Merry Christmas

Makin' This For Christmas

Christmas is at our house. We host dinner for everyone, and enjoy OUR tradition of delicious lasagna. My husband cooks it. He makes it better than the best. I know, I know, MY HUSBAND does the Christmas meal. It's wonderful. But, let's remember it's about even considering I do 90% of the decorating, 95% of the Christmas shopping, 97% of the house preparation "stuff," and 100% of the wrapping. So, you can give him some much deserved credit, but don't go overboard. Part of house "prep" is appetizers... so, people can nibble before our delicious meal. So, since I'm on apps, I usually try to get creative. This year, we're going to add Blue Cheese Crack. I tried Toffee Crack, courtesy of Joy's Hope, and it was delicious. So. Joy's Hope suggested it, and I'm goin' for it. I can already tell you, even without tasting, it will be a hit. Cheers!

Christmas Cookies, Finally.

We finally did something "Christmas!" This month, our house has contained two children with severe respiratory infections - so, some of our fun was unfortunately delayed. We are down to the wire - but finally enjoyed some Christmas baking. My four year old and I busted out the best deal ever - and used the Trader Joe's DIY Sugar Cookie kit. I didn't own a single cookie cutter. I don't bake. Ever. So, this $3.99 box was the answer to my prayers. It provided an easy way to bake, with everything inside... and some fun with my little boy. And, of course, now we have the right cookies to leave for Santa so he'll drop some presents at our place. If they have it next year, I'm buying it again. Splendidly easy.

Whatever.

I wish I had time to do the crafts that Meg does. Her Whatever blog is filled with fantastic arts for her kids. Wait. I probably do have the time, but I don't take it. But, if I could possibly swing this one in 2010 - I would.

I Needed This.

Joy's Hope recent post is titled - "How I Stopped Being Psycho." I thought it was extra splendid, and much needed during the holidays. How I love knowing I'm not completely crazy.

I'm No Photographer...

I'm no photographer, but I took some of our bestest friends out to the grove behind our house with a camera, and nothing but time. We needed Christmas card pictures. We took LOOOOTTTS of photos, and a handful of fantastic ones emerged. Love it.

Queen Bee Market

Friday. Meeting the girls at the Queen Bee Market, and then ending the evening with dinner. Can't wait to shop and have some wine with the girls. Splendid plans to look forward to.

Totally Cheated.

Remember I told you that I pretty much moved our oldest out of his room and into a new one... to make room for our baby? I wasn't motivated to design a whole new nursery this year, or spend the money to do it. And, besides... the baby will NEVER know. Unless he reads this post. Besides, my husband spent hours painting those stripes, and I adore a red, white and blue room. And, since this is the only room we have actually started from scratch on in the house - it's still my favorite and makes me smile.

Mason's room - THEN.

Ethan's room - NOW. Small changes. Same Same. The only splurge, which wasn't? 5 new letters for the frame.

And REALLY Love 3rd Ave Shore

On top of the awesome prints I got for our big boy's room... I've been eyeing a shop on Etsy called 3rd Ave Shore for some time. Decals - and the avoiding of paint - were calling my name. Surf. Beach. Fun. I knew what I wanted, but had to be sure that it all fit together well. SCORE! Yesterday, I purchased the most amazing decal art for the big blue wall in the room. Coming my way? A larger than life white lifegaurd tower decal. Sweet. Go check out the shop... there is some splendid stuff in there.

Love Larisa Lewis

A few months ago, we moved our oldest into a new "big boy room." Gone is our guest room, making room for our latest family addition. The new baby has inherited a complete nursery, themed and completely ready for him when he arrived. (Even stocked with hand me down clothes!) The big boy room, however, still has guest room garb in it, and a toy box, and waits for a theme to take over to make it cool. I've kept my eyes peeled for "stuff," waiting for the inspiration to hit me, so as not to just buy something to fill the walls. Mission Accomplished. We hit the Carlsbad Street Fair yesterday, and I stumbled upon the splendid Larisa Lewis. With a little negotiation, and agreement with my husband to wait for the 1 cent sale at Aaron Brothers for frames, I scored two awesome beachy surf prints for his walls. Can't wait to hang them. The Aaron Brother's sale can't come soon enough. What will finish the room... ? You'll see tomorrow - and when it's all ready, I'll post the photos.