Christmas Has Thrown Up Everywhere...And I Love It

Last week when I said I need to be a professional Christmas tree decorator, I meant it. And now I will show you proof as to why I think I need to work in November only.

This is my cousin Ashley's Christmas tree. I started decorating her tree three years ago when I realized she had no idea what to do with deco-mesh. I basically took apart her entire tree and redid it. And I've been doing it every Christmas since then. I absolutely love the top of her tree. Deco-mesh is super fun to work with, and I love the sticks coming out of the top.

My mom and I have yet to get deco-mesh for our family Christmas tree. But we do have some pretty awesome ornaments from over the past couple of years. I'm not in love with the silver gray bow on top, but it will have to do this year. Next year, we will have puffy deco-mesh. We will.

This is the first year I've talked my mom into decorating the mantle. And I'm still not sold on the design, but we work with what we have. A Christmas cookie plate, an iron angel and a hand-painted-by-me Santa circa 1997. (P.S. I've had that pink stocking since I was born. Rocking the tradition.)

Like I said I wasn't/am not sold on the decor for the mantle. So when I got back to Little Rock and the nearest Hobby Lobby, I made the executive decision to make something new. And I came up with this.

Now I got the saying "True love was born in a stable" off Pinterest. But the design is all me. I don't do pretty, perfect art. If I can't have room for mistakes (like mixing green and red to make some icky gray), it becomes too much pressure and I don't ever like the end creation.

But I'm quite fond of the messy polka dots and icky gray. It just feels right. And that's how I know I got it. Plus my mom loved it.

Christmas at my house is quite a big deal. The roommate and I go all out. See.

Two mini Christmas trees, a Santa, Christmas balls in a bowl, a Snowman teapot and a Christmas scented candle. Not pictured is the garland around the tv, one reindeer stocking, one penguin stocking, three feather "decorative" Christmas trees on the kitchen table, a Santa on a horse figure in the computer nook, a festive Christmas tree rug in front of the kitchen sink AND umpteen Christmas inspired coffee cups.

So....Who wants me to decorate their house for Christmas? Any takers? (I can tone it down if I need to...as in your house won't look like mine.)

How To Do Things You Should Already Know Wednesday: Part II

Today's topic is something we can all learn from since we all have had one at one time or another.

How To Rid Yourself of an Ice Cream Headache

As a frequent headache sufferer, I'm not trying to get headache when I eat a delicious treat such as ice cream. So I found a video to teach us the necessary precautions to take when you feel an ice cream headache on the rise.

Now I'll admit I knew about the tounge to the roof of the mouth trick, but it was never enough to stop the pain fast enough. So I'll have to take up the nose knocking and warm liquids.

So you are welcome. I have now solved the problem that causes faces and brows to squeesh up everywhere. And you can enjoy your favorite ice cream without fail.

If you want to read last week's HTDTYSAKW, go here.
********************************************

Can you believe it's already October 19? This year is flying by for realz. Before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here, and my mom and I will put up the Christmas tree. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about that.

I watched Christmas Vacation last night and basically squealed the whole time. Joy exudes from my body when my favorite Christmas movies come on the tube. And the weird thing is I told my co-workers yesterday I wanted to start watching Christmas movies. While they didn't disagree with me, one advised me not tell anyone about it.

But now I don't have to worry about it because CMT took care of it for me. Score!

What are your favorite things about the Holiday Season?

When do you think it's appropriate to start watching Christmas movies?
The time is always right to watch a Christmas classic.

Busy on the Lake

1. The roommate likes to sing on the way to the lake.

2. Seeing signs that tell us we are getting closer to the lake give us joy.

3. Tiki Man is the best.

4. Flags flew high in honor of America's 235th birthday.

5. We rode on a boat.

6. The roommate and I looked like death after a run on the Diamondhead golf course. Nobody was ready for those hills.

7. The roommate and her cousin took a ride on the tube.

8. The roommate took a tumble with the tube.

9. Logan and Lindsay ran, and I got this text to prove it.

10. After the epic tubing incident, the roommate was back in the water taking it easy.

11. And then it rained on July 4, 2011. So with that we called it quits.

I hope you guys had a safe and happy Independence Day. I was so happy to be busy on the lake. Happy Tuesday that feels like Monday.

Work is the Prison for Good People

How is it that it is the day before Thanksgiving and I am still cooped up inside this building. I would much rather be spending time with my family.

I have a lot of things to do this holiday weekend.

1. Put up the Jones' Family Christmas tree.
2. Start working on a research paper.
3. Finish a book.
4. Write 2 book reports.
5. Eat as much Thanksgiving food as I possibly can.
6. Go downtown to see what the festivities are like in the hometown.
7. Finish all the homework.
8. Decorate our Christmas tree.

And of course there is always sleep and other daily activities. But I have to be at work until at the latest 3:30 p.m. My brain will explode by then, I just know it.

So that is how I have gotten to this very valid conclusion that work is the prison for the good people of the world. I'm not saying I don't like my job because most days I do, but my holiday spirit is getting the best of me today. So let us all go home boss lady. Close this prison early please. Until next time...

The Giving of the Thanks

I know I jumped the gun with the Dave Barnes Christmas video, but sometimes I get too excited. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And I'll tell ya, I'm pretty excited about the feast.

And it will be a feast. Every year my mom and grandma make enough food to feed a small country. It seems like we have leftovers for weeks. But I don't care right now because I haven't had it yet.

My Aunt Connie is making a fantastic pecan pie (a Southern staple desert), my dad is deep frying a turkey (the best way to have Thanksgiving turkey) and my mom and grandma will come up with more amazing sides (not an exaggeration).

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

The Wings Over the Prairie Festival will also be in full force. I'm looking forward to corn dog and funnel cake. Yay for carinval foods.

I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest Holiday news. Until next time...