In the Nick of Time

After looking at the boxes of Christmas decorations

for a couple of weeks, I decided it was finally time

to bite the bullet. Of course, I decided that it would be great

to light a fire and let the kids help...

and I hadn't even had a drink!

We did light a fire,

we did put on Christmas carols,

and we did have a good time...

we did not get anything decorated.

Instead there were little piles of Santa's,

candles, and snowmen all around the house

in all sorts of interesting places.

Thankfully, I abandoned my out-of-control

decorating ideas years ago, and the joy

of watching the kids "discover" the

Christmas treasures was all worth it.

So, yes, we did not get anything accomplished,

but we did have FUN!

I don't necessarily have a theme when I decorate -

I thought about it this year (and every year),

but end up using the items that call to me instead.

I think the closest I am getting to a theme

is the use of black and white with the

accents of green and red, like my gifts.

I was going to do red feathers

and made a wreath like the one I did for Halloween,

but it did not receive rave reviews -

it looked a little bordello-like.

(Joe made this in Kindergarten...still one of my faves!)

Might I also add, the decorating is minimal because
there is a certain little person who lives here

that thinks everything is hers, and so far,

has broken a leg off of a Santa,

hidden Christmas ornaments,

and who-knows-what-else she has done

that I have not yet discovered!

So, here is what I have done...
I love mixing rustic with a little glam.
It is not really traditional, but not really modern...
it is eclectic and...it is just us!

I drape pearls over the mirror every year...

best part they work as New years decor too!

 

I dress up my crazy "junk-store" fireplace decor

with some chandelier crystals and poinsettias,

and then we hang our stockings!

Some shiny new ornaments on a bed of moss

and Tiffany candlesticks!

The "sparkly tree" on a bed of moss,

perched atop a rustic container,

anchored with a silver and crystal platter.

 

I pulled some branches out of the yard

for Thanksgiving and loved the way they looked.

I just had to keep them for Christmas.

I put them in a vase, filled the vase with red beans

and hung more chandelier crystals.

This is one of my fave decorations...

but I cannot get a good photo! Bummer!

Joe loves Nutcrackers.

So, when I found a bag of Nutcracker candles
at Goodwill, I just had to have them.

There is just something kitschy and adorable about them.

These are my two fave's from this year.

Both kids sat quietly, intensely coloring their Santa's.

If the kids got to decorate...

our house would be full of singing Hallmark snowmen!

(Thanks Grandma!)

Oh yeah, no tree photos...because there isn't one yet.

Yes, we wait and wait.

In fact I really wanted to go cut our own tree this year,

but "Wholly Moly!" there is too much to do.

If only I had one more weekend.

As for the decor, next year, I am determined

to steal my parents Blinko -

a snowman from my grandparents

with a light up "blinking" nose -

I have never seen it blink

and pretty sure no one else has either,

but granny said it did.

What is your favorite holiday decoration?

Is there a story behind it?

Tell me..I just have to know!

Cheers!

Holly

There is still time to enter the GIVEAWAY!

You have until midnight PST on Sunday, December 13.

CONTINUE READING

Smells Like a Giveaway!

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

There is not much I love more than a fabulous smelling bath product. My kids have inherited this gene. Unfortunately they also have very sensitive skin, so I am always on a quest to find gentle, yummy smelling products for them. I was recently on this search, and then lo and behold, I received an email from EcoStore USA asking me to review their products and do a giveaway. This was all new to me (i.e., what the heck am I supposed to do!), but I said OK, bring it on. 

I went to their website and selected the Rosemary Orange Shampoo and the Baby Body Wash to try. A week or so later the products arrived at my house. I couldn't wait to try the shampoo, and it did not disappoint - It smelled divine! I enjoyed using it for a few days until my son noticed the bottle and stole it from me (yes, I was being stingy, I just love Rosemary!).

I have to say the Baby Body Wash smells equally divine. My daughter now asks, "Take a bath, smell good now?" She specifically ask for this bath time "treat." I agree with her - it has a calming, clean, fresh scent and is gentle on her baby skin!

I borrowed the following from the Ecostore USA website, just click HERE to read the rest.

"Faced with the challenge of protecting the pristine rural waterways of the eco village, Malcolm Rands began to research and seek expert help from scientists to develop household cleaning products using plant-based ingredients that would biodegrade safely and quickly. Achieving his goal, he eliminated the need to use toxic chemicals, leaving the eco villages water pure. His goal was more than accomplished as the product line of this home-based business began to grow, and an exciting future began to unfold."

You also must read this about their No Nasty Chemicals (TM).

So, on to the GIVEAWAY!
(Just in time for some Holiday shopping for yourself or others too!)

What do you win?
The winner of your giveaway will receive a $25 gift certificate for Ecostore via email.

When does it start?
NOW

When does it end?
Sunday, December 13, 2009 at midnight PST
WINNER WILL BE POSTED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009. WINNER HAS 24 HOURS (FROM THE TIME I POST THE WINNER - i.e. if Ipost is at 10 am on Monday, you have until 10 am on Tuesday) TO CLAIM THE PRIZE.

