Hebrews 11:1
Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah) is a Danish word originally derived from an Old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside elements. Denmark has notoriously cold, long winters. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to help mentally combat the brutally dark, relentless winter season, and fill their homes with comfort and... Continue Reading →
I am finding it hard to get into the mood this holiday season. I think a lot of it has to do with stress at work and strife in the world. And, even though I am taking my own advice, I still feel as though this holiday is like heavy weights tied around my ankles.... Continue Reading →
It wasn't that long ago that my now teenage daughter's only wish for under the Christmas tree was a beloved Princess Anneliese dress-up dress. It was decked out in pink and sparkles. What other color would it be? Oh, how times have changed! If you live with a teenager, you know what I mean. A... Continue Reading →
"Christmas is approaching: there will be lights, parties, Christmas trees and nativity scenes ... it's all a charade. The world continues to go to war. The world has not chosen a peaceful path," Pope Francis said in a recent sermon. (Source) He said this during festivities as the Vatican unveiled its giant Christmas tree. Around... Continue Reading →
The most wonderful time of year has come and gone. I don't know if you noticed, but the stores wasted no time in putting away the Christmas merchandise and have brought out the Valentine's AND Easter candy. I know, right? But, hey, before the New Year, let's take a moment to recap the holiday season,... Continue Reading →
I designed a Christmas card this year...but in my quest to do less this year I became a total slacker. I also didn't get a few presents mailed out in time either, or even ordered in time....they will arrive after Christmas, which kind of defeats the purpose. But, hey, that's not what is important, right?... Continue Reading →
The prettiest of the cookies has to be the Macaron. This little French cookie is one I don't bake well. And, by 'don't bake well', I mean I bake something that resembles a hockey puck than a Macaron. Oh, I've tried...and failed. But this year I spied this little kit at, where else, Target. It... Continue Reading →
It's a little over a week into December. The holidays are fully upon us. Are you feeling stressed yet? I hereby give you permission to keep it simple this year by cutting the stress and relaxing. But, you say you have lots and lots of things to do. Parties to attend. People to shop for.... Continue Reading →
‘Tis the season to give…right? So, what do you get friends and family who have everything? Or, say, “I don’t need anything.” Which is true. Most of us don’t need a thing. Not so true for others around the world. The dilemma of the season: Give something special to our loved ones, because we love... Continue Reading →
Why Advent? Advent is a time of spiritual reflection and celebration leading up to the birth of Christ on December 25th. Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The word ‘Advent’ is from the Latin word “Adventus,” which means “coming.” It is more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It... Continue Reading →
I have to apologize for the late Christmas ornament post, but we made three dozen of these cupcake ornament with everyone on our gift-giving list getting one (or two). I didn't want to spoil the surprise for those gift-receivers. CUPCAKE ORNAMENTS HOW TO | These are super easy to make. You will need a tub... Continue Reading →
You know what is a real let down? Finally getting a date night with hubby, then eating a bad meal. Seriously. We eat out so little that when we finally do get a date night the meal should effing fantastic, but it wasn't, and that sucks. I know. Boo-hoo. Okay, enough whining... This weekend we... Continue Reading →
Where to begin? Yesterday, another school shooting here in Colorado. One student in critical condition, the teen shooter dead at Arapahoe High School. Today is the Sandy Hook School shooting 1 year anniversary. I had to turn off the Today Show yesterday morning. Too many tearful memories were being replayed. I can't seem to get... Continue Reading →
December Daily | 8 This weekend's Advent gift was crafts. We made these cute Santa ornaments. Inspiration by Pinterest. I am not good with tutorials. So, here ya go...my lazy Santa ornament tutorial. Enjoy! Go make something creative. ***** BTW: I was featured last week on Living Well, Spending Less. If you're interested in fun ways to... Continue Reading →
TRADITIONS | The day after Thanksgiving is not for Black Friday madness in our house. No. The day after Thanksgiving we put up the Christmas tree. This year I assembled our pre-lit tree only to find that one section will not light up. I changed the fuses. No lights. I check about 10 bulbs. No... Continue Reading →
It's almost "that time of year"...time to get your custom Christmas cards printed and mailed! (Sorry, free template is no longer available.) FINE PRINT: If you like it, Pin it, but please don't copy it. All designs by Jeri Stunkard. All rights reserved.
Two years ago, around this time, two dogs came to live in our house. We were shocked by the sudden lost of my hubby's dear friend, Ed. We were even more shocked by his will. He left his dogs to us. We had lost our beloved beagle just a few months earlier. The last thing... Continue Reading →
It it too early to start thinking about Christmas? Before the Halloween candy is handed out? It's not like I am putting Christmas lights up on the house...but I have started quilting/sewing decorations and gifts for Christmas. This week I finished making each of us quilted Christmas stockings. Using fabric leftover from my Christmas quilt,... Continue Reading →
It's finally finished! My first quilt. 6 long weeks. Many frustrations. Not the prettiest stitching on the quilting. Lots of learning from mistakes. A Christmas quilt that will be loved no matter the mistakes. Just don't look too closely...that is why there is no close up photos!
7 little girls. 50 cookies. 8 tubs of icing. Lots and lots of sprinkles. Lots of creativity. More is always better. The girls made candy too, because cookies aren't enough of a sugar rush. More than a little taste testing.
My old friend, Ray, let me in on a little secret: Downtown Golden is the place to be for Christmas lights. He told me of a very large tree where each delicate branch is wrapped in lights like a canopy of brightly colored stars. This Christmas season, may you take time to look at the... Continue Reading →
Alex and I went shopping for one last gift. But before we headed to the mall we stopped by Starbucks for a mid-morning treat, Mocha Frappaccino and a Sugar-Free Iced Latte. The mall was a mad-house (of course) and even Alex (a.k.a. mall rat) didn’t want to deal with the crowd. We then went to... Continue Reading →
Have Faith Everyday 