Sunday Christmas in July

I reflect a lot on Sunday's and this Sunday is no different. I love Christmas for so many things... the decorations,

the traditions,



the holiday baking,

time spent with family and friends,

and gift giving.

I've been feeling very nostalgic lately and missing my grandmothers a lot. They would come and spend Christmases with us (both were widows at fairly young ages). It was wonderful to have them there to bake the traditional family cookies, go to church with, and just be there on Christmas Eve and Christmas mornings. Our sons were fortunate enough to know and love my Gram, she died in 2002. My Nan (Dad's Mum) died in 1992 and although the boys were born, they don't remember her. So, here I sit remembering 2 great women who were such inspirations to me.

Enjoy your day!

A Pink Show and Tell

This oil painting hangs in our living room. Can you see the beautiful pink gown that the woman is wearing? A friend of mine was moving and asked if I wanted it. Who wouldn't want it?


The colors and details are wonderful in this close-up.

While my parents were at the beach last week, I took care of their Himalayan cat Sue-lea, the plants and the mail. Of course my Mum had to bring me back a lovely tea pot to thank me. She is so sweet and the thoughtful, the best Mum anyone could ask for. Although I told her before they left not to buy me anything.

What makes this even more dear to my heart is the my Dad picked it out. He said it had to be this one because it just looked like me!

Be sure to stop by Kelli's on Friday for more Show and Tell fun and Beverly's on Saturday for Pink Saturday or maybe you have something fun to share too!

Oh and just in case your visiting for a little more Christmas in July...I wanted to share another one of our traditions...

Every year on Christmas Eve Santa hides a pickle ornament on the tree. The first person to find the ornament gets 1 extra present. It's usually a fancy candy or special treat, something small that won't cause hard feelings between siblings. Does anyone else do this German tradition?

Thanks for visiting, I would love to hear from you!

Yummy Christmas Tradition and a New Blog

Every year I make a Pineapple Cake for Christmas Eve that is so easy, moist and delicious. I thought that you might like to try the recipe for Christmas in July

Pineapple Cake

• 2c flour
• 2 eggs
• 2c sugar
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 large can crushed pineapple (undrained)

Mix with a wooden spoon. Bake in a 9 x 13 greased pan at 325 for 45min (but I would check it after 30min) - I use a Christmas Tree Shaped Pan:)

Icing

• 8oz cream cheese
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1c 10x sugar
• 1tsp vanilla

Beat well and frost cake. I decorate with green sugar sprinkled on the top, maraschino cherries, silver dragees, to give the look of a real Christmas tree.

Did you see that adorable airstream birdhouse photo? It was created by a very talented artist and dear friend Mike Hale.


They have a new blog Mike Hale & Co, and would love a visit from you. Mike is very versatile. From bird houses and whirly-gigs to found object and abstract paintings, you never know what he'll create next. But, I do know that you'll just love it. If you are looking for a unique Christmas, birthday or a just because gift leave them a comment or send an e-mail.

Enjoy your day!

Wishes

Lest anyone think that I'm totally Christmas Crazy, I do enjoy summer and all that it brings.


Aren't these sunflowers gorgeous. I got them from a nearby farm stand for $6. Wishing you warm sunshine and summer fun!

Magical Christmas Memories

I've finished 2 more pages of my Christmas Magic Planner...


This page helps with organizing, making lists, etc.



A few close-ups...again, I've inked the edges to give the piece a vintage look and used vintage images (these babies are adorable).

I used a lot of Stampin' Up papers, ribbons and rub-ons for this page too.

The next page is a reality check list...

This page was so much fun to create! I used a red flocked diamond paper for the background.


Some embellishments from Cosmo Cricket...

Don't you just love the Old St. Nick image?


These little fellows stand guard year-round on a window sill in our dining room.


Th old photo above is from the Worlds Fair in the early 1900's. Both sets of my great-grandparents went together.

And, last but not least, this is a photo of the boys from 1989. We posed them in their radio flyer wagon in front of the tree. Can you see that Bryan is wearing Elf Pajamas? Ahhh Magical Christmas Memories...

Christmas Magic in July

Like any keeper of Christmas, I have Christmas Magic Notebook.
Last year the notebook had a more whimsical feel to it, but as you know that's not really my style. So I'm revamping the individual pages - plus it gives me something to create!

The Cover Page is the Countdown.

I used an original vintage postcard for the image.

Page 1 shows a calendar that begins in late October and ends the first week of December. This page was so fun to create...vintage images, buttons, tulle, chipboard, rub-ons, just a lot of this, that and love.


The weeks are categorized to help you get ready for Christmas. I'll post the individual pages as I finish them. There are lists that correspond for each week.


Week 1 is Organization. This is always fun for me as I am a list maker and I get joy from the check marks that show a job completed - what a surprise:)


Week 2 is Reality Check.


Week 3 is Gifts and Giving and week 4 is Cooking and Baking.

Week 5 is Decorate and Tree Time. And, it just so happens that my wonderful DH just bought me a beautiful new tree topper to go with my collection. He's so sweet!

Oh my where will I put another topper?! Enjoy your day!

Handmade Cards for Christmas in July

What better to do for Christmas in July than design and make Christmas Cards.



I used premade ivory 5" x7" cards for the base and inked the edges with chocolate chip to give them an aged look.


I used a 4" x 6" old olive card stock as the background and, again inked the edges with the chocolate chip ink. I used a swirl stamp that had holly leaves as part of the design with Versamark ink to give the stock added Christmas appeal.


Then, I used my big shot die to cut the top note from white stock and inked this with So Saffron ink from Stampin' Up, Kelli - a friend of mine is the dealer. I stamped the Christmas Tree using Old Olive Ink and used clear embossing powder to make it pop! I want to add gold to the balls and star with a paint pen (but I don't have one yet).


I added grommets and gold embroidery thread to resemble tassels, then used pop dots for a 3-d effect.


I used an off-white ribbon to stamp my message with More Mustard ink. The ribbon is ribbed and makes it hard to read the message. Can you read the "Merry & Bright?" I'm looking for a "rejoice" stamp and will use a flat ribbon.

I'm still looking for the perfect verse for the inside.

So, what are you doing for Christmas in July? Stop by again, I'll be posting more Christmas projects, ideas and organizational tips. Enjoy!

The thrill of the hunt

I'm not always sure what "it "is I'm hunting for, but it does make my heart pound and my palms sweat when I find "it."

The trophy this time was this great vintage scale.

And when I bought it, my DH asked his typical question... "What are you going to do with it?"

"Why add some grapevine balls and put it on the back porch of course." His reply was, "Where am I going to sit my iced tea?" (ha ha)

I'm thinking that I may want to paint the scale off white and the mail box in the top photo fire engine red. What do you think?

Thanks for visiting, if you leave me a comment, I'll be sure to repay the visit! Don't forget to stop by Kelli's today to see what she and the rest of the wonderful blogs are showing and telling!

New Pink for Me

As I mentioned before Adam moved out a few weeks ago. And, since then I've been revamping his room...


combination guest room and craft studio. I'll show the craft part soon.



Of course I had to do a pink something or other since up 'til now the bedrooms have been hockey, football and wrestling something or others:)



I have a lot of cooking and cleaning to finish by noon for our picnic.



Pink Saturday is hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound. Please be sure to visit Beverly and all of the other's who are showing their pink treasures! Enjoy your day!

Old Glory

I pledge allegiance


to the Flag


of the United States of America,


and to the Republic


for which it stands,


one Nation under God,


indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy Fourth of July!!