Organization/Storage Ideas

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Hello 2013!
Here's the latest.  
I'm working on creative storage ideas for my pantry.
I'm sharing ideas from hometalk on organization.
I hope you find this article helpful.
A little INSPIRATION...from Better Homes and Garden
I'm going to add to my glass jars and baskets.
Before I get started, I need to take down the Christmas Tree!
How about you?
Wishing you all a very Safe and Happy New Year!

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Here is a list of 10 Ways to Make Ideas Happen:
1. Remove the words “I can’t” from your vocabulary.
2. Focus on the possibilities instead of the limitations.
3. Remember that there is a solution for every problem (some are just harder to find than others).
4.Write it down and set a deadline.
5. Allow yourself to receive help (there is no gold star for doing it all yourself).
6. Be open to feedback and suggestions.
7. Learn how to enjoy the process (it may take you a while to get there, so you might as well enjoy it)!
8. Reward yourself and be proud of even the tiniest steps of progress.
9. Hang around with people who make their ideas happen.
10. START,  even if you don’t know how you are going to finish.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Christmastime" by Hilary Weeks

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Blessing Mix

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Count your blessings with Christmas Blessings Mix!  Put in Small bags of snack mix, each ingredient reminds us of a holiday blessing. A great addition to gift baskets.

Bugles: Bring us the joyful message of the Heavenly Host, announcing peace on earth, good will to men.
Pretzels: Symbol of a mother's loving arms; as Mary wrapped her Son in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.
Red Hots: Red berries that decorate the holly plant, a reminder of eternal life and Christ's redemption.
Nuts or seeds: Promise of a a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.
Dried fruits: Remind us of the rich gifts brought by the Wise Men.
M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.
Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.
Candy Canes: Represents the shape of the shepherd's crook, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold.

Christmas Blessings Mix brings a festive touch to your Christmas celebrations. Share them with church friends, co-workers or family for a meaningful gift.

Winter Fashion

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Welcome Anya Sarre!
Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

Festive Fashions for the Winter Holidays
Comfort and chic fashion go hand-in-hand when it comes to winter and holiday wardrobes. One of the best-kept secrets of the runway and the red carpet is that those who feel good in what they’re wearing also look great. If you want to turn heads this holiday season, use this same trick as you select your outfit for each party and gathering.

Winter fashion this year offers cute, comfortable clothing every woman will love. Red may not be the new black, but darling red dresses are absolutely huge this holiday season. Pair a little red dress with a fashionable cropped jacket in black for a stunning look. Then remember the shoes and add a pair of black boots in an height or choose a pair of pumps in your favorite metallic shades to complete the picture.

If you don’t feel comfortable in dresses, never fear. Holiday fashions this year have plenty more casual looks from which to choose. Sweaters make great winter wear, and knitwear of any color can be dressed up with a little extra sparkle for winter celebrations. A gold-dusted sweater with a pair of dark-colored jeans will turn heads at any party. Layer a chunky cable-knit sweater over a mock turtleneck in a contrasting color, then add a little bling with a brilliant silk scarf or rhinestone broach. Take either of these looks to the next level by adding a sparkly stack of bracelets to complete the ensemble.

Those living in particularly cold climates will want to incorporate bold, comfortable fashion into their choices of outerwear as well. The timeless pea coat is particularly fashionable this year. Choose from short, waist-length designs or longer cuts that reach to mid thigh. Then capitalize on the popular layered look by adding an oversized knit scarf, perhaps with a festive bit of metallic thread incorporated into it. For spending time on snowy streets or on the sledding hill, don a trendy pair of fur-lined boots as well, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of high fashion on a holly, jolly winter holiday.
Whatever your personal favorite style may be, this year’s holiday fashion has something for you. To make the best splash, incorporate deep reds, bold metallics and plenty of shimmer and shine into each outfit you wear to holiday functions 


Recent Articles with Anya:
http://embracingbabies.com/site/celebrity-stylist-anya-sarre-partners-with-embracing-babies/

Anya is currently working on a book about style, a new clothing concept, a signature perfume and a line of natural beauty products.
Anya is also a new Mom to a beautiful baby boy!

