It's that time of year again....

You know...that one particular holiday that is suppose to be all about love and romance, but usually ends up being about over-priced roses and long waits for restaurant seating.

I love Valentine's Day, I proudly admit that, but I do not love the over-hyped, over-priced pressures that have been put upon this day by the retail industry (candy, card, and jewelry sellers alike). Who would have thought that one little, non-federal holiday could create such high levels of stress and anxiety between couples everywhere?! But it does.

Women start daydreaming that this is the year their favorite, romantic movie scene will play out. Her prince charming will sweep her off her feet and fulfill her every fantasy. Okay, ladies.....it's time to WAKE UP! Even the most-romantic men rarely (if ever) show up with a white, horse-drawn carriage to whisk you away to a private, candle-lit restaurant, while a pianist plays and you sip wine and dance the night away (unless you're suddenly cast in As the World Turns.)

It's time to quit setting ourselves up for disappointment and it's time to let the men in our lives breathe a little easier. It's time we take a bit of the pressure and expectations off of this holiday.

 After reading a Cosmo article featuring what men wanted us to know about Valentine's Day, I had an epiphany. The article quoted one man as saying he wanted his girlfriend to be honest about what she wanted from him this year. Previously she'd said she didn't need anything for V-Day, then when a co-worker received a larger bouquet of roses (36 to her 6), she got bent out of shape!

It got me thinking. Thinking about what I would say I wanted. But, what did I really want this year? I wasn't sure. I hadn't really thought about it until that moment.

Times are tougher for us this year and I don't want money spent simply out of obligation. I've had the "it" thing the jewelry store was promoting just because it's Valentine's Day. It isn't as special when women across America all get the identical necklace! Truly! What I really want is just a cozy, romantic evening. Something he puts his own thought and effort into. So, I headed home to tell him, straight-up, what I wanted this year.

I told him about the article I had read and about my thoughts that followed. Then I added a little twist. I said, "I want creativity, effort and romance. So, to ensure all of that, I'm setting a $20 expense cap on the evening!" He about fell out of his chair! Certainly a budget like that wouldn't allow fancy restaurants or elaborate floral arrangements. My thoughts exactly! He agreed and we decided he would take Sunday the 13th for his creative endeavour and I'd take Monday the 14th.

In the end we'll get two days of romance for a mere $40! It will take plenty of effort on both our parts to pull it off, but knowing we put aside the commercialism of the holiday to return to the true heart of the occasion will be priceless.

I'll report back on how Operation 20 turns out! ;)

enjoy your celebration of love, however you choose to spend it!

-dw.

Elegant Simplicity

When decorating your home for the holidays, sometimes the simplest look is the most elegant (and romantic). Sure, big, glittery hearts have their place this time of year, but sometimes a more subtle decor option has the biggest effect.
This shelf vignette was posted by Jessica at Craftily Ever After and I love it! She designed the subway art herself and framed it. With the addition of a couple candles, candleholders, and flower balls, the look is complete.
Like most people, over the years I have acquired a ton of extra picture frames - in every size imaginable. Realizing nobody really needs that many frames, I was getting ready to donate a bunch to the Goodwill when I had an idea. I could keep just a few frames (for specific rooms/walls), and simply "swap out" the images each holiday making it seem as though I have a huge inventory of great seasonal artwork without having to take up priceless room in the garage!

enjoy the romance and elegance of simplicity.
-dw.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

It's so easy to transform your everyday decor into festive, holiday-scaped decor. And you can do it without breaking the bank!

* Slip holiday wrapping or scrapbook paper behind framed photos to create a quick, holiday-themed mat.

* Swap out everyday framed photos for pictures taken on previous holidays (with Santa, in front of last year's tree, etc.).

* Fill a basket with pinecones, fallen pine boughs, holly, etc. and for extra sparkle add a string of little white lights.

* Take down current wall art and replace with framed holiday prints (or old holiday cards, magazine photos, etc.) or wrap entire frame with holiday paper and ribbon to create a large package.

* Replace what's displayed on your plate holder with incoming holiday cards.

* Replace curtain tie backs with holiday ribbon.

enjoy the quick, easy ways you can add the holidays into your decor!

-dw.

Never a Christrmas Morning...

I love family traditions.

