I liked this random list of 10 things to do….As we’re contemplating the New Year, what are you planning to do differently?

For me, I plan to not “plan” so much…particularly since my “planning” may often be in vein with a newborn in my life. Learning to let go of my schedule, to-do list, and step-by-step plans is an ongoing exercise for me. Also, #10 “Try something new” is at the top of my list. My “something new” is becoming a parent!

Also was humored by this list of “types of clutter” offered up on Real Simple’s Simply Stated blog in reference to the new book, The Happiness Project. Even I, who consider myself fairly uncluttered and always on a mission to purge, find myself to be in the “nostalgic clutter” and “crutch clutter” categories.

With baby on the way, and while in the midst of the Christmas season, I’ve had SO many ideas for handmade projects I want to try. This is one I found out in the blog world awhile ago that I thought offered the perfect simplicity I was looking for in our nursery.

Bright lime green walls called for toned down decor, and the white furniture adds a crispness to the space. For some simple wall art, here is what I did:

Materials:

• 3 white frames in different sizes
• Fabric leftover from other nursery projects (made by mom…a rocking chair cushion, crib skirt and closet organizer).
• Silouette animals on white cardstock
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape

Steps:

• Find coloring book images of animals online and print onto cardstock. Cut out.
• Iron fabric and place over matte in frames, securing on the back with double-sided tape

• Secure animals over fabric in center using double-sided tape.

• Replace fabric matte in frame, clean glass and hang!

Whether or not you’re fortunate enough to live in a town that picks up your Christmas tree post-season to turn into mulch, make a few of these sachets, offered by Create Studio.

The gifts have been unwrapped.

The shopping sprees have ended.

Now, there is the mess.

BEFORE you let those trash bags go curbside, take a few minutes to think about redirecting that trash. Most likely there are boxes, envelopes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbon, Christmas cards, gift packaging….you probably have more “trash” after one day than you’ve had all month! There is so much you can do with all of that, though:

1. Make gift tags for next year from wrapping paper and Christmas cards

2. Shred tissue and wrapping paper to use in gift bags and boxes

3. Make ornaments to give as gifts or use on packages next year

4. Roll wrapping paper reeds for gifts to use throughout the year

5. Sort: Any wrapping and ribbon that is still in good shape can be re-used! Designate a space at home (under-the-bed storage, a closet, up in the attic…) to store wrapping supplies so that you don’t need to take a trip to the store everyone a gift needs wrapping. Is any of your wrapping neutral? Silver is great for weddings and anniversary’s, red is great for Valentines Day, blue is great for baby showers and birthdays. When buying new wrapping paper, consider a more versatile option that paper decked with Santa and his reindeer. Look for options that can be used year-round.

From around the blogosphere:

Simply Give offers several tips for recycling wrapping paper

from Earth911, tips for reuse, and alternative wrapping ideas

The Daily Green

The Washington Post shares how to make paper garlards for all your celebrations

May your day be full of…

Love, Joy, Wonder, Light,

Peace, Giving, Family, Friends,

Rest, Simplicity

Happy Christmas Eve!

I recently shared tips on how to simplify your holiday decorating process. Now that Christmas is just about here, it’s time to relax and enjoy the spirit of this special season and time with loved ones.

• If you haven’t finished decorating, don’t.
• If you didn’t get around to baking, only do so if it gets you in Christmas spirit. (Today is not about crossing things off the to-do list).
• Presents still not wrapped? Use that time as a few quiet moments to reflect on the season and the new year ahead.
• Run out of wrapping paper? Look for items around the house to use instead - a dish towel, newspaper, tissue paper, a belt or scarf in lieu of a bow, a pashmina, magazines for smaller gifts, a grocery bag turned inside out.
• Need one more gift? Instead of venturing to the store, write that person a letter about what they mean to you. That will mean more than one more “thingamabob” to fill an already full home.

Do not let your to-do list take over your enjoyment of this holy time.

• Enjoy a light breakfast together as a family (before you engorge yourself tomorrow).
• Watch a Christmas classic (don’t own one? Just flip on the TV and you’ll likely find Rudolph, or Frosty the Snowman, or A Christmas Story…).
• Turn out the lights and light some candles after the kids are in bed and enjoy some hot cider or cocoa. Share favorite Christmas memories from years past.
• Call a loved one far away.
• Sit back, Relax.

In the vein of simplifying, we’re not going overboard with Christmas baking, even though we’re spending our first Christmas in our own home this year. We’re making a couple of things - favorites from our childhoods, and one new recipe I’ve wanted to try around holiday time for years.

Our Something Old (x2)

6 Flavor Pound Cake, my grandmother’s recipe

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1/2 c shortening
• 3 c sugar
• 3 c flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 c sour cream
• 5 eggs
• 1 tsp: vanilla, lemon, orange, butter, coconut, almond extracts

Recipe

• Cream butter, sugar, and shortening until fluffy, then add one egg at a time.
• Add flour, baking powder, sour cream, and extracts and mix well.
• Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1.5 hours.

Rosettes Cookies, something hubby’s family often made on Christmas Eve. We’ll try this out with hubby’s mom.

Our Something New

Cinnamon Buns

Time-consuming? Yes! Easy, though? Yes! Completely and utterly worth it? Most Definitely!

Made these for my office holiday brunch and they were delicious (and there were some extras for me and hubby to enjoy later)

I used this recipe from the Food Network.

What goodies are you enjoying this Christmas? Any recipes you’ve tried for the first time?

As you’re wrapping up the last of your presents, chances are you’re using up the last of a roll of wrapping paper or spool of ribbon. Well, don’t toss those spools. Crafty Crows shared an adorable and simple idea from Quince and Quire re-using empty spools and Christmas cards!

I think this would make a great post-Christmas activity with the kids to plan ahead for next year!

Loved this all-natural ornament idea presented by Young House Love recently. If you need some last-minute filler ornaments or gifts for Christmas Eve gatherings, try these!

Can’t think of what to get that last person on your list? Empapers.com offers this great printable 8.5×11 size calendar that you can pull together in no time. Or, prepare for 2010 by printing it off for yourself!