| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 07:28:59 AM
Has anyone started thinking about Christmas yet? I am really excited for it this year because I think, for once, we won't be in dire straights money wise!! It is going to be fantastic!! I still want to do a lot homemade/handmade. I haven't decided what yet but am thinking some canned goods from my garden and then ??
Anyone else planning ahead and have any ideas?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| J.F. Brown |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 8:49:33 PM
One of my favorite, really inexpensive ones is a bulb to force. I started doing this when my son was in school- with special needs, he had lots of aides and teachers, and I wanted to give something to each one. I went to thrift shops and picked up small pretty containers... random teacups would be good... bought a bag of paper-white narcissus, which can be somewhere around 25 cents apiece, a bag of gravel, though you could use anything you have, and printed or wrote out instructions, which are all over online.
We also have done beeswax ornaments, using candy molds to shape them,and chocolate bark with all kinds of different stuff, from really simple (crushed candy canes) to really exotic( pistachios and flower petals). |
| Annika |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 12:11:09 PM
Judy its hard to be merry & bright when your financial future is so uncertain, I can't work right now and it's driving me nuts. Home made gifts are so much more precious than anything store bought. If you have a lot of that mattress pad left and some fleece, warm Christmas slippers are pretty easy to make for the family =) There are a lot of patterns on line for them.
Here is one of our favorite holiday treats! (ok, I cheat and make these when ever I feel like my sweetie needs a special treat)
Tandoori Spice Nuts ~
1/2 c low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 stick of butter or margarine, melted
3 tbsp curry powder
2 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
3/4 tsp ground hot pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 pound pecan halves
1/2 pound walnut halves
(We often just use a pound of peanuts and they are equally delicious, and not so hard on the budget)
Heat oven to 275
In a large bowl mix everything together but the nuts until well blended. Add the nuts and toss to coat them. Spread out nuts on a shallow baking tin or cookie sheet. Bake at 275 for about an hour or until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally. Either let cool completely and store in an airtight container, which will keep longer if you refrigerate them or pounce of and gobble up immediately!
HUGS!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| Sabrena Orr |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 10:51:31 AM
I am really excited for Christmas this year! My oldest will be back from college and as a family we have decided that "less is best" and will focus on our time together as a family!
Sabrena, Olympia |
| Farmer Judy |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 10:42:45 AM
I have been cutting and sewing fleece hats for a charity all year using my left over fleece from past years. My DH thought I was nuts two weeks ago when I started making hot pads in Christmas fabric (left overs also) and using my son's worn out mattress pad (doubled or trippled) as the insides for them. I'm in a bad financial situation right now and don't know how much of a Christmas we will have if my DH can't find a job soon so I am trying to find reasons to be happy for the season, other than the obvious, Jesus being born.
God bless,
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
| SheilaC |
Posted - Sep 22 2011 : 7:10:28 PM
Here's a cute and easy gift idea you could make now (before snow falls!) Kind of fits in with primitives-style decorating, but fits in with other stuff as well! :) http://troutwife.blogspot.com/2011/09/easy-gift-idea.html as long as you have driftwood or other wood and stones and glue!! :)
http://troutwife.blogspot.com/
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| buffypuff |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 6:15:54 PM
I have been crocheting a few things for Christmas. Now that my daughter and her family have moved clear across the US...Tampa, FL, our Christmas giving will be different. We have always shared our Christmas together. My son lives 2 hours away, and often has to work Christmas. Since neither will be able to be here for Christmas, some of the gifts will be smaller because of postage costs.
Ninni, if you don't mind, I'll borrow your idea and send these loving notes now. I love your idea, & having a few friends now with breast cancer, and others whom I have lost recently, I shouldn't wait until Christmas. Also, since I always seem so far behind, I know there have been Christmas's in which I have waited until after Christmas to catch up on reading cards & notes. It seems that the holidays can get away from me, & be way too hectic. Blessings to you all!
I found that this thread is one of the most uplifting for me, and I have gotten so many thoughts & ideas for my own Christmas. Looking for more comments.
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| Lieberkim |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 5:20:48 PM
I can't help thinking about Christmas as my five year old asks me every other day if it's Christmas time yet!!!!
