Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Has Begun! VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

First off a BIG THANK YOU to the contestants for allowing me to harass them into participating.  You guys are the best!  I must say the competition is tight!!  So, don't rush when looking through the pictures and make sure you read their bios.  

Vote on the right side tab.  Voting closes automatically Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 11:25 a.m. East Coast time.  

Good luck to the contestants!!

Here are the contestants in no particular order:

Tina Lavelle Pilek!

This West Coast gal is sporting a multi-functional sweater.  Not only is it ugly but when wearing it and baking cookies you have access to an oven mitt- this safety conscious gal has it going on!!  Her snowmen are on springs for some extra fun and her netting serve as angel wings and trash collectors.  Kudos on a job well done! (Thanks for sending so many pictures too)

Alex Sherwood

Well, there aren't any good enough words here to explain the creation below.  Inspired by a former employee's furry back, this 'man-scaped' creation can be only be the work of the good Mr. Sherwood.  This sweater creation is happy as can be.  Maybe it's a zoomed in look at Gingerbread Man's face, maybe not.  I don't think we will ever truly know.  Nice work Boss!

James Stacy
This Blue Christmas inspired creation is quite fuggly.  (Fun and Ugly!)  It jingles, sparkles, and is quite eye catching.  Would have loved to see it on the good man himself but lets be real here people-I'm lucky I was able to have participants.  Nice work!

Marisa Stacy
This outstanding creation comes from the great land of Connecticut.  Showing off her love of reindeer, gifts, and her husband, who apparently is the real Santa Claus. (Hope I didn't ruin the Santa news for anyone.)  Not only is this Ugly Christmas Sweater festive it stands out with such a lovely shade of green.  Nice job oh pregnant one!

Sarah Hildenbrand

Last but certainly not least.  This festive frock has hit all the marks; festive colors, a belt, and a fuzzy snowflake!  Take special note of her bow hair-do, very cool!  Extra kudos for taking a picture wearing the sweater too- way to follow the directions!  Nice job Miss Sarah!

Christmas Family Fun Checklist

Here is my Christmas checklist.  It's really long so cross your fingers I can get it all done!

Christmas Checklist

A little music to get you in the Christmas spirit.

• Watch and read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
• Make chocolate chip cookies
• Donate toys and food to local drives
• Make several ornaments
• Visit and get pictures taken with a really great Santa
• Come up with a memorable front window display
• Buy a real Christmas tree
• Host a Graham Cracker House and Ice Cream Cone (Tree) decorating party
• Mail out my holiday cards early (this one i’s tough)
• Read "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
• Take the holidays in stride and find moments to smile
• Drive around the neighborhood at night to view everyone's Christmas lights, pick a favorite, and give them the "Best in the Neighborhood Award"
• Host a game night with friends
• Drink a Saranac Caramel Porter. One of my seasonal favorites.
• Start the 'Elf on the Shelf'
• Watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
• Sing the "Twelve Days of Christmas" with my family
• Listen to lots of Christmas records
• Make treats for our neighbors
• Kiss under the mistletoe (more than once)
• Make an ugly Christmas sweater
• Make a popcorn string and paper chain
• Do something from this list on December 21 (Winter Solstice) 
• Make a spiked peppermint hot chocolate
• Read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to my kiddos
• Make paper snowflakes
• Make a wreath for the front door

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

Yes it is that time of year folks, time to bust out those hot glue guns, rummage your way through your Grandmother's drawers, and swing through every thrift store in town.

 It's Ugly Christmas Sweater Season!  

I am hosting a contest this year via my blog.  All are welcome to participate. Rules and regulations are below.

Rules and Regulations:

-The sweater can be a sweater, sweater vest, or sweatshirt.

-The theme of the sweater must be solely Christmas.

-The sweater can be embellished as much as the maker wants.

-Safety first, be careful with any illuminated props.

-You must submit a picture to me via Facebook or email with YOU wearing the Ugly Christmas Sweater.

- Picture must be emailed to me on Facebook 

by December, 18, 2013.  

-Contest winner will be decided by viewers votes. 

(So drum up some support for your flashy classy top.)

-There will only be one winner.

-Winner will receive $10 gift card to either Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts (or if you live near me to a local coffee/tea house of your choice) - Plus bragging rights, a high five, and the pleasure of knowing they were able to create and pull off the 

2013 Ugliest Christmas Sweater! 

Please message me on Facebook or email me if you would like to participate in the contest.  By messaging me you are agreeing to participate, you allow the author to write a bio about you, and use your name on Facebook to advertise the contest.

Good luck!  Be careful with those glue guns and I look forward to seeing all of your creations!!

Small Business Saturday!! Need help holiday shopping? (Local shops worth checking out)

I am a supporter of small businesses, buying locally, and shopping at places that sell items that were grown and or made in New York.  I am for many reasons; first and foremost I just think it makes sense to support the people around you, it's a huge benefit to the local economy which has so many positive effects, you can find unique products and merchandise, and it is more environmental.  (Oh and secretly I too hope to have a small business one day so I think it is good karma!)

Here are a few people I know that have Etsy Shops, stores in New Paltz, or just love to make make their own unique items.  If you need help finding a holiday gift start with these places, even if you don't live in the Hudson Valley you are still supporting a small business owner in New York!

Spotlight

Sweet Marrilla

Owner: Kelly Mirto

Etsy Shop

 This lovely lady makes handcrafted cold press soaps, soy candles, and bees wax lip balm.  Items are sold individually and as gift sets.  She's had her shop open since April 2012.  All products very reasonably priced and are all natural- no harmful dyes or scents.  I think they would make great hostess gifts, stocking stuffer, and are worth checking out. 

  

Bounty

Owners: Mary and Keith Woodburn

http://www.bountynewyork.com/ 

This couple's love for local food lead them to starting their own small business.  Items are sold al a carte, through their bounty boxes, or through a monthly subscription.   All goods are from New York State based businesses.  Their newest item the Winter Tasting Box featuring; Oliver Kita's- Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Pretzal Bar with Toffee, Montgomery Place Orchard's- Crab Apple Jelly, Bella's Home Baked Goods-Garlic Parmesan Taralli, Tanna's- Lemon Fig Chutney, Salty Road- Peppermint Salt Water Taffy.  This sounds like a perfect gift for someone who loves to support local business or a nice treat for yourself and loved ones when you simply want to enjoy delicious and mouth watering snacks.  Don't forget to check out their other tasting boxes too!

The Red Hen Market

Owner: Nora Scandariato

Etsy Page

Facebook Page

This crafty designer and mother of two sells digital scrapbook paper packs for you scrapbook fanatics out there.  Prints are instantly downloaded to you as soon as you purchase them.  They are not just great for scrap booking but also for invitations, garland, web design, books, and many more ideas.  I love her style and approach to design.  Her shop is definitely worth checking out. 

Paisley Pisces

 Owner: Emma Stokes

Website

Facebook Page

This newly launched business tailors to baby and kid goods.  She makes adorable onesies, sells teething products, and greeting cards.  Need a baby's first Christmas or baby shower gift, Paisley Pisces is a great place to start.  This Small Business Saturday you can save 20% at her online shop on all products (excluding custom orders). Hurry, only while supplies last!  Use coupon code SBS2013 to save!

I hope I was able to inspire and connect you to a small business that will help make your holiday shopping easier.  Good luck shopping and happy holidays!!

How to survive Thanksgiving?

We are moving right along here in our house preparing for our house guests and the big day, Thanksgiving.  We are hosting this year and are very excited.  But in order to steady ourselves for the 'Big Bang' I've also been trying to enjoy the lull in between the spurts of cleaning, organizing, food shopping, and pillow fluffing.  

If you are in a similar boat or just need to pace yourself for a crazy Thanksgiving day yourself here are a few things I think will help.

