Natalie Norris Photography www.nnorrisphotography.com
334-347-7227 It’s a boutique NOT just for your daughter and her friends.
Downtown Enterprise, Alabama
334-347-0988 A shoe and accessories boutique
Call in orders welcome. We ship!
Happy Holiday Season Y’all ~ A little note from the editor: It’s that time of year where we feel both wonderfully joyful but yet stressfully busy. There’s lots to be done: shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, cooking and parties to host or attend. Yes, most of us love this special time of year but with just a few short weeks to cram it all in, we tend to feel overwhelmed. We here at Southern Belle Magazine are no different. So, in our special holiday issue we have brought you all of the traditional features you typically see but we’ve also included lots of quick & easy ideas to help your holiday go smoother. It’s much easier said than done to say “slow down and just enjoy the holidays” when you’re the one responsible for all of the todo lists. But if you’ll implement a few of our simple ideas, you might just have a little time to sit back and enjoy your family, your friends and the beautiful job you’ve done getting it all ready. I hope you will also take some time to share and reflect the birth of Jesus with your family. It truly is the greatest story ever told and such an important and special part of the Christmas season. Jesus is the greatest gift to us and words are never enough to describe how very thankful I am for Him and to Him. I would personally like to wish each and every one of you a very blessed and merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I so much appreciate you for supporting us since our launch in late March of this year. We have lots of exciting plans that we know you’ll just love. Now go get your shopping done, decorate your tree, bake a few cookies, hide your scale and have a very, Merry Christmas! Southernly Yours,
{ my faves }
Sharing a few of my favorite things.
Xoxo,
Handmade soap with crochet washcloth from EcoChicSoaps via Etsy
Gotta have my bling! Great wallets from
Cheerful colors for cooking with this Funktion apron. Find it for $42 on sassychefaprons.com
Corkcicle – just freeze then plug into your wine to keep it cool. Find it on Amazon for $24.95 Make your cake plates pretty even without the cake! Love these colorful cake plate clings from whhostess.com
IT Cosmetics – a must try! Their lipsticks glide on like butta’! Plush personalized robes from Pottery Barn. Toasty warm & beautiful.
Every Southern girl loves her boots. Lovin’ these Easy Come Easy Go styles from southernjewlz.com for $56.95 The Jelly Queens – jellies, jams, & more! They even have champagne jelly! 20oz. personal CrockPot lunch food warmer. You can heat up your lunch right at your desk! Newest jewelry trend – these oh so cute monogrammed cuff bracelets! Snag this one for only $21 at inthisveryroom.com
deck the
12 halls 7
{ }
{
17 merry & bright 27
42
60
}
{ family }
time
18
{ }
41 gifts 51
for all
{ very busy Christmas }
ringing in the
{ new year} 59
24
Southern Belle Magazine is a publication of H2 Media, 2012. No content may be copied or published without written consent of the publisher, other than personal and private use. Editor: Amy Ellenburg Holley ● Editorial Assistant: Taylor Culver ● Graphic Design: Cristin Dillard Contact: Email: southernbellemag@gmail.com ● Facebook: www.facebook.com/southernbellemagazine ● Website: www.southernbellemagazine.com
deck the halls
{
with boughs of holly
fa la la la la
la la la la
}
O Christmas Tree The Christmas Tree is the center of your holiday decorating. It reflects the heart and memories of your family. Among all of these decorated trees we hope you find a new theme that excites you or maybe just a few ideas to incorporate into your existing theme.
Photo courtesy keepingthechristmasspiritalive365.blogspot.com
Merry & Bright
All images from Google.com
All images from www.trendytree.com
thy candles shine so brightly!
trim the tree
trim the tree
trim the tree
trim the tree
trim the tree
All images from www.trendytree.com
deck the
{ mantle }
If you have a mantle, make it the 2nd focal point of your decorating. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or go extreme, here are a few ideas to spark your imagination.
