December To-DIDS!

Ok, so, I was never out of the action, just a different kind of action. I work at the world's second largest package sorting facility. AKA Santa's workshop. AKA UPS. During the Holiday season, I basically cease to exist to friends and family. I love my job but I wish our busy time was in July instead of missing all of the Christmas activities with loved ones. BUT!  Its over. FINALLY!!  AND! I'm ready for more projects. I have a few to post about that I did for Christmas and through December.

First up on the list is my new burlap garland that I made for my new Christmas tree that Hubby surprised me with!  It was super easy to make and looks FABULOUS!!
Burlap Garland

I used this blogger's tree as my inspiration: http://brennaball.blogspot.com/

Its so beautiful and natural. I love me some pinecones, especially sparkly ones!

Next we did a hot chocolate bar for a Christmas party. I did not much care for the crockpot hot chocolate recipe found on pinterest.com so I shan't be posting it. BUT, we did do the Candy Cane Marshmallow swizzle sticks!  I used traditional shaped candy canes with the hook so it could stay hooked on the mug while it melted! Stick one end into a marshmallow, then dip the marshmallow in some time of chocolate and then into sprinkles or sanding sugar for sparkle!  Sit them on wax paper to harden up and you're done!  

Candy Cane Marshmallow Swizzles

A new tradition that we started in the house is the Elf on the Shelf. Never was I happier to see Christmas, than knowing that I didn't have to find new ideas for that stinkin elf, Jake, every day!  At first it was fun because Soph was very unsure of Jake. He TP-ed the tree. He roasted marshmallows over a candle. He painted her nose red. He made her elf donuts. (cheerios covered in sprinkles) He drove around in My Little Ponies' convertible with Tina, her stuffed Llama. He made snow angels on my kitchen counter. He hung snowflakes and white paper chains all over the diningroom, like in the movie, Elf. One day, he was riding a deer that was on my mantle. The list goes on and on. Glad to say that Jake is in his box, awaiting his 2013 debut. I guess I should start looking now for ideas. It was fun though. I want things to be magical for my girls. I want them to believe in elves, fairies, gnomes, Santa, the Easter Bunny, talking animals. Whatever. All with the understand of why we celebrate certain events. I just want the lives, their eyes, their imaginations to sparkles. There IS happiness in magic. Watch them when they believe.

Stay tuned...we are already back into projects full speed ahead. The diningroom is going to supercalifragilisticexpialiawesome!