BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL 2014

Today, November 28th, for one day only...  Buy 2 Christmas stockings and get the third free!  Just enter code SANTACLAUS at check out.  Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS STOCKING PHOTO CONTEST 2014

The photo contest begins today!  Send us a picture of  our stockings hanging in your home and you could be a winner. Follow the link below to visit our News blog to enter!  The photo contest runs all the way through the holiday till December 28th.  We are looking for creative pictures, so include your family and pets. You may send as many pictures as you like!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOOD LUCK!

ENTER PHOTO CONTEST

Christmas Stocking Photo Contest 2014

 

Our 2014 Photo Contest begins November 28 and continues through December 28th. It is easy to enter, just send us a picture of our stockings hanging in your home and you could win one of the three prizes listed. Send as many pictures as you like!  The judging will take place after December 28th, and the winners will be notified via email on or after January 1, 2015.  The three best pictures will be featured on our home page, so send quality images and be creative!
Follow the link below to enter

• 1st Place:  Personalized Christmas Tree Skirt: Value $ 54.00 and up
• 2nd Place: Table runner: Value $ 42.50
• 3rd Place:  Scented soy candle and $ 10.00 off coupon code: Value 

Enter Christmas Stocking Photo Contest 

Favorite Christmas Quotes

Christmas means different things to different people, but one thing is certain Christmastime is one of the most favorite times of the year and by Americans the most celebrated. As the holiday season approaches, there is Christmas inspiration everywhere. You can't pass a store aisle or turn on the television or radio without being inspired in some way. Here are some Christmas quotes that we hope will inspire you to feel the Christmas spirit this holiday season.

Our Favorite Christmas Quotes

"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
 – Linus Van Pelt, quoting from Luke chapter 2 of the Bible in A Charlie Brown Christmas TV special.

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." Erma Bombeck

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness." Bob Hope

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Charles Dickens

"Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given--when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes." Joan Winmill Brown

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree." Charlotte Carpenter.

"To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world." Calvin Coolidge

"Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'." Bing Crosby

"Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence." Joan Mills

"Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends." Margaret Thatcher

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air." W. T. Ellis

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more." Dr. Seuss

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. " - Mary Ellen Chase

"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph" - Shirley Temple

"One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present." - Author Unknown

"The merry family gatherings - the old, the very young; the strangely lovely way they harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all." - Helen Lowrie Marshall

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." - Agnes M. Pharo

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis (Better Homes and Garden)

Check out more "Christmas Quotes
Pinterest Board for more Christmas quotes.

Burlap Christmas Stockings

We added burlap stockings to our Christmas stocking collection.  Burlap seems to be the trend, so we decided to add them to our collection.  We used the same fabric for the cuff, heel and toe as our other felt stockings.  This stocking can also be completed with a white ruffle trim.
Hope you like them!

New Christmas Stockings for 2014

Added Christmas Stockings this Year

Here are the new Christmas stockings that we added to our collection this year.  Some are the same concept, just updated, others are completely new designs.  Check back with us, as we may add more designs before Christmas.

 

 

How to Care for a Poinsettia Plant

Do you have a poinsettia plant that is still around from Christmas?  I usually purchase a poinsettia plant for my home during the holiday or receive one as a gift.  I don't have much of a "green thumb" and usually by the end of the holiday, it looks pretty dreary and ends of in the garbage.  I'm so glad I found tips on how to keep a poinsettia plant healthy, even to the point where you can enjoy it the following season.

First, a poinsettia plant is a tropical plant.  That means it likes a lot of sun and moisture. Keep your plant in a sunny window and water it often, just to keep the soil moist. When water drips from the bottom that is enough water. You don't want to over water it.  Poinsettia plants like the temperature to be around 65-75 degrees.
After Christmas around April 1st you will need to prepare your plant for re-potting.  Cut back on the water a bit and let your plant dry out between watering. Place your plant in a cool spot where it is around 60 degrees (basement or garage). Around the middle of May cut back the stems to 4 inches and place your plant in a new pot with fresh soil.  Place the plant back in a sunny window and keep the temperature at 65-75 degrees.

Summer is the time to start fertilizing every 2 weeks around June.  You can place your pot outside in a partially sunny location.  In July, pinch the stems back by about one inch and continue watering and fertilizing. In mid August move the plant back inside and place near a sunny window, watering when needed.

In October, you want to get your plant blooming again.  Encourage blooming by placing your poinsettia plant in a dark location from 5 pm to 8 am., preferably in a closet that you don't regularly open.  After 8 am, bring your plant back in a sunny location.  They need about 12 hours of sunlight per day for 10 weeks.  Create artificial sunlight if you have to.  You can stop the darkness treatment in November.  Place near a sunny window and keep your plant moist.  You should see some blooming.  Stop fertilizing December 15 and enjoy for the holiday with your beautiful poinsettia plant.

