Painted Votive Advent Wreath

posted on: November 30, 2012 4 Comments
paint clear votives to recreate the look of candles for your advent wreath, via @whbsblog

Advent starts this Sunday, December 2nd and normally on a day like today I am running around to a few stores to find three purple and one pink candle. I've tried painting the candles, which looked like a joke. I've thought about ordering them online, which did not happen cause well, I am not good about that. Last year, I painted some vases and stuck a candle inside and they turned out okay. They looked really great before I actually used them, but once I did, the big candles made for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, crafts, DIY, painting, traditions


7 Reasons Why We Are Never Ever Ever Doing “Elf on a Shelf”

posted on: November 29, 2012 99 Comments
7 reasons why this mom is never ever ever doing Elf on a Shelf, via @whbsblog

Disclaimer: I made this post to make myself feel better for not doing Elf on a Shelf because I’m the only mom on social media not doing it. I am not making fun of you or your elf. Please do not send him to come eat me and my children. Thank you. Ahhh, it’s that time of year. The time when everyone from real life friends, to online friends, to bloggers are posting about Elf on a Shelf. You’re probably wondering where my pictures are, but I am here to tell you, no, sing to you, that we are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, talking to you, traditions


Painted Glass Vase Advent Wreath

posted on: December 20, 2011 3 Comments
IMG_4353.jpg

Last year I forgot to take our Advent wreath out until after Christmas. This year I discovered that a hot attic is not a good place to put candles that can melt. On the third Sunday of Advent (raise your hand if you’re a slacker…), I decided I needed to do something in the way of an advent wreath. I took vases like these that I found at Goodwill and see there all the time glass vases image via Google I painted them using acrylic paint and inserted some candles I had in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, holiday decor, traditions


Evolution of a Christmas Tree, Making Your Tree Glow!

posted on: December 19, 2011 5 Comments
IMG_4342.jpg

How was your weekend? Are you all ready for Christmas?? We finished decorating around here and kinda just hung out. My little sister had a birthday party at an indoor pool (the kids loved it!) on Friday night, I worked and Doug fixed our car (new radiator – blah) Saturday afternoon, and Doug’s parents and family came over on Sunday. Each night though, we took it easy and watched movies together. It was nice. :) I’m totally not ready for Christmas, I was hoping to have my shopping … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, holiday decor, traditions


Fatad – An Italian Omelet

posted on: April 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

A dish that we have every year for Easter (and only Easter) is Fatad. (pronounced fuh-tahd) That’s what we always grew up calling it, knowing it was an Italian egg dish. But we found that if you ask anyone who is Italian, more than likely they have no idea what fatad is, lol. We thought that it was not-so-ethnic and more so made-up, but in searching Google and found that Fatad roughly translates to “omelet.” Aha!   Easter Fatad -diced Genoa salami (preferably from a good Italian … [Read more...]

Filed Under: GOOD FOOD, traditions


Apple Picking

posted on: September 21, 2010 8 Comments

Thanks for your good thoughts and sweet comments, we’re all feeling a lot better around here! :)   This past Sunday we went on our second annual trip to Edward’s Orchard. :)     Lily had about 4 apples while we were at the orchard, she loves them! Doug and Lily finding an apple for me and Ben. :) probably wondering why all the apples are on the ground, that’s an “uh oh” when she does it… mommy’s helper my two cuties and I finally got a pic … [Read more...]

Filed Under: fall into me, family, kids, traditions


Back from Christmas Break!

posted on: January 4, 2010 1 Comment
Back from Christmas Break!

Did I tell you I was going on Christmas break? I didn't, I apologize! But I'm back and will be posting more regularly now that the holiday madness has settled down, family parties are dying down, and we've FINALLY started getting rid of all those stupid sick germs being passed around the house. Here are some photos we've taken in the last few weeks!Our Tree (notice I still haven't gotten all the ornaments on... bad!)  The finished/edited tree pictures from our yard. Still have yet to print … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, family room, kids, traditions


Advent Wreath

posted on: November 30, 2009 Leave a Comment

I bought some wreaths last year at Michaels, but having pines, firs, spruces, junipers, and arborvitaes galore in my yard motivates me to make some homemade wreaths and garland. (Are you impressed by my knowledge of evergreen species?! You should be. I am, lol.) One of the jobs I took on while the guys were working on the addition was trimming the White Pine trees just outside our window sliding glass door. Here is the view from our couch looking out:See the cornfield to the right? Far back … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, dining room, traditions


recent instagram pics: