Showing posts with label personalized ornaments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personalized ornaments. Show all posts

Monday, May 6, 2019

Spring Swag

     I've been wanting some new spring swag for my front door and after perusing through Pinterest I realized I do not have the floral arrangement gift nor did I want to pay the steep price for some flowers tied together with a zip-tie, so Hobby Lobby is where I ended up with a little inspiration from my sister. 
     I won't bore you with the long winded blah blah blah of how I did this, it's pretty self explanatory. What the best part is, with all of the Hobby Lobby sales and the 40% off coupon I got it all for a grand total of $14!
Painting the base...
I may have wasted a little tape but this insured my spacing was exact, and took a lot less time.
Painting the top layer...
Ta Da!
The burlap bow I bought already made and the flower, just snip the stem off and hot glue to the bow. The good thing about this is it'll be super easy to re-paint and change out the color of the flower to roll with the changing of the seasons.
My life motto..."Ballin' on a Budget":)

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest
Follow us on Google+





Phone: (573) 680-7078










Monday, November 26, 2018

Candied Tradition

     One of my most favorite things to do during the holidays is bake! Anything with lots of sugar and makes my home spell scrumptious is on the list. Last week I made one of my all time faves...Cinnamon Sugar Almonds in the crockpot...mmmmm!! If you're like me, I love to give to everyone, the mailman, my hairstylst, co-workers and so on. I've found over the years that some sort of baked good can please almost all. I've done caramel apples, the ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies in a mason jar, chocolate covered pretzels, and sugar cookies with no complaints thus far. 
     This year I opted for the never failing candy coated almonds. These are so easy I almost feel guilty about not putting more effort in but let's be real, who really has a lot of extra time during the holidays. I just want to make sure everyone gets a little something so they know how special they are to me. All it takes is a few common ingredients and you'll have gifts to go around.
     This is all you'll need. The complete recipe is at the bottom.
     
     First, you'll mix together both sugars, cinnamon and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. 

     Whisk the egg white and the vanilla together until they're a little frothy and then pour in the almonds to coat, and coat well. Next, pour the almonds into the sugar mixture and stir making sure to coat all of the almonds. Thoroughly Spray the inside of the crock pot with a non-stick spray and pour the sugar almonds in. Here's what it looks like, a little weird but just trust me, the magic is about to happen.
   
     Cook on low with the lid on for 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. At the last hour, stir in the water. The will give them the crunchy coating. After adding the water, continue to cook for an hour still stirring every 20 minutes.
     Get ready, here comes the yumminess!
   
     Dump them out of the crockpot onto a baking sheet to cool, separating any of the almonds that might have stuck together. 
     Now it's time to be creative. I chose clear, cone shaped Cello bags I found at Hobby Lobby. Fill each bag with the sugar almonds and add a festive ribbon to top it off...voila! Adorable gifts to spread the holiday cheer.

     Complete Recipe:
                          1 1/2C. Sugar
                          1 1/2C. Brown Sugar
                          3 Tbsp. Cinnamon
                          1/8 tsp. Salt
                          1 egg white
                          2 tsp. vanilla
                          3C. Almonds
                          1/4C. water

     In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla until a little frothy. Add almonds. Make sure almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture. Add almonds to the cinnamon mixture and toss until coated. 
     Spray crock pot with non-stick spray and add the mixture of almonds and sugar.
     Cook on low 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. In the last hour, add the water and stir well. Make sure to continue stirring every 20 minutes for another hour after the water is added.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!


Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest
Follow us on Google+



Phone: (573) 680-7078


     