History of Hallmark Cards

Hallmark began producing their own Christmas greeting cards in 1915.  Their story begins in 1910 when an 18-year old ambitious entrepreneur named Joyce Clyde Hall started selling his picture postcards. With little money, he made a name for himself and his small business gained popularity.  His brother joined the business and the company was named Hall Brothers.
On January 11, 1915, a fire destroyed much of what they had and with $ 17,000 in debt, they almost gave up.  However, they decided to continue making their postcards.  Eventually, the postcards declined in sales and the brothers had to come up with a new product.  They decided to offer high-quality valentines and Christmas cards that were mailed in envelopes.  They purchased a printing press and begin producing their own greeting cards in 1915.
Hallmark's headquarters is located in Kansas City, Missouri.  It is the largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the United States.  In 1985, the company was awarded the National Medal of Arts. Picture illustrates children looking at a Christmas card store display in 1910.

15 Things I Love About Christmas

Christmas is by far my favorite time of the year, so I sat down and decided to come up with a list of the things I love about it.  Aside from the fact that it is bitterly cold here in Illinois and I'm crazy busy making Christmas stockings, for me the Christmas season is a combination of creating memories and happy stress.


WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHRISTMAS:

1. Going to Midnight Mass Christmas Eve
2. Christmas day with my family (playing Charades)
3. Gift giving, especially for my Grand-daughter
4. Decorating and setting up my Mother's Christmas Village
5. Listening to Christmas music (Rod Stewart's "Merry Christmas, Baby")
6. Watching Christmas movies, which are too many to list but, love the first "Santa Clause" movie
7. Baking Christmas cookies, although I wish I had more time to bake more.
8. Sipping hot chocolate on a comfy chair in front of the fireplace, while admiring the Christmas tree
9. Shopping in Chicago on Michigan Avenue
10. Receiving nice comments from customers who ordered Christmas stockings
11. Going in town (Morris, IL) to shop and look at the beautiful Christmas decorations
12. Lighting Christmas scented candles
13. Poinsettias all around the house
14. Attending the Christmas craft fair at the high school
15. Taking the time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and watching "The Nativity Story"
    
    Now that you know the things that I love about Christmas, what are the things You love?

Best Places to Visit in the US at Christmastime

Many would consider vacationing at Christmastime a "Bah! Humbug!" kind of move, but for many it is the perfect time to take off work and seek those wintertime deals.  If you have a large family that is scattered throughout the Country, it also is an excellent way to group everyone together.  I'm sure there are some amazing places to visit outside of the US, however in my opinion,  Americans really go way out when it comes to celebrating Christmas. So, if you want to travel but still celebrate Christmas in a big way, then stay in the US.  According to several travel websites, here are the top places to visit in the US at Christmastime.

Chicago: I'm  not surprised that Chicago is one of the top places to visit this time of the year.  It is beautiful with the millions of lights on the Magnificent Mile and the giant Christmas tree at Daley Plaza. Want a "White Christmas"?  No problem, The Windy City is likely to produce plenty of snow or at least very cold temperatures.  Many visit Chicago to take in the big city activities, like the popular "Christkindlmarkt", a German market filled with holiday crafts, wooden toys and plenty of food and drink.  Also, the annual "Christmas Around the World Exhibit" at the Museum of Science and Industry is a popular destination.  There is lots of shopping, amazing restaurants, ice skating, hot chocolate stands, horse drawn carriage rides and much  more. 

New York City: Like Chicago, New York City can be pretty amazing at Christmastime.  Aside from the suburb shopping, there are holiday-themed windows at New York's famed department stores.  They also, have a giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the lighting includes a special ceremony with musical performances.

Don't forget about visiting the famous Radio City Music Hall, where the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" is held.  Here you can witness the "highkicking" Rockettes"!
Also, the New York City Ballet performs the "Nutcracker" every year. There is so much to do in New York City that it is too much to mention. If you can swing a trip here at Christmas, it will be a trip of a lifetime. 

Florida: If you want to get away from the winter weather and enjoy some sunshine, Florida is the place to be.  During this time of the year, the weather is somewhat mild- not too hot.  Aside from beach destinations, there is Disney World.  This time of the year, Disney world is over-the-top decorated in Christmas lights and decorations Disney style.  Another destination in Florida is Miami, where the holiday has a more Latin flavor.

Puerto Rico:  Well, you will definitely come back North with a great tan!  If you don't care about a traditional Christmas, vacationing in Puerto Rico at Christmas can be a wonderful experience.  They begin celebrating Christmas in November and it is their most anticipated holiday event.  The 500 old city of Old San Juan is fully decorated for the holiday season.

You will enjoy amazing food and shopping.  And, it seems there are some pretty good end-of-the-year deals on hotels. For example, at the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa they offered guests, who are staying there Christmas Eve, a beachfront room for under $ 100!  
When one thinks about Christmas, it usually entails great shopping, lots of highly decorative streets, twinkling Christmas trees, and great food.  I'm pretty certain that you will find all of those things here in the US at Christmastime.  Travel arrangements made early will save you a lot of heartache, so make your plans well in advance and enjoy those end-of-the-year deals.
If you have a favorite place to visit in the US at Christmas, let us all know. We would love to hear how others spend their Christmas.

