I Love Christmas Greenery!

Don't you just love the look and smell of fresh greenery during the holidays?  I know I do!  That is why absolutely ALL of mine is.....FAKE!!  Yep, every last tree and holiday arrangement in my home consists of nothing but plastic and wire! 

And while it is pretty, it just isn't the same as having real, live greenery.  In the past I have tried adding a few arrangements made out of pine, cedar, fir and holly clippings.  WHAT A MESS!  Those little needles dried up and fell off in no time.  By the time Christmas got here I had nothing but bare twigs!

A few years ago I did hang a live wreath on the front door.  It looked beautiful! It smelled even better! And everytime the door was opened, the throw rug on the entry floor was sprinkled with sharp, tiny little needles.  You didn't dare take off your shoes at the door for fear of getting stabbed. 
Let's just say the novelty of a real wreath wore off quite quickly.

So I ask of you, how the heck do you keep live greenery indoors during the holiday season?  I'm definately not the kinda girl that's going to spritz stuff daily.  And having them in vases, etc...the cat really doesn't need another source of water to spill.

Whats a girl to do?  Help!

Crayon Tote Bag

I've been seeing these adorable little bags everywhere and I decided my cutie patootie, little 4 year old niece just HAD to have one too! Every little girl needs a cute crayon tote, right?

I dug some fabric out of my stash, hauled out my sewing macine and went to town. I typically don't follow patterns too closely and this was no exception. My basic measurements (before sewing) were 12" x 11" for the bag. I sewed a line every 3/4" for the crayon "pockets". As for the pretty little posey, I used this super easy pattern. Seriously, sewing on the button was the hardest part of the flower. I'm racking my brain trying to come up with other places to put some of these. I just love them!
http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/pink_paper_peppermints/2008/06/rounded-petal-fabric-flowers-31-crafty-flowers-in-31-days--day-23.html
The bag holds a 24 pack of crayons and a few standard size coloring books. The crayons fit snug, too! I was a little worried that they would fall out of their little slots. You can actually flip this little bugger upside down and the crayons stay put, definately a bonus that mommy will love.
Can't wait to give this to the little princess. She'll be coming for a visit in a few weeks...SO EXCITED! I offered to make my own daughters their very own crayon bags and they turned me down. Teenagers don't want crayon totes??? Who knew?

 

Iced Coffee Anyone?

Three ingredients are all you need for the best iced coffee you've ever made.  All you need is coffee, chocolate syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and ice.  I guess technically that would be four ingredients.. 

Are you ready for this super easy recipe?

Iced Coffee

3 cups cooled coffee

1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk

1/8 cup of chocolate syrup

Mix well in a one quart pitcher.  Serve over ice.

Really, it's that easy and you'll love it!

                                         

                                  

 

Yummy!  I just might have to add some Baileys Irish Cream to my next batch.  Sound good?

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