sweet Mess: December 2012

2012/12/30

Exploring New Tradition: Muffin Pants

Hello World!

It's been a while since I've been in blogland. Truly, my seasonal job took too much of my time. I extremely missed being involved in blogging world. It has been insanely busy at work with all the holiday shopping along with gift returns and exchanges at work, but at least I had that one day off to spend Christmas day with the family.

Another home, another tradition. We immensely enjoyed exploring a new tradition. We spent our Christmas with a family who are very musical oriented and a great servants in the ministy. We lit advent candles, had scripture reading and sang hymns.

Hubby and I couldn't help but share our hidden talent.

...did I say, talent in lip sync.

It was a sweet sweet Christmas tradition at the De Garmo's. To start off , each one in the family made two kinds of cookies on Christmas eve. We had our share of Cranberry and Walnut Oatmeal cookies.

The sweet treat continued as we welcome Christmas morning with four kinds of freshly baked muffins.

which we consumed while still in muffin pants!

The men in their Christmas sports themed colors.

We all enjoyed opening our presents. It trully pays to know what your love one wants for Christmas.

To see how excited they are to get that simple wish is priceless.

A small silly unexpected gifts becomes special because it brings a smile on their faces.

or just for laughs.

I thought this year, I'd give the girls something I personally handicrafted.

Yes.. and Yoda was there too.

He loved all the attention!

We were so happy our grandma Emmy was with us this year. She flew all the way from MO to AZ!

I thought Christmas this year would be incomparable to what I am used to. But every home and every family has their own special way in making this special occasion memorable. I was glad they welcomed me to be a part of it.

What makes your Christmas tradition special?

2012/12/27

Christmas Shell and Passion Parade Friday

Have you ever had that "I just had to get it moment"? I am sure you did! That's what I felt with this tree ornament.

I was browsing around the holiday lane section of the store where I work, when these ornaments caught my eye. The feeling became mutual when I saw the label that says "Made in the Philippines"

Without further thinking, I grabbed all three of different style. It was in 70% off and with my back office discount, I got it for a price I couldn't refuse!

These ornaments are made of Capiz shell or oyster shell. These are the shells were thinned with chemicals until became translucent. They are used as alternative to stained glass commonly found in the Philippines. They are also commonly used for making lamp shades, fashion accessories, window panes, Christmas lantern and many more. Capiz shell is known for it's elegant and formal look comparable to mother of pearl.

What's your "I just had to get it" or "I just had to create" moment lately? Share it today here at Passion Parade!

So let's get this parade going but first... just a quick reminder before linking up.

1. Be a follower of Petites Passions. This way I could keep in touch with you.

2. Link the specific post of your entry, and not just your blog link.

3. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE kindly link back so others could join the parade too!

4. This party can also be a treasure hunt, so visit others. Share your passion and win a friend!

If you are a new linker and or a follower, just leave a comment so that I could welcome you and be featured!

If you have a link party, please feel free to pin it on my "Pin your party"

2012/12/06

Passion Parade and DIY tree skirt

Happy Friday world! Its passion parade once again!
Are you done with your Christmas decorations?

There's a lot of pending unfinished Christmas projects lying around here. I totally lost time i needed to finish them all. I really do miss what I do before I got a job at retail, where my world revolves in providing great customer service and window shopping. I miss blogging. I miss taking care of our home. I miss a good home made meal from scratch. I miss...me.

Although, i am earning a bit, I still couldn't rid in me the excitement in diy mentality. Yes, i could afford now to get me a nice tree skirt, but the thrifty side of me wants something else!

Last year was when we bought our very first Christmas tree, and the only tree skirt my husband and I could compromise was...well... this.

Then I found a round Christmas table cloth and one plain red bed sheet. All together cost me less than $5. At least I wont feel guilty cutting them as ruffles.

I used my ruffler and sewed my ruffled fabrics in an alternate fashion and used the felt tree skirt as my base.

I love how it turned out! I love the festive colors.

And Yoda? I think he is happy he could rest under the tree.

Do you have any Christmas ideas to share? Why not share it here at Passion Parade and inspire someone today!