Several holiday seasons ago I worked for Macy's. I went from department to department wherever they needed extra help. One of the area's I worked in quite a bit was the gift wrap department. I picked up quite a few tips that I thought I would share with you. It's a wrap tutorial and a special Friday Freebie. It's a wrap tutorial and a special Friday Freebie Here are some of my favorite supplies: I like paper that has a bit of weight to it. There are some brands that have a cutting ... View the Post
The Garland of Christmas Past
Are you ready for a true tale of long ago love? Here is The Garland of Christmas Past. The Garland of Christmas Past I don't have a mantle over a fireplace or even a shelf. So I hang a garland at the foot of my bed. It is an ordinary garland made up of faux greenery, icicles, and pine cones. But the ornaments on the garland make it very, very special. My parents were married in September of 1967. They had but one Christmas together before my dad passed away in February of ... View the Post
Friday Freebie Dept. 56
The Christmas of 1977 I was nine years old. A dear family friend, Inge, gave me a very special gift. It was a sweet yellow ceramic house that lit up and seemed magical to me. You will learn about a special gift on Friday Freebie Dept. 56. Friday Freebie Dept. 56 Every Christmas ever after, the house was displayed in a very special place. Once I was settled in my own home as an adult the house came with me. A few years later I was at the Warner Robins AFB (in Georgia) thrift ... View the Post
Who is Sinterklaas
We all know Santa but Who is Sinterklaas? Who Is Sinterklaas If you're getting ready to fill your shoes with carrots or straw and set them outside, then you probably know who Sinterklaas is. This is Sinterklaas. Does he look familiar to you? In the 4th century, there was a Bishop in Turkey named St. Nicholas who was widely known for his good deeds involving poor children all over Europe. His companion, Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) was thought to be ... View the Post
How Will You Celebrate
How Will You Celebrate Thanksgiving? Will it look something like this? How Will You Celebrate I was raised celebrating Thanksgiving day fairly traditionally. We would begin the day watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, followed by football. As the last of eight kids, our 20 ft table practically groaned from the weight of the turkey and all the trimmings. "Freedom From Want" by Norman Rockwell I've even been to Plymouth Rock and of course heard the story of the first ... View the Post
Thanksgiving Naturally
Have you decided how you are going to set your Thanksgiving table? The elements for a naturally beautiful table might just be found in your own backyard. Thanksgiving Naturally. Thanksgiving Naturally I love this simple centerpiece that starts with a wire basket. Begin with a bit of florist foam and cover it with moss, make sure to dampen it, but not saturate it. Add a few roses, bittersweet and sunflowers then fill in the spaces with artichokes and gourds. Bittersweet can be ... View the Post