I love the smell in the house after baking homemade pies and breads which is why this orange cranberry stovetop potpourri is a favorite this time of year.

This would be a perfect mix to place on the stove before a Christmas party and let the aroma fill the house.  Your guests will love it and rush to the kitchen thinking there are fresh baked desserts waiting for them.

Buying potpourri can be so expensive when you buy it at the store or at big retailers and department stores. I have also found that the store bought stuff does not always last as long either.

If you are looking for something inexpensive to give for homemade Christmas presents, then this is perfect. It is easy to put together and could be placed in a small gift box or treat bag with some bakers twine and a cute Christmas tag.

You will also notice that this potpourri is not an exact measurement of ingredients. You can adjust the amount depending on the fragrance you want to.

Ingredients:

• Orange
• Several cinnamon sticks
• Handful of cranberries
• Spoonful of cloves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

While it is heating, divide the orange into several sections.

Once the water is boiling return to simmer and add the ingredients listed above.

Let the water simmer for however long you would like. Add water to the pot as needed.

Now your home will smell divine and you don’t even have to pay big bucks for it or slave over the stove baking all day to have the same smell.

Also try changing the orange for an apple for a different fragrance.

Enjoy your holiday gathering with family and friends and the sweet smell of oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon.

Be sure to check out yesterday’s post where I share an adorable Christmas card display made from an old frame I bought at a yard sale and some string Christmas lights. Your Christmas cards will thank you.

Also if you haven’t already, there are many more ideas to check out in my 12 Days of Christmas series to get you inspired for Christmas.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

This sweet and sparkly cupcake ornament will have you craving cupcakes in no time! Just don’t try to eat this one right off the tree.

I love anything with sprinkles, cupcakes, sugar, etc. which is why I decorate a different tree upstairs that is full of all that fun girl stuff. It is a white tree with white and pink lights. It even has a snowflake shaped sugar cookie tree topper. I use this tree to hang all of my ornaments that I collected when I was growing up and lived with my parents. There are Barbie Hallmark ornaments, fairies, shoes, purses, and dessert items like donuts and cupcakes. Now these cupcake ornaments will fit perfectly with all the other sweet treats already hanging.

If you have little girls, I bet they will love making these cupcakes too because not only are they just adorable to look at with all the glitter, but they are also easy to make.

Supplies:

Ornament balls– I used both a larger and smaller size that would fit in the regular cupcake liner and also a mini cupcake liner.

Ornament hooks

Cupcake liners– I used liners that were pink and bright colors to keep with the theme of my tree instead of the traditional Christmas colors like red and green.

Mod podge

Foam paintbrush

Red pom poms– I bought a bag at the dollar store with different sizes that worked perfect for the smaller and larger size ornament balls.

Glitter

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

First remove the silver part that would normally hold the ornament hook.

Turn the ornament upside down and then paint the mod podge on the top to resemble the icing of the cupcake. Just painting a random patter looks great. It doesn’t have to look exact or perfect.

While the mod podge is still wet, sprinkle the glitter on the ornament ball over a piece of white computer paper. The paper will make it easier to funnel the excess glitter back into the container.

Shake off any excess glitter onto the computer paper.

Sit the ornament ball in the ornament container to let the mod podge dry completely.

Once it has dried, hot glue the ornament ball to the cupcake liner by placing some hot glue in the bottom. You may also need to add some glue to the sides of the liner if needed.

Then use the hot glue to attach a red pom pom for the cherry on top of the cupcake.

You could also use other craft items for decoration. Let your imagination do the work.

Continue the same steps for the rest of your ornaments. I love using different sizes and colors for more variety.

Add an ornament hook through the red pom pom, and hang on your Christmas tree.

I love to bake which is why these ornaments are just too cute to me. Your little girls will love making these too. Just remove the ornament hook, and they can display them in their bedroom all year long.

Enjoy these sweet and sparkly cupcake ornaments! Mine as well go bake a batch of cupcakes now too. Red velvet is definitely my favorite! What is your favorite flavor?

You don’t want to miss yesterday’s post where I shared a Christmas present pillow. Also be sure to check out the other days in this 12 Days of Christmas series.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 

 

I am such a sentimental person which is what makes this live Christmas tree ornament so special to me. My husband and I love getting a live Christmas tree when we can. We don’t always get one every year and find ourselves putting up the artificial tree too, but we love when we have a live one.

I must first make a confession that this ornament I am sharing with you isn’t the actual cut of our live Christmas tree when we were first married. We did get a live tree our first Christmas married together but unfortunately I had not thought of this idea until later and by then of course it was too late. The reason I am still showing this is just as an example to yall so that if you are interested then you will be able to.

This is also a great idea to tell any of your single or engaged friends who may want to do something like this once they are married. It would be fun to cut off a section of their live tree each year and have them dated each year.

The idea is to cut the end of your live Christmas tree every year and then hang it the next year on your tree for an ornament. A piece of each year’s Christmas memories can go along with you for years to come. Many times it is hard to remember what we have done each year at Christmas, but this ornament is a small piece of that specific year.

What you will need:

Live Christmas tree

Chain saw

Miter saw

Drill

Sharpie

Ribbon

In order to enjoy your ornament the current year, you could go ahead and cut the end of your live Christmas tree when you get it home with the chain saw, but it may be difficult to get it smooth.

I would suggest cutting the stump of the tree off at the end of the year with a chain saw and then cutting a smaller section the width you want for your ornament with a miter saw. The miter saw will help give you a smoother finish.

Next drill a hole in the top of the tree section in order to put a ribbon through it to hang it on your Christmas tree. The size of the drill bit depends on what you would like.

Add your ribbon through the hole and tie in a bow.

Write on your ornament anything that you would like to remember.

