Recovering from twelve delicious varieties…

From our home to yours… peace and happiness in the New Year! Thank you to everyone for reading along, and I’m looking forward to more crafting, foodie and family adventures in 2011.

This was the serene scene the night before Christmas in my living room. All was calm, all was bright.

Ever take on a project that you think will be a piece of cake, but then it takes longer than you initially estimated? Happens to almost everyone I know. Happens to me all the time, but it’s always worth it. I’ve been busy crafting for a cause…

I delivered sixteen pillowcases tonight to children at a hospital in Chicago. I met all but three of the patients… a few were very young, others very much teenagers, some needed more help than others. In every patient, I saw a child who didn’t or would not be going home for the holidays. I met parents who spend countless hours by their child’s side.

Not knowing what to expect from my visit, I was overwhelmed exiting the building and a little teary-eyed.  I was happy to have been able to spread a little Christmas cheer, but it was just so humbling.

What’s your small gesture this season, your little random act of kindness?

Clearly, I’ve fallen off the face of the earth with journaling here. Last week, the house was finally clean and decorated, cookies baked, and menu prepared for our annual cookie exchange party. Nine years running. Amazing. I’ll be back this week after recovering from the sugar coma.

I was inspired by the glittery garland wreaths in the Holiday issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. My version is quick, easy and afforable: $3.50, courtesy of the bargain bins at Target. $1.00 for the garland, and $2.50 for the wreath. No need for glue guns or scissors, either!

At the store, I found red and green wreaths, and silver and gold garland. Choose the combination you prefer… I liked the green and gold which incidentally are my high school colors. (Shhh… my husband thinks I have a ridiculous amount of high school pride.) Red and gold would have been nice, too, for a bit of an Asian flair.

The How-To

1. First, the wreath will be completely packed down. You will need to “fluff” or gently pull out the branches.
2. Find the end of your garland and keep it on the cardboard (much easier this way).
3. Wind the garland around the wreath, in between branches.
4. When you reach the end, just tuck the end into the wire base or around a branch. It will be secure.
5. Hang and enjoy!

This wreath is going on my son’s bedroom door since his big sister has a wreath on hers. I might use some ribbon and hang the wreath a little lower. Did I mention, they each have their own little tabletop Christmas trees in their rooms, too?