So Sew Organized

In the few weeks leading up to Christmas, let’s take a step back from the decorating, shopping, and commercialism, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas - the Bethlehem story. One person at a time, we’ll go through the story in a character-study format, and try to put ourselves in the shoes of those individuals that were there on that first Christmas. Want to do some study for yourself? Here is the schedule: November 29: Joseph December 4: Mary December 6: Gabriel December 11: Shepherds December 13: Wise men December 19: Herod December 24: Jesus Today's character: Gabriel, the messenger sent from God The angel Gabriel only appears by name 4 times in the Bible. We first see him spoken of in a vision and then appearing to Daniel in Daniel 8:16 and 9:21. Both of these are interesting accounts, as Gabriel goes on to tell Daniel that he is “greatly beloved” by God. Several hundred years later, Gabriel would again come to earth with a similar message, this time to a young, sca...

Years ago, my mom found this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine. She made these cute little buggers way back then, but vowed it was so stressful she’d never do it again. You know where I’m going with this. This year, she planned our yearly Ladies Christmas party with a snowman theme. Yup, these cute guys needed to make an appearance! She has tweaked the recipe some in ways that seem to make it easier to put together. This time she declared them “a little stressful”… so apparently practice makes perfect?? Ha! Here is the recipe and her updated techniques: Coconut Snowmen 4 cups flaked coconut, coarsely chopped 3 ¾ cups confectioners sugar ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk ¼ cup butter, softened White candy melts Milk chocolate candy melts 1 package large marshmallows Decorator gel icing (orange for the nose, red for the holly, another color for the eyes and mouth) Green leaf-shaped candies (found in christmas sprinkles) To make the coconut ball: Combine coconut, confectioner’s sugar, mi...

If you follow my Facebook page, you might remember a few weeks ago when my siblings "christmas-bombed" my room... Well, I lived with it that way for a week...simply because I didn't have a chance to change it! The time came, however, when I just couldn't put up with the cluttery feeling any more. It was time to do some decorating on my own! I started by taking everything down and out that I didn't want. I pulled my Christmas totes out of the attic, and started unpacking things. I feel like I have a lot of Christmas stuff. Considering the fact that I don't yet have my own home to decorate, but I have enough stuff to decorate a whole house. Most of my stuff has a lot of sentimental value, so it is hard to decide what gets put out and what stays packed away! So I came up with a plan...I wanted to keep things very simple, with a red and white theme. That helped determine what to use! Here is my main focal point, the top of my dresser: I (cleaned off the top of t...

In the few weeks leading up to Christmas, let’s take a step back from the decorating, shopping, and commercialism, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas - the Bethlehem story. One person at a time, we’ll go through the story in a character-study format, and try to put ourselves in the shoes of those individuals that were there on that first Christmas. Want to do some study for yourself? Here is the schedule: November 29: Joseph December 4: Mary December 6: Gabriel December 11: Shepherds December 13: Wise men December 19: Herod December 24: Jesus Today's character: Mary, mother of Jesus Mary. There is so much I could say about this young girl, chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah. Her story fascinates me. Let’s try to put ourselves in her shoes for a few minutes. How did she feel when the angel appeared unto her? What was it like to know that not only are you highly favoured of God {Luke 1:28} but you are carrying a child, though it is humanly impossible.? Yes, ...

There are so many bloggers that have it all together when it comes to Christmas posting. These peeps have some really fun events going on, and seem super prepared and ready for Christmas! Whether you are ready or not, Christmas is fast approaching...so why not take advantage of these great links to help you with your holiday planning? Here is a list of 10 Top Christmas Bloggers (in my humble opinion): 1. Christmas...your way (a Life….your way blog) has been and is currently running their 101 days of Christmas Event 2. My BFF Kati is hosting 25 Days of Christmas through December. Lots of great ideas, a giveaway, and opportunities to link up your own Christmas projects! 3. My friend Amanda ran a series in November with 30 Handmade gift ideas. TONS of super great ideas that I hope to try sometime! 4. Org junkie (and a group of organizing bloggers) has a Pinning party going on right now with tons of Christmas pins and links! 5. I {heart} Nap Time recently had their Crazy Christmas E...

During the month of November, I worked my way through Crystal Paine's new eBook, 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life . I took a chapter each day, excluding Sundays, and journaled my thoughts as I went. I learned so much from this book! Crystal's approach is very matter-of-fact, and it works. By following the steps and thought processes that she lays out, my whole thinking changed in several areas! My "mega project" for the month was to reset my internal alarm clock, and start getting up earlier in the mornings. It has been hard, and I can't look back and show you 21 days of perfect success. But I can show you: -more consistency in rising earlier -more productivity -better snooze-button habits :) -an easier time waking up (even when my alarm clock isn't set) I'm so thankful for the gentle nudge this book gave me. I am truly excited to keep working on discipline in this and other areas of my life! I'm planning to go through it again in January or Februa...

I really, really can't believe it is December. Already. It really hit home when I posted my bucket list on Saturday , and realized how quickly 24 days is going to go by. Wowzers! So far, we have been blessed with no snow. :) A few flurries, but nothing more. It is fine with me if the snow comes for Christmas, and then leaves for the rest of the year, lol! It has been quite cold, however...coffee has become my best friend! Oh wait, coffee already was my best friend... Here are the blessings I added to my 1,000 Gifts list this week: 489. Cyber Monday Fun! 490. Celebrating two 13-year birthdays 491. Sweet, like-minded friends 492. Supplies on hand for projects 493. Chatting about blogging and goals 494. Gingerbread candle My goals from last week were: Mending Make placemats - got these started, and love how they are turning out! Make 2 bags - finished one Work on Christmas presents (making a few handmade things….but I can’t tell what :) Finish Pride and Prejudice and Passion and ...