tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4049011339896728962024-03-12T23:30:44.623-04:00Mrs. Santa's Cottage...and her book of Holiday Secrets!SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-65368231168697990162019-02-25T12:29:00.001-05:002019-02-25T12:29:42.475-05:00Embossed Gingerbread Christmas Ornaments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA6Z-Im9g5Q/XHQikjXIU7I/AAAAAAAACxk/XJoeytQrmjAW-rdMCGikah0JsjyW1A5PwCLcBGAs/s1600/product-image-809066769_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA6Z-Im9g5Q/XHQikjXIU7I/AAAAAAAACxk/XJoeytQrmjAW-rdMCGikah0JsjyW1A5PwCLcBGAs/s400/product-image-809066769_grande.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://sugarandcotton.com/products/christmas-embossing-3d-rolling-pin?t=pin&utm_campaign=RollingPinKWNewest&pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9T1JkNWNKb0RxX241T1cwSjVEYW53c254bkd4TUpvajgmbj04bldTekRTQXdQV0lJUFN2Uzd0NDBRJnQ9QUFBQUFGeDBJaFk">Phote Courtesy of Sugar & Cotton</a></div>
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These embossed rolling pins would make charming scented holiday ornaments or great accents tied to gifts with a piece of twine or raffia! This is just one site who sells a selection of these rolling pins. Don't want to use food based materials? Pick up some clay or make some of your own right at home!<br />
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<a href="https://sugarandcotton.com/products/christmas-embossing-3d-rolling-pin?t=pin&utm_campaign=RollingPinKWNewest&pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9T1JkNWNKb0RxX241T1cwSjVEYW53c254bkd4TUpvajgmbj04bldTekRTQXdQV0lJUFN2Uzd0NDBRJnQ9QUFBQUFGeDBJaFk">Embossed Gingerbread Christmas Ornaments</a><br />
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Recipes:<br />
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<a href="http://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/11/no-bake-gingerbread-ornaments.html?m=1">No Bake Gingergread Ornaments - smells like Christmas</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.livetheadventureletter.com/kids-corner/the-very-best-salt-dough-recipe-ever/">Salt Dough Recipe</a></div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-1133065203681298412016-02-15T12:08:00.001-05:002016-02-15T12:08:15.101-05:00Rustic Charm Easy Peasy Wood Slices for Home Decorating <img id="id_a732_7182_5ed5_7f9c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nglCkujS3zg/VsIF_f5CbUI/AAAAAAAACpg/r_oHFGUuWyM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><div style="text-align: right;">Photo courtesy of </div><a href="http://www.destinationdecoration.com/rustic-wood-slice-christmas-ornaments/" id="id_9724_ef95_38da_1468" target="_blank">Destination Decoration</a><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ever wonder how to make these charming wood slices for your home? Well, it's simpler then you think. Check it out </div><a href="http://www.destinationdecoration.com/rustic-wood-slice-christmas-ornaments/" id="id_e61_170b_dd27_1f43">here</a> and you'll be making these in no time! Don't they bring so much happiness and comfort to your soul? Handmade from the Heart. That's what I call them. SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-3727898397536164302016-02-15T12:02:00.001-05:002016-02-15T12:02:04.787-05:00Charming Cottage Woodland Character Slices<img id="id_c08_fdc0_8542_972d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4QTmk44ZOSk/VsIEiyuqytI/AAAAAAAACpU/gps7HPb7SHQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><div style="text-align: right;">Photo courtesy of </div><a href="http://m.instructables.com/id/Sliced-Wood-Ornaments-Year-Round/" id="id_6a47_134d_404e_f887" target="_blank">Instructables.com</a><div><br></div><div>What a great idea to use images on these wood slices for year round decoration and charm! </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://m.instructables.com/id/sliced-wood-ornaments-year-round/" id="id_2ada_8bc9_31d7_a1b5">Click here for instructuons</a><br></div>SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-21350131974471628202015-11-15T18:52:00.000-05:002015-11-15T18:52:05.401-05:00Call Santa Directly!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-84930069911952761692015-10-25T11:56:00.000-04:002015-10-25T11:56:11.703-04:00Whimsical Woodland Mini Tree Houses <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://kiflieslevendula.blogspot.com/2012/05/baglyos-papirgurigas-mobil.html">Croissant and Lavender</a></div>
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Photos and instructions below courtesy of <a href="http://kiflieslevendula.blogspot.com/2012/05/baglyos-papirgurigas-mobil.html">Croissant and Lavender:</a></div>
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Step 1: Paint bath tissue rolls or paper towel rolls in different colors. If using paper towel rolls, cut them down to desired size.<br />
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Step 2: Cut out the top, bottom and middle of the window. Score the sides of the window so there are deep crevices to make it is easier to open up the shutters. </div>
