Creativity Day-More Creative Christmas Decor Ideas

photo: imgfave.com

photo: imgfave.com

photo: imgfave.com

photo: imgfave.com

photo: imgfave.com

Health Day-Recharge Your Batteries

The best gift that you can give yourself this Christmas? A day to recharge your batteries! Do whatever refills you and makes you feel healthy. Exercise. Drink some tea. Take a bath. Curl up with a good book. Or just take nice power nap! With all the hustle and bustle of the days ahead--you need at least one day to relax, recharge, and reinvigorate. Make that day today.

photo: imgfave.com

Me Day-The Importance of the Thank You Note

Saying thank you is both a discipline, and an art form. We can all agree that it is important to say "thank you" and to show your gratitude in tangible ways, but how you go about it is just as important.

First, thank yous should be immediate, and in person. You should look that person in the eye and actually say the words "Thank you for...X."

Secondly, you should say it in writing. An e-mail is o.k., but who can deny the joy that it brings to have someone hand write you a note and actually mail it to you. It shows that you care, and took the time to really think about that person, who they are, where they live, and what kind thing they have done.

A beautiful, unique thank you card is appropriate for special occasions, but it is usually sufficient to buy a big box of generic thank you cards--that way, they are readily available as soon as you need them.

The discipline is in the immediacy. Don't put it off, or you will forget, and the thank you will lose it's relevancy.

Think through what you want to say. You want to list the specifics of the kindness, but also think about the way that person delivered that kindness. For example:

Not just, "Thank you for the nice dinner the other night."

Instead, "Thank you so much for the lovely dinner and the beautiful way that you prepared such a delicious meal. The presentation was perfect, the food was delictable, and most of all the hospitality was so warm and inviting...we felt right at home."

See the difference?

Then, get it in the mail right away!

I encourage you to start to look for ways to be thankful in your lives, and write lots of thank you notes, even for little things. It will help you to develop an attitude of grattitude in your lives, and you will start to be a more thankful person-really seeing the many blessings and kindnesses that surround your lives.

image: craftpantrydoor blog

Family Day-Create Your Own Playhouse

Your little one's dreams come to life in a playhouse to draw on. Create Your Own Playhouse is made of corrugate, a heavy fluted cardboard, to withstand the wear and tear of a child.

Spirit Day-O Come O Come Emmanuel

Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might,
Who to your tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times gave holy law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,
From ev'ry foe deliver them
That trust your mighty pow'r to save;
Bring them in vict'ry through the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Friend Day-Christmas Cheat Sheet

Sure wish I had this Christmas Cheat Sheet free download BEFORE I bought all of my gifts this year! Oh well, maybe next year! There is one for boys and one for girls. What a great idea to make gift giving easier with less returns.

Romance Day-Phases and Mazes and Crazes of Love

Check out this vintage book, Phases Mazes and Crazes of Love written by Minna Thomas Antrim and illustrated by Clara Elsene Peck. A first edition from 1904 copyright by George W. Jacobs & Co. This fabulous little book is full of sayings and illustrations on love and marriage. A small hardcover book bound with string. You can see the knots tied on the spine. Available at I'm So Vintage on Etsy

Creativity Day-A Creative Christmas: Wine Wraps and Vintage Wallpaper Envelopes

A few beautiful, creative ideas for gift giving and greeting sending:

images: (Garnet Hill, Hundred Layer Cake)

Health Day-Açaí...The Superfood

The açaí is a Brazilian berry original from the Amazon Region that is considered to be one of nature's most complete and healthy foods. The açaí berry is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and proteins. Some of the health benefits associated with the açaí berry are: increase in sustained energy, healthy cholesterol support, improvement of digestive system, strengthening immune system, among others.

The fatty acid content in açaí resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging. I'm off to buy some açaí juice today!

Me Day-Fashionflat Sketchpad

O.k.--so I only "learned" how to sew this year, and I have only made a bean bag for Aiden and a Boxer robe, but I am still an aspiring fashion designer who could really use this cool Fashionflat Sketchpad! from Hokey Croquis.

This 40-page pad contains preprinted, proportional female croquis outlines that disappear on photocopying or scanning so you can effortlessly create professional, accurate flats of your imaginative designs. With the Hokey Croquis Fashionflat Sketchpad, you can design your prom gown, fashion portfolio, college application, or design project efficiently. Effectively. Gorgeously!

Plus, they have freebee fashion templates on their site as well! You can print them off for free and sketch away your new line --soo cool!

Family Day-Our Little Angel's School Pictures

Our little angel, Aiden, started "School" one day a week this fall. He had a little cold on this day, but still came back with the cutest school photos ever! We are blessed!

Spirit Day-Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Friend Day-Give the Gift of Winter

Looking for a great Christmas gift for a girlfriend? Try the scent of Linnea's Lights Winter with a refreshing twist of evergreen, mint and berry. Each signature double wicked glass candle provides over 60 hours of illumination and is mindfully packaged in recycled materials, printed with soy inks and hand stamped for the ultimate gift for someone or yourself. Matchboxes included!

Romance Day-Give the Gift of Seeing the Glass Half Full

My husband asked me the other day why I never seem to get colds from our son, and HE always picks them up. My answer--"Are you SURE you want to know?" I explained that it is my more positive, Hopeful attitude towards life. My glass always seems to be half full, and his half empty. So, when I saw this cute gift from Seraf, I thought that it would be the perfect reminder of his need for Hope this Christmas!