Congratulations to Anya!
Thanks for visiting Seasons Of Joy!

A Day of Silence

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Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. “where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. “This is heaven" declared a small boy. "We’re spending Christmas at God's house”. When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. And as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad. “then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land! “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools” “I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools! “Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children let me show you around. “Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “in the midst of this darkness,
” I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolfe Pa.

Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer

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Christmas Cupcakes for the Kids!
Enjoy!

Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes

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 Hello Everyone!
It's time for Christmas Treats!
I've been dipping Candy Canes in chocolate!
Giving them away is the best part!

I slipped the candy canes in Wilton clear bags with handmade 
Christmas Tags.

I found the best results from:
Simply Kierste
What you Need:
Candy Canes
Chocolate Chips or melting chocolate
(white & dark milk chocolate)
Floral Foam 
Wax paper of tinfoil

Give your sweet Candy Canes to 
neighbors, teachers and friends.
A great addition to Christmas Gift Baskets or a Christmas Table!
You can also use them for
stirring sticks for Hot Chocolate!!
 I want to dip Oreos and Pretzel Sticks next!
Enjoy!

Christmas Stockings

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Welcome!
If you love Christmas Fabrics with a mixture of 
PoLkA DoTs, StRiPeS and ChEvRoN,
YOU will LOVE these 
Delightfully Cute
Handmade Stockings by
You will find a  PDF Christmas Stocking Pattern by Amy.
I can't wait to make some, although I may have to wait until next year!
Christmas is drawing near!

I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas Season!
Thank you for visiting Seasons of Joy!

Frosty The Snowman

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My daughters and I have been making  snowman treats with Hershey Candy Bars ! I have used an assortment of red and white socks and gloves for the hat I also use fleece or fabric for the scarf! Our favorite is the snowman with gloves. I stuffed the second glove inside the glove(hat). You can embellish with bells, buttons, ribbon, garland etc.
You can download the pattern and find a lot of cute ideas HERE.
I'm sharing this post from 2010.  


Red and White Christmas

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Source: flickr.com via Peggy on Pinterest

 Red and White 
A little inspiration for
your Christmas Decor! 
Enjoy!

Personalized Trees
    Tiny holiday trees (whether real or artificial) give any room a festive look. Trees are made with ribbon  by wrapping styrene cones with gingham ribbon and topping them with toile bows secured by T-pins.


    Inspiration from Better Homes and Garden





    Source: bhg.com via Judy on Pinterest

A Christmas Goodnight

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A Christmas Goodnight ,written by Nola Buck and illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright.  Sarah Jane is also a textile designer. I love her work!

This adorable book is from last year, a must have for your Christmas library! The story is in simple rhyme, and is so soothing to read at any time of day...but particularly bedtime. Much like Goodnight Moon in theme, the story starts off saying goodnight to all the characters in the Christmas Story, and then pans gracefully to a Christmas Eve scene where a little boy is now saying goodnight to the characters in his creche. A very warm depiction of that special night! 

Here's a fun personalized gift for kids!
 Give a personalized Christmas photo ornament to the special people on your list.
I made several for my Nursery kids(age 18 mths-3 years), the kids were so cute picking their ornaments off the Christmas Tree! I want to share the smiles!

Supplies:

What you'll need:


  • Clear Christmas Bulbs about 6" or larger with removable tops/hooks
  • Photos
  • Scissors
  • Pencil or paintbrush or Q-tips
  • Optional: Paint, Christmas ribbon, Potpourri

How to make it:


  1. Take tops off of clear bulbs. Cut picture about the same diameter of bulb.
  2. Wrap photo around pencil (photo side out).
  3. Slip pencil and picture into bulb.
  4. Use pencil or q-tips to straighten out picture to stand upright in the middle of bulb.
  5. Optional: Fill up back side of picture. You can add potpourri or ribbons to the inside to the back of photo.
  6. Then with some paint on the opposite of picture add the date, your name, your greeting etc.
  7. Tie a ribbon around the top, put top back on.
Celebrate!
Christmas Blessings to all!
Enjoy!

