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*merry moments* Christmas Day

*merry moments* is a way to take a little breather from blogging while still cataloging all the joy that is had this time of year.  Please feel free to add a link in the comments of your own *merry moments*

A funny thing happens when you are trying to be present in the moment, trying to really savor the joy and excitement of a Christmas morning spent with an almost three year old, followed by hosting a large gathering in a small house.  You have lots of fond memories, and very few pictures.  It was a wonderful day.

I thought I'd share a quick story about the pajamas I made for Jude.  They are simple flannel pants.  Jude chose the penguin print at Joann, and I decided to line them with the red snowflake pattern you see at the cuff.  They came together quickly, but not quickly enough for me to make a matching shirt.  I decided that a plain flannel would work quite nicely.  However, when it came time to go to bed on Christmas Eve, Jude declared that he couldn't possibly sleep in unmatching pjs.  I couldn't help but oblige; after all, he is his mother's son.  So I busted out the the iron and a little Heat n' Bond, and five minutes later we were tucking in a very excited penguin-clad dude.  

Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year! 

*merry moments* Christmas Eve

*merry moments* is a way to take a little breather from blogging while still cataloging all the joy that is had this time of year.  Please feel free to add a link in the comments of your own *merry moments*

I'm pretty sure Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year.  So full of festivity, family, and food!  

We made lasagna for the following night's feast.

Then took a very well dressed and excited Rudolph over the my parents.

Where we dined on the perfect prime rib.

Before nestling under the tree.

Where we ripped open gifts, we exchange with my family on the eve, always taking turns so everyone can see all the ...

Ohhhing.

And ahhhing.

And testing.

And trying on.

And showing off.

It was a night chock full of joy.

And festive pugs.

And ultimately, quiet anticipation.  

Here's to merry moments both boisterous and calm.  

*merry moments* the preparations

*merry moments* is a way to take a little breather from blogging while still cataloging all the joy that is had this time of year.  Please feel free to add a link in the comments of your own *merry moments*

Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday.  Merry Christmas!

Matchbox Ornament and Tree Tour

Jude and I saw a really cute firetruck ornament at Target.  We didn't spend the $7.  Instead, we came home and made our own.  The base is an empty box of kitchen matches that we taped shut.  Then we used thin cardboard (I did pick up some black tights at Target) to cut out the ladders and wheels.  Jude did a great job helping paint it with glue and sprinkling the glitter (Martha makes the best glitter btw).  It is, no surprise here, Jude's all time favorite ornament.  Which got me thinking, maybe you'd like to see my favorite ornaments.  I love looking at other people's trees, want a little tour of mine?

This year we got a really big tree.  It pretty much takes up half the living room.  I love it!

My favorite ornaments are the handmade and picture ones.  You might recognize this picture from last year.  (Michael's has great picture frame ornaments.)

This one is a picture AND handmade.  A dear friend decorated a potted orange tree with tons of these ornaments as a wedding gift.  They are all filled with pictures from our college years, and I cherish them.  That tree puts out the best oranges too!

Picture ornaments are also a great way to honor the memory of those no longer with us.  I made this one for my grandfather; Christmas has never been the same without him, but I love seeing his smiling face on my tree.

This is Jason in kindergarten, the back is covered in macaroni.  So. Much. Win.

I can't believe how big Jude has gotten since we made his 1st Christmas ornament.

Try not to be jealous, that is a Mod Barbie Dream House ornament.  She gets prime branch placement.

Well, those are a few of the highlights.  Do you have favorite ornaments?  I'd love to hear about them.

P.S. - In light of the recent tragedy, I know we are all hugging our little ones extra tight.  I am doing my best to tune out the fear and send positive, healing thoughts to those in need. I found this link helpful in finding ways to help from afar. 

Shark Bag Tutorial and Free Pattern

The people have spoken and they want to make shark bags, yay!  I'm sorry I couldn't get this up sooner, hopefully there is still time to make a little bag for the shark lover in your life.

