A little bit of this...a little bit of that!

You all know I love magazines. Because it is the holiday season, all bets are off as far as being reserved in my magazine purchases. The other day, while in a long line-up, I resisted many of the great decorating ones...skimming through them instead...when my eyes caught the cover of Good Housekeeping. How did I miss that one? It is always a holiday favourite- with its many heartwarming stories, multitudes of tips, celebrity guests sharing their Christmas traditions...well, I snapped it up! And in the spirit of the season, I am going to share the best of the best with you...because I know how busy we all are...we can't possibly read all the magazines ourselves!!



These are random tips, in no special order, and are all from the December 2007 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine:

• This one is for you silver collectors: if you're out of silver cleaner, use a dab of white toothpaste to spot shine your piece.
  
• When shipping gifts, if you are re-using old boxes: strip off old labels, especially the old bar codes, so the package doesn't end up in the wrong destination! If sending toys, remove the batteries so they don't accidentally get turned on and the batteries drained from all the jostling while in transit.
  
• When replacing your vacuum bag, add some cinnamon essence oil to a few cotton balls and pop them into the bag. Simply vacuuming before guests arrive will leave a wonderful festive scent to your home!
  
• Drink more tea... for your skin!! Researchers have found that those who drink more than one cup of green or black tea a day daily for at least a month cut their risk of developing the two most common kinds of skin cancer by 20-30 %
  
• To prevent excess snacking, chew on gum! Chewing gum often prevents us from taking test bites while cooking, and if you want to be "good" at a party, pop a piece in after sampling a few of the goodies. But note: chew discreetly, and no smacking that gum!! And, of course, don't chew gum at swank events...or near your grandmother!! disclaimer: Please note, if you do decide to refrain from eating all the good stuff, you may want to sample the punch...because you will likely be feeling rather miserable at being so deprived...gum loses its flavour pretty quickly...so find a table to stick it under and go get a sausage roll!!!
  
• When posing for holiday snapshots, follow these tips: Sit down: when the photographer is shooting down from above you, it even out your proportions and makes you look smaller. Also, if your arms are less than buff, don't hold them at your sides...place your hands on your hips with elbowss pointed slightly back. Angling your body toward the photographer will noticeably slim your frame, double chins can be downplayed by keeping your face straight on and tilting it up...not that any of us need to do any of this...
  
• make a candy garland: buy a big bag of candy from the Dollar Store by stapling the ends of each piece together: and easy craft for an older child to do. Be sure to let him/her eat a few along the way...you're supposed to pay children for their labour, you know!!
  
• If shopping online, be safe!! Use only websites that display the "lock" symbol (padlock icon) at the bottom right of the website's sign-in screen (where you enter the password) and on the checkout screen (where you type in your credit card info). This means the site has a secure connection. If you see an "s" after the "http" in the web browser once you're on the page to place an order, that also indicates that the site has a secure connection. If you don't see the padlock or the "s", it's a good idea to do your shopping elsewhere.
  
• Instead of taking on the sometimes overwhelming task of winding greenery up the bannister of your home, simplify: just do the newel post instead with a large bow and jingle bells, an evergreen swag, or a stocking or pair of mittens with little wrapped gifts tucked inside.
  
• Use ornaments as place card holders, elevate baked goods and sweets on cake stands and tiered trays, and use small feathered trees to display your favourite ornaments. In fact, why not use the tree as a centerpiece for your table?
  
• If your nonstick cookie sheets are browning your cookies before they are baked, note the finish on the sheets. Have they darkened down with use? If so, reduce the cooking temperature by 25 degrees...the cooler temperature will be just the trick to end up with perfectly baked cookies.
  
• Hint around to your husband how nice it would be if he were more like Tim McGraw...no, I'm not being mean, but thoughtful Tim writes a heartfelt letter to each of his daughters and his wife, Faith Hill and tucks it into their stocking...On second thought, I don't think I'll word it that way...hubby might retort that it would be nice if I were more like Faith Hill...and we all know how that would end up...!!

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Well, off I go to do all that I have to do...and more! Tis the season to be busy...!!!

