Christmas in July



If your like me you are astounded when walking in some of the retail stores now and seeing fall and winter holiday items all ready being pushed.  I guess I am not saying I am surprised since each season seems to make it's way a little earlier each year for retailers to benefit off of it.  I like shopping early for some things, but June/July is a tad bit early-I want to think about jumping in the pool or heading to the beach in summer, not how I am going to prepare my Thanksgiving Turkey or decorate my house to celebrate Christmas.  With crafting I get it, since I love to craft, I do know you have to start early to get the products you need and to give yourself time to prepare, and produce the crafts-especially if you participate in the craft shows and fairs in the fall season for the upcoming holiday season.

I do have to admit, I, too am offering a Christmas in July Sale with my Pampered Chef business, but not to be confused with pushing decorations that some people feel necessary buying now for Christmas, just using the whole Christmas in July as a good reason to host a Sale, and offer my customers a discount and free items with purchase. 

So, back to the crafting segment of Christmas in July - last season I got started a little late due to our home being for sale and the preparation, but  here are some of the projects I worked on- here and here.  Nothing too over the top or life changing, but a  few ideas of some of the things I was able to post here on my blog. 

One of my favorite sites is Tip Junkie (if you don't subscribe-try it-it's free).  I love the site because it is almost my go-to site for everything besides Google, I look to the site from gardening to homemade solutions, to crafts, food, DIYing, exercise,party ideas, free printables, thrifty finds, organizing, and decor, this site covers EVERYTHING you can think of and has advice and ideas from the many talented women and men of this Internet world-they even have an app for your phone now too!  Right now I am participating in a weekly challenge of dating my spouse.  I  think we do a great job and stay pretty on top of it, but this has allowed me to gain some more ideas and knowledge to keep that flame flickering hard-so as I said they cover EVERYTHING, (no I am not getting paid for this solicitation for Tip Junkie, but just go there- you'll be addicted.) 

The site has a GREAT Christmas in July Party going on with HUNDREDS of ideas, from food to crafts, to decor and much much more.  I am liking the gathering stage right now for my upcoming crafts, projects, and recipes I would like to try.  I am dog-earing pages of craft mags, tearing out pics, and saving ideas I would like to do.  I never complete half of what I would like.  But I love giving things from the heart, and crafting allows me to cover most everyone I like to bless during the holidays.  I don't want to give too many secrets away as I will post them as they are ready, hopefully sooner than too much later in the fall when you feel you have run out of time to try some ideas. 

SOOOOOOO----PLEASE-PLEASE comment below and let me know if you are working on any upcoming holiday projects for the fall or winter holidays that you celebrate (crafts, paper crafts, DIYing, decor or recipes.)  I would love to hear of any you are working on or link back to your site if you host a blog or website.

So, on that note - Merry Christmas! 
May you not forget why we celebrate the season, whether it be in December or July <><!

I Didn't.

I didn't blog during the intimate Christmas season because I was busy enjoying my family and friends.

I didn't use super expensive wrapping and bows this year...just because.

I didn't send my Christmas cards out "on time" (according to who?), and everyone just loved them anyway.

I didn't have the family Santa picture this year at the club because we were busy on vacation with our family.

I didn't take enough pictures...because I was busy being in the moment.

I didn't break out into hives when my living space has been trashed for about 24 hours according to what I would like.

My husband and I didn't exchange big gifts this year...just because.

I haven't had shoes on other than my comfty slippers except when we went out and shared a pizza the other night.

I didn't have fancy new Christmas paper goods this year, we used up all the many last years of extras and had an eclectic table.  I started to apologize to our 18+ Christmas dinner crowd, but then stopped because did anyone REALLY care-no they thought I was being smart-rather than frugal.

I haven't taken down any Christmas decor as of yet because my 5 year old wants to leave it up forever (I am getting the bug though).

We didn't have to get out of bed before 6 a.m. this Christmas morning because Hubs had the day off and my kids slept in (super exciting).

We didn't a lot...and things are always just fine.

Each year I have the visions and lists of all the crafts, decor, photos, and seasonal opportunities that I would like to accomplish or attend, but this year I took it down a notch...as every year when the "didn't" list starts to find it's way.  It doesn't matter that I don't use the finest china in the cabinet or have the biggest house on the block to entertain for our Christmas season...all it matters is that we have family and friends around us that we can look in their eyes for the Christmas LOVE that is shared. 


This season we had the magical visit of Santa-we were all excited because little boy believes. 

This season we themed our Christmas dinner around Italian food-all the potluck recipes brought were delicious!

This season we welcomed back a lost relative to our family gathering.

This season we spent over a week with our beloved nephew who lives out of town.

This season our church was over the top to share the Christmas story with over 20,000 people!

This season our family traveled together for a Christmas get-a-way before the busyness.

This season our house was decorated after Thanksgiving for us to enjoy a little longer.

This season my boys was excited to give to the bell ringers everytime we were out and about.

This season we had our active duty Army cousin adorn our Christmas dinner.

This season we welcomed our close friends who celebrate Hanukkah at our celebration of Jesus!

This season our family spent more time with each other through the holiday season.

This season the gifts were bought and wrapped before December.

This season we shared the love of God to neighbors in need.

This season a lot happened, some that was envisioned and some that was not, but most of all we were able to enjoy what this season is all about-the birth of Christ.  The holiday season may not always be what we envision, but for my case it was even MORE...MORE time, MORE family, and most of all MORE love was spread to our community and shared in our home.

Easy Re-Purpose Candle Craft

You know those tall religious candles you see everywhere these days...well - here's what I came up with for some great Christmas gifts or any holiday.  I purchased three candles several weeks back and they stared at me for sometime on my office shelf. How do you like them, easy-too!  There is something about the tall candle that's different from regular jar candles that can be decorated.  Enjoy!

Craft Recipe:

First I Mod-Podged, a 4X6 photo mat STACK scrapbook paper.  I used the Homemade Christmas variety to the candle jar.  I picked up some nostalgia mini Christmas cards at HomeGoods and cut the front of the cards and stuck to mat with glue dots, and then wrapped in floss, buttons, beads, bows, and added a few pearls.  I thought they turned out cute.  I plan on making more, what a great gift, and they can be made with any hodge podge of materials added to the outside.  The candles can be bought plain at Wal-Mart for around a dollar, the rest of the supplies can be found in your craft drawer, the cost - super inexpensive, especially if you had all the supplies on hand except the candles....(by the way...check the 11/30/2010 post-there's a giveaway that can help you make this craft!)