Thursday, December 12, 2013

Christmas Display Scavenger Hunt


I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR! Our family has a lot of traditions. One of them is driving around to look at Christmas lights. Here’s a great way you can add some fun to this activity:
a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt!
 
We make it extra fun by involving other families. Challenge several other family friends to a timed race. {Check out last year’s results here.} You can assign each family a separate neighborhood. We munch on homemade popcorn and hot cocoa while we hunt. We also wear our scarves and mittens and roll all the windows down while we blast our favorite Christmas tunes in the car.
I truly adore this time of year!

 
Make a copy for each family. Be sure each group has a phone or camera to capture your finds. Some of these are very easy to find, multiple times, but others are pretty scarce.
HINT: The Grinch comes to our house every year! =)
 
We meet up together afterward to share treats and show-off pictures (and videos) of checked-off items. The kids {and adults!} love it. I hope your family does too. =)
 
What are your favorite Christmas traditions?
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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

DIY: Candy Cane Wreath

Today I'm sharing a quick and easy Christmas craft that looks fabulous!
DIY CANDY CANE WREATH
My friend Vicki introduced me to the finished product via Pinterest.
The problem: no instructions! Every single picture I click on is simply a photo.
So if this is your idea, thank you for sharing and please let me know so I can give you mad props for this stroke of genius!
So here's how we did it:
1- Gather 18 candy canes, hot glue, ribbon, and various baubles & trinkets.
2- Put a line of hot glue down the back of a candy cane.
 
3- Put the hot glued side against the back of another candy cane. Pair up all 18 this way.
4: Glue the base and crooks of each pair to another pair.
 
5- Continue gluing until they meet back where you started.
6- Decorate with glittery doo-dads and add a ribbon for hanging. VIOLA!!
 
This is so simple that my 9-year-old made one all on his own.
 
If you'd like something a little more intricate,
Let me know how yours turns out!
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

DIY Thanksgiving Acorns

Nothing like the last minute to get me in gear!
We moved last weekend and my house is still a disaster
but I REALLY wanted to make these
DIY Thanksgiving Acorns.
I finally carved out some time . . . just before the big day!
They're super simple!
You'll need: a glue gun, some plastic Easter eggs, chalkboard paint, and jute.
Paint the eggs according to the directions on the paint bottle.
{FYI: mine took 24 hours to set.} 
Starting just above the center line of the egg, glue jute around and around the wider end of the egg, until you come to the top.
Cut the jute about 1/4 inch up, creating a little stem.

You can add designs or write guest's names with chalk and use them as a place-card.
{NOTE: Don't push too hard when writing or you'll scratch the paint.}
 
I thought it would be extra fun to add a personalized note inside for your loved-one;
kind of like a ridiculously adorable Thanksgiving fortune cookie. =)

How are you welcoming your holiday guests?
 
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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Turkey? What Turkey?

 This is my all-time favorite part of the year: The Holidays!
Last year, we had Thanksgiving with my in-laws.
Each family was assigned to bring some kind of turkey to display.
 
We decided to "hide" our turkeys to save them from the feast!
 
Check out these creative turkeys on display:
 
A dessert stand----------------------------------A veggie tray
 
A pinecone turkey with thankful feathers---------a gratitude turkey
 
A pom-pom turkey with fabric feathers------------a wide-eyed button turkey
Dessert turkeys------------------------------------------ A Beaded turkey
 
We had SO much fun making ours! 
I made a pirate with feathers disguised as sails.

The Stud made his into a grandma (complete with gold sandals).
 
The Oldest made a Chinese man (love his shoes!).

The Middle made his into Santa with toy-sack-feathers.

The Youngest disguised his a Secret Agent (like Perry the Platypus).
 
 Your family can play too!
How will you hide your turkey?
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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Minted + Julep = LOVE

I have fallen in love with Julep.
 
It's a blog built around artists. Craft artists, Recipe artists, Styling artists, Party artists, they're all so talented!
They have a lot of fabulous seasonal DIY content!
 
Check out some of my favorite posts:
Add some 20's glam to your next party with this simple, elegant DIY idea.
 
Add a luxurious touch to your Thanksgiving table with gold-leafed pumpkins.
 
 
Baked in individual portions, these beautiful desserts can be made with a number different fruits.
 
Simple yet stunning ideas to bring happiness to your holidays.
 
Now, as mesmerizing as Julep is, you can't forget where is came from:
It's the be-all, end-all for anything printed.
From cards to invitations and business to weddings, they have a HUGE selection.
Their Christmas cards are to die for!
 
This is one of my favorites:
You can even choose the shape of outer edge!
SWOON!
Get Mint+Juleped this holiday season!
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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Photo Challenge: Days 6 & 7

Day 6: SWEATER
Yes, I know it's a jacket but I'm totally in love!
Check out Sexy Modest Boutique and follow them on Instagram for deals & giveaways. =)
 
Day 7: HOME
I'm trying to pick a base color for our new home:
Please help me decide!
Which one is your favorite?
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