Merry Christmas!

 Today we celebrate the birth of a King, the peace bringer, light giver, hope filling, world saving Jesus!  How beautiful the Father's love is for us.  Merry Christmas to one and all! Love- D+C

Gifts That Give Back: For the Ladies

We all love giving and getting gifts during the Christmas Season.  So often we buy gifts for the sake of buying, but what if we all committed to having our money make a difference this Christmas Season?  Instead of buying junk, what if we committed to buying something that brings opportunity to those here in the USA and around the world?

In previous posts I shared about the world market my church put on in November.  During that time I began to do a lot of research into fair trade products and products that, not only would I enjoy but would also love to give to others.  So the idea of "Gifts that Give" was born.  As we lead up to Christmas, I'll be stopping by to share 3 posts about Gifts that Give.  Today we begin with the ladies and in the coming days I'll share gifts for the gents, and gifts for the kiddies.  All of the gifts featured here are from companies that either support fair trade, fair working conditions, make a difference in the lives of people or provide ethical economic opportunities to the impoverished around the world.

So I hope you'll check some of the products out.  I've provided links to the websites where you can find these items and encourage you to surf their webpages.  You'll be amazed at what all is out there, and maybe even try to buy at least one gift that makes a difference this Christmas season.

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

1. clutch
2. bangles

3. hand cream

4. candle

5. scarf

6. earrings

7. crossbody bag

8. basket

9. bowl

10. crescent necklace

11. serving trays

Paper Calendars & Making Memories

When I was a kid, every December my parents would get my brothers and I a special gift on December 1st.  This gift was simple, probably didn't cost much, and was made of paper.  This gift was an advent calendar.  I remember waking up each day before school and meeting my brother at the calendar.  We would hunt for the number that corresponded with the day and then pry open the perforated edges to reveal a new little scene in the Christmas Story.  I also remember arguing over who would get to open the Christmas Day window, which I knew would reveal the baby Jesus.  I always let my brothers win this battle, knowing this was in a way, my own little Christmas gift to them.

Now days there are all sorts of creative ways that families count down the days until Christmas.  Elf on the Shelf, Activity Advent Calendars, A Gift a Day.  What I have noticed is that most of these things are aimed at kids and making the season magical for them.  They are also often complicated and time consuming to create.

So I got to thinking, wouldn't it be fun to have a way for adults to count down to Christmas?  I mean, I love kids and all, but right now Dane and I are living the kid free life.  Or maybe you're at college living with 5 other friends.  Or maybe you've got a group of people in your life who you love and adore and just want to have some holiday fun with.  Well for you adults who love the magic of Christmas, I've created a project for you.

Now it might not be as awesome as opening 25 little perforated windows, but it does have a sense of excitement and adventure, plus its pretty simple.

Just make a list of 25 things you want to do throughout December, cut them apart into 25 pieces and put them in a jar.  You can even use your jar of fun as a Christmas decoration in your house.  Ours is on a shelf in our living room next to some other fun decor.  Each day draw a slip of paper out of the jar, and then go have fun!  You can enjoy the activities with your friend, bf/gf, spouse, cousins, housemate, grandparents, or even get the kids involved.

Don't forget to grab the camera and document some of your fabulous fun!

Can't think of 25 things to do together?  Well I've create this "Nice" list for you.  Simply print, cut and paste!

I hope you all have a fabulous December and make some new memories with the people in your life.

Make Your December One for the Books

December is a fabulous month. There are so many fun yearly traditions and experiences that happen during this month, and it often flies by so quickly, I wish I could just capture it and hold on to it a little longer.  That's why a few years ago I took part in Ali Edwards, "December Daily" challenge.

The concept is simple.  Take a picture everyday during the month of December and at the end of the month, make a book out of it.

Your book can be as simple as loading 31 pictures (or more if you are photo crazy like me) to your favorite photo printing site and then create a book online, or just stick individual prints in their own album.

Or you can get super creative and make your own mini 31 day journal complete with pictures and little journal entries to help recall events even better.  In the past I have written down quotes, or a story, like the time mom and I made cinnamon candy and we about passed out from the extreme nose burning steam the candy creates when you pour it onto the cold pan.  Lesson learned.

So I'm back on the bandwagon this year, after taking a couple years off.  I'll be honest, I really did miss not doing this the past two years, and as I pulled out my journals from previous Christmas's (they get stored with my Christmas decor), I was thrilled to go back and flip through.  And man would I love love love to have you join me!!!!

I am trying a new format this year, inspired by project life.  A simple scrapbooking method that involves sheets of plastic with pockets (think baseball card holders).  All you do is stick your pictures in the slots and if you want to add a little flair, you can use papers, washi tapes, paint whatever your heart desires.

I decided to make my album 6x8 this year, so I purchased the 6x8 refill pages pictured above at Hobby Lobby.  There are 16 pages in a pack for $4.99 (but if its half off, only $2.50, how's that for a simple, fun diy price????)  With 16 pages front and back, I have enough for all 31 days.

