Country Christmas

Pumpkin Roll

2011-11-04T08:12:00.001-07:00

One of the things I love about the holidays is all the baking that goes with it, well and the eating too. Now if we could do something about all those calories.

Take a look what is on my baking list.

Ingredients
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (optional for decoration)

Directions
FOR CAKE:PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark-colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes.) Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
FOR FILLING:BEAT cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
COOKING TIP:Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.

Blessings,

Cindy

♫♪I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love ♫♪
♫♪As he thanked me and ran out ♫♪
♫♪I knew that God had sent that little boy ♫♪
♫♪To remind me just what Christmas is all about.♫♪

Christmas Fonts

2011-10-26T09:10:00.001-07:00

Good Morning, can you guess what I have been doing this morning. I have been downloading some new fonts for Christmas. There are so many cute ones. Take a peek at some I downloaded this morning.

Merry Christmas
Flakes

Merry Christmas
White Christmas

Merry Christmas
kringle

Merry Christmas
St Nicholas

Merry

Christmas

Toy Train

Merry Christmas
Grinched

Merry Christmas

Candy Cane

Merry Christmas
Night before Christmas

Merry Christmas

Santa's Sleigh Full

Merry Christmas
Santa’s Big Secret BB

Merry

Christmas

Winter Wonderland

Do you download fonts and use them?

I LOVE fonts. d

Get your Christmas Fonts came from California Fonts

Cindy

♫♪Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, ♫♪
♫♪Jack Frost nipping on your nose, ♫♪
♫♪Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, ♫♪
♫♪And folks dressed up like Eskimos. ♫♪

60 Days and counting

2011-10-25T10:15:00.001-07:00

Wow, this year has zoomed by and so I know Christmas will be here before we know it!

What are you doing to get ready?

Lots of people are talking about getting organized and planners, so with us all on board to get ourselves organized so that we can have a joyous, carefree season, thought I would share some budget friendly decorating/crafting ideas.

Dress Up your child’s toy barn

Turn even the most prosaic scene into a winter wonderland.
A couple of smart touches — mini wreaths, coconut-flake "snow" — bring Christmas cheer to a nostalgic toy barnyard.

Spin yarn into a wreath with pop appeal. {I think this is so adorable}

To craft this door wreath, wrap Styrofoam balls (in various sizes) and a Styrofoam wreath form with colored yarn. Then use a glue gun to affix the balls onto the form. I also think this would be pretty as a table centerpiece with a hurricane lantern in the center nestled around a big chunky candle.

Create your own Winter Wonderland

Transform a ready-made, unadorned card-stock village by customizing the buildings with wrapping paper. Finish off the scene with tinsel wreaths, tabletop trees, and toy deer, sprinkled under a soft blanket of snow.

Cindy

♫♪That's the jingle bell,♫♪
♫♫♪That's the jingle bell,♫♪
♫♪That's the jingle bell rock.♫♪

Kids rooms

2010-09-22T06:39:00.001-07:00

This week our preparations for Christmas is a bit easier. We are going to declutter and clean the kids room, or maybe a bonus room if you have one. One thing you want to consider is cleaning out the toys, as new ones will be coming in.

Our holiday checklist this week consist of:

(below taken from Organized Christmas, Houseworks Holiday Plan)

Seasonal Spruce-Up exercise. Complete the seasonal spruce-up exercise to plan any pre-holiday home improvements. Make a realistic list of home improvement chores to complete before the holiday season.
Declutter children's toys. Work with your child to reduce clutter in the toy closet. Assessing the remaining toys will help you make a good gift list.
Begin collecting stocking stuffers. Use a Stocking Stuffers inventory (get it here) form to remind you about stocking gifts on hand.
Hit the back-to-school clearance sales. After-season sales are a great source for stocking stuffers and crafts supplies. Don't forget to load up on tape and scissors at bargain prices!
Consult the kids and decide on Halloween costumes. Schedule any sewing sessions in good time to be completed by October 10.
Plan family Advent celebrations. Look for creative ways to make the season come alive at the library or on the Web. Order any day-by-day materials or Advent calendars now.
Divide the Christmas card list (get your list form here) into five sections. Complete one section this week. Goal: to be finished writing, signing and addressing cards by November 1.

You can find other great internet inspiration by visiting.

Don’t forget to print your weekly printables here for your binder.

