Holly Jolly Happenings...(+ free printable!)

(Get this free printable here!)

The most wonderful time of year is upon us and while I'd love to be back in the blogging saddle more consistently right now, I've been busy with many other things and intentionally spending more time with my family. As you can tell from this and this, my world has been turned upside down since August. Blogging is still a passion of mine, and my plan is to get back to it more often starting in January.

To catch you up, here's what's been going on lately:

1. We are finishing up our first semester ever of homeschooling. My girls are in 6th, 3rd and 1st grade and these last few months have taught me a few things.

• I'm stronger than I thought I was. Doesn't the song say, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?" While I hate the song, I think it might have a little truth to it. The jury's still out. I'll keep you posted, but if you don't hear from me again, forget everything I just said.
• Never say "NEVER". After 38 years of life, I should know better. I have said for years I would never homeschool. The fact is while I do not love everything about it, I like a whole lot about it. However, there are days when I have to remind myself exactly what it is that I like and hope that the next day will be better.

2. Our days in this apartment are numbered and for that I am so thankful! We are building a house and hope to move in next Spring. So, in the meantime, we are learning to share our personal space and looking forward to having a little more of our own space in the near future. It will be worth it! We decorated very simply this year with one of our small trees adorned with the girls' keepsake ornaments, new stockings (because we can't find our old ones - 3/4ths of our belongings are still in boxes), and a lighted wreath above the mantel. On the bright side, it will be easy taking it all down.

3. With my husband's new job (hence the reason we moved to Kentucky), we have more time together as a family. It's been such a blessing! We have explored so many fun places in just this short time of living here. Some of our favorites have been the Cincinnati Art Museum, The Cincinnati History Museum, and the Creation Museum. (Do you detect a theme?) Stay tuned for my review of all of our favorite places in case you plan to visit Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati anytime in the future.

4. I have begun a new adventure in the world of essential oils! I started using essential oils several months ago and have been amazed at how they help me and my family to stay healthy or heal from different things. I plan to post periodically about the oils I love and use most, but if you'd like more info in the meantime, check out my website! www.mydoterra.com/amymccombie  I'm a believer in the power of these natural oils and benefit greatly from using them. Do you use them? If so, what are your favorites and what do you use them for? I'd love to know!

That's about all for now! I'll be back soon, but until next time.... Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Check out my Pinterest boards for lots of Christmas inspiration!

The Easy Way to Make a Gingerbread House

Last week my daughter's teacher called to ask me if I could put together all the gingerbread houses for her kindergarten class. The kindergarten classes at our school always do gingerbread houses at Christmas and it's so much fun for them. So, when I picked Annie up on Friday, she was loaded down with supplies!

Yesterday, I sat down to make 26 houses for the class so that today they could just enjoy decorating them. And I thought the process was genius! No one really eats the gingerbread house when it's dried up, do they? So, the teacher's idea was perfect. I thought you might like to try it sometime whether in your own home or in a classroom setting. This way is the perfect way to build your house without it crashing down on you.

Take a pint size milk carton - or on a larger scale, you could use an almond milk carton and cut the bottom piece down to the size you desire and make sure it's empty and rinsed.

Fire up the hot glue gun! Get it nice and hot then glue down the bottom of the carton to a paper plate (or whatever base you want to use).

Next, use graham crackers to cover your house. You can use them whole, break them into squares or rectangles. Glue them onto your house so that all flat sides are covered.

Then, use store bought icing such as Pillsbury Classic White or even better - the frosting in the can that you can squirt onto the house! This worked like a charm with the kindergarten class! The kids used large popsicle sticks to spread their icing all around the sides and roof.

Finally, decorate with all the usual colorful candies - gumdrops (my favorite on a gingerbread house), M&Ms, Red Hots, Candy Canes, Gingerbread Men Cookies, etc. etc.

It was so much fun! And tomorrow, the Kindergarten will have a "Tour of Homes" and go around to each Kindergarten class and look at all the colorful creations they made today. It's a big deal, you know.

Does your family make a gingerbread house each year? We have only done it once. It was an ordeal. But this way is much easier and less stressful. Still messy, but it won't fall down.

Merry Christmas!

Easy Chalkboard Necklace {Gift Idea}

Looking for a last minute gift for the teacher on your list?? This has always been a big hit with my kids' teachers. Give your teacher an A+ this Christmas with this easy chalkboard necklace! Here's how you do it.

What you need:
Any size pendant with a flat surface.
Chain of your choice.
Chalkboard paint
Painter's tape
Chalk

Start by taping off the pendant of your choice. Straight edges are the easiest but I have done an oval shape before. Make sure the tape is secure enough so that the paint will not get on the edges.

In a well-vented space {preferably outside}, lay your pendant with taped edges onto a scrap piece of newspaper or cardboard. Spray the pendant with a coat of chalkboard paint. Let dry. Spray again two or three times to get a good coating on the surface.

