12 Days of Christmas (Day Eight)

 

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Eight)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She is so awesome, isn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, and Day Seven... We are still with the Christmas things meaning all things Christmas! and still with simple [paper] crafts. Today, though... I'm jumping away from paper for a day (or two... or three... who knows?) but still staying simple. One of my favorite things about Christmas in my house is the garland spread around my family room. It all started when I saw something so twinkling and beautiful at a really big commercialized public walk-through Christmas display at the Mission Inn in Riverside... It was GORGEOUS!

I flew home, no... ran home, no... drove home  and hopped on the computer to look up this decorated pine garland. I had to have it. I wanted it throughout my house my family room and found out I'd never ever EVER be able to afford that. It was over $75.00 (that's American dollars folks, and this was over 10 years ago... think INFLATION) for nine feet! So I set about to figure out how to do it in a way that wouldn't kill me hurt my budget too much.

The next year... I stalked went to Walmart and other store several times to find the perfect garland. It was still expensive. My husband said I could just buy a bit each year. Um... yeah... Not gonna work for me. I tried to explain to him the stores that be purchase different styles every year and the little spoiled OCD person that I am had to have every thing just so and our chances of having it match were nil. I was so lucky that the day after Christmas... I was fortunate enough who am I kidding, I was SOOOO lucky! Walmart had a huge amount of the less than stellar pine garland you know the fake stuff for purchase at 75% off. It was plain. But it was a start.

And it sat in bins in my garage rafters for years, untouched.

I added stuff to the bins. I collected shatterproof ornaments... I had over 90 feet I needed to decorate. Don't judge. It takes awhile and I had to get ones that I liked. And remember... I was shopping from the clearance section every year. I collected red ribbons. And I collected lights. I didn't want just any lights. They had to be the pre-programmed chaser lights in multi-color. And lastly, I got a lot of zip-ties cable ties for those of you "have to have the correct name of it type of folk and green floral wire.

And finally, one year...

I clipped the floral wire into 3-inch lengths and looped the wire through each and every single one of those ornaments (it took me a long time!) and then... I stretched it all out the pine garland in case you aren't envisioning like I was, 9 feet at a time throughout the hallways of my house. I laid out a 10-foot strand of lights next to it and zip-tied the lights to the garland (leaving the unlighted end dangling).  I meticulously laid a bunch of ornaments next to it... Yes. They had to be just so. Don't judge me. You know you have POPD, too! Note the meme (picture) from Facebook... if you don't get it...

Then all those ornaments' wires were wrapped around the branches. The next piece of garland was laid out, the lights were plugged in (and the foot of wire was then zip-tied to the preceding set of garland, and then coiled into a bin, completed). And the process started over again. I put four garlands together (36 feet each total, in case you were counting, or adding, or multiplying, or whatever way works for you, because we all know Common Core isn't for everybody. Whatever works for each of us, right?) so it wasn't going to be a pain in the butt to much to handle when "we" (read: my Handy Dandy Husband... I'm short. He's tall. And I'm not climbing up that flippin' ladder to hang it on a 20-foot wall!) put it up. And I did this four times. It was perfect. Again. Don't judge. (See the meme above, if you seriously need to remind yourself.) done and ready for the following year.

I only have the end result in photos. And this is only on here as a project because my 10 year old again pointed out to me it was something I crafted. Duh. I hadn't forgotten, but in my mind it didn't count. And that 10 year old thought other people should know how to save money and do it themselves, too. When the lights go out one year, and you know they will, I'll be switching to LED not because they're economical or energy-saving or anything, but because the brought the yellow back to miniature lights.

See? Now you can do it, too! It only ended up costing me less than $5 for each 9-foot length of finished garland. Because I'm cheap and it took forever to collect it all because I refuse to pay full price for anything. Oh! You wanted to see it lighted? Here ya go!

Just remember, if you do it, too... when you take it out every year, you need to "fluff" it up. The wires all collapse and the garland flattens.