Do you have a holiday binder

2010-09-15T06:47:00.001-07:00

I do, but unfortunately it is packed away this year due to a upcoming move. But never the less, I have a great place for you to check out one. I wish I had mine to show you, but Jill over at Controlling my Clutter has a awesome tutorial on making your own. You can also find another one at My Sisters Jar. It’s a great way to keep yourself organized during this hectic time of year. Because I am a list maker, this really comes in handy.

Christmas Blessings

Master Bedroom & Personal Spaces-Week 3

2010-09-14T14:51:00.001-07:00

This week we are concentrating on our bedroom. Making it a retreat for the long days of holiday preparations.

Declutter, clean and decorate the Master Bedroom. It's a place for rest and renewal ... if you can find the space!

Tackle clutter in the master bedroom this week Use the STOP clutter method to sort the stacks and piles. Once you've cleared the items that don't belong, clean your newly-reclaimed private space. Use the "dry room" cleaning method to deep-clean the master bedroom in record time!

Finally, add decorative touches--candles, scent diffusers, flowers--to make the master bedroom a pleasant place to recharge your batteries.

Tackle the clothes closet. With cooler weather on the way, a seasonal clothes closet declutter is in order. Make room for holiday finery as you sort and toss summer's stained garments. Dare to dump it!

Our Prep list consist of:

Inventory holiday cards, gift wrap, and mailing supplies. Make sure you know what you have before you buy--and shop at home first!
Make a Christmas card list. Pull out the address book or database, and make a Christmas card list. Give thought to simplifying and reducing cards sent.
Use a computer address book for Christmas card envelopes or labels. Harness the power of computer technology. If your card lists is still kept on paper, convert it to a computerized form. You'll thank yourself in years to come!
Print address labels for Christmas cards. If using address labels for your cards or letters, print them now. You'll be ready to write, sign and seal!
Order, buy or print Christmas cards or letters. If you'll be buying cards this year, order them now--particularly if you'll be using the popular photo cards.
Plan personal pampering sessions, and add them to December's calendar. "If Mama's not happy, nobody's happy"; your mood affects the whole family. If you find the season stressful, plan now for some personal pampering sessions. A massage, a retreat, or even a gathering with girlfriends can be a welcome break in a busy month.
Set aside a gift closet or create a gift box; inventory any previously-purchased gifts. The secret of organized (and frugal) gift-givers? A gift closet or gift box. If you haven't already, set aside a specific place in your home to hold all bought-ahead gifts. A printable gift closet inventory form will let you know what you have while shopping or making out a gift list, so print one for your Christmas planner today.

Now you need to hop over to Organized Christmas Houseworks Holiday Plan to grab your printable for this week.

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”

Hugs,

Calendar and Creativity Week-Week 2

2010-09-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

In week 2 we are focusing on getting our “craft area or space” decluttered and cleaned. There is nothing more frustrating that not knowing where something is when you go and try to work on a project.

Declutter and clean creative spaces. Whether it's a corner of the kitchen table or a dedicated crafts room, what's the state of your creative space? Is it efficient and easy to use, or bulging and bloated? This week, take the STOP clutter method to areas where you wrap gifts, sew, work on scrapbooks or make crafts. When the clutter's conquered, clean your space for happy seasonal crafting.

Assess stored crafts materials. Time to head to the stash--fabric, paper or crafts--to take a look at household supplies. Will you need to replace crafts basics like tape, glue, paper or scissors? This week's school supply sales are a great time to stock up in the crafts close.

Some of the things we will be working on in Week 2 are:

Create a seasonal calendar. Take control of your time with a simple family calendar for the holiday months ... or beyond!

Plan holiday travel.

Hold a scheduling session. Little things mean a lot--and never more than during the holidays--so schedule furnace checks, carpet cleaning, a family photo session and chimney inspection now.

Start a set of tear files. As you read holiday magazines or browse gift catalogs, tear our articles with recipes, decor ideas, gift suggestions or holiday traditions. Staple article pages together and place in labeled file folders ("Decor", "Holiday Recipes", "Gift Ideas") or page protectors in the Christmas planner.

Start--and use--a shopping list. Tracking "to-buy" items in one place saves time all year, but is crucial during the busy run-up to the holidays. Get the list habit now!

