A Serenade For Solitude

$75 NOVICA Certificate Winner Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:31:00 +0000

Thank you NOVICA for providing this gift certificate!

Congratulations to the winner....

No. 14 Gina M Maddox !

You've won the $75 gift certificate to NOVICA online.

Email me at cbmccully(at)hotmail(dot)com with your contact info. and I'll send you over your certificate!

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Heart-Shaped Baking

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:17:00 +0000

We had a good, wet weekend! You?

One of my favorite things to do with the kids--especially on a raining day, is bake.

Any time I'm in the kitchen, Brooklynn pulls up a stool and insists on helping, so we've started telling her that she'll be cooking us dinner in just a couple short years!

In fact, as I write this, she has me helping her with her Easy Bake Oven. It's not exactly what I wanted to do this morning as I drink my coffee,

but the girl is determined--especially since Dad asked her for a cookie last night.

So chocolate chip cookies in a plastic oven at 9am it is.

On Saturday, we were out of crackers and in need of a project,

so we made these:

Homemade 'Wheat Thin' Style Crackers

To make it more fun, the kids chose cookie cutters to cut the crackers into shapes.

Using cookie cutters made the process long, but they turned out cute and tasty!

Owning a set of heart cookie cutters is a must!

Remember when we made these?

Heart-Shaped Oreo Cookie Truffles

Heart Potatoes

Anything heart-shaped wins, no?!

Hmmm...what should it be next?

P.S. Don't forget to enter the $75 gift certificate GIVEAWAY! Ends tomorrow!

On the Brink and Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:27:00 +0000

NOTE: $75 gift certificate giveaway to NOVICA--National Geographics online handmade shop is happening now! Go here.

Last week, I nearly lost my mind.
Here's proof in an excerpt from a post that never went up...
I figured I should just ride it out...

I've been suffering from fried brain syndrome due to too much Internet, and frankly, my contemplations of such interweb consumption have turned a bit harsh. On multiple occasions I've caught my brain scolding my mind--It's no wonder more is falling out than staying in! Reading CourtTV.com does not explain why 'The Tale of Ginji' is considered a major literary work, and the happenings in Hollywood aren't refreshing a lick about the significance of major literary movements and writers from around the world! And then it continues...are you seriously going to look at your Pinterest or Goodreads app on your iPhone one more time, or scroll through Facebook at a time like this?... Put the phone down. Just put it down, or better yet, throw it across the room! And then I want to hit myself in the face.

So now that you know where I've been coming from, my silence may be understandable. It has been quite refreshing to step away and reconsider my day-to-day movements and the little things that mean more.

Have you noticed how the position of the Sun in the morning has changed? During the summer it beams high and direct at my bedroom. In the winter, she gleams low through the trees. I can't wait to see her in the Spring. Speaking of Spring, I long for the blooms around the property--especially the Dogwood tree out the back door, and the cherry blossoms, of course. They'll hold me over until the Peonies.

I long to move my hands in the dirt, pulling up green slivers of earth and making the beds bold and beautiful.

I'm cleansing. It feels so nice to be careful with my intake and be exercising regularly and rigorously again. My body and possibly more so, my mind, needs it. For me, there has always been an abundance of inspiration that occurs through sweat sessions, so really, it is a win-win.

A dear friend has asked me to help in her classroom. I'm thrilled. Observing the classroom in the Fall, couldn't come soon enough. There isn't a better feeling than to be accessible to who might need me, and to learn from those who are paving the roads of this stage in their life. Maybe they'll teach me something about those dark days when I was young, or maybe I can teach them about mine for there own. Plus, I get to talk teaching, planning, babies, marriage with someone who is juggling it all. They are details that I can't wait to delve into.

My children. My funny, sweet children. How did I get so lucky?
The superhero dramas, the paper crafts and puppet shows, the working on patterns and writing letters in bed together. The personalities that they are, with the heart that they have. They fill and bless me each day.

