Ornament Wreath

Cute wreath! Apparently it is really easy too! Here is a link to the how to.

The Naughty Stool

With the Supernanny making "The Naughty Stool" such a rage; well you might as well make one to go with your Christmas decor :)

I came across this crazy adorable idea for a naughty chair on DecoArt's website and could not stop laughing... so I just had to share! Here is a link to the step by step how to.

Personalized Stockings

My sister-in-law introduced me to etsy a little while ago; oh my goodness do I ever love it! I came across these beautiful knitted (which I LOVE) stockings which you are able to personalize with you child's name! They would also make a great gift!


Here is a link to their etsy shop TerrapinKnits

Who is Parson Brown?

In the lyrics of Winter Wonderland, I have often wondered who Parson Brown is... So I decided to investigate :)

Well all I could really come up with is Parson Brown is a fictitious name; however, Parson on it's own refers to a 18th or 19th century parish priest. Apparently each town wouldn't have their own priest so the priest would make rounds to marry people.
Interesting!!

Here are the lyrics for your enjoyment!

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Christmas floral arrangements!

There are so many beautiful floral arrangements out there, my sister-in-law has an up and coming floral boutique and does some really beautiful work! I love seeing everything she comes up with how lovely the bouquets are for each bride. I thought I would post a couple of inspiration pictures for the upcoming holiday season...





* Due to her little one on the way Morgan is currently on maternity leave from floral design, but feel free to take a look around her blog; if you're a flower lover like me you will enjoy it!

Weekly Eye Catcher

I don't know what it is about it... but I do love this photo!

Christmas Sheet Music

Who doesn't love Christmas music played live... I could be biased as I married into a very musical family, but there is nothing like listening to a Christmas carol being played by a piano or guitar! This brings me to my new juicy find... Mfiles, a website that offers free Christmas sheet music!Not only do they offer it but they also give the choice of different formats, keys, and instruments! Now you can fill your home with the sweet sounds of Christmas!

Edmonton's Candycane Lane

*Photo from Candy Cane Lane website

Funny, my mother-in-law was telling me about this not too long ago and I happen to stumble upon it tonight. Edmonton (only about a two and half hour drive from Calgary) has been the host of a wonderful Christmas tradition for over 30 years! Candy Cane Lane featured on 148 Street from 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue in Edmonton's west end boasts approximately 10 city blocks of beautiful Christmas lights and displays. Now these people have some Christmas spirit!!! Check out their great website for more details: Edmonton's Candy Cane Lane

Gingersnaps

I love gingersnaps... *Yummy*


This recipe is from a woman I hold very dear to my heart... my Grandma Faith!
She is a wonderful cook and inspiring woman!!!

Grandma's Gingersnaps
1 1/2 cups butter
2 beaten eggs
4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup molasses
2 cups brown sugar
4 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
white sugar for coating

1. Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer.
2. Cool for 2 hrs. in fridge
3. Roll into balls, dip in white sugar to coat.
4. Drop balls onto parchment lined cookie sheet, press balls with fork.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350.


*Enjoy!

100 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!

Can you even believe that!!! ~ just look at the counter!

Weekly Eye Catcher

This photo is from a recent family session. Look at the magic in her eyes!

Ten Thousand Villages

I stumbled upon this store a couple of years ago. It truly is a great find. Ten Thousand Villages is strictly fair trade and helps millions around the world. I could go on and on about how wonderful they are but I think they capture what I want you know best...

From their website:
Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit Fair Trade Organization (FTO). FTOs are non-governmental organizations designed to benefit artisans, not to maximize profits. They market products from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, providing consumers with products that have been fairly purchased from sustainable sources.
Men and women around the world have a simple dream – to earn an honest living, provide a home, food and education for their children, and to be gainfully employed in a job that brings dignity and joy. Ten Thousand Villages partners with thousands of talented artisans in a healthy business relationship.

They also have great gifts for the holidays!

Crafty Site!

I love finding interesting blogs to pass along...
Superhotmama's House Has some great DIY crafts for the kids... lot's of fabric crafts too!

Weekly Eye Catcher

Sorry I didn't do one last week...
This weeks is of my HUGE stuffed animal Grinch! I won him when I was younger at my Mom's company's Christmas light tour...
The only time I have ever won anything - therefore, he holds a special place in my heart!

Santa Claus

I love this beautiful art piece, titled Santa's Bounty by artist Peggy Abrams.
I tend to change out my entire house for the holidays, including art on the walls! Christmas pictures are found everywhere... so why not!

Vintage Christmas

I LOVE LOVE LOVE vintage things... So it would only be right to show you some beautiful vintage Christmas cards I have come across...
Enjoy!







*Sigh* Beautiful!

Outdoor Christmas Lights!!!

WOW!!! I stumbled across this website today... Digs Digs "Top 10 Biggest Outdoor Christmas Lights/ House Decoration Displays"
They were not kidding, here are some photos from the site...

CP Holiday Train

Ooh I love this event! The CP holiday train comes through various cities and towns throughout the holiday season. I'm not sure when it will be this year (I will post again as soon as I find out) but it is definitely a sight to see! The train celebrated it's 10th Anniversary last year; raising food, money and awareness for local food banks! So be sure to bring a food donation to help their cause!

Christmas Advent Calendar Card

I love love love Advent Calendars! The surprise everyday adds so much to the magic of the holiday season!
I found this awesome example complete with a template on Martha Stewart featuring a greeting card advent calendar.

Handmade Christmas gifts

My husband and I had an AMAZING idea for a Christmas gift for his parents... We were going to make them a CD of us singing Christmas songs. The only problem is we are so not singers, my thoughts on this is that it would be super funny!!!

On a serious note handmade Christmas CD's are a great gift! I know I always love getting new holiday mixes... This would be lovely as a host or teacher gift too!

Check out this cute vintage CD template (want something more colourful - you could always scan wrapping paper!)

Funny Animals!

We are so cruel to our animals... but everyone has to admit they've done it! Santa hats on fluffy are hilarious!!!