Christmas

I know July is running away from us, but it's still not too late to put in a little "Christmas in July"! Christmas is my favorite holiday; the lights, the decorations, the music, the tree and the family parties. Other than birthdays I don't know of any other month so packed with parties! Now my husband would be turning off my computer if he saw what I was putting on here. He's a bit of a traditionalist/Grinch. And I mean that in the most loving way! For him, Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving and ends December 25th. I on the other hand, happen to think the season starts October 31st (I don't really care for Halloween anyway) and ends January 1st! I take every inch of Christmas I can get. It's just so...beautiful to me. So, here is a little bit of insight on how Christmas in July came around...

Christmas in July- Wikipedia

And for good measure, some party/decorating ideas to get your brains started before November gets here. And it will be here before we know it!

1. Popcorn Balls
This is one of my family's traditions. You've heard the southern term "hot mess", that's exactly what this is, but oh so much fun! My family gets together, gets around a large table (people are literally arm to arm we're squeezed in tight) and dig in! It's very simple:
You'll need popcorn and lots of it!
To make the sugar coating for the outside of the balls you'll need:

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• Food coloring (red and/or green)

Once you get the sugar coating mixture to a boil the fun begins! Place popcorn in large containers, easy to grab and begin! Form a large ball in your hands (which should be covered in butter or Crisco, it helps with the sticking process) and then roll it in the sugar mixture. Be careful though the mixture will be extremely hot! We put out a few bowls of water to dip our hands into. Then place the balls into a separate container to dry and voila! You have yummy popcorn balls! My brother likes his coated so thick with candy that he chips a tooth!

To take it a step further you could definitely make them into ornaments! Not to go on the tree of course, unless you want ants. Get creative with red and green frosting, m&m's, licorice and candy canes! The possibilities are endless!

 2. Caroling Party
I know people think caroling has gone out of style, personally I love to sing so any opportunity is good with me! And it's a good party at the same time. Some of my fondest childhood Christmas memories involve caroling. Plan a night to go out, good times are about 5:00 to 8:00 when people are home and off work. Print up flyers or invitations with the date and time and meeting place. What's fun is after you are done caroling you can go back to the house for hot cocoa and cider, games and laughter! It's a mega party where you're not just stuck in one place. As a matter of fact you could get two or three other people to open their homes and house hop! Seeing everyone's decorations, smelling the delicious scents of Christmas and the wonderful food will definitely "make spirits bright"!

Traditional Hot Cocoa!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/3 c. hot water
• 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 c. milk
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

• Mix the cocoa, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan.
• Stir consistently until mixture boils.
• Stir constantly for one minute while it cooks.
• Stir in the milk and heat, without boiling.
• Remove from heat, add the vanilla and stir well.
• Have several toppings out to add to your cocoa, including real marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, etc. for everyone to top off their concoctions.

Enjoy!

My Favorite Things...

Fashion

Another super cute collage for country fashion!

I especially like the jewelery: wooden earrings, necklace and bracelet! Although the whole ensemble is great.

 

Faith

"I see God as the Master Designer," said Latrobe. "He surveyed and set onto paper, if you will, His own design for mankind-much as I put together the design for the bridge below us. God laid out His plan, marking each and every item with careful consideration as to how it would fall into place with the next item in line. 

"He saw the rivers, the ravines, the mountains, and He planned for each of these well in advance. Then with His plan established, He created mankind and shared His way with them. Much as I shared my designs for the Potomac Viaduct with the railroad's board of directors. What they chose to do with it from that point was up to them. What I choose to do with God's plan is up to me. Just as it's up to you."

James grew strangely disturbed at this analogy. "So you're saying it's our own fault that things happen, that people die, and that evil prospers."

"I'm saying that we take God's design and make changes to suit ourselves and then wonder why the master plan is so flawed." Latrobe looked at him with stern yet compassionate eyes. "For instance, I can tell even at this distance that the contractor did not heed my bridge design in total. He made certain changes, no doubt to save money, but for whatever reason, those changes were made without ever consulting me or seeking the truth on why things were laid out a certain way. If what we witnessed today worsens, how can I be held accountable for the problems that ensue? They refused to follow my plan."

---excerpt from A Hope Beyond by Judith Pella and Tracie Peterson

My Favorite Things...

Ariat Women's 13" Corazon Embroidered Rose Cowboy Boots

Fashion

Lauren Conrad is one of my favorite people. She is so full of insight for all things style, beauty and creativeness! Just like this picture below for tipped tresses:

I love the edgy but soft look! Now I may not go with those colors...maybe something more natural looking but still defined because I'm a little too chicken to pull this off just yet. But we'll see! Who knows...

 



 
Anyone have any cool hair "tipping" tips?!

 

Country

Over the weekend I went to a bridal shower held at Lemonia Grove Historic Garden in Corona, California. The place was absolutely magical, serene and all around beautiful. My eyes could not take in everything that they wanted to! There were dozens of trees for plenty of shade, some hundreds of years old and from Australia. There was also a Brazilian Pepper overhanging on a lattice canopy adorned with white lights and two wooden chairs beneath. Not to mention a family of Golden Eagles residing above. There was also a carriage house off to the side. But the house...was so perfect with it's wrap around porch, fluffy couch with tons of pillows and rocking chairs- at least 5!, and a window pane, double door entrance into the quaintest of sitting rooms. I personally loved the floor to ceiling bookshelves and the red shutters placed above the mantle. I would have loved to live in a place like that! So below are some of my Country/Cottage Interior Design ideas. Let me know what you think!

I love the look of this kitchen! The blue and white is so crisp and the natural light just makes it look so cheery! This is considered more French Country.

This looks so rich! The yellow paint and dark cabinets make this one of my favorite country kitchen looks.

 I really like the different colors of this place setting. It's fun but sturdy. Essential qualities for any country kitchen!

 And what would a country kitchen be without a milk pail utensil holder?! ☺As you can see I like blue...

This adorable teapot speaks for itself!

And last but not least some cute decoration displays for your country kitchen! Now typically I'm not a rooster fan, so don't take my opinion on the bottom left photograph. I do love the use of sunflowers here though, they'll always brighten a room.