Thank you to my friend, Ann, of Jeremiah's Hope for this photo.
It speaks volumes.

What are your little things this day?

NOVICA for National Geographic $75 GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:57:00 +0000

Did you know that National Geographic has an affiliate online store that supports global artists and artisans? NOVICA is an global platform that highlights handmade work of many talented individuals across the globe. With each item listed for sale is information on where it was made, who it was made by--including a picture and the artist's or artisans' creative process and inspiration. Since I'm a huge fan of supporting handmade artists and because I love unique items with a cultural appeal, I was excited that NOVICA contacted me to review their site--and offer one of my lucky readers a HUGE $75 gift certificate for their shop! That's huge!

Let's talk global handmade products, now, shall we?

The items on the site that have really caught my eye, are bold and with a bit of tribal flair-- like this piece:

Obatanpa Good Mother

By Emmanuel Atiemoh Yeboah from Ghana

It would go great with my Alhambra Anthropologie Quilt and our African canvas painting that we recieved from a dear friend.

I love the lines and the color blocks in this wool rug, too!

Wool rug, 'Volcano in Color'

By Momosteco Weavers of Guatemala

NOVICA also carries purses and handbags.
This leather hobo would be a perfect replacement for my worn and weathered
brown purse. Love that handstitched orange detail!

Hmong Treasure
By Chirada of Thailand

With Valentine's Day coming up, I made sure to check out

NOVICA's mens items as well.

I think it would be so neat to give Husband a

beautiful handmade gift from across the world!

I'm especially loving this alpaca wool sweater from the mens sweater line and this alpaca scarf from the scarves line.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1) You must follow this blog--so follow up if you haven't already and let me know in the comments!

You can do so through the 'Join this Site' button or the Networked Blogs 'Follow this Blog' button. Simple!

2) Visit one of these links and tell me what items catch your eye:

Womens Shawls from Indonesia

Scarves

Mens Sweaters

Receive an extra entry for visiting each link and stating your favorite item!

3) Answer which of the NOVICA regions you have visited or would like to visit most.

4) Share the love! Facebook/Tweet this link and tell me you did in the comments.

5) Share the love! Blog this link and tell me you did in the comments.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, January 31st 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

Winner announced Wednesday February 1st.

Have fun & happy Wednesday!

The Little Things {lately}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:54:00 +0000

I've taken a step back from the web these last couple of days, for some fresh air. I have been feeling so frazzled lately and spread thin that I believe it is negatively affecting my productivity and inspiration. It has even been a bit depressing.

So today's little things are short and simple:

Standing under an umbrella in the rain with my daughter, waiting for the bus.

It's quiet and peaceful in the rain.

A quick stop at Starbucks and five quiet minutes while waiting for my coffee.

Morning reading and writing time--it is changing the course of my days.

Hugs.

Kisses.

Letters from other writers.

How settled my heart feels with prayer.

Here's to the little things this day,

Snow Days

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:29:00 +0000

It has been snowing off and on for the last three days and we're doing our best to enjoy this rare occasion! Hope you're keeping warm!

Our Lives Begin to End...

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:47:00 +0000

Contemplating this fully today--

The Little Things {lately} + Linkup

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

The Little Things is a series

which documents recent things or moments that have

moved, excited, stirred, beckoned, or inspired;

each pulling on heart-strings in a special sort of way.

This stack of note cards. They mean I'm one step closer to starting school (again) and finishing my teaching certificate. I'm ready!
The January crisp air and sunshine.
Starting the year off with some measurements at the gym! Now, I'm feeling really focused.
A spontaneous phone call with my mentor. She really blesses me more than she knows.
Trying a new recipe from a friend--maple meatballs. Delicious.
The way Asher leaps into my arms with the most guts he has, his little crinkled-face winks and how he says "that's all" after his rambling rants.
Journaling and reading in the morning.
Loaning my side of the bed to Husband because his side is all cattywampus and hurts his back.
My babies straight out of the bath.
Helping out in Brooklynn's class and watching and interacting with the mannerisms of 25+ 5-6 year olds. It sure takes a strong individual to deal with that on a regular basis, no?
Anne Lamott. She is fantastic.
Brooklynn's singing and dancing in full character-mode with no inhibitions.
The way my kids have wanted to take care of me since I'm slightly under the weather. I'm a lucky mama.