Homespun Christmas...Holiday decorating scheme: #1

photo: Pottery Barn

There are few more cozy images than a crackling fireplace flanked by two checked wing back chairs; a soft wooled throw strewn over the arm of the chairs, a basket filled with logs, and a real Christmas tree adorned with fabric wrapped balls, tin stars, and garlands of cranberries and popcorn. That is the image that springs to mind when I picture a homespun Christmas. Heck, I'll even throw in a few clove-studded oranges nestled in a wooden bowl if you like (even though I won't be studding them myself). Indeed, a home decorated for the holidays in this primitive style evokes images of Christmas in Plum Creek a la Laura Ingalls. Who could forget little Laura being so thrilled to receive her very own tin cup and a peppermint stick that she happily munched away on, while the ever serene Mary daintily licked hers into a fine point...

photo: Country Home magazine

Julie has said she would like her holiday decorating style to reflect a more homespun feel, and I am happy to offer her some ideas for achieving this look and have hunted down some lovely images for her to be inspired by. I hope some of you will enjoy enjoy the more natural and simplistic approach I've offered up.

photo: Country Sampler.com

Homespun is often equated with handmade. There are no posh airs associated with this decorating style, and the look can often be achieved by incorporating offerings from nature such as real evergreen boughs; winterberries, bittersweet and rosehips; pinecones and twigs; tartan or plaid wool blankets; cinnamon sticks, dried apples, and oranges; brown paper-wrapped packages; and simple pine wreaths graced with a fabric bow or rusted garland of tin stars. The look is comforting, unsophisticated and easily achieved. It is reflective of simpler times...when homeowners made-do with what they already had, and focused more on the less commercial aspects of the holiday. Homespun holiday decor gives the impression that Christmas is to be savoured, just like the hot cocoa puffing off its steam while awaiting its lucky recipient. I think of ginger spiced cookies, shortbread and bags of nuts waiting to be cracked, handmade ornaments, candles in each window...and nothing to do but eat, talk, and be merry. So what if it all sounds like a fantasy?? Isn't that what the magic of the holidays is for? After all, homspun is also equated with old-fashioned...and there's nothing wrong with some old-fashioned charm every now and again. So slow down and consider this holiday decorating style if it appeals to you. You just might save yourself some money...and the walk in the woods will do you good!!

both pictures (below): Country Sampler

both photos (above): Country Home magazine

Keeping it simple...

Well, no matter how you look at it, the holiday season is a busy time for most everybody. The reason I do much of my Christmas planning in November, is because I want to be able to enjoy the actual holiday and the days leading up to it. Whether we like it or not, more is expected of us and our time. School Christmas concerts need to be scheduled around; little notes come home requesting baked goodies for our children's class parties; volunteer activities pick up; we receive calls looking for baked donations for our church teas and sales; family and friends stop by, and so on. That is why a little bit of advance planning and preparation goes a long way. Certain things just have to happen, so if we are prepared for them, then we decrease our stress level even a teensy bit...

(wreath/mirror photo: landstil.com)

I don't think I could ever really be accused of going over the top at Christmas, from either a gift or baking perspective. I give thoughtful gifts, but I don't break the bank; and I limit myself to a limited number of favourite baked goods that I make each year. Certainly however, I decorate quite a bit... but that brings me pleasure. I do it for myself and my family (my kids actually look forward to it and helping decorate their rooms, especially), and no one else. It is an exercise in enjoyment and creativity, and doesn't stress me out in the least. If, however, it fills you with dread, then simply scale back. Do as little or as much as you want. I remember visiting my Auntie Jean when I was young. She lived in a senior's apartment with my Uncle Jimmy, and she only decorated at the last minute. She would put out a few pretty treasures, but the highlight for me was the cheery cardboard Santa on her front door. All through December, I'd wait with bated breath on the elevator up to her level, hoping that smiling Santa with the rosy cheeks would be there to greet us as we stepped off the lift. Even though I was probably a little too old to get such pleasure out of something so simple, it still never failed to put that spark of Christmas excitement in my belly... Her simple nods to the season are the perfect example of how simple, but meaningful decorating is as good as the more elaborate "decking of the halls".