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Step 3: Place a small plate on top of your patterned papers and trace around it. The instructions didn’t specify the size of plate or papers. Cut out.</div>
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Step 4: Cut the circle in half and roll into a cone shape. Glue together. She used a glue dot which is found in the memory making aisle of your craft supply store. </div>
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Step 5: Glue on top of the paper towel roll.</div>
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Step 6: She drew brick layers on orange paper. </div>
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Step 7: Then, she cut out different shapes to glue onto the roll, in different locations on the house. Some under the window-door. Others, on the side to make it look like an older charming home with broken brick.</div>
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Step 8: There are 2 hanging options.</div>
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A: Hanging option 1: Cut a long piece of yarn and thread a bead or small button on. Knot both ends of the yarn at the end and push bead or button down toward knot. Thread the loop through the bottom of the house and thread it through the peak of the roof. Glue a litle bird or animals in the window. You can glue felt to the bottom of the house and stuff the inside of the roll so the bird has a cushion to sit on. </div>
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B. Hanging option 2: Cut a long piece of yarn and thread a bead or small button at the end and tie off. Thread through base of house and through peak of roof. Tie yarn to center of stick found outside. Then, cut another long piece of yarn and tie to both ends of the stick. Glue a litle bird or animals in the window. You can glue felt to the bottom of the house to cover the hole and stuff the inside of the roll so the bird has a cushion to sit on. Its ready to hang. </div>
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Charming...aren't they? Make different sizes. </div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-50073973602560856342015-05-25T23:13:00.001-04:002015-05-25T23:13:24.517-04:00Outdoors Man Ornament<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lT30fGu7kys/VWPgegcz-tI/AAAAAAAACkA/SvODnv9sVpQ/s1600/739b1f9eca71503a9f3aafe5d28e3a54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lT30fGu7kys/VWPgegcz-tI/AAAAAAAACkA/SvODnv9sVpQ/s640/739b1f9eca71503a9f3aafe5d28e3a54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://athriftymom.com/tactical-ammo-diy-christmas-ornament-perfect-for-the-hunter-or-outdoors-man-hacks/">A Thrifty Mom</a></i></div>
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Materials:</div>
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<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Clear plastic Christmas ornament</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Jute twine</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Fake pine branch</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Hot glue gun to attach twine</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Small piece of tan card stock to make tag</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Odds and ends of what your outdoors man likes (ex: fishing hooks, empty ammo - DO NOT USE LIVE AMMO, camouflage fabric, mini compass and canteen</span></li>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: -24px;">Open ornament, place pine in, then a couple items of the odds and ends. Put top back on ornament. Glue twine to top. Make small tag and write something on it. String tag on twine and finish gluing to top. Add more twine to hang ornament. You're done!</span></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-52663443253396442072014-12-24T08:24:00.000-05:002014-12-24T08:24:06.260-05:00Christmas Tip - 1 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Relax ... And Smell The Eggnog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B9jiPT9hOQ/VJq9hDPwcQI/AAAAAAAACfk/wJ6G8fHNVm4/s1600/christmas_party.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B9jiPT9hOQ/VJq9hDPwcQI/AAAAAAAACfk/wJ6G8fHNVm4/s1600/christmas_party.gif" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven.com</a></i></div>
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<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://www.101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Christmas Eve is here ... and now it's time to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For many of us, this day finds us stressed and obsessed. We fly around
in a tizzy, feeling "not yet ready" for the holiday. It can be hard
to shift gears out of planning mode.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But what's the best gift you can give yourself and your family? A
relaxed and happy self.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take time today to shrug off the last bits of holiday care. Release any
remaining expectations, cancel un-completed chores, set aside the to-do list,
