 degrees) Remove from heat and stir in choc. chips. Add marshmallow cream, vanilla and nuts. Mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Cool. Cute into squares and try really hard not to eat the whole pan yourself. There are probably others who'd like some too! Pin It

My Town- Saturday's Big Sale!

For those of you in my town... Just a reminder about that huge Shade seconds sale TOMORROW, Saturday the 6th from 9 am to 4 pm at Mountain View High School's cafeteria. I got to briefly see the merchandise yesterday- and let me tell you... You do NOT want to miss this sale!! It's going to be HOT!! See you there!! Pin It

Begin Christmas with Reflections of Christ

I want to introduce us to an amazing photographer, Mark Mabry who brought to life scenes from the New Testament with some incredible images depicting our Savior, Jesus Christ. I fell in love with his work the moment I saw it. Here is a little slide show of it to enjoy...

Mark Mabry's work, "Reflections of Christ has much to offer in the realm of beauty and presentation. At the same time, it captures the peace and joy of this Christmas season!" (review by Jaymie R)It was recently published and on shelves at Deseret Book, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, and many other places that inspirational products are sold. Go check out Mark's website for more info! Merry Christmas! Pin It

New Christmas Book

Every year we get a new Christmas book to add to our collection. This year things are a bit tight, so I went looking for a cute book that didn't cost too much. I found this one at Seagull Book here in town for $1.99!! And it's a very cute one too! The story is really sweet and the illustrations are beautiful. It was a great find! I wrapped it up and put it under the tree so the kids could unwrap their new book and we could read it for "Around the Christmas Tree" (a tradition I'll tell about on Friday). Pin It

Tuesday Tutes and Tips- Deck the Halls-Christmas and The Giving Star

Brenda over at Deck the Halls Christmas is sharing all of her fun, festive Christmas inspiration. Her whole blog is devoted to the magic of Christmas. I love it! She has a yummy-looking ch-chip cookie recipe that I want to try, along with lots of ideas and inspiration to put us in the Christmas spirit! This mother of 6 really knows her stuff, so let's go get inspired by Brenda!

*Do you have a neat family Christmas tradition you would love to share? If so, please leave a comment; or email me with your link and I will plug it in with one of my posts!

**Also, what do YOU do to bring the true meaning of Christmas into your home? I want my kids to really "get it" this year and not dwell SO much on the gifts and goodies. Is it really possible?? Please share!

I'm working on just that, and so far so good. We focused a lot on gratitude last month. This month I am trying to emphasize service- giving of ourselves, not of things.

Last night I implemented a new tradition that I read about on a PYP (Pinching Your Pennies) forum. I got a wooden star and helped the kids work together to paint and decorate it. We call it our "Giving Star". I read them a short Christmas story (about giving and service) and we discussed what it all meant.

How the Giving Star works: The "gift" giver secretly does something nice for a family member and leaves behind the star, then that person has to think of someone else to do something for, and it goes around and around until Christmas. I'm excited to give this a try!

Okay, there's one of my ideas (via another creative mom on PYP), now it's your turn to share... Pin It

The Magic of Macy's!

Macy’s wants everyone - from the most enthusiastic to the most cynical- to Believe in and embrace the holiday spirit of love and charity. Writing letters to Santa Claus is an age-old tradition for children all over the world.

Macy’s is collecting these letters in a special Santa letterbox at all Macy’s stores. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Believe Meter will measure America’s belief, based on our collective spirit – including the amount of letters received and other current events that reflect the season’s generosity.

Isn't this cool? Go Macy's! How neat that they do this... I am definately taking my kids to Macy's to drop off their letters to Santa! Thank you Macy's! Pin It

My Town Monday- Shade Sale!!

Attention all females!! Mark your calendars because Shade Clothing will be having a "Seconds Sale" HERE in town this coming Saturday Dec. 6th from 9 am to 4 pm at Mountain View High School in Meridian (Overland/Locust Grove). Everything will be $5 each!! Can you believe it? They will have all different sizes to choose from (little-girl 4 to woman XXL and maternity), even swim suits! (Oh, and I guess they have men's shirts too.) If you are not familiar with Shade, go check out their website. I would be sure to arrive on time or early for this sale, because it will be first-come first-serve with the pickins! You won't want to miss this!