And....to get you started (have I mentioned I really want you to join me on this?) I designed some cards that will easily fit into the smaller 3x4 slots of your refill pages, or you can staple/glue them onto larger sheets of paper to create your own unique designs.

All you have to do, is download, print, and cut.  Download Here.

You can also go online and purchase kits from Project Life.


If you need some inspiration or more inspiration here are some links that may help you.

Christy's Past December Daily 2009 I am ashamed to say, I've never uploaded my 2010 version...its seriously the best one I've ever done lol.  Maybe someday I will.
Christy's December Daily Pinterest Page
If you are still confused about it all, check out Ali Edwards- the original December Daily Gal.
Elsie Larson.  I just love this girl to pieces.

If you decide to take part in this December challenge, no matter how large or small you want to do it, PLEASE let me know.  I would love to see your albums, pictures & ideas!!!!

Happy December Memory Making!

Christmas Cheer

It's the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, but in my world, it is CHRISTMAS MUSIC IS FAIR GAME DAY!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas music.  I know people in my life who become tired of it, but not me. I would seriously listen year round, but out of respect, and to keep it special, I reserve Christmas music for post Thanksgiving through December 31.

So I am hear, kicking off the Christmas Music season with a playlist for you.  So if Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee and Coldplay are your cup of tea, then this one will fill your heart with Christmas Cheer!

Merry Christmas!

Photo by Brittany Cunningham...legend!

Today we celebrate!  We celebrate love.  We celebrate joy.  We celebrate peace.  We celebrate hope.  We celebrate light in darkness.  And we celebrate the one who brought all of this into our lives, Jesus.  Dane and I want to wish you want to wish you a Merry Christmas!  We love you all!  Love, Dane + Christy

Christmas Eve Wrap Up Part 2

How's Christmas Eve 2013 treating ya?  Hopefully you are wrapping things up (literally and figuratively) and getting settled in so you can fully enjoy this amazing celebration of Jesus birth!

(source)

One last DIY before this amazing Christmas season comes to a close.  This DIY is inspired by my friend Rebecca.  Two weeks ago we had a long discussion about washi tape.  For those of you who don't know what washi tape is, it is decorative japanese tape and is very similar to the texture and feel of painters tape.  I absolutely love washi tape and its hard not to.  Look how cute it all is.  Over the past two years I have acquired quite a collection and Rebecca asked me, well what do you do with it?  So I decided as part of Rebecca's Christmas gift, I would include a little gift topper made with washi tape.

Thanks to pinterest I came across these super simple and fun toothpick stars.  They are quick and easy to make.  All you do is form a star out of toothpicks and tape the corners together.

Use them as gift toppers, string several together and make a garland or tie a string and add to your Christmas tree as an ornament.  Of course, if washi tape isn't something you have on hand you can also use masking tape, painters tape or even colored duck tape, all cut down into thin strips.

This is just one idea for washi tape, but the possibilities are endless.  Here are a few other washi tape projects (try me)  (try me) (try me) (try me) or (try me) that I hope will inspire you to go out and grab your own roll and get taping!

As for Dane and my Christmas Eve:
Tonight we are planning to attend Christmas Eve service, enjoy a family Christmas with my grandmother's side of the family, skype a few friends in Australia (because it is actually Christmas Day for them....Happy Christmas all my lovely Aussie Family) and then of course fall asleep watching A Christmas Story.  The next time we chat the celebration will be in full swing, I simply cannot wait!

Wrapping Up Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve, and chances are, a lot of you are trying to finish up some last minute shopping, baking, cleaning, or decorating.  As for me, it never fails, I always find myself wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve.  If you are like me, then today is the day for you here on our blog!  Today I have two Christmas posts for you, all about gift wrap.

Now I am sure a lot of you are awesome gift wrappers, but I have never been good at it.  Surprisingly, my brother, Brock, is the best gift wrapper I know, and he is stopping in today to give us a very simple, but important lesson on how to wrap a gift.

Hi, my name is Brock, and I am here to teach you gift wrapping 101.  I have two rules in gift wrap.
1. You only need three pieces of tape.
2. If it ain't tight, it ain't right.

Let's get started!

First thing you need to do is measure the paper.  Having the right amount of paper is what keeps the wrap job tight.  Keep the paper tight to the box on your top edge and bring it over next to the side of the roll.

Now bring the roll up on the side and add an extra inch.

Cut down this line.  I really prefer wrapping with paper that has grid lines, you can find this type of paper at Hobby Lobby.

Now you need to measure the correct distance going the other way.  Bring one end up just a little over half way.  Measure the same distance on the other side and cut along that line.

You should now have the perfect amount of paper.  Bring the long ends across the box and tape (that's one piece of tape).

Now crease the ends.  Make the creases on your ends as tight as possible.  Bring the bottom flap up, then cover it with the top flap and tape (that's tape piece number two).  And repeat on the other side.  (and that is tape piece number three).