and take time to smell the eggnog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Christmas is here!<o:p></o:p></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-32101314850022752302014-12-24T08:16:00.003-05:002014-12-24T08:16:36.490-05:00Christmas Tip - 2 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Simplify Holiday Breakfasts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
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<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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If you're hosting houseguests this week, think ahead to breakfast each
day. The simpler, the better--so try these tips to simplify holiday breakfasts:<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Set the table for breakfast as you clean up from dinner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Post a breakfast menu on the refrigerator to encourage volunteer help
from early-rising guests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Focus breakfast menus on quick, make-ahead items like breakfast
casseroles, muffins, fruit, choice of cereals and juice. You can't enjoy your
guests' company if you're slaving away in the kitchen!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-18965616461794802014-12-24T08:12:00.000-05:002014-12-24T08:12:01.660-05:00Christmas Tip - 3 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Assemble Toys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JT5Gq7oMpLc/VJq7XIR6UQI/AAAAAAAACfM/sBEZy8BMt6U/s1600/assembly_line_worker_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JT5Gq7oMpLc/VJq7XIR6UQI/AAAAAAAACfM/sBEZy8BMt6U/s1600/assembly_line_worker_1.gif" height="338" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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It's the phrase that strikes fear in the hearts of parents everywhere:
"some assembly required". Today's toy packaging--twist ties and
all--can put a serious wrench in a happy Christmas morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will Santa bring bicycles, riding toys or other assembly-needed gifts
this year? The time to assemble them is now!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For younger children, consider removing toys from packaging altogether.
Short attention spans won't need to wait anxiously to play with Christmas gifts
while you wield the wire cutter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Get cracking on putting toys together in good time for Christmas Eve.
Santa will sleep soundly on the big night!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-57659944891919233132014-12-24T08:08:00.001-05:002014-12-24T08:08:23.534-05:00Christmas Tip - 4 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Prepare Stocking Stuffers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79OecSb63D8/VJq6c0jYxnI/AAAAAAAACfE/S7fdtEJzD5Q/s1600/stockings_on_mantle_8.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79OecSb63D8/VJq6c0jYxnI/AAAAAAAACfE/S7fdtEJzD5Q/s1600/stockings_on_mantle_8.gif" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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The stockings are hung by the chimney with care ... so it's time to
prepare to fill them! Ease this midnight chore with a bit of pre-holiday
organization.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Set aside a plastic supermarket grocery sack for each family member,
and sort stuffers into the sacks. Slip handles around a clothes hanger, and
hang the sorted stuffers at the back of the closet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With stuffers sorted and ready, Santa won't be fumbling in the dark,
trying to remember what gift belongs where ....<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-59326785978532668532014-12-24T08:04:00.001-05:002014-12-24T08:04:13.479-05:00Christmas Tip - 5 Days to Christmas! It's Time For A Camera Check!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Da1rnepsJRc/VJq5dQaYc2I/AAAAAAAACe4/bJm1mulQo48/s1600/video_cameraman.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Da1rnepsJRc/VJq5dQaYc2I/AAAAAAAACe4/bJm1mulQo48/s1600/video_cameraman.gif" height="400" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Ready, set, roll 'em! Christmas morning will soon be here, so take a
moment to prepare to capture the memories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Haul out the cameras and videocams and make sure they're ready for the
big day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Charge the batteries, check supplies of film or digital media, and be
sure you have cables handy for uploading digital photos. Share the moment!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-70354708703104512372014-12-24T08:00:00.001-05:002014-12-24T08:00:17.177-05:00Christmas Tip - 6 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Record A Holiday Greeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWNee5DtXk/VJq4YoZcdFI/AAAAAAAACes/yFdv7hqM_Xc/s1600/04_calling_birds.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWNee5DtXk/VJq4YoZcdFI/AAAAAAAACes/yFdv7hqM_Xc/s1600/04_calling_birds.gif" height="345" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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To give a holiday welcome to phone callers this week, record a special
