Wine Gift Bags

I love to give homemade, but sometimes the Christmas season gets a bit overwhelming and completely homemade just isn't always possible. At times like this, I still like to add a small homemade twist to my gifts. Whether it be in the form of a homemade card, a small homemade addition, or something fun and homemade with the wrapping.

I went with homemade wrapping with these bottles of wine I am giving this season. A simple muslin bag with a stamped message and some Christmas chotchkies add a homemade touch to this store bought gift.
(Just make sure to check a few things out when you are working on this project. #1. Make sure you allow extra fabric. Maybe even make a sample first. (These babies fit like a glove, I tell you. In other words, another 1/4 inch would have been much better.) #2. Always check that you are spelling the words correctly. (With two little ones running around while I worked on this project, it took Mr. Cherry's watchful eye to catch that I had forgotten the "g" in jingle. Don't worry, all fixed now.)
If you are looking for some other homemade Christmas gift ideas, you can check out my Homemade Holiday series from last year.

Homemade Holidays Week One (This is a huge list of presents I have made over the years.)
Homemade Holidays Week Two (Ruffled Tote)
Homemade Holidays Week Three (Fabric Luggage Tags)
Homemade Holidays Week Four (Coordinates Frame)
Homemade Holidays Week Five (Tea Wreath)
Homemade Holidays Week Six (ABC Cards)
I am linking up to the Dare to DIY series from the fabulous ladies atDecor and the Dog, Maybe Matilda, Newly Woodwards, and Two Twenty One.

What Peachy Wore Wednesday

There are blogs that detail what the author wears on a weekly basis. And there are blogs that show what their little cuties are decked out in. I am adding a twist to that today. Here it is, What Peachy Wore Wednesay (WPWW).
You see, I usually try to aim Peachy in the direction of an acceptable outfit at the beginning of the day. An outfit that we could be seen around town in. They are not always the most coordinated of ensembles, but they are not awful either. However, throughout the day, Peachy does her best to add her own Peacharific flair to the previously acceptable outfit.
Today's WPWW is a perfect example.

We started the day with a nice basic purple pants and tee shirt set. As the day progressed a pink petticoat was added to the top of the pants. (Please note, she would have simply put the skirt on without pants, but I insisted on the pants.) Shortly after the addition of the skirt, she asked that I help her add her play apron to finish the outfit off. And there you have it. A Peachy of an outfit that is 3 and one half year old approved!

Thrift Store Score

It seems every blog I read has a story about a some little thrift store score. Until now, I really didn't have a story of my own. I just don't frequent thrifts stores enough. (Perusing a thrift store's selection isn't easy with a toddler and preschooler in tow.) Last month found my little gang of three in a local thrift store looking for materials for a new project. On the way in some colorful beaded necklaces caught my eye. I ended up walking away with four necklaces, two yellow, one read, and one aqua. I haven't quite decided whether I will keep them all intact or rework some of them. I have already worn the small yellow and the red one, though.

And the girls have each taken their turns wearing them as well.

Besides the thrill of the hunt and never knowing what you are going to find, thrift store pricing is another great perk.

Can't beat that!!
Do you thrift? What is your greatest score?

Its Beginning To Look . . .

a bit like Christmas!

 Since we are usually gone over Thanksgiving, it is hard to get Christmas up right away. A certain little three year old has been asking since our drive home last night when we would be decorating for Christmas. So, after getting some of the unpacking done today and getting the house a bit picked up, I conceded in putting up a few items.

Since I had all of the pieces to make the candle centerpiece I blogged about here, I got to work. After ten minuted I had a new Christmas centerpiece. I added one of my favorite table runners from my mom, re-did the chalkboard, and we had an instant touch of Christmas in our dining area.

 (I love the idea of decorating the end of our table. Mr. Cherry was just discussing with me his disdain for decorated tables as they have to be cleaned off before every meal. This way, I can leave the table decorated all season long without having to worry about clearing it everyday.)
While it may not clearly be about entertaining, I think I will still link up to Kim's Dare to DIY . . . Entertain. At least it is a better entry than I had a few years ago.

Christmas Confession

I have something to admit to all of you. It has to do with seasons and Holidays and you may not all agree. For some reason, this year, I am all about Christmas. Normally I wait until after Thanksgiving to break out the Christmas cheer, but right now I am all about bringing on the jolliness. I have about 75% of my Christmas shopping done. I have the girls' Christmas dresses ready. Last week I bit the bullet and ordered our Christmas cards from Shutterfly.
Although I have yet to start decorating, I keep pinning and pinning items on Pinterest for Christmas. And I can't wait to start decking the halls here. Today I am going to share with you some of my favorite pins for Christmas.

For Decorating:

1. I am loving this easy, yet beautiful, ribbon star from Beyond The Picket Fence. (Now if only I had a stash of old barn wood sitting around.)

2. Another simple and stunning little project. This candle scene is from this Swedish blog: http://tradgardsflow.blogspot.com/. (Lucky for me I already have some large glass hurricanes courtesy of my sister's wedding this summer and just picked up from burlap ribbon to complete the look.)

3. I love this frame with the ornaments as a wreath or hung somewhere on the wall. This is an image from Pinterest that is uploaded by a user. However, it was featured on the blog This Flourishing Life.

4. Another use for those glass hurricanes! Check out these great painted pine cones from Julie of Joy's Hope featured on Under the Sycamore. (Now if only I could find some pine cones that aren't cinnamon scented.)

5. I can't wait to try something like this with the old window I have hanging out in our living room. Check it and some other great ideas out at Funky Junk Interiors.

For Eating:

1. Wouldn't this be super fun at any Christmas party? I would imagine you take mini wieners and wrap them with crescents arranged in a circle on a baking sheet. (The link for this image is to a Christmas page from Oriental Trading that appears to be no longer available.)

2. I think Peachy and I will be making some of these fun Cheerio Christmas trees this year from tablespoon.

For Kids:

1. I am a little concerned for the safety of our tree this year. Cream is just so into touching everything! Maybe if I make the girls this tree from Confessions of a Sewing Addict they will leave our big one alone, right? 

2. Here is another Christmas tree project for Peachy and I. Real Life, One Day at a Time posted these great decorated paper plate trees made into a garland.

3. I don't have the patience for making real gingerbread houses, but this flat one from Betty Crocker I could handle.

For Crafting:

1. What sewer doesn't have a ton of scraps laying around? This tutorial for scrappy Christmas stockings from Stumbles and Stitches would be perfect for using some of the up.

2. These wire angels from Auntie Kara's Crafts would be great gift toppers. You could even tuck a name card into the top if you wanted.

3. Here is another fun gift tag idea. Life Create Blog made these cute snowmen with paper punches.