Grin & Bear It

What Works for me Wednesday! (holiday version)

>> Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Ok- lets talk Christmas cards....

Yes, I am one of those people that have always sent Christmas cards. In my quest to be more green, the thought of not sending cards this year did cross my mind, but poeey on that. There are ways to be green and still send cards. SEND HOMEMADE!!!! I started making my own Christmas cards a few years ago and though I always complain about it, I'm glad I do it. Not only is it "green", but I couldn't see the sense of spending $5-$12 for a 10 pack of cards when I have quite an address list of people to send to. Not to mention, in my opinion, receiving a homemade card is personal and cute.

This year I got the boys on board to help. I'm not sure where I found this idea, but this is what we did and the cards are great! I'm not showing the final result, because...umm.....you will get one in the mail and I don't want to ruin the surprise, but trust me they will be cool (and homemade by 2 creative boys).

Cool Artsy Cards
(What you need)
Tissue paper
Fancy scissors
White glue
Tin foil
Glitter/Sparkles/Sequins
Foam brush
Blank Card

I cut up tissue paper with some fancy scissors

Mixed the white glue with a little water

Spread the glue mixture on the tinfoil, then let the boys loose with the peices of tissue paper

Once finished, I spread another layer of the glue mixture over the tissue paper and added sequins.

I then let the peices of our art dry on the counter and plan to cut them up for the cards. Aren't you excited to get the card now and see how they turn out? ha!

Cards are a great way to send cheer for the holiday season, especially for those in your life that you haven't seen in a while. I always look forward to receiving cards from all my long distant friends and family. Hope you send cards and if you do, maybe you will think about a homemade card!

Have a green holiday!!

Update

>> Tuesday, December 9, 2008

I've upgraded and updated!

www.babyhomepages.net/babyjonas

Check it out~

Twas the night.....

>> Sunday, December 7, 2008

Twas the night before Sunday
One couldn't see the moon
It was snowing so bad,
but mommy was leaving soon

The boys were getting ready
to be nestled in bed
to soon be dreaming
of Monster trucks roaring in their head

While Daddy all dopped up
and dinner in the crock
Mommy snuck out of the house
and made sure the doors were locked

She drove to Ann Arbor
Bought her ticket for TWILIGHT
Met her friend, Sarah
and shared a drink and a bite

Sat in the dark
laughed and cried at the end
Then fell in love with Edward Cullen
all over again

Woe is me!

>> Thursday, December 4, 2008

I'm wearing this

snowy mittens Pictures, Images and Photos

and this is my view

When just a few months ago I was wearing this

and this was my view

I'm cold

and missing the sunshine and warmth!

WOE IS ME!!!!!!

GIVE AWAY DAY~

>> Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Sew-Mama-Sew is hosting a "Give Away Blog Day". You gotta check this out. All handmade goods up for grabs.

~Gotta love handmade~

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=650

What Works for me Wednesday!

The Christmas countdown is on. In my house we do a Christmas Advent Calendar. Some of you have your own family traditions but this is a fun way to bring the true meaning of Christmas into your traditions.

I made our Advent Calendar a few years ago. I used a heavy cotton for the wall hanging and used felt for the pockets. I hand cut most of the pocket embelishments and craft glued them on (for some of the embelishments I used stickers that are for scrapbooking but they were too cute to pass up and have held up well over the past couple years). I put a piece of paper in each pocket that states the scripture verse we are to read, the carol we are to sing, who is in charge of the treat, the activity that we are to do and the theme for the day. An example:

(Gingerman Pocket)

Craft: Gingerbread men puppets
Scripture: John 6:28-35
Theme: Bread of Life
Song/Activity: Make Gingerbread houses

There are lots of ways you can make an Advent. There are also lots of different things you can do with your Advent. Some read Christmas books, some give little treats, some sing songs for each day and the list goes on and on. Check out this site for more ideas on making your own Advent: http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2008/11/advent-calendar.html