Inventory unfinished crafts projects. Remember the Rule of Four: if you have more than four unfinished crafts projects, or if any single project is more than four years old, don't schedule any new crafts! Finish the old ones this year--you've already got a head start on the process. Rout out projects you've begun, and take advantage of the time already invested in them for happy crafting.

Begin a "Gifts to Make" list. Christmas crafters benefit by starting early. Begin working on holiday gifts, decor items and crafts now, for a stress-free season.

Take a look at Week 2 @ Organized Christmas, Houseworks Holiday Plan and grab the printables you will need.

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Hugs!

Holiday Tip of the Day

2010-09-14T14:47:00.001-07:00

Organized Christmas states “Christmas magazines and catalogs are fabulous resources for seasonal decorating, gift ideas, and Christmas recipes—but en masse, they can become too much of a good thing. When the piles avalanche from every side table, finding an article or a recipe that caught your eye a few weeks ago can be an impossible job.”

How true. Been there done that! How bout you?

So how do I keep myself organized for the holidays without a avalanche of magazines, I created a tear file or a Christmas planner where I can tuck my ideas and pictures into it.

Organized Christmas says: Answer: a set of tear files.

Christmas Organizing Secret: Try a Tear File!

Christmas Planner

Christmas gift suggestions:
”To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”

Hugs,

Making a list and checking it twice

2010-08-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

Hi and welcome back to “Country Christmas”. I can’t believe that the holidays will be here before we know it. Christmas is my favorite holiday. It has been ever since I was a small child. I have always tried to make Christmas special for my family, I like going the extra mile and making them feel special, but first things first. In order for everything to come together, you have to have a plan .…
One of the first places I start any major project, is with a list, and over the years the one I run too to help me out is at Organized Christmas. This week, is the kick off the Houseworks Holiday Plan. And I almost forgot to share it with you all.
This week we are concentrating on just the planning and all the paperwork we will need to help us through this process.
Planning and Paperwork Week Assignments
Also TipJunkie has some great resources for you to check out.
How to remain Organized this Christmas
Grab a Binder Cover for your Holiday Planner here.
Below are a few holiday message boards that you can join to discuss the Christmas planner.
Magical Holiday Home HHP Forum
Our Home for the Holidays HHP Forum
You’ll feel so much better now that you have started planning your fabulous holiday.

Hugs,

Ephesians 2:19“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,”

Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Christmas in Connecticut!

2010-05-17T05:26:00.001-07:00

One of my all time favorite Christmas movies is, Christmas in Connecticut. So I thought it would be fun to see the house that appeared in the movie, I ran across this post at Hooked on Houses. Hope your enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Eggnog anyone?

2009-12-14T06:23:00.001-08:00

My family loves eggnog during the holidays with a touch of nutmeg. What is your favorite way to drink Eggnog?

Hugs,
Cindy

Gingerbread

2009-12-13T05:27:00.001-08:00

Who doesn’t like Gingerbread houses at Christmas time? Well I for one love them. But I have NEVER had any luck creating one. But Martha shares a NO BAKE VERSION, which I might just try. Check it out here

This would be a great craft to do with your kids or grandkids, wouldn’t they think your were the greatest?

I love the sugar cones as trees….m&m’s as lights or ornaments. Hmmmmm there is a thought!

Look at the marshmallow snowman. Cute!!

Merry Christmas,

Love,

Cindy

Another giveaway

2009-12-12T19:03:00.001-08:00

Karen at The Bearly There Primitive Bear is having a giveaway, and if you like kitcheny gadgets and Christmas goodies, then you will like this giveaway, it’s all rolled up into one. Take a peek at what the winner will get. Is this the cutest little arrangement for your country kitchen. Simply adorable.

Now scoot on over to see the rules to enter and the deadline.

Go on now, skidaddle on over to visit with Karen.

Christmas hugs,

Cindy

A wonderful giveaway

2009-12-12T06:38:00.001-08:00

Oh my, I have just seen the cutest apron that Melissa Marie is giving away. You have to take a peek and get entered.

Could you imagine baking in this little cutie. I would love too. She has a adorable site as well…check it out.

Entries will be closed on Sunday, December 13th at midnight PST.

