May you and your loved ones enjoy a Merry Christmas! We’re enjoying a morning of strata, cinnamon rolls, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The strata and cinnamon rolls were made last night and are baking this Christmas morning. The house is smelling of wonderful holiday traditions. I hope yours is, too. My sister, Mary, called… Continue reading Merry Christmas
Displaying Holiday Cards
Displaying Christmas and holiday cards is a time honored tradition. In our house, it takes place almost all the time, as in practically year round. I love displaying holiday cards sent from friends and family. Displaying holiday cards longer than just the festive season isn’t laziness or a desire to have more dust collectors around… Continue reading Displaying Holiday Cards
Bathroom Progress Part 1
Do you ever have that feeling when you start a project that things have to get really bad before they can get better? Or, when you need to organize a closet or clean out a drawer you have to take everything out to start with a clean slate or palette? If only this project were… Continue reading Bathroom Progress Part 1
Green Holiday Guide
I’m thrilled to announce that Go Gingham has collaborated with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability on this wonderful Green Holiday Guide. The City of Portland (Oregon, not Maine) launched a new recycling program this fall and contacted me about their Green Holiday Guide project. Reducing garbage, eliminating food waste, and decorating… Continue reading Green Holiday Guide
Tree Topper Tale
Whenever I make something and think to myself, well, someday I’ll replace this with something better someone should stop me. So often, when someday arrives, what I’ve made for “temporary” purposes works out just fine. This Christmas tree topper is a perfect example of a project I made because there was a need, we wanted… Continue reading Tree Topper Tale
Vintage Shop: Patti Smith West
I recently discovered a sweet little shop in Portland that is a nice alternative to running all about town, spending time culling through lots of garage sales, estate sales, and second-hand stores. Patti Smith West is a vintage shop with treasures, pretty items, and unique clothing. It’s in an unexpected spot. The last time I… Continue reading Vintage Shop: Patti Smith West
Goodbye Bathroom
Goodbye bathroom. I will not miss you. Well, I take that back. I did miss the toilet working at 4:27 this morning when I woke up and had to trek all the way down to the very cold “man-cave” bathroom in the basement. Let’s start again. Goodbye bathroom - I won’t miss some parts of… Continue reading Goodbye Bathroom
Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating
I like to decorate my house and quickly transform it into a holiday story. Why spend your time with elaborate decorations when you can spend your time enjoying your decorated home instead? Try these quick and easy holiday decorating ideas at your home. You’ll be sipping hot chocolate and dreaming of a white Christmas in… Continue reading Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating
Confessions of a Leftover Food Lover
I confess. I love leftovers. I plan for leftovers. Whenever someone says they don’t eat leftovers, I can’t imagine why. Serving leftovers is a night off in the kitchen. When meal planning for the week, plan to serve leftovers and you’ll become a leftover food lover. Follow these simple guidelines. Limit the serving time Only… Continue reading Confessions of a Leftover Food Lover
Frugal Gift Ideas for Teachers
It’s nice to show the people in your life who spend time with your children, how much they mean to you and your child. Teachers, school administrators, librarians, and day care providers all enjoy receiving a little bit of holiday cheer. While I do believe families should save their money rather than spend it, here… Continue reading Frugal Gift Ideas for Teachers
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