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Tue
08 ^th

Advent Calendar: Our Kindness To Do List

Posted by Erin — No Comments

If there is one thing you should know about me, it is I adore the Christmas season. Could it be because my birthday happens to fall during this magical time? Maybe. Could it be because I love putting up strings of lights, baking countless amounts of cookies, and writing little notes in cards? Yes. Perhaps it is also because I adore Christmas music, and I can still quote almost every line to It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf. (I have eclectic taste in movies).

My favorite part of the holiday season though, is “the sparkle” and not just all the glitter ornaments that are adorned everywhere. My youngest and I were talking about Christmas and when I asked her what her favorite part of Christmas was, she said, “My heart feels like warm sparkles at Christmas time.”

While “sparkle” is a very pre-school girl term, I knew exactly what she meant by it. It’s that warm, snuggly, glittery feeling. It’s an almost indescribably warm feeling that exists when you give someone a you love a hug. When you put a letter in a mailbox. When buy someone who is hungry a cup of coffee and something to eat. When you buy a bag full of groceries at the store and then leave them behind to donate. When you chat with the checker at the grocery store. When you bring cookies for your kids teachers. When you just read a book with your kids even though it is past their bedtime but you just want to soak up some extra time.

That’s sparkle.

Just like the rest of the year though, December is full of some “sparkle days” and full some some dull days. Instead of buying stopping and getting a peppermint latte for a friend, some days we are rushing out the door trying to get to soccer and someone forgets a water bottle. Some days I don’t eat until 2 pm because I have too much going on throughout the day, and I end up eating the cookies I planned to give away. Some days instead of wrapping gifts, I fold laundry.

This year though, our Advent calendar, has been keeping us in check. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that every day there is note with a way that we can add some sparkle to our day. Even if it is small, like just smiling at everyone we see because “smiling is our favorite.” I have been looking at it as our Kindness To Do List.

As this holiday season brings us into the New Year, this “Sparkly To Do List” got me thinking perhaps some of these items should be on my to do list the whole year through. Maybe I should add some of these sparkly acts of kindness to my to do list for the new year too!

What are some acts of kindness you can add to your daily routine?

Mon
16 ^th

Giggle All the Way: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendHallmark #CollectiveBias

I know it is not even Thanksgiving, and typically I don’t like to even think about Christmas until I have stuffed myself full of Turkey. However, when I see something that reminds me of someone I love, it is hard for me to not want to buy it knowing that the holidays are coming. I had wandered into the Christmas decor section at Walmart, and I found some Hallmark Ornaments that brought to mind some funny childhood memories. I knew I had to buy them, and along with them, I decided to bake a little treat that I also hadn’t had in forever too!

Walmart has Hallmark Ornaments in 16 different styles that include resin ornaments of all of your favorite characters like Holiday Barbie and some gorgeous decorative figurines, but what caught my eye were the ones from some of our favorite movies that we watched when we were growing up.

I couldn’t help but think of all the hours we spent watching Star Wars, Caddyshack, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation together.

In fact, I think most of our conversations to this day are basically spoken in our favorite lines from Caddyshack.

Like Clark Griswold, I might have overdid it.

I even found these adorable Hallmark cards nearby to send with my gift idea.

After my purchase I went home and made a classic cookie recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, one that I have perfected over time, and have decided to send these ornaments and cookies along to my siblings for a pre-Christmas giggle. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a good laugh and some cookies.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (makes 3 dozen)

2 sticks unsalted butter softened to room temperature

3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups oats

1 cup raisins

1 cup boiling water (I’ll explain)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line baking sheets with parchment.

In a large bowl sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

In another smaller bowl, add raisins and cover with boiling water.

Set aside for a few minutes. This helps to make the raisins plump up a bit and are extra delicious in the cookies.

Drain the raisins and set aside.

In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well incorporated. Then, carefully mix in eggs and vanilla.