Christmas Hugs,

Cindy

Another Christmas read

2009-12-12T06:21:00.001-08:00

Abandoned by his father, Will Henderson was raised by an Amish couple. Now he's about to marry Karen Yoder but is having second thoughts. Can Will overcome the bitterness of his past in order to secure his future; Karen can't break through the barrier her fiancé has suddenly constructed around his heart. When she seeks the advice of an old boyfriend, Will begins to see green. Has he already lost his chance for happiness; When an accident threatens Will's life, the strength of blood ties is tested. Will a recipe for White Christmas pie contain the ingredients for a happily-ever-after;

White Christmas Pie Recipe (from the book)

Makes 2 pies

1 tablespoon gelatin
1/4 cup water, cold
1 cup sugar, divided
4 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped until stiff
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup flaked coconut
2 (9 inch) pie crusts, baked

In small bowl, soak gelatin in cold water; set aside.
In saucepan, mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour, salt and milk.
Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture comes to a boil.
Boil for 1 minute; remove from heat.
Stir in softened gelatin.
Cool.
When partially set, beat until smooth.
Blend in vanilla, almond extract and whipped cream.
In separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff.
Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until soft peaks from.
Fold into gelatin mixture; then fold in flaked coconut.
Divide into baked pie shells.
If desired, sprinkle with additional flaked coconut.
Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Take a peek

2009-12-12T06:01:00.001-08:00

I have had a rather busy week this week, taking care of more Christmas shopping and just getting some things together, so haven’t had much time to get a post made, but thought I would share a little bit of inspiration with you. I was just reading a few blogs this morning and ran across Kindra’s post at 3 Guys, A Girl and Prim. She has some lovely shots of her country Christmas. Take a peek here.

I hope to get back soon, and share some festive kitchens with you. ooh la la.

Christmas hugs,

Cindy

Instant Cappuccino Mix

2009-12-08T06:22:00.001-08:00

Instant Cappuccino Mix (nice and spicy)
Serves: 24

Ingredients
1 cup powdered
non-dairy creamer
1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
3/4 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or more
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or more

Directions
1. In a medium sized glass jar, combine the non-dairy creamer, chocolate drink mix, instant coffee, SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well.
2. To prepare, place 2 tablespoons mix in a mug, pour in 3/4 cup
boiling water, and stir until dissolved. Serve hot.

Inspired by Home Cooks

Ginger Molasses Cookies

2009-12-08T06:19:00.001-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 tsp grated orange peel
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and the orange peel. Combine the dry ingredients. Gradually add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Roll into 1 1/4 inch balls. Then roll the balls into the remaining sugar. Place the sugared balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm and the surface cracks. Remove to wire racks and cool. Makes 5 1/2 dozen

Recipe Source: Taste Of Home

How to decorate Sugar Cookies

2009-12-08T06:13:00.001-08:00

"I sure do like those Christmas cookies, Sugar!
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, Babe!
The ones that look like Santa Claus,
Christmas trees, bells, and stars;
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, Babe."

Christmas Hugs,
Cindy

A sneak peek at our Country Christmas

2009-12-07T07:53:00.001-08:00

Thought I would share some of my holiday decorating in my family room today. I hope you enjoy your little peek.

This is a little cabinet that I purchase last year at a Antique Shop in town, for Christmas I added some vintage tin toys and trees. I wish I had a better shot of this cabinet because it is so adorable. And I didn’t have to purchase one thing to put it together.

This cabinet is one of my favorite country pieces, and it’s alot of fun to decorate. But since this picture I have made several changes to it. (Note: update this picture with the latest addition)

This is my grapevine tree that I purchased this summer. I love it. I have clear lights on it with my popcorn and cranberry garland. It’s simple but so pretty. The little snowman tree skirt, I won as a door prize at a antique shop Christmas open house, it is quilted in old tattered fabric and it’s adorable. It couldn’t be more perfect since I collect snowmen…

This is one of my newest additions this year. I usually have this window frame out in my herb garden throughout the year, but decided to bring it in and clean it up and add my wreath. Just added a few of my rusty jingle bells and created a window sill scene and this sits atop my little cabinet with the vintage toys.

Sitting on my coffee table I have a tray nestled with some greenery and such. Nothing fancy about it, but I have a “thing” for pitchers…..and love displaying them throughout the house. Added a few candy kisses in a antique mason jar.

Wooden candy canes stuffed in another antique mason jar.