For example as I have shown, you could write “Our First Christmas” on the front and write the year on the back of the ornament.

Other fun things to write may be anything that was memorable to your family that particular year. I just used a black sharpie.

You are now ready to hang it on your tree.

This is such a simple idea but also so sentimental and special. Whenever my mother has pulled out things of hers and my dad’s when I was younger or when they were dating, it was always special to me. Your kids will also enjoy looking back at the tree ornament each year and remembering the good times.

Enjoy your fun family memories which really is just the small things in life!

Also please check out the other fun Christmas ideas in the 12 Days of Christmas series. Yesterday I shared a fun countdown to get you in the spirit of Christmas with your children using miniature ornaments.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

You can never have enough Christmas trees when you are decorating for the holidays which is why these burlap jingle bell trees are now added to my collection. I love burlap so much if you haven’t noticed yet. I have used it with several posts recently including my Thanksgiving tablescape and three tier Christmas wreaths. But I have recently found a new love for bakers twine. I have seen it before in the craft store and always thought it was so cute, but I have really never tried using it for anything. This red and white striped bakers twine is perfect for Christmas because it resembles a candy cane. I plan on using it to decorate Christmas presents. I can’t wait to see where else I can use it.

This craft is a perfect combination of my two new favorites: burlap and bakers twine. I couldn’t be happier with how they look and the style that they are going to add to my Christmas décor this year. Plus the jingle bells just add that extra little joy to the whole thing.

What you will need:

Paper machete tree or styrofoam cones

Burlap ribbon

Bakers twine

Miniature jingle bells

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Sewing needle

To begin with, glue your burlap ribbon to one end of the cone to secure it in place. Either end is fine. It is really whatever works best for you.

Then start wrapping the ribbon around the entire cone until it is completely covered.

Cut your ribbon and then glue the end on either the inside of the cone or on the bottom to keep it in place.

Now that your tree is covered, you can start working on decorating it. Wrap the bakers twine around the entire cone to just measure approximately how much you will need and then trim it.

Thread a needle with the bakers twine and start placing the jingle bells on the bakers twine almost like a garland. I spaced my jingle bells about 2-3 inches apart. The jingle bells will serve as the ornaments.

I would also suggest tying a knot at one end of the bakers twine to keep the bells from sliding off of it when you are wrapping it around the tree.

Take one end of the bakers twine and glue it at one end of the tree just as you did with the burlap ribbon to secure it in place.

Then start wrapping the bakers twine with the jingle bells around the tree and glue at the other end once finished to keep it secure.

You now have one tree finished and are ready to start the others. Make as many as you would like for whatever display you have in mind.

Several ways you could use them for Christmas decoration include placing them on your mantle or as a centerpiece on your kitchen table or coffee table in a living room. Grouping them together makes the possibilities endless.

Enjoy your time crafting this Christmas season whether it’s making these burlap jingle bell trees or maybe the winter wonderland mason jars we shared during the 12 Days of Christmas series. Be sure to check out the other posts in this series and look for more to come with a fun activity for the kids to enjoy.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 

 

During the winter and cold months, a peppermint sugar scrub is the perfect solution for those dry, cracked hands. I love using a scrub on my hands this time of year especially because it leaves them feeling silky smooth and actually hydrated. Also as a nurse, I am constantly washing my hands it feels like which makes them drier. I am always looking for a way to treat the irritation from it and this is just perfect.

A sugar scrub is also a great DIY present for Christmas or any holiday but is really special when it has peppermint oil mixed in. This sugar scrub is inexpensive to make and so thoughtful because it is homemade. Another great plus is that you know exactly what is in it.

Just the mention of peppermint makes me excited for Christmas. I have peppermint lotion, candles, soap, candy, etc. this time of year because it just seems to make the season even more special. I may be silly but I truly find joy in the little things, even if it is peppermint.

I also just want to mention that by adding the coconut oil, you are getting an added bonus. We all know that there are a million benefits it seems like for coconut oil so what would be any better.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil

Peppermint essential oil or extract

Ribbon and miniature candy cane- for decoration

Small glass jar

First melt the coconut oil in the microwave until it is liquid.

Combine the coconut oil with the sugar.

Depending on the consistency you would like, add a little more sugar or coconut oil until you are pleased. The picture below shows the consistency I like for mine.

Then add the peppermint essential oil starting with only a few drops because it is so fragrant and then stirring together. Smell the sugar scrub and then add more drops of the essential oil if you want a stronger fragrance.

*You can also use peppermint extract that is used for baking but the scent is not as strong and may require more drops of oil.

Once you are happy with the consistency and fragrance, spoon it into your favorite glass container or mason jar. Tie a ribbon or miniature candy cane around it for extra decoration. I have a small jar with a lid that is perfect to keep at the bathroom sink when I need it. Having a jar sitting on the sink in a guest bath would also be perfect for your guests.

Do keep in mind that the coconut will harden again after you have combined it with the sugar. I have a small spoon that stays in the bathroom to use to scoop it out.

The recipe above made just enough to fit inside my glass jar shown in the picture above.

If you are going to make some to give away, you could tie a ribbon around a glass jar with a Christmas tag and miniature candy cane so the recipient will know it is peppermint scented.

One more suggestion is to use on your feet if you have dry, cracked heels. Place some Vaseline on your feet afterwards and a cozy pair of socks just before going to bed and your feet will surely be silky smooth the next morning.

I hope you enjoy your sugar scrub and all your girlfriends will too when they open theirs. Be sure to enjoy even the little things like yummy smelling sugar scrub.

Hope to see yall tomorrow for Day 3 of Christmas joy! Be sure to check out the other Christmas ideas in the 12 Days of Christmas series. Yesterday I shared how to make a three tier wreath for very little money and little time involved.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.