Just a BlinkProof Time Flies

Season’s Greetings

I made a new wreath for my front door using an old picture frame, old ice skates and old garland. Using items from around the house, attic and garage to create new decor has been a necessity for me because I have a tight non-existent budget for projects.  I use my blow money (Dave Ramsey envelope) on craft junk…which I usually spend at the thrift store. I am a bit obsessed with collecting “trash” to play with for homemaking. Someday, I may actually spend my blow money on coffee, c.d.s or makeup but for now I just love, love, love shopping a thrift stores.

I digress, you want to see the wreath now, I’m sure.

Now, just picture this “wreath” on a red door. Delicious. (I have to stick with white due to my association)

Tutorial

Find an ugly, tired frame and tell it to come home with you. Sooth its worries by explaining you will make it into something beautiful.

Do a little surgery to remove all the old hardware.

Give it a facelift with some spray paint. I had Krylon Ivory on hand. I didn't really bother doing primer because most of the frame will be covered with garland (and I didn't have any on hand).

Staple a garland onto the frame with a staple gun. Tug on the garland occasionally to make sure it is on securely. If not stable, add more staples.

Add wintery accents to at least two edges/corners of the frame. You can go "all out" on trimming, faux greens, feathers, berries, pinecones, etc. I kept this wreath's accents pretty basic and simple.

Tie the ice skate's laces to one another. Hang them from the top of the frame. I popped in a red Christmas floral pick ($1) for a little color.

So there you have it…go on…I know you are already thinking about raiding your Mom’s garage or the nearest thrift store for an ugly, tired old frame.

Love,

Jess

Getting Ready for Christmas

Today the kids and I spend most of the morning decorating for the season. It was so fun to see Molly and Ryan discover all the ornaments like it was the first time. There is so much wonder that just glows from my kids. It is really easy to “catch” a sense of wonder too.

Here are some other senses we love during Christmastime:

We hear the jingle bell ring as the door opens and closes.

We smell the cinnamon fragrance from the reed diffuser.

We feel the softness of our winter throw blankets.

We taste Christmas treats from friends and family.

We see symbols of God's love in our ornaments and craft projects.

Take a few moments today and slow down to find your five senses of Christmastime.

Love,

Jess

This post has been added to The Inspired Room. Check it out for my Holiday fun!

Breakfast and Lunch

I am tired. Did I mention I have two newborn baby girls? Of course, I  did.

This means I am too tired to think about meals for more than two seconds…especially when Ryan asks repetitively, “What are we going to eat?”

So, I really needed to make things simple around the kitchen. Think once. Prepare food as follows…

Breakfast

M: English Muffins, Sausage and Jam

T: Toast and Eggs with a side of fruit

W: Oatmeal, Raisins and honey or jam

Th: Yogurt and Granola

F: Pancakes and Syrup

Sat: Muffins and/or Smoothies

Sun: Cold Cereal and Bananas

Lunch

M: Soup, Crackers and Jell-O

T: Pasta and grapes

W: Chicken Nuggets with Veggies and Dip

Th: Sun-nut butter and Jelly Sandwiches and String Cheese

F: Bagel Pizzas and Salad

Sat: Free Choice

Sun: Family Meal (at Grandma’s, a restaurant or the crock-pot)

Do It Yourself

Grab some markers and colored pencils or snag some colorful clip art and create your own menu plan chart! It’s free and might help take some stress out of your meal prep. Some folks will say a fixed meal plan is to predictable or boring. I say so is cold cereal everyday.

My picture menu plan is posted on the refrigerator to help Ryan learn the days of the week and give him peace of mind that, indeed, their will be food (even when I’m tired).

Love,

Jess

This post is linked up with Kimba’s DIY Day

Annual Cookie Day

I get together every year with my mom, sisters-in-law (and their mothers), and my mother-in-law to bake. We call it Cookie Day.

But really, it is a day each year to connect with one another. Some of us bake, others do projects to help them get ready for Christmas (like addressing Christmas cards), and still others nurse their crying babies…ehem.

It is a time to connect, create and celebrate during an otherwise busy season.

What I remember and cherish about Cookie Day:

• Smelling cookies baking and candles burning (thankfully, not cookies burning!)
• Feeling fresh, cold air hit my face, as the patio door opens to let out bakers cooling their warm treats
• Tasting chicken salad sandwiches, white wine and a lot of nibbles of “that pieces is broken I might as well eat it now” cookies
• Listening to Christmas carols and a lot of conversation
• Seeing community and love being built by generations of women working side-by-side

Oh, yes, I did find the time to get the new-to-me work bench set-up (phase one – still more organizing and cuteness to come) in the garage. SO, Pete can finally park in the garage!

Love,

Jess

This post was linked up with The Preacher’s Wife for her “How We Christmas” blog post party.