I know. I know. I know. It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I can't help it. The holidays are here, and we're gearing up to decorate the house. Over the past couple of weekends I've spent several hours decorating the garland for the mantle and wreaths, as well as working on some florals for the table. Anyhow, we have a long standing tradition in our family. Every year, we each pick out a single special ornament. We even purchase one for each of the dogs. This tradition began when the kids were babies. Although they didn't understand what I was doing, it was always special to me. To see their eyes light up at all the pretty decorations and colors was, and still is, a delight. Now when November rolls around they're ready to get their ornament. There is only one rule: One special ornament each. Simple right? It is, but because of the choices, the decision making can take some time. On average, it takes an hour if not more to choose these ornaments. There is no limit to the choice. It is based on our individual preferences, and makes no difference if they match any other ornament. This makes for a fun and interesting tree.
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Go Birch or go homeThree weeks ago we cut back our Sizzling Chinese Fringe Flower after it's second bloom. I was able to use the limbs to created a wreath form. It was severely painful for my hands so I'm not sure if I would do it again. I think I'll buy a birch wreath next time. Oi vey. However, there were far more leaves on the form before it was painted. I didn't paint the leaves directly after making the form so there were a lot of lost leaves. Rookie mistake, but a lesson well learned. Rookie mistake, but a lesson well learned. If I do created more forms, with this springs clippings, I do know that I would absolutely do it right after snipping off the limbs. They are much more pliable, and easier to work with that way. I would also wrap the the branches around so the form would have a have better round consistency. Just another lesson learned. Location, Location, LocationAlthough Jaden says this wreath is drab it photographs well. So I imagine it will look nice under the lights with the reflection from a mirror behind it. Or so that's the idea. I plan to hang it in front of a mirror on our mantle.
For so many years before the birth of my children I was a miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. That is not in the gift department, but in decorating. I rarely put up a Christmas tree, and I certainly did not hang things on my walls, or create crafty decor that would give the house cheer. It just wasn't in my nature. I would rather spend my time doing other things, and decorating definitely wasn't one of them. However, here's where it all changed. Years ago, I went to my brother and sister's house. By law, Brandy is my sister-in-law, but in our reality, she's my sister. My brother Chris and Brandy have been together for 20 years. 20 FREAKEN YEARS!!! It's amazing, and wonderful. Anyhow, I stopped by their house one afternoon to find the house decorated for Christmas. There was a peppermint candy dish in the middle of her kitchen counter, as well as a Christmas oven mitt hanging from her cabinet. Her stove was adorned with Christmas towels. There was a holiday centerpiece on her kitchen table. I walked though the kitchen into the living room, and lo and behold; there were more decorations. The Christmas tree was lit, and it was broad day light! There were decorations on the mantle, and on her coffee table and the kids each had mini trees for their rooms. They were lit too! I was stunned. I would never do that. My mom never did that. She rarely hangs things on her walls, and she didn't, and still doesn't, decorate to the nines for Christmas. Don't get me wrong, we always had a tree, and something small on the mantle. but she didn't see the necessity of it. I understand that, and I went on to be that way for years. As I rounded back into the kitchen I told her how much I liked her candy dish. She replied, Yeah, the kids like it when I do these little things. The smile she gave me was electric! It was broad, genuine, endearing, honest and all the characteristics you find in an awesome mom. She said it and meant it. The kids loved it. That's all that mattered. Goodness gracious! Brandy inspired me! It never occurred to me that even simple holiday decorations made the house pleasant. Things changed for me with those 11 words. No, I didn't plan to go crazy, but I could spruce some things up. Okay, maybe I did go a little crazy. I even bought two snow globes. A santa and his Mrs. Ribbon. Yes, ribbon. Honestly, how difficult is to put out a candy dish, or set a nice table? What about the kitchen towels? It isn't difficult. As a matter or fact, it's ridiculously easy. And guess what? The kids do love it. Everything from the wreaths to the pine cone ornaments. The season begins |
Lisa M. WhiteAboutI'm not a chef; just a homecook enthusiast who loves to feed my family and friends. I'm a red meat eating, cheeseburger lover. And, there's nothing better than a cold, crisp, Coca-Cola® served with lime to accompany that.
I'm a firm believer food is love, and love is food. Categories
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