(In case you wonder what I mean by "Seconds", it's the imperfect stuff- usually pretty minor imperfections.) Pin It

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful and safe "Turkey Day" weekend! See you on Monday. Or maybe even sooner (if I can't stand to wait till then). I have lots of Christmas stuff brewing that I can't wait to share!! (I'm gitty!!)

Also, on my personal blog I'll be randomly posting random acts of kindness that I witness throughout the month of December. Stay tuned! XO Pin It

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Blessed are those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting.

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Tuesday Tip- Festive Little Treat

Here is a cute little treat idea, that you can surprise someone with to wish them a happy Thanksgiving. Or to attach a note to, expressing your gratitude to/for them. I bring these to the gals that I visit-teach every November.

It's a little, tiny pie! I get them in the Walmart bakery section for 58-cents each. (Walmart is the only place that I've found them.) They are about 4 square inches in size. They come in several flavors such as peach, apple, (all) the berries, pumpkin, lemon, pecan, and even chocolate eclair! They even have some sugar free kinds. Just tie some raffia or jute around the cute box with a little tag, and you've got yourself a festive little treat to give to someone special. Pin It

Monday Mom-Preneur Wendi and My Town

Fellow creative homemaker and mom-preneur, Wendi does the cutest embroidered stuff! Go check out her site at Alphabet Soup Embroidery and see her cute products!



Newbury Street Home Decor in Boise is having their 2nd Anniversary sale, and it looks pretty HOT!!

**Note from Newbury Street to the people on their mailing list:
What a week! We're compiling all our great deals- Buy $100, Get $100, Our 2nd Anniversary Sale and Black Friday to offer you the best savings yet! We're doing our part to help you make your holidays a little more affordable this year. First, spend $100 at Newbury Street, and get $100 in grocery vouchers to the store of your choice!! That is 100% savings!!! 2nd, we are CELEBRATING OUR TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY on Wednesday, November 26th- everything will be 20% off! Third, you don't want to miss shopping at Newbury Street the day after Thanksgiving- we are going to have some AMAZING deals this week!

**My note to YOU- Go to their website, check out the deals, and sign up for their mailing list right NOW! Don't miss out!!

Also in my town- I heard that at Albertsons, their turkeys are 38 cents/lb. if you spend at least $25.00! Sounds like a great deal!

Does anyone know of an even better deal on Thanksgiving groceries? Please share!! Pin It

Friday Fave Holiday Tradition- Mr. Peeps

This is my very favorite Christmas tradition, an idea I got years ago from parenting class and have had so much fun with in our family ever since...
Meet Mr. Peeps!


This is Mr. Peeps' explanation:

Christmas is approaching, and this is the day
Santa has sent Mr. Peeps to your house to stay.

He sent this small elf to your house and mine.
The day after Thanksgiving, He must be on time.

Mr. Peeps has a purpose. His purpose will be,
To whisper to Santa all the good that he sees.

Soon after he gets here, he moves only at night
To high places, low places, he stays in plain sight.

In the kitchen, for instance, he sits high on a shelf.
Mr. Peeps can sit anywhere, for he is an elf.

He holds very still when he thinks you are watching.
His magic is precious, it fades with each touching.

He sits on the tree on Christmas Eve day.
He knows that Santa is soon on his way.

He waits and he waits without making a noise.
He waits until Santa arrives with the toys.

So you better be nice and mind what you say
Because Mr. Peeps will tell Santa when he comes with his sleigh.

Once Christmas is here and Santa has come,
Mr. Peeps must leave, for his job is well done.

But, he will return next year on the very same day,
To watch your behavior as you work and play.

- Sharon Reynolds

Here is our Mr. Peeps

A new elf showed up with Mr. Peeps last year. His name is Stanley.

My sister has Mr. Peeps' twin brother and another elf named Lucky.

They end up in the darndest places around the house!


(I think Stanley is making sure we remember to flush and wash.) {{teehee}}

They even play around when we aren't looking.

This tradition is fun and an easy one to start. You've just got to find an elf, which can sometimes be the only hard part. I got my Mr. Peeps at a local craft/hobby store, Mac's (which is no longer in business). I got Stanley from JoAnn Fabrics I think. My sis got Lucky from Shopko a few years back. You can also go online to get one...