Then, add flour mixture and mix until barely incorporated.

Next, add oats and raisins. Mix until all ingredients form a dough.

Next, scoop dough onto reserved parchment lined baking sheets (about 1 1/2 tablespoons).

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on wire wrack before packing to send.

I cannot wait to send these cookies with the funny Hallmark Ornaments I found. I think my siblings will love them.

What ideas do you have for Hallmark Ornaments at Walmart this Christmas season? Will you decorate an entire Star Wars themed tree? Will you send a fun gift to a pal with golf balls and a Caddyshack ornament? Share in the comments.

Wed
05 ^th

I Would Not, Could Not Skip Thanksgiving: A Holiday Planning Guide

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

I was just barely getting over a Halloween hangover when I was smacked in the face with a midterm election. Now, everywhere I turn there seems to be Christmas in the air.

All of my favorite stores are betraying with me holiday stuff, discounts, and I swear I smelled peppermint in Starbucks the other day. Some of the blogs I read are sharing gift guides, and things to do to get ready for “the season.”

Some people are Holiday Crazy, that is great. I applaud you. I used to be like them. In the past, I would be playing holiday music already, putting autumn decor away, buying gifts, hiding them, begging my husband to let me put out just a few holiday decorations before Thanksgiving, and coming up with schemes for that damn elf.

However, considering my Autumn Decor has not been up that long, I don’t think I should be getting out any more decorations just yet. Also, I am still getting used to the homework routine this school year, so I doubt I can add a little bit of Christmas to anything just yet. Also, I realized I seemed to be skipping over Thanksgiving. It was like a gateway holiday getting lost in the shuffle of other holiday preparations.

This was breaking my heart as I used to claim Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays. In the past, I would spend days preparing a Friendsgiving Meal, and making a spare turkey for leftover sandwiches. I would take the time to meet people for brunch, and go to church. I Would Not, Could Not Skip Thanksgiving. Nope. This year is going to be different.

I am going to plan ahead so that no longer happens. I can hopefully use my time wisely and knock some of those smaller things off the TO DO LIST now so that I can enjoy myself the week of Thanksgiving. I am sick of spending that week, running errands, buying gifts, and starting Christmas cards. This Thanksgiving, I will be eating turkey sandwiches and enjoying my family.

First Week of November

Create Holiday Card List
Update Addresses
Make Appointment for Family Photos
Create a gift list (family, friends, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, hostess gifts)
Send holiday party invites
Do online shopping

Second Week of November

Purchase smaller gifts like gift cards, bottles of wine, or other non food gifts.
Plan family photo outfits
Do a gift wrap inventory and purchase anything needed (tape, ribbon, etc)
Plan which cookies and treats to bake
Pick out Holiday Cards

Third Week of November

Have family photo taken
Purchase baking ingredients sugar, flour, vanilla, (freeze butter), etc.
Wrap any gifts already purchased.
Start addressing envelopes
Do a thorough clean of house to be ready for holiday decor

THANKSGIVING WEEK

Be Thankful!

Don’t get me wrong, I will still have things to do, but everything will be ready to go. I won’t be wasting time running to Target for more tape, stopping at the grocery store for more vanilla, trying to put together teacher gifts the night before the last day of school, or addressing envelopes at 2 in the morning. Best of all, I will be enjoying my time with my family.

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Tue
17 ^th

Tips for Last Minute Gifting Solutions

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

Here we are! One week away from Christmas Eve? Do you have your shopping finished? It’s ok, me either! I have a few things left to get for the people on my list.

Now that we are in crunch time, and as part of this Holiday Miniseries happening here (check out last week’s crafts here, here, and here). I thought I would share my favorite last minute gift ideas from the internet to help with those last minute gifts.

1. Check out this awesome host, hostess, or colleague gift from Formal Fringe! We all need wine, we all need socks. Ta Da!