Atop my TV cabinet, I have sprinkled it with a few snowmen from my collection. Don’t you love my Christmas sign with the snowman. It was a gift from my son several years ago. The frame is trimmed in a plaid fabric with a felt tattered snowman appliquéd to it. Another favorite!

Now for my tree….I wish I had a better shot, to depict just how pretty it is….but I am not a photographer, I would like to get a shot at night when it is all light. My tree is all aglow with gold lights, as they put the illusion of old-fashioned candles on the tree. I get LOTS of compliments on it. Buried deep in the limbs I have placed my handmade Santa Claus’ from my collection as well as my bears. The ornaments on my tree are all hand sewn, or wooden, sprinkled with some old antique Brite balls.

Well these are a few of the vignettes' that I have sprinkled around the room. What do you think? If you missed the earlier post on my decorations in the kitchen, scross down a couple of post.

Warmest holiday

hugs,

Cindy

Visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads

2009-12-06T17:18:00.001-08:00

Christmas has come to my kitchen….it dances with candy canes, gumdrops, and gingerbread men…….and it just cozy to me.

Just a few of the vignettes that I have throughout my kitchen….this isn’t a great picture, but I put my little four foot tree in a antique red wooden bucket. My garland on this tree is a hard candy garland, and I have accented the tree with little gingerbread men, and little kitchen goodies. Although it isn’t very visible it is sprinkled with multi colored lights and it is placed next to my sink.

How cute is this next picture….my mom loved this while she was here. It was so simple and you probably have everything you need to do it. Note my tray, it is a yard sale find from this summer, a old cabinet door panel or something that they placed handles on. Grabbed it for a whopping $1. Don’t let anyone say I am NOT a big spender. ( I digress) Anyway, added tons of color by adding a candy garland, candy canes, and glass balls into different style and types of clear jars. Love them…and with my brown jar lamp shining on them it puts off the perfect effect. I added my little gingerbread house that I have had for many years…would love to have a bigger one….guess I will be on the lookout during yard sale season for that. Aren’t my little cinnamon candles the cutest thing you ever saw”? Not to mention “Sprinkles” my bear. Silly bear has batter on him…

This is what I look at when I clean my kitchen and do the dishes. It makes washing up the kitchen not a bad thing. I just tied some simple gingham/plaid fabric that I ripped to make pretty bows for my glass canisters. So simple, but oh so country looking.

Did you see my little prim tree with the gingerbread goodies on it with the rag bows. It is placed in a ANTIQUE Maxwell house coffee can. See you can use anything you already have to put together.

Next, we have my stove area, I just have my bread board sitting on top with my dough tray filled with greens and cranberry garland. I have tucked some of my gingerbread men in the greens and added another antique green handled small hand sifter. I think it looks sweet. I decided to add my little Cookie Cutter sign that I bought from Gooseberry patch years ago. Tied a ripped and ragged bow to my antique white pitcher. One of my favorite pieces. Last but not least, I added my Paula Deen candle on my little bread board.

Just a thought, I have found you can add a few springs to your shelves and crocks, etc, and add a instant holiday touch.

Now for the centerpiece on my table in the kitchen. I love old crates and have a ton of them….so I decided to fill one with greens and sprigs of snow-covered pine,and sprigs with candy , accented with snowballs, and wooden candy canes. And after everything was in the crate, I added “Ginger”, she is simply adorable with her little bow on her head.

So now you have gotten a peek into my kitchen. What did you think?

Christmas Hugs,

Cindy

Gingerbread Men Recipe

2009-12-06T16:25:00.001-08:00

"Run, run, fast as you can!
Can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"

I found this simple little video on creating some adorable little gingerbread men….

Scootin to the kitchen.

Christmas hugs,

Cindy

Some holiday projects

2009-11-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

that I will be working on this year. Hopefully I will get them all accomplished before the holidays.

You can get a tutorial to make this wreath by checking out Eddie Ross. Although I love this one, I will be doing mine in more traditional colors that will compliment my decor. I just think this is beautiful and very classy.

I will also be trying my hand at this wreath for outside.

You can get the tutorial on this wreath by visiting Rachel at Made with Love and Glue.

And I think these are adorable….gonna make these for me

Traci at Beneath My Heart has a wonderful tutorial on making these coasters. So simple and easy and you could make them very expensively. How cool is that?