I love that my family has eaten the same traditional breakfast dish every Christmas morning for my entire life. Every morning for generations, in fact. The task of creating this delicious dish being passed down like a torch of honor, each generation learning from the one before. It is impossible to spend time preparing it without reflecting on the times my great-grammy served it up for the entire family when I was a very little girl.

This meal is never taken for granted (as we do not cook it many other times of the year), it is highly craved and savored. It is, for me, the ultimate comfort food and as much a part of the holiday as Santa Claus, stockings, and Christmas trees.

It conjures up memories of childhood Christmases; my family gathered around the tree opening stockings, the smell wafting from the oven making our mouths water in anticipation. And each year as I prepare this dish, it my special moment of reflection; I can so clearly see images of my great-grammy working in her kitchen, her white hair perfectly styled, while wearing her cute, little holiday apron. In that moment I can feel her looking down from the heavens and smiling, so proud of us for carrying on this family tradition that holds so many wonderful memories for each of us.

In a world of uncertainty, I look forward to the few things we can count on staying the same year after year.

What is your most favored family tradition?

enjoy the memories traditions evoke in you.
-dw

A Penny Saved....

The average woman spends 8 years shopping during her lifetime.

Most people when asked would say they prefer to save money while shopping, but admittedly most don't take the time to save as much as they could. For me, and countless others, discount shopping is like a sport. There are skills you need to have in order to be considered an MVP level player. In this game there are definite winners and, unfortunately, some paid-to-much losers.

Here are some tips to help make you a discount shopping MVP (Money Valuing Purchaser) this holiday season.....

1. Start gift shopping early.
Pay attention throughout the year to things people like and wish for, then when you you see that item go on sale, or receive a fabulous store coupon, you can get in there and scoop it up even if the event is weeks or months away. By allowing yourself a longer time span to shop, you increase your odds of finding the deep discounts that a small window of time seldom provides.

2. Seek out and USE retailer coupons.
Grocery stores aren't the only place accepting coupons these days, many retailers are using coupons to entice us into department stores as well. For example, the *much-loved* $10 off a $10 purchase coupon that I seem to get from JC Penney at least once a year. Anyone that can do basic math knows that equals FREE stuff! Retailers issue these coupons to get us into the shopping centers (usually during slower shopping seasons). They're betting if we come in to use the coupon (and you wouldn't believe how many people don't) we will spend much more than the small, token $10 promotional amount and they will be win. With me, however, it is a bet they usually lose. Because I begin my gift shopping early I am able to apply the "free money" toward a $10-12 gift item I've been watching for. I love crossing off an item on my list and placing a $2 or $3 paid amount next to it. I get the joy of giving more without spoiling my holiday budget!

If you have not been receiving these types of promotions, start paying attention when shopping in the stores you frequent, odds are they have a little sign by the register that tells you how to sign up for coupon mailings or texts. I prefer the text option (it's important to have unlimited texting on your phone plan) because I am rarely ever in a store without my phone, therefore, I always have the coupon with me (and the sign by the register serves as a great reminder to use it! )

3. Take advantage of online and socia media promotions.
It seems more and more everything we need is simply a "click" away on the internet...including coupons and savings opportunities! Social Media sources like Facebook have become amazing sales drivers. Manufacturers reach customers directly with their business "pages." By going to a company's page and clicking  the "Like" button you are accepting future sales announcements and coupons streaming into your status updates page. Today, for example, if you go to Fisher Price Toys' page and hit "Like" you will see a link to save 20% off an entire online order with them. Other retailers offer printable coupons for in-store purchases as well as from their websites.

Not a fan of social media? Don't have an account? You don't have to miss out. Retailers (and sometimes even shopping malls as well) are happy to send the same information to you via your e-mail account. Simply sign up for e-mail promotions in their store or on their website and you will begin receiving coupons right away, usually beginning with a large, incentive discount as a "thank you" for signing up. Don't skip filling in your birthday when prompted, often little "gift savings" are sent when your big day rolls around! My favorite part about receiving email coupons is that they wait in your inbox until you need them (no clutter to control). Simply enter the company name in your account's search bar when you're ready and the email they sent will pop up.....no scrolling and scrolling trying to recall what day it was sent. Just print and go!

