more about: holidays

December 9, 2009 at 1:05PM | Simply Stated Contributor

Simple & Festive Holiday Drink Garnishes {Red}

Signature cocktails are always a wonderful addition to holiday parties, and adding a colorful garnish – like a pop of festive red – make such a big difference when it comes to the festive factor of your “star drinks”.

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December 4, 2009 at 12:30PM | Kristin Appenbrink

Easy Homemade Decorations

Just in case you're feeling especially crafty this weekend, here are two project ideas for homemade decorations. Cinnamon-Scented Cookie Ornaments from Natural Home   These fragrant cookies smell yummy, but—though nontoxic—they are not good [...]

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December 4, 2009 at 8:13AM | Simply Stated Contributor

Would You Give Up One of Your Holiday Gifts for Charity?

When I was in college, I lived with four roommates. Instead of giving each other holiday gifts, we pooled our money each year to adopt a local family in need. Two of my roommates shopped for things on the family’s wish list, and we wrapped and delivered their gifts. I thought it was a great tradition—instead of receiving some tchotchke that I probably didn’t need, I felt that we were able to do something meaningful.

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December 3, 2009 at 4:56PM | Kristin Appenbrink

Sayings to Write in Your Holiday Cards

I've decided to be ambitious this year and make my holiday cards, which means that I won't be able to rely on a pre-printed greeting and just sign my name. I could go with [...]

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December 2, 2009 at 9:04AM | Simply Stated Contributor

Why I Love the U.S. Postal Service (and Why You Should, Too)

If there’s one thing that I don’t love about the holidays, it’s shipping packages. The schlep to the post office, the long lines…is there anyone out there who enjoys that part? And then I discovered something. The post office will pick up packages. From your home. For free. (No kidding!)

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December 1, 2009 at 4:43PM | Simply Stated Contributor

How to Start a Family Tradition–and Why It Will Boost Your Happiness.

Starting a family tradition sounds like an oxymoron, right? But traditions have to start somewhere. Studies show that traditions are quite important to family happiness. In fact, family rituals encourage children’s social development and boost feelings of family cohesiveness by 17%. They help provide connection and predictability, which people–especially children–crave. Without traditions, holidays don’t feel much different from ordinary life. And they’re a lot of fun.

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November 30, 2009 at 5:50PM | Kristin Appenbrink

Do You Make or Buy Your Holiday Gifts?

Thanksgiving is over, and now I'm ready for the gift-giving holidays. I haven't yet decided if I'll be making gifts, or if I'll be buying them this year. I've seen several great DIY gift [...]

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November 24, 2009 at 5:00PM | Simply Stated Contributor

Quiz: Are You the Difficult Person Sitting at the Holiday Table?

Most difficult people don’t realize quite how difficult others find them to be; from their perspective, their words and action seem quite reasonable. If you’re finding others difficult, or touchy, maybe you are the difficult one

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November 13, 2009 at 1:19PM | Simply Stated Contributor

3 Contemporary Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Want to bring something new to your Thanksgiving table this year? Here are 3 different contemporary tablescaping ideas & color palettes – each inspired by a stylish linen or dinnerware pattern – to help get your creative juices flowing!

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November 12, 2009 at 4:53PM | Simply Stated Contributor

Gift Giving Made Easier

Real Simple just made my holiday shopping a heck of a lot easier – introducing: On The Go Gift Guides!

I’m not sure which genius on staff is responsible for this lightbulb moment, but I’m sure glad they came up with it. It’s reason enough to start your holiday shopping early this year and avoid that last-minute mad dash to the mall…

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