Christmas greeting on the phone answering machine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's fun, free and a festive way to connect with those whose calls
you've missed..<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Holidays!<o:p></o:p></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-25946530041151620832014-12-24T07:55:00.002-05:002014-12-24T07:55:38.974-05:00Christmas Tip - 7 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Write Letters To Santa Claus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNUhlpR0dpU/VJq3RsrW1TI/AAAAAAAACeg/erQ71-wIsaI/s1600/snowman_checking_mailbox.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNUhlpR0dpU/VJq3RsrW1TI/AAAAAAAACeg/erQ71-wIsaI/s1600/snowman_checking_mailbox.gif" height="376" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Haul out the pencils! It's time to write letters to Santa Claus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Parents, do remember to save children's letters to Santa from year to
year. Everyone will enjoy watching the lists (and the handwriting) grow over
the years--and the result will spark family scrapbooks.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-70130238477598338542014-12-17T19:50:00.000-05:002014-12-17T19:50:09.086-05:00Christmas Tip - 8 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Make A Christmas Morning Basket<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O-2FHf2jn4/VJIkMp4TZeI/AAAAAAAACeQ/w-Lyl8EwoIw/s1600/basket_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O-2FHf2jn4/VJIkMp4TZeI/AAAAAAAACeQ/w-Lyl8EwoIw/s1600/basket_1.gif" height="400" width="357" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Gifts are piling up beneath the tree, and Santa's ready to roll: time
to prepare a Christmas morning basket!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The concept is simple: gather the tools and supplies you'll need to
open Christmas gifts and put them in a basket, gift bag or gift box beneath the
tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Include items like scissors, box cutter, notepad and pen (for recording
"gifts received"), camera or videocam, trash bags, zipper food
storage bags (for bundling small pieces so they're not lost) and extra
batteries.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Add a Santa hat for a fun touch: she who wears the hat, passes out the
presents!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-80352413854546535302014-12-17T19:43:00.002-05:002014-12-17T19:43:53.049-05:00Christmas Tip - 9 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Keep An Ornament Journal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HcKyJBmxpY/VJIigeD9gdI/AAAAAAAACeE/L5k0D4vf5as/s1600/172993-christmas_planner_holiday_ornament_journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HcKyJBmxpY/VJIigeD9gdI/AAAAAAAACeE/L5k0D4vf5as/s1600/172993-christmas_planner_holiday_ornament_journal.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo and Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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The family tree shines during the season when each ornament tells a
story--but will you remember?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep track of ornament collections with an ornament journal. Whether
it's "Baby's First Christmas" or a special gift from Nana's last
vacation, a quick note about each new ornament will preserve the memories from
year to year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We make it easy with a free printable ornament journal page:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/printable/christmas-planner/ornament-journal">Ornament Journal</a></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-75785045051833119372014-12-15T20:30:00.001-05:002014-12-15T20:30:19.604-05:00Christmas Tip - 10 Days to Christmas! It's Time For A Pre-Holiday House Cleaning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLFpAyuM8SY/VI-K0-GtlsI/AAAAAAAACds/Ayr9R3RHEmA/s1600/maid_-_elephant.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLFpAyuM8SY/VI-K0-GtlsI/AAAAAAAACds/Ayr9R3RHEmA/s1600/maid_-_elephant.gif" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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With only ten days to go, it's time to give the house a final
going-over before Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Play cleaning service this week, and give every room a top-clean
session of dusting, vacuuming and final touch-up. You'll bring the entire house
to a holiday-ready state in good time to celebrate!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-80748818078418473542014-12-15T20:24:00.002-05:002014-12-15T20:24:48.834-05:00Christmas Tip - 11 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Organize Holiday Potluck Meals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ym65CBdJQsE/VI-JfNFNc2I/AAAAAAAACdg/YTVSWF7pJB4/s1600/172967-christmas_planner_food_potluck_planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ym65CBdJQsE/VI-JfNFNc2I/AAAAAAAACdg/YTVSWF7pJB4/s1600/172967-christmas_planner_food_potluck_planner.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo and Article Courtesy of <a href="http://www.organizedchristmas.com/">Organized Christmas</a></i></div>