2. Manicure/Pedicure Mason Jars would be awesome for all the Tween and Teen gals in your life or even a gal pal. Just put some polish, cotton, a nail file and other supplies in a mason jar. Thanks for the idea Thriving Wives.

3. If baking cookies for neighbors and friends is your thing (as it is mine), check out these festive and gorgeous ways to wrap them up from Better Homes and Gardens.

4. A book. Weather it be an e-book or hard copy, I have never felt like you could go wrong with a good book for a friend. Buy a copy of your latest read and pass it on to someone who would enjoy it. Check out this adorable cookbook wrapped in a dishtowel for the cook in your life from The Kitchn (PS In case you are wondering I really want this cookbook for Christmas this year).

5. For the past few years, I have given this gift to many people, and it is always greatly appreciated. There is nothing more fun than getting a new set of jammies and some tea, hot cocoa, or a gift card to Starbucks for a cozy holiday season. Who doesn’t love jammies and hot beverages?

What are some of your favorite last minute gift ideas this year?

Keep reading this week and next for the Home Everyday Holiday MiniSeries for more ideas on holiday decor, holiday recipes, and last minute gift ideas.Psssst, today is my birthday, check out 33 lessons I’ve learned over at ChicagoNow.

For more about DIY, gardening, cooking, baking or all other things domestic, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Wed
11 ^th

We Three Trees

Posted by Erin — 5 Comments

While I was compensated by JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Nothing says #FABULOUSFESTIVE like lots of lights and sparkle! Christmas at our house contains both, but this year we upped the ante a little bit (by three to be exact). You see, I have always been a stickler for symmetry and the three windows in the front of our house looked like they could each use a little Christmas tree all their own! YES, THREE Christmas Trees in my living room (plus the one in the family room so I guess four)!

When I had decided to put up a tree in each window, I was nervous about taking on this project because I know that outfitting ONE tree can be pricey but between Black Friday sales, JoAnn Fabric and Crafts coupons (there’s one for all my readers too), and making a few of the elements myself, I was able to save a ton of money. In fact, I created my own tree toppers and tree skirts.

I first mentioned the idea of THREE (well, actually four) trees to Brian, and he was a little skeptical. “Three trees! Plus the one in the family room?!” However, after a few minutes of thinking he had the brilliant idea of each of our children to have their “own” tree. He suggested we decorate the trees in each of their favorite colors (green, blue, and pink) and use shatterproof ornaments (thanks to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts) and have the kids decorate. What a great idea! The kids loved it! In fact my daughter said, “This is fabulous!”

So, for JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts #FabulouslyFestive holiday crafts, I decided to share three tree toppers and three tree skirt ideas.

Tree Toppers
We have always put stars as tree toppers, but I wanted each of the kids’ trees to be unique, so here are three clever and inexpensive star tree toppers.

Mod Metal
For the first tree toppers, I formed some pink 12 gauge craft wire that I found in the floral department at JoAnn, into two stars that are the same size (I printed out a picture of a star and used it as my guide for forming the star).

Then, using wire cutters I clipped some small pieces and used the small pieces to connect the stars together like a 3D frame.

Firework
Using silver pipe cleaners, which happened to be on sale, I overlapped them on a flat surface and formed a star pattern.

I did this three times, and then using another pipe cleaner I tied the three flat stars together and adjusted the pip cleaners to form a 3D shape that almost looks like a firework.

Painted Star
At JoAnn Fabric and Crafts I saw a cardboard box shaped like a star.

I painted the top of the box with both satin and glitter Martha Stewart acrylic paint. Once dry, I cut a tiny hole in the bottom to put on the tree.

Tree Skirts
To make the tree skirts I used, the same pattern cut into 1 yard of white felt and then used different embellishment to make each of them unique.

First, I cut the white felt I found at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts into a perfect square (3′ x 3′).

I then folded the felt in half, and then folded it in half again to form a smaller square.

Next, I folded it in half on an angle to form a triangle (just like making a paper snowflake).