What You Need to Know About Christmas Layaway

Layaway can be a good option when shopping for Christmas.  Not only because it gives you a chance to pay for items over a longer period of time, but for those items that sell out quickly- this can be a good way to guarantee you will have that special gift when the holiday comes around.  I personally, love the layaway plan at Toys R Us.  You can shop online and have your items placed in layaway. Every couple of weeks you make payments right online and when you have zero balance, your item will be shipped to you. Not all of their products can be placed in layaway, however most of their bigger items can be.  This makes a lot of sense if you know exactly what you want.  It sure does beat battling the crowds at Christmastime! 

There are some things to think about when making the decision to place things in layaway.  Here are a few questions you should have answers to before you take the plunge.  Every store is different, so check out the layaway plans for each one.
The questions you need answered:

1. How much down payment is required?
2. Is there a layaway fee for the service?
3. What amount will the payments be and when are they due?
4. Is there a cancellation or restocking fee?
5. If a layaway is cancelled, will the payments be refunded (cash or store credit)?
6. When does the layaway items have to be picked up?
7. What if the price drops while the item is in layaway?  Will there be a credit?
8. Can only certain items be placed in layaway?

Here are some stores that have a layaway plan.  Check out their Christmas layaway policies before you head to the store or shop online.

• Burlington Coat Factory
• TJ Max
• Sears
• KMart
• Walmart
• Toys R Us
• Best Buy
• Cabellas

Unique Bridal Shower Gift

Are you attending a bridal shower or wedding this summer and want a unique gift that will "WOW" the couple and catch them completely off guard?  Why not considered a handmade personalized item that the couple will cherish forever.  Somehow handmade gifts take on a special meaning.  Not only are they one-of-a-kind gifts that you cannot find in stores,  but they are created just for you! 

Many customers purchase our Christmas stockings and tree skirts as wedding gifts.  I cannot tell you how many times a customer wrote to share their bridal shower stories, especially the response they receive from others attending the shower. 

One thing about Christmas stockings and tree skirts as a wedding gift is that you know the couple will take them out every year to enjoy them. 

I didn't want to use my blog as a way to "pitch" my tree skirt, but this is the time of the year when many people attend bridal showers and I just think they make such a great gift.  The fact that they are personalized with the couple's name really makes them extra special.  We have such a large collection of stockings that the couple can return to us as their family grows! 

This is a picture of my son and his wife at their shower.  No grand-baby yet, but when one comes along, there will be a matching stocking!

Baklava for Christmas

There is no doubt, sweets play a major role in the holiday celebration and like other traditions that found their way to America, so did cookie and pastry recipes.  In a crest of a wave of immigration into America from Europe between 1901and 1910 came 160,000 Greeks and with them came the delightful pastry called Baklava!

I was first captivated by the pastry while participating in a Christmas craft fair many years ago.  There was a booth where women sold the tasty treat and I couldn't help but purchase many servings from them.  Baklava is just so amazing that I wanted to share the recipe with you.  Please visit my website to check out the other cookie recipes that our ancestors from Germany, Norway, Russia, and Italy brought to America for all of us to enjoy. 

Since this pastry freezes well, you can make your Baklava now and have it ready for the holiday!

Recipe makes 3 dozen 
        
Ingredients:

1 (16 oz) package phyllo dough
1 pound chopped nuts
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup honey

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C). Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Chop nuts and toss with cinnamon. Set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. Cut whole stack in half to fit pan. Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Place two sheets of dough in pan, butter thoroughly. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered. Sprinkle 2 - 3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Top with two sheets of dough, butter, nuts, layering as you go. The top layer should be about 6 - 8 sheets deep.
3. Using a sharp knife cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. You may cut into 4 long rows the make diagonal cuts. Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp.
4. Make sauce while baklava is baking. Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted. Add vanilla and honey. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon sauce over it. Let cool. Serve in cupcake papers. This freezes well. Leave it uncovered as it gets soggy if it is wrapped up.

(recipe from Allrecipes.com)

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Make a Christmas To Do List

It's crazy, I know.  How in the world do you get motivated about Christmas in the summer?  My first thought is to make a "to do" list.  Grab some note cards and a nice glass of lemonade, then sit on your front porch and jot down all the things you want to accomplish in the next six months (for the holiday).  On each note card write down one item.  For example on one card you could put "make six dozen Christmas cookies", then write down the cookies that you want to make.  On another card you could write, "attend a Christmas craft show" ("Christmas in July" craft shows are a great way to get motivated), or maybe "open a savings account for Christmas".   If you don't know the specifics yet,  write down below the item "check newspaper for craft shows".   You have plenty of time to do research and now you have a place to write your findings and keep it all organized.  After you have most of your cards compiled file them in the order that you want to accomplish each task.  You will need to open a savings account now, so put that in the front of the cards, next attend a summer craft show, then maybe get started on the Christmas cookies (many can be done ahead and placed in the freezer). 

If you don't like the index card idea, I found some nifty Christmas planners on Pinterest and have pinned them for you.  Check out my "Christmas Planners" board for ideas.