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Pitching in to share the work makes a lot of sense when it comes to
holiday meals--but without a bit of planning, you can end up with six different
versions of Green Bean Casserole--and no rolls!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bring order to potluck dinners today. Our free printable form makes it
easy to plan, delegate and coordinate a shared menu:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Print <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/printable/christmas-planner/potluck-planner">Holiday Potluck Planner</a></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-75882647736015379232014-12-14T10:39:00.004-05:002014-12-14T10:39:48.422-05:00Christmas Tip - 12 Days to Christmas! It's Time For An Under-Tree Storage Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkoG082qeJ8/VI2u92fbXAI/AAAAAAAACdA/soAbHoz6emw/s1600/moving_boxes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkoG082qeJ8/VI2u92fbXAI/AAAAAAAACdA/soAbHoz6emw/s1600/moving_boxes.gif" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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The tree is trimmed, lights glowing. Packing away the storage boxes is
easy, but what do you do with all those little bulbs and fuses? They wander the
house, constantly underfoot--until you need one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep holiday decor supplies close at hand with this simple, sneaky
solution: an under-tree storage box. Select a pretty holiday gift box with a
removable lid. Put all fuses, replacement light bulbs and extra ornament hooks
inside the box, add a gift bow and slide it beneath the tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next time you need to replace a light bulb or add a new ornament to the
tree, grab the box. It'll hold--and hide--all the holiday supplies you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-51885711403049884532014-12-14T10:33:00.002-05:002014-12-14T10:33:19.268-05:00Christmas Tip - 13 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Hold A Gift-Wrap Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJWkHM1ftx8/VI2tZ9GesGI/AAAAAAAACc0/mJKeeqYxb_4/s1600/too_many_gifts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJWkHM1ftx8/VI2tZ9GesGI/AAAAAAAACc0/mJKeeqYxb_4/s1600/too_many_gifts.gif" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Couresty of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Whether you're a devoted wrap-a-holic or giftwrap-averse, here's a
holiday event for you: a wrap party!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The premise is simple. Gather your friends, a few cookies, some eggnog
and a few holiday CDs. Get together to wrap, wrap, wrap your gifts in good
company. Sharing a few laughs with friends makes the chore fly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bonus benefit: encourage guests to swap left-over gift wrap supplies at
party's end. Everyone will leave with fresh new wrapping designs for the last
few gifts to land under the tree--and a good time, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-25948447304494781942014-12-14T10:28:00.000-05:002014-12-14T10:28:00.739-05:00Christmas Tip - 14 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Update The Address Book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8oMC_pKwNA/VI2sA2-fsuI/AAAAAAAACco/8-ZlwZWLJvA/s1600/address_file_2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8oMC_pKwNA/VI2sA2-fsuI/AAAAAAAACco/8-ZlwZWLJvA/s1600/address_file_2.gif" height="400" width="348" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Christmas cards and holiday letters are spilling from the mailbox these
days, so take note! Their arrival means it's time to update the address book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Check cards and envelopes for address changes; update address books for
those who have moved or changed telephone numbers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Too busy? No problem! Toss envelopes into a file folder; when life
slows down in January, it'll be easy to check return addresses against address
book entries and update as needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-42514701574441766252014-12-14T10:22:00.000-05:002014-12-14T10:22:05.664-05:00Christmas Tip - 15 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Eat From The Freezer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40kElv4R-cc/VI2qaVkhLEI/AAAAAAAACcc/ihffK-D5ZPs/s1600/freezing_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40kElv4R-cc/VI2qaVkhLEI/AAAAAAAACcc/ihffK-D5ZPs/s1600/freezing_1.gif" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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It's time! If you've stockpiled a few freezer meals to use during the
