Around Here: Christmas Edition

We are gearing up to hit the road and gather with brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, nanna and papa for Christmas. Gabriel has been counting down by how many naps he has to take before we leave. Can hardly contain our excitement:) Here is a glimpse of the holiday happenings around our house...

Turned these....

..into this. A silver and gold bulb chandelier to offset the not so pretty ceiling fixture in our rental home:) Work with what you got, and make it your own, right?

(Tie ribbon through and around ends of ornaments and make sure to measure each ribbon strand as you go along to tier. I tied the other ends to the bottom of the light fixture.)

(spools of Midori ribbon)

If I can't paint the door red, I WILL hang a flaming red wreath.

(Her favorite perch. Front and center.)

A well loved tree that seems to gather clusters of ornaments on a single branch close to the level of two eager little toddlers...

The benefits of baking with mama.

(To officially welcome all guests.)

I am super jealous of all of you who got pummeled in snow. 

As much as I love the mild Atlanta winters, I am dreaming of a White Christmas. I am hoping St. Louis will pull through for us:) Happy December from our family to yours!

Love, Anna

We have only the present: Tidings of Good Will

I have heard so many stories recently from friends, family, and strangers alike who are going through some really difficult times. Financial strain, loss of a loved one, illness, family problems, etc. There are many who are hurting, and it can especially hit hard during Christmas. This always weighs heavy on my heart, but this year, I resolved to talk less and act more.

What started as a facebook thread expressing this resolution, turned into a surprisingly awe inspiring day for me as I read comments and received emails from readers who have chosen to do something for their neighbors and communities this year. It moved me to tears. Big and small things alike. I am going to share some of them with you here, in hopes it will inspire you as well to do small things with great love this advent season. I am pretty sure BIG things can result because of it.

(photo by my talented sister Angela, quote source ?)

"I'm paying it forward! Every time I go through the drive-thru, paying for the persons behind me & serving a few hours a week." - Amanda

I'm going to get some shoes and possibly a little jacket (it's getting cool here) for the little talibe that is always outside the kids school. I usually give him a few coins every day so he can warn earn his bread but he really needs clothes and shoes  In the US we always do toy drives and volunteer at shelters. The need here is so great it's hard to know where to start. - Ashley

 We want our child(ren) to know what it's like to spend their own "hard-earned" money to buy a gift for a child their age and give it to him/her personally. In return, they will receive something for Christmas on an equal level. - Hannah

(Claudia at the Okinawa-shi is Airen-En Orphanage in Japan)

I live in Japan and the culture that they have towards children with disabilities and/or in need is very secretive. After much CIA style kind of research and networking, I finally got to visit an orphanage. Now I go every other saturday and spend there from 8-12 with a group of volunteers. We teach the kiddos english and we just love them. It is so rewarding, it is indeed a reality check. We have such a blessed life! Giving is the best gift for us!!! - Claudia

All throughout the year, we donate to our food bank and for Christmas, we donate to the Mission - Christmas dinners. They provide the placemats that will be used and we can write a note of encouragement and love on them. - Emily

I got a gift card in the mail, went to Kohl's, and didn't find what I was looking for. I thought about just trying to find something else, but then an idea popped into my mind. I went up to the register and handed it to a lady with two daughters. It was AWESOME to feel the paradox of 'the more you give, the more you have'. - Katy

How about giving someone handmade "gift cards" of ways you can think of to serve them & then making them promise to cash them in before the end of Dec or end of Jan? Like a night of babysitting, a closet clearing partner, a yoga dvd buddy. Things that wouldn't cost much money on your part, just time, & would possibly also lead to more time with that person just in a very intentional way. - Hilary

I have a friend who really felt called to help with the victims of hurricane Sandy that are facing the holiday's with nothing. She did some research and ended up connecting with a parish near the Jersey Shore that has 3 different facilities housing people and is in need of help. My friend (Jessica ) Gutierrez) got a 24 foot truck donated and is working on filling it with supplies which she will herself drive to church on December 14th. -JoAnna

All of these comments have literally made me weep. You are all such a blessing to our cold, tough world. THANK YOU and THANK GOD FOR YOU and for your efforts. You are the true spirit of Christmas. - Christina

(artwork by Lena Hanzel)

So what am I going to do about this?
Having two little ones may limit it me in how or where I can serve, but they are my first project. To love my family, brothers, sisters, parents, neighbors, and friends. Often we are the ones that need the most love, right? 

