Christmas Break

The bad news is my blog has fallen off the super busy to-do list for the most part this month. The good news is that I've got plenty of projects to share in the coming new year! My embroidery machine has been practically smokin' and the sewing machine has gotten a bit of good use too. Santa visits are complete, travels are done, so now time to prepare home sweet home for the magical morning of Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Deck the Halls

My favorite time of year to skim magazines is October thru December. I love finding new recipes to try and refreshing takes on holiday decor. I personally tend to stick to traditional styles, but by keeping my mind and eyes open, I usually find new twists that refresh my annual decor.  This year I was drawn to several wreaths featured in Better Homes and Gardens.

Offset placement of simple accents spoke to me, so I headed to the craft store in search of decorative stems to update our usually WAY basic front door wreath. My favorite photo inspiration is inside the BHG mag (page 120 for you subscribers out there). The spray of winterberry looks so classic yet modern, and reminded me of my December wedding. Maybe one day I'll splurge for a fresh wreath, but for now I'm quite pleased with the updated look on our front door! And it cost me less than $4 - affordable stylish crafts are always a holiday treat!

Their joyful tone, to every home...will my 2010 Christmas cards happen?!

Much to my dismay, I have yet to create, order, address or send my Christmas cards. Please tell me I'm not the only one! We haven't received any yet, so perhaps I am not as far behind as I think and feel? I have been diligently decorating the house, crafting some homemade lovelies, and trying my best to stay on task during this busy season. I promise to share some of my crafty fun shortly, but for now Shutterfly has come to my holiday greeting rescue!*

I'm a big fan of all things personalized, and can't wait to get started with cards like these:

Speaking of further to-dos regarding photos, I started a new tradition a few years back of giving the grandparents photo calendars. They are always a big hit.  And in true southern form, I'm a big advocate of thank you cards and notes. Wouldn't these be the cutest all winter long?!


Little boy saw Santa both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, so hopefully we scored at least one decent photo to use in our card. He proudly wore his holiday ensemble that I can't wait to reveal - stay tuned!!

*In full disclosure, I'm entering a Shutterfly promo for 50 free holiday photo cards. When I heard they were rewarding bloggers who share the love of personalized products, I was ready to face my self-inflicted annual card challenge!

Kicks, Crafts & Additions

photo courtesy of marthastewart.com

Two of my favorite things combined last week...The Rockettes & Martha Stewart! I was overjoyed to see the girls open Martha's show and even stick around to craft with her. I proudly auditioned to be a high-kicking Rockette back in my dancing days, and would currently love to craft with Martha...a creative girl always has a dream, right?!  Hop over to MarthaStewart.com if you missed the fun. The lobby of Radio City Music Hall even got the Martha treatment!

And with all of this talk about the Rockettes, it must officially be the holiday season. Is Thanksgiving really only 3 short days away?! At this point on the calendar, I usually have my son's holiday apparel stitched, pressed and hung waiting in the closet for holiday photos and events. This year the materials are still waiting for the magic to begin - aaaccckk! This mommie's got to get a move on. But my moves are a tad slower right now because baby #2 is baking away! It's been a rough 1st trimester, so I'm eager for some 2nd trimester relief. My mom will be visiting this week, so I'm thankful (as always!) for her cooking, crafting and decorating helping hands. Here's to kicking off my favorite time of year...and feeling some little baby kicks soon!

Birthday Blanket

A preschool buddy invited us to party on the Fun Bus last month, so we just had to go and check it out. What a clever and great birthday party idea!

I always enjoy making gifts for said occasions, but with boys it can get tricky. Luckily I had this blank fleece blanket in my stash just asking for personalization!

 

I used Monogram Wizard's Blackboard font. Cute for a boy I think!

My little guy loooves his many blankets. We have lots of favorites that mostly include those made by his great-grandmother. A flannel Thomas the Train print is the current snuggly of choice, but we rotate often. I hope the birthday fleece is proving to be cozy now that the weather is finally chilly!

 

Happy Halloween!

Wow - how is the big day already here?! Unfortunately the second half of October has been a project-free zone due to a nasty virus circulating thru our abode. BOOooooo! Thankfully we all seem to be on the mend, and are looking forward to a fun evening of trick-or-treating. Little boy will be carrying his appliqued treat bag, mommie will be beaming with pride and daddy will be trying to stuff the bag full! Be safe and here's to many treats!

Holiday Hand Towel

An adorable Halloween applique has been sitting on the back burner, so I grabbed a blank kitchen towel from my stash this week and got to stitching. I'm a sucker for a cute holiday hand towel. What do you think?!

The patch is from a new favorite source, Applique Cafe.  I found the polka dot fabric at Hancock, and the white came from my stash - scraps from lining rompers...that my boy is now too tall to wear...sigh. 

I'm excited to adorn my kitchen with some Halloween cheer. Luckily my "big" boy is beginning to enjoy the decor of the season as well, so here's to filling our house with more mommie made boo-tiful love!