What are yours today?

The Biggest Mistake

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:15:00 +0000

This one came at the perfect timing.

My Creative Space on {Tuesday's Tips}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Today, I'm over at my sister's blog,

A Little Bit Biased,

sharing tips for a creative space.

Click here to join us!

We'd love to have you!

DIY Salvaged Wood Quote Plaque

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I found this beauty on Pinterest a couple months ago and fell in love. So when Husband and I talked about handmade for Christmas,

I knew he would be receiving this sweet declaration.

I toyed around with some other sayings, like Katy Perry's "You're an Indian summer in the middle of winter"-- because he is, and the simple phrase, "I love our life," but this quote was too perfect, I didn't want anything else.

And of course, me and salvaged wood go together.

So I got to work.

To make my version, here's what you'll need:

One wood pallet or other pieces of wood in the same size. I knew I wanted a rustic, weathered look to my wood, so a pallet was perfect for my desired look. Pallets can be found at many different stores for free. Husband's made friends with the folks down at the feed store and picks the pallets up for extra-easy firewood for his shop. Length is up to you and dependant on the quote or words you choose.
A sawzall if you are planning to use a pallet. A sawzall can saw-it-all. It's what I've learned from being married to a contractor. You'll need it to cut the wood from the nails. Ask your handy friend with the tools to hook you up. It was the quickest way to get the wood that I wanted. Otherwise you can use other pieces of wood, salvaged or not.
A font. I chose this free font.
Cardstock
Xacto knife/cutting pad
Paint/paint brush
Metal brackets for assembling individual pieces of wood together. I bought my brackets over six months ago, and I bought two packages and I think I paid around $3.50 for each.

Now for the craft:

Print out your font onto cardstock. Make sure your letters are the appropriate size to fit your boards the way that you want.

Cutting the letters was by far the most time consuming part of this project,

but it's worth it!

I found it easiest to print as many of the letters in their words on one page so I could cut as much of the whole word and place it on the wood as one piece.

Once I had the cutting complete, I looked over my wood and decided how I wanted my quote to be arranged.

Do you want it to be blocked, centered, in less rows, more rows, etc.

Then you tape in place.

Make sure it's pretty secure. You don't want your paint to seep up underneath the cardstock and make a mess.

Then get painting! I used a small sponge brush and it worked great.

After a couple letters, I found that as much as I wanted the letters to have their outline,

I didn't want them to be perfect, so I made a pretty quick go of it.

Then I had myself the makings of a salvaged wood quote plaque.

Our same handy friend, took care of screwing on the brackets for me.

And this is what I got:

These kids are hysterical, I tell you.

One minute in and mainly spent trying to get each of them to hold the board with two hands, Asher said to heck with it and went to find his tractor.

But this one is perfectly fine with a solo photo shoot, even if the subject of the shoot is half on the ground.

But then Asher came back feeling refueled and happy to liiiiiift that board up with his superhero powers, costume or not.

It was certainly a struggle.

So to the ground the plaque went, and I encouraged some sweet sibling love, because they're still young enough to do these things on command. I don't imagine they'll still be up for these things in five or ten years, so I must give these directions, now.

Inspiration again:

End result:

One handmade gift that Husband loved,

a lovely new piece of wall art,

a prop for some cute photos of my kids,

and it was easy and free!

The Little Things {lately}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:15:00 +0000

NOTE: Linky is fixed!

It has been one year since I started The Little Things series.

As I look back over the posts, I'm so grateful to have this documentation of these small things that contribute to the happiness in my life.

One of my new readers asked "what is the little things?"