Bashcorner.com
Mysoutherncottage.blogspot.com
All images from Google.com
Inmyownstyle.com
hang the
Cassandra LaValle
No mantle? Use a buffet.
{ mistletoe }
All images from Google.com
set the Around the table is where laughter is heard, good food is enjoyed and memories are made. Make your table décor inviting and festive. Enjoy these ideas!
{ table }
All images from Google.com
Kitchendecoratingideas4u.com
Prettysweety.blogspot.com All dinning images from http://blog.styleestate.com/christmas-‐decorating/2012/7/13/top-‐100-‐ christmas-‐table-‐decorations.html
Room363.net
Sassysites.blogspot.com
Click here for directions to make your own DIY paper spiral wreath All images from Google.com
Advertise with SouthernBelle Magazine! Email southernbellemag@gmail.com for more details Â
Merry
and
Bright
Indoor decorating is for you and your family. Outdoor decorating is all about your neighbors and passersby. Go simple by just adding a few strings of lights around your windows or porch railings or go all out and have the best lit yard in the neighborhood. Outdoor holiday decorating is all about the FUN! Check out all of these ideas!
All images from Google.com
Photo courtesy of Betty’s Christmas House.
All images from Google.com
All images from Google.com
fun &
funky
(Park Cities Christmas Lights.com) All images from Google.coqam
(Between Naps on the Porch) (Freak Developer)
(Burlap n Bling)
(Homed It)
All images from Google.com
(Homed It)
i t up! wrap { }
wrapping
Yes, the gets ripped and tossed into the trash, but make it pretty anyway! Get creative with your wrapping. The gifts will look amazing under your tree and the recipient will appreciate the thoughtfulness and time you put into it.
FREE Gift Tag Printables Just Click & Print
family
time
{ family } Photography ideas • Pick your favorite Christmas word. Get craft letters (wood or cardboard)& paint. Have the family hold, prop it in front or make a banner. • Have someone throw fake snow or confetti into the scene as photographer snaps the photos. • Pajamas photo: Pose either in front of the Christmas tree, snuggled up together in bed or in front of the fireplace. • Have the photographer take action photos while your family bakes cookies or decorates the tree. • An all time favorite: Have family photos taken with Santa!
coatiphotography.wordpress.om
tpcraft.blogspot.com
make
Queenbee1924 (flickr.com)
{memories}
Whether your taking family holiday photos for your Christmas cards, to give as gifts or just for your family albums, why not make them fun and unique! Holiday photos are the perfect time to think outside of the box and show your family in a festive mood!
blog.thebecker.com
lefrufrublog.blogspot.com
summertimedesigns.blogspot.com
sayyippe.blogspot.com
Mr. Holidays
Find Mr. Holidays on Facebook!
Christmas party games Santa says Played just like Simon Says. A person plays the role of Santa and everyone else stands up awaiting instructions. Santa gives orders to the group such as: stand on one foot, raise your left hand, take 2 step forward, etc. The group follows Santa’s instructions but ONLY if Santa says “Santa Says” before each instruction. If the phrase “ Santa says” is not said, the group should NOT obey. Anyone obeying an order without that phrase being spoken first is disqualified from the game.. Instructions from Santa should get more complicated and multiple instructions said more rapidly as the game progresses in order to catch participants off guard and eliminate them. Last one standing is the winner and should get a prize!
Guess the Christmas Carol Can be done by drawing on a dry erase board or chalkboard (like Pictionary) or by acting out the clues (like Charades). One person can do all of the drawing or acting or everyone can take turns. The rest of the group should be divided into 2 teams so a winning team can be chosen. A Christmas Carol or Movie title or a Christmas character is randomly “drawn from a hat”. The person doing the drawing or acting gives clues about the chosen subject until a group gets the correct answer. Repeat as many times as you’d like. Winning team should get small gifts for each person.