YOU MUST LEAVE A WAY TO CONTACT YOU...THAT MEANS IF YOU ARE A NO-REPLY@BLOGGER.COM, EITHER SHOOT ME AN EMAIL (it is on my profile page) OR BE SURE TO CHECK BACK ON MONDAY.

How do you enter?---******GIVEAWAY CLOSED*******

Leave one comment per entry!

1. You must be a public follower of 504 Main. Leave comment and let me know! - REQUIRED, 1 entry
2. Visit EcoStoreUSA website and tell me how you might spend your $25! - 1 entry
   
3. Visit EcoStoreUSA's blog and sign up for their No Nasty Chemicals Newsletter - 3 entries.
4. Follow me on Twitter: 504 Main - 1 entry (leave your twitter name in comment)
   
5. Follow EcoStoreUSA on twitter, twitter name: ecostoreusa - 1 entry
6. Tweet about the giveaway:  Great "green" super smelling giveaway at 504 Main from Ecostore USA. http://504main.blogspot.com/2009/12/smells-like-giveaway.html - 1 entry
7. Become a fan of ecostoreusa on Facebook. -1 entry

DISCLAIMER: The two products I have reviewed and sampled were providing to me from Ecostore USA free of charge. I used them down to the last drop and love them!

Good Luck!

Holly

CONTINUE READING

It's a Wrap!

I am that Mom who is up until 2 am on Christmas Eve
(OK, on every eve) wrapping gifts.
Not this year, I say!...and I mean it (I hope!).

Now, wrapping gifts is not one of my favorite things.
Don't get me wrong, the beauty of a nicely
wrapped gift is not lost on me,

but I am not a SUPERSTAR wrapper -

I have been know to give gifts

in the bag they came in, plus a bow (maybe) - and

plus the thought of all that waste drives me insane.

So, this year, I had a great idea...

I couldn't wait to share it with the kids - mainly Joe...
but I did not quite get the reaction I was looking for....

Me: "Joe, listen to Mommy's idea for wrapping presents! This is going to be so much fun!"

Joe: "What Mom? Do we get to put candy on each present and eat the candy as we open them?"

Me: "No...we are going to wrap them in newspaper."

Joe: "That isn't going to be pretty."

Me: "Yes, it will. Besides we will save money and we can recycle the newspaper."

Joe: "Does that mean I get more presents if we save money?"

Me: "No, but it means we will have a "green" Christmas. We can add pretty bows."

Joe: "OK....but can we ask Santa to use regular wrapping paper so some of the presents aren't ugly."

I am determined to win him over. So, in order to do that I have already started wrapping gifts. I am using newspaper. Nothing difficult there - actually the hardest part is to find pieces of the newspaper that do not have completely inappropriate or depressing stories on them, although I did wrap one in the stock market pages and some would say that is scary!

To decorate the packages..so they are "not too ugly" (as per Joe's request)...I pulled out my craft goodies - tissue paper, trims, ribbons, glitter, letters, even Christmas ball. Almost anything will work and all of these items are reusable. Here are some of the creations. I am so excited to wrap some more.

I knew all those hours making tissue paper flowers

for Homecoming (in high school) would pay off eventually.

I made a tissue paper flower and tied am ornament in the middle.

Then took a small length of ribbon and attached it to the back.

I am just a little addicted to coffee,

and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Mocha Powder.

Lucky for me, the powder now comes in these great tins.

I just wrapped the tin in scrapbook paper

(newspaper would work too),

and attached some cute trim.

Chipboard letters, glitter, glue, ribbon, and string..voila!

For the simple looks above, I just layered ribbons and trims.

NOTES:

• I used glue dots or cellophane tape for many of the projects so that the trim or paper (if necessary) would come off really easy, and I could reuse it again.
• Paper bags would work really well too, as would butcher paper.
• Joe's job on Christmas will be to pull off the tape so the newspaper can be recycled!

This is not the first time I have had an idea like this! Back in the 80's (I think) when recycling was still "new," I asked (er, made) my parents wrap all the presents in brown craft paper so that we could recycle the wrapping paper - they have always been great sports when it comes to  my (sometimes) crazy ideas! Here is a shot of our tree that year. And, yes, I was the one who got to take all the tape off.

Christmas Tree circa 1980-something

Happy Holidays!
Holly

PS-Check back later in the week for gift tags!

CONTINUE READING

There Are Bloggers Under My Tree!

I love to shop...no really I LOVE to shop! Usually by this time of the year, my presents are all purchased. Well, not this year becasue I have deciced to go a different route for many of the gifts. I am actually making many items or looking for little treasures here and there.

I have enough plastic and things that go beep (did I mention that the Nintendo DS that I swore to my hubby was a good idea, that was/is, admittedly, my worst idea EVER!...Well, almost ever!). OK, there will be some Legos and probably a Barbie but for the most part, I on am on a mission to be creative and supportive of local artists and merchants....and let me tell you I have found some of the best things from my Blog Friends!...and I just HAVE to share them with you!

