September Acres

Well, hello there!  I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year.  It's hard to believe it is 2016, right?  Even weighing heavier on my mind is the fact that my daughter will be 14 next week. 14.  High school in 8 months. How did this happen?  Moms of younger kids: believe it when people tell you it goes fast.  So fast. Faster than you can imagine.  That, my friends, is an entire blog post. Today though,  let's talk about decorating for winter.  I finally got my Christmas decorations down. Oh, how I love that red and green and those sparkly lights.  Yes, I love it.  But after putting everything away I realized that I also  like that bare, sparse feeling and really considered not adding anything back.  I'm still thinking about it but who am I kidding? I've been perusing the web looking for inspiration for winter decorating.  You know, not quite Valentine's Day but no longer Christmas.  I love using...

It's not quite last minute but when I was shopping this weekend I noticed things are really picked over (I'm talking to you Christmas sweaters at Target.)  And if you are truly a last minute shopper, many of the toys, electronics and clothing that are the HOT gifts this year will have been snapped up by the early birds.  But that doesn't mean that it's gift cards for everyone on your list.  In fact, this is about some fun, thoughtful and quick gift ideas to help you avoid the gift card abyss. Photo Gifts and Books - There's still time to download your photos and make cute gifts for everyone on your list.  Walmart.com offers a few  same day gifts:  prints on canvas, calendars and photo books to name a few.  Download your photos online and pick up your personalized gifts today.   Snapfish  also offers store pick up on some gifts at Walgreens.  Photo gifts look like you put much thought into what the recipient likes yet most sites are v...

December 1st can sneak up on us, can't it?  A late Thanksgiving can really throw me for a loop.  As in, December 1st is on Tuesday.  The Tuesday that is the day after tomorrow.  We have always had an advent calendar around here (or maybe even two) and most years I'm on top of things but this year, not so much.  So not on top of things that I bought our advent calendar last night. First time I've bought one. Ever.  With a 13, almost 14 year old I didn't feel so bad since she actually asked for this one and was thrilled I said yes. So, I've already put the guilt behind me.  But in the good old days gone by I would never have purchased an advent calendar.  I'm imagining it's November 30th and I don't have my calendar yet.  I've got the Elf on its Shelf but no Advent to be found.  What's a girl to do? Christmas Book Countdown I'll assume that you have all of your Christmas books handy.  I loved this countdown when LM was younge...

I have opened a shop at Society 6 .  I am super excited to share some of these fun holiday items with you!  There are pillows and prints and canvas and travel mugs.  Even clocks!  Head over and take a look.  I'd love to hear your feedback too. I'm also open to your ideas - I have a bunch swirling around in my head but I love to hear what other people think and would like to see. I can do custom items too.  Or just switch out colors to match your decor. These items make really fun and unique gifts.  And did I mention the free shipping? I've ordered a few things from Society 6 in the past and have been happy with the quality and I'm sure you will be too. I hope you'll head on over to the shop and take a look.  Thanks!

Seems I'm not the only one decorating early this year.  I have never decorated this early.  I mean. we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet!  But as I was going over my planner I realized that I needed to get started lickety split or I would be spending Christmas in an insane asylum. Take a look at some other bloggers who have started their decorating early this year: My Sweet Savannah Tatertots and Jello When do you usually decorate for the holidays?

LM and I planned to drive back to Utah with my sister after Christmas so she wouldn't have to drive alone.  A few hours into the trip and along the only 15 mile stretch without cell service, we had a tire problem.  We were lucky that a nice lady and her daughter stopped while my sister was walking to get cell service and was able to call her husband (after 10 minutes on hold with AAA) to have a tow truck come pick us up and take us to St. George to get the car fixed. Deciding to make the best of the situation, we took a few pictures while we waited.  We could have been stuck in a worse place, don't you think? I have always wanted to stop here for a photo shoot and lunch (we were within walking distance of the picnic area) but this wasn't quite the way I had planned it. It was a chilly but beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. And below is our ride to St. George.  Yes, four of us were stuffed in the cab of that truck. After  lunc...

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give  you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. ~Author Unknown From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas filled with love and the wonder of a child.