Then, I cut the corner with no open ends. I cut straight across about 2 inches from the corner. This creates the hole for the tree.

Then, on the other end, I carefully cut rounded edges.

Finally, I opened the skirt, and cut a straight line from the edge to the hole to create and opening for to wrap around the tree.

Once all of the skirts were cut, I got out my hot glue gun, and got to work.

Pretty Trim
The trim I found was almost like a felt ribbon, but you could use any ribbon you like. I made sure that it wasn’t very stiff so that I could easily fold it to follow the circle pattern of the skirt.

Pom Palms
This is my absolute favorite tree skirt. Who knew a bag of pom poms from JoAnn glued to the edge would be so adorable?

Snowflakes
I actually found these felt snowflakes already made, but you could cut your own out of felt from JoAnn too. I glued them around the edge of the skirt.

These THREE (actually four) Christmas Trees are such a wonderful addition to our home, and I’m wondering if someday the kids will take these trees to decorate their own homes someday.

HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE #FABULOUSLYFESTIVE!

(Hopefully the coupon will help!)

Keep reading this week and next for the Home Everyday Holiday MiniSeries for more ideas on decor, cooking, baking and last minute gift ideas. Speaking of ideas, check out the JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts catalogue HERE!Linking up at Honey We’re Home for Holiday Cheer in the Blogosphere!

Tue
10 ^th

Hanging Holiday Cards

Posted by Erin — 3 Comments

As part of the Home Everyday holiday Mini Series, I have another awesome holiday craft for you!

Every year I have the same dilemma. We receive so many wonderful holiday cards from friends and family every year, I always want to make sure they are displayed somewhere that we can admire them. Since I spend many hours in the kitchen I thought it would be nice to have them there. Also, the kitchen is always lacking in holiday decor, so I thought it was the perfect place to display them.

Last year, I used some green ribbon and clips to hang them from the cabinets, but this year I decided to go with something a little more neutral so that the stars were the holiday cards and not the ribbon.

I used burlap ribbon and some cute clips.

I measured the cabinets and adding about 6 inches cut the ribbon to length. I then affixed the burlap to the inside portion of the cabinet using some tape, but you could use 3M Hooks as well.

Finally, I used the put the clips on the burlap so that they are ready and waiting for all the gorgeous holiday cards we receive this year. This craft is practical and simple, and cost about $4.99 for the ribbon and about $2.99 for the clips.

Now, I can admire our gorgeous holiday cards while I am baking cookies.

Speaking of cookies…

Mon
09 ^th

A Miniseries and Chalkboard Ornaments

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Readers! The house is almost completely decorated, we had our family photo taken for Christmas cards, the baking has begun, and I’ve made my list and checking it twice!

Over the next three weeks, there will be holiday crafts, fun Thirsty Thursday recipes, holiday cooking, and baking, and some great ideas for gifts. I am calling it my Holiday Miniseries, and I am kicking off this week with a great ornament idea!

Chalkboard art is becoming increasingly popular and I noticed a few weeks ago that Martha Stewart makes a chalkboard paint. I wanted to desperately to try it out and see how it works. So rather than painting a whole piece of furniture in chalkboard paint (which I think would be neat), I thought it best to start small.

Supplies:
Wooden Shapes or Ornaments
Chalkboard Paint
Plastic Bag
Paper Plate
Paint brush or sponge
Ribbon or string
Stapler or Glue

I first made sure to remove any labels from the wooden shapes. Then using just a little bit of chalkboard paint, I started painting very thin coats of paint on the shapes. According to the directions, it is important to use at least two coats.

According to the paint directions, it is important to wait an hour between coats of the paint. However, because of painting in thinner coats I only had to wait about 20 minutes between coats of paint. When it was all said and done, I painted four thin coats of chalkboard paint for good coverage.

I let them cure for about 12 hours. Then, they were ready for Holiday messages and hanging on the tree. I didn’t attach any ribbon or string to all of the ornaments because they fit nicely tucked between the branches on the tree.