Hurricane Sandy "Fill the Truck" Project - (thank you to my parish and JoAnna for the heads up!) A woman in our area was inspired to directly help Hurricane Sandy victims on the east coast. She got a 24 foot truck donated she is trying to fill with supplies by Dec. 14th to be taken to a church in New Jersey. It will then be handed to victims in need. I am hoping to rally help for this from friends and neighbors. If you are in the Atlanta area, feel free to email me for more info on the supplies needed.

Handwritten Christmas Notes to Friends - not just a family photo (in fact we aren't even doing those this year), but an old school handmade card with hand written notes to new and old friends alike. (thank you Hilary for the idea!)

Knocking on the doors of neighbors - Its so easy even in the friendly south to go months without seeing or talking to neighbors. I am determined to knock on their door, say hello and bake their way into their hearts. We all need a smile and reminder that we matter.

Giving Tree - There is a tree at our church that was filled with requests from local needy children. Shoes, cribs, socks, coats...I wanted to take them all, but my friends and I were able to get a small bunch of them and shop for what they needed. Sometimes I wish I were rich so I could do things like buy that little giving tree out of stock!

Our Landlord knocked $200 off our rent! It pretty much made our year. What we are going to do with that money? Address the list above. We have a whole list of people we have been wanting to help. God never can be outdone in generosity.

What about you? I would love to hear your ideas. My list is open for growth. These readers above reminded me how much goodness is in humanity. Hope you will join me in spreading Tidings of Good Will this year:)

* If you are doing acts of service in the next few weeks. Tweet with the hashtag #TidingsofGoodWill and you can check out and be encouraged by others doing the same! 

Top 5: Favorite Christmas Albums

We can probably all agree that Christmas music has the ability to brighten the gloomiest of days. Right? Well I have a whole playlist that I go through from the start of advent through Christmas day. My family has probably a thousand and three Christmas traditions, and music is a part of that.

The Christmas Albums that Top My List:

1. Bing's White Christmas album will always top the list. I have listened and danced to this album with my sisters for as long as I can remember. It immediately brings Christmas spirit into my heart.

2. Manheim Steamroller - Christmas in the aire and Extroardinaire. My dad would always save this for Christmas morning before all of us would trample downstairs. It was the signal that St. Nicholas had come. I probably will continue this with my own children:)

3. White by Craig Kaelin. I have had this on repeat this week. Incredibly peaceful. I can't get enough.

4. Andy Williams. This tops both Gabe and I's favorites list. The classics always hit home. We even had this as a record. Who doesn't love his rendition of "Its the most wonderful time of the year?"

5. Little Women. I can't even get started on this or my overly sentimental heart will weep. It reminds me of the happy memories of growing up with many sisters, and we all love this one especially at Christmas time.

Honorable Mentions: George Winston, Sarah McLachlan, Chicago (my dad's fave), Charlie Brown Christmas, and Mariah Carey, Amy Grant (my mom's fave)

What about you? Top Christmas album??

Happy Thanksgiving! + A Pear to Spare Table Setting

We have some family in town that has to leave tomorrow, so we are celebrating our thanksgiving today! I already smell like bacon and celery...an odd combo. Anyways, thought you might like a peak at what our table settings will look like. I just spray painted some mini pears and pumpkins for the place card holders and used an exacto knife to cut a slit for the name tags.

I have two pairs of chubby little hands helping me in the kitchen today while my husband hangs Christmas lights. These are the things that fill my heart to the brim, and that I am most thankful for. Wishing you all a very blessed thanksgiving with loved ones!

Love, Anna

IHOD Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Its finally here:) This year, I decided to tackle the IHOD Gift Guide despite my common sense telling me to let it go and save the time. I knew the hours it would require, but to me, this is a way of giving back to the handmade community I was once a part of, supporting small business America, and giving my readers a big fat Christmas Gift. I couldn't let it go. I have to say, I am so happy I plugged through. I have a feeling you are going to love this one!