Creativity Day-Creative Christmas Decor-Part1

Here are some creative Christmas decor ideas from CoCo+Kelley:

*images via house & home, ideal home, house & home, unknown

Health Day-Pure Barre in Action

I have blogged before about Pure Barre, but today, I actually tried the class. All I can say is yowsers! The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session. Mid-way through the class, your legs are shaking like Elvis and your muscles are exhausted. I would definitely recommend it to people who are fit, but looking to take their fitness and toning to the next level.

The class today was actually taught by Carrie Rezabek, the founder and CEO. Carrie grew up dancing, performing and choreographing events all over the U.S. She has extensive training in dance, pilates, and fitness as well as the Lotte Berk Method, NYC. After earning a Business degree from Michigan State and a Law Degree from Wayne State, Carrie opened her first studio in Birmingham, MI where she developed the Pure Barre Technique. With her gift for creative choreography and music and her passion for challenging workouts that produce results, Carrie is constantly evolving Pure Barre to the next level. Besides the physical benefits of Pure Barre, Carrie is passionate about the mental and emotional strength Pure Barre brings and seeks to share that by empowering girls and young women via Pure Barre’s charitable foundation Pure Give.

Me Day-Suzani Love

Vintage Indian beaded spread, hand sewn from High Street Market

Named after the Persian word for needle, Suzanis were traditionally made for a woman’s dowry. with their intricate patterns and fine detail, they can take up to two and a half years to complete. Here are some beautiful uses of Suzani fabric from etsy.com:

Terracotta/Black/Ochre Suzani Upholstered Sheraton Style Settee from Material Recovery

Light Brown Velvet Suzani Pillow-10x16 from Material Recovery

Recycled Suzani Lavender Sachet by Material Recovery

Suzani Pillow by Caravansari

You can also find some great Suzani stuff on ebay or Yurdan.com

Family Day-Idea Paint

The family needs a better place to gather than in front of the TV. IdeaPaint can turn virtually anything you can paint into a high-performance dry-erase surface, giving your family a place to interact, communicate and fully explore your creativity.

No matter where you use it, it can keep your family connected. Who knows, it may even help end the battle over the remote control.

Spirit Day-Stand Fast

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. ~Php 4:1

image: Stand tall by sandshells on Polyvore.com

Friend Day-Give Thanks for Friendship

I give thanks at this time of year for friendships near and far. Family friends, couple friends, kid friends, work friends, church friends, neighbor friends, school friends, old friends, new friends, animal friends, and most especially--for my best friend, my spouse.

image: imgfave.com

Romance Day-Give Thanks for Love

Let's give thanks today for the love in our lives. Whether it be for a friend, a lover, or your family, love is always a gift that is to be both given and returned. This Christmas season, let's let the love in our hearts grow with the advent of Christ.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." ~I Corinthians 13:1-3, 13

image: imgfave.com

Creativity Day- Give Thanks for the Creative Process

images: imgfave.com (click on photo to go to image link)

Health Day-Give Thanks for Health

Take a moment today to give thanks for your health and the health of your family and friends.

“Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings.”
~Publilius Syrus (Roman author, 1st century B.C.)

image: imgfave.com

Me Day-Give Thanks for the Smells of the Holidays

Love these scratch & sniff holiday cards from Melangerie!

Family Day-Give Thanks for Family

Give thanks for family at this wondrous time of year. Summer's sun is gone, but a new joy can be born in our hearts as we take time to be thankful for the gifts of each other. The excitement of children at the first flakes of snow. The warmth of company as we sit by the hearth of the fire, sipping something warm and reminiscing. The pain of the past year seems to heal in our hearts as our mutual love is shared in the giving of thanks.

photo: imgfave.com

Spirit Day-Give Thanks

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
~Psalm 118:1

photo: imgfave.com

Friend Day-Charles Banda Returns to Malawi

Today, our dear friend, Charles Banda, arrived back in his home town of Blantyre, Malawi in Africa after a three week outreach tour in the U.S. Charles is the Founder and Director of Malawi Freshwater Project, an African Non-profit that helped to drill wells and provide water for rural villages. Charles traveled to the U.S. to speak at several screenings of the documentary film that highlights his work, Water First: Reaching the Millennium Development Goals. From NYC to Chicago to Minneapolis to Philadelphia to Albany to Denver and back, Charles showed the film and spoke to more than 3,000 people these past three weeks.

On this trip, I was able to see Charles in Philadelphia, where he was hosted by my father-in-law, and presented at the American Public Health Association conference and the University of Pennsylvania through the Global Health Programs Office in the School of Medicine. I also saw him in Denver where we screened the film at the University of Denver and he was able to meet with several Rotarians and others with an interest in water resourcing. I again, enjoyed seeing Charles in action-sharing his heart for his people and his passion to provide them with clean water sources. His integrity and determination have once again inspired me that one person can really make a difference, and together we can make an impact on the world. Thank you Charles, my friend!

Romance Day-Leaving Little Love Notes

Why not leave a little love note for your sweetheart? Extra bonus--hide it somewhere where they will find it, read and smile to themselves.

photo: XOXO Card by Farouche

Creativity Day-Creative Dressing for Your Kids from Anthropologie

O.k., I am loving the adorable kids collection at Anthropolgie!

Cozy Posy Sweatercoat

Spotty Sweater Skirt

Chickadee Scarf

Slowpoke Cap

Health Day-Food Inc.: Hungry for Change?

I have been hearing lots about this new movie, Food Inc. In the movie, filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer. He explains that our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

Guest Blogger and Health Foodie, Rachel B., recommended it to me. The movie is now available on DVD, and I definitely want to check it out!