Ornament Guess Have a basket and slips of paper with a pen on a table near the Christmas tree. When guests arrive, have them guess the number of ornaments on the tree and write their name and guess on a slip of paper. Fold and drop in the basket. After everyone has their guess in, go thru them, reading them out loud. Person with the closest guess wins a gift!
Left Right Night before Christmas A different way to exchange gifts instead of playing white elephant or dirty Santa. Everyone sits in a circle around the room, holding the gift that they brought. Someone reads the poem (click link for poem) and guests will obey instructions by passing the gifts to the left or right each time they hear the word left or right. When the poem is finished, guests keep the gift that was last passed to them! (Game idea from http://www.santalady.com/xmasgame/lftrt.html )
Do you have a favorite holiday game? Share it with us on our Facebook Page!
It
could have begun anywhere, the story of the
king
But, curiously, it began in a manger. Step into the doorway, peek through the window. He is here! A more lowly place of birth could not exist. Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty.
moment, a
It all happened in a most remarkable moment.
Excerpt from: It Began in a Manger • Published by Word Publishing • ©1995 • Max Lucado
.
in the
{ kitchen }
main
{ dishes}
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken Recipe from The Southern Lady Cooks
This is an easy recipe. Just throw all the ingredients in the crockpot and in a few hours you have a great way to serve chicken! 2 or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (could use legs or thighs or a whole chicken) 1 regular sized can whole cranberry sauce 1 envelope dry onion soup mix 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca (Optional) 2 tablespoons brown sugar Combine all the ingredients, mix well, pour over chicken, cook for 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low. Spoon sauce over chicken before serving.
Ham with Pineapple-Orange Dijon Glaze 1 bone-on ham (precooked) 1 ¼ cups brown sugar 1/3 cup pineapple juice 1/3 cup orange juice 1/3 cup honey 2 tablespoons orange zest 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Directions: Place ham in a roasting pan, bake at 325°F for two hours Meanwhile, stir remaining ingredients together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. When ham has baked for two hours, brush the ham with the glaze; continue to do so every 10 minutes while baking for another 30 minutes. Read more at http://www.food.com/recipe/ham-with-pineapple-orange-dijon-glaze-148628?oc=linkback
side
Hasselback Potatoes
{ dishes}
4-6 medium potatoes 4-6 teaspoons butter or margarine, melted
Spice Topping 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt 1 pinch cayenne pepper Directions: The oven temperature will depend on what else you are cooking at the time (e.g., a roast). Any temperature between moderate and high heat will be fine for these potatoes. Grease a baking tin or tray. Wash potatoes well but do not peel. Cut a thin slice from the base of each potato to they will sit flat on a cutting board. Place a potato on the cutting board and lay a wooden spoon along the length of it. This will stop you from cutting right through to the bottom of the potato. Now, using a sharp knife, held at right angles to the wooden spoon, thinly slice the potato, but DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM. Place potatoes in the baking tin. Now using a pastry brush, brush butter over the top of each potato and use the brush to carefully push of it between the slices. Reserve some butter to baste during cooking. Bake around 45 minutes at 425°F before adding spice mixture. While the potatoes are cooking, combine the ingredients for the spice topping in a small bowl and mix well. After 45 minutes, brush the reserved butter over the potatoes then sprinkle the potatoes with the spice mixture. Return potatoes to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes or until brown and crispy. (If the potatoes are not browning nicely after the first 45 minutes, simply increase the heat for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. If you are cooking a roast, you can time it so that you remove the meat to rest for 15-20 minutes before the potatoes are done.