Another great resource on the computer is being able to get sale notifications in advance. By signing up at sites like BlackFridayAds.com you will be sent periodic updates on what will be on sale the day after Thanksgiving. By getting this valuable information ahead of time you can have your Day-After shopping strategies all mapped out long before the turkey is ever thawed....let alone eaten!

4. Don't be afraid of discount retailers and thrift stores.
Before heading to the mall, I always try and hit my favorite discount retailers first. Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross and Tuesday Morning all offer great, name brand labels at a heavily discounted price. Gone are the days of these stores offering only out-of-date, damaged, or factory seconds merchandise, more often it is simply a case of overstock or larger volume purchasing. For example, I recently purchased a Nike baseball hat for only $8 at TJ Maxx when the cheapest comparable hat found in or around the mall was $20!

At the mere mention of thrift store gift shopping many begin to shutter. But did you know that Goodwill receives donations from Target stores? Brand new, in-the-box items that that didn't manage to get sold on the clearance rack. (Note: these items are not returnable at Target stores. Barcodes are black marked to prevent such fraud.) Thrift shopping is not the same today as it was in years past; stores are cleaner, items are more organized, and more and more retailers are donating new, unused items that they don't have space to clearance out themselves.

5. Watch for Bounce Back Promotions.
Many retailers offer Store Bucks or gift cards when you purchase a certain dollar amount or specific items. Plan in advance to only buy the minimum amount necessary the first trip and returning another day to get the balance of your items using the promotional dollars. Last year I saved a ton shopping for my two daughters on separate days...one's outfit was purchased on the gift card promotion day and the other's on a return visit using the bonus gift card I had earned. Taking advantage of store sales also in place, I saved a bundle overall! Stores offer these savings counting on the fact that shoppers, just wanting to get finished, will buy everything that first day. Pay close attention to the promotion's small print - some gift cards are not redeemable until after January 1...these are not as great of a deal, unless you get cash in your stocking on Christmas morning!

Other types of bounce back promotions are printed on your initial sales receipt in the form of coupons or survey discounts. Always ask to have your receipt handed to you rather than placed in the bag and take a moment to read it before stuffing it in to your pocket or purse. Free future spending money may just be included!

Enjoy the adventures of saving MORE money this holiday season.
-dw.

My favorite time of year!

House decorated. Check.

Thanksgiving menu complete. Check.

Christmas shopping started. Check.

It's official....I've got Fall Fever! 

When asked what holiday is my favorite, my response usually surprises people. It's Thanksgiving. While I completely LOVE Christmas, I find myself the most excited each year when Thanksgiving is on the horizon. I love the smells, foods and gratitude of the season. I love leaves and gourds and candles decorating my entire home. I love the calmness of the day even with the chaos in the kitchen. I love the turkey dinner. I love the dining room table filled to the brim with family and friends. I simply love everything about it!

Thanksgiving has not been tainted by over-commercialism. The only ads we see seem to highlight happy families gathered around a large dining table, ready to carve into a bit-too-perfect-looking turkey. I can deal with that. My turkey may not arrive at the table as the centerpiece, but it tastes awesome!

With Thanksgiving also comes the excitement of Christmas shopping...the Day-After Sales and now even the Weeks-Before Sales. I like that too. I'm an organized person by nature and that helps me to manage through the shopping season with ease. I write a list, check the ads, and watch for sales. I love the thrill of the hunt for that perfect gift at just the right price. That is my fall sport. Guys have football, I have gift shopping. I find by starting before Thanksgiving I can get great buys, avoid sold-out dilemmas, and beat the crowds. What more can one ask for?!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Get out your notepad, make those lists, and get started. It will ignite the holiday spirit within you too!

enjoy the holiday preparations.
-dw.

Tip of the Day...

Did you know a dash of cinnamon could save your Jack-o-lantern from premature death?!

When you sprinkle carved pumpkins with ground cinnamon, a natural food preservative, it seals in the moisture and keeps the luminaries from having to be thrown away quite so soon. Be sure to sprinkle the cinnamon on all raw, exposed portions and when you light it up it will add a wonderful scent to the night as well!

Thanks to Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine for this awesome tip!

Click HERE for some free templates for carving your masterpiece this year!

enjoy!
-dw.