The Little Things is a series held on Thursday,

which documents recent things or moments that have

moved, excited, stirred, beckoned, or inspired;

each pulling on heart-strings in a special sort of way.

They are the simple things and the things that get overlooked,

because often those little things, actually, mean a whole lot.

A quiet trip to the library, and leaving with two. more. books.
The unceasing I love you's and sweet kisses from my son.
Writing prompts.
A good ball point pen.
The memories of the recent and most fun visit with my sisters.
Phone calls with my Mom and what a wonderful listener she is.
Brooklynn receiving the "caring and sharing" award at school and being recognized in an assembly.
Random text messages from my siblings.
Receiving photographs of my siblings families.
Moments of clarity after a the struggle.
Receiving Jewel's greatest hits guitar book for Christmas. Yay!
Brooklynn's curious and intelligent questions and comments--"It's too bad they have to kill the chicken for us to eat it. Isn't that sad?"
Sitting down to write a post and writing a completely different post than intended. I guess the writer's block is lifting.
Last night's homemade chicken noodle soup--now that's a recipe worth sharing!
Folk music. I've been listening to this old playlist of mine and I'm loving it.

How about yourself?

Link in and I'll come and visit!

Feel free to use the top image and please do link back.

Thanks!

Louder Than a Bomb

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:46:00 +0000

Two little known facts about me:

1. I love slam poetry. I shared an excellent clip about mothers and daughters, here.

2. Doing slam poetry in a venue (as much as it frightens me) is on my bucket list.

There is nothing like the telling of life in lyrical sentences,

with words that pour over the heart unexpectedly.

There is such rawness, such truth and inspiration,

that it's nearly impossible to not be moved.

This is exactly why I want to teach English.

Maybe I'll start a slam poetry club when I get into the classroom.

That would be awesome.

Tomorrow, Oprah's OWN Network is premiering
the documentary, Louder Than a Bomb.

Since we don't have cable, I have to figure out how to watch this:

Louder Than A Bomb - Trailer

Taken from OWN:

Louder Than A Bomb chronicles four teams as they compete in the Chicago area teen poetry slam. Hopeful and heartbreaking, the film captures the tempestuous lives of these young poets, exploring ways writing shapes their world, and vice versa. This is not just "high school poetry," this is language as a joyful release, irrepressibly talented teenagers obsessed with making words dance.

Louder Than A Bomb chronicles four teams as they compete in the Chicago area teen poetry slam. Hopeful and heartbreaking, the film captures the tempestuous lives of these young poets, exploring ways writing shapes their world, and vice versa. This is not just "high school poetry," this is language as a joyful release, irrepressibly talented teenagers obsessed with making words dance.

"Inspiring and electrifying..." Roger Ebert, Chicago-Sun Times
"A celebration of American youth at their creative best..." Robert Koehler, Variety
Louder Than a Bomb premieres Thursday, January 5 at 9/8c only on OWN.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-doc-club/Louder-Than-A-Bomb-Trailer#ixzz1iW3q277l

If you get the chance to watch, please come back and let me know what you thought!

P.S. Tomorrow, I'm hosting a Little Things Link-up!

Would love for you to join me!

A Writing Pledge

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:15:00 +0000

I pledge to make 2012 my best year in writing--with embarrassments and all.

Who else is in?

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:39:00 +0000

How was your New Year? Ours was spent at home with friends and the little ones, playing ping pong, Singstar and Dance Dance Revolution. My five year old has some serious dance moves that I wasn't aware of! It was so cute to watch her dancing it up and following along as well as she did.

It was quite fun and a nice and relaxing close to the New Year.

I've been contemplating my goals for the New Year and one main thing is at the forefront of my mind...

1. Grad School!

Come June, I'll be back in my program to finish my Masters in Teaching. Now that my kids are a little older, it's time to jump back in and do what I planned for so many years--teach English. It's exciting and it feels good to be working toward such a goal!

Here are a few more...