Chicken Fried Mac N Cheese • • •
FOR THE MACARONI AND CHEESE 1 pound elbow macaroni 1 cup heavy cream or milk 12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar (about 3 cups)
• • • • • • • •
FOR THE DREDGING 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons salt fresh cracked black pepper to taste 1 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons Tabasco 1 large egg vegetable oil for frying FOR THE MACARONI AND CHEESE: Cook macaroni to al dente. Drain and set aside. Spray a 9" x 13" cake pan with Pam and set aside. In the same pasta pot, heat cream/milk and cheese over medium-low heat, stirring until creamy and smooth. Remove from heat. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Mix very well. Spread macaroni and cheese into the greased pan, smoothing with a spatula. Freeze until firm for about a half an hour, or refrigerate overnight. Cut macaroni in the pan into about 20 squares. A bench scraper works well. Just eyeball your lines and press directly downwards with the bench scraper. FOR THE DREDGING AND FRYING: Heat 1/2" vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk, Tabasco and egg. Using a skinny/bendy metal spatula, remove a few squares at a time. Keep unused squares chilled. Dredge each square of macaroni in flour, then egg, then flour, shaking off the excess. Fry macaroni squares until golden, then flip and fry other side until golden. Drain on paper towel-lined cooling rack set over a sheet pan. Sprinkle with some flaky sea salt if you’ve got it, or kosher salt is just fine, too. Serve hot with a spicy marinara or gravy, or just plain ol' ketchup. (Recipe from Food52.com)
breakfast
{ dishes }
Ham, Cheese & Tomato Quiche Recipe from The Southern Lady Cooks This quiche is good for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The spices and fresh tomato really give it a great flavor. It could also be made with sausage. This easy recipe will become a favorite. 1 (9 inch) pie crust, uncooked (This is a Pillsbury frozen pie crust) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup Carnation evaporated milk 3 eggs 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 fresh medium sized tomato, chopped 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1 cup ham, cooked and chopped 1/8 teaspoon thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg Pierce unbaked pie shell several times with a fork. Add ham, tomato, cheese, and onion to pie shell. Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, salt, pepper and spices until smooth as you can get it. Pour over ingredients in pie shell. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 50 to 55 minutes. Makes about six to eight servings. Enjoy!
Bacon Egg n Cheese Sandwiches Recipe from Pillsbury Ingredients 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls 8 slices of bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled 4 eggs scrambled ½ cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten (optional) 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper (optional)
Heat oven to 350F. Unroll dough on work surface; separate into triangles. Top each triangle with bacon, scrambled egg and cheese. Roll up loosely as directed on can. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet; curve into crescent shape. Brush with beaten egg; sprinkle with pepper. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
decadent
{ desserts }
Ho Ho Snowballs Makes about 60 2 6-ounce packages white chocolate chips 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons bourbon or heavy cream 6-ounce package slivered almonds, very finely ground 1-1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut Place chocolate chips and cream in a medium bowl set over a pan of hot (not boiling) water; stir until melted and smooth. Stir in bourbon or cream and almonds. Spread in a lightly greased 8"x8" baking pan. Chill for about one hour, until firm. Cut into one-inch squares; roll each square into a ball, then roll in coconut. Keep chilled. Makes about 5 dozen. Recipe from Coming Home with Gooseberry Patch.
Fantasy Fudge You’ll need: 3 cups sugar 3/4 cup margarine 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 12-oz. (340 g) package semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 7-oz. (198 g) jar Kraft Marshmallow creme 1 cup chopped nuts 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Traditional method: Combine sugar, margarine and milk in heavy 2-1/2 quart saucepan; bring to full rolling bail, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate till melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts & vanilla; beat until blended. Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares. Microwave directions also available. Click link. http://www.christmas-cookies.com/recipes/recipe191.fantasy-fudge.html
Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe from The Southern Lady Cooks Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup pure cocoa 1 1/4 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup butter or margarine or 8 tablespoons, melted 1 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa and sugar. Mix well with whisk. Add eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract and cherry pie filling mixing well each time with a spoon. (I don’t use the mixer on the cake and mix just until all ingredients are wet). Pour into a well sprayed bundt pan or 9 x 13 cake pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 55 to 60 minutes until center is cooked. Let cake cool for 20 minutes before removing from bundt pan. (If using a 9 x 13 inch pan, it may not take that long to cook. Just make sure center is done when tested). Frosting 3/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup evaporated milk 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Combine sugar, milk and butter in pan on top of stove. Bring to boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add vanilla and chocolate chips. Stir with spoon or whisk until chips are melted. (I put this in a small pitcher pour and drizzle over cake if using bundt pan. You can spread on cake if using 9 x 13 cake pan. If frosting becomes too thick add a little milk and heat about 15 seconds in microwave. (Note: If you make this cake in a 9 x 13 pan, I would double the frosting recipe). Â
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe from The Southern Lady Cooks 4 bananas, peeled and sliced Vanilla wafers, (I use about 50 wafers to make this pudding) 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup regular or 2% milk 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk 4 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring In a medium bowl, slice bananas and sprinkle with lemon juice to keep them from turning black. In a 2 quart casserole dish layer the vanilla wafers and bananas. (I use 10 of the wafers to go around the side of the bowl just because I think it is pretty this way). In a saucepan on top of the stove with a whisk mix together the sugar, salt, flour, egg yokes, and milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously with whisk, about 7 or 8 minutes until thickens. (It will burn very easily so be sure to stir) Remove from stove and stir in vanilla flavoring. Pour over wafers and bananas. Meringue for Pudding 4 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring Beat egg whites on high until stiff and peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla and beat into egg whites. Spread over pudding and bake in 350 degree oven until browned. (I have just put it under the broiler until it browns that way, too). Â
Cookie Time!!! One of the many joys of Christmas is baking cookies! Swap recipes, have an all girls baking day or just spend time baking and decorating cookies with your kids. Cookie time is the most perfect time of the holidays to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
M & M Dream Bars
{
2 cups oatmeal 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup coconut 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup melted butter 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk) 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup M&M' 1 cup chocolate chips Directions: Combine oatmeal, brown sugar, flour, coconut, baking soda, and salt; add melted butter and stir until moist (the mixture will be crumbly). Reserve 1 1/2 cups and press remaining crumbs into a greased 13X9-inch baking pan (I line the pan with non-stick foil.). Bake 12 minutes at 375°F. Combine milk and peanut butter; carefully spread over baked crust. Sprinkle on M&M's and chocolate chips. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over chocolate pieces and lightly press crumbs down. Bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting. Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/m-m-dream-bars-137253?oc=linkback
2 ½ cups flour 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened ¾ cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 cup chopped pecan pieces 2 cups M&M’s® Mint Chocolate Candies for the Holidays 2 cookie sheets Parchment paper
}
Minty Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, set aside. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. With the mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until blended. Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Fold the pecans and 1 cup of the M&Ms® Make the cookies with a heaping teaspoon of dough on the cookie sheet. Add extra reserved M&Ms® before baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
{ gifts} for all
{
whisper what you’ll bring to me
}
tell me if you can
{ gift } ideas Everyone loves presents!!! Take time to buy gifts that the recipient will really enjoy and love. Be thoughtful in this process, don’t just buy any ole’ thing just because you’re in a hurry. On these next few pages you’ll find gift ideas for everyone. You may even spot THE PERFECT GIFT for someone on your list.
Laptop Bag from Quality Covers via Etsy
“Our Story”
Floral Utensils
Chevron handbag from Nancy via Etsy
Owl Bowl Set
BBQ Sauce of the Month Club. Many other food clubs to choose from on this site!
Personalized grilling apron
Personalized golf club markers
1001 Things to Eat Before You Die book Hotwicks grass candle
TOMS sunglasses
Personalized BBQ set via personaliztionmall.com
Towel Warmer from Brookstone
via CafĂŠ Press
Turn a mason jar into a travel mug with lids from www.cuppow.com Â
iPhone desktop handset
iPhone printer
handmade
Handmade ornaments
{ Â gifts } Â
Personalized glass coasters
Personalized Sports Caricatures
Irish Lane via Etsy
Love of Family & Home via Etsy
Special from Rachel
gifts for the
kiddos Mustache Pacifier
Elefun Busy Ball Popper Fisher-Price Disney’s Minnie’s Fashion on the Go
Furby Brawlin’ Buddies
Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll
Justin Bieber Concert Stage & Bus
Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen
Dreamlights Magical Flickering Lights Jar
Willa Fijit Friend Motorized Web Shooting Spiderman
LeapFrog LeapPad2
gifts for the
Tweens &
Teens
Zombie Book via Perpetualkid.com One Direction Collector Dolls M&M’s dispenser with choice of M&M colors
Faux Tail via Perpetualkid.com Pop Art Panels
Hunger Games Mockingjay Pin & Necklace Twilight Saga Bella’s Engagement & Wedding Ring Set
iTutor Piano
Furlicious Bean Bag
Via Amazon.com Flavored Lip Balm
{ stocking
stuffers}
One of my children’s favorite things about Christmas is their stockings full of surprises. They even save them to open last after all of the gifts have been opened. Even adults love a stocking full of little goodies! Here are lots of ideas to fill the best stocking ever!
for the guys
Mini colognes a special cigar keychain or key covers car freshener his fave candy/beef jerky Chapstick gloves money clip wallet earbuds shot glass mini bottles of booze tie Specialty men’s soap/shampoo/body wash pocket knife $5 gift cards (fast food/coffee) coffee samples Mini specialty food items: mustard, hot sauce, sausages pocket comb favorite band cd toothbrush Lotto scratch offs mini bright LED flashlight eye/sun glasses wipes or cleaner golf balls/tees fishing lures massage gift certificate his fave magazine guitar strings/picks gum/mints mini lint roller crossword/Sudoku booklet Unique kitchen gadgets and cooking spices hand lotion
for the belles
Stationery Pencils or color pens Nail Polish/Manicure Set Lip gloss, chapstick, lip stick Earrings, charm bracelet, jewelry Beanies/knit hats Ear warmers Headbands, hair accessories Perfume/body spray Computer decals Candy/chocolate Body lotion/moisturizer Shampoo, body wash, bubble bath Small picture frames $5 gift cards Ornaments Mini snow globe Gloves or mittens Scarf Fun magnets Book/magazine Massage oils Essential oils Pretty post-it-notes Candles Key Chain/caps Wallet/coin purse Coffee samplers Mini bottles of wine Ear buds Mints/gum Colorful kitchen accessories Wine stoppers/charms Brooch Pocket mirror Pocket Calendar Sunglasses
a very merry
{ busy}
Christmas
perfect
{ budget} decorating
The Christmas. What does that mean really? Most retail stores, published articles, television specials and endless photos of cute craft ideas and perfectly decorated homes and cookies end up making us feel like we fail at providing the perfect holiday. In reality, everyone is busy. Most of us don't have time to bake and decorate five different types of cookies, have a decorated home that looks like a designer was hired, wrap gifts in creative ways or cook a feast fit for a king. Yet we see all of those images that tell us that's the way it should be. STOP! Just don't look at those images. Christmas is a time for family, fun and making memories. 6 When your children are 30 years old, will they really remember how the tree was decorated or what delightful cookie recipe you used? Take whatever time that suits your schedule and do the best you can. Simple decorations, just one or two baked items and a simple menu for Christmas dinner will be enough. Really it will. We have several ideas and suggestions for you to help scale back your holiday Photo courtesy of Between Naps on the Porch
2
3
5
4
7
bewhyyou.blogspot.com aestheticnest.com
1
Ways to Save 1. Use tablecloths and tableware you already own, especially if it's red or green! 2. Super easy but very pretty centerpiece- mason jar with a floating candle and cranberries
Budget Style
3. Anything you already have in your home can be turned into Christmas decorations- just add twinkle lights! 4. Turn simple, inexpensive tea light candles into a pretty decoration by gluing on bright ribbons. 5. The absolute prettiest and least expensive way to decorate for the holidays is to use greenery from your yard or nearby woods. Add ribbons, candles or ornaments to make it even more festive. 6. Even your table looks best dressed with simple greens and candles
