Our Home: Christmas 2017


Welcome to the second day of our '12 Days of Christmas - Kiwi Mummy Blogger Blog Collaboration'. (More details are at the bottom of this post).

Yesterday, my blogging gal-pal Claire from My Other Name is Mum, shared how she made her hubby a DIY Beer Advent Calendar. Now that is one Advent Calendar that my partner would be more than happy to partake in. If you haven't seen Claire's post, be sure to pop over, have a read and share the blog love. Tomorrow Caitlyn from Life With Lochlan is chatting to us about co-parenting during the holiday period. Be sure to pop over after midday and have a read.

Today I am excited about sharing 'Our Home - Christmas 2017' and as a bonus, I'm also sharing a few tips of how I keep organised during the festive season. So grab a cup of hot chocolate (or tea/coffee) and I'm going to get let the photos do (most of) the talking. Enjoy!

It's starting to look and feel a lot like Christmas!




OUR CHRISTMAS THEME

One of my favourite family traditions when it comes to Christmas is decorating our Christmas tree and home on the 1st of December. For many years, we had a Silver & Purple theme, then when we moved into our new home, when we chose MERRY & BRIGHT. This year I felt I wanted a more simplified look (especially after completing the KonMari method, and when I saw the 'Icy Blue/Mint' range at KMart, I was sold. That being said, it wasn't until the afternoon, that we actually made the final decision about what colours we were going to use - I was torn, but now I am really glad I chose the Mint, Silver and White combination (with a splash of traditional red). I love it because it matches our home decor, so there were some items that I could still have on display because it matches our Christmas theme perfectly. 

I set up the tree for the kids and then let them 'go for it'. The kids love the freedom of decorating the tree, thankfully there was a bit of guidance from my 12 year old daughter, otherwise we would have had a bottom-heavy tree. While they decorated the tree, I decorated our home, adding little bits of Christmas, mainly in our living area. The last thing that is put on the tree is our star. My kids were very proud of their achievements and I think our tree looks great. Would you agree? 




OUR CHRISTMAS WREATH

We recently moved our tv to the centre of our mantle, this meant that our big family photo frame looked out of place, so I took it down, which left a blank space on our wall.  I changed all of the baubles on our wreath to match our new theme and hung it on the wall. I really like it there, however I still want a wreath on our front door (hmm).





OUR DINING AREA



FAMILY TRADITION: OUR BOOK ADVENT CALENDAR

 I wrap 12 Christmas themed books for the kids to open every day leading up to Christmas Day - on Christmas Eve the kids get a new book.


Have you decorated your Christmas tree? 
What colour theme do you have in your home this year? 

TIPS FOR GETTING ORGANISED THIS CHRISTMAS

1. Print your Advent Calendar Bundle {Free Printable}. Includes: Calendar, 40 Activity Cards (plus 10 blank cards) & Numbers. Two colour options available (Brights & Traditional).
Grab yours today! (it's not too late)






 2. Create and organise a Gift Wrapping Station using an under-the-bed storage container. This year I have chosen to stick with the theme - Mint, Silver and White.
(Guest Post on The Organised Housewife)







3. Create a Christmas Craft Box for your kids - all your craft supplies in one place.




What do you do to keep organised this Christmas? 


From my family to yours, Merry Christmas
& thanks for stopping by, 
Charlene


********

12 Days of Christmas Blog Collaboration 


I am delighted to be joining 11 amazing Kiwi Mummy Bloggers, in the "12 Days of Christmas - A Blog Collaboration". I must say, you are in for a real treat because these ladies (and their blogs) are fantastic. Each day for the next twelve days, each blogger will be sharing a Christmas themed post e.g. Craft, DIY, Inspiration, Recipe or Family tradition, at 12PM (New Zealand Daylight Time). I have included a full list of all the bloggers taking part in the blog collaboration below, so you can see who is blogging on what day. Seriously, you don't want to miss a post! I am really excited about seeing what each blogger is going to share. 