I did staple some ribbon on the back of a few. You could clue or use other adhesives too. I saw the stapler though and the wood was thin enough not to bend the staples, but not so thin that the staples pushed through the other side.

Now, these ornaments look adorable hanging all over the house with little messages. Perhaps I will keep them out all year long.

Make sure to keep checking back for holiday decorating ideas, Christmas baking and cooking, and gift suggestions.

Linking up at Hi Sugarplum for Holiday Cheer in the Blogsphere!

Thu
20 ^th

A Few Christmas Decoration Traditions

Posted by Erin — No Comments

There is so much to write about when it comes to Christmas, I feel like I might be writing for weeks after Christmas about all our experiences so far. While everyone has gotten a chance to see tree 1 and tree 2 as well as our mantel and our dining room table. I thought it would be nice to show you a few other decorations we have put up around the house that have been around for many many years.

This was my grandmother’s nativity that I inherited after she passed away. Every year when I take it out of its box, I am reminded of her and the millions of cookies we all helped her bake, seeing her at Christmas Mass, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners of my youth.

Here is a smalls snippet of my collection of snowmen. Some were gifts from family, some were made for me like the ceramic one by my mother in law. I did the needlepoint one many years ago. But my favorite is the sock snowman with the red hat made for me by my niece and god daughter when she was a little one. Now she is a senior in high school. Time goes too fast!

My parents had an idea pretty early on that I was Christmas crazy, so when I was in high school, they started a Christmas village for me. People have added to it over time. The kids love it.

Since Brian and I have been dating, I have bought him a penguin ornament every year. Some are fancy silver from Pottery Barn and, some are plastic from Target . But it is our tradition, and I love the quest of trying to find a unique one every year for our tree.

Do you have any family heirloom type Christmas decorations? Do you have a holiday collection that has been gathered over time? Share!

Thu
29 ^th

Christmas Time is Here: Decorating the Tree

Posted by Erin — 4 Comments

As I mentioned last week, we started Christmas decorating the house. Over the weekend we put up our BIG tree in the living room. This is the tree that holds all of Brian and I’s childhood ornaments, all the ones we buy for the kids every year, all the home made ones, and all the ornaments that Brian and I buy on our vacations together.

Every year, putting up the Christmas Tree at our house gets more fun, as well as more of an event (maybe because we have lots of little elves to help now).

After a dinner of Thanksgiving Leftovers and cleaning up toys, I made some hot cocoa, turned on the holiday tunes. Brian and I assembled the tree and plugged in with bated breath to hoping all the lights would work. They did!

Then, kids helped put up ornaments and beads on the tree. They had a ball and Brian and I had a ball watching them.

Here are the kids with their new ornaments from West Elm that Brian and I bought for them the day of the YHL book signing.

Trimming the tree.

My kids love snow globes.

Coco thought this was a necklace.

Do you have a family tradition regarding your Christmas Tree? Is hot cocoa involved? Holiday music? Does anyone get new ornaments?

Tue
20 ^th

Something Wonderful is Happening

Posted by Erin — No Comments

We put up two trees in our house every year. One is a big traditional tree with ornaments collected over time. The second tree is a small one my Mom gave us last year. We put it in the corner of our family room since the kids spend most of their time there.

The kids yesterday were a bit antsy with some of the boxes being out so I broke my usual rule of no decorations before Thanksgiving. We put up the small tree in the family room.

Here is how it turned out.

Last year, I bought a package of coordinating ornaments at Lowe’s on sale which is just enough to fill the tree. I love the chocolate brown sparkly ones best. I put a string of red shiny beads that I had on hand from years past and a small star ornament on the top. I set it on an end table covered with a table cloth and made a tree skirt out of some white fabric I had on hand.

We have a teeny bit of Christmas in our house this week. Anyone else started decorating yet?