Sparkling Christmas Decor

I'm FINALLY sharing my home Christmas decorations! Of course I always helped my mom decorate the family home for the holidays, but this year I got to decorate my own home. And I had so much fun doing it! Thanks to having a December/Christmas wedding, I had almost everything I needed to decorate, but I did make some fun new decorations to add to my stash. Because I had decorations in all the same colors, I decided to stick with a theme for my décor. Lots of sparkly blue, silver, and gold...

So here is my "Sparkling Christmas" home décor!

The piano is a recent addition to our home and I am so excited to have it tuned up so I can start playing! Of course a beautiful instrument must be decorated! Adorned with a lighted garland, gold and silver flowers, and vases of gold, blue and silver ornaments.

Sticking with the theme, the entertainment center is decorated with a lighted garland wrapped in a snowflake bow, vases of blue ornaments, candles, and nativity Willow Tree.

The mantle was the hardest place for me to decorate, but I think it turned out nice! This was the spot that needed some DIY decorations. (instructions below) Decked out with silver tinsel, handmade cone trees, Christmas cookie candles, globe, small presents, nativity block, and a handmade ornament wreath.





Cone trees and Ornament wreath

Cone trees- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9499849188040398/
Mine are covered with small gold balls, silver fabric, hot glue and paint.

Ornament Wreath- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239464905164622369/
Tip: Experiment with ornament size. I used ornaments that were all similar in size, but it would be easier to make with both small and large ornaments.

In my opinion, the tree is the most important part of Christmas decorating. All I've ever known is an 8' live evergreen, so this year was a bit disappointing with my 4' pre-lit fake tree. But I will admit, it is an adorable little tree! Decorated with blue, gold, and silver balls and a gold flower on the top. Above the tiny tree is a handmade burlap banner.

Finally, no holiday home would be complete without a little mistletoe.
Hoping to steal a kiss or two! :)


Now giving tours!
Just kidding... But really, anyone is welcome to come see! I had a great time decorating my house for my favorite holiday and I look forward to many more years of home décor!

Merry Christmas and happy decorating!
  

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

First of all, Happy National Cookie Day! To celebrate, I've got a cookie recipe for you that's yummy and festive. If you like the combination of mint and chocolate then these cookies are definitely for you! And even if you don't like this duo, I think you'll still love these delicious green cookies. These have become one of my favorite holiday treats and they are SO easy to make! And who doesn't love the smell of cookies baking? Especially Christmas cookies! The recipe comes straight from Betty Crocker.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yields: approx. 36 cookies

Ingredients

1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix

1/2 Cup butter (softened)

1/4-1/2 tsp mint extract

6-8 drops green food color

1 egg

1 cup crème de menthe baking chips

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

• 1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chips.
• 2. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
• 3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

 ENJOY!

 

Holy Holiday Movies!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Ahhh I love Christmastime! I can't even say it enough! There are SO many great things to love about this time of year, but one of my favorite things is definitely holiday movies. I literally start watching Christmas movies the moment Halloween ends and then basically watch one a day until December is over! This year, I've got quite a list and I have already made a pretty big dent in it. Hopefully I'll finish by January 1st!
Now, I love all of the wonderful classics like Frosty, Rudolf, and The Grinch, so I save those for last, but I also love the cheesy, sappy Hallmark movies that just make you feel good. It doesn't matter if it's an old classic or a movie that nobody's heard of, all of these films really help get you in the Christmas spirit and usually have great messages to share. Plus you can watch most of them on Netflix or ABC Family!

So here's my list of holiday movies! Happy watching and Happy Holidays!

                                                              HOLIDAY MOVIES

• Christmas Crush (Netflix)
• The Mistletones (Netflix & ABC Family)
• Christmas Bounty (Netflix & ABC Family)
• Christmas Kiss (Netflix)
• Holiday Engagement (Netflix)
• I'll Be Home For Christmas (Netflix)
• The 12 Dates of Christmas (Netflix and ABC Family)
• Holidaze (ABC Family)
• Dear Santa (Netflix)
• Christmas Cupid (ABC Family)
• Snowglobe (ABC Family)
• Snow and Snow 2 (ABC Family)
• Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (Netflix)
• Christmas Angel (Netflix)
• Christmas Cards (Netflix)
• Christmas With the Kranks (Netflix)
• Holiday in Handcuffs (ABC Family)
• Trading Christmas
• Home Alone
• Home Alone 2-Lost in New York
• Mrs. Miracle
• Jack Frost
• Mickey's Christmas Carol
• Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (Netflix) 
• Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (Netflix)
• Snowed in at the House of Mouse (Netflix)
• Prep and Landing
• Miracle on 34th Street
• A Christmas Story
• A Christmas Carol 
• The Santa Clause trilogy
• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
• Barbie and the Nutcracker
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Charlie Brown Christmas
• Eloise at Christmastime
• The Polar Express
• Elf
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• Santa Clause is Coming to Town
• Frosty the Snowman
• Twas the Night Before Christmas
• Arthur's Perfect Christmas

What are some of your favorite Holiday movies? Share them with me!