I have to add a few caveats:  When I create it is a bit of whirlwind.  I didn't take any process pictures, because I wasn't even sure it was going to work.  I have done my best to write clear instructions, but I would not consider this a novice sewing project.  If you are stuck on something please take a break from cursing my name and shoot me an email (smallfriendly at yahoo).  Okay, here goes ...

Shark Bag Tutorial

You'll need:

• gray and white fabric (I used sweatshirt fleece and terry cloth)
• 1" wide strap material, 2 yards (max) cut in half to make two handles
• 14" or 16" zipper (in gray)
• 2 plastic eyes or buttons
• red and white felt
• batting
• Download Shark bag pattern (please note you will need to add seam allowances)

Directions:

1. Download Shark bag pattern and print pattern pieces with no scaling, joining at the lines. 
2. Add seam allowances and cut according to pattern pieces.
3. Sew fins by placing right sides together and sewing along the curved edges.  Turn right side out. (The side fins will be gray on top and white on the bottom.)  
4. Stuff top fin with a little batting and baste it to one side of the top body piece.
5. Sew the bottom together by placing right sides together and sewing along the curve.
6. Attach the front mouth piece to the bottom piece as indicated on the pattern.  
7. Sew the top pieces together by placing right sides together and sewing the curved edge from the nose to the first zipper mark and from the back zipper mark aroung the whole back fin.
8. Insert the zipper.  (Here's one way)  Warning: The top fin makes this step annoying.
9. Time to sew it together.  With the top part inside out (right sides facing, zipper open) insert bottom piece (right side out) so that the straight sides match up.  Tuck the straps and fins down into into place (between the layers), pin and sew all the way around.      
10. Turn out and marvel at your bag!  All that's left is the finishing!
11. Cut two strips from the white felt and notch one long side of each, these will be your teeth.  Attach the teeth to the top and bottom of the mouth.
12. Cut an oval (large enough to fill the hole in the mouth) out of red felt. Turn the bag inside out and sew the oval in to close up the mouth.
13. Add the eyes.
14. Stuff the tail a bit (I used scraps from the fleece).  
15. Enjoy!

Here's to creating unusual gifts!

Top Toys For Toddlers

Last year I shared the top five toys that Jude adored between the ages of 1 and 2 (actually, he still loves them, talk about value).  This year I thought it would be cool to do the same for 2 to 3 year olds.  Jude, being a just after Christmas baby, is the perfect age-based toy tester (Psst, did you hear that Melissa and Doug?).  I am a "less is more" gal when it comes to toys (and most other things too, except chocolate and glitter, of course), so with the same intention as last year, I gathered the very top toys that Jude enjoyed all year long.  

Please note, this post contains affiliate links to Amazon, but as always I encourage you to check out your local, independent toy store. If you do chose to shop on Amazon I earn a tiny commision, thanks so much for your support.

1. Play Kitchen - Of course I'm a big fan of the DIY option, but there are some awesome and affordable pre-made models.  A tool bench is another fun idea.  Anything that let's your little one pretend to be grown up.  

2. Art Supplies - An easel or special art table are optional, but access to plenty of paint and paper is sure to provide hours of fun.  

3. DUPLO - Here's what I love about the Duplo sets:  They are building toys plus imaginative play with the figures and cars.  Of course, all building blocks rule at this age.

4. Doll /Action Figure - We all know that I let Jude play with dolls, but he really loves his Toy Story figures and stuffed animals too.

5. Tricycle - A trike with a handle is a godsend when your little one outgrows (or rejects) a stroller.  Plus, before you know it, they will be cruising solo.

6. Puzzles - Jude can't get enough of puzzles.  I really like the wooden ones and the giant floor puzzles are super fun too.

Here's hoping this gives you some great ideas for the lucky little ones in your life.  Happy Gifting!  

Looking for more gift guides? Check out Top Toys for 1-2 Year Olds and Top Toys for 3-4 Year Olds

Something For Everyone

 

 

December is definitely the most list driven time of the year. Sometimes finding something for everyone on your nice list can be a bit of a challenge. It didn't take long to round-up a few of my favorite gift guides from Blogher. These three gift lists have great ideas for those that can be tough to shop for.

