The Easter Bunny Made Me Do It

Let me begin by saying I am a cynic, delightfully so, but a cynic.

All this "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" stuff drives me nuts.

Why can't be just be kind and happy all year (as if!)?

Nice way to start a holiday post, eh?

I am not sure why the holidays and I do not get along

(OK, I probably am sure - more of those stories later!).

I have tried, really I have! But alas I now have kiddos,

so I put on my (semi) happy face and deal.

Just so you don't think I am not willing to see the light,

 so far the holidays are proving to be quite fun!

I am crafting and the kids are too.

Is this the year that breaks my holiday curse?

We'll see... Now on to the story...

The Easter Bunny Made Me Do It
The most amazing thing happened in our new home that April of 2006. It was Easter, and it was our first away from the family. Honestly, I try to ignore Easter (that is a whole other story). I do not make a big deal about it, but it is hard to do that when you have a kiddo...and then here comes the Easter Bunny to mess with things even more.

Joe was 4-going-on-5 that year and we were still adjusting to life up here - carving out our niche in the community, creating new traditions, and learning to deal with the fog. That Easter we were sans family...it was just the three of us. The Easter Bunny must have known this because he was awful nice that year. When Joe awoke on Sunday morning, that silly bunny had filled his entire room with balloons and left him a treasure map.

Joe was beyond excited - he raced around the house collecting his treasures. He thought this was just about the best thing that had ever happened...and I agree! At the end of the festivities, Joe looked up at me and asked, "Can we write Santa a letter so he can do this too?" I sure didn't want to hear the conversation between Santa and the Bunny that night!

Fast forward to December 25, 2006...
and Santa came through! What a guy! Ever since that Easter in 2006, the Easter Bunny and Santa have left a special surprise for Joe (and I assume he knows to leave one for Jules this year, now that she is older). This is one of the things that could actually make me change me cynical ways...Joe loves it and I cannot wait to see what Jules does this year.

Just in case you want to let Santa know you like this idea, I thought I'd share a snippet of Joe's past hunts.

• In 2006, he got a map of the house and backyard with X's to mark the spot of his treasure.
• In 2007, the kid was seriously into the Magic Tree House Books, and just starting to really read on his own, so the map became a list and it included rhymes as the clues (like the ones in the books...Santa could work on his rhyming ability...maybe he can chat with Matty?)
• Well, in 2008, Joe was all about I Spy. Santa sent him on a hunt using abstract photos from around the house (boy was he sneaky...I never heard him!)

The treasures Santa leaves are simple little things like rocks, small books (I am sure he gets them from thrift stores), Pokemon cards, playing cards, etc. Santa seems to know just what it is Joe is "in to." Santa is great because he always reminds Joe of the things we want him to work on too!

These are some of the clues he left for Joe...once Joe began the hunt, at each location throughout the house, there was a photo to send him to the next location, until he ended up back at the Christmas Tree.

Mom and Dad really get a break too, because while Joe opens his treasures and admires them (he is very thorough about examining his gifts and appreciating them), Mom and Dad get to make coffee before diving into what is under the tree.
 

How are your holidays going? Do you have a special tradition?
I would love to hear about it!
 

 
 This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

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Family for Sale?

Wooo-Whooo it is time for Writer’s Workshop at Mama Kat’s.

Swing on by and check it out! For this week, I choose…

#4- Describe how you would celebrate the holidays

if it was totally up to you and money was not a factor.

Family for Sale?
The holidays bring up a lot of uneasiness and mixed emotions for me. When I was younger, we would spend Christmas Eve with my Mom’s family and Christmas Day with my Dad’s family. Unfortunately over the years the family gatherings slowly fell apart…until one day no one cared any more at all (or so it seems). I do not know if it is sadness, family tension, or just sheer apathy, but there has not been a family Christmas on either side in years.


To get where I am going, you must understand from where I come. For Christmas Eve, my mom’s entire family – grandparents, aunts and uncles (there are 7 siblings in my mom’s family, but you never knew exactly how many would show up), and my 22 cousins would gather for an evening that included torturing each other (in a family-friendly way), cookie decorating, gift opening, and oyster stew (eww!)…and eventually a giant burrito (don’t ask!).

At one time each family was to bring gifts for another family. This was to prevent anyone from going broke buying presents for 50+ people. Well, that fell apart the year my aunt decided I did not need anything…explain that to an 8 year old. (yes, and that was Crazy Aunt M of the Chili Brie fame). And Uncle Rocco would give each kid a silver dollar and tell them to “Stay on the straight and narrow.” (As if he had!)

