Perfect, Jeanne!

For reading in bed, at restaurants or on planes!

Excellent, easy-to-order, gift idea!
 

Click here to access ordering opportunity!

Hysterical in a good way!

Updated family fav

Click here for link:  Thanks, Connie, for this very fitting gift!

Modern life is abuzz. There are huge LCD WiFi HD TVs and Facebook requests and thumbs tapping texts and new viral clips of cats doing flips. Wouldn't it be nice to say goodnight to all that? Like the rest of us who cannot resist just a few more scrolls and clicks, you may find yourself ready for bed while still clinging to your electronics long after dark. This book, which is made of paper, is a reminder for the child in all of us to power down at the end of the day. This hilarious parody not only pokes loving fun at the bygone quiet of the original classic, but also at our modern plugged-in lives. It will make you laugh, and it will also help you put yourself and your machines to sleep. Don't worry, though. Your gadgets will be waiting for you, fully charged, in the morning.

No skidding, slipping, sliding!

No kidding!

Click below for direct link to Amazon.

Thanks, Jan, for letting us know about Yaktrax!

Looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight traction device for your shoes? Turn to the spikeless Yaktrax Walker traction cleats, which offer 10 times the gripping points as any spike-based traction device. Ideal for anyone who wants greater stability on ice and snow, the Yaktrax Walkers are terrific for walking to and from work, school, or even the mailbox down the street. 

Safe for screening.

So sorry about your foot surgery, Jan, but thanks for letting us know about this Tech Travel Shoe. Apparently passed perfectly through airport security. 

 

Simple Snowman Pattern

As opposed to some of the incredible artwork many of you created and the rest of us witnessed today during our time together, this is, perhaps, more my speed!  

I'm off to find simple "pattern" ideas from coloring books. WAIT until you see the sweater I shared today!!!  Solid green (with a few moth holes just a few hours ago).  Not any more!!!  WOW.  Stay tuned. Will share ASAP.

 From Etsy.

Easier than you might imagine.

Maybe.  Sleigh-Ride Snow Globe

Use model-train-set props to create customized snow globes that even jingle.

Get the How-To from Martha's site.  

Making spirits bright!

I've always adored Christmas lights. I was the one who lugged the ladder from the garage and climbed onto our roof each season. Staple gun in hand, I'd string lights along the ridge lines and gutters. In my book, there was no better pre-holiday bit of preparation. Creating something colorful to welcome the holiday, guests and family members into our home. It was my own little light-, memory-filled, magical world. Above what often felt/was chaotic down below.

Years later when we moved to a three-story house with a much steeper roof, I outgrew the urge to perch high above the ground.  We used a local group to hang icicle lights on the gutters.  It was spectacular! A little like Christmas Vacation/a LOT like Christmas Vacation. But because the installation was dangerous and our gutters required repainting each year, the icicles were history after two seasons.  

Discouraged but not dissuaded, I found another lighting option.  Installation took only a few moments AND with a flip of a switch, snowflakes fell from the sky, down across the house and onto the ground.  It, too, was magical.  MR CHRISTMAS PANORAMIC PROJECTOR SAVED CHRISTMAS!  Almost like being back in the Midwest without the need to shovel.  

If you, too, love holiday lights AND are interested in a super simple alternative to struggling with stringing or stapling, here's what you need to know: EVERY MR CPP source was out of stock today when I searched for an additional projector.  All sources...except one.  Click below to connect.

Wowlights 

Go get 'em, group!

Full disclosure notation:  My snowflakes are not nearly as crisp as those in this ad.  I'm going outside right now to see if there's some special adjustment required or if this is a bit of Photoshop trickery. Whatever, I love my somewhat blurred snowflake lights. And no one has died putting them up.

Love you, honey!

Hi Sweetheart, 

I am sorry about getting into an argument about putting up the Christmas lights. 
  
I guess that sometimes I feel like you are pushing me too hard when you want something. 
  
I realize that I was wrong and I am apologizing for being such a hard-headed guy. 
  
All I want is for you to be happy and be able to enjoy the holiday season. 
  
Nothing brightens the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights! 
  
I took the time to hang the lights for you today and now I will be off to the golf course. 
  
Again, I am very sorry for the way I acted yesterday. 
  
I'll be home later. 
  
Love you…… 

Too funny, Joan!

Gifts that change lives.

"Dreading the holiday shopping madness? The lines, the crowds, the loud music... it's enough to turn anyone into a Grinch. 

Give a gift that changes lives.

Kiva Cards are the gifts that keep on giving, bringing your loved ones into the Kiva family, helping connect them with borrowers around the world, and teaching them about microfinance. 

We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. Learn more about how it works!"

From Family Fun

 

1.  To make an ornament like the one here, wrap one end of a 3-foot length of 18-gauge gold-colored craft wire around a pencil to form a hanging loop. With the loop at the top of a star cookie cutter, press the wire twice around the perimeter of the cookie cutter to form a star shape, twisting it around the hanging loop and using wire cutters (a parent's job) to snip off any excess. Remove the cutter.

2. Now your child can complete the ornament by wrapping the wire outline with lengths of 20-to 24-gauge colored lightweight wire, securing the ends in place by wrapping them around the cookie cutter outline.

3. Finally, tie a hanging ribbon to the loop, and your ornament is ready for display.

   Thanks to Family Fun for this idea.

Warm and welcoming.

I really, really, really want to make this.  Will I have time?  Where does the time go?