Think Outside the Scrapbook

The great part about having my craft studio unpacked and organized again is that I can see what all I have. And believe me, after being in the papercrafting industry for over 15 years, I have more than I can probably ever use in my scrapbooks! That's why, when decorating for holidays around my house, I always turn to my scrapbook supplies first. There is a gold mine of great, seasonal goodies just waiting to be used and enjoyed.

For Halloween I wanted to send a little goodie-bag to my daughter who lives out of state. Nothing fancy, just a little sweet surprise to make her feel less far away. So I repurposed a gift box I'd been saving, added some raffia and a die cut (that has long since been discontinued). I hadn't found a use for it on my scrapbook page, but once I saw it in the drawer I knew it would make the perfect tag! I simply cut it in two pieces, punched a hole in the "new" piece and created a quick, cute gift tag. Total original cost .75, being able to use things I already owned...priceless!

Since I've never been one to decorate much for Halloween, I go right into fall/Thanksgiving decorating mode. I love the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon in the air and leaves and gourds everywhere around my home.

This year I decided to add a little flair to the photographs sitting on the bar next to the dining room table. To one, I added a simple little fall die cut on the outside of the glass, while the other I replaced the white mat around the photo with fall scrapbook paper. In a matter of seconds it looks as if I bought all new frames!

Then I took advantage of two FREE photo printing offers (Walgreen's 8x10 collage print and Walmart's 5x7 photo cards - after tax, total cost = .13!) I cut out the small collage pictures and placed them around one of my favorite decor items....a circular card/note holder. With the addition of a few quote die cuts in fall colors, it is now a Thanksgiving photo wreath! The only new purchase made for the entire bar top area, were the two candles.

enjoy bringing the colors of fall into your home!
-dw.

(Re)Decorating on a Dime!

I have always been a fan of saving money. I learned early on if I was able to acquire that one coveted item at a deep discount, there would be money left over for other items on my wish list as well! After all, more is better, right?!

I diligently shop with coupons to stretch my food budget, I peruse TX Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross incessantly to stretch my clothing budget, and I constantly frequent thrift stores and dollar stores to stretch my decorating budget. And the truth is...nobody can ever tell the difference!

My mantra has always been: Why pay more if I don't HAVE to?!

Today I thought I would share a few quick decorating ideas using items that have been re-purposed, re-designed, or purchased at a re-ally incredible price!!

* Give a quick facelift to unused wall decor.

This piece (purchased years ago at Marshall's for $5) never really fit just right at this house, so it was in a box in the storage room. When I needed a little something to liven up the hearth for Valentine's Day, I grabbed an extra photo of my girls, cropped it to size, and using removable adhesive, covered the original Eiffel Tower picture, and placed it on an easel.


* Think beyond an items intended use.

I have always loved plate holders, although ironically, I have never had a desire to display plates. I found this one at a thrift store for under $2. It was already black and matched my decor perfectly. So I had to buy it! This past Christmas I decided it would make the perfect holder for my holiday cards. After the holiday was over, I removed the cards and replaced them with pictures (from an old Paris calendar) mounted on black cardstock. Now my "postcard" holder makes a beautiful addition to my Parisian-themed room.





* Decoration pieces can be used for more than one holiday.

I purchased these jumbo, black heart ornaments a couple of years ago at IKEA after Christmas for next to nothing (I think it was $1 for a set of 3) and this year decided they needed more pizazz. I broke out my silver metallic Sharpie marker and went to work. I used them on my Christmas tree and was happy with the way they turned out.

After Christmas, however, I couldn't see putting them away. I decided instead to place them in the top tier of the fruit stand with some red hearts (Dollar Tree) and now I have the perfect Valentine's Day decoration. Since my home decor all centers around black furniture and appliances, it was just right.

enjoy the ways you can give new life to old items around your home.
-d.

New Year...New Word!

2009 brought a lot of change to my life. Some loss. Some gain. Some scary things. Some sad things. And, yes, some happy things too. For me, it was a true celebration to see 2009 come to an end.

But now that 2009 is wrapped up and put away, it's time to focus on the year ahead! And you know what that means....
It's time to select a new Word of the Year.