Then people started to die…and move…and get married. This year, my mom tried to pull something together, but no one wanted to make a trip, one uncle has a lot of family turmoil, so he pretty much didn’t care either, Crazy Aunt M is missing, Aunt B (not of sweet potato pie fame) is probably shacking up with someone else’s husband (not her own of course!), and the cousins…who knows?

As for Christmas day, my dad’s family, which consisted of my great aunts and uncles, my grand parents, and my dad’s cousins, would gather at J and G’s house. My brother and I were often bored…we were the only kids at the time…the cousins closest in age to us are 12 years younger or 12 years older. It was fun running around in their big yard, but to a 5 and 7 year old that only lasts so long, and listening to adults gab on and on gets old quick when you have a house full of new toys! If only I had know to treasure these moments, but can you really know that at 7?

Many family deaths also occurred around this time of year on this side of the family. My last remaining great aunt took that on all too much...it was never the same. When I look through her photo album, the captions are haunting. This is how she began to document her life, with the passing of her loved ones.

My disdain for the holidays is rooted in this dissection and dysfunction of the family in general. I have always, if just for once wanted to sit around with my entire family (what is left of it) at one table enjoying each other. And then we can decide…"Who are we kidding?” and go our own ways, but at least we’d know! So, after all of this, how would I spend the holidays if I could do anything I want, money no object…

Christmas Eve

I would gather the troops. I would fly in the cousins, aunts and uncles for a real Norwegian Christmas Eve. I’d have to rent a mansion (OK, a REALLY BIG HOUSE) to accommodate the ever-growing family (we might leave out Aunt M and Aunt B however, although they provide for good stories later!). There would be a gift for each person (probably PJ’s!), a whit eelephant gft exchange (becasue they rock at this family Christmas!), and (good) Oyster stew. The kids would play and run around…we all have kids that some of us have never even met. The big fancy table doesn’t suit this crowd, so we’d skip that, but we would all be together.

Christmas Day

This would be mostly a repeat of Christmas Eve, but with my dad’s family. It is a much smaller group, so I would for once in my life, have a big formal family dinner around a beautiful dining table. My brother and his family would be there – there would be peace for one day (there is a little riff…not to be discussed on this blog at all). The cousins would play and laugh and get to know each other better, as it should be.

Now the story continues…
My husband’s family is spread across the U.S. There are many divorces, etc., but they can all play nice and be in the same room – I have seen it happen before. So, to complete our Christmas I would offer the same hospitality to his side of the family.


So, my dreams, my wishes, are simple…but they are never going to happen. Some of the wounds too deep, the divides too great, and the sense of family lost. It saddens me, especially now that I have my own children. I really want my kids to have a connection to their family. They will not have the chance to grow up with memories of these big gatherings (no, they are not all good but they are mine!).


Instead, I will be HAPPY - VERY HAPPY -  to spend my Christmas with my kids, my husband, and my parents (and be very thankful they are here). Santa will leave a special treasure hunt, we’ll eat yummy food and if all goes well, enjoy a fire in the fire pit....mayeb I will figure out how to make pumpkin marshmallows ansd we can have s'mores (everything is better with a s'more)! I will cherish each moment.

Oh, wait…now, before I go, my Christmas wishes are not done…it is my story right?
I have three friends that I {heart} dearly, as I do their families. We used to all gather together to celebrate our own little Christmas. I miss this tradition so much. I miss our kids growing up together and just the general camaraderie that accompanied those celebrations. Two of us have moved away, and we have not all been together for 4 years. I would gather us all up to enjoy a little Christmas cheer.


Or, maybe, I’d just scrap it all…grab the kids, my hubby, and a nanny and head for Maui!


Cheers!
Holly

P.S. Since it is a money-no-object kind of dream…

I would have killer shoes and the best outfits for each and every celebration!

P.S.S.-My computer is at the techy hospital...

please leave a comment and I will get back at ya asap!

P.S.S.S.-In spite fo the craziness, my parents

always did a wondefufl job of making the holidays

special for my brother and I.

Love Ya Mom and Dad!

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How to Make a Bourbon Caramel Tea Latte

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FlavorSplash #CollectiveBias

I have never, ever made it a secret that I L-O-V-E coffee. For a very long time I was strictly a mocha drinker...but my tastes have changed...and I have discovered a whole new world of unique and amazing tea beverages! My hubby has been a BIG tea drinker for awhile and I have always enjoyed a cup...but now, I am all about creating new flavor combinations for my tea! Right now, I am loving the Tea Latte and have whipped up a hot beverage using Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup.