2. Use my Olweus Bully Prevention Program Certification

and become a resource on this topic for the schools in the area. It has been difficult in knowing how to extend myself and my passion on this subject since I am not working in the school system, but I'm going to be seeking out ways to get involved and make good contacts.

3. Be intentional in my parenting & in my relationship with God.
I pray for guidance this year as I strive to strike a balance with family, raising my sweet babies, being a good wife and partner, and accomplishing all that God has for me during this upcoming year.

4. 12 Books in 12 Months.

I can't wait till I can change this to 24, 36, 50+ books in one year!

Right now, I'm lucky if when I sit down to read I don't fall asleep!

5. Become a good weekly meal planner.

Do you have a good system?

6. Renovate. Paint. Decorate.

A whole lot of this is on the horizon here at the McCully Ranch.

When it happens--you'll know it.

7. Write.

8. Create.

9. Write more.

and lastly,

10. Grow this blog.
If you read, or if you are here from Facebook, have you followed, already?
If not, I encourage you to officially follow by clicking on the "join this site" button on the sidebar.

Thanks so much for reading!

It Was Merry & Pretty Calendars

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:48:00 +0000

I can hardly believe Christmas has already come and gone! It went so fast and was so busy that I officially failed at taking Christmas photos. Now I feel guilty about it all, as I have hardly a thing to show for this special time. Besides lacking photos, our Christmas was full. A Christmas Eve meal with family and Pioneer Woman side dishes, hot Wassail, singing, games, comedy, dessert with my brother and his family and Husband's family (it is so nice to be able to combine families during special occasions), friends, naps, sleeping in late, reading, and of course, the full meaning of the holiday are the many things we enjoyed last weekend.

We are so thankful.

With the New Year fast approaching, there are a few things on my mind:

1) Our plans. I'm hearing it is going to go something like...our house, Dance Dance Revolution, Ping Pong,

music, and fondue. Having children and having friends who have children has given us a whole new outlook on ringing in the New Year. We like to do it family style. The kids may be asleep, but we like to at least have them near as we ring in the New Year.

2) My New Year's resolution(s). I'm working on these. I don't want to go overboard or anything, but I like to gear myself up for a challenge or two during the New Year.

3) My 2012 calendar and planner: Is it just me or isn't it fun getting a new calendar for the new year?!

I've been eyeing these...

Wild Horses

by Eye Poetry on Etsy

This shop will take your breath away...

12 Month Calendar by Leah Duncan on Etsy

I'm also loving this twelve month calendar from Little Things Studio.

Pretty calendars get me even more excited about the New Year, you?

here and there

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:53:00 +0000

In just a couple hours our guests will arrive. There are presents to wrap, wassail to make, food to prepare, one more pie to bake, and a table for ten to set. I'm excited.

Wishing you a magical day!

Cassie

The Little Things {lately}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:10:00 +0000

white lights.

the way the winter sun beams hit the trees in the morning.

enjoying the least stressful holiday, yet.

exchanging Merry Christmas! with strangers.
letting the unnecessary expectations of prior Christmases fall away.
our sweet elderly neighbor bringing us streusle cake. she's the sweetest, and boy, is it good.
a new journal and pens.
painting my nails.
menu planning for the holiday weekend.
writing lists and big goals for 2012. i'm excited for the challenges and changes ahead.
believing God's plan is bigger and more sure than mine.
exercise and sweating off the stress. i'm such a believer in exercise being the ultimate anti-depressant.
clear skies. we've had the clearest and most sunny winter ever recorded! not entirely sure about the 'ever' bit, but this a drastic difference from the many rainy holiday seasons we've had here in Southwest Washington.
pink lemonade crystal light.
baking Christmas goodies with the little ones.
opening up Christmas cards from family and friends.

what a special season it is.

what are your little things today?

Holiday Treasures For Your Books

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0000

On SALE in the shop.

Order today and I'll ship Priority on request!

Merry Christmas!

x, Cassie

Four Questions of Value in Life...