If you are really crafty and love to sew, go can go to The Crazy Quilter and buy the pattern to make Mr. Peeps (the one in that first picture).
OR...You can save yourself a lot of time and hassle and go to this website that I just found called Elves Around the World, for a perfect elf!! I am so excited to have found this site! They even have the tradition all spelled out and ready for us in a package deal- for a very reasonable price in my opinion! I wish I would have known about this a long time ago.

**Just remember to be sure and get an elf with movable/bendable arms and legs so he can be positioned easily. *Also, usually the elves come the day of or after Thanksgiving (though it can be anytime between then and Christmas), so you better hurry!

Do you have an elf? Do you already do this tradition? Leave me a comment! Give us your blog link... We want to see yours too!!

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!! Pin It

Happiness is not the cause of gratitude...it is the result.

2 Quotes on Gratitude by Ralph Marston:

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.”

“What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it - would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.”

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Whatever Wednesday- Pinching Your Pennies

Last night a bunch of us gathered at my friend's home to learn from my girlfriend, Jenn S. the how to's about couponing. I learned that the #1 spot to go to for the most info on the hottest deals and how to's is Pinching Your Pennies. It took Jenn about 2 years to learn what she did and do what she does, because she didn't have anyone to teach her- (She's a professional couponer and money saver in my opinion!) I am so grateful she is willing to teach others how to do it. And believe me- it takes a lot of time and work to save money like that! Jenn thinks of it as a part-time job, and it has really paid off for her and her family!!
I want to be good at it too. I am working on learning all I can right now and trying to get experience so I can helps others too. So for now, go to Pinching Your Pennies and register on their site. Then you'll be able to get onto the forums and learn the tricks of the trade. PYP also has a blog that is very helpful too! There are many other sites and blogs that I have listed on my right sidebar that are way helpful as well!! Good luck! Pin It

Tuesday Tute and Tips- Thanksgiving

Are you ready for the holidays? Well, ready or not here they come, starting next week! Yikes- Really? Already?? I think I'm there, but I could certainly use a few extra pay checks and some more hours in a day.

First of all, Stefanee over at It's All in My Head posted her Harvest Blessing Mix recipe that she found online along with her own darling way to wrap it up. Love it!

For those of you who've been asked to bring a vegetable dish to the turkey feast, instead of the typical green-bean casserole why not surprise everyone with something a little different this year? Here's a recipe for Cheesy Gratin of Brussels Sprouts. I dare you to try it! Dont' worry... you'll be surprised how many will come back for seconds.

Cheesy Gratin of Brussels Sprouts:
4 slices of bacon
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 pounds (about 7 cups, halved) fresh Brussels sprouts
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
5 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups grated sharp white Cheddar cheese
Paprika, for garnish (optional)

1. Heat a large skillet and crisp-cook the bacon. Transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pan. Add the onion to the pan and saute over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes; add the garlic for the last minute. Scrape the onions and garlic into a large, shallow casserole and spread them around evenly. Set aside.
2. Trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half (or quarters, if very large) lengthwise. Bring a large soup pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Brussels sprouts. Return to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain immediately in a colander for 5 minutes. Transfer to the casserole, spreading the sprouts evenly in the dish. Set aside. Heat the oven to 375°.
3. Combine the milk and chicken broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
4. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the flour and cook, stirring over medium heat, for about 1 minute, until the flour is light golden brown. Whisk in half of the hot milk and broth. Heat and whisk for a minute or so, until thick. Add the remaining liquid and cook for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently.
5. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, mustard, salt, thyme, and pepper. Pour the sauce evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Mince the bacon and sprinkle it over the sauce. Sprinkle evenly with the Cheddar cheese and dust lightly with paprika, if desired.
6. Place the casserole on the center oven rack and bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Makes 10 servings.

This recipe is from Family Fun- one of my fave idea spots! They also have tons of Thanksgiving and Holiday ideas, crafts and activities for kids, and fab recipes...

Here is one great activity idea to keep the kids occupied and out of the kitchen while you finish preparing the turkey trimmings:

This easy game is called Where Did the Turkey Lay It's Egg?
All you need is ONE hard-boiled egg and some eager kids.

To start, one guest leaves the room while a hard-boiled egg is hidden. The others then call the seeker back and direct him toward the egg, saying "gobble, gobble" instead of "warmer" and "giblet, giblet" instead of "colder." Once the egg is found, a new seeker is named, and the game repeats.

Go to Family Fun for lots more ideas! Pin It