Finally, if you are looking for more Christmas inspiration, don't forget to hop around and visit each of the bloggers in this list (list will be updated daily)  or find us on Facebook and Instagram - simply search #KMB12DaysofChristmas.

Tomorrow we are visiting Caitlyn from Life With Lochlan who is going to be chatting to us about co-parenting during the holiday period. Be sure to pop over after midday and have a read.



Day 1 (1st December) 
 My Other Name is Mum - Beer Advent Calendar
<---- YOU ARE HERE ----> 
Day 2 (2nd December) 
Teacher by trade, Mother by nature  - Our Home: Christmas 2017
Day 3 (3rd December) 
Life With Lochlan 
Day 4 (4th December) 
Misses Mac
Day 5 (5th December)
Eva - The Living One / Eva - The Living One (FB)
Day 6 (6th December) 
Caroline Larnach
Day 7 (7th December) 
Day 8 (8th December) 
Day 9 (9th December) 
Day 10 (10th December) Hey Little Sweet Thing
Day 11 (11th December)
Day 12 (12th December) 



SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

* INDICATES REQUIRED


Select Your Email Option Below
2

12 Days of Christmas - 2016 Blog Collaboration Round Up


Are you looking for some Christmas inspiration? Well, you are in for a real treat! Today I am sharing a round up of this years '12 Days of Christmas - 2016 Blog Collaboration' by Kiwi Mummy Bloggers. 

In this collaboration, you will find a great range of ideas to inspire you and prepare you for Christmas. From Mulled Wine, creating a wreath and Christmas in a Jar gifts to taking Christmas on the Road and sharing family traditions, plus everything in between - we have got you covered. 

So, grab a cuppa, get comfortable and let US inspire YOU this Christmas. Enjoy!

Simply click on the images or links below to be directed to the original post.

12 Days of Christmas 2016 - A Blog Collaboration

4

12 Days of Christmas - A Blog Collaboration by Kiwi Mummy Bloggers

Are you looking for some Christmas inspiration? Well my friend, you have come to the right place. I have recently joined 11 amazing Kiwi Mummy Bloggers to bring you '12 Days of Christmas - A Blog Collaboration'. 

In this collaboration, you will find a great range of ideas to inspire you and get you ready for Christmas. From decorating your home, getting creative in the kitchen to gift wrapping ideas and sharing family traditions, plus everything in between - we have got you covered. 

So, grab a cuppa, get comfortable and let US inspire YOU this Christmas. Simply click on the images or links below to be directed to the original post. 

Enjoy!
Charlene

Day 1: Our Merry & Bright Christmas - Teacher by trade, Mother by nature
Sharing 'Our Merry & Bright Christmas' - A Home Tour + a few tips for getting organised this Christmas.

Day 2: Four Popsicle Stick Christmas Decorations - Mummy Do It
I am totally adding popsicle sticks to our Christmas Craft Box. The kids are going to have a lot of fun making these awesome creations! How cute is that Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer?

Day 3: Kiwi Tiramisu Log - Sweet Mama M
If you love coffee & cake - then you will love this...Natasha is sharing her favourite treat, and it looks so good!

Day 4: So, about Christmas - Lisasaurus
Lisa is sharing some of her 'most loved traditions' she does with her own family. We have a few family traditions, like decorating the Christmas tree on the 1st December & opening one present on Christmas Eve. What about you? Do you have any family traditions? 

Day 5: Christmas Eve Kids Goodies Box - Girl on a Missi0n
I love the idea of creating a box of goodies for your child to open on Christmas Eve - to prepare them for Christmas Day. Claire is sharing what she has put in her son's first 'Christmas Eve Kids Goodie Box' over on her blog. Have you made these boxes before? What do you put in your 'Christmas Eve Box'?