Let it dry at least a few hours before writing on it with chalk. I like to use chalk markers so they won't scrape the surface, but regular chalk will work. If using regular chalk, wear down the edge of the chalk before writing on the pendant.

It wipes clean with a soft cloth.
Embellish your necklace with a charm or ribbon to give it some extra bling and make it more personal. You can write their monogram or anything you want on the pendant. Be creative!
Then, package it up nice and neat and you're ready to give your gift to the lucky teacher.

What are your go-to gifts for teachers? This works great at Christmas, birthdays, beginning of the year or end of the year gifts. And these are popular for non-teachers, too!

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Simple Christmas Decorating

 
In the spirit of Christmas and all the fun things that go along with this most wonderful time of the year, I decided to show you my simple Christmas decor this year. I didn't do a ton of decorating. In fact, I've got about 3 tubs of Christmas decor that I'm not using this year plus 2 artificial trees in the attic. I even debated on whether to put up my dining room tree this year, but I did and I'm so glad I did. The girls are enjoying seeing it lit up in the evenings and so am I! I love looking at all the Christmas home tours on the blogs, (although I haven't gotten around to it yet this year) and seeing how other people decorate their homes. Everyone has a style all their own and I thought I'd show you a quick peek of my very simple Christmas decor this year {I keep adding to mine when a good idea comes my way, but this is what it looks like for now.}

I got this cute Santa Advent thing at Target a few years ago on an after-Christmas clearance deal for just a few bucks. We use it every year and it's one of the girls' favorite pieces. I thought it was appropriate to put him next to our globe on top of the piano so he could go ahead and map out his route. You can find one like it here.

 These little ceramic mice have been in my family for as long as I can remember. I think they came from Home Interiors or something like that decades ago. Still in perfect condition. Another sentimental thing my girls look forward to getting out for Christmas each year. I found the baby mouse here if you are interested.

 It's not possible to have Christmas in this house without Brenda Lee singing to us. My mom let me keep these when I moved away after college. We used to listen to these actual records while decorating the Christmas tree way back when. I have these on my piano during Christmas, but listen to her now on Pandora Radio. I should have put a record player on my Christmas list! Find the Paul & Paula Vinyl here. And the Brenda Lee vinyl here.

 My simple mantle. I'm really loving it this year. I usually have it covered in garland and lights and all kinds of stuff, but this year I just really enjoy looking at the simplicity of it all. The stockings are a Pottery Barn knockoff from a few years ago. You can read about them here. The art on the mantle is part of a set of paintings my artistic friend painted of some of our landmarks in our city. Find more of her art here.

 This small tree is from Hobby Lobby. One of my girls decorated it for me with ribbon and some of my husband's vintage ornaments from when he was little. He made a couple of these with his Nana as a young boy and the others are too tiny for our big tree, but I wanted to display them.

 These are two of my husbands tiny biplane ornaments from his collection. He's in an aviation career and we love these little bitty planes. He has quite a collection of airplane ornaments, but these fit perfectly on our mini tree.

 These are part of my collection of knockoff Anthropologie Mason Jar Snow Globes. Read how I made them here. I just displayed them on one of our bookshelves this year. You can get the Count Your Blessings free printable here.

 This came from my in-laws to my girls as a gift several years ago. It's a Hallmark item and sings Jingle Bells while the dog barks. It's adorable....the first 20 times. After that, we have to limit the number of times the button gets pushed. Ha! You can find one of these here. They are not sold in stores.

 Perhaps my most favorite Christmas item is this small part of the Fontanini Nativity set. My aunt and uncle bought me this as a college graduation gift. I love this and would love to have the whole set one day.

 My wrapping paper colors this year. I love this combo. The little nutcracker men are so cute. I am especially fond of them this season. And the black and white chevron is always my favorite.

 A small glance at our living room decor. The most important part anyway. Maybe I'll show the whole room if I ever finish it the way I want to. For now, this is the happiest part!

 I like to hang some of our Christmas cards on this garland wrapped banister. It's the perfect place for the cards. We pass them everyday and love seeing notes and pictures of friends far and near. {Still waiting on many more to come! hint, hint}

 This is my sparse dining room tree. I love it because it is simple and is just enough decoration to enjoy and not dread having to take it all down and put it away. The paper garland in the tree is from Pottery Barn a few years ago. The handmade angel on top made with a paper plate and gold glitter? Yes, that's from my sweet 5 year old. She was so proud to put that on top of my tree. I think it's the perfect addition.

And last, but not least, is this wonderful smelling candle from Yankee Candle. Mistletoe is the very best Christmas/Winter scent ever! My sister has one every year and last year my husband finally decided he was getting one for us every year. The smell is fantastic! It's our second year of this tradition that will last a long time in this house if I have anything to do with it. Buy one for yourself here.

