“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! Below I’ll teach you how to fold then how to sew half-circle napkins, starting with a simple Christmas tree fold!
(Continue reading…)