One other little goodie, I think I might make is a decorated altered clip board. This project comes from Jill over at Controlling my Clutter. You can also find another great tutorial at Candy Shoppe Designs.This is to cute for words. I plan on making a holiday one to keep my notes attach too during the season. Take a peek….

Now I think these are adorable too, and really easy to make, you can find a wonderful tutorial at Mama Thompson. I think this is something you could even do with your children, and how proud they would be with the finished product.

Mandy over at Moody Girl Projects made these great Christmas Chalkboards, and we all know how much we love those. I think having a bunch of small ones throughout the house to write little messages on is a great idea.

So now I have shown you a few things that I plan to make over the next few weeks. How bout you?

Christmas Blessings,

Do you have a holiday binder

2009-11-14T04:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas Blessings

Christmas time is coming…..

2009-11-13T07:41:00.001-08:00

To our house this weekend, and I am so excited.

I am really in the mood to get started on decorating for the holidays. I don’t have as much time this year with all the family and traveling that we are doing, so I am going to break my own tradition of decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving.

I hope to get lots of pictures to post to share with you, but until then I will share some that I got inspiration from, and I hope they inspire you to. Courtesy from Country Living. (you will note the country flair) I always do a primitive tree at Christmas.

This picture (below) is my favorite, something about the glow of the tree and the stocking hung….Love it!! Just the simplicity of it.

Aren’t these packages fun. They look to good to open. This is something I do every year on my front porch.

What are some of your decorating styles, tips, etc. I would love to hear them.

Don’t forget to follow me this holiday season, look for the follow button on the sidebar.

Love and hugs,

It’s coming

2009-11-06T08:41:00.001-08:00

whether I am ready or not, right now my head is reeling from all the things that need to get done for this much anticipated

holiday. We love Christmas at my house. Everything about it. The time spent with family, old movies, smells, food, pretty lights, and packages around the tree. So for me, that means breaking out the pencil and paper and organizing my thoughts. Everything from what we will have for Christmas Dinner, to our Christmas Eve treats.
But before we get knee deep in all that, I thought I would share with you a TV listings for your viewing pleasure this holiday season. Mark you calendar or set you recorder.

All times are Central.
Saturday, November 28
• The Thin Man (1934). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, November 29
• The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009). ABC Family, 7:00 p.m.
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940). TCM, 8:45 p.m.
Thursday, December 3
• A Christmas Carol (1938). TCM, 7:00 p.m.
• Little Women (1949). TCM, 8:15 p.m.
• Tenth Avenue Angel (1948). TCM, 10:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4
• 3 Godfathers (1948). TCM, 12:00 midnight.
• Hell's Heroes (1930). TCM, 2:00 a.m.
• Bush Christmas (1947). TCM, 3:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 6
• Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1940). TCM, 5:00 a.m.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1945). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• Remember the Night (1940). TCM, 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9
• Dead of Night (1945). TCM, 3:00 a.m.Thursday, December 10
• It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947). TCM, 5:00 p.m.
• Fitzwilly (1967). TCM, 9:00 p.m.
• Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938). TCM, 11:00 p.m.
Friday, December 11
• Susan Slept Here (1954). TCM, 1:00 a.m.
• Little Women (1933). TCM, 3:00 a.m.Saturday, December 12
• The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962). TCM, 5:00 a.m.
• A Christmas Carol (1938). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• 3 Godfathers (1948). TCM, 12:15 p.m.
• The Lion in Winter (1968). TCM, 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13
• Penny Serenade (1941). TCM, 5:00 a.m.
• In the Good Old Summertime (1949). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• Susan Slept Here (1954). TCM, 1:00 p.m.
• Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945). TCM, 7:00 p.m.
• Johnny Got His Gun (1971). TCM, 9:00 p.m.
• Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925). TCM, 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15
• Swiss Family Robinson. TCM, 10:15 a.m.
• Gone With the Wind. TCM, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 17
• Christmas in Connecticut. TCM, 7:00 p.m.
• Holiday Affair. TCM, 9:00 p.m.
• This Man Is Mine. TCM, 10:30 p.m.
Friday, December 18
• Period of Adjustment (1962). TCM, 12:30 a.m.
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940). TCM, 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 19
• Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• Little Women (1949). TCM, 1:00 p.m.
• The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942). TCM, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 20
• Ben-Hur (1959). TCM, 3:00 p.m.
• King of Kings (1961). TCM, 8:00 p.m.
• The King of Kings (1927). TCM, 11:00 p.m.
Monday, December 21
• Meet John Doe (1941). TCM, 11:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 24
• Blossoms in the Dust (1941). TCM, 5:30 a.m.
• 3 Godfathers (1948). TCM, 7:15 a.m.
• The Great Rupert (1950). TCM, 9:15 a.m.
• Bundle of Joy (1956). TCM, 10:45 a.m.
• All Mine to Give (1957). TCM, 12:30 p.m.
• Pocketful of Miracles (1961). TCM, 2:30 p.m.
• Period of Adjustment (1962). TCM, 5:00 p.m.
• Remember the Night (1940). TCM, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 25
• Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). TCM, 12:00 midnight
• In the Good Old Summertime (1949). TCM, 2:00 a.m.
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940). TCM, 4:00 a.m.
• Little Women (1933). TCM, 6:00 a.m.
• A Christmas Carol (1938). TCM, 8:00 a.m.
• The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942). TCM, 9:15 a.m.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1945). TCM, 11:15 a.m.
• Little Women (1949). TCM, 1:15 p.m.
• Holiday Affair (1950). TCM, 3:30 p.m.
• Susan Slept Here (1954). TCM, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 28
• Lady for a Day (1933). TCM, 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 29
• Pocketful of Miracles (1961). TCM, 12:45 a.m.
• Battleground (1949). TCM, 11:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 31
• The Thin Man (1934). TCM, 7:00 p.m.

