Two Simple Steps to Adorable

by Judy

YES, we're all busy this time of year, and NO, no one wants a complicated project to add to the already long list of things to do, but this is such an EASY, PEASY project and will look so cute in your home, or will make the perfect gift for someone on your list, I just have to share!

YOU WILL NEED:

1. acrylic paint (I just used leftover paint from various home improvement projects)

2. foam brushe(s)

3. mason jars with lids, OR glass food jars (think jelly jars, salsa jars, pickle jars, etc.)

4. drill and bit

5. knobs with metal screw bases

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Paint jar lids (both pieces), applying 2-3 light coats. 

2.  Drill through the middle of each jar lid with a drill bit.  Screw the knobs into place.

TA-DAH!!  Can you stand it?!?!  I know, right?

As you can see, I painted mine in softer, muted shades, but they would look so whimsical in bright colors, with the knobs contrasting with the lid colors.

Use these in your kitchen, bath, make-up vanity, or craft room, OR fill them up and gift them! If you don't want to take on a project right now, this is an easy project you can do during the long, cold winter.  

(Side note - to all of you still life photographers - I bow to you! I am announcing here and now, I am not a still life photographer!   These were difficult subjects to photograph.  The reflective glass and low light (because I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark I couldn't photograph these outdoors like I wanted to) made this photo shoot tricky.  My colors are off - but I hope you get the idea of just how cute these are!  Imagine glass knobs, or more decorative metal knobs!  I could go on and on.....)   

A Gift To Myself

by Leigh

From the title of my post you might think I'm being a bit selfish...talking about getting myself a gift for Christmas.  You're probably saying to yourself, now....come on Leigh....everyone knows that Christmas is about giving to others and here you are talking about yourself.    

But hold on....just go with me on this.  Every year beginning with Thanksgiving we become bombarded by stuff....television ads for Black Friday showing the latest deal on the biggest TV you can buy....the bigger the better.....more...More....MORE!  Then there's the IT toy that every kid wants and no parent can find.  The calendar becomes filled up with holiday parties every weekend.

Ugh...it's just all too much!

I've decided that instead of stressing out about the holidays, I would rather give myself the gift of time.  And in giving myself the gift of time I give my loved ones the gift of experience rather than material things. I don't want to stand in line for the latest and greatest craze that all the kids just have to have when instead I could be snuggled up with my kids watching Christmas movies.  The one thing we all have to give is ourselves.  We can give our time and attention...our love and affection.  We can start by having real conversations about real things and the best conversations happen when we get outdoors.  No electronic distractions....just us together with nature.

I am giving myself permission to not feel guilty about avoiding the Christmas Craze this year.  My list is starting to look a little different than most years as a result of this.  Instead of feeling overwhelmed this holiday season I'm looking forward to making more memories with my family and friends.  I can't wait to make my grandfather's homemade fudge with my sister and our kids.  We will tell stories about this annual tradition. And when my dad sits down with my grandfather's copper bottom pot and begins to beat the fudge I will be taken back to my childhood as my dad holds the spoon up to see if it's the right consistency...I will watch my daughter jump at the chance to put her finger through the fudge just to be sure it tastes right like my sister and I did so many years ago. This year at the top of my wish list is the gift of togetherness.  

“The only people who truly know your story, 

are the ones who help you write it.” – Unknown

Gift Ideas

by Carol

Gift Suggestions

To your enemy - forgiveness.

To an opponent - tolerance.

To a friend - your heart.

To a customer - service.

To all - charity.

To every child - a good example.

To yourself - respect.

                                                                                                                                  Oren Arnold 

FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS - MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

(AND THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE)