It's the Christmas season and we've been talking about managing stress and overwhelm.  The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with those we love—but they can also bring a little extra mess into our homes. Between the decorations, the festive meals, and the bustle of daily life, it’s easy for clutter to sneak up on us.

But the good news is, keeping your home tidy during the busy holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple 20-minute evening routine can help keep things in check, allowing you to enjoy the season without feeling like you’re constantly cleaning up after it.

Here’s a stress-free, easy-to-follow evening routine that can help you maintain a tidy home during the holidays:

1. Clear Off Flat Surfaces

Take 5 minutes to quickly go around and clear any clutter from countertops, tables, and other flat surfaces. Holiday décor and daily life can leave things scattered, so this simple task can instantly make a room feel cleaner. Put away mail, empty cups, and stray items that tend to collect throughout the day. If there are things that don’t belong, set them aside to deal with tomorrow.

2. Do a Quick Dish Round-Up

Spend 5 minutes tidying up the kitchen. If there are dirty dishes in the sink or leftover items on the counter from dinner, quickly wash them or load them into the dishwasher. Even if you’re not able to get everything done, just clearing out the sink and wiping down counters can make a big difference. The kitchen is one of the most used spaces during the holidays, and starting with a clean slate can make your mornings feel calmer.

3. Tidy Up the Living Room

Dedicate a few minutes to picking up the living room. Fluff the pillows, fold any blankets, and straighten out the chairs. If there are toys, books, or other items scattered around, gather them and place them in their designated spots. This small act will create a peaceful environment for you to relax in at the end of the day.

4. Wipe Down Bathroom Surfaces

Bathrooms can get a lot of traffic during the holidays, with guests coming in and out. Take 3 minutes to quickly wipe down bathroom counters, sinks, and mirrors. This doesn’t have to be a deep clean, just a quick once-over to make everything look fresh. A clean bathroom will make a big difference when you need to freshen up or prepare for the day ahead.

5. Pick Up Holiday Clutter

With all the holiday activities going on, it’s easy for little bits of décor, wrapping supplies, or holiday cards to accumulate. Spend a few minutes picking up any stray holiday-related items and putting them in their proper place. If there are things you haven’t gotten to yet—like wrapping gifts or sorting through cards—put them in a basket or box to deal with when you have more time.

6. Set Yourself Up for Tomorrow

Take a moment to set yourself up for a smooth morning. Lay out your clothes for the next day, prep the coffee pot, or make sure your bag is packed and ready to go. This can be a great way to feel prepared and less stressed in the morning which are usually busy times in most households.

7. Do a Quick Sweep of the Entryway

The entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home, so spending 2-3 minutes tidying here will make a big impact. If you have guests coming over, this is especially helpful. It’s a small task that takes hardly any time but gives your home a welcoming feel.

8. Take a Few Deep Breaths and Enjoy Your Clean Space

Finally, take a moment to appreciate the work you’ve done. The holiday season can feel chaotic, but by sticking to this short, evening routine, you’ll end each day with a sense of calm. Light a candle or play some soft music, and enjoy the peacefulness of your tidy space. You’ve earned it!

During the holiday season, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. Between the family activities, crafting projects, meal preparation, keeping the house "together"...it can all get to be a bit much.  But, there are simple ways to keep your stress in check and make this season both peaceful and joyful.

1. Create a “Holiday Haven” for Yourself
   Designate a quiet, cozy space where you can unwind. This could be a favorite reading chair by the window or a corner with a holiday candle burning. Whether it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa just sitting in quiet, giving yourself a break can help recharge your batteries.

2. Share the Experience with Loved Ones
   The holidays are all about connection, so why not share some of the tasks with those closest to you? Whether it’s baking cookies, wrapping gifts, or just chatting while you decorate or tidy up the house, spending time with loved ones can turn a stressful task into something fun.

3. Allow Yourself Some Grace
   During the holidays, it’s easy to feel like you need to be the one who does it all and does it perfectly. But the truth is, no one expects that! Remembering that it’s the thought and care behind what you do that counts, not how flawless everything looks.

4. Make Your Own Holiday Traditions
   Create simple traditions that bring you joy without adding extra pressure. It might be something as small as writing one holiday card a day or gathering the family to watch a favorite Christmas movie together. (Did you read about my White Christmas Party with "my girls" on Facebook?) These times will add to the magic of the season and give you something to look forward to.

5. Focus on the Joy of Giving, Not the Quantity
   Gift-giving doesn’t have to be over-the-top or overwhelming.  Whether it’s a handmade gift, a heartfelt letter, or a shared experience, the thought behind your gift is what will make it special, not the price tag or the number of presents.

6. Keep Things Simple
   You don’t need to overcomplicate things to have a wonderful holiday. Sometimes, less is more—whether it’s with your decorations, meals, or even your holiday attire. Simplifying can help you focus on enjoying the season.

7. Remind Yourself of the True Heart of the Season
   When things feel chaotic, take a step back and remember why we celebrate the holidays.  Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. It’s a time to express gratitude, share joy, and spend time with those we love. 

8. End the Season with Reflection and Gratitude
   As the holiday season winds down, take a moment to reflect on all the memories and of course, take a look at all the photos you've taken for your memory keeping. Capture your favorite memories for your scrapbook and take time to write down special moments while it's fresh in your memory. It’s a great way to close out the year with a sense of peace and appreciation.

By focusing on what truly brings you joy, giving yourself permission to rest, and embracing simple tasks, you can enjoy a peaceful holiday season. 

Take a deep breath, cherish the small moments, and let this season be one that brings you warmth and joy.

Jackie and I hope that you all have an enjoyable day! Happy Labor Day to our U.S. friends!

The first three people that place an order with me to today will receive a surprise package in the mail from me!

To place your order, call me at 409.719.2853  or order online HERE!

Good luck!  I will contact you if you are one of the three!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," is a traditional Christian holiday that marks the day before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday. It is celebrated with parades, parties, and festivities in many countries around the world, but is most famously associated with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mardi Gras is known for its colorful costumes, elaborate masks, and vibrant street celebrations, which include music, dancing, and the tossing of beads and other trinkets to parade-goers. The holiday is a time for fun and feasting before the solemnity of Lent begins, making it a joyous and festive occasion for people of all ages to come together and celebrate.

Although the city of New Orleans is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, our area in Southeast Texas has its own Mardi Gras celebrations.

This past weekend, we attended a parade and a dance and had so much fun with our family.

Have a great Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)!

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a creative outlet can be a true blessing. For many, paper crafting is a delightful way to express themselves artistically. Jump into the world of paper crafting as we explore the benefits that make it such a loved activity, perfectly tailored for our creative souls.

Unleashing Creativity

At its core, paper crafting is an art form that allows individuals to unleash their creativity and bring their imaginative ideas to life. Whether it's designing handmade cards, creating beautiful scrapbook layouts, or crafting personalized gifts, the possibilities are limitless. The experience of working with paper, combined with the colors and patterns available, transforms each project into a unique masterpiece.

Relaxation and Therapeutic Joy

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of peace is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Paper crafting offers a therapeutic escape, allowing crafters to immerse themselves in a calming and mindful activity. The process of cutting, stamping, and assembling can be meditative, providing an opportunity to de-stress and find joy in the present moment. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a project adds an extra layer of satisfaction to this therapeutic journey.

Building Connections through Social Crafting

While paper crafting often starts as a personal endeavor, it has the incredible power to bring people together. Joining a crafting community or attending workshops and events creates opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity. The joy of swapping ideas, tips, and finished projects turns paper crafting into a social activity that fosters friendships and a sense of belonging. Together, we celebrate the beauty of handmade creations and the shared love for this art form.

As we embark on this journey of creativity and self-discovery through paper crafting, let's relish the unique benefits it brings into our lives. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just beginning to explore the world of paper, there's a wealth of inspiration waiting to be discovered. Happy crafting!

As the wind begins to chill and the scent of cinnamon and baking cookies fill the air, it's time to jump into the festive spirit of December. Here are some heartwarming activities to add to your calendar, perfect for creating cherished memories during the most wonderful time of the year:

• Caroling Delight: Gather friends and family for a magical evening of caroling in your neighborhood. Bring the joy of Christmas right to the doorstep of your community.

• Crafting Magic Moments: Engage in Christmas crafts with your children or grandchildren. Try handmade ornaments with your crafting supplies and create timeless keepsakes.

• Deck the Halls: Transform your home into a winter wonderland with delightful decorations. Use your creative knowledge and fill every corner with the season's warmth.

• Candlelit Church Socials: Attend church socials and festivities for a spiritual and heartwarming experience. The unity and love shared during these events truly capture the essence and spirit of Christmas.

• Harmony in the Air: Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Christmas concerts. Whether it's a local choir or a grand symphony, let the music of the season resonate in your heart.

• Sparkling Tree Lightings: Witness the magic of your town coming alive with the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. Attend tree lighting ceremonies for a special start to the holiday season.

December is not just a month; it's a collection of moments that become treasured memories. Embrace these activities to make your holiday season truly special and stay tuned for more ideas from Ink and Inspirations to help make your holiday extra special!

Are you up for the Challenge?
In our creative community, the Ink and Inspirations Stampers Group on Facebook, we've set a heartwarming goal to send out at least 100 cards expressing gratitude.

The twist?

We aim to achieve this collective goal in the next two weeks. With over 800 members in our fantastic group, we believe this is more than achievable!

Join us and let's make this world a brighter, happier place one card at a time. If you are not a member of our group, click here to request free membership.  All you need to do then is answer two simple questions!

Look for the photo in the group announcing the challenge (as seen above) and to participate, post the number of cards you send or hand out as you send them. Together, we can reach that magic number - 100 cards by November 4th.

Let's do this!

Gratitude, the simple act of being thankful and appreciative, is a powerful force that can transform lives. It's more than just saying "thank you" when someone holds the door for you or hands you a gift; it's a mindset, a way of looking at the world with appreciation. The importance of expressing gratitude cannot be overstated, as it has a profound impact on our well-being, relationships, and overall happiness.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It encourages us to see the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small they may seem. This change in perspective can significantly improve our mood and overall outlook.

When we express gratitude towards others, whether through words or actions, it strengthens our connections. People appreciate being acknowledged and valued, and this can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.  Our handmade cards expressing gratitude really can make a difference.

Gratitude has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation. When we focus on the good things in our lives, our stress levels decrease.  Let's try to look on the bright side!

With all the positivity associated with gratitude, let's make an effort to use our craft to spread it far and wide.  And, we can take notice of all that we have to be grateful for. 

In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, expressing gratitude is a simple yet profound way to find moments of peace and happiness. It's a reminder that even on the toughest days, there are things to be thankful for. So, take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, express your appreciation to those around you, and watch as gratitude transforms your world.

In the months and weeks just prior to my dad's passing last year, he often talked about how wonderful life is. He would tell us, "It's a Wonderful Life. Enjoy it! Every day you wake up; it's wonderful. Make the most of every day."

I can't tell you how many times he repeated that to us. He wanted to be sure that we understood and cherished our time with family and had many enjoyable experiences.

Shortly after his passing, my husband told me if there is something that you really want to do, we need to do it! We need to enjoy our life.  Taking that cue from my dad, we didn't want to let time pass without experiencing those things that we really wanted to do together and with our family.

I must mention that I had started a bucket list prior to this time. And, on that list was to ride in a one-horse open sleigh. So I started looking for opportunities to make that happen.