I really hope this proves to be a helpful guide to you this Holiday Season in making your hours of waiting in line shorter and your time with your loved ones a little more special. The guide is jam packed with affordable gift options and exclusive discount codes. You will also discover many handmade gift and recipe ideas from brilliant bloggers to add a personal touch to your gifts this season.

Special thanks to these pretty amazing ladies who made this all possible:
Andrea Dozier- Andrea Dozier Photography
Kiersten Frase- Oh My Veggies
Jenny Batt - Hank and Hunt
Amanda Marshall -  Marshall's Abroad
Natalie Pirvey - Creme de la Craft
Leah Bergman - Freutcake
Morgan & Carrie - Ampersand Design Studio

Full list of discounts you will find throughout the guide:
Minted - 10% off any holiday purchases. Obtain code here.
Rifle Paper Co.- 10% off the featured section with code IHOD10.
Eloise Renouf Prints - 15% off entire site with code IHOD15
Judy Kaufmann - 15% off the I love my city print with code CITY15
Paper Fashion - Free shipping on all orders with code PAPERHOLIDAY
LeMode Accessories - Free Shipping on all orders over $40 with code IHOD
Skoope Home - 10% off sitewide with code IHODGG10
BLANQI - But a long fit Black Bodystyler, get a second bodystyler free
Mochi Things - 15% off entire order with code IHOD15
Loren Hope - 15% off Red Stud Earrings with code IHOD15
Jerseys Freshest - 10% off Mitten Card with code IHOD12
Waiting on Martha - 15% off Initial Necklace with code IHOD15
Gaby Burger - 15% off Tessa Necklace with code IHOD15 until Nov. 19th
Jen Ramos - 20% off with code LOVEHOLIDAY until Dec. 2nd
Velina Bracelets - 15% off Cicely Bracelet. Email erica@velinabracelets.com for code
The White Ribbon - 10$ off Gold Ballet Flats with code IHODGOLD
Design Darling - 15% off Gold Foil Notebook or Gold Lacquer Tray with code IHOD15
The Silver Acorn - 25% off your purchase with cold Silver25 until Dec. 25th
A Sensible Habit - 15% off canning stamp with code IHOD15 until Jan. 31st
Printing Grounds - 15% off Tea Towel Set with code IHOD15
Twig Creative - 20% off wooden cameras with code IHOD20
Hilary Frazier - Free shipping on Pink or Blue Felt Booties with code HFFREESHIP
Bla Bla Kids - 10% off site with code IHOD10 until Dec. 19th
Freja Toys - 10% off site with code EXTRA10 (check out Christmas sale) until Dec. 30th
Natty Bratty - 10% off Felt Bows with code IHOD10
Oompa Toys - 12% off for new customers with code 124IHOD until Dec. 31st
A Summer Afternoon - 10% off Wooden Tool Bench with code IHOD10
Soap for your Soul - 10% off Shave Brush or Shave Soap with code IHOD10
Hella Slingshots -15% off with code HELLASLINGSHOTS
Ruby Rockwell - 15% off entire site with code RRW0106
Roxy Marj - 15% off Spotted Envelopes with code IHOD15
Chi Chi Dee - 15% off Turban Headband with code IHOD15 until Dec. 12th
Banana Splits Boutique - 10% off sitewide with code IHOD10
Fort and Field - 20% off sitewide with code IHOD20
Olive Manna - 20% off sitewide with code IHOD until Dec. 31st
Besotted Brand - 30% off Initial Wax Seal Stamp with code IHOD30

I hope you enjoy, and please by all means, share the gift guide with loved ones and friends. It would be so much appreciated! Let the Holiday Season begin:)
Love, Anna

Handmade Holiday Gifts: Wrapping Paper Framed Prints

This is a gift you could give to any friend, sister, or relative who has their own place and appreciates decor:) Its as easy as it sounds. Find some fun wrapping paper (or even wall paper) with no shine finish.

I picked out some printed paper at Midori. Its nice and think with no gloss or shine finish.

