Snow Tree - use what you have project

I packed all the Christmas things away yesterday. I left one tree up because I want to decorate it for Valentines. But it is just the first week of January and it still seems a little early for pink and hearts.

So I had the idea to do a snow themed tree since it is so cold! But I don't have any snow ornaments.

I looked on Pinterest last night for ideas and saw lots of cute ideas but I didn't have the needed supplies. So, I just went to bed and left the tree bare.

Then this morning, I thought about snowflakes and used my Cricut to cut assorted snowflakes out of white card stock.  I also found a box of clear glass craft ornaments that my daughter bought years ago (looking at the price tag, I am guessing in 2005)

I also got out a bunch of silver pipe cleaners and some beads.

The finished snow tree

We used white school glue and lots of glitter on the paper snowflakes 

My daughter and granddaughter swirled paint and glitter inside the clear balls. 

If you look close, you can see the silver pipe cleaner snowflakes my son made. 

I am really happy with this project that required no trips to a craft store. 

Later in the evening, our other granddaughter was here, she likes the snow tree too.

Another CVS post

If you've read my blog much at all, you know I get great deals at CVS.

Seems the more I shop there, they more incentives they offer me to shop there even more. 

I got 3 emails from CVS this week, notifications of a total of $12 in Extra Care Bucks and a coupon. These can be used on just about anything.

I don't have access to many major retailers or the time to go to every store. So for me, focusing on CVS deals does add up to big savings. 

First day of Twenty Fifteen

Happy New Year to everyone! 

This little statue was bought years ago at a thrift store. 

He was handmade by someone who left his legs bare. In the front, he is fine. But his backside, well, my children all giggle about it.  So I just keep his back turned where it doesn't show. 

A southern tradition we follow is eating black eyed peas and cabbage on January 1. I'll cook the peas with a little diced onion and ham and we will eat them on top of a bed of rice. 

The cabbage gets sautéed in a little butter with some onion just until tender, then seasoned with salt and pepper and a tiny sprinkle of sugar.  Sugar on vegetables is Southern too but not something I do except for this cabbage dish.

Dessert will be a cherry pie- it's not traditional to New Years but my husband has been wanting one. 

Apparently I am a rusty pie baker as I didn't cut the vent holes nearly big enough. 

Yes, there is a big mess in the bottom of the oven where the pie bubbled over. 

Thankfully we have a self cleaning oven and I will run than cycle later. 

I used canned tart cherries - the label says they are healthy (healthy before they get cooked in sugar and a crust anyway)  and 

I used the recipe on the back of the can. 

Happy 2015 everyone! 

Do you have New Years traditions?

Christmas highlights

We enjoyed a very sweet Christmas program at church, our grandson played the little drummer boy for the second year in a row. 

Great grandchildren and great grand parents had some very special visiting.

Lots and lots of presents!

Presents everywhere!

A very light snowfall

Waffles and pancakes for several breakfasts- especially good with real maple syrup from my brother 

A sweet funny photo from my brothers girlfriend - this is her pet Daisy modeling a Santa hat. I think it is cute as can be. 

My brother's dog, Boomer - he is not usually allowed on the furniture but he was especially tired and I am a big softy. 

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas celebrations. 

Sons....

My sons are 14 months apart but obviously have very different personalities.

They did both learn to make stuff and do stuff when they were growing up. And here is proof. 

I think these photos from this week are just hilarious.

One son is wearing a camouflage Santa hat and ornaments in his beard. 

The other is at an ugly sweater party and they are wearing shirts they embellished with fabric and iron on adhesive from me and bows and tiny ornaments from their grandmother.

Vote if you want but I must say my comments are not always working.

Do you prefer the super handyman redneck son's decorations or the attorney son who usually looks like he stepped out of GQ with the bows and teddy bears on his shirt? 

Both are funny as can be!

Sorry for covering up the cute young woman's face but I don't know her and she may not approve having her photo blogged.