Merry Christmas

by Meredith

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013!  Wishing you love, joy and peace in the new year and always...

Festive Tights

by Meredith

A simple way to stay warm and add flare to any winter outfit is by adding tights.  I'm sure you already own a pair of black or brown, but mix it up and add some color.  You'll be suprised how many comliments you get.

My favorite brand is Hue.

Chocolate Crinkles

by Meredith

These are my favorite Christmas cookie.

Blue Ribbon Crinkles

• 1/2 C. vegetable oil
• 1 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 2 C. ganulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 t. vanilla
• 1 C. flour
• 2 t. baking poweder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1 C. powdered sugar

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes
Makes six dozen

Mix oil, chocoate and sugar in bowl. Blend in one egg at a time until well mixed.
In separate bowl, mix vanilla, flour, baking power and salt together. Once well mixed, stir into oil mix.
Chill several hours or over night.
Take teaspoon and form small balls out of batter. Roll in powder sugar and place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Cool cookies, but place small marshmellow in center before completely cool.
Mix up simple chocolate frosting or buy canned frosting. Drip over center.

Christmas Lights

by Meredith

This is my home, completely covered in LED Christmas lights, and thanks to the awesome work of my father. #MerryChristmas

Is your house still dark this holiday?  There is still time to decorate.  :)

 

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

by Meredith

We are now walking in a winter wonderland in Minnesota.  This weekend we got up to 10 inches in the Twin Cities, and even more in some parts!  In celebration of the snowy season, I am sharing this picture of what I call strong and true "snow birds," courtesy of my friend who saw these little guys trying to cozy up the past couple of days.

Afternoon Holiday Tea

by Meredith

Host an afternoon tea this holiday season.  Grab Grandma's teapots and teacups and invite loved ones over for a tea.  Here's all you need: 

• Teapots and teacups
• Classical or vintage mucus
• Candles to create ambiance
• Server a variety of petit fours, scones, fruit, cheeses, crackers, sugar cookies and of course chocolate. Display on china platters
• Set out bouquets of pink and white flowers.
• Take Polaroid snapshots of guests to add to the fun
• Encourage guests to dress up complete with heels, hats and gloves. 

{Blueberry Almond Scones and Lemon Curd via Bonne Nouvelle}

{Cucumber Sandwiches are a must}

Holiday Cards

by Meredith

To me, there's nothing better than receiving a traditional, hand-written holiday card via snail mail during the Christmas season.  You can either buy them from the store or make them yourself.  Gather your loved ones addresses and tell them how much they mean to you.  You'll make their day and it's a simple, inexpensive way to show you care.

 

Hand Painted Ornaments

by Meredith

In need of a few little gifts this holiday season?  Here's a creative idea.  Pick up some ornaments (plastic or glass) and acrylic paint, then create your own beautiful tree ornaments.  You can make the design as complicated or simple as you want and they will still be stunning.  Guaranteed your friends and family will love them.  This makes a nice, small thoughtful present, or use them to decorate the outside of a present by attaching it near the top by the bow for an add-on.

This can also make for a fun activity to do with kids this holiday season.

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

CaringBridge

by Meredith

During this season of care, I want to plug an organization I've become acquainted and really appreciate, CaringBridge.  This web organization allows you to create your own web page/blog and share information about a person's health.  You can make it as private as you want, and can easily share it with those you want.  If someone you care about ever has a major health crisis, friends and family want to know what's going on - and you want them too.  However, if you've ever experienced this firsthand, you can understand how trying it is to keep everyone in the loop - especially when conditions are changing daily.  This is so much more simple than jumping on the phone with everyone to tell the same, long, detailed story over and over again.  This way all those 'details' can be explained one time.  And, those who care can still call and just say hello and ask how they can help instead because everyone will already know the nasty details.  Better yet - those who care, can post messages of love and support on the page, and the person experiencing all of the terribleness can read them and know how much they are cared about.

Of course you never want to 'need' a space like this, but when someone does... I highly recommend and support this organization.

Happy Thanksgiving

by Meredith

Lakes of Wood

by Meredith

For the past five years or so I've gone to my local craft fairs and have seen the Lakes of Wood booth.  I've always wanted to buy one of our lake for my family, and this year I finally did.  I cannot wait to give this gift Christmas morning.

If you know someone else who has and loves a home or a cabin on a lake in the Midwest, this is a great idea.

Keep Calm

by Meredith

Sometimes I think I should know how to handle everything that comes flying at me because doesn't everyone else?  The truth is no, most others don't know what they are doing either.  They just try to make good decisions.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a guidebook to life?  If you find one let me know.

Give Thanks with an Open Heart

by Meredith

The season of giving thanks is here.  Gratitude is an important value for my family.  Ever since I was old enough to speak, my Dad taught me to say thank you to those who have gone out of there way to help me or gave me something - no matter how big or small.  And for every gift (birthday, holiday, milestone) my Mom sat me down at the table and had me hand write thank you cards.