For those of you not familiar with the word of the Year, here is an excerpt from last year's blog entry:
Every year I, along with millions of other scrapbookers, select a word to focus on throughout the coming year. A word that embodies how I feel, what my goals are, and what I strive to accomplish in my life. It is different for everyone. There really are no rules of selection other than it should motivate and inspire YOU. And like most goals, you are asked to write it down, keep it in sight, and weave it into your life throughout the months ahead.

I have a few words rattling around in my brain, but I haven't made a final decision yet. I have, however, stumbled on an incredible idea to keep our 2010 words in the forefront of our minds and daily living.

I wish I could say I thought of it, but I didn't. The credit goes to Pottery Barn's Clay Ide.He orders personalized doormats from Williams Sonoma and instead of using a last name, he personalizes it with a word of meaning. What better way to stay connected to this year's word than to see it every time you cross your threshold?!

enjoy the possibilities of a fresh, new year!
-d.

For more ideas on honoring your Word, read Ali Edwards' blog entry HERE.

Wishing everyone a very, merry Christmas!

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to blog, but I didn't want to miss the chance to wish everyone a fabulous holiday season full of magical moments.

We have a snow on the ground, wonderful foods being prepared, and lots of family and friends coming over to celebrate with us this year....what more can I ask for?

Even in these hard times I feel so incredibly blessed. This year has brought its struggles and sadness, but it has also brought joy and laughter. Thanks to all of you who have been there for me. The gift of your love and friendship is the greatest gift of all.

God Bless!

enjoy the twinkle in the eyes of your loved ones while you make memories that will last a lifetime.

-d.

Scrapper's Christmas Poem

This was posted to one of the scrap groups I belong to....not sure who to credit as the author (I'll keep checking).

Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.

I'm wondering what Santa brough just for me.

Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?

Or a Cricut, I said with a smile on my face.

And that's when I heard him..."Hi Santa," I said.

"You know, good little girls should be in their beds!"

"I know I should, Santa, and now I've been caught...

but I was so excited to see what you brought!"

"Well, let's take a look in this room where you work."

He shook his head quickly, and left with a jerk.

I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear...

"You've got enough crap! I'll see you next year!"

Geez, doesn't Santa get it?! there's no such thing as TOO MUCH scrapbooking stuff!!!!

Happy Holidays to all my scrapbookin' buddies!

enjoy this season of magical moments,

-d.

Thanksgiving Reflection -

Sometimes life gets crazy and we get stressed out. Sometimes life throws so much at us, we wonder if we can possibly survive one more blow. I'm at that point. The point of wondering if I can take any more. I have had so many things hit me in the past couple weeks that I find myself physically in pain, sleepless, and crying at the drop of a hat. I know it is unhealthy and I want to rise above it all. One foot in front of the other; one day at a time. I survive with those thoughts carrying me along.

Then tonight I stumbled upon something I wrote last year following Christmas; a blog entry that was misfiled in a strange place on my computer. After a year, it suddenly popped up in front of me. It was like a message telling me to hang on longer, be stronger. A reminder that I'll make it through again this year just as I did last year as my Grandmother was placed in a memory care facility for her battle with Alzheimer's, while one of my children chose a dangerous path that worried me, and as I struggled to keep my head above the water financially and physically.

Here is what I wrote:If you believe..........sometimes magic happens!

"I had one of the most stressful pre-Christmas seasons ever this year. Between being sick for over a week and a half and having a lot of family things going on, I struggled to keep the holiday spirit alive in my house and had very little time to focus on holiday preparations. But through it all, my absolute LOVE of Christmas carried me through. One thing I held onto was the dream of a white Christmas. I haven't seen snow on Christmas since my girls were toddlers and I just felt I needed it this year. So I believed. I believed even thought the weatherman said it would rain. I believed even though everyone reminded me it hardly ever snows in Seattle on Christmas. I believed even when I woke up and it wasn't there. I believed and guess what....?! IT SNOWED!!!! We looked up as we were unwrapping gifts and saw that the rain was beginning to mix with snow. Then it turned all to snow. And it snowed for hours! And to me it was as though the Lord whispered into my ear, "Here you go. Thanks for believing and hanging in when the going got rough." In that second all the frustrations of the pre-holiday season washed away and my world was at total peace. My Christmas spirit bucket was once again overflowing with love, faith and joy. It was my favorite holiday gift and it didn't even require fancy wrapping or a bow!"