Then, some good friends of ours invited us to join them on a trip out west to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore, to Big Sky Montana to experience a part of that beautiful state,  and then down through Wyoming and on to Estes Park, Colorado.
Surely, I thought, there may be a chance to find a one-horse open sleigh ride excursion at one of those stops. We were going to be traveling at the end of winter... we might be able to make my sleigh ride happen!

I started searching the Internet and found a place in Keystone, that had sleigh rides excursions. We all agreed that it would be fun! It was a sleigh ride to a restaurant where we could enjoy dinner before riding in the sleigh back to our vehicles. We reserved it right away and all were excited about this part of our trip!

Our first big stop was in South Dakota near Keystone.  When we checked into our hotel, we said "Where's the snow?" (I felt like the two couples in White Christmas while disembarking the train in Vermont!) The admissions clerk replied, "Well, we haven't had snow in a while!"  to which I replied, "Well, we're supposed experience a sleigh ride in Keystone.  He had never heard of it. (Insert Red Flag here.)
Our friend said, "Oh, don't worry. We'll find the location tomorrow morning."

Morning came and we started looking at a map trying to find the location of this sleigh ride. We just couldn't find it anywhere. My friend noticed there was a Keystone, Colorado, too. So, I called to let them know that we were having trouble finding where to meet for the sleigh ride...in Keystone, SD.  She responded, "it's on a main highway in Colorado!"

 "Colorado??? I'm in South Dakota!!!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am.  This is Keystone, Colorado."

Oh my goodness. What a mistake!

Now, just to give me a little credit, the email confirmation for the sleigh ride DID NOT mention Colorado...anywhere! Nor was it mentioned on the site.

I was not a seasoned traveler. I had no idea that there was a Keystone, Colorado. She said we should have known by the area code! (No way!)  After some communication with this company and the credit card company, we received a partial refund.  What a mistake! But, now we just laugh about it!

So, that item is still on my bucket list and you can imagine what a reminder it was when Stampin' Up! released the One Horse Open Sleigh Suite!  Stay tuned as we share projects with the Horse and Sleigh Bundle and the One Horse Open Sleigh Designer Series Paper this week!

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a patriotic holiday celebrated across the United States. On this day, Americans commemorate their hard-fought independence from British rule. Beyond the dazzling fireworks displays, barbecues, and parades, here are some historical nuggets that add depth to the celebration.

• Declaration Day vs. Independence Day: Did you know that the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain on July 2nd, 1776? However, the adoption of Thomas Jefferson's meticulously drafted Declaration of Independence happened two days later, on July 4th. Consequently, July 4th became the official date for celebrating America's independence.
• The Liberty Bell's Fateful Crack: The iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is a symbol of American freedom. However, contrary to popular belief, it did not ring out on July 4th, 1776, to announce independence. The bell's famous crack actually appeared years earlier in 1752. Today, the bell remains a cherished historical artifact, housed in the Liberty Bell Center.
• Celebratory Salute: Every year on Independence Day, a powerful 50-gun salute is traditionally fired. This salute represents the 50 states of the United States.
• A Presidential Tradition: Since the time of John Adams, it has been customary for U.S. presidents to host an Independence Day event at the White House. The first recorded celebration took place in 1801 when President Thomas Jefferson opened the doors of the White House for a public reception, marking the beginning of this beloved tradition.

Independence Day is a day of national unity and a time to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for American Independence. As we gather with family and friends, enjoying fireworks and barbecues, let's also appreciate the historical significance of this holiday.  Happy Fourth of July!

Ink and Inspirations Birthday Getaway Giveaway Craft Candy 6 with Lisa Brown, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

There are two ways to enter to win Craft Candy 6 for June 2023.

Ink and Inspirations Birthday Getaway Giveaway Craft Candy 4 with Lisa Brown, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

There are two ways to enter to win Craft Candy 4 for June 2023.

Ink and Inspirations Birthday Getaway Giveaway Craft Candy 2 with Lisa Brown, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

There are two ways to enter to win Craft Candy 2 for June 2023.