Instructions: Find a matte and frame that will compliment your paper well. (I found a great one at Pottery Barn, but usually find frames at thrift stores.) Measure and cut your paper accordingly. Tape the wrapping paper to the back of the matte frame using acid free tape if possible. This is a fun way to personalize a gift for a loved one. You can get a couple prints out of one gift wrap sheet or roll.Would love to see your outcome if you choose to make! (Last weeks handmade holiday gift here.)

Love, Anna

P.S. Last call for sponsors for the IHOD Gift Guide! Only a few spots left. Lots of exposure guaranteed:) Please email for info.

Handmade Gift Giving! For the Gents: DIY Man Throw

When I was younger, my family would all do their best to make each other handmade gifts or give something we already had. The memories of these Christmas gifts have long outlasted the others. Maybe that is why gifting handmade is so near and dear to me.

I know its early, but I am bursting with ideas and projects to share and encourage you to gift handmade to your loved ones this year:) And guess what, its all aimed to save you money too! Today is for the menfolk...

{Red and white ribbon c/o Midori}

Man throw: A blanket that is soft, warm, and manly enough for them to take camping with them.

Materials: Fabric, Thread, Sewing machine

Level: Easy

Cost: $25

I found this fabric at Joann Fabrics. Its a suede/fleece double sided fabric that is blanket ready. If you bring your 50% off coupon (print it online) you can get two yards for $25.  

Instructions: To finish it as a blanket, simply fold over the edges (1/2 in.) and line with pins. Sew your hem all the way around. And your finished! Easy right? (*You can always try fabric glue for the hem if you want to opt for a no-sew version.)

Looking forward to sharing more projects with you!

P.S. I now have Holiday Gift Guide advertising info available to view online. Email me for the link! :)

Giving Back: Gratitude Gift Tags

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." ~Melody Beattie 

Welcome friends from RADIANT! 

Enjoy your Gratitude Gift Tags and share with us how you plan to use them!

Download your own set of gratitude gift tags here.

A round up of Christmas goodness...

( Classy in the city via pinterest)

(notetoself via pinterest)

(Haley Sheffield via pinterest)

(via the Big White Farmhouse)

(via

(source unknown via pinterest)

Unplugging for the next few days to maximize my time with family and prepare my heart for the coming of the newborn King:) Will be putting up one more post before Christmas, dedicated to him.

Wishing you all a beautiful week surrounded by loved ones, and filled with the joy that only the Christ child can bring! 

P.S. Over on Natalie's blog today sharing my favorite Christmas tradition. It involves a whole night series of traditions in one night! ;)

Wrapping as Red as Rudolph's Nose + Link Up!

As you may know, I am addicted to packaging ideas. 

Gabe and I get really excited to pick out what will be St. Nicks wrapping paper to the kids, and what will be the rest. I found all my supplies at Hobby Lobby this year. Their wrapping paper is thick + it has a grid on the back to help cut straight lines. Double plus. Here are a few that are sitting under our tree...

Would LOVE to see your wrapping ideas! 

Link up below if you have a wrapping and packaging related post. It can be from whenever, and doesn't require a link back. You only need to leave a title and the link to the post! That way, everyone else can see your post as well:) If you create the post in the next week, definately link back so more people can join the fun!

Counting down the days till the big birthday of the King of Kings on the 25th!!

The Advent Conspiracy + Gift of Time Certificate

I saw this for the first time last year, and it really changed my game plan for the Christmas season. This is worth the 2 minutes and 39 seconds of your day....

I posted this again on facebook this year, and my friend Marisol had this super fantastic idea. She asked me to create a gift certificate of time to give her loved ones this Christmas, since she has been so busy lately. I realized that this was something we all could use from our loved ones, and could also in turn give to loved ones. I created this certificate to share with you, in hopes that it comes in handy this advent and Christmas, as we attempt to slow down the crazy world around us and make time for those who matter most. 

You can download your own to print for free. I set it up so that you can print three to a page!

I hope this helps bring back the true meaning of Christmas to someone in your life!

Wishing you all a very beautiful advent season!

Wreaths that make me swoon...

As I told you before, wreaths seem to make a home come to life. When I saw these ideas over at Style at Home I found myself lost in a winter wonderland daydream....breathtaking.