Wednesday, November 14, 2018

The Mischievous Elf on the Shelf

    The Elf on the Shelf tradition is based on a children's book written by Carol Aebersold and Chandra Bell to explain how Santa knows who's naughty and nice. 
    The story describes how "scout elves" hide in people's homes and watch over the daily events. When the family has gone to bed, the scout elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa the activities, good and bad, that have taken place throughout the day. Before the family wakes each morning, the scout elf flies back from the North Pole and hides. By hiding in a new spot each morning, the scout elf plays an ongoing game of hide and seek.
    Scout elves get their magic by being named and loved by a child. There's only one rule you must follow and that is not to touch the elf as the magic will disappear and Santa won't hear all that was seen. Although it can't be touched, they may speak to the scout elf and tell all of their Christmas wishes so that the elf can report back to Santa accurately. 
    Since the elf moves daily from Thanksgiving until Christmas, parents have found some creative ways to make him hide. My long-time friend, Mandy Engelbrecht, has to be one of the most creative Elf on the Shelf masters I've ever seen. Her pictures of their mischievous elf named Chippy are featured in this blog. Even after a long day of "momming" where I'm sure she would just like to go to bed, she always comes up with a fun way for her kids to wake up and find Chippy waiting. What an awesome tradition her kids will remember always!


Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!


Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest
Follow us on Google+



Phone: (573) 680-7078
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com








Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Favorite Holiday Traditions

What is your favorite holiday tradition? The one that I love most is designing and planning my annual family photo Christmas card. Now that my family is grown I include my kids, grandkids and even my granddogs. This is something I've done for over 40 years. I look back in awe as I see the way everyone has changed over the years. 

I'm not really sure how I got anything done before Pinterest but it is definitely my go-to for any and all ideas in every aspect of my life. The possibilities are endless! Whether you want to include your entire family, just the kids or even your furbaby, follow my Christmas Card board to find your own inspiration. Now is the time to start planning the perfect holiday greeting!
The first known personalized Christmas card was sent in 1891 by Annie Oakley, the famous American sharpshooter and star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. She was in Glasgow, Scotland at Christmas time that year and sent cards back to her friends and family in the states featuring a photo of her on it. 
As you can see in the photo, honoring her time in Scotland, she's wearing a tartan (a pattern consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands). Annie reportedly designed the cards herself and had them printed by a local printer. We found this great story at whychristmas.com.
Stay tuned...each week we'll be blogging on all of the wonderful and unique traditions during this magical holiday season.



Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest
Follow us on Google+

Phone: (573) 680-7078
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com


Thursday, October 26, 2017

Surprising Christmas Traditions From Around The World

Christmas is only 2 months away! Part of what makes Christmas so special are the traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Have you ever thought about what people from other countries do for Christmas? It can be very interesting. Ornaments for Keeps is here to tell you about some fascinating Christmas traditions from around the around the world. 




Surprising Christmas Traditions From Around The World

India

In India, instead of handing out presents, they distribute Christmas candies, referred to as kuswar to their neighbors. They will also prepare a Christmas meal of traditional curry and newrio, which is sweet dumplings stuffed with palm sugar, sweet grated coconut, and sesame seeds.

Philipines


In the Philippines, on Christmas Eve, they will attend mass and then eat a traditional Nochebuena Feast. They don't serve dinner until 11:30 p.m. The foods typically consist of ham, bread, noodles, and rice.



Spain


In Spain, the employers gift their employees with baskets of delicious food and booze around Christmas time. 


Ethiopia


It is a tradition in Ethiopia to fast for a full 40 days leading up to Christmas, just eating 1 meal a day. That meal can only be vegan too. Also, Christmas comes on January 7 there. On Christmas, they will only eat rooster carved into 12 pieces, which can symbolize the 12 disciples and 12 hard boiled eggs, which can symbolize eternity.


Iceland


In Iceland, Santa Claus takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of Santa, they have Yule Lads. Yule Lads are mischievous guys who climb through kids windows for 13 nights wither leaving a treat or rotting potato in the shoes of children, depending on whether they were naughty or nice. 


Italy


Italians who are Catholic will typically eat seafood on Christmas Eve. In America, this tradition is referred to as the Feast of the Seven Dishes. 


A Traditional Christmas Dinner in America 

A traditional Christmas dinner in America may include some of the following fabulous dishes:


  • glazed spiral sliced ham
  • green bean casserole
  • mashed potatoes and gravy
  • sweet potato casserole
  • corn casserole
  • stuffing
  • cranberry sauce
We can't forget about the deserts!
  • pumpkin pie
  • sugar cookies
  • gingerbread cookies
  • banana cream pie
  • apple pie


"Christmas - when eating a cookie or chocolate for breakfast is perfectly acceptable." - Author Unknown




Commemorate Your Christmas Dinner Memories!