There you have it, a perfectly wrapped present, also a blank canvas for you to add fun bows or embellishments to.  Stop in later this afternoon for all the fancy stuff via my sister.  Thanks for reading today!  +Brock

Thanks so much for your gift wrapping lessons Brock!  I did my best to follow your rules when wrapping your gift.  Can't wait for you to see it Christmas morning and see what a good job I did!  Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!  Will be back later this afternoon with a little pretty you can add to your perfectly wrapped packages ♥  Christy

DIY Christmas Ornaments

This past weekend all the kids were home at my parents house, and I thought it would be fun to do a quick little Christmas crafting project with the girls.  I saw this pin on pinterest and decided it was the perfect DIY.  What I love about this project is that there is a really good chance you already have everything you need to create them.

What You Need:
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup flour
Sharpies
Straw
String
Drinking glass or cookie cutter

To make the dough recipe simply mix the salt, water and flour with a mixer.  This is a lot like the homemade play dough your mama used to make for you.  If you wanted you could also add some food coloring to create a colored affect, but I really liked the natural look of the dough.

Roll the dough out between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick.  I found the thinner the better.  Then cut shapes with a drinking glass (for circles) or cookie cutters if you would like to do another shape.

Use a straw to poke a hole in the top of the ornament.

Now bake at 250*F for about two hours or until the dough feels dried out to the touch.

After the ornaments cool, simply draw on them with sharpies.  Don't feel confident in your drawing skills?  Neither did I.  The camera ornament is actually a rub on I got from the scrapbooking section.

This would also be a really great project you can do with kids, because crayons work well on the baked dough.  They would also make really fun and unique gift tags.  One batch of dough makes about 12 three inch circle ornaments.

Happy Christmas Creating!

Divine Divinity

One of the best Christmas traditions is to  make Christmas candy with my mama.  We get out the kitchen aid mixer, the flour, the baking pans, the butter, lots of lots of sugar, and we create quite the culinary delights, from homemade caramels to sugar cookies.  But divinity has become one of my favourites.  We have been making divinity for about 5 years now and this year we finally perfected it.

I first tried divinity at my neighbor Kathy's house.  I was over helping her make Rosettes (another fancy Christmas cookie), and she asked if I would like to try her divinity.  I was blown away.  It was deliciously soft, sweet, and moist, almost like a marshmallow, but so much better.  Immediately I called my mama and said, we have to try this.  Mom knew all about divinity.  Her mom used to make it and would beat it all by hand, which once you see the recipe you will understand why that is a big deal.  Kathy told me that there were lots of little secrets to making the perfectly moist divinity so mom and I went to her house for lessons.

 Now if you're up to the challenge, I hope you will try your hand at this yummy Christmas delight.

Divinity

4 cups sugar

1 cup corn syrup

¾ cup water

Place these three ingredients in a sauce pan over low heat.  Stir until sugar is dissolved. Then continue cooking without stirring until the liquid reaches 255 degrees (use a candy thermometer to measure). 

While cooking the mixture, beat ½ cup egg whites until they are stiff. 

1/2 c egg whites equal about 3 eggs.  A little tip here, use eggs that are room temperature.  I don't know why, but it seems to affect things.  

Once the mixture on the stove has reached 255 degrees, slowly pour the hot mixture into the egg whites and beat consistently until mixture holds its shape and loses its gloss.  This is the most difficult and important part.  Too much beating and the candy will become tough and crumbly, too little and you have a gooey mess.  Just right and you have the best dang Christmas candy on the block, this is unless Kathy lives on your block.  Mom and I measured the time and we found for us that 14 minutes 30 seconds is about perfect.  

Now that you've reached the perfect texture add 1 tsp vanilla and mix for a few short seconds.  

At this point you can get very creative with the flavours of your divinity.  Mom and I like to add 3/4 cup chopped black walnuts (if you're into the whole nut scene).  Kathy creates fruity flavours by adding packets of Kool-Aid.  Yes you read that correctly, Kool-Aid.  She adds lime to create a key lime pie affect or raspberry for a nice berry flavour.  Or you can just leave it plain.  All are amazing, and all are delicious.  

After flavoured, spread it into a greased pan 9x9 pan.  Once firm cute into one inch square to serve.    

One more tip, make sure you keep in an air tight container, and most importantly, get ready for a sugar rush!

If you try making divinity I would love to hear how it went!  Would also love to hear about some of your favourite Christmas creations in the kitchen.  Happy Baking!

Christmas Cheer For All To Hear

The Wutke's here, hoping the Christmas Spirit has began to fill your hearts and is exploding all over your homes, inside and out via decorations, lights, cookies, and more. We would love to add a little joy to your Christmas, so here we are with some of our musical favourites. Yes, I, Christy, have a bit of an obsession with the classics sung by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra, but I promise there are a few songs on here for you Indie lovers as well. Hope you enjoy!

(The beautiful print above is by Linzie Hunter.  You can check out more of her work here).