All posts filed under: Holiday Excess

Winter Vacation!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year…to travel! Actually, I’m not sure if it’s the most wonderful, but I am having winter dreams about this one…Kyoto. I’ve saved up all my yearly stress for this holiday vacation and now it’s Crystal-time! The history. The architecture. The food. I can’t wait to walk aimlessly around for seven days, landing in coffee shops and stationery stores (oh, the money I will spend).  I will take loads of pictures of all the touristy things and then try to snap every Christmas in Kyoto-y thing I can find. If I see a geisha posing near a Christmas tree I may pass out. To organize my thoughts and enthusiasm, I’ve made my ideas list below. Any suggestions? Things you loved in Kyoto that are worth it, things that are tourist traps? Please let me know! Please visit soon! Likes and follows are loved! Facebook Instagram Bloglovin Tumblr

A Peachy Christmas Roundup

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For all the frustration, stress and changes that were taking place during my Christmas season I am happy to say I still had a wonderful December. I was coated head to toe in holiday spirit, thanks to friends and Seoul. There was just a lot of Christmas-y-ness going around and I was really thankful for that. I also got to travel home and see my family. It was too short, of course, but there were hugs and food all around. Made it totally worth it.

Reminiscing | Christmas 2013

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In three days (WHAT?! Packing! Presents! Cats!) I am heading home for a short visit for the Christmas holiday . Even though my cats have decided that the piece of luggage I pulled out to pack is their new jungle gym, I am really excited. Christmas in my family home is laidback, carefree and full of food. We don’t sit down at an elegantly decked out table and nothing is hands-off or formal. For the family party there are always multiple casseroles, kids, dogs, presents, lots of coffee and free wheeling dining habits. There is no “kid’s table” its more “wherever you sit is your seat.” There is no real schedule, its just when people feel like doing things. That’s how Christmas should be, according to me. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas too, wherever your world may be!! I hope its just your style.

Merry and Bright | Wall Design

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This was a bit more work than I expected. Half way into taping the first letter I thought, “Oh Gawd, Crystal..You’re an IDIOT.” I took a few days break and finished up last night. I have to admit that it gets faster the more you do it. Basically the entire sign is covered in piece after piece of adorable, yet tiny, washi tape.  Because its so slim it takes quite a while to cover. You can’t believe how happy I was when it was finished. It was super adorable and I put in all this hard work…just makes you feel accomplished. 😀 You can find details and a how to on Paper & Stitch. It’s not hard.  Get some foamboard and paint a holiday message on it with acrylic paint. Cut that out with a razor and then cover with washi tape.   On Paper & Stitch she actually uses colored scotch tape, which thinking back to all that washi tape, I would have gone ahead and went with the scotch tape. Make it enjoyable. Get …

DIY | Christmas Tree

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I have a little dink of a Christmas tree but I felt the DIY urge this Christmas season. It started with the flower garland (blog post to come later) and I decided it needed something fun to hang it on.  I found this fun little project on Paper and Stitch.  It takes quite a bit of time to make all the fringe…know that before diving into this project. However, I think its worth it… so cute… ❤ ❤ ❤ I’m really looking forward to doing more DIY for 2015 holidays since this turned out so well. Look out, New Year, I’m gonna get you! Click on the pictures and follow the steps to make your own DIY O Tannenbaum. You’ll need: 2 large pieces of foamboard white or clear tape green colored tissue paper large paper clip scissors Elmer’s glue paintbrush  

Thanksgiving | 2014

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Oh, Thanksgiving! The food is good. The company is better.  The drinks are fabulous.  It’s a true holiday and we had a great one in my tiny apartment. I spent the week preparing for the meal and really busted a lot out on Friday after work. I cooked all day Saturday and cleaned and tried to keep the cats off the table.  But, it was a excellent evening, worth all the hard work. And after the bell tolled 12, I dropped like a brick into sleep. I’ll be posting  individual posts with recipes. Anything could be used again for Christmas…ohhh….Christmas!  Time to get started with those decorations. 😀

Reminiscing | Thanksgiving 2013

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  Last Thanksgiving was wonderful (except for my ever present sinus infections) because almost all my plans came to fruition. I was very happy with the state of my cooking and deco. So happy, in fact, I neglected to take many pictures of the food.  It wasn’t until I was stuffed and watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation that I realized my photos were poo. I won’t make that mistake this year but I will be making beaucoup plans again. Since so many things worked out last year the menu will be very similar with some additions! Enjoy last years warmth and fun through these pictures! I can’t wait to show off the full spread this year as well! Mains Roasted Chicken (turkey is crazy expensive here) Spanish Tortilla, brought by Mikey’s lovely girlfriend. Thyme pull apart rolls, I substituted thyme for chives Glazed carrots Garlic and chive mashed potatoes Sweet Potato Medley (a baked mix of sweet potato, walnuts and cranberries with brown sugar and butter)  Baked acorn squash  Gravy Green Bean casserole, Starters Cheese Brie, English …