Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Yesterday most of the Northwest was covered in a blanket of powdery white. My hubby and I ventured out on foot to the grocery store so I could spend the afternoon making homemade Challah bread. It's such an easy bread to make, but you'll be sure to impress people with this golden braid. My favorite recipe is from the Betty Crocker's Cookbook Bridal Edition.

With blizzard warnings in affect over most of Western Washington, I'm staying home again instead of slip sliding around on the roads. So I'm getting cozy with a cup of tea, watching non-stop Christmas movies and probably working on my next knitting project.

I am going to be spending Christmas in Alaska this year, so I'll be taking a short break from blogging. Don't worry though...I'll be back in the new year!

Merry Christmas!

Time Savers

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I often find myself crashing into bed at the end of the day wondering where my day went. It's filled with working, shopping, wrapping, cleaning and packing. In the all the hurried-ness it's often hard to find any time to spare. The folks at 5min.com understand how busy our lives are and they have come to the rescue. With 5 minute long videos, you can learn anything from how to go green for the holidays, how to apply your makeup for the Christmas party, or how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner.

They cover topics other than the holidays as well. With 20 different categories you could learn something new every day of the year!

I love to read, but often it's hard to find the time to do it. DailyLit.com is a great solution. They email you short, customized installments of the book of your choice (they have over 800 titles to choose from). This means you can read it at your desk when you check your email, on your iphone as you ride the bus in to work, or pretty much whenever or where ever you want because it only takes a few moments of your time. Don't you just love technology!

Wordless Wednesday - What Your Favorite Christmas Movie?

(Photo courtesy of Teach With Movies)

The Countdown Has Begun!

When I was growing up every day in December held a new surprise. A treasure. Sometimes small, sometimes big. These special treats were from our advent calendar. It was a snow covered house made out of paper boxes. Every day my sister and I would take turns opening the box for that day. Some days there would be a yummy piece of candy, and other days there would be the first clue to an intricate scavenger hunt leading to a holiday book or toy of some sort.

The advent calendar is special not only for the treats it brings, but also it's a daily reminder to have joy throughout the entire season. They originated from the German Lutherans who would count down the 24 days of Advent with a simple chalk mark. Now we are a bit more modern and detailed in our design. There are SO MANY creative options out there, but here are a few of my favorite advent calendars both to purchase or to create:

(Photo courtesy of Kaboose)

Santa's Advent Beard: A classic. Fill in Santa's beard with one cotton ball each day.

(Photo courtesy of Skip To My Lou)

Little Birdie Advent Calendar: A modern twist, and a fun DIY project.

(Photo courtesy of Target)

Gift Advent Calendar: A gift a day keeps the doctor away...

(Photo courtesy of Target)

Mirrored Advent Calendar: Add a little glamour to your day.

(Photo courtesy of Alpha Mom)

Paper Cup Advent Calendar: Now I realize this is a calendar for November using leftover Halloween candy, but use some red and green tissue paper and you're good to go for advent.

Thanksgiving Tabletop

This year my parents are hosting Thanksgiving at the cabin. The entire extended family will gather in the cozy house, most likely with the snow falling outside and a blazing fire inside. My mom has asked me to help with the decorations, and given the rustic atmosphere we have decided to decorate using nature as our guide. Here is the inspiration board for this festive affair:

-I love using textures in design. The feathers bring a soft, elegant layer to the tabletop. View the pheasant feather centerpiece here and the place setting here.

-These place cards create the affect of falling leaves scattered across the table.

-Given that my maiden name is Johnson, the Johnson Brothers plates are perfect for a family gathering. My mom has a collection that has been in the family for years.

-This centerpiece is created with many layers. Carmel colored felt, rich satin ribbon, scattered leaves and a pedestal full of miniature pumpkins and gourds.

Glass Containers + Fallish Items = Instant Decor

In my family room I have three glass containers that sit atop my bookcase. Each season I fill them with various items that reflect the time of year. This fall I filled two containers with plasticized leaves from Pottery Barn, beaded mini pumpkins and pine cones collected from the cabin. I poured shimmery black sand into the third containers and stuck a single orange taper candle in the center.

This is an easy decor project that anyone can use in their own home. All you need is an odd number of clear glass containers and a little imagination. Possible filler items for this season might include:

-a mix of gourds, squash and mini pumpkins

-pine cones and moss collected from your backyard

-leaves found either in a store or from a nature walk with your kids

-candy corn rather than sand at the base of a candle.

Whatever you do, have fun with it. Decorating your home sets the tone for the season and should be fun and not a chore.

National Boss' Day

(Photo courtesy of Flickr)

Tomorrow is National Boss' Day, and if you have a great boss then this is a perfect day to say thank you. According to Wikipedia, "National Boss's Day is usually celebrated by presenting one's boss with a small gift or greeting card. It is also customary to treat one's boss with extreme kindness, very similar to a birthday." You could always get the "World's Best Boss" mug like the one that Michael on the Office holds near and dear to his heart. Or you could do something as simple as a card or extra smiles. I spend my day job in an office full of sugar lovers, so I'm saying thank with a plate full of my famous oatmeal cookies.

If you're self-employed and your own boss, take some time to thank and appreciate yourself. Go for a walk, add whipped cream on your latte or get a manicure.

Whatever you choose to do, know that you'll be making that person's day just a little brighter. Everyone wants to be appreciated.