Don't forget... There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 8:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Anna -http://grumpygrandmacreations.blogspot.com(Guest Designer)
 **Jana - http://www.rhapsodyonpaper.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)...
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

MamaKat's Losin' It - Writing Prompt: 2) 7 best ways to spend WinterBreak

I can think of so many things to do during Winter Break! But here are the 7 BEST!

7) Grab everyone and go for a car ride. Hot chocolate in a thermos, gloves and blankets bundling up each of us, windows rolled down, singing Christmas Carols, and viewing all of the glorious lights. This is truly a magical time. And with all of the twinkling lights and positivity around, everyone can put aside the horrors of the world for just a bit and enjoy all the season has to offer.

6) Pay it forward. It's always nice to have someone random do something for you. It makes you remember there IS good in the world. Be that person. Random acts of kindness performed for others will make YOU feel good, too! Coming out of the grocery store, you see someone struggling to load the car? Stop, offer to help... but be sincere when you do it. Did you just get a $5 rebate/gift card at Target on a special deal? After checking out, hand it to the person behind you. And wish them a Merry Christmas (or a Happy New Year!). Kindness gives us a special warm spot.

5) Watch holiday movies. Loving that hot chocolate (and popcorn this time, too!). Cuddle up on the couch with your kiddos (furbabies, too!) and enjoy the holiday romance movies that are all over the tv. Don't have tv? Watch them on the computer... Hallmark or Lifetime offer many of their movies online, as well. Holiday movies are always a feel-good thing for us. I record them on the DVR and watch them throughout the break.

4) Decorate! Enough said... What you didn't get a chance to do before the break... just add a little sparkle here and there... It makes it all the more magical.

3) Bake. Bake. Bake. Not just for your holiday guests or holidays potlucks. Of course, the traditional cookies, cakes, pies, candy, breads and such... but bake a little bit extra for someone you know is over-loaded. They're sure to appreciate the treat. And bake for yourself. Make and freeze just a little extra (label it, of course!) for that day when you need a touch of Christmas, and a cookie warmed up will bring it all back to you.

2) Play catch up. The year is almost at an end... There is always so much to do. And if you're a tv junkie like me, you need the breather (when they only play re-runs). So, utilize that time to catch up on other things. Clean up that closet; go through and donate items. Catch up on your email. Read the latest (and the past things) on your favorite blogs... There are so many things to do! Catch up on them.

1) Spend quality time with your family and friends, cherishing every moment. I'm pretty sure this one is self explanatory. But... in case it isn't... PUT DOWN THAT PHONE! Only take it out for group photos. Forget the selfies unless you are making them groupies. Don't text or check your email. Don't update your status on Facebook or post to Twitter or Instagram. Just enjoy the company surrounding you. Brush up on your social skills and partake in the conversation around you. Play a family-type game (Cards Against Humanity is a hilarious game to play in a group setting... but not advisable for under age 17...). Laugh so hard you cry. Remember those you love. Try a new food together and discuss it. Don't just unwrap those gifts and set them aside. Relish the thought that went into it. Most of all... Make the most out of the time you have.

There are many other wonderful ways to spend the Winter Break... but these are the things that mean the most to me. It makes my Winter Breaks so much more lively and full of sparkle. I hope you can take one or more of them, even beyond Christmas, and make the most of it. Time is something we can't get back; we must spend it wisely.
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Want to read more from other writers? Stop by MamaKat's Losin' It!. Please feel free to leave a comment, as well. Tell me what YOU do during the break!

New Year's Eve 2010...

New Year's Eve is a time for having that last bit of 2010 fun, and we did!

Tonight was a completely impromptu evening... so impromptu, that I did not have a camera with me, except my camera phone. Therefore, please excuse the super crappy photos. And thank you!

Juan (hubs) and I took the munchkin out to Outback (thank you, Jolene & Abe for the giftcard!) and had a late lunch... It was totally yummy! I'd show ya pics, but I was too busy enjoying the food... NOM NOM NOM...