1. In my family we used to draw names, now we each give to charity instead. Check out Awesome Charitable Gifts for some creative ideas.

2. Got a crafty person on your list? This round-up of Crafty E-Courses is perfect. I know I'd love any and all of these ... hint, hint.

3. Last but not least, you know I love me a handmade item. How about simple Edible Gifts?

Looking for something for that special toddler in your life? Stay tuned tomorrow for my 2-3 year old toy recommendations.

Here's to checking that list!

This post is part of BlogHer's Holiday Gift Guides editorial series, sponsored by Open Road Media.

Simplify the Holidays

Happy December 1st everyone!  Anyone else feeling the Christmas crazies coming on strong?  I thought today would be a great day to revisit my 10 tips for a greener, simpler, merrier holiday season.  I needed the reminder big time and I've compiled quite a few awesome extra tips from some of my favorite bloggers.  

1.  Let go.  Embrace traditions that make life easier and skip stuff you don't enjoy.  I grew up eating one tiny chocolate a day from a $1 cardboard advent calendar.  This year, I oohed and aahed over the crafty advent bonanza that is pinterest, and then I let go and stuck with the Trader Joe's advent.  Furthermore, if there is a part of the holiday that drives you nuts (cookie baking, cards, caroling) skip it, the world will not end (I promise).

2.  Give handmade.  But, keep it simple and fun.  For example, don't commit to making mini loungers for your eight nieces and nephews; although, might I suggest pencil rolls or crayon wraps?  And remember, you can give handmade by supporting other crafty folks.

3.  Give less.  Would you rather have one special thing or a bunch of crap?  Don't make the holidays a race for cheapest-mostest.  Give more thought, and fewer packages.  Do you draw names for a secret santa?  Why not go one step further and suggest that everyone donates to charity instead?

4.  Have a signature gift (or two).  Have a cute kid?  Then you have the perfect gift: photos, framed or in a calendar, for every grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt/uncle, on your list.  Other ideas include jam, cookies, affordable wine (might I suggest Prosecco?).  You get the idea.  Oh, and I've never met a teenager who didn't like cash.

5.  Shop local.  Perhaps more important than it's ever been, help out your local economy (and environment) by shopping close to home.

6.  Avoid the mall/big box stores.  Though your tax dollars will help your town, the price you pay in stress isn't worth it.  Need the lastest Twilight doll?  Go online.  If you must go, plan ahead: go once, with a list, at opening or closing.

7.  Visit a charitable Santa.  The mall is not the only place to find Santa.  Check your local listing for Santas who see children for a good cause.  You make a donation, your little one tells the big man what he wants, you take your own pictures (sometimes they take one for you) and you're done.  No lines, no elves pushing the mega picture pack.  

8.  Get your tree at a farm.  Better for the environment and your local economy.  Plus, it's WAY more fun!   

9.  Wrap with recycled or reusable material.  I've been saving Jude's artwork as wrapping paper this year.  Reusable grocery bags, fabric, and dishtowels are all great options that become part of the gift.  

10.  Focus on the spirit of the season.  It should be about peace, joy, and sharing; not stress, consumption, and road rage.  When it all feels like too much, crank up Christmas With Weezer and dance until there is joy in your heart, then put your feet up and your arms around your loved ones.  

Bonus Section:

- Make giving neighbor gifts easier and cheaper with this great tip from Classic Play.

- Gifting thoughtful simple toys is good for everyone, word play house shows us how.

- And while on the subject of toys, Little Stories has great, easy to follow toy shopping rules.

- Looking for simple, natural crafts to make with the kids?  Buzzmills has you covered. 

- It's not too late to have a crafty christmas, Curly Birds has got it dialed.

Here's to a greener, simpler, MERRIER holiday from my home to yours.  

P.S. - If you are a blogger, why not simplify blogging?  I will be taking my annual break, posting only pictures called *merry moments* from mid December to early January.  I encourage you to join in with links here or on instagram with the hashtag #merrymoments.