Everyday Simple

Our hearts are breaking for the tragedy that took place in Connecticut on Friday. So many families need our love, support, and compassion during this time. If you are looking for a way to help, Roo at Nice Girl Notes has written this post on how we can alleviate some of the burden and expenses of those grieving at this time, both locally and from a distance. Our prayers are going out to those dear families. Danny and I believe that one day, those parents and loved ones will be able to see their dear ones again. Let us help in any way we can, whether it's through a simple heartfelt prayer or cash donations. The world needs more kindness, more love, more helping hands reaching out to lift each other up. Let us bring good to the world in the wake of so much despair. 

It's the week before Christmas! Holy moly you guys - how is it possible that Christmas is just right around the corner? Do you have all of your Christmas shopping done? Need some last minute gift ideas? A friend and I got together for a holiday craft day last week and made these three, fun, holiday crafts. They'd be perfect for some last minute gifts for family and friends.

Craft #2: Orange Pomanders
My friend, Shauntelle, came up with this idea to make Pomaders. I'd seen pictures of Pomanders before, but I didn't know what they were. A Pomander is an orange, lemon, or other type of fruit that has been "studded" with dried cloves. They have a fragrance that smells amazing; it's very subtle and fresh.

All you need are some whole dried cloves and oranges. Poke the cloves into the orange in any pattern you wish. Tie a pretty ribbon around them for some added decoration and place a group of them together for maximum effect. Give them away as a gift, or use them to freshen up your own home. I've got some sitting in our kitchen right now. The smell really is amazing.


Craft #3: Glitter Clothespins
This was all Shauntelle, too. She came up with this fun idea to hang up all of her Christmas cards. They're really really pretty! The perfect type of sparkle for the holidays. 

You will need: 
- Clothespins (you can buy a whole bag for a few bucks at Wal-Mart)
- Elmer's glue (or Mod Podge)
- Glitter (Shauntelle used a chunky golden glitter with big circles)

Prep your surface by laying out some newspapers. This can get kind-of messy with all of the glitter. Dab some glue on the top side of your clothespins. Immediately sprinkle your glitter over the glue. Use your finger to press the glitter down into the glue if you need to. Let dry.

We didn't use Mod Podge, but I'm sure the effect would still be the same. Brush a thin layer of it on the top side of the clothespins, immediately sprinkle your glitter, then after a few minutes of drying time brush another thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the glitter to seal.

And voila! Include some pretty ribbon, string, or twine for a pretty memo/picture holder. You could also glue magnets to the back of them to use for the fridge. How fun would these sparkly little beauties be on a fridge? You could use them to hold pictures, memos, and recipe cards. Or you could glue flat tacks on the back for cork board holders. You could also use them as tag holders - stick them on a pretty present instead of a bow with a tag addressed to the intended recipient. They're so simple and pretty. I'm kind-of in love with them.

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