I had just been thinking about how much a white Christmas would mean to me this year the other day. I had completely forgotten that for a brief part of the day, we enjoyed one last year.

Funny how sometimes we forget in the midst of stress and frustration the simple joys that are bestowed upon us. Our gratitude slips away as we seek for help for new problems. So this Thanksgiving remember that even in times of adversity, there are many things to be thankful for. Moments that warmed our hearts. Small things that brought great joy. And people we are blessed to share our lives with.

I am thankful for many things, but mostly my family and friends who are there for me, supporting me and loving me unconditionally. And for a heart that can see goodness even during the storm, and for the faith that assures me I'll make it through one more time.

enjoy a holiday filled with reflections of all that you love and are thankful for.
God Bless.
-d.

Happy LEAP DAY!

Yea! An extra day this month...who doesn't need that?! I for one can use all the extra time, life can throw at me!

But what is up with this seemingly random, extra day in February?! How did we get it? Why do we have it?

Marjorie Dorfman answers those questions in her article, To Leap Or No?: The Story of Leap Year. Here is a brief excerpt...

The ancient Egyptians used a calendar with twelve months of thirty days each, for a total of three hundred and sixty days per year. About 4,000 BC they added five extra days at the end of every year to bring it more in line with the solar year (365 1/4 days).

In 45 BC the Julian calendar was established and was used in the west until 1582. According to this calendar, each year contained twelve months and there was an average of 365.25 days in a year. This was achieved by having three years containing 365 days and one year containing 366 days.

This is just a small glimpse into how this extra day was established. To read the entire article click HERE.

enjoy the extra time we've been given!

-dw

Love is in the air....

I feel like I've been celebrating Valentine's day for a month already!

I decorated the retreat house weeks ago, I decorated our house on SuperBowl Sunday and we both already got our gift from each other!

We each got a new snowmobile helmet. While it may not seem the most romantic gift...I LOVE mine!!! and I think he is pretty happy with his too. I have been wearing a helmet that I got when I first started riding - fourteen years ago - and while it isn't as bad as it sounds, it was due to be replaced. And, it didn't match my coat either...reason enough to need a new one, right?!! Now everything matches perfectly!

When roger arrived home the other day, I met him at the door, threw my arms around him and said, "Happy Valentine's Day Baby!" and gave him a big kiss. He looked a bit puzzled and said, "But it isn't Valentine's Day yet." I quickly replied, "Well it MUST be, because my new helmet came today!!!" I stepped back so he could see it, all out of the box and opened up! He was surprised that I had ripped in to it and already had it on...with the coat, no less, so I could see how HOT it looked! LOL! It made him very happy that I was soooo excited about it.

That is really what Valentine's Day should be about. Not how much money you spend, or making sure you bring home the traditional long-stemmed red roses, but rather what will make your loved one's face light up. What makes them momentarily giddy with excitement!

So we will have a nice, home-cooked dinner tomorrow then head up Friday to the mountains to do a little snowmobiling...with our new helmets. His boss has a cabin and has graciously allowed us to use it for the weekend. A wonderfully romantic getaway for two. Perfect.

enjoy making your loved one happy tomorrow!

-dw

Decor Obsession

I have a decorating obsession...with apothecary jars and footed vases! It began a few years ago when my even worse obsession began; the day I fell in love with Pottery Barn.

Every time I would be in the store they would have the coolest things filling their jars and vases. They had tall ones and little ones, skinny ones and mammoth-sized ones. No matter what season or theme they were selling, these containers made fabulous additions.

So, I began to search for some jars to call my own; hoping for a little smaller price tag. I found my first one at Marshall's (I love this store!), but unfortunately it didn't even make it home in one piece. Two lessons here...watch the thickness of the piece you buy (thicker is better!) and watch the clerk who wraps it up for you. If I had been aware how poorly it was protected I would have asked for more paper and re-wrapped it myself.

While moving into my new townhouse, my Grandmother asked what I would like for a house-warming gift. It took me only a brief second to yell out, "...a Pottery Barn jar!" She got me a PB gift card, I happily headed for the mall, and my collection was underway.