Then, we went to AMC Theaters and saw Tangled. (You know... we had to use up those passes that expire today!) Funny, funny movie! It was a riot, and I'd love to see it again, and buy it... when it comes out on DVD.

The elves show the way to the Mission Inn (Riverside, CA)

Then, trying to catch up on Christmas lights, we re-visited the Woods Streets (in Riverside) and went by the Mission Inn. Thinking it really wouldn't be open... boy oh boy! Were we wrong. They even still had carriage rides going (even though they jacked-up the prices!).

We got to see all the lights of the Mission Inn, and take our time strolling around and throughout. A much more relaxed atmosphere... such a pleasant time. Crowds did not push and pull us through, and it was bliss.

Shocked from the COLD!

Thanking Daddy for the most BESTEST surprise!

The weather was still cold (apparently, the same temperature as New York City!), so we bundled up on the carriage ride. Munchkin girl was so surprised to have this last day of 2010 in a Cinderella Carriage!

(not possessed... don't worry...)

And Santa, was snuggled in an oversized chair, outside the Antique Store... resting his weary body after a long, hard Christmas (the economy is killin' everyone, people!).

Santa, resting his weary feet... in a Massive Chair

And we walked around the shops, though most of them were closed, I couldn't resist this pic... I just love the idea of Baby New Year, and this shop did him such justice. How adorable, no?

And with that... Have a Happy, Safe, and Wonderful New Year, as we say goodbye to 2010 and tuck it in... And hope for a good year to come in 2011.

Lights, Lights, Everywhere!

I just love lights, even when it's not the holiday season. They fascinate me. They mesmerize me. They enchant me. AND that's without music!

Add music to the mix, and I am yours! Ahhh... Oooohhh... Wooowww...

I've longed for one of those music synchronizing thingies, and maybe my wish will come true one day. The first year I spotted them in Lowe's (3 years ago), they were a little over $300. Way too much for my budget! But now... the prices have come down a lot, and this year, I saw them at $83... Still too big for my budget AND SOLD OUT! If they keep coming down... I just may have to get one!

Here are some of my fave youtube videos of holiday music light houses (I opted NOT to include the ones with the TransSiberian Orchestra, as those seem to be the most common. I love ALL holiday music, not just the classics...

First up... Jingle Bell Rock! Woohoo! (It's a little blurry, but you get the picture...)
Next up... The Twelve Days of Christmas. This house is (of course) professionally done, but OH! so awesome! Enjoy!

My house isn't this awesome (and doesn't "do" music), but maybe... just maybe... I'll share some pics with you... another day!

Holidays at the Mission Inn

Last year, we went to the Mission Inn (Riverside, CA) and had a blast! The lights were spectacular, the atmosphere was festive, and everything went completely perfect.  We had so much fun and everything was semi-spontaneous.  There were no lines, we found parking right away, the crowds were manageable, as everyone was just... perfect.

So...we kinda thought we'd make it a family tradition. You know... carriage ride around the block, hot fresh donuts, lights, carolers, watching the ice-skaters eat it in the Plaza... nothing totally organized...

Our Carriage Horse - Merlin

And so, we went this year. Last night, in fact.  Only, this year, we looked for parking for 30 minutes... no biggie.  We waited in a short line for the carriage ride, only to find out that we had to walk to the end of the block to get tickets first (last year, an attendant was at the front of the line and took payments). Ok, still no biggie...

Merlin had a "hoof"-icure - check out the glitter on his hooves!

But then, we walked down towards the Inn, we passed a bunch of people standing still on the sidewalk, walking towards the entrance. (The entrance is usually REALLY magnificent with TONS AND TONS of lights and little elves and nutcrackers, and just... well... the whole shabang!) Whelpers, the valet parking dude turned us away and told us we had to go to the opposite end and wait... you know... where ALL those other people were just standing on the sidewalk. Ew... Ugh... *Sigh*

On our way over to the line, my hubs heard a quickie way to get in.  It made sense, so Off! we. went. To the side entrance. YES! The line was much shorter and only took a few minutes. Woohoo! and we were in!

