Happy Holidays

Hi y’all, it’s me, that girl katie, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I thought it would be fun to show you all the difference behind our 2012 Christmas tree and our current tree.

Last years Blue Spruce tree picked out by my husband that nobody wanted to decorate because they are so prickly. And guess who ended up decorating the tree last year? Yep, that would be me.

This years Frasier tree that I picked out and everyone took part in decorating. However, it did mange to fall over breaking a handful of ornaments.

I was under the pressure to take over the duty of choosing a perfect tree but I think I succeeded and also imagine I signed myself up for a permanent lifetime job during the holiday season which I am glad to take on. But taking it down is another task still up for discussion. .

BOWed OUT

Hey, it's me, that girl katie, I don't know about you but I am BOWed OUT! And here are a few pictures why.

I tied a lot of bows this holiday season thanks to Danielle Daws. (Her YouTube link is at the top of the post)

I think I watched her DIY video at least 20 times trying to memorize her method of tying a bow which I found a lot of enjoyment in because of her accent.

My husband and I spent a few months in New Zealand so while learning how to properly tie a bow I thought back to a lot of good memories. Although, when I showed him the video he confirmed that she is an Aussie not a Kiwi. I have never been good at spotting the difference.

Traditional Gingerbread Party

Hi y'all, it's me, that girl katie,

Last week my friend and I hosted our annual gingerbread decorating party at her restaurant, E'leaven Food Company. It is the perfect venue to host this kind of party & others too. I can’t imagine hosting this at my house but I have other friends who do just that.

I order the houses from, Gingerbread Traditions and put them together prior to the party. We ask everyone to bring 2 bags of candy or other decorating items.

This year we had one house per family and gave Moms the heads up to prep their kids that they would have to work together as a team. They exceeded any expectations I might have had.

My mantra this holiday season has been, expect nothing and appreciate everything.

Cheers to you this holiday season & may all your wishes come true.

Source list: http://www.gingerbreadtraditions.com http://www.eleavenfood.com/

Wedding Bells & Holiday Bells

Hi y'all, it's me, that girl katie, Are you ever stumped at what gift to give a pair of newlyweds?

Sure you can buy a piece of china, stem or glassware. Personally, the thought of a glass or plate makes me yawn and then to think you have to write a thank you note for it as well is another issue or blog post.

How about giving the newlyweds something that is personalized and actually used for a few weeks during the holiday season?

A selection of ornaments for their 1st tree trimming as a married couple.

I personalized a few with pictures of their wedding day and with their names.

My cousin & her family did this for my husband and me and it really has been one of the most memorable gifts.

Happy Holidays or Happy Wedding.

Source List: www.shutterfly.com www.atticornaments.com

The Gift of Nothing

Hey y'all, it's me, that girl katie, I imagine everyone is busy shopping for the holidays. I have a book that you might want to consider adding to your shopping list.

bookcover

Last week I volunteered to read a book and create a craft project to go along with the theme of the book to my daughters Kindergarten class. She and I decided that I would read, The Gift of Nothing. We both love this book and with all of the gifts that may enter your home during this holiday season, we thought this was perfect timing for a perfect message.

Supplies for the "Gift of Nothing" craft project: - little gift boxes with handles so they can be a holiday decoration if desired - white paper board - colored paper board - double sided tape - markers

Tips: -I cut out all people so kids could concentrate on coloring them -I cut out all word bubbles -I choose double sided tape to avoid having to use glue that take time to dry -I wrote the title of the book on the front of each box along -I wrote on the back of the box a line from the book "but me and you"

Here are some pictures of the craft project. They all turned out so great.

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Also, thank you for following my blog as I am still trying to figure out how to blog on top of all other daily duties.