Google.com
7. Give the kids a fun craft. Make paper snowflakes to use as ornaments or to decorate other parts of the house.
When you're decorating and gift shopping on a budget, the last thing you want to worry about is setting the table with beautiful china or wrapping gifts extravagantly and guess what? You don't have to! If you still want the festive look for your table, pick up Christmas themed paper products at your local dollar store and they also have really cute gift bags for wrapping up those gifts
inexpensively.
{ Â budget} Â
cooking & baking
Sometimes it's not all about the budget. Sometimes it's more about the rushed feeling and the stress you feel for trying to decorate just perfectly, buy the perfect gift, cook the perfect meal and bake the perfect desserts. But it's OK to actually take short cuts to help you actually ENJOY your holiday instead of just trying to please everyone else. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen cooking a large meal, buy buckets of fried chicken from a grocery store or fast food restaurant that's already been cooked for you. Also, have all of the visiting family members bring a favorite dish so you end up with a family buffet full of lots of yumminess!
And who says it's a requirement for the best Christmas ever to fight the crowds on
Black Friday just to get the best deals? Do all of your shopping from your couch! Even Santa does a little online shopping!
Fancy cookies? Who has time??? The point is to just have lots of yummy goodies and treats during the holidays for everyone to indulge. Your family will not be the cookie police and judge you if you don't have gorgeous, homemade cookies. So, buy the refrigerated, precut cookies to bake or bake cookies from a quick mix, have a few simple toppings and let the kids decorate them while you tend to other preparations.
Do you feel like you simply MUST have cute cookies? Then try these quick ideas to make easy cookies look like you spent hours in the kitchen baking! 1) Remember those refrigerated, precut cookies? After you have baked them and let them cook, take them in pairs, add a layer of icing in the middle and roll edge thru sprinkles! 2) For a homemade cookie look: use refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough or precut cookie packages, press Pillsbury.com several M&M's into each cookie and bake as directed on the package. 3) Going for fancy? Add a popsicle stick (find them in craft stores) to each cookie before you bake them. When cool, add frosting, sprinkles and tie on a ribbon!
Cornerbackery.com All images via Google.com
decorating with
{ limbs }
There’s something quite pretty and fun about decorating bare limbs from a tree to use indoors. So many ideas and such an easy and inexpensive way to add a large display to your home’s decorations- for any season!
Keeping Branches Sturdy Use any of these in the container - Sand - Crumbled newspaper - Fabric - Beans - Rice - Rocks
Google.com
Decorating the Branches Ideas of things to use - Keep the branch natural - Spray paint it any color you’d like - You could sprinkle glitter on the branches while the paint is still wet - Wrap each section in fabric - Wrap with white or colored lights - Wrap with ribbon Google.com
FUN TIP
“
When cutting things out of paper such as hearts, stars or snowflakes, use some sort of paper that will be more interesting than plain white paper. Ideas such as sheet music, pages from old books, wrapping paper, old Christmas cards, scrapbook paper, construction paper, etc.
”
Decoration ideas to hang from the Limbs  (Note: this same list can be applied to your Christmas tree) - Christmas ornaments - Family photos - Birds (bought or handmade from felt) - Mittens - Mini Christmas stockings - Pinecones tied on with pretty colored ribbon - Bird nests (would be beautiful if you could find some abandoned real nests) - Bells - Old Keys -Words/Pictures cut from magazines It’s Great to be Home via Flickr - Feathers -Ribbons / bows - Hearts - Bead, paper or popcorn garlands/boas - Christmas cards - Snowflakes (hand cut paper or plastic ones) - Stars - Tinsel - Cookies / gingerbread men -Starfish/shells
Coastal Living
Google.com
ringing in the
{ Â new
year} Â
{ new
years} party ideas
Another year is over and a new one is about to begin. Time to PAR-TAY!!! Enjoy this special night with friends and loved ones. Celebrate the past year and share excitement over the coming year. The countdown is on!
