{TuTu Tuesday} Good Things in Small Packages

I know it's cheesy and cliche, but oh so true: the best gifts are those you can feel. Today's feature is one of my most cherished little gifts ever! I had to have this shirt I saw at babyGAP and, of course, had to pair it up with a classic tutu in red and white candy cane stripes.

I may not have been able to design a new collection this Christmas (big bummer!), but I got to spend a little extra time enjoying my little guy and girl. The things they say and do keep me laughing all day long. We've made memories we'll cherish for a long time.

So here's to good gifts in small packages, and to even more packages in 2012...Cheers!

Thanks for reading!

Merry Christmas!

Debra

{Press} Pocketbook Magazine

A few months back, I was delightfully surprised to find an email from the editor of a new local magazine geared toward professional women. I'd received the first copy earlier that month and had enjoyed the quality of the content. She was writing to let me know they wanted to feature my story in their next issue!

It was a true a pleasure to work with the staff at Pocketbook Magazine. They did a beautiful job telling my story and laying out photos from my site.

I have to admit I get giddy every time someone tells me they read the story because my main purpose, I believe, beyond making pretty things is to inspire others. So, thank you Pocketbook Magazine for giving me a platform to share my story and reach others.

To all Pocketbook readers: Welcome! Thank you for choosing to support me by joining me on this journey.

Thanks for reading!

xo,

Debra

{Teacher Moment} Advent Picture-Calendar

It's no secret that I love to celebrate, well, EVERYTHING! I'm so grateful for the gift of life, that I find myself constantly looking for an excuse to get together and celebrate.

On Sunday, my Pastor spoke about being thankful and celebrating life (click here to watch). This morning, the title of my son's daily devotional was "It's a Great Day to Celebrate Life!" I've been so pumped about this season, and I hope you are too. Even if your life's circumstances aren't ideal at the moment, choose to concentrate on something positive, your joy won't be far behind.

Today, I want to share my family's version of the Advent Calendar. Near the end of last year's Christmas season, I stumbled upon the idea of writing activities in the calendar rather than just filling it up with candy. Duh! Genius!

So, this year, when it came time to prepare my calendar, I knew what I wanted to do. First, I downloaded my free printable number cards from Lauren McKinsey. Then, I went on www.fun4gatorkids.com, a local website which lists activities and events in my city. Later, I browsed my beloved Pinterest for more ideas.

(Between me and you...I still plan on making the pins cute with some scrapbooking paper and gluing the numbers to the envelopes. It's next on the list, promise!)

Finally, I created a schedule for our family which included a little bit of everything. It is very important to my husband and I to give our children ample exposure to a wide range of activities - AND to not break the bank.

So here's what our weeks look like until Christmas:

Sunday - Go look at Christmas lights

Monday - Snuggle on the couch as a family for Christmas movie night

Tuesday - Find a candy treat and read a Christmas book together

Wednesday - Prepare an edible craft as a family

Thursday - Prepare a non-edible craft as a family

Friday - Attend a Christmas Concert (local middle schools have free ones!)

Saturday - Some type of outing

Since my children are too small to read, I opted for printing out photos of these activities and sticking them inside 4x6 white envelopes with Lauren McKinsey's label on top. Each day, when Daddy gets home from work (the suspense throughout the day is a killer!), we open an envelope and find out what our activity is for that evening.

So far, it's been a hit! So, we're almost half way there, but you know what, if you have toddlers and start today - THEY WON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!! Creating memories for 16 days is still awesome! Who cares if you didn't start December 1st?

If you're feeling motivated, check out my Pinterest board titled Family Holidays for some of the photos I used. Just print, cut and you're set to go!

Now go and make some memories!!

Thanks for reading,

Debra