holiday season, pencil them into the menu plan during the next two weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What? You say you missed out on this step? Check the supermarket's
freezer section. A stash of family-sized entrees like lasagne or Florentine
chicken can chill dinner-hour stress during the holidays. No more "dine
and dash" at the pizza place or fast-food joint!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Print: <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/printable/christmas-planner/freezer-inventory">Freezer Inventory Form</a></div>
</div>
SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-18973073648218814132014-12-09T19:49:00.002-05:002014-12-09T19:49:45.381-05:00Christmas Tip - 16 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Print Holiday Labels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Printable address labels are wonderful things, and never more so than
during the holiday season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sure, they'll see to it that your Christmas cards get to the right
address, but try these other uses for self-adhesive address labels during the
holiday season:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Label baked goods for a professional touch. Seasonal clip art makes it
pretty!</li>
<li>Home-printed gift tags for Christmas gifts will stay put in transit.</li>
<li>Party name tags or dinner party place cards are easy to create with
labels.</li>
<li>Identify all those cords behind the Christmas tree: wrap a label around
the cord, stick the ends together and mark which lights are which for easy
reference.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-25642186778363514912014-12-09T19:45:00.002-05:002014-12-09T19:45:39.396-05:00Christmas Tip - 17 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Plan Low-Cost Celebrations With Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFmaoyOBXDg/VIeVekVz-2I/AAAAAAAACcM/LBFTtrZ6TsY/s1600/elf_in_box.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFmaoyOBXDg/VIeVekVz-2I/AAAAAAAACcM/LBFTtrZ6TsY/s1600/elf_in_box.gif" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://www%2C101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days To Christmas</a></i></div>
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Celebrating with kids? It doesn't need to cost money.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Putting "celebration" at the center of the season--and taking
the focus off of gifts and giving--can be the key to happy holidays that don't
break the bank.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Better, when it comes to kids and Christmas, cheap is good! Simple,
inexpensive family activities can be as meaningful as pricey Nutcracker
tickets--and no need for scratchy dresses or dress-up suits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Try these no-cost, low-cost ways to celebrate the holiday season with
kids:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><u>Low Cost No Cost Ways to Celebrate Christmas with Kids</u></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Celebrate with Kids<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cutting costs at Christmas doesn't mean celebrating like Scrooge. It's
not about what you buy--it's about what you do!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Putting "celebration" at the center of the season and taking the focus off of gifts and giving can be the key to happy holidays that don't break the bank.<br />
<br />
Better, when it comes to kids and Christmas, cheap is good! Simple,
inexpensive family activities can be as meaningful as pricey Nutcracker
tickets--and no need for scratchy dresses or dress-up suits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Try these no-cost, low-cost ways to celebrate the holiday season with
kids:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Christmas Camp-Out: One evening, roll out sleeping bags in the living
room, and hold a family camp-out underneath the Christmas tree. Don’t forget
the hot chocolate and carols around the fireplace!</li>
<li>Lights Night: Put younger children to bed as usual, but wake them an
hour later. Tumble the family into the car pajamas and all, and drive out to
see the Christmas lights. Pack hot drinks and popcorn for a surprise treat.</li>
<li>Shopping Date: To encourage children to give, make a one-on-one
shopping date with each child. Together with a parent, help the child shop for
gifts for other family members. Be sure to stop for a sweet treat. Make
memories!</li>
<li>Pet Patrol: Visit the local humane society or animal shelter, and
volunteer to walk homeless pets during the season. Fresh air and family time
are a bonus!</li>
<li>Candle-Lit Dinner: Make an everyday dinner special by dining by
candlelight. Share stories around the table as you enjoy the glow.</li>
<li>Glowing Toes: Share a mother-daughter moment: a girls-only pedicure
party, complete with Rudolph-red nail polish!</li>
<li>Library Lane: Visit the local library and check out books about
Christmas. Read one book each night in December as a special holiday countdown.</li>
<li>Cracker Crafts: Save enough toilet-tissue tubes to supply the family.