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 4:48:18 PM
i've been thinking about it-and it will be here before we know it--i usually only gift my grands and my daughter (who has no kids)...(my sons have the grands so unless it's a "family" gift i don't do it). i do a lil something for my mom.
last Christmas, i gifted the gals that I work with- i didn't know protocol since I was the new kid and no one talked- i made the pumpkin bread in a jar and wrapped the jars nicely- they looked at me like i had three horns- dunno what they thought or if they even ate the bread but i felt like i wasted the jars!!!!!
our cleaning lady at work does neat stuff-she filled stockings for each of us and i did give her a jar-
so-this year-dunno--i know the Christian feeling is that it is better to give than receive and i felt good about te givin--it was the attitude-or lack of it-- that bothered me!
for the grands-no clue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
those ornaments are darling but i don't crochet......
thx for listening to my grumble......
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| tammyknit |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 3:22:52 PM
I have a cowl finished for DD to wear outside when snowshoing, sledding, etc, and a hat for my mom. Also giving everybody jam (Berries did GREAT this year). Lots of projects to go, but at least i have made a start. Good luck everyone!
Tammy |
| crafter |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 2:35:35 PM
Christmas music is playing every day now- it's getting close. Not to rush the holiday, but I want to be ready! |
| Annika |
Posted - Sep 19 2011 : 7:45:58 PM
Christmas!!!
I have been buying thrifted baskets to fill with delectable things and saving jars of all sizes to fill with the delectable things that go in the baskets! I'm going to be making home made apple-butter, soup-in-a-jar, bath salts, candles, flavored vinegars, cocoa and home made marshmallows, flavored coffees, candy and any thing else I can dream up!
Lori, I love listening to Christmas music while I'm holiday crafting and sewing! It really helps put you in a jolly mood and adds a good pinch of inspiration!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| njaw09 |
Posted - Sep 19 2011 : 6:03:15 PM
Alee-
I have been thinking about Christmas these past few weeks...making a list and checking my fabric inventories.
I am hoping to create some coasters, trivets (??), place-mats, banners, clothing, ornaments and etc...but because I have other occasion (birthdays, Thanksgiving...) in between from now to Dec. I have to start cranking. Wow! Amazing how time flies.
blog: http://nj-nyc-3inna.blogspot.com/ |
| crafter |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 09:33:12 AM
the girls I work with, this year will be getting a quilted Christmas table runner 2 done 1 to go. My neighbors always get a basket of baked goods that my daughters and I make. My favorite neighbors get a cheesecake that we make. As for family always simple treasured things...I always make my daughters something that is the same, quilt, apron potholders etc..not really sure what this year, so if anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them!! I just had some Christmas music on the other day! |
| pinokeeo |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 08:09:30 AM
We do the Angel card project, so I also think about Christmas often. I will be making things this year, since money is tight for us.
I like the idea of sharing memories instead of consumer capitalism. We only buy for our grandchildren and a couple of friends now, so it's easy for us, but we have started giving each other gifts of love instead of things that we have to dust.
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
| Sobyn |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 07:45:42 AM
Hmm...well since I'm a year round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child I think about it all year :), and I've been stashing things I find on sale or make for OCC for months (come to think of it I need to make some phone calls for them this week...). For our personal Christmas I plan to make the girls doll clothes/accessories (either sewn or crocheted, maybe woven if I happen across a cute pattern) and crocheted or felted food. We already bought the little one a set of thomas the train stuff (70% off)that will be for either her birthday or Christmas and we will probably get my older one some legos (yardsales or ebay).
We don't do gifts for many other people. We usually do family pictures and send them to all the parents, grandparents, aunts etc and when I'm really on top of stuff I make picture CDroms of all the pics I've taken that year to send along as well (last year I dropped the ball on that part). That keeps it simple and pictures are expensive so we can't do them all the time and the family likes that!
I'm going to have to come back to this thread later and make a list of all the great homemade ideas. I didn't get enough jam put up this year to give too many gifts of it but maybe next year. I would love to have a stash of homemade items that I can give as small gifts at potlucks, parties, hostess gifts, friends etc. Maybe this year I'll plan ahead and buy the supplies (christmas thread etc) when it goes on sale to make things for next year :).
Farmgirl Sister #3275 |
| sidavis |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 06:44:52 AM
Christmas??????????? Yikes, I'm still getting ready for last Halloween. LOL
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 04:59:07 AM
 Woolgirl, those are adorable!! Thank you for sharing the link with us, now I have yet another project added to my to-do list. .LOL!!
