Sugarplums and Gingerbread: Create a Tree Good Enough to Eat

Make it a magical holiday for children of all ages when you create this yummy tree that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Just imagine the awe on the faces of the little ones when they see a tree filled with all sorts of good things to eat, such as gingerbread boys and wrapped chocolate truffles. You can create this tree as your main tree or as an additional smaller supplemental tree. The idea also works well for anyone just starting out in their home, because the “ornaments” can be had easily. If you plan the tree out with … Continue reading

Create a Cozy Rustic Holiday Table

A sturdy log crackling in the fireplace as you gather around a cozy table set somewhere in a log cabin in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. Isn’t that a nice thought? Well you can create a rustic holiday table even if you have never set foot outside of Florida or if your Thanksgiving or Christmas table will be set in a small apartment in New York City. It is all a matter of decorating, accessorizing and setting the mood. Here are some ideas to help you create that rustic and cozy feeling of having a holiday in the mountains. … Continue reading

Top Tree Trimming Trends

What are the hottest looks that will be decorating trees this season? Here are some of the most popular ideas that we have been spotting around the country. Wide Ribbon One trend that is new but at the same time timeless is using wide ribbon (usually in a shimmery gold or silver) to decorate the tree in place of tinsel. Not only does this give an elegant look, but the ribbon is much more kid- and baby-friendly than that tinsel. Color coordinate the rest of the tree with the overall look in your room. Black and White From a really … Continue reading

Our First Snow

Today is an exciting day here in Pennsylvania. That is because we are experiencing our very first snow of the season. and not only is it any snow, but it is a gently falling, Christmas type snow that you generally only see in movies and on screen savers. Nestled here in the woods, the snow is creating a magical show for the little ones and myself. My oldest is still in school, and I can just picture him anxiously tapping his foot, waiting for school to let him out into this winter wonderland. Another reason that I am so excited … Continue reading

Let the Animals Decorate for Christmas

Want a whimsical Christmas decorating idea that comes straight from the wonderful world of Disney? Here is a cute idea that you’ll want to try over and over again. Have you seen the movie Enchanted, yet? With all of the previews, movie clips and interviews, I feel as though I have already seen the movie, even without actually going to the theater. One of the prevailing themes in the movie a play on the traditional Disney films with all of the helpful happy woodland creatures that are available to assist the Disney princesses. And then there are the holiday movies, … Continue reading

A few Country Christmas Ideas

Do you like country decorating? It’s something people tend to love or hate. However, even those who don’t care for it when it comes to everyday décor may find that Country Christmas decorating adds a cozy feel and a sense of charm. The key to country Christmas decorating, is keeping basic country décor guidelines in mind. That means it’s simple, comfortable, casual, warm, and there is nothing strict or stringent about it. You can use handmade decorations, rustic items, natural elements, antiques, and even the oldest of your ornaments and other holiday decorations. Don’t call them hand-me-downs, think of them … Continue reading

Christmas Countdown: Make Room for New Toys

If you don’t want to be left with a mess this January, then now is the time to de-clutter all of those toys and make plenty of room for the things Santa brings. I’ve been putting our Christmas tree up in stages, when I am done with my morning workload and the little ones nap. That gives me about a 30 minute window each day. On day one, I put the tree together, and then on day two, I wound it with lights. Today is day three, and I’ve carted down a box of Christmas decorations to be put up … Continue reading

The Upside-Down Christmas Tree

Upside-down Christmas trees are a hot thing this year. Learn all about them right here, including where they came from and where you can get one today. Last Friday, Black Friday to be exact, our family enjoyed some time out at a local botanical garden to see Christmas shows and holiday lights. We had a great time, and decided to come in from the cold for a bit to enjoy a nice meal in the gourmet cafeteria. As we were finishing up our dinners, and the kids were enjoying some gingerbread, we started talking about one of the Christmas trees … Continue reading

The Perfect Christmas Tree

This year, I am seriously thinking of having a perfect “theme” tree. Usually, we have our traditional tree that is an eclectic mix of paper ornaments, glass balls, tiny plastic reindeer and anything that might have caught the eye of a child anytime in the last 40 years. But I also dream of another tree, one whose branches yield a more cohesive style, where the ornaments all match and everything is planned out. I have been pouring through home magazines and catalogues dreaming of the perfect decorated Christmas tree. There is the rustic cabin in the woods kind of tree, … Continue reading

5 Kitchen Design Solutions for Easy Accessibility

When designing a new kitchen or a kitchen upgrade, why not consider some design solutions for easy accessibility? There are a few reasons to make the consideration toward accessibility. For yourself: If you plan on being in your house for a long time, you may grow to appreciate some features that make for easier living as you age. For guests: Older relatives such as parents and in-laws will feel more comfortable visiting your home. For buyers: Having smart solutions in your kitchen will make your home more attractive to a wider range of buyers, when it comes time to sell. … Continue reading