Create Christmas crackers by stuffing tubes with tiny candies, toys and treats.
Wrap crackers, and use them as place cards for holiday dinners.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i><u>Magic Elf Tradition: Will
Santa's Magic Elf Visit Your Home?<o:p></o:p></u></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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magic elf<o:p></o:p></div>
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What would happen if one of Santa's elves came to your house to visit?<o:p></o:p></div>
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He'd arrive sometime before the holidays began. Sent by Santa to check
on good little girls and boys, he'd roam the house at night, popping up in the
most unlikely places come morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes, elf mischief would take place--and he'd be caught
red-handed! Finally, on Christmas Eve, he'd report to Santa and hitch a ride
back to the North Pole ... until next year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you can imagine it, you can do it: meet Santa's Magic Elf!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes known as the Elf on the Shelf, the Magic Elf tradition is an
interactive holiday activity for families or school classes. Free printable
letters from Santa, Elf passport and Elf report make it easy to create a new
holiday tradition!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's easy to invite Santa's Magic Elf to visit!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Choose a time for the visit<o:p></o:p></div>
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What's the right time for the Elf to arrive? Thanksgiving weekend? Two
weeks before Christmas? When the family puts up the Christmas tree?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Choose a date for the Elf's arrival, and prepare for fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whenever he or she arrives, Santa's Magic Elf will need a passport.
Print one here: Elf Passport.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Print a Letter of Introduction</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Your Elf will need a letter of introduction, explaining why he or she
is visiting the family. We make it easy with a selection of free printable
letters from Santa, or you can create your own letter of introduction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Santa will need to explain that the Elf has come to report the behavior
of good little boys and girls, and that he or she will be returning to the
North Pole on Christmas Eve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Given Elves' well-known propensity to misbehave, a warning about Elf
Mischief might be in order.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Create an Elf Report</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Santa's Elf will need a way to make his report. Give the Elf a small
notebook, or print our free Elf Report--it's where Santa's Elf will record his
observations for the year (and be a cherished keepsake after the holidays).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Introduce the Elf to the Family</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Will the Elf arrive in a basket on the doorstep? Will he make a magical
trip down the chimney? Will he be found on or under the Christmas tree?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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However he gets there, know that Santa's Elf always likes to make a
splash when he arrives!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Watch Santa's Magic Elf make his report</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Each night, the Elf will find a new place to hide; he'll want to make a
thorough report to Santa. Since he's here to look for good behavior, he'll have
to travel all through the house in the course of his visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Elves can go to sleep in some of the most unlikely places! It's often
necessary for the children to search the house in the morning to find the
sleepy Elf.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Watch Out for Elf Mischief<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Late at night, Santa's Magic Elf is able get into all sorts of
mischief!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Elves have been known to spill sugarbowls (and leave their tracks in
the spill), bounce on the sofa (disarranging the cushions), grab the remote for
some late night television, check out the refrigerator, hide in pockets or
leave small surprises for their young friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You'll find loads and loads of ideas for Elf Mischief on the <a href="http://magicalholidayhome.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=140">MagicalHoliday Home Magic Elves message boards.</a> Our friends know that Elves are much
more inclined to get into trouble when they're away from Santa! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Help the Elf's subjects write a letter to Santa</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Naturally, the Elf is hoping that Santa will receive a good report
about him, too. The children may wish to write to Santa, and tell him about the
Elf's visit. They may even ask to be visited next year, so be sure the Elf has
letters for Santa when it's time to return. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Return to the North Pole</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Be sure Santa's Magic Elf is packed and ready to go on December 24th.