There's nothing like eating a home-cooked meal on Christmas with all of your loved ones. Even cooking those meals with your family can make for quite the fond memories to cherish as well. Whether you are baking Christmas cookies with your grandma or helping with the different side dishes that will be part of the magnificent Christmas feast, you can commemorate these memories with an ornament to hang on the tree. From one family to another, we'd like to invite you to start your very own collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, your favorite type of Christmas cookie, and browse through our VERY, MERRY Christmas tree ornaments simply by visiting our website. Happy browsing!



Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!



Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest
Follow us on Google+






Phone: (573) 893-3272
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Six EASY Ideas to Help Start Your Family Tradition!!


Creating family traditions can be simple and effortless - don't get stressed trying to create an elaborate plan.  Remember the point  is to bring the family together for some quality time. 

Here are some simple ideas to create your own family traditions that will be easy to continue year after year.
  1. Drive through area light displays together.  Tune in some Christmas carols on the radio and you are ready to be fascinated by the twinkling displays.
  2. Make Dough Ornaments with the Family - Check out my EASY Dough  Ornament Recipe!  
  3. Movie night!  Watch your favorite holiday flick together...whether it's Miracle on 34th Street or A Christmas Story it will be something to share with each generation.
  4. Hand print an item with every family member. Choose a cloth laundry or grocery bag or table cloth and have each person put there hand print on it. One can be made for each member of the family and added to as it expands.
  5. Family Pot Luck.  You can choose an overall theme that everyone can bring an appropriate dish or have everyone bring a course.  Have everyone email you the recipes in advance and you can put together a booklet for each guest attending.
  6. Have an annual ornament exchange.  Each person can draw a name and get an ornament for that family member.  You can incorporate themes or other ideas to spice it up from year to year.
These are just some ideas for you to share with your loved ones.  Traditions that can be created so easily and can last a lifetime!  

Happy crafting and I hope these ideas help!  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.


Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas! 

Like us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Follow us on Pinterest

CONTACT US
Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

It's Never Too Soon To Think About the Holidays

     We've all heard the moans and groans from the people who hate to see anything Christmas before Halloween. But why not? Summer's end is the perfect time to start thinking about the holidays. Taking time to plan ahead now can make for a much more enjoyable holiday season.
1.There is just too much about Christmas to fit into one month. I'm not saying to fully deck out your décor now but having a game plan can only help. When stores first put out the holiday decorations get in there right away and take advantage of the savings. If you're like me I try and do a different theme every year. When I finally decide what that's going to be, buying the ornaments, ribbons, garland and everything else can be much cheaper this time of year. What about your holiday parties? Whether you're the host/hostess or just plan on attending, have it thought out. Decide early what food and beverages you'll be serving or taking, what fun games you'll be playing and what the theme will be. And then there's the Christmas cards. This can be a very challenging task. Getting that perfect family picture, picking out the card style and if you write a letter each year about what your family has been up to, have it all ready. The lead up to Christmas can be so fun!
2. 'Tis the reason for the season. In our religion, Jesus is a pretty important guy and celebrating his birth is the entire reason for the season. Think of ways to honor this special event, there are so many ways to give back. Choose a family in need from the angel tree and help them to have a special holiday. Serve at your local shelter and I know it may sound cliché but sometimes just a simple smile at someone can make all the difference.
3. Giving the perfect gifts. Putting extra thought into each person can make it all that more special. Sure, giving in general is great but when you find something that makes a person's face light up with joy, that's so much better. All it takes is a little thought and starting early can save you the stress of just having to pick up something at the last minute. Did I mention the sales? Get it early to save.
4. Personalized Christmas Ornaments. Of course I had to throw this in here:) Get your ornaments early. The new ornaments for 2016 have arrived and they're in stock. Whether you're starting the tradition of giving a personalized ornament every year or have been doing it for decades...the sooner the better!
ornamentsforkeeps.com
5. Christmas only comes once a year and is so magical, enjoy it!


Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!


Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest
Follow us on Google+



Phone: (573) 893-3272
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com