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Golden Inspiration...12 Days of Holiday DIY Link Up

Happy Holidays! 

This is the time of year I think of warmth and family and friends and eggnog and champagne and golden sugar cookies and sparkling lights.

What about you?

Those beautiful and amazing objects that inspire us to create are just as important as the ultimate end product. And when we are lucky, it all magically works together, collaborates if you will, to transform our little world into a more beautiful place.

GOLD 
 has always been one f my favorite colors. When painted, fashioned, and captured correctly Gold is inviting, warm, elegant, whimsical and well purley magical!

So, today, I am sharing what inspires me...the images that spoke to me as I wandered through Pinterest (of course!). 

I REALLY WANT TO SEE YOUR GOLD PROJECTS!

*rooms, furniture, home decor, holiday decor, crafts*

Share! Pretty Please!

I have started a GOLD PINTEREST BOARD and I will be pinning link ups!

These images are all sourced from Pinterest - none of them are mine. You can visit the sources - all are linked to the pin board and the source I could find - through the links below the photo. 

_____________________________________________________

THIS IS MY GOLDEN INSPIRATION.

Let me take you on my GOLD Journey.

I would shop and lunch wearing gold and pink (of course)

source: Frou Frou Fashionista via Pinterest
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My nails would sparkle in the most intense glittery gold

Source: Deborah Lippman via Pinterest

_____________________________________________________

I would sip my tea (or champagne) while lounging on this gold masterpiece

Source: Eclectic Revisited via Pinterest

_____________________________________________________

I would look out my window, and see that gold is so magical,
even the trees cannot resist it.

Source: Jacee May via Pinterest

_____________________________________________________

I will carry gold paint with me everywhere and make the world a shiny glimmering place.

Source: Castles, Crowns, and Cottages via Pinterest

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I will eat gold cake...
or just admire it because it is gorgeous.

Source: The Glitter Guide via Pinterest

_____________________________________________________

I will be whimsical and elegant at the same time.
I will enjoy each and every moment...

Source: Oh, Hello Friend via Pinterest

_____________________________________________________

...and just might possibly sprinkle gold glitter wherever I go.

source: istock
_____________________________________________________
That is my GOLD inspiration.

What color do you like to decorate
the holidays or your every day in?

What inspires you?

Have you been following along with the 12 Days of Holiday DIY?

You can take a peek at this post which has links to all of the blogs participating and there is that little ole buttton down there that lists the days. 

HERE IS THE CODE - 
DO NOT LEAVE THE QUOTATION MARKS IN WHEN COPYING.
"<div align="center"><a href="http://thediyclub.com/2011/11/12-days-of-holidays/" title="The DIY Club"><img src="http://thediyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/12-days-party-graphic.png" alt="The DIY Club" width="350" height="350" style="border:none;" /></a></div>"

HOW TO ENTER the 12 Days of Holiday Paint Party and Giveaway:
U.S. Entrants Only

1. Each of the 12 parties (AS SHOWN UP ON THAT GRAPHIC UP THERE) is open (UPDATE) until 12/18/11.


2. Link up one or more project tutorials that correspond to the color/finish for each party.

3. You may link up multiple projects to multiple parties...as long as it fits the color criteria!

4. Be sure to include the party button in each post that you link up.

RULES TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN:

1. Must be an original project tutorial created by you.

2. Must involve the use of paint.

3. Must involve the color or finish indicated for each party.

4. Must have the party button in each linked post.

• After all of the parties are closed (last party closes on December 18), we will post a TOP 12 finalist list here at the DIY Club on DEC 20.
• The winner will be announced on Dec 21.
• One winner will win 2 gallons of Dutch Boy paint and 6 cans of Krylon spray paint.

DON'T FORGET...

THE PURDY PAINTBRUSH GIVEAWAY IS STILL HAPPENING!

YOU MUST ENTER ON THIS GIVEAWAY POST.

 Now...show me your GOLD!

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Paper Trees with Glittering Toppers

I have this vision to one day have many varieties and styles of Christmas trees

decorating my house for the holidays.

- all kinds - fabric, wood, glass, paper-

Whatever happens to strike my fancy!

I have a few different sets:
my trio of fabric trees 

and my wood biscuit trees,

but this year I added a trio of Paper trees to the mix.

 

I have been enamored with my Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Edge Punch since I received it and cannot wait to get my hands on some more dies...but do love the one I have.

So much so, that I made three paper trees with it.