• Too tired to clean anymore or feed yourself or your family.  Order in.  Get that food delivered too while you are at it.  You're not lazy, you're tired and you deserve to treat yourself.
• Do you have a never ending chore list? Are you constantly fighting off the whiny crying non sharing wacko kids?  PUT THE TV ON.  I am not a big TV person for kids but sometimes that thing needs to give off it's special glowing hypnotic power and work some magic to captivate them.  Even if you just use that time to tool around Pinterest or simply enjoy a cup of coffee it will give you some time to collect yourself and your thoughts.
• Plan ahead.  Seriously, even if you live for the last minute rush- plan ahead.  No one likes an empty handed guest, a host that is stressed out, or a haphazard day.  All of those examples will be memorable but not in a good way.   
• Give yourself permission to laugh at the mishaps and don't get stuck in grumpy-ville.  Having to run back and forth to the supermarket because you keep forgetting key ingredients for your secret family recipe for stuffing- no bigs.  Getting funny looks as you dash down the aisles scavenging your last minute items? Tell the workers there you are just squeezing in your interval workouts since it's too cold outside or you're practicing for a new season of Supermarket Sweep.  If they don't laugh no worries you will because of the strange looks they will give you.
• Cut yourself some slack and eat/drink one or two things before company comes that make you happy.  A small bowl of potato chips and your favorite beer or mini warm brie with raspberry jam and a hot chocolate with a little something special in it.  Limit your consumption but really take a moment to enjoy what you have. 
• Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be on your feet all day and wearing the right shoes will pay off.
• Give chores to people and spread the work load.  People that do not relinquish full control and make themselves martyrs just give other people stress.  Don't be that person.  
• Tune out the guests that stress you out.  A little white noise is fine- they don't have to know.  Just smile and nod. ;)
• Play a game.  A game to me is togetherness, laughs, competition, and overall good times.  All things I love.  If you don't like games find something else you like to do and make time to do it.
• Good luck!  It's 'supposed' to be a fun time so keep that in mind. ;)

5 Irrational Things I am Thankful For...

Not sure if you've noticed this on other bloggers' pages, Martha Stewart's website, or any other family/home/craft websites making lists that are super long; '450 ways to make' or '105 costumes ideas', etc. I wanted to make a list of things I am thankful for but who has time to write or read 450 things to be thankful for. I barely have time to pee during the day. Stop overwhelming me! This mass umbrella marketing needs to stop. Besides that we all know that we are all thankful for our families and our health, etc. Let's be real, of course we all are. So I have created a list of things I am thankful for that aren't your run of mill thoughts. 

5 really solid irrational things I am thankful for:

1. The 'Twilight' series because the world of readers needed poorly written books to make them feel good about how fast they can read.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte because my dental hygienist and dentist weren't annoyed with me enough for giving myself a sugar bath this time of year.
3. Pinterest for allowing me to hoard without causing a fire hazard in my house.
4. Having multiple copies of the same children's books since my children thought that their primary source of nutrition was to eat their books for a period of time.
5. Descending from Irish and Italian families so I can eat pasta and drink beer everyday without judgement because it's in my genes.

Thanksgiving BINGO Board with a Personal Touch

Many many years ago I discovered 'Parade BINGO' through Family Fun Magazine, one of my most treasured sources for holiday craft/decoration ideas plus numerous other family activities.  It essentially is your standard BINGO game with each square having a phrase or word of something that you would see and cross off while watching the NYC Thanksgiving parade.  I think they provided 5 versions of the board that you could print out and give your children or other family members to play while they watched.  

I used there 5 boards and then created several of my own and made this an activity when I worked at a resort.  The guests really liked it.  It was a relaxed morning activity that they could casually play at their own pace and maybe win a prize.  I definitely could have used more variety of boards and a better way to regulate the legitimate wins but really they left with happy faces so that's all that mattered.  

This year I thought it would be a great spin on the idea for Thanksgiving BINGO to personalize a few boards and have them reflect a day at our or 'your' house on Thanksgiving.  Including fun phrases you know will be uttered by relatives, events that can be 'assumed' to happen, and maybe even some wishful thinking.  

Here is some BINGO background to help you plan your boards.

• Each board contains 25 boxes, the middle board being your 'FREE SPACE'
• Sit with another family member or two and come up with 24 different things you 'know' will happen or will be said during your fun family event.  All you have to do is change the order in which they are on a board to change up the probability of the different people winning at the same time. If you can and want to make it more challenging come up with more.  It just make take a little more ingenuity that's all.
• You can make a board on your computer through Microsoft Publisher or any design program- or go old school and grab some festive plain paper, a ruler, and a pencil and draw away.
• Here is a link to an already made blank BINGO board: http://tothesquareinch.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/bingo-game-blog.pdf
• Be prepared to have a few prizes or honors that you can assign to said winners.  Like first pick at the dessert table, the honor of cutting the first slice of turkey, a 'get out of dish washing' ticket,  or control over the remote for a certain amount of time.

Brainstorm Session:

Here are a few squares I came up in regards to my future event-

• Wine is spilled.
• Two kids cry at same time.
• Aunt E - tells a dirty joke.
• Gram talks about Frank Sinatra
• An adult falls asleep.

Hope this helps and you have fun with this.  I recommend start planning and making your list now to make it a quality one!