Tips and Ideas for Your New Year’s Eve Party 1. Dim your lights and put out lots of candles! Candles create the most romantic and festive atmosphere for your guests. 2. Silly as it may be, people still love the traditional New Year’s Eve party items such as hats, noisemakers, boas, horns and confetti. Have them in serving bowls and on platters for a fun favor buffet for guests to grab as they wish! 3. For a unique and thoughtful gift for guests to take home, create custom bkshero CD’s with the music you’ll be playing at the party. Have guests tell you a few of their favorite songs when they RSVP for the party and use those as your party’s music of the night. 4. Invite guest to bring their own beverage of choice but as the host, be sure to have on hand some standbys such as soda, water, lemons & limes and perhaps a specialty drink you create. Also Chow.com
be sure to have the champagne ready for midnight. 5. For the food, light snacks should suffice unless you are hosting a dinner party. Place various snacks around the house such as veggie/fruit trays, chips & dip, pretzels, mini pizzas, cookies & cupcakes and maybe even some hot wings! 6. For a nice surprise, around 11 p.m. put out a simple breakfast buffet. Include items such as a breakfast casserole, bacon & sausages, muffins, biscuits with an assortment of jellies, mini pancakes
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drizzled with syrup, donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, mimosas and other juices. 7. Of course at midnight there will be lots of kissing going on, so leave small trays of mints around the house! 8. Have your party confetti also in bowls around the room for easy access to throw at midnight. Stlmag.com 9. Decorate
using silver & gold. Maybe a silver tablecloth with silver or gold stars sprinkled around. Also have silver/gold balloons, either filled with helium or just floating around the floor to be played with. 10. Have some fun activities planned such as a poker game, charades or karaoke so guests don’t get bored waiting for the ball to drop.
Most Importantly- Just have fun!! ~ Happy New Year!
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years} food
Forget the resolutions and just have a relaxing day. Be sure to eat some good fortune foods! Happy New Year Y’all!
Hoppin John for New Year’s Day Southern tradition says that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will bring a year filled with good luck. Hoppin’ John is one of the south’s favorite dishes to ring in the new year. Made of black-eyed peas and rice, seasoned with ham hocks, onions, green peppers, and spices, the origin of the name is unknown, but it’s thought to be a slave dish from the colonial era. Hoppin’ John is usually served with greens and cornbread, greens representing money and the cornbread the color of gold, to also bring prosperity for the year. Hoppin’ John
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INGREDIENTS: 1 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon bacon drippings 2 cans (about 16 ounces each) black-eyed peas, slightly drained, or about 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas 1 cup chopped cooked ham ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 3 cups hot cooked rice salt to taste sliced sweet onion, optional PREPARATION: In a large saucepan sauté chopped onion in bacon drippings until tender. Stir in black-eyed peas, ham, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes; stir in hot cooked rice and salt. Serve Hoppin' John hot with sliced onion and cornbread. Serves 4 to 6 www.discoversouthcarolina.com
decoration
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Well, it’s the dreaded “take down the decorations” time. You just want to snatch it all down in a hurry and be done with it right? But you know you’ll regret having rushed it when you open up your storage boxes next year and find broken ornaments and tangled lights. So, grit your teeth and take a few extra minutes to plan and
store your decorations in an organized fashion.
All images via Google.com
Naughty or
Nice?
Thank You Thank you for taking time to browse through the
Southernbelle Magazine 2012 Holiday Issue. From our home and humble hearts to you and your family….. we wish y’all a very
Merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year.