P.S. If you love that glitter topper - head over to my Glitter Your Holidays post to enter to win some Martha Stewart Crafts Rich Essentials Glitter (a 24 piece set!)

I know it is so close to the holidays, but this is a pretty simple craft!

In fact I am making my kids one big one each for their rooms this weekend!

SUPPLIES

• Circle Edge Punch (watch the video tutorial for the Circle Edge Punch)
• NOTE: You can also use an electronic craft cutter or simply cut plain circles to make these trees. 
• 45 sheets of paper/cardstock per tree (15 per tree, 5 per level) 
• NOTE: You will notice I ran out of paper (and so did the store) and one of my trees is multi-colored - I actually like it!
• Glue stick or rubber cement (I use rubber cement and a glue stick...because I prefer rubber cement for a project like this...but ran out!)
• Hot glue/Hot glue gun
• Scissors or craft knife

Optional (for topper)

• Clear ornaments  
• Floor polish
• glitter  

MAKE IT!

• I used my Circle Edge Punch to punch out my circles
• Check out my video tutorial

• Large Tree: 5 - 12" circles, 5 - 10" circles, 5 - 8" circles
• Medium Tree: 5 - 11" circles, 5 - 9" circles, 5 -7" circles  
• Small tree:   5 - 10" circles, 5 - 8" circles, 5 - 6" circles  

• Fold each circle in half - when folding, match the sides and have all of the folds be in the same place (i.e. in between scallops or in the center of them- the center is easier). Run the side or your scissors or Popsicle/craft stick along the fold to really give  it a good crease.

• For the bottom level of each tree, cut 2 1/2" off the bottom of each folded circle. This flat bottom will help it stand up on its own.

LARGE TREE

• Bottom level: measure up 5 1/4" from the flat bottom - this is where the bottom of the middle level circles will touch/end/overlap onto the large circle.
• Apply adhesive to the overlapping areas of the circles, line up the mark you just made and glue them together, making sure the folds are in the same place/nestled together as well.
• On the second/middle level, mark up 6" from the bottom of the middle circle (at the fold. Lay your top circle so that the bottom of it (at the fold) matches this mark.

  
MIDDLE TREE

• Bottom level: measure up 3 1/2" from the flat bottom this is where the bottom of the middle level circles will touch/end/overlap onto the large circle.
• Apply adhesive to the overlapping areas of the circles, line up the mark you just made and glue them together, making sure the folds are in the same place as well.
•  On the second/middle level, mark up 4 1/2" from the bottom of the middle circle (at the fold. Lay your top circle so that the bottom of it (at the fold) matches this mark.

 SMALL TREE

• Bottom level: measure up 3" from the flat bottom this is where the bottom of the middle level circles will touch/end/overlap onto the large circle.
• Apply adhesive to the overlapping areas of the circles, line up the mark you just made and glue them together, making sure the folds are in the same place as well.
•  On the second/middle level, mark up 3 1/2" from the bottom of the middle circle (at the fold. Lay your top circle so that the bottom of it (at the fold) matches this mark.

 ALL TREES

• Apply adhesive to the overlapping areas of the circles. You may have to touch up the edges one you have your tree sections completed.
• Make sure the folds are in the same place as well.

 

• Repeat for all five sections - I lined up my first one with the subsequent sections to make sure my circles were all placed the same...even though I did measure.

 

• Let dry. It does not take long!
• Once you have 5 pieces of tree (three circles high) complete, run a "thick" line of hot glue on the fold of one section. Glue another section to the first section at the center folds. Apply more glue and add one section at a time. Until all five are attached.

• Repeat for all of the trees - it goes quick! 

TOPPER 

I finished my tree off with a clear glass ornament glittering with Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter (did you enter the giveaway for a set of Rich Essentials Glitter?)

• I saw this tutorial on The Single Nester for how to make glittering ornaments and had to try it. The process is pretty simple...Hope on over to the Single Nester for a full tutorial. Squirt some floor polish into the clear ornament, shake it around, and drain out the excess (onto a paper towel) - be sure to coat the inside of the ornament; then pour some glitter in there - put a finger or paper towel over the hole and shake it all up to coat the inside. Then let it dry.

• I used some vintage tinsel to wrap around the opening and then hot glued them to the top of each tree.  

Pretty, no?!

 

Want some gorgeous Martha Stewart Crafts Rich Essential Glitter for yourself...

Head over and enter the giveaway! 

What is your favorite holiday item to decorate with?

 

  

 This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

disclosure: in the past I have received some of these products for review. Those obligations have been fulfilled. I continue t use the products because they are awesome.

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