OK, it's not really the Now Me.  Rather a Retro Me.  How much of me will turn retro over time?  

Time is running out. There's always next year.

Fabric Snowman Wreath

This friendly snowman replaces a traditional evergreen wreath and will greet guests with a smiling face on your front door. For the face, sew together two circles of white fleece, stuffing polyester fiberfill in between. Cut the sleeves from an old flannel shirt, and sew them together, making a tube. Cut across an 18-inch straw wreath (where the bottom of the design is) and pull the sleeves gently onto the wreath, filling the empty spaces with fiberfill. Stuff knit gloves or mittens with fiberfill and attach at the bottom of the wreath. Pin the head to the top of the wreath and tack the scarf in place. Glue any desired greenery to sections of the wreath and hang on your front door.

from Better Homes & Gardens.

New York! New York!

Traveling to the Big Apple any time soon?  Don't miss the Bryant Park crafts and gift festival!  My top phone picks below/where was my good camera?  Never traveling without it again.

RECENT DISCOVERIES: A WALK AROUND NYC.

We missed the snow. Scored brisk but beautiful walking weather.  Note to self:  Bring only chothes that work with black and brown.  Go for comfort, particularly shoes/boots. Pack a small, collapsible carry on for whatever might be purchased.  Think layers.

We were able to snag tickets to the Book of Mormon. Do not miss this/insanely fun.  

I got lost while walking by myself one evening and ended up in Times Square. Spectacular!  Where was my good camera when I needed it most?  If you, too, love photography, hold back on everything else and pack your camera.  Photos were shot on my old iPhone with smudged lens.

The city was packed with amazingly trim athletes one of whom invited us to visit him in his home in Corsica.  He obviously did not know that we regularly diverge off the path most traveled when planning trips.  Reach out to those around you, welcoming those who are obviously visiting the US.  

I found numerous holiday gift ideas at the NYC MOMA/don't miss the de Kooning retrospective.  Shop online. 

The annual holiday faire opened in Bryant Park two blocks from our hotel/I found some local leads you, too, may find interesting.  Check online and ask the concierge about local events.

We had dinner with very fun/funny Butterfield & Robinson Bicycle trip buddies. We highly recommend the B & R way of seeing the world.

All in three days!  

One of my other favorite spots:  ABC Carpet, which as you'll see if you visit their site, carries MUCH MUCH MUCH MORE than just carpets.  Here are a few phone photos I took while there.

So simple. Incredibly sweet.

Twine Snowman Figurine

Embellish your holiday displays with a textural snowman made from balls of twine or string. Stack three different-size balls of twine on top of each other and hot-glue together. Hot-glue antique buttons down the front of the snowman and use pinheads for eyes. Add a fabric or ribbon scarf around his neck. For the hat, hot-glue a spool of black thread to the top.

Again, from BHG.

Sensational snowman.

Love this llittle guy from bhg!

• Wool felt: 11/4 yards of blue, 1/2 yard of white, 3x3-inch piece of dark orange, 10x13-inch piece of brown, 6x8-inch piece of black, 10x13-inch piece of moss green, 5x12-inch piece of dark green, 8x10-inch piece of purple, 4x5-inch piece of bright red, 2x8-inch piece of dark red, and 1x2-inch piece of gold
• Freezer paper
• Tracing paper
• Water-soluble marking pen
• 4-millimeter black faceted beads: 3 for cardinal eyes
• 15 buttons
• Embroidery floss: 1 skein to match each wool felt color
• Polyester fiberfill

Complete instructions here.

Download Wintry Duo Snowman pattern for pillow or runner from Better Homes & Gardens.

Too, too funny.

Very funny video.  You made my day, Connie!

More great ideas from BHG.

Poinsettia Luminarias

Light up a wintry night with glowing poinsettias encased in ice. Start with a small bloom clipped at the base. Seal the stem with a flame, and push the bloom facedown into a large plastic cup. Pour distilled water -- it makes the clearest ice -- into the container and fill it one-third full. A second, smaller container in the center weighted down with rocks, creates a hollow center in the mold. Freeze until solid. Thaw the ice slightly to unmold both containers and place a votive candle inside.

 

Christmas Light-Wrapped Bicycle

For a seasonal work of art, wind vintage-style outdoor bulbs on yesteryear's two-wheeler from its handlebars to its spokes. Park it along a decorative wall or prop it against a fence.

Better Homes and Gardens

Calorie-free cooking.

They took cake baking to astonishingly imaginative heights!

Inspired by an artist friend's work, Susan + Susan amassed a creative collection of ingredients that the rest of us used to cook up our own creations. Cake baking at its best! Lots of laughter with none of the usual calories. What could be better?

Slide show of images below. 

Thank you, thank you, dear friends, for the many, many happy birthday wishes! 

Keep counters clutter free.

Book Charging Dock

Power up your favorite gadget with this clever docking station.  Bonus: It doubles as a classic book on the shelf.  Book Charging Dock for iPhone and iPod, $49.  Idea from Better Homes & Gardens.

• Buy now 

(Or make your own!)

All right, Alaska!

Strikingly beautiful. Super simple.

Branches and Ornaments Decoration

Twigs gathered from the yard put a textural twist on ornaments displayed in a bowl. Prop twigs in a glass bowl filled with various sizes of ornaments; dangle a few small ones from the branches. Clear glass orbs accentuate the simplicity of the display.  Another BHG idea.