photo: Restoration Hardware

There is no tried and true formula for how much is too much or too little. Simple adornaments of nature's bounty can be the most beautiful decor of all. Pine boughs with winter berries, apples and pomegranites, cinnamon sticks tied in a bundle, and pinecones and twigs can bring a old-fashioned Christmas feel to your home for little or no money. My sister, Wendy, does the most beautiful tree in her kitchen each year. It is a simple, little Alpine tree (with a birch bark trunk),and she adorns it with corrugated cardboard stars, white lights, and raffia bows...charming in its simplicity, and the decorations cost next to nothing. I also love the look of candy canes and hand-crafted paper chains made by a child. It is a simple and easy activity to do together, and is perfect for a small tree in a child's bedroom. (child's tree photo: Martha Stewart.com)

Decorations do not have to be extravagant, expensive, or one of a kind. I truly believe that the most beautiful decorations are the ones that people love and have a story behind them. When I go see a friend or family member's tree, I am a bit of an odd duck. I tend to quiz the "owner" about many of the ornaments. I love hearing them tell where they got them, what their significance is, and what they love about their decorations...and if you come to see mine, don't ask those questions because I literally remember where and why I got almost every ornament. I am very sentimental!!

I will be sharing some pictures of some of my favourite tree ornaments in the weeks to come, and I'd love to hear (or see) about yours! Who knows, maybe I can convert you into becoming a fellow ornament lover who coaxes your own families and friends into telling you about their treasures hanging proudly on their trees...!

Designing Women...

Doing up a design plan for your Christmas decorating might seem a tad grandiose or unnecessary, but speaking from experience, it can keep you on track, on budget, and you'll end up with a more cohesive result than if you just slap up your decorations on a whim. I started doing this a few years ago as a result of the many moves we have undergone, and thus the changing square footages and layouts of our homes. Couple that with my being a bit flighty and someone who loves change, and the need was real, so that I didn't spend days moving things around from spot to spot...

Now, I'm not saying that you have to itemize each and every Christmas decoration or collectible! That would be crazy, and who has the time? However, if you are someone who loves decorating and loves Christmas, then a good plan can be of big help. As a result of poking through my decorations (in the name of organization), I now have a fairly good idea of what I have, what I need (nothing!), and what I want (well, why not?!). As I was looking at everything, I made discoveries (some pretty Wendy Addison glittered beauties) and realized that I still could use some more white lights for my Christmas tree, as some are just getting too old. So, guess where I made note of all that? Yep, you guessed it...in my handy, dandy notebook!! See, I told you it was a course requirement!

Now, back to the plan: plunk yourself down on your favourite chair after the kids go to bed, then pick up a large (~8x11) note pad, some pencils, an eraser, and some colored pencils. To start, I simply make notes of what I want to do with my mantel, above my kitchen cupboards, what garland to use on the railing, what centerpiece would be pretty for my dining table, do I need a new tablecloth, how many trees (big and little) will I put up and what themes will they be, and so on. I make mental notes of what I presently have that needs refreshing and what decor I am utterly tired of. That is a very important part. Are you still putting things out just because you always have, but you really don't like them anymore? Well, there is enough clutter around at Christmas!! You don't need to put out Aunt Doris' festive toilet paper covers just because they are still in good shape!! I say, put out only what you really love... that which gives you good memories and what still works with your decor, at least to some degree. Do not feel guilty about permanently retiring what you are tired of!!! Give it away to someone with different or less taste than you, or donate it to charity. Someone will surely be glad to have it...it just doesn't have to be you!!!

***Heads up to my family, if I ever made you a decoration that you no longer like or want, please get rid of it!!! I won't even remember, and I will probably be so happy to not have to be reminded of tackier times in the past...!!!

Now for the fun part...the sketching of the plan. I tend to only draw up what I want to do on the exterior of my home. Believe me, I am no artist!! Everything is out of scale, because the drawing is for my eyes only. I usually tuck it into one of my favourite holiday magazines and try not to forget where I put it!! Decorating the exterior of one's home can be the most challenging part. Figuring out how much lighting you will need, where to put the wreaths, what the colour scheme will be, and how to incorporate new purchases. I just purchased two new glittered deer for my front garden...they are so much prettier than my old white ones, and will look good even without snow. Use the colored pencils to approximate the color scheme and greenery of your design plan. That is the really fun part! Be reassured that this sketch is really not a big deal. It doesn't take long to do it (you can do it while your hubby is engrossed in his favourite (and boring) sports program. If he asks what you are doing, just casually say, "Oh, nothing much...just working on a design plan..." Then yawn and ask him the score and he will have moved on...totally unaware that this plan might involve a little bit of shopping...