What are your traditional decorations? Do you use the same decor every year or change it up? If you've written about your decorations this season, please leave a link to it in the comments. I'd love to see yours!

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Merry Christmas!





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Did Somebody Say Party?? OREO Cookie Balls {Recipe}

This recipe comes from my food allergy blog, Living the Allergic Life. It's one I developed into a dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free version for my daughter to enjoy, but it would be just as delicious using milk based products instead. Give it a try! These are so easy and yummy, you won't be able to stand it!!

Let me introduce you to Milk's favorite cookie ball! Yes, it is made with OREOs. {I used Whole Foods brand because I was there and didn't want to make another stop just to get OREO brand, but OREO brand is still free of dairy, nuts and eggs.} I have sent these to school as a class treat and make them during the holidays for a special treat. Always delicious!

You'll want to have these things on hand:

• OREOs
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese {I used dairy-free}
• 1 bag chocolate chips, any flavor {I used vegan}
• Candy Sprinkles

Then, you'll want to freeze these cookie balls for about 10 minutes. While they are setting up, melt your vegan chocolate chips {for every 6 oz of chips, add 1T shortening - this will aid in the dipping process} in a microwave safe bowl on high for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating/stirring every 15 seconds until completely melted and liquid. Dip the cookie balls in the melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle with fun sprinkles. Once done, put them back in the fridge for about 1 hour.

What's one of your favorite snacks to make for the holidays? If you have a blog post about it, link yours in the comments. I'd love to see what you make!

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Sandwich for a Crowd {Recipe}

 

If you're looking for a delectable savory food to take to an upcoming party or get-together this holiday season, look no further! This is my most favorite party food ever!! It's even a good choice to feed your host of relatives at Christmas or New Year's.

This Sandwich for a Crowd is always a big hit when I make it. I just made it for a bridal shower a few weeks ago and had lots of people comment on how much they loved it. I make this for my family every once in awhile and we love it. This sandwich comes with a warning, though: Have plenty of people present to help you eat it - or you'll eat the whole thing yourself. {Don't ask me how I know.}

Here's the delicious recipe!

1 wide loaf soft bread {Italian loaf or French Bread in bakery section}
1 block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Mayonnaise {optional}
3 T Worcestershire
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 T garlic salt
chopped green onions {or 1T onion powder}
Deli ham or turkey

Cut bread loaf in half lengthwise.

Pull some of the bread away from the center of the loaf, just enough to make a little dent. This sandwich is loaded and needs a little extra space.

 

Mix together cream cheese, mayo, worcestershire, cheese, garlic salt and onions.

Spread this onto each side of the bread. Cover every part of the inside of the bread on each piece.
Now, place sliced of ham or turkey {as many or little as you wish} onto the bottom piece of the loaf.
Put the top piece of loaf onto the top. This will look like a giant sub sandwich.

 

Wrap in plastic wrap tightly and chill in fridge for at least an hour.

 

Once chilled, unwrap sandwich and slice the entire loaf into 1 inch thick slices.
Feed the hungry crowd!

What do you feed your crowd? Have a favorite that you always bring to the party?

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Christmas PINspiration

I'm pretty sure Christmas is the most inspiring holiday. From decorations inside your house to outside, mantles, trees, ornaments, to all kinds of delicious foods and table settings Christmas is very inspiring! I've been loving all the neat things coming across my Pinterest feed this week. In fact, they've been so inspiring I thought I'd share some of them with you!

 

Is this the cutest Christmas chalkboard idea you've ever seen? I love the unique look of this with the classic plaid bow and holly, not to mention that glittery reindeer! How cute!! Thanks, Kim @ Today's Creative Blog for this adorable idea! Check out her blog post to see how to make your own!

I love black and white stripes so this wrapping paper caught my eye immediately! And I love the green ribbon accent. My wrapping paper this year will include black and white chevron paper and another coordinating paper, as well. Black and white is always in style. I bought my chevron wrapping paper here.

 

Using free printables in my decorations is an easy and cheap way to add some holiday cheer and keeps the reminder of what Christmas is all about a daily part of our Christmas season. Check out Stephanie's (from Recipes from Stephanie) collection of free printables for this season!

 

These fresh garland wreaths are classy! And easy! Go check out how my sister from Less-Than-Perfect-Life of Bliss made these. It's an easy to follow tutorial and you'll have your wreaths hung in no time!

 

{source}

And how about these place cards? I love the simplicity. Sprig of rosemary is the star of the show along with a simple handwritten font on cardstock. Stunning.

These are just a few of my favorite pins for this Christmas! Do you have a Christmas Pinterest board? Leave a link to it in the comments section below and I'll come follow you.

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Happy decorating!