My favorite Christmas movie of all-time

Don’t forget to subscribe to my site or become a follower so you don’t miss out on anything. K.
Until next time,
Happy Holidays and Christmas hugs,
Cindy

A little more Christmas around the house.

2008-12-23T15:23:00.001-08:00

Just thought I would take a few minutes to share with you some of the other pictures around the house. I wish I had felt up to doing the village and going all out this year, but with work and life in general there just wasn't as much time as I would have liked between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. I hope to get some pictures of our table laden with goodies, as well as the our tree with the packages. Hopefully I will remember to get pictures of that before we tear into everything. But until then, here are a few more shots of my home for the holidays.

Sorry this picture is so light. But this is the quilt rack in my family room this year. Simple!

A few trees in crocks in my dining rooms.

A simple little tree on the kitchen counter. I love the little framed stitchery on the wall.

My little tree in the guest bathroom. I was all about simplicity this year, but it puts off the softest glow.

Here is my poinsettia in my dining room. It looks kinda droopy here, but it is very full and pretty. Guess it needed water when this shot was taken, huh?

I just really like how this candle is displayed. The small greenery surrounding the candle is so real like. Again, simple but pretty.

Here we are in the kitchen again. Don't you just love the little tree in the coffee tin. This is one of my favorites. So country.

This is the wreath that is hanging on my front door this year. Snowmen! Gotta love'm!

Well there you have it, a few more snippets of my holiday decor. I know this week will be busy with family and such, but I hope I can add a few more shots, I haven't made any of my front porch, but will try to get to that.

Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

Hugs!

The Christmas Dining Room

2008-12-21T08:29:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite rooms to decorate is my Dining Room. This is where I use my love for snow and snowmen. Let me know what you think? Got any new ideas for me. Please share.

My little tree is crooked. Oops. Guess I need to fix that!

This is my snowman collection.

Just a simple tablescape, but I love the simplicity of it.

Those are just a few shots of my dining room. Now for some pictures of my kitchen table and kitchen. Sorry they are blurry. I need to take some different ones.

I think I will post more later.

The house tours continues

2008-12-20T03:45:00.001-08:00

I hope you all enjoyed having a glimpse of our family room, now I want to show you my Living Room and our tree. In my family room, as you could see, I have a primitive country tree that has ornies, and homemade ornaments, I love the simplicity of that tree. Meanwhile, in my Living Room, I have my traditional tree. This is the tree that I have all my children's ornaments on, things they have given/made for me and ornaments from vacations, places we have lived. My sentimental ornaments are on this tree. I also always use multi colored lights on it, because that is what my kids prefer on this tree. As I have mentioned before, I didn't do as much decorating, and you will notice that my kids kinda skimped on the ornaments. Believe me when I say, I have at least triple the amount of ornaments that you see on here. But that is okay.