And so... we walked through the small garden to get to the front-ish entry way, only to find out... Ugh!  We had to go through the lobby and could not venture to the front of the hotel, unless... we were patrons of the hotel, valet or dining establishments within the hotel. Seriously? (The front entrance is the grandest of them all!)

Ok, so the lobby is pretty great, too... right? uh... They changed it. Last year (and YES! I'm comparing everything to last year!), there were SO many photo opps! The tree is extravagant. It still is. But... they have it roped off now, and you can't take the awesome family photo there anymore. The stairs with the lavish garland? Uh, no... garland and lights are still there, but heh! so it that security guard that won't let anyone up unless they have a key card... not even at the bottom of the steps to get the classic Christmas-time photo. By the hearth? Uh... nope! Roped off with a sign "For Registered Guests Only." and so on, and so on...

So, basically... we just were able to do a walk-through. But that's ok. The lights outside and around the Mission Inn are still remarkable. And yes! They still are. Even though, they didn't put up A LOT that have been up in years prior.

After touring the Inn (although briefly), we walked around the Plaza. Now, don't laugh, because well... we in Southern California don't get that much cold weather and get to experience that outdoorsy ice-skating, and HECK! I'd never ice skate anyway, because well... I'd just fall too much and probably blow out my knee again... but, Main Street in Riverside (kitty/catty-corner from the Mission Inn) has an outdoor skating rink. And we love to go watch. It's fun, it's festive, and it's a barrel of laughs! People eat it (the ice, that is...) all of the time, and they bounce back up and skate to do it some more. Only, this year... (yes, I said it again!), with our little heat wave (it should be hitting 80 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend), they had to put up cones, as the middle of the rink was m.e.l.t.i.n.g... You know, like Frosty? And it was still fun.

For some odd ball reason, my hubs decided NOT to do the fresh donuts (the little fried ones with the powdered sugar on them... oh yum!) and opted to stop at a regular donut store on the way to look at houses. Ok, so we can change the tradition we started a little... afterall, the City of Riverside sure did.

We looked at wondrous shops filled with Christmas treasures and drooled over what we couldn't have (because they really were expensive... at least to me... right now... in my financial state...). Then the shops started to close. It was only 9pm! (If I had a shop located there, you can bet to all getouts that I'd keep it open later during this busy time. Business is business, right? And people were SPENDING!)

Marissa - calling to the horse

Stacy & Rey, taking in the night of splendor

We walked back to the car and began driving towards "the Woods" streets (all the streets are named after some kind of tree). Only to see... lots of lights turned off already. Bummer. Oh well. We saw some great stuff, and it just didn't last as long as we'd hoped, but hey! we still got to see a lot of wonderful things and experience a great time, in our new tradition.

The California Tower (WOW!)

*If you'd like to see the Mission Inn and the Festival of Lights, check out their website at: http://festivaloflightsca.com/ And Have a Happy Holiday Season!!!

It's Beginning to Look A LOT Like...

Christmas? Hanukkah? Kwanzaa? or another holiday?

I just love all of the lights and things about the holiday season. So... as I took a ride through the backstreets of Redlands last night, I drove slowly, winding my way towards the Canyon (San Timiteo). Redlands is one of the most beautiful cities/towns ever. During the winter holiday season, they bump it up a notch (or two).

I love to see the older Victorian homes and other styles, too. But, the community is just the grandest without being so overly done and commercial... it gives off a real down-home family-type spirit. I love it!

They even have a community Christmas Parade!

So, since I couldn't find any pictures and didn't take the time to take pictures (I just oohed and aaahed...), hope you enjoyed the video... And think about what you love about the holiday season.

My love? The spirit of everyone being "nice", even when they're usually not... Enjoy!