Now all grown up I seem to look at life through a brand new lens, and I find myself to be truly thankful for all things in my life, not just the things people give me.

However lately with all that has been going on I've often forgot all the things I am grateful for.  So, I've decided to come up with thing for each day of November.

{I'm thankful for each sunrise. Photo I took in Hawaii - Sunrise from Haleakalā}

1. My family. I don't know where I would be without them.
2. Jesse. My best friend and love.
3. My friends. They bring me more joy than they will ever know.
4. My health. So important. I will never take it for granted!
5. My home. A safe place I can go no matter what and anytime.
6. My cabin. A home away from home and my absolute favorite place on earth. Thank you Grandpa for buying the land and building our cabin.
7. My church. A space and family that I can lean on for support and guidance.
8. My pet turtle. Macy brings so much happiness, and reminds me just how special animals are.
9. My education. I feel so blessed to have gone to school, college and graduate school to receive an amazing education - something no one can ever take away.
10. Music. I am thankful I know how to play piano and love going to concerts. I believe music speaks to the soul and allows you to feel in many ways.
11. My job. I'm grateful to have a job in the career field I wanted, a place I can learn from with supportive colleagues.
12. Having plenty of food in my kitchen. This is something I often forget and take for granted.
13. My furnace. I appreciate this more than ever on a day like today!
14. Clean water. Another thing I take for granted all the time.
15. A stable car. Thank goodness I have something to get me where I need to go.
16. Doctors and health insurance, The people I can do to when I'm lost and not sure who to turn to.
17. Military. I may not understand what they do all the time, but I'm glad there are people who will serve and protect my freedom.
18. Sunshine. Something that I look forward to seeing each day.
19. Cameras. For recording all the memories, which is what life truly becomes.
20. Laughter. A gift that can cure almost anything.
21. My phone. A treasure I use all the time to connect with those I love.
22. Clothes. I'm so grateful of the nice clothing I have and that I have enough money to choose what I wear and create my own identity.
23. My computer. A joy for sharing and storing information and connecting with loved ones.
24. Greeting cards. Maybe I'm old fashioned - but, I love getting mail that I hold, read and keep.
25. Surprises. Even though I'm not very spontaneous, I love the feeling I get from them.
26. Holidays. I am thankful that there are days in the year we just take the time to be together and slow down.
27. My gym membership. I'm glad I have a place to go and exercise and relieve stress.
28. Traveling. I'm thankful I live in a world where we can freely travel beyond borders and see new, exciting and beautiful places.
29. The four seasons. Even if most days I wish I lived on a beach, I'm grateful to live in an area that experiences all four seasons.
30. Crafts. I love that we have the ability to create and inspire others.

Vintage Scarfs

by Meredith

While Gram and I were looking through some of her things, we came across a box full of her little scarfs.  They were very popular in the 50's.  She let me have them and absolutely adore pairing them with an outfit for color.  You can find them all over vintage stores.

Election Day

by Meredith

I love politics, while at the same time hating them.  Regardless of what you believe, whether you and I agree or disagree, I hope you vote and are willing to stand up for what you believe, and are willing to tell me and others what you think if asked.  Take a stance, but allow yourself to listen to others and think about what they have to say.  Then act on what is the best outcome for those affected by it, not only yourself.  This is what is missing in Washington.

Happy Election Day.

The Wizard of Oz

by Meredith

I love Halloween, the candy, the pumpkins, scary stories, the kiddos out and about and the costumes!  For everyone that was curious to see my what I came up with this year, see below.  My Dorothy turned out just as I wanted.  I was happy Jesse came around to becoming the Cowardly Lion too.  What do you think, do we make a cute pair?

Until next year! Now, on to November...

Clever Pumpkin Carving Idea

by Meredith

Still need some pumpkin carving inspiration, but running out of time?  Here's a clever idea.  Last year I cleaned out a pumpkin and used a drill to put holes all over.  It took about 1/3 of the time as a very detailed design, but I think is just as awesome.

Want some other pattern ideas?  I like Better Homes and Gardens' website.

Dorothy

by Meredith

This year, I'm channeling Judy Garland's Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz for Halloween.  Since, I experimented with a wig last year, I'm hooked.  I'm picking one up this week.  Think the blonde Scandinavian can pull it off?  Now all I need is a Toto...

Hang tight for pictures!

Gull Lake

by Meredith

This past weekend two of my best friends from college and I spent the weekend at Gull Lake, near Baxter, Minnesota. We used it as a mini escape from our real world in the Twin Cities.  It was fantastic and I came back rejuvenated.  Besides having some great conversations, we spent a lot of time drinking wine, checking out downtown Nisswa, taking time to watch a movie and some TV, painting, going for walks, sleeping in and eating some really good food. Everyone deserves a weekend like this multiple times a year.

"Life is all memory, except for the present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going." ~ Tennessee Williams

{Megan's family cabin}

{Some of the gorgeous scenery}

{Downtown Nisswa - The Chocolate Ox}