I found another at a discount store and purchased it for next to nothing. I began watching for them everywhere. Discount stores, clearance sales, thrift stores. The better the price, the happier I was!

I added in serving pieces as well. Glass trifle bowls, footed candy dishes, etc. They all make great additions to the collection by adding more variance in height and shape.

I have filled them with sand and shells, pine cones and leaves, decorative snow and glass ornaments, candy and more! I use them many places throughout my home and for every holiday! I think they are one of the most versatile decor pieces one can own. And they add just the right touch of elegance and simplicity.

So I've searched the web for some of today's greatest sources for jars and thought I'd share what I found.....

Kohls has a couple great pieces for $8 each (reg. $30).

Stonewall Kitchen carries the large gallon and 2-gallon jars that work great for sand and shells, or flour and sugar canisters in the kitchen. ($19-$25)

Save On Crafts has a few (and it is a great site for other craft and wedding decor supplies as well!

16" $15. (reg. $30)

A few other stores and sites that carry them (although for a bit more $$$) are: Pottery Barn, ChefsCatalog.com, and EnglishCreekGardens.com.

enjoy whatever collection you're hunting for!

-dw

Top Five Things...

I loved about this Christmas holiday. (Tagged from Melody's blog.)

With things being a little more stressful than usual this season, it seemed an ideal time to look past the chaos and reflect on the positive things that made this holiday great!

1. Okay, if you read yesterday's blog entry you already know this first answer....It snowed on Christmas!!!!! And in Seattle that is not your average every year sort of thing. So having a white Christmas tops this year's list!

2. Our house was filled with love and laughter BOTH days of Christmas! Christmas Day is celebrated at my house every year, but this year we started early. My parents and Grandmother came over Christmas Eve and we cooked and wrapped all day, had a great last-minute dinner (after realizing pizza places don't deliver on Christmas Eve! LOL! Who knew?!), and decided while the kids were away celebrating with their Dad that maybe Santa should deliver the adults' stocking a wee bit early. You know, to allow more time in the morning to focus on the children! So we opened our stockings and laughed and joked and had a fabulous time! It is one of the best Christmas Eve's I've had in years!

3. Rog and I decided to make our relationship a higher priority. It is easy to get distracted with all the family drama we've had to face in our few short years together and we made a promise to work harder on being better partners to each other and a better team together. That truly is the greatest gift we could ever give to one another. Although the pocket-size digital camera he bought me was nice too! ;)

4. We have a large dining room table and I love it!! You see, it is more than just having a BIG table, but having a lot of friends and family to fill it up! The more the merrier and all... We had friends stop by on Christmas as we were getting ready to eat and they agreed to join us. We quickly grabbed a couple more chairs and we were set. To me, that makes the best holiday!!! A BIG, FULL table.

5. Christmas night at the movies. I love movies and I love Christmas so it is to me the perfect way to end a great day. We saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets and like the first, I really enjoyed it. I love that this time of year offers so many great movies to choose from. Yesterday Deb and I took a break and saw PS: I Love You. A great romantic comedy, while a little sad at times, it had me in stitches the rest of the time. Next on the list...The Bucket List, 27 Dresses and Charlie Wilson's War. Like I said...I Love movies!

So there they are, five things in random order that I loved about this Christmas. Not to be confused with what I am most thankful for this Christmas; which would only need one answer. Hands down, the love and support of my family and friends. I am truly blessed in so many ways, but above all else by having so many people to fill my life with love and joy.

So what are your top five favorite moments? It's your turn.... We all took time to say we were stressed out, behind on time, and frenzied to complete our holiday tasks, now let's take a second to say what made all the craziness worth while. 'Cause no matter how stressed it makes us every year...would we have it any other way?! ;)

*I still have not gathered together the three cameras we used to take holiday photos this year, so I will post pictures another day.

enjoy the post-holiday time to catch back up!

-dw

When you really Believe...

...sometimes magic happens!
I had one of the most stressful pre-Christmas seasons ever this year. Between being sick for over a week and a half and having a lot of family things going on, I struggled to keep the holiday spirit alive in my house and had very little time to focus on holiday preparations. But through it all, my absolute LOVE of Christmas carried me through.

