Music

Music is a really important part of setting the atmosphere for the holidays.  This week I organized some of our music on itunes and made a Christmas play list.  We also have a bunch of Christmas Cd's that I want Brian to upload for me.

I also purchased Mindy Gledhill's Winter moon through itunes, it is so sweet.  Katie says her voice sounds like a fairy.

Giving:  Music is a gift.  Most years Brian puts together a Christmas mix and gives it out for the holidays.  This year, we hope to be a little more on top of it and send them out earlier.

Gather up all of your holiday music and have it playing in your home.  Help make your family's holiday a little bit more cheery.  If you really enjoy music put together a CD and pass them out to your loved ones.  I bet it will put a smile on their face.

Have a great day!

xoxo

Rachel

Who, What, Where, When, How can we give

When I refer to seasons, I'm talking about all of the upcoming holidays.

I believe that being able to enjoy these holidays to the fullest you need to plan ahead, so there is as little stress possible.

What I would like you to do first is this.  Take four pieces of paper or create four documents on your computer.  Then on the top of each  document write the name of one holiday then write who, what, when, and where.

It should look something like this.

Halloween 

                       

Who:

What: 

Where:

When:

How can we give:

Then start filling in the blanks.  Some of these holidays may seem far off, but before you know it they will be here. 

Now for the ugly.

Sometimes the holidays can be ugly.  I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. 

There can be family drama, loneliness, and of course stress. 

Talk with your extended family NOW.

Figure out what holidays you will be spending together and when.  The details can be figured out later.  Hopefully you can figure out everything in advance in a peaceful manner.  

Will it just be your immediate family, are you empty nesters, single?

Decide what you would like to do.  Grab a friend or a spouse and take a fun trip.  Maybe you love to entertain, invite other people to your home that may be spending the holidays alone.

Hopefully some of these ideas will eliminate some of the ugly.

Halloween Giving

Can you believe it is just a few weeks away!

I wanted to give you a few ideas on how to give for Halloween.

1. Have a party. Now, Halloween is only a week away so if you have started planning now it is problem too late for that.  But, who says you can't have a fall party in the next couple of weeks. What a fun treat for friends and family. 

One of my sister's is having a fall party before Halloween, we are all very excited about it.

2.If you are going to a party ask how you can help.

Here are some ideas: 

Bring something to eat/drink.

Help decorate before the party starts.

Help clean the house before or after the party.

Ask if you can put together a play list.

Most people appreciate that you ask and welcome any help.

3.Pass out candy to trick or treaters.

4.Is your church having a party?  They probably have a list of needs, like volunteers and candy.

5.Ask your local community center if they are doing anything and if there is anyway you can help.

What ideas do you guys have for giving for Halloween?
Have a great week everyone!
xoxo
Rachel

I'm crushing on...

Instagram

I'll admit I'm not a big camera phone girl, but in a pinch you can use some fun filters to change up the look of your photos.  Here are some photos we have taken over the last few months.  If you have an iphone download this free app. You will love it!

Photo taken by Katie... my favorite.

xoxo

Rachel

A little chalkboard

We purchased this chalkboard from IKEA a few months ago.  It's come in quite handy.  The menu for the week is out where everyone can see it.

What have you bought for your home lately?

xoxo

Rachel

Pineapple Tomato

For the last nine years we have planted in a garden.  The garden is ALWAYS good to us and gives us an abundant harvest.

Our tomato plants are lush and green and give us way more fruit than we know what to do with.  This year, not so much.  We're blaming it on the weather.  They could still turn around.  It is early in the season for us in the tundra.

We planted two heirloom tomato plants this year and the one you see above is a pineapple tomato.  We have only got one piece of fruit so far, but it was absolutely delicious!  As you can see it has a beautiful orange/yellow color.  It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and it is very juicy.  Plus it is virtually seedless, something we didn't know.  I'm really hoping this plant gives us more delicious tomatoes, but we'll see.

How about you guys, what did you plant in your garden's this year, and how is it growing?

xoxo

Rachel

Easy and inexpensive centerpiece

This past winter Brian picked up this "fancy" soda.  I really liked the bottles and thought they would make  nice vases for my fourth of July table.  I stuck some daisies from our garden in each bottle and lined them down the table. Easy, and I think it turned out pretty cute.  How do you decorate on a budget?  I would love to hear!

xoxo

Rachel 

A cozy corner

It's kind of amazing what moving your furniture around and adding a few accessories can do to a room.

I turned the sofa around to face the fireplace threw a blanket that I got on clearance at Target a couple of years ago and added this pillow from IKEA.  Now everyone gravitates to this spot.  It might be the kids playing on the floor, or Brian taking in a nap, or someone reading a book.

Just changing things up a little bit really added new life to this area of our home.

What about you friends.  What are the little things that you do to make changes in your home?

xoxo

Rach