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Thank you to my friend, Ann, of Jeremiah's Hope for sharing.

x, Cassie

image 1

image 2

Most Embarrassing Moment {Christmas Church Service Edition}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Yesterday, the kids and I went to church after having missed a few weeks due to the bazaar. Husband wasn't able to come with us as he was busy with a list of obligations, so on our way we went--the three of us. I signed the kids into their classrooms, hardly paid any notice to the halos and wings being passed out in Brooklynn's class and headed up the back stairs to the sanctuary. We usually sit in the top of the auditorium near the center. I told Husband a few months ago that we should move up front, and he responded, you could move up front. So in the back center is where we sit.

Oh, it was nice to finally be at church. I sat down, relieved to be free from the everyday noise and demands. About the time I was settling in for some holiday reflection, our pastor got up and welcomed everyone saying, "who's here to see a child today?" Suddenly, flashes of wings and halos and the children pastor's chic black blazer and heels all came together. In about one minute the Christmas program was beginning and my kids hadn't a lick of what to do, dance or sing, and they're wearing near play clothes and tennis shoes.

I sprang out of my seat, ditched my purse and hurried to save my family. There I found the children's pastor dolled up, like I'd previously noticed, guiding a line of 30+ 3-4 year olds, including Asher, wearing fabric tied around his head like a little shepherd boy. He looked surprisingly thrilled with what was about to take place. When I explained to another teacher that I didn't know if he should take part in today's performance, since he hadn't ever been to practice, she said, "oh, none of the little kids know what they're doing; they'll just stand there and look cute." Easy enough, I guess that'll do, I thought.

I went to find Brooklynn and when I found her in stretch pants and wings, I asked her point blank, You want to sit this one out since you haven't practiced, or do you want to do this? There is a fine line when telling your child he or she can't take part in a children's activity when all of the other humans under the age of 10 are doing it, so I let her decide, and she said yes.

I held my breath as I went back to my seat and for the next ten minutes while the big kids performed. Then it was the younger kids' turn. Brooklynn was the first kindergartner to take the stage. The sight of her salmon colored top made me cringe a little as the rest of the kids came on stage in their black and red performance dress. Then the little kids came on stage lining in front of the other kids and there was Asher in his bright yellow flannel and black and yellow Nike's, dead front and center, without a clue why he was up there.

I think I slumped in my seat a little. When the music began it was sweet. Seventy-five or more kids singing Christmas songs in their ununison harmonies. Then our sweet, sweet Asher decided to that since he didn't know what to do, he would do his own thing, in his yellow shirt, dead front and center.

I should have known.

He stomped his feet, did twirls, moved back and forth from the edge of the stage, walked around (with another boy who lost his head piece and was acting like a ghost) and bent over kicking his feet in the air.

PROOF:

Look for the ball of yellow in the front
(sorry for the horribly scratched lens).

There was plenty of laughter, as Asher and his ghost-friend distracted in the front. I overheard one guy in front of me refer to Asher and his break dancing moves, while I exchanged smiling glances with the lady next to me, who had no idea I was the mother of the boy in yellow. With my hand on my brow, I sunk a little deeper into my seat. When the final song was over, they asked all the parents take a few moments with their kids to take pictures, etc. It felt as though the entire time I was walking to the stage to greet my bright yellow ball of moves that people wondered, who could be this kids' parents?

Outcome: a smiling, happy Asher and Brooklynn.

Me: embarrassed and shocked at the way service turned out, yet proud of my happy and adaptable children?

Asher said: "that was a fun sheep show!"

Brooklynn said: "I was a little nervous, but not like last year." I guess that's how it goes when you don't have time to get nervous!

Never a dull moment with children.

Our Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0000

This year, I took a whole new approach with our tree. In the past I've been a colored lights/jewel toned ornament kinda gal. But after making many, many antique book page and music page ornaments for my show, and loving them, I felt it was time to change up the Christmas decor.