The blue spruce wreath on the white swing doors made my heart skip a beat. I know, who would think a wreath could do so? You should go ahead and check out the other amazing Holiday decor ideas over at Style at Home. 

You might be there a while just to warn you;)

P.S. Sorry for posting being sporadic timing this week! Still traveling and enjoying family, but I have some fun posts still coming up! Hope you all get a nice break this week to be with loved ones!

Take 3: Halloween DIY's

A few of my favorite finds for Halloween that you can try yourself!

Glass Glitter Pumpkin via FabulousK

Trick or treat bags - pinterest via Paper Crave

Chalkboard Paint Pumpkins via Babble

Hoping to hit up the pumpkin farm this weekend to try those chalkboard paint pumpkins:)

House to Home: Letting Fall in....

Fall, is my favorite time of year. May and October are my favorite months. Maybe because its the turn of the seasons. I decided when Gabe and I first got married that a wreath on the front door from fall through winter is just necessary. It makes a home look lived in, don't ya think? Even if its a really tacky one! I hit up one of my favorite spots last week to get supplies to make an autumn wreath since our previous one was crushed during the move:/ (Its pretty simple if you would like to try one yourself.)

The apples from our apple orchard visit...

And of course, candy corn because my husband is crazy about it. And so is my two year old son. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree my friends...

How are you letting autumn into your home?

I love hearing your ideas!

Update: for those of you who asked, I purchased the doormat at IKEA! 

DIY's for your Easter Weekend

Wanted to share these fun DIY's for your Easter weekend. A few details that you can easily make to add to  some easter baskets or gifts for friends and family!

(Paper Flowers- Martha Stewart via Perpetually Engaged)

(Easter Candy Box via ISLY)

(Peeps Printable via Beth Proud Foot)

My wonderful mother and brothers and sisters came in town this week to visit with little Veronica and spend Easter all together:) I wish they lived close by. We only get to see eachother a few times a year:(

Enjoying this time though, and preparing for this special time of year (Holy Week). 

Will sneak in one more post before Easter!

P.S. I can't thank you all enough for your sweet words of congrats for our little girl. I am so thankful for you reaching out. Hoping to get back to you all soon!

Also, if you have the chance to vote today.......still smiling over this nomination! It would be cool to make the Top 25! Nothing in it for me-just great to connect with some amazing mama bloggers!

Take 3: St. Patrick's Day Eats!

(via One Charming Party)

(via Twig and Thistle)

(via Skip to My Lou)

I may not be Irish, but my husband and son are so I would say I am by default, right? How are you celebrating? Teh story of St. Patrick is awesome, and I think he deserves at least some good party food or drink in his honor! Here are a few I found that I wanted to share with you!

Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind words, prayers, and support yesterday! It means the world to me, because I believe prayer is powerful! Also, a huge welcome to all the new readers this week! I hope to be able to keep in touch with you! 

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!! 

P.S. I got to be a part of a very fun interview over on Amma's Blog if you have the chance to come visit!

For the Candied Popcorn recipe, Read more below!

DIY: Wordless Tutorials from Pilli Pilli

Heart Toppers, Cork Bunting

I recently discovered Pilli Pilli and ate my heart out of these Wordless Tutorials...

I had to share with you! If you haven't tried a DIY before, now is the time....you can't get any simpler/cuter than these! 

I have a few more super sweet DIY's to share with you before V-day so grab your crafty hat friends:) 

P.S. I am giving away a little Valentine's Day goodie on the facebook page today:)

Champagne + Sparkles - last post of 2010

(source: 1, 2, 3)

2010 has been nothing short of an adventure. As I had hoped, I have learned life lessons, made new friends, been reunited with old and dear ones, been stretched to the limit, accomplished new things through the grace of God, and have been humbled through the love of my family. I really can't wait for 2011:D I am working on some resolutions. What are yours?? 

THANKYOU for being a part of this little blog and making it so much fun for me!

Don't you love this poster? It shares some pretty wise words by a pretty wise guy you might recognize;) Will see you in the New Year! You can bet I will be celebrating with champagne and sparkles...