Alee, I have Christmas on my mind year round!! LOL!  I have been putting aside certain things for crafting when the temperatures begin to fall. I love making gifts for everyone and this year I am thinking of making Mug Rugs for folks like our Mail carrier, UPS Driver etc. I will include a travel mug filled with things like Hot Cocoa mix, some candies, a few cookies and a gift certificate for them to cash in with me for a dozen of their favorite cookies ( I love to bake  )
Also working on a set of bathrobes for my In-laws, a new quilt for my son and my Honey. That's a good start for now.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
www.countrycents.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 11:08:56 PM
Alee, it's just started to warm up, and we're talking Christmas presents already! I have started to begin to formulate ideas in my head, but I really want to do more sentimental things this year and not so much just pretty. If that makes any sense at all!
God's and Farmgirl's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 5:08:33 PM
quote:
Originally posted by wild daisy
Yes I have started to think about Christmas. I have started to get stuff together to make birdhouse ornaments for my tree this year. I try and come up with some kind of theme from time to time. I just saw a flier from Michael's last year that had a birdhouse Menorah and I said to myself, I can do this for my tree next year. So my husband is even in on the idea. I will have to show you when and if I get them done.
Madelynne
www.johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com
Madelynne
www.johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 5:07:29 PM
quote:
Originally posted by wild daisy
Yes I have started to think about Christmas. I have started to get stuff together to make birdhouse ornaments for my tree this year. I try and come up with some kind of theme from time to time. I just saw a flier from Michael's last year that had a birdhouse Menorah and I said to myself, I can do this for my tree next year. So my husband is even in on the idea. I will have to show you when and if I get them done.
Madelynne
www.johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com
Madelynne
www.johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 5:05:31 PM
Yes I have started to think about Christmas. I have started to get stuff together to make birdhouse ornaments for my tree this year. I try and come up with some kind of theme for time to time. I just saw a flier from Michael's last year that had a birdhouse Menorah and I said to myself, I can do this for my tree next year. So my husband is even in on the idea. I will have to show you when and if I get them done.
Madelynne
www.johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com |
| melody |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 12:44:15 PM
Alee!! While I was busy getting ready for the big party you mentioned I should de-clutter i.e. removing any Christmas decorations which I promptly did-LOL! How did you know I still had Christmas stuff out??
With this humid 90-degree plus weather I have to admit Alee, I HAVE been thinking about Christmas! I plan on making a ton of jellies and jams to give away in my gift baskets starting with 20-pounds of strawberries frozen and ready to go as soon as it cools down around here...then my apple and plum harvest in the fall. Last year instead of buying DH something I thought I would donate what I would have spent to the Animal Shelter here in town. He really liked that, so I will be doing that too! Otherwise, it will be a different Christmas for us this year with DD off to college and just the three of us left at home-They grow up so fast!
Nini...You are such a SWEET person. And you are right "sharing love is the greatest gift of all."
Melody
Farmgirl #525
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| Bushel n Peck |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 10:51:44 AM
We are defintitely keeping winter and Christmas in mind now during this heat wave. We have been collecting fire wood! My canned jams and jellies are popular gifts and crochet items are usually for a few lucky people.
Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.
C. S. Lewis
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| dutchy |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 10:09:01 AM
LOL, not really....BUT when I changed my livingroom around (again lol) I did see the perfect spot for my tree so, in a way....I guess I am.
BUT I am not looking forward to cold weather! We are having a very cool, wet summer sofar....so....hoping the weather will brighten some and it will become warmer first lol.
Nini, reading your account...makes me wish I was a fly on your wall around Christmas :) Sounds like a wonderful decor you are planning, so sweet and calm and serene
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Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
http://pinkprincessdecorating.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me, my home and my crafts
Farmgirl sister # 2410 |
| woolgirl |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 09:35:45 AM
Ok...I will admit is has been on my mind for quite some time...lol!
I actually am starting these little beauties for my tree:
http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/bauble-decoration.html
I am starting gifts as well. Mainly washcloths and holiday scented soaps. I just got my Christmas smelling essential oils the other day. And the Christmas yarn just got put out, and if you want it you seem to have to buy it now! I like to have a lot on hand for quick gifts for people who sometimes get forgotten, teachers, the nice gal at the doctor's office, daycare ladies. I think I will put up some festive type canned goods too, I have a carrot cake jam recipe that sounds really good.
Aaaaahhh!!! I love the holidays!
Liz
Farmgirl #1947
www.militaryfarmgirl.blogspot.com |