Create Sweet Arrangements

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Instant Eye Candy:  Turn a basic clear glass cylinder into a whimsical surprisingly chic vase! Use one as a stand-alone arrangement on a side table, or run a series of them across a mantel for BIG BOLD COLOR!  Inspiration from Better Homes and Garden.

Directions:
Begin with one or more clear cylinders each measuring at least 3 1/2 inches across and 6 inches tall. Insert a slender bud vase (no taller than the cylinder)inside, and fill the space between the two containers with candy. Stack red and white gumdrops in a striped pattern, line one with peppermint sticks standing straight and tall, and simply fill another with red hots--good for tight or irregular spots.
Next, add water to the bud vase about half full. Cluster a handful of flowers, fastening them near the top with a piece of ribbon or raffia. Cut stems short and insert them into this inner container. Add water every other day so flowers stay fresh!

Cookies For Santa

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"Cookies For Santa"
Christmas Glitter Frames
SIMPLE to make:
Take any FRAME you wish to embellish.
Cover your frame with glitter scrapbook paper!
Next-- choose a font for your "Cookies For Santa" sign.
Computer Print, Stickers, Vinyl Lettering all work great!
Embellish your frame with a candy cane. ribbon and berries. 
You are finished!
It's also a fun display for your kids on Christmas Eve!

Glittered Frames are also great with a plate of cookies for 
friends and neighbors!
                                                              
Enjoy!

Reversible Children's Apron

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A reversible children's apron made from a cute kitchen towel!
When you find adorable dishtowels, it seems fitting to create a
REVERSIBLE CHILDREN'S CUPCAKE APRON,
especially when you find one that matches your polka dot cupcakes!
A simple Handmade Christmas gift!

Here is the dishtowel that I found at Marshalls with hot pad included
You have seen the cupcakes in previous posts!
You will find a PDF pattern in my Etsy Shop!
Follow along, I will show you the simple steps of transforming your dishtowel
into a reversible children's apron.

1. My dishtowel measures 18 inches X 28 inches, a perfect size for little girls ages 3-10.
I measure(length) how long I want the apron to fit on my little girl,
I cut straight across the dishtowel(width of dishtowel), save the remaining fabric
2. I like to make all of my aprons reversible, so I have chosen a fabric for the reverse side.
3. Fold Dishtowel and Fabric in half, cut the armholes as shown in the above picture.

Now you have the front and back of your apron, including the band
( You will use your remaining fabric for the band that slips over the head)

4.  My band measures 8 inches X 18 inches. 
The band will vary in size depending on your child's height.
5. Fold the band in half two ways and press.
Sew a top stitch on both sides of band

 Optional: embellish your apron with rick rack.
6. To achieve this step, place apron (front and back) right sides together, place your finished band and
rick rack between the fabrics. (your band will be upside down between the fabrics.)
 Sew along the top of the bodice front. Turn your fabrics.
(sorry, I don't have a picture of this step).
When finished:  You will have a front and back that look like the above pictures.
                         7. Continue with Fabric ties of your choice, you can use ribbon,
 I choose to use Fabric for long lasting durability.
 8. Make your fabric ties the same ways as your band only half the size in width.

      9.  Place and Pin your ties on the front of your apron, right sides together with your reverse fabric.
Your fabric ties will be sandwhiched between the front and back fabrics.
10, Sew completely around your apron, leave the hem/bottom of apron open.
Turn your apron, Hem the bottom of apron, the cutest part of the hem is the eyelet trim that
is the trim on the dishtowel.
You are finished!
For a apron that is not reversible -- you can go here
You can also make a half apron for matching Mother/Daughter aprons.
Let the FUN begin!
Happy Cooking, Crafting and Sewing!
Happy Holidays!