Can you see me little sled, I picked this us this summer at a auction for pennies, and knew that I would use it to put under my Christmas tree with my Victorian Boyd's Bear. Love it.

Here is the table that sits at the entrance of the foyer, looking into the living room.

Some of my bear collection in the little cradle.

A little close up of the sleigh. I will have to get a better one before we have Christmas.

Stop by tomorrow for the Dining Room. K?

Hugs!

Luke 1:68-70“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),”

Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

What a week

2008-12-18T16:45:00.001-08:00

I haven't had time to share on my Country Christmas Blog as I had hoped, but I did want to do a small house tour. Just a few of my decorating style.

So sit back and enjoying visiting my home.

This is the mantle in my family room, with some of my Santa Collection.

Sorry this picture is so light, it takes away from the charm of this little display.

Some of the little goodies under my prim tree. Next to the fireplace you can see some of my favorite little stools. Aren't they adorable. I have a thing for them.

Here is my dough bowl filled with jumbo balls and pine sprigs. I wish I had a better shot of this.

Again, my prim tree, and then tomorrow I will show you my Living room tree.

I hope you can stop by for the rest of the tour.

Hugs to all.

Cindy

My Prim Tree

2008-12-07T17:44:00.001-08:00

Wanted to take a few minutes before I call it a night/weekend. I promised some pictures of my house, but will tell you that I am not happy with the way that they turned out. Kinda blurry. But it gives you some idea. This year, I didn't decorate the way I usually do, I didn't put nearly the amount of things out this year as years in the past. But since time is of a essence, I just did a little bit. First I think I will start in my family room.

Of course, the tree is the focal point of this room, and I couldn't be more happy with how it turned out. I love this tree. The soft glow of the gold lights on it makes all the difference. Years before I have had multi colored and all white, but the gold/amber lights, give it the old 'flame' look of candles. This tree houses all my handmade type ornaments. Underneath the tree, I use a old quilt as my tree skirt and this year I filled it with some old toys and bears. I really wish there was more room, because I have a sled that I like to display under this tree, but this year, I didn't think it would work. After this picture was made I added a old rusty tin star to the top.

I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek at my prim tree.

Hugs!

John 11:25“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;”

Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

One of my favorite things to do

2008-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

in December is make a trip to Williamsburg Va. If you can you should. I simply love going down there and taking pictures of the doors all decked out for the holidays. I haven't gotten to go the last several years but hope to make that trip this year. I will show you some of the doors from previous years past. Since I am intrigued with history, I love to scope out the colonial traditions for christmas. If you would like to find out more click on "A Colonial Christmas". I like to incorporate some of their traditions in ours. We'll discuss some these later.

If you have a country christmas website, I hope you will let me know about it so I can visit.

On to the doors.....

Did you know?

2008-09-30T03:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome

2008-08-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome ya'll to Country Christmas....I haven't started populating this little spot yet, but will be working on it in the near future. But for now, just let me share a little picture with you to hold you over....

Country Christmas

Pumpkin Roll

Christmas Fonts

60 Days and counting

What are you doing to get ready?

Dress Up your child’s toy barn

Create your own Winter Wonderland Transform a ready-made, unadorned card-stock village by customizing the buildings with wrapping paper. Finish off the scene with tinsel wreaths, tabletop trees, and toy deer, sprinkled under a soft blanket of snow.

Kids rooms

Do you have a holiday binder

Master Bedroom & Personal Spaces-Week 3

Calendar and Creativity Week-Week 2

Holiday Tip of the Day

Making a list and checking it twice

Christmas in Connecticut!

Eggnog anyone?

Gingerbread

Another giveaway

A wonderful giveaway

Another Christmas read

Take a peek

Instant Cappuccino Mix

Ginger Molasses Cookies

How to decorate Sugar Cookies

A sneak peek at our Country Christmas

Visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads

Gingerbread Men Recipe

Some holiday projects

Do you have a holiday binder

Christmas time is coming…..

It’s coming

A little more Christmas around the house.

The Christmas Dining Room

The house tours continues

What a week

My Prim Tree

One of my favorite things to do

Did you know?

Welcome

Create your own Winter Wonderland

Transform a ready-made, unadorned card-stock village by customizing the buildings with wrapping paper. Finish off the scene with tinsel wreaths, tabletop trees, and toy deer, sprinkled under a soft blanket of snow.