One Tradition I'm Keeping

I have been reading some incredible posts about "Simplifying Christmas" and "cutting back" whether that means spending or just doing less. I am in complete agreement that it is so much nicer to simplify Christmas and enjoy it more!

However, one area that I have not "cut back" is my neighborhood cookie exchange! I enjoy these women and the time that we get to spend together, just socializing during the Christmas season! I believe that relationships are a priority! So what did I "cut back" when it came to the cookie exchange? I made one type of cookie, I cleaned less and I cut back on the breakfast menu that I served!

Here are some pictures of the goodies that were brought! By attending a cookie exchange is one way to simplify your Christmas. You leave home with one type of cookie, but you return with a great variety!




If cookies aren't your thing, try hosting an ornament exchange! What other ideas have you heard of that will build your friendships over the holidays?

Easy Project

Here is my inexpensive, but cute, centerpiece that I previewed in my last post! First, I purchased three glass containers at Hobby Lobby while they were 50% off! That placed these little beauties at $1.50 a piece! Love Hobby Lobby!!!



Then, after seeing this post, I went out and purchased some Epsom salt for my "snow". Just for your information, you will find the Epsom salt in the health care portion of your grocery store, not down the baking isle! Trust me, I learned from experience.

Then, I used some words from Uppercase Living and attached them to the glass container. I finished off the project with a thrifty candle.





The great thing about this project, is that they are beautiful by themselves, or in a group setting. They would also make a perfect gift! One thing, by using the words, "believe", "faith" and "joy", I can use them all year long, and not just during Christmas time!

Christmas Tour

I'm linking up with some of the Christmas blog tours, so I thought I better post some pictures!




A couple gave us our Nativity set as a wedding gift! I thought that was a great idea, and one I would have to "tuck away" for someone else's wedding gift.




This year I tried to simplify our Christmas decorating by using less and including incorporating natural materials!

Here are a couple of shots of our Christmas tree. I'm kind of a traditionalist! I like white lights and I use a lot of red and white ornaments. My tree skirt is an original tablecloth that I purchased from Target a number of years ago.




In case your missed some of my earlier posts about Christmas decorating, here are a few previous pictures!





I will be sharing about this Christmas decoration later this week!

A Girl & A Dad!!

I have mentioned that we went to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. I've also mentioned that you should see what I came back with from this most recent trip! You see I had an idea that involved a birch tree. My parents live on 10 acres and they have a lot of "natural beauty"! So, I asked them if I could have a birch log. I had some ideas and my Dad was game to help out his girl. This turned into helping out his other daughter and wife as well!

First, I just have to say my Dad is AWESOME! He would do anything for his family!! I'm so thankful for the parents that God has given me. I hope they read this blog post!!!



Anyway, here are some pictures of our afternoon craft session! My Dad started out with his chain saw, cutting down the log and then cutting it into sizable working pieces. I wanted to help, but for the most part, I just stood back and let the handy man get to work.



"We" ended up making seven different candlestick holders, four yule logs (which I still need to decorate), and cutting up some logs for decoration.




Here is a look at what our craft session produced! Just a couple of simple accessories added to my birch logs and I have a simple, inexpensive way to add to my Christmas decorating collection. More importantly, I had a great memory building time with my Dad! I joked with my Dad that it is a good thing we don't live closer or I would have him going into the craft business!

Building Memories

Are you finished with your Christmas shopping? I'm not! My husband and I have been discussing what to get our girls and how we can "scale down" the gift giving. I'm always telling my students, "live a life of balance!" I'm finding this to be true when it comes to gifts at Christmas time.

Thinking back to my childhood there are a few gifts that I can remember receiving, my yellow 3 speed bike, a stereo and a kitchen set. However, I'm sure there are more gifts that I can't remember. That is why we are focusing on building memories with our children!

Living in the West Michigan area, we have some darling towns that have great Christmas traditions! This past Saturday we headed to Holland to do some outdoor shopping. Looking at the 23 degree temperature on my mini-van, made me question our activities for the day! However, it was so much fun!!! We did some in-door shopping as well and then headed to the 8th Street Grill for their soup bar!







Then, it was on the road again to Saugatuck! We arrived just in time to see the Christmas parade. It is such a combination of Christmas spirit and funny entertainment! Where else can you see the shovel brigade and the peppermint stick ladies?




The girls and I even took a carriage ride. This was my first and it was a great way to tour the town. Throughout the day, the girls said, "Mom & Dad thanks! This is so much fun!" Hopefully they will remember these memories for a long time to come!

Advent Calendars

There are some beautiful advent calendars out there! I have been amazed at the talent and creativity many of you have posted about in blog land! I purchased our Advent calendar at, an after Christmas clearance at Pottery Barn outlet (for $5), two years ago.

I love the concept of an Advent calendar as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus! So, my question to you is, How do you use your Advent calendar?

I have purchased some small gifts for my girls (chap stick, colored pencils, etc.). However, they can add up, from a dollar amount! I also question, how many "little objects" I want floating around my home. So, we have turned some Advent days into a scavenger hunt or written out clues that might end with a family game or movie night. Some times it is just a passage of Scripture that prepares our hearts for the birth of Jesus! I'm also finding that the girls enjoy the "doing" as much as receiving a little gift!

What does your family do for advent?

Old Doors

This past summer, when we were visiting my parents, I came back home with some "goodies"! One thing that I found in my Dad's shed, was an old door. This wasn't any old door, but one that was only 4 feet in length! My Dad wasn't sure where he got it, but he said it was mine if I wanted it. I assured him that I could come up with some sort of project that incorporated the door!

Here is the original view of the door just hanging out in the garage!





Well, the door sat in my garage the last few months until I decided to get to work on it. After cleaning, sanding and three coats of paint, I thought it would make a nice Christmas decoration. I added a "Christmas word" from Uppercase Living and topped it with some artificial greens that I had in a box. Instant homemade Christmas decor!!



Wait till you see what I came back with after my Thanksgiving trip to my parents!

Hallmark Holidays

I heart looking at pictures of Christmas decorations! I literally could spend hours flipping through the pages of Better Homes & Gardens, Pottery Barn and every other glossy publication that features the beauty of Christmas! However, one thing that I have come to realize is that I will never have the perfectn decorated home. I'm so thankful that I realize this, because it is so easy to feel like I come up short when I compare my home to these staged prints!

With all this said, I'm still trying to create a beautiful and inviting home for my family and friends, but the emphasis will not be on an unrealistic perfection! I don't have the time, energy and money to create something that isn't real life. So, I encourage you today to embrace the beauty and simplicity of your own home this Christmas season and leave the perfection for the glossy prints!

Over the next couple of weeks I hope to be sharing some of my frugal, use what I have decorations, that I'm using for this winter season! My window box featured above uses my fresh holly cut from our bushes that are two feet in front of the window.