I love the change of white lights and the natural colors mixed with the classic red and green, and the rustic burlap next to the glittered poinsettias. Seems to be an appropriate change, too, as the entire ceiling in our home is pine, making things unavoidably rustic. I know. Pine ceilings.

I should have told you.

I had to check myself as we were decorating, though, as flashbacks of the year when our family tree was torn from my siblings and I, filled my mind...

One unforeseen year, my Mom decided she had had enough with our childhood tree. She no longer cared for our dough and paper ornaments with all five of our precious growing faces throughout the years, but had plans of her own.

The precious ornaments were "accidentaly" left in some attic box--and were no longer marked ~~Christmas~~, but old Christmas, while our tree was replaced with gold and burgundy trimmings to make a Music Tree.

To distract me, the youngest, she had me play store with all the ornaments while she wrapped her new gold music note garland around the branches and bulged bugles and other instruments off the tree. Very tricky.

From then on, we referred to the tree as Mom's Music Tree, and our sweet handmade ornaments and set of stockings, each unique, were never to be seen again.

I'm sorry, Mom. I can't stop myself from being mellow dramatic, here.

So, I've told myself over and over that I would never have a themed tree at the expense of the hearts of my children. So, I compromised and kept the most unique and special ornaments made by the kiddos and displayed them with the rest of the new trimmings. And it worked out lovely.

P.S. Just to clear things up--the music tree was an award winner.
My Mom has her way like that.

Love ya, Mom!

10 Ways We're Putting Festive Into Our Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:47:00 +0000

AROMA: First off, I need to replenish my holiday Yankee candle stash, stat, to the tune of Cinnamon Stick and Christmas Cookie. Holiday smells just make things more festive. But I'm not telling you anything new here.

AMBIANCE: Christmas tree lights + fresh tree + roaring fire + family + friends + potential snow on the way...it couldn't feel any more holiday.

EXPERIENCE: I don't know what could put us in the Christmas spirit more than this special stop. There are over a million lights, carolers, a petting zoo, hot cocoa/coffee stands and concerts inside the church. I sang here through junior high and high school and the acoustics of the granite floors of the cathedral are phenomenal. Ain't gonna lie--last night while on my late night medicine run for my girl, I sang Carol of the Bells with the most drama my lungs could handle, and then I quit, because I was embarrassing myself.

WATCH: I've loved this movie since college. When we honeymooned in NYC, I was bent on going here to have a moment over frozen hot chocolate. Sadly we found the restaurant to be closed after we had finished our cold yet romantic carriage ride around Central Park, and I was bummed. One day Husband and I will have a romantic NYC holiday moment over Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate. Until then, here's a recipe for frozen hot chocolate.

READ: The holiday and reading go together like a wink and a smile. I've heard wonderful things about this book. I just saw that its become a movie and is in theaters now. But we readers know better than to see the movie before reading the book, right? I couldn't even bring myself to watch Water for Elephants after hearing the reviews. I didn't want the experience to be tainted, ya know? I was practically devastated watching Angela's Ashes many years ago, and we all know that Twilight in the theater didn't stand a chance against the book. There's more where that came from.

DO: Puzzles. My Mama loves a good puzzle challenge, and I remember her doing most of them around Christmas. Isn't this one neat? It's made from the map of your city! How fun would it be to put together the roads that you know. Plus, it could make some cool wall art!

LISTEN: I grew up partial to country and folk music, so naturally, Jewel's Holiday Collection is a favorite of mine. Sarah Mclachlan's, Wintersong has been entrancing me as well--hence the music added to the blog. I've had my eye on this one, and I should just make the purchase already. She's so darn cute, isn't she?