First up, I decided to buy myself a present (it still counts as Christmas shopping even if it is for me!). Since I am on my quest for domestic bliss, I have a huge appreciation and newfound love of aprons. My bloggy bud Kelli makes the cutest aprons, check out her etsy shop! I snatched a Christmas inspired apron up and it it super-cute (sorry no photos of me modeling...you are spared!)! But here is one of her creations...

Too cute, eh?

This is my Christmas apron!

(Thanks Kelli for sending a photo!)

Now, when the Queen speaks you cannot say no, right! Lee makes these fantastic soaps and I figured they were the perfect gift. So, with a few clicks, they are mine...soon to be someone else's! Cute, eh? You can get them totally personalized! Go check out Lah Dee Dah Soaps...it is not too late to order!

As much as I love to shop, I am not good at shopping for other people. But one of the people I do OK for is my ex-step-mother-in-law. From Iris, I found this amazing necklace. She makes really beautiful jewelry and you should go check out her esty shop too!

This trio of leaves is on my wish list...the other is the gift!

So this is off on a tangent, but can you believe what a small world this is...I only know Iris through the blog world and Iris knows the people who used to live in my house! She has been to my house...before it was mine...I am still trippin' out on that one! OK, go check her out!

I am not done with my shopping yet!
Anything, anyone I missed????
Is there another blogger I should check out?
Tell me quick!

CONTINUE READING

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!

CONTINUE READING

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

CONTINUE READING

How to Make a Beautiful Bride Ugly

This weeks writing prompt "How your audition for a trashy reality show would go?" Boy do I have material for this!

For some background...It was the height of wedding craziness in L.A. Wedding planners were vying for top billing and over the top weddings. New bridal magazines were being published... and television shows developed on what seemed like a daily basis. In the email inbox was a constant flow of teasers for auditions. So, no, my tale is not one of taking my top off to date a has-been rock star or a middle aged (although HOT!) soap opera stud...my trashy reality show had much more tame content, but was trashy nonetheless.

CONTINUE READING

A Divorce...Fine! As Long As I Get The Sweet Potato Pie!

I originally posted this for Thanksgivingbut it is also our FAVORITE dish for Christmas!So, I am linking up to  The DIY Show Offfor the Show and Tell Surprise Party

My family always argues about what's for Thanksgiving dinner

(Christmas dinner too- it is our hobby!).

I am not joking...a simple question about cranberry sauce

turns into a two hour ordeal about which of the 5 recipes to use.

Don't even ask about bringing the turkey last year!

However, with all of our opinions floating around,

there is one thing we must always have...

B's Sweet Potato Pie!

Legend has it that the recipe for this most heavenly sweet potato pie

was a term of a divorce. All B walked away with,

and all she wanted was the sweet potato pie recipe...

and here I go, sharing it with the world (or a small portion of it). 

Jules decided to help me make this one...

this particular pie was a trial run to see what would happen

if I substituted the refined sugar and white flour

with healthier ingredients...it worked...

more about that later (see notes below the recipe)...

but clearly I need to substitute these ingredients,

because Jules chanted "sugar, sugar, sugar"

the entire time she was mixing and sprinkling.

"sugar, sugar, sugar"

B's Sweet Potato Pie

Filling

1 Large Can Sweet Potatoes, drained

(sometimes I mash or puree them for texture)

OR

2-3 Sweet Potatoes, baked until fork tender

(skin the potatoes and mash or puree for texture)

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup melted butter (less 2 1/2 tsp)

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup milk (or organic whipping cream)

Combine potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Add milk and beat until smooth.

Spoon into a greased 2 qt. casserole dish.

(I don't grease the pan. If you do use some melted butter)

Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

2 1/2 tsp melted butter (from above)

1/2 cup pecans

Mix above together and sprinkle/spoon over filling.

We often double the topping recipe

Bake at 350 for about 25 to 30 minutes

NOTES:
1. I substituted pumpkin (and some fresh ginger)
for sweet potatoes and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
The requests are now to make if with pumpkin always!

It took longer to cook, about 45 minutes to one hour...
I just kept checking in on it.

2. To "healthy it up" and trying to use more natural,

less refined, healthful ingredients, I substituted

the sugar for 1/8 cup Grade A Maple Syrup.

It wasn't quite enough, so I did add a little more...

you just need to taste it and decide for yourself.

I also swapped out the flour in the topping for brown rice flour.

Finally I used organic butter, vanilla, etc.

The kids (mainly Joe who would eat the entire thing...if I let him)

just said "this is so good"...see they didn't even know!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! !

Holly

PS-If this recipe belonged to Betty Crocker at one time
or someone else,I am not stealing it.
I have no knowledge of the original origins...

my recipe is typed on a blank sheet of paper.

CONTINUE READING