This is Not A Test!

This is not a test, no time for trials and errors!! (well maybe for a few errors) It is now time to get all the final details wrapped up.(literally)

How are you all doing? If you are like me you are now down to finishing  the baking, wrapping and making plans menu for your Christmas breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all of the above.

This is a fun week for me because I am feeling the full blown Christmas spirit!! My mind is spinning with ideas all wrapped around, food, gifts, and most importantly my family being here to celebrate and spend time with us.

During this busy time of year I like to set up a card table in my living room. I buy a Christmas puzzle and have it set up and we work on it through the week clear to New Years.

It is amazing how a puzzle will draw you in before you know it, you are sitting down and putting pieces together. Or in my case, trying to put pieces together.

I am definitely a color coded gal. Even in putting a puzzle together I do it by colors, not shapes. I also shop by colors!!

I am baking four types of cookies this year

 The good old standby, chocolate chip, everyone's favorite.

If you want the recipes just click on the link printed below each image.

Chocolate Crinkles

Source: cannellevanille.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Lemon Crinkles

Source: sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I made these last night and they are definitely keepers. They are so easy(they are made with a cake mix). Soft, light and fluffy, really tasty! Three ingredients are needed, lemon cake mix, cool whip and eggs, that’s it! 

If you are running out of time these would be easy to whip up!! I found it really helpful to put the dough in the freezer to firm up for a short period of time. The dough is really sticky, but by dropping it and rolling it around in the powdered sugar, it is easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Caramel stuffed Apple Cider Cookie

Source: scrambledhenfruit.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I am going to make these today or tomorrow. I think these sound like they would be a fun addition to the mix. I love apple cider flavor and add caramel, how bad can that be?!!!

As you all know, my table was rearranged ,by Abigail “The Elf!” so I will be doing something simple, but festive for our Holiday table. It is fine, because I had plans on changing it so I can add some leaves.

Time to get off of the computer and make my menu and grocery list!!!

I am ♪♫ Falalaing♪♫ right along!!

I hope you are ………..

“Enjoying the Process!” Of:

Making your Christmas plans!!

Kathysue

BTW: It has been brought to my attention, from a few of my readers that you might not be getting my post via Feedburner. I think the only way to continue getting my post via email is to sign up, again! Sorry for the inconvenience. I had to do this a couple of times on certain blogs. I am not sure why certain subscribers get dropped, but apparently it does happen.

How I Came up with my “Next” years Christmas decor

When I decide to decorate for Christmas I  start by finding elements that I am attracted too. Then I decide on what colors will complete the look in my home.

I usually find something that inspires me the year before, and I think about throughout the year. It is fun because if I see something that will complete the look I am going for I can get it ahead of time.

Last year I was inspired by the dining room with Angel wings on the chairs………

Source: countryliving.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This was my interpretation………..

As  bloggers we are all inspired by what we see in blogland, and on the internet. We creative types can’t help but create new ideas in our minds and in our homes.

This is year is no exception, I am already being inspired for next year. This is how my thinking process goes………

I started seeing a consistency  in the elements that I liked so, I start a file of those images. Next year when it comes time to decorate  I will already have somewhat of an idea of the direction I am going.

I think it is a good idea to line up the elements, then I can see how they need to be connected, by color and design.

This year I have been drawn in by stars……….

Source: camillaathome.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I actually had this image from last year. I think this is the one image that really drew me in and made me want to decorate with stars.

Source: decoratinggallery.bhg.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This image shows  Monrovian stars. This is another image that really made me want to use stars for next year.

Source: hviturlakkris.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: alifeofbeautyandgrace.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: sears.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I am especially drawn to the Monrovian stars with all their points, they just fascinate me.

Source: bhg.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I love the bucket that is used to hold the tree.

Source: shelterness.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Speaking of buckets it reminds me of galvanized metal which reminds me of tubs full of presents!!

Source: onceinabluemooniris.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Another darling idea using tubs. This is more of a coastal theme.

Source: robomargo.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is so clever and I love it!!

Source: mychristmas.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: southernliving.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I also love the idea of putting the tree in an oversized basket. I think the rough texture would be a nice contrast to the shine of the silver trays!!

Source: room-galleries.myhomeideas.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

The use of silver trays is also appealing to me.

Source: hollyjollychristmas.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: musingsfromafrenchcottage.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This would be nice in a silver tray. I really need to learn how to do calligraphy, or better yet, find someone to do it for me!!!

This next element is something I just love and never seem to think about until it is almost too late. Thank goodness we can now buy them already blooming……..

Source: spaceforinspiration.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: spaceforinspiration.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I have many more images for my inspiration, but I think you can get a good idea where my brain is headed…….

• Stars
• Buckets
• Galvanized tubs
• Silver platters
• Chalkboard
• Baskets
• Paper whites

With all of these elements in mind I think I might be using a green, silver and white color scheme next year!

By making a list of elements and having images to refer too, you can almost automatically come up with a color scheme that will work.

The stars are the theme and the buckets, platters and baskets will give me a variety of textures. The paper whites give me a good color scheme to use as my base. Of course there will be a bit of black thrown in there in the form of chalkboard, which will work perfectly since I already use that in my kitchen!!! Yay!!

I think I am good to go, and will have a fun time throughout the year pulling my elements together!!! I told you all, I love this time of year!!!

Kathysue is:

Thoroughly Enjoying the Process!!

JUST IN CASE YOU DID NOT KNOW THIS.......

 ..........

Just in case you did not know this I thought I should warn you!!!

For those of you who have grandchildren that have been visited by the, “Elf on the Shelf,” apparently the elf goes with the child when they are staying with someone that is a relative, and where the child feels right at home!

Every year I do a couple of days that I like to call Grammy’s Christmas children. I get my three grandchildren and we do Christmasy things for two days. This is also a bit of a gift to the Mom’s and Dad’s to finish up their Christmas chores without little eyes watching.

This year is the first year that they won’t all be together. My boys moved a bit farther away and won't be in town for Christmas, but I am happy to say they will be here the day after Christmas for a whole week!! Yay!!! I can hardly wait.

So, this year I did Grammy’s Christmas girl-child. Well my granddaughter has been visited by the, “Elf on the Shelf,” and you will not believe what I woke up too this morning……

Remember this table?!……..

After a visit from Abigail (that is what my granddaughter has named her), this is what it looks like now…….






Apparently she thought it was real snow on my table and she had a fun time playing while we were all fast asleep…….

I must admit, she did make a pretty good snow angel!

I just wanted to give you all a heads up, just in case a visiting child has their very own personal, “Elf on the Shelf!!!”

Back to making snowflakes, we have more creative demands on our attention today!!!

Kathysue is Enjoying the process of spending time with her Christmas Girl-child!!!!

BTW: I can tell by the comments that you all think the mess was made by my Christmas girl it was actually made by shhhh!! don't tell anyone....... Grammy!!!
My graddaughter actually apologized for her elf, it was so sweet.
No worries, I have to add leaves to the table for Christmas eve so I will just do it a little earlier. This was great fun. One of the rules is you can not touch the elf during the day or she will lose her magic.Can't wait to see where she goes tomorrow!!
Grammy aka:Elf on the shelf!