MAKE & EAT: family holiday recipes. When I think of Christmas, I think of more recent years when I'd come home from college on break, usually hit with a cold in no time due to the stress of finals, and my agenda of eat, sleep and Christmas parties with my friends. Oh, how I miss the days of a leisure Christmas! Mom baking all sorts of goodies, the can of Almond Roca that magically appeared every year, the ingredients of wassail marrying together on the stove, the delectable meals and fancy table decor--and I just basically showed up. Now, it's me who has to plan, shop, prep, cook, present, and clean, and it'll never be like the old days, unless of course, the in-laws want to host this year and I'm game. Not that I'd just lop out on the couch and not help, because I've been raised better than that, but hosting the full meal-deal is a lot of work, and I'm worn out just thinking about it. I've got nine days to figure it out...or we may just be eating top ramen and drinking hot cocoa. If all goes well, I'm hoping for a meal involving a main course like this:

Mustard and Cracked Pepper Roast Beef

Delish.

Stay tuned: If I'm on it, I'll be whipping up some of favorite holiday recipes in the next few days to share.

Bon Bons anyone?

DRINK: Wassail, Christmas cocktails, eggnog...whatever the heart so desires. A festive recipe coming up!It'll make your entire house smell divine...

WEAR: It has been a long-held traditional in my family to open pajamas on Christmas Eve. I haven't hardly thought about them until now, which scares me. What scares me more, is that we've been planning to do handmade gifts, so I wonder if I can make pajama bottoms in a hurry? Aren't these cute? Makes me never want to buy store pajamas again.

These little girl bottoms are sweet, too. After seeing these, a store purchase would be hard to make.

For the day of the festivities, I enjoy getting a wee spruced up.

Ensemble = Yes, please!

Down to the pretty pale pink polish.

There. I'm feeling more festive already.

What do YOU do to make your holiday festive?

Click on the button to read more from the party goers!

The Little Things {lately}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:20:00 +0000

The days when I wake up to realize there is no school today, and fall back into bed.

Speaking of bed...bedtime is one of my favorite times of the day...
yet, so is an early rise. There's nothing like waking early to the quiet, alone.

A clean house. Can I get a hallelujah?!

Coconut creamer.

An organized studio...we're making progress, folks.

Secretly loving when Asher says, "that was awethome!"
Memories of the visit from my sisters. Read here for the fun details.
Sponsoring two of my favorite blogs--here and here.
Having a pellet stove roaring 24/7. It's definitely feeling like Christmas time.
Long time friends and their babies.
The Jewel Holiday station on Pandora.
Getting to know our elderly neighbors--
she wants to teach me how to make the best pies!
What are your little things today?

x

dreamy bedroom

Neighborly Christmas Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:30:00 +0000

The sun is shining and the stove is roaring here at the McCully ranch,
and I have one particular question on the mind this morning...

Do you give your neighbors Christmas gifts?

Last year, we delivered plates of cookies to almost all of the neighbors in our culdesac. I couldn't bring myself to deliver to the home where the older couple lived, who told my other neighbor, "we were probably drug dealers," because we appeared to have money. I have to admit I was completely offended when I heard that that woman was talking like that about us. I wanted to knock on her door and tell her that my husband works 50+ hours a week planning and coordinating large building and remodel projects, and that she should keep her judgements to her nasty little self. Now, that's the Christmas spirit, no? So instead, I kept her plate of cookies for ourselves.

Growing up, we had close family friends that lived down the street from us, who made a Christmas stop at our house every year. They were a large family of five kids, like mine, and even when the kids went off for college, they continued to gather together as a family and visit neighbors during the Christmas season. We looked forward to their holiday visit each year, as they would begin singing Christmas carols before we had even opened the door to greet them. All seven of them, and then ten to twelve of them (once they started marrying off) would sing a few carols in their beautiful family harmony, all while holding their trademark candy cane shaped cinnamon rolls.

Think this:

and this:

I just might have to track this old-family-friend-mama down,

and tell her where my family lives, now..
and ask her to teach me her tasty cinnamon roll pointers.

Here's a few more fantastic ideas that would be fun to give and receive!

snowflake peppermint bark

cinnamon almonds

caramels

orange and nut toffee

Do you give neighbor gifts?
And do you have traditions for what you give?

x

cinnamon roll
apple pie candy cane