He can wait for Santa in a stocking or near Santa's cookies and milk, but he'd
better have his journal and any letters for Santa and be ready to leave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Santa's in a hurry on Christmas Eve, and can't wait around for a
laggard Elf!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Printable Magic Elf Letters<o:p></o:p></div>
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Print: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/image/pdf/gift_tags_magic_elf_passport.pdf">Elf Passport </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/image/pdf/gift_tags_magic_elf_report_to_santa.pdf">Elf Report </a></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/image/pdf/gift_tags_magic_elf_letter_frame.pdf">Santa’s Letter Introducing His Elf 1 </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/image/pdf/gift_tags_magic_elf_letter_holiday_house.pdf">Santa's Letter Intro His Elf 2</a></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/image/pdf/gift_tags_magic_elf_letter_poinsettias.pdf">Santa's Letter Intro His Elf 3</a></div>
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<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/image/pdf/gift_tags_magic_elf_letter_red_swirl.pdf">Santa's Letter Intro His Elf 4</a></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-76050016951852216432014-12-07T12:58:00.000-05:002014-12-07T12:58:02.221-05:00Christmas Tip - 18 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Wrap As You Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2ZlJIYB_kc/VISU5SbvfKI/AAAAAAAACb8/h9m-sKPVlUQ/s1600/gifts_in_sleigh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2ZlJIYB_kc/VISU5SbvfKI/AAAAAAAACb8/h9m-sKPVlUQ/s1600/gifts_in_sleigh.gif" height="253" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
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<i>Article Courtesy of <a href="http://101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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It's the holiday chore nobody wants: wrapping gifts at midnight,
Christmas Eve. To head off last-minute wrapping, wrap gifts as you go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wrapping in small doses, you'll do a better job and enjoy it, too. To
track whose gift is which, use small stickey notes to identify gifts. (Deter
snoops with a numbering system tied to the master gift list!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another way to ease gift-wrap chores is holding a gift-wrap party with
friends. Pour hot cider, put out a plate of holiday cookies and stack Christmas
music in the CD player as you chat and wrap together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A clutter-busting bonus? Swap leftover gift wrap at the end of the
event; a friend's tired roll end becomes your family's fresh new pattern.<o:p></o:p></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404901133989672896.post-28976004586138059492014-12-07T12:53:00.002-05:002014-12-07T12:53:39.967-05:00Christmas Tip - 19 Days to Christmas! It's Time To Schedule Family Nights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SoMBiEFLO8/VISTy13xSBI/AAAAAAAACbw/b5GQ4b8hnqs/s1600/penguins.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SoMBiEFLO8/VISTy13xSBI/AAAAAAAACbw/b5GQ4b8hnqs/s1600/penguins.gif" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart Heaven</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Article courtesy of <a href="http://www101daystochristmas.com/">101 Days to Christmas</a></i></div>
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Everyone loves a bustling, busy holiday season, until there’s too much
of a good thing. Result: meltdown!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Consider scheduling regular “Family Nights”--no parties, shopping,
performances or activities—to give family members time together during the
height of the season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Focus on quiet activities, like board games or watching holiday videos
together, to build family togetherness and make holiday memories!<o:p></o:p></div>
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SweetErGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444882953504391324noreply@blogger.com