DIY Burlap Wreath
Take one look at the blogosphere lately and one thing is for sure… burlap is having a moment! The fiber, which is derived from the jute plant, is traditionally known for its strength and durability. Historically, common uses for burlap included sandbags, concrete sacks and even at one point, protective clothing for German soldiers, hence …
New Christmas Traditions
This is our first Christmas in the new-to-us house, so we’re thinking about new Christmas traditions here. For one thing, now we have a formal living room and family room to decorate. So, while the tree is in the family room, I got to add some personal favorite Christmas touches to our living room. Something new I’ve …
Keys to Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree
Last minute shoppers and tree hunters, never fear—there is still time to find the perfect tree to light up your home this Christmas! If you have chosen to go all natural this year instead of purchasing a pre-lit artificial tree, there are some important things you should consider when taking your pick at the farm. …
Décor Ideas to Dazzle Your Guests this Christmas
Soft white twinkle lights, homemade wreaths, ornaments and festive doorway garland are just a few of my family’s favorite Christmas décor necessities. They always make our home feel especially cozy before guests arrive to celebrate the season with us. As the mother of a very busy five-year-old who loves acting as a “big helper,” decorating …
Five Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays
They are upon us, aren’t they? We’ve all been running around shopping, baking, entertaining and decking our halls! Are you ready? Or more importantly, is your home ready? Every year I seem to think my home is ready, and then I find myself with house guests or in the midst of celebrating and discover that …
Classic Christmas Center Pieces and How to Get the Look
Christmas is just around the corner and if you’re playing host or hostess for a holiday gathering this year, you may be asking yourself how you want to decorate the dining room table. Each year, I see a variety of center pieces that range from extravagant to romantic to simple but chic. While your personal …
Chanukah: The Festival of Lights
Yesterday was the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah means “dedication,” because the holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews defeated the Syrian-Greeks. After the victory, there was only enough oil in the Temple to light the menorah for one day. Yet, miraculously, the oil lasted eight days. Hence, eight nights of Chanukah, when we light …
Making Learning Cozy & Fun
Even though Christmas may still be a couple weeks away, the children of Ms. Jana Bell’s special education classroom at Calhoun Middle School, located in Calhoun, Georgia, received a holiday surprise early this year. While there was no fluffy evergreen tree trimmed in tinsel, fresh baked cookies placed thoughtfully beside a simmering fire or trusty …
DIY Ornaments
Growing up, our Christmas tree always had several homemade, DIY ornaments. We had ones my grandmother sewed from felt, ones my brother and I had made, and always a construction-paper garland. Now that I have my own family and our own Christmas tree, I want to create some special homemade ornaments for it, but going …
Not Your Everyday Christmas Cookies
The Christmas season is here. Time for family, friends, shopping, and baking! If you’re tired of the same ol’ sugar cookies, check out these yummy cookies. Not your everyday Christmas cookies, for sure! These Peppermint Bonbon Cookies are always a favorite at my friend Cynthia’s book club: A gooey chocolate center and crunchy peppermint – yum! Something …