Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Tabletop Props: Thanksgiving Kids' Table

This year, let the kids table be the envy of the event with a fun, hands-on 'crafternoon' theme. Start with some kraft paper in lieu of a tablecloth, which can easily be found at your local drugstore next to the shipping supplies. Next, set out a few containers of crayons (usually more crayons = less drama). Throw in a few mini pumpkins and your work here is done. A popcorn appetizer will keep them out of the kitchen and won't spoil their dinner. 

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone!



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Making Memories - Seasonal Rituals for Love and Connection


I was delighted to be interviewed for the November/December 2013 issue of Nexus magazine and wanted to share my interview, Making Memories-Seasonal Rituals for Love and Connection.  It includes tips on how to connect with family and friends and create your own family rituals.

One of the the rituals my family and I like to do every Thanksgiving is to invite someone to our table who does not have plans.  This year, I invited my French teacher Christine to join us.  By including others for Thanksgiving you are bringing generosity and a sense of community to your table.  By including a person from another country you are enriching the experience of the holiday and celebrating the richness of diversity.  As Thanksgiving draws close, think about who you could ask to join you and make some new memories together!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Saluting Our Vets


Happy Veteran's Day!

With so much gratitude and respect, we thank all American servicemen and women (past and present) for their sacrifices and services!

During our recent Freebie Friday Giveaway on Facebook, we asked our friends to share stories of their favorite veterans.  We were so touched by their tributes and wanted to share some with you today. 


"My favorite serviceman is my 90 year old father. A World War II army scout. He endured a very long, cold winter in Europe during the war. He stuffed hay in his shoes to keep his feet warm and never took them off for three months! Food was also scarce that winter. I'm his caretaker now. Whenever I get discouraged, I remember all that he endured and realize my service to him is a small pittance to pay in return for what he gave his country."- Dawn


"My favorite vet is my one and only love, my husband. He served over six years and went on two deployments: Iraq and Afghanistan. He missed the majority of my pregnancy with our first baby- he came home on his R&R and 10 hours later I went in to labor! He was here to see her come into this world! It was so special!!! I knew it was what he needed to enlighten his world in order to soldier up, leave us and complete his tour for five more months!" - Andrea


My favorite serviceman is my husband. He's a USMC Veteran and my hero. I'm so very proud of him and his service to our country. We celebrated Marine Corps Birthday yesterday with a custom made cake I had made for him with the Marine Corps logo (eagle, globe and anchor) AND we celebrated our dog's birthday too as they both fall on the same day....Semper Fido!  Today my husband & I will celebrate Veteran's Day by thanking all those that have served." - Phyllis

"Normally I spend Veteran's Day with my sweetheart celebrating his service but this year we are home with our 1 week old celebrating our family that all veterans fight to protect!"- Heather

"So many vets in my life -- both of my grandfathers in WWII, my father in law in Vietnam, my brother-in-law stationed in Italy now, my sister in law, and many cousins. I can't choose a favorite from this list!"- Gina

"My dad is my fave vet." - Donna

 "I don't have one. I am thankful for all our service men and women. Hope everyone comes home soon to their love one's." - William

Wishing all our Vets, Servicemen and Women and their Families very Happy Holidays!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Table Wear: Cartography


People thought it couldn't be done, but we did it anyways: Cartography. in. your. closet. Please allow us to sprinkle your Wednesday with some good ol' fashioned American pride. Let's hear it for USA!