One thing I held onto was the dream of a white Christmas. I haven't seen snow on Christmas since my girls were toddlers and I just felt I needed it this year. So I believed. I believed even thought the weatherman said it would rain. I believed even though everyone reminded me it hardly ever snows in Seattle on Christmas. I believed even when I woke up and it wasn't there. I believed...and guess what?! IT SNOWED!!!! We looked up as we were unwrapping gifts and saw that the rain was beginning to mix with snow. Then it turned completely to snow. And it snowed for hours!

And to me it was as though the Lord whispered into my ear, "Here you go. Thanks for believing and hanging in when the going got rough." In that second all the frustrations of the pre-holiday season washed away and my world was at total peace. My Christmas spirit bucket was once again overflowing with love, faith and joy.

I hope you all had a truly blessed holiday and found moments that touched your heart and rekindled your spirit.

enjoy the reflections of your special holiday memories,
-dw

Where Are You Christmas?

I have always loved Faith Hill's version of the theme song from the Grinch movie, but this year it is feeling more like a personal anthem.

I love Christmas. I look forward to Christmas all year long. I love the shopping...I don't even mind the mobs of people or the parking. I love the foods and baked goods...it's one time of year I actually enjoy cooking and baking! I love the lights and the total feeling of festivity everywhere! But this year, it is not shaping up the way I am used to. This year it is all I can do to remember my favorite holiday of the year is now less than 5 days away! I have been fighting a cold for almost a week, I have been so busy getting my grandmother settled in her new place that I haven't placed a single ornament on my tree or gotten my house decorated at all, and I have so much shopping and cooking left to do that I have no idea how I will ever get it all done in time!

So I'm taking a moment to have a pity party for one. Sometimes that is what it takes to get over it. Then I will pick myself up, adjust my attitude, and GO FIND CHRISTMAS!

Here's my plan....

1. Turn up the holiday music as loud as I can. Nothing calms me like good Christmas music.

2. Make myself a steaming cup of hot cocoa. No, scratch that...Go to Starbuck's and get my favorite cup of hot cocoa! Yeah, much better idea!

3. Call in reinforcements (aka: Melissa) to help get the decorations out of the garage. Puppy pens are currently blocking their usual, very easy access.

4. Remind myself that the puppies (once sold) will actually pay for Christmas! Be very nice to the puppies.

5. Decorate the tree.

6. Take a break and eat the left over Thom Ka soup in the frig. Happy, happy!

7. Work on the tree some more. Be incredibly thankful that I didn't have to mess with lights as tree is pre-lit. Whew! That saved three days work!

8. Make Butterscotch Haystacks. They're very quick and easy so I will feel quite accomplished and it's hard to be frustrated when you are eating cookies!

9. Write a list of what I need to cook/bake and shop for.

10. Quit worrying and just do what I can do. Life is what you make it. And right now...I gotta go make Christmas happen!

enjoy your holiday preparations!

-dw

'Tis the Season...

I absolutely LOVE this time of year!!

So many activities going on...so much to see. Literally. For visual people like me, there is sooo much to take in during the holiday season. Lights and color everywhere. Movement in every direction. I just seem to absorb the energy from everything around me. The feel of fun just floats in the air.

Last night a group of friends and I headed to Bellevue Square for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (one of my faves!), a quick dash into Macy's for Frangos (a holiday candy tradition), and to watch the outdoor performance of Snowflake_Lane.

Then we headed across the way to visit the Bellevue Botanical_Garden for their annual Garden D'Lights. It is amazing! Volunteers spend most of the previous year creating spectacular flowers and plants out of holiday lights and then begin "planting" them throughout the gardens in early October. The event is free, although donations are encouraged and parking is $5 in their lot. It is worth the visit! Even a little rain couldn't dampen the fun! Shannon and I took tons of pictures and both are thinking we need to return again before it ends on New Year's Eve. They even have a little Christmas shop that sells ornaments and decor (as well as a video of the garden lights!) and I found a few ornaments to add to the tree this year!

It was a fun night and I am glad we all decided not to let the bad weather conditions keep us from going. I really look forward to our Girls Night Out events. During the holiday frenzy we have to remember to take time out for ourselves...and our girlfriends.

Update: I added a couple more pics that Shannon got with her camera. My battery died half way through the light tour so I didn't get as many photos as I would've liked!

enjoy your holiday happenings!

-dw