Day 6: Elf on the Shelf - Misses Mac
Have you heard about the 'Elf on the Shelf'? He's a cheeky character who loves to spread the joy of Christmas, and gets up to all sorts of fun...Jodine tells us more about this lil guy...See more >>>

Day 7: Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies - Always Made With Love
How cute are these? Lydia is sharing a super easy gingerbread cookie recipe over on her blog.
A perfect Christmassy treat for your kids.

Day 8: Gift Wrapping - Dorothy Nada
I am loving this collection of brown kraft paper gift wrapping ideas that Leigh-Ann has put together. I have wrapped a couple of gifts using brown paper & ribbons, and it's becoming a favourite. What about you? What style of wrapping are you going with this year?


Day 9: Christmas Tree Rocky Road - Mrs Cake
Oh me, oh my!! These Rocky Road Christmas trees by Rosa look absolutely divine!! A great gift idea - a 'Christmas treat' for your family & friends
smile emoticon

Day 10: Christmas Book Advent Calendar - Nesting in the Country
If you are looking for an Advent Calendar that doesn't involve sweets or chocolate...check out Simone's amazing collection of Christmas Books, she has selected for their family tradition. This is a family tradition of ours too...wrapping 12 books and putting them under the Christmas tree - opening one book each night and reading it together as a family. It is such a great idea! START TODAY!

Day 11: Great Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Children Outdoorsy NZ
Do you have an adventurous/outdoorsy child in your family? Michelle is sharing some great gift ideas over on her blog. Check them out today!

Day 12: Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream - A Kiwi Mumma
What a gorgeous way to finish our collaboration, with these scrummy gingerbread cupcakes, with cinnamon buttercream (drool) - a nice alternative to gingerbread men! Check out the recipe >>>

*****
Thank you for visiting the '12 Days of Christmas - A Blog Collaboration', I do hope you enjoyed yourself, and found some inspiration along the way. Be sure to PIN and SHARE our posts with your friends and family, who might need a bit of Christmas inspiration, too. Remember to click the links or images above to be directed to the blogger's original post.

And lastly, a massive thank you to all the amazing Kiwi Mummy Bloggers involved in this collaboration. You are fantastic and it has been great working with you all.Grab button for 12-Days-of-Christmas

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

* INDICATES REQUIRED

First Name
*
Email Address
*
Select Your Email Option Below


0

Santa Handprints

We got our 'craft on' today at PlayCentre. Getting into the Christmas spirit, we made stars, baubles and my favourite - Santa Handprints with our babies & toddlers. These are super easy to do and look so cute! A great keepsake of your little one's handprint at such a special time of the year. 

You will need:
Red paint
Skin tone paint
White paint
Brushes
Paper/Card
Pom poms
Googly eyes
Sharpie (optional to draw nose & mouth)

Here's what you do...
1. Paint the top half of your toddler's palm - RED
2. Paint the bottom half of your toddler's palm - SKIN TONE
(note: you can add a strip of white paint between the red and skin tone, to represent the rim of the Santa hat)
3. Paint your toddler's fingers - WHITE
4. Press your toddler's hand on to paper or card, hold for 5-10 seconds, making sure your toddler's hand is flat. We found this awesome Christmas themed paper in our Resource cupboard. It made a great frame for our Santas' 
5. Lift your toddler's hand carefully and get ready to decorate.
6. Decorate 'Santa'
Use pom poms for the hat, & googly eyes
Once the paint is dry, draw a nose & mouth (we still need to do this)
TIP: to make the pom pom stick to the paper better- cut a bit off the bottom (giving it a flat surface) then glue it down.
Here's a few more of our PlayCentre Santa Handprints - oh-so cute! 
Have you made 'Santa Handprints' with your toddler?
Charlene

Linking up with
Also sharing with the Toddler Christmas Activity blog hop

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

* INDICATES REQUIRED



First Name
*

Email Address
*
Select Your Email Option Below

0
Back to Top