Hot Cocoa Bars are all the rage now.  Hot Cocoa is the perfect treat for after school or at the end of a hard day.  Adding mix-ins and marshmallows makes it an experience.  Just what you need to warm up on a cold winter's day.  We set up our hot cocoa bar this weekend and it's been a hit (I know it would be). I found this cute printable sign here .  There are many other printable signs out there and most are free (you have to love that!) I stocked our hot cocoa bar with Swiss Miss packets but you could make your own mix  and store it in a pretty jar instead.  Keep plenty of mugs on hand for your thirsty crew. Be creative with your mix-ins.  Of course we have marshmallows on hand as well as candy canes (they make the perfect stirrers), peppermints and chocolate chips (white and milk). Our resident artist has been drawing up a storm since school has been out and this seemed the perfect spot for a picture of Timmy the Elf...

In my book, if you're shopping on December 21st for Christmas Gifts, it's pretty much the last minute.  Many of the toys, electronics and clothing that are the HOT gifts this year have been snapped up by the early birds.  But that doesn't mean that it's socks and underwear for everyone on your list.  Here are some fun, thoughtful and quick gift ideas. Photo Gifts and Books - There's still time to download your photos and make cute gifts for everyone on your list.  Walmart.com offers a few same day gifts: prints on canvas, calendars and photo books to name a few.  Download your photos online and pick up your personalized gifts today.   Snapfish also offers store pick up on some gifts at places like Walgreens & Duane Reade.  Photo gifts look like you put much thought into what the recipient likes yet most sites are very user friendly.  The hardest part is picking out the perfect photo. Gift Cards - I know what you're thinking, "how per...

This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” ~ Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.

One of my favorite things about Christmastime is the movies.  I love watching them over and over each year.  The classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and newer ones like "Four Christmases" are equally popular here at September Acres.  I am especially fond of the hokey Lifetime movies ('it's a wonderful lifetime')  You know the ones: there's usually a female lead named Holly or Noel and a male named Nick or Chris as well as a Santa type character.  They're very predictable but so fun to watch on a Saturday afternoon.  Grab some popcorn and join me as I list my very favorite Christmas movies.  You'll probably find a few of these are some of your favorites.  And maybe you'll get some ideas for new ones to watch this year (and beyond). I've broken the movies up into categories since some are family (kid) friendly and some aren't. Family Friendly Favorites Home Alone -  Slapstick comedy at its best. I am fond of the ori...

I am over at Momma Be Thy Name today talking about Gift Exchanges .  I think you either love them or hate them.  You can see my opinion here . Don't forget to leave a comment on each post of Momma's 12 Days of Christmas for a chance to win and Elf Pack and a Keurig Elite .

On Sunday, my guest post will be live at  Momma Be Thy Name  for her 12 Days of Christmas series.  I am super excited about this opportunity and I am loving the first few posts so far.  It's right about this time in the Christmas prep that I enjoy a good laugh and these posts have been just what I needed.   Because I think the Elf on a Shelf is creepy, I really enjoyed Mary's post  yesterday.  It's not for the faint of heart but you will laugh until you cry - if you're not an Elf fan.  I honestly thought I was the only one who wasn't a fan (and LM who, thankfully, thinks he's creepy too) but apparently, I am not alone.   Head on over to  Momma Be Thy Name to read these great posts as well as enter to win an Elf pack.  In the Elf Pack are these fabulous gifts: Hallmark Keepsake 2012 Snowflake Ornament $25 Macy’s Gift Card Arthur Christmas on DVD $100  Mpix   Gift Certificate iHome Portable Rechargeable...

Welcome to our 2012 Holiday Home.  I switched things up a bit from years past but I  didn't buy any new decorations this year except for the wreaths for the front door. I'll let you look around a bit.  Enjoy! Printable available here Smokey & I hope you enjoyed the tour.  Thanks for stopping by! 2012 virtual Holiday housewalk party I'm joining in on the 2012 virtual Holiday housewalk party at Jennifer Rizzo's. Check out all of the beautiful homes there. I'm also at the French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday & Kelly's Korner for her Christmas home tour . More loveliness!