Fall Fun Checklist- Incomplete!!

I tried so very hard to complete all the items on my list but mother nature had other plans so  I did not get to experience everything.  Halloween was my deadline but since I called this list my 'Fun Fall Checklist' I guess I can let a few things slide and mentally extend the deadline. 

I did make quite an effort overall and I am pleased with how much I was able to accomplish.  I even added a few extra things to the list since they seemed to fit so perfectly with the season.

Here is what I have not completed:

• I still have to make caramel apples and popcorn balls.
• Play football/catch in my yard.

Was not able to:

• Walk in the Halloween parade in our town.  This was my choice as it was raining and I didn't want to take my little ones out in steady rain.

I recently:

• Collected food for a food pantry.
• Went to a great Halloween Costume party.
• Went Trick or Treating as a family.
• Made one Halloween decoration - Black Snake Wreath via Martha Stewart.
• I mailed out my Halloween cards in time!

Additional Fun Fall activities I added to the list:

• Made a scarecrow.
• Carved a pumpkin.
• Roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Read more fall/spooky books with my kids.
• Made some fun props for a Halloween costume.
• Had a dance party with my kids.

Here are the pictures for prove it!

Halloween Party Playlist

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Here is a Halloween party playlist that I would definitely have on my party playlist.  I'm a big fan of the 'classics'.  It is a cheesy list but to me that's what makes it so enjoyable and fun. I hope these hauntingly great hits help make your gathering a memorable one.

Monster Mash

Talking Heads- "Psycho Killer"

Michael Jackson- "Thriller"

The Edgar Winter Group - "Frankenstein"

Rockwell- "Somebody's Watching Me"

Ray Parker Jr. "Ghostbusters Theme Song"

Marilyn Manson's "This is Halloween"

The Doors "People are Strange"

Sheb Wooley "Purple People Eater"

Creedence Clearwater Revival "Bad Moon Rising"

The Searchers "Love Potion #9

The B 52's "Rock Lobster"

Harry Belafonte "Jump in the Line"

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Fall checklist is getting smaller

I am diligently working hard at checking items off my Fun Fall checklist.  I am really finding the list as a great motivator to continue to experience and enjoy all the aspects of fall that make me smile.  

Below you'll be able to see some of pictures I've taken along the way.  I have been able to watch 'It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown', hosted a chili football day, went to a haunted house and corn maze, started and almost finished a Halloween craft from my Pinterest board 'Halloween Haunts and Happenings', watched 2 of 3 scary movies, made and mailed out Halloween cards to some lucky people, collected leaves with my kids, and I went pumpkin picking with my family.  Even though I did a lot I still have so much more to do!!  

I hope you too are able to get out and enjoy all that fall has to offer.  

Costumes that Wowed!

I am always looking around me for inspiration and thankfully I didn't have to go far.  I am very lucky to have so many friends and family that are quite talented at putting together some very clever, cool, and creepy costumes!  This post is dedicated to them.

Here is a great collection of Halloween costumes that wowed me and will hopefully inspire you.

Fiona, Shrek, an Owl, and the Joker!

Contacts, lime green body paint, and fake flesh....wow these four characters really didn't hold back here and knocked it out of the park.  They went all out and really took time to put their costumes together.

Gangnam Style, Mod Babe, Chicken and Bob Ross. 

These sassy ladies and classy guy really nailed it here.  These are some great examples of use what you have and have some fun with it.  Of course there are some extra accessories here that they bought but spending a few dollars to have a great costume is worth it in my book.

Swine Flu and an Ice Queen!

The above costumes teaches me that a little creativity and a whole bunch of patience will pay off. I also love that she gave viewers a hint to who she was in the front and the back.  It's never any fun when people don't know what you are.  So help them out.

3 Great 'Thriller' Videos

Here are three really great 'Thriller" videos that will make your day!  You're welcome. ;)

Skeleton Animation 'Thriller'

This is simply cute.

Indian 'Thriller'

This is hilarious!!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when I found it.

Philippine Prison 'Thriller'

I guess they do have a lot of time to plan something like this out.

Jewelry Box Inspiration - Halloween Costumes

Halloween is 2 weeks away!  For those of you that have not nailed down your Halloween costumes for yourself  here are some approachable suggestions that will ease any stress you are having.  

