“Make it Pink! Make it Blue!” The fairies in Sleeping Beauty couldn’t decide, and apparently, neither could Pantone. For the first time, Pantone released two colors of the year & there is much debate and controversy over their choices: Rose Quartz & Serenity. (Continue reading…)
Rachel: Are you sure your anniversary isn’t the 25th?
Sara: Yes, I’m sure. It’s always been the 5th.
Rachel: Well, my board says the 25th…sorry!
Yes, I am that Rachel and my sister, Sara, has been married for 5 years. Apparently I’ve gotten their anniversary wrong for the past 5 years! The board I’m talking about was my inspired attempt to remember everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries—clearly it has not worked! My new year’s resolution for 2016 is to actually send my loved ones birthday and anniversary cards on time. I know that doesn’t seem like a huge thing for some people, but I feel so special when my family and friends remember my special day! There’s nothing better than getting your very own birthday card from someone who really remembered. I’d much rather get a single card than 50 Happy Birthday posts on my Facebook wall from people who don’t acknowledge me the rest of the year.
Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Christmas Eve has always been my favorite day of the year, even more than Christmas Day. It’s the magical, sweet, candlelit calm before the storm of flying wrapping paper and stockings pregnant with Reese’s and little goodies. There are candlelit hymns sung in my small home-town church, followed by snacks and board games with friends, cousins, aunts & uncles—it’s truly the most magical day of the year for me and I can’t wait to get home tonight!
Pennsylvanians do some weird things, and no matter what it is, we totally embrace it as “part of our Dutch roots.” Whether it’s saying phrases like “all the further,” indulging in whoopie pies, or hiding pickles in our Christmas trees—we love our weirdness. Today, I’ve got a new one for you: his name is Belsnickle. You may have heard the name before, or even seen him represented as someone like Santa Claus or Father Christmas. Belsnickle comes from our PA-Dutch folklore. It’s said that he would visit children for two weeks, starting the week before Christmas, switches in hand. Yeah…you read that right: switches. (Continue reading…)
This quick and adorable tutorial is perfect for hostess gifts, grandparents, or for your own table! These half circle Christmas tree napkins are more interesting than a square napkin and sew up in a jiffy! There’s a ton of different ways to fold them too! I’ll show you how great they are and then give you the complete tutorial! (Continue reading…)
Day in and out I’ve been dreaming about a finished basement, my shiny new studio, and the guest room. It literally keeps me awake at night—it’s pathetic. I found the perfect inspiration for my guest room on HGTV’s Welcoming Retreat for Winter Guests. This space was designed by Flynnside Out, and it’s just gorgeous! I’m hoping to mirror this look in my future guest room & thought I’d share my finds with you! (Continue reading…)
She finally did it! My mom, owner of the bustling Rose of Sharin’ Quilt Shop, took a few days, reserved a room, and relaxed. My sister and I were delighted when we realized that she was staying nearby…a prime opportunity to leave some goodies in her hotel room, starting the weekend out right! This adorable tote bag was stuffed with favorite magazines, quotes, notes, coupons, tea towels—everything that my mom loves! This where my Stow Away Tote began, a simple surprise for my amazing mother. (Continue reading…)
Even in my 20’s, I still get nightmares…often. One night, my husband wondered if doing something like embroidery or reading before bed might help. After a few nights of passing out less than one paragraph into Jobs
, I decided to give embroidery a try. Let me tell you: I haven’t had a nightmare since! It’s fantastic!
After a week of fabulous giveaways and turkey-eating, I thought it would be fun to kick back with a little tutorial! You can whip up this placemat in a jiffy for under $20! It’s sure to make your plates look fabulous without dishing out cash on an expensive charger set! The best part is that you can customize it to match your colors! Let’s get started, shall we? (Continue reading…)