So, have some fun with this. Don't take it too seriously. No need to get out the drafting table...just do it as a relaxing way to organize your thoughts...and show off your decorative flair!!

Christmas Planning 101...

Well, the time has come. I promised to share my personal strategy of preparing for the holidays in as stress-free a way as possible, and so I shall begin. As I mentioned before, I am not claiming to be an expert in such matters, but I do have a few tricks and tools to accomplish what needs to be done, while prioritizing what we'd like to do, what we feel we should do, and exploring whether said things actually add to the spirit of the season, or just place undue stress and work on those of us who orchestrate the entire mission.

My first and best piece of advice I can offer you is to become a list maker, at least for the holiday season! I love lists. I suffer from a scatter-brained memory, and function at my best if I can refer to an all encompassing set of lists. Two years ago, while buying Christmas cards, I picked up this little book/binder entitled, "My Holiday Plans". It is basically a small binder divided into sections such as: Holiday Card List, Shopping List, and Gifts Received (which, for those who are innately thoughtful, keeps track of who needs thank-you notes sent to them...and for those who are more"tit-for tat", provides a point of reference of who forgot you last year or who gave you stale chocolates or a "re-gift"...!!). The book also has a 5-yr calendar, so it can be used and re-used from year to year. My favourite section though, is the Holiday Notes section. I have used that for things like Christmas card photo ideas, what ornaments I had picked up for my kids during the previous year's sales...and where I put them, what holiday C.D.'s became damaged and need replacing, the favourite wines of my friends and family (which then make thoughtful hostess gifts), and so on. I'll jot notes to myself like "already bought Christmas crackers" or "need more wrapping paper", etc.

Basically that little book becomes my "Christmas brains", and keeps me on track and ensures that I don't re-buy for the same person or forget someone else. I love it because it is contained in one little place, and is small enough to tuck in my purse. You certainly don't have to buy a book specially made for that reason. You can simply go to the Dollar Store and pick up a little journal. Add sticky note page-divider tabs, and you're all set! But honestly, having one of these little books will help you immensely in your quest to be organized this Christmas, and is basically a pre-requisite to my Christmas Planning 101 course. So... go get one!!!!!

photo: Room Service Home

Yesterday, I went through the arduous task of going through each and every rubbermaid box of holiday decor I have. It was painstaking and a chore I dreaded, but it allowed me to refresh my memory of what I have, enabled me to make a pile of things I no longer need and can give away, and reminded me that I need absolutely NOTHING more to decorate my house with!! Hubby is going to build shelving for me to stack the boxes so I can get at them easily and be well organized. I tend to drag a box down and leave it in a mess for a few days, which just makes the whole process of decorating stressful. That was my vow for this year: get all my decorations organized and I'm on my way to that. Another great November chore...

So, that is it for today. Consider it the boring first day of class, where the instructor never gets to the meat of the course, but lets you know what books (ahem) you will need to take part, and gives you a brief course outline.

Speaking of which, the following (in no particular order)is the list of topics we will be exploring in further detail:

• Holiday cards and the perfect holiday photo


• the various decorating schemes, both in theme and colour


• Gift giving on a budget...and making your own gifts


• holiday decorating plans...designing your own...


• picking and choosing...who to give gifts to, what traditions to keep...or toss, what amount of holiday entertaining is enough or too much...


• hostess gifts
• wrapping 101


• sharing holiday traditions


• tree-trimming tips, display ideas, tree care


• cooking and baking...how much is too much?


• how to keep the commercialism of the holidays to a minimum


• great gift ideas for kids, teens, spouses, the elderly, friends...


• holiday lighting...inside and out


• and much, much more!!! (your suggestions are always welcome!!).

P.S. Thanks to all who wondered how we "survived" the storm. It was a raging wind and rain storm, with some downed trees and branched...anything not nailed down went flying, and our power was out for the night but was restored by mid-morning. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as the hurricane we got a few years ago...and although some are still without power, the temperature has been relatively mild. The worst bit of "damage" I saw nearby was the knocked over porta-potties on the building lots up the street...YUCK! I pity the poor soul who has to return them to the vertical position...!!