Picking a costume can be such an arduous task for most people.  What to be?  Will it look cool? The one I hear the most is 'I don't want to spend a lot of money'. So then don't!  Try going through your jewelry boxes, your Moms', or even your Grandmothers' for some quick inspiration.  You will be surprised with what you find and come up with.

Here are six costume ideas I put together from just 15 minutes of exploring my jewelry boxes.

 A) Gypsy  

I did cheat here a little by adding in a bandana/scarf I had from my Mom but it was right near my jewelry boxes so I couldn't resist.  The bold blue necklace and medusa/snake pin were my Nana's.  I think the necklace would make a great signature piece here.  Bangles from college.  Earrings form my chandelier earring phase.  Orange and red beaded ring from H&M and the green ring from my childhood.  Costume jewelry hoop earrings from high school.  

As you dig through your closet, the rest of the outfit can be easily put together with a long skirt (any color).  Preferably one that is a bit bohemian but if you don't own anything like that, then a simple long black skirt or dress that has movement to it when you walk would be great.  If you plan to be outside any kind of sweater would work and top it off with pashmina shall - (you know you have one somewhere left over from a bridesmaid outfit).  If you are going to be inside more, than a plain tank top or peasant shirt would be very fitting.  You'll most likely find them in your summer bin.  Still throw on that pashmina shall and the outfit will look classic.


B) Hippie
 

Velvet choker with pink butterfly was my Mom's.  Red earrings from a trip to Mexico.  Seed bead necklaces I made in middle school.  Rainbow clay bead from a crafts' fair in Lake George.

I personally think this is one of the easier costumes to put together.  The rest of the outfit could entail a pair of jeans, they don't have to be bell bottoms but if you own bell bottoms bonus!  A t-shirt or solid print tank top. (Extra bonus if you can find a tie dye shirt)  If you own clogs or platform shoes definitely wear them they will help tie the outfit together.  Finally, if you have ribbon, even curling ribbon for gift wrapping, wear your hair down and tie the ribbon across your forehead.  It's Halloween, so embrace the fun of it.

C) Old Grandma Money Bags

The oodles of fake pearls are a mixture of my childhood pearls and Mardi Gras beads.  The clip on pearl earrings and star burst pearl brooch were my Nana's.  Finally the stretchy faux  diamond cuff was a flea market find my parents gave me as dress up jewelry as a child.

This one is my favorites.  I think this collection/costume needs some large stone rings.  I can also imagine a fur hat and maybe a muff (fake or real according to your own personal feelings).  I think a pair of gloves and a handkerchief would be appropriate.  Under all of these accessories a simple black dress and 'comfortable and modest' black heels would tie it all together.

   

E) Diva Rock Star 

The sparkly gold bangles are a throw back to my college years.  The very large hoop earrings were from a funk/disco costume.  The star necklace was an impulse buy from Forever 21 several years ago. The length is so long but I love it and you'd be surprised how much it comes in handy to dress up an outfit.  The gold necklace is another piece I was given as a child.

I think any kind of animal print pants, skirt, or dress here would be very appropriate here.  If you are not that adventurous black pants and a neon shirt would also go.  Also sequins go a long way here, either in a mini skirt or in a top.  Lastly, strap on a pair a of heels and you are one fierce woman.  The heels don't even need to match perfectly, remember you are a diva she-woman so own it and it will look fabulous.


F) Hawaiian Tropic

All except one of the pieces above were souvenir gifts from family and friends' trips to Florida and Hawaii.  The only one that wasn't was the monochrome shell necklace that I picked up at Salvation Army.


The rest of the costume can be put together with a bright and colorful shirt, maybe something that already has flowers on it.  If you have a floral dress that will work too.  To top it off if you have a fake flower from any holiday decorations or gift wrapping tuck that behind your ear, put on a pair of sunglasses, and you are golden!

G) White Rabbit

 

Some may look at this and be inspired in another direction but when I look at these two pieces I see the cute furry White Rabbit from 'Alice in Wonderland'.  The necklace clock and sweater clip were both my Nana's.  Two of my favorite pieces I was given after she passed away.  

The rest of the costume can be easily put together with a vest that you could borrow from your husband, partner, Dad or brother, rabbit ears (that can be made with simple white computer paper and a headband), eyeliner whiskers, and a cotton ball tail.  Don't worry about the rest of the details, people will get the costume.



I hope I was able to inspire you.  Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Please leave any comments below, your input is greatly appreciated.

AP