Tag: Christmas ♥

home · Uncategorized

Christmas at Home

Raising up RubiesLeave a comment

Our house is all lit up for Christmas time, so make a cup of coffee and come visit with me ♥

I picked up my crochet hook for the first time in many years, I forgot how much I enjoy it. I started with the blanket pictured above, then moved on to a few more and decided everyone was getting a blanket for Christmas 🙂 the pattern for the pom pom striped blanket was from here.

The train is a new addition to our Christmas tree this year, I was inspired by someone on Instagram who spray painted this train from Home Depot gold and put it around her tree – so I did it in white instead and we decorated the cars with little bits of things from our stash and some mini tree items from Hobby Lobby

Paper mache houses are from all different places, and tucked into the branches of the tree – making sure that the track was clear. The houses even light up! It looks so pretty at night.

I love nativity sets … I have a few of them scattered around the house, but found this white one at target a few years back and added a few pieces (trees & houses) to them that I found separately over time. I like to put battery operated candles inside the little house so it lights up.

My grandfather was a commercial artist (he even designed the 7UP logo back in the day) who painted and sketched his whole life – I have a few of his pieces in my home including this hand lettered print that I put out every year – I love it so much. He passed away when I was only 14 and we lived outside of the US for many years, so I have only a few memories of him. This sign reminds me of the handful of times I poked around in his drawing studio and sat with him while he talked about his tools.

Our kitchen gets all dolled up for the holidays, since I love to entertain. The vintage egg nog set was a once in a lifetime find at a thrift store many years ago, and to be honest I almost passed it up!! Yikes. What started out as a Christmas mug tree has turned into a whole year long mug tree haha … we started collecting mugs for every season and I try to switch it up every few months.

My etsy shop has kept me busy the last few months – I spent some time designing two new calendars for 2025, Christmas cards and some other things for gift giving – there are a few calendars left and you can find everything here.

One of my favorite things about Christmas is this patriotic tree – we call it the white house tree because most of the ornaments on it are from the white house historical association which I started collecting a few years ago … we went to DC last year and we accidentally stumbled onto the historical association visitors center and I was so excited. I added a bunch to my collection and have also added a few more ornaments we picked up while traveling.

If you have a chance to visit the capitol add this stop to your list, it’s worth it! We saw a place setting Queen Elizabeth used while dining at the white house, Mary Lincoln’s china and Reagan’s jelly beans – it was one of my most favorite things from our trip, and we crammed alot of stuff into a three days!

We put our shed in two years ago and now it’s become something fun to decorate for the seasons – this is the view from my kitchen sink window ♥

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year my friends! I pray your new year will be filled with peace & joy only our Savior can bring ♥

Uncategorized

simple Christmas gift ideas ♥

Raising up Rubies1 Comment

Merry almost Christmas friends!
we’re only a little over a week away from the big day and you might be overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done, but don’t be! bake some cookies, put the kettle on and have some tea with me while you browse through some of my pictures – then you’ll realize gift giving doesn’t have to be complicated or over-thought – 
just simple and from the heart ♥ 


the baking inspired gift pictured above started when i saw this post and decided to make a batch of homemade vanilla extract for Christmas gifts! (just be sure to think ahead when gifting these, since it takes a while for the mixture to infuse before using) i knew i would want to pair the bottles with something before i handed them out – so off to browse the isles of Home Goods i went 🙂 i found the glass measuring cups (because who has enough of those?) some cute spatulas & kitchen towels – then some pretty ribbon for that extra special finish. 
oh and the free printable labels for the bottles are from here – aren’t they super cute?!


another idea is to keep a basket or crate by your door – fill it with with multiples of the same gift – something simple, inexpensive & that anyone will love – something that you can hand out to your mail carrier when they delilver packages, the bus driver as the kids head out to school in the morning or for the neighbors that you see outside or beat you to it and pop up at your door first! this year i bought a few of these BIG boxes of chocolates from Costco – at only $10 each they don’t break the bank, but still feel like a substantial gift.


 take it up a notch with some ribbon, jingle bells and even a handwritten note or tag! 
boom. a simple store bought gift with a side of thoughtfulness – 
people notice! and they feel special ♥



a few years ago i gave my mom and some friends this super fun slipper filled gift – 
it was received so well and full of things that pamper your recipient.
the slippers were from target at the time but any slippers will work – even for a guy gift.
i tried to color coordinate the items i put inside which is easy to do once you start browsing the isles – first place i go to is the travel section! think nailpolish, chapstick/lip gloss, face masks, lotions, candy even a rolled up magazine or a book if it will fit.


i went next level for my mom’s gift by adding a small 
kate spade monogrammed ID holder that i got super cheap during a black friday sale online.


when my girls were still bringing teacher gifts to school, mugs were my go-to starting point when i wanted to build a gift – not too expensive and can be filled with anything! initial mugs make it even more personal – i would put these types of gifts in a simple gift bag with tissue paper if it was travelling to school with my kids – if it is for neighbors or friends, just hand it over as is – with a waving hand & a big smile on your face 🙂


just a few more ideas i pulled from my camera roll from way back – these felt buckets were in the dollar section at target and the mugs were from pottery barn – they also had a huge sale on monogrammed blankets so i tucked a few of them into gifts for some of the couples we are friends with through my husbands work.


‘by the fire’ was the theme i had in mind when i put these gifts together (i know, i’m weird)
 sipping cocoa with marshmallows & peppermint sticks, blankets and chocolate ♥


and in the end – if you’re in a pinch – grab a box of mandarin oranges – in those really fun crates they come in around Christmas time – and tie a ribbon around it with bells & chocolates tucked in between the fruit – and walk it right next door! (or send your kids ha.) who wouldn’t want to have that hand delivered on Christmas day?? with a house full of company that would be just the thing to put out between dinner & dessert. If you have extra time you can make an clementine wreath like the one pictured below using cellophane wrap and bakers twine to separate each one – jingle bells and a bow with a special note and leave that on doorknobs for neighbors who are out for the day – what a fun thing to come home to 🙂


i hope some of these ideas inspire you to give a few simple Christmas gifts 
to people you don’t normally think about or maybe to someone who you think might feel overlooked ♥ happy gift giving friends!

Uncategorized

Christmas in my Etsy shop 2019 ♥

Raising up RubiesLeave a comment
{things to do farmhouse Christmas notepad}
Christmas is in full swing in my etsy shop this week!
i feel like i pour my heart & soul into all my products – but especially at Christmas time ♥
it’s almost like a culmination of working hard all year then going out with a big bang at the very end 🙂

{things to do buffalo check truck notepad}

i try to think about what you as my small shop customers would love to purchase and give as gifts – those ideas result in me spending months of designing, testing, revising, wrapping and packaging…
the end result is definitely a labor of love.

{farmhouse Christmas recipe cards}

this year i created a collection of farmhouse style paper products – starting right in the kitchen
with recipe cards, tags, stickers & gift giving cards
{farmhouse Christmas scripture cards}

even bookmarks! 
do you have a reader on your gift list? slide this bookmark into a good book with a Starbucks gift card
tie a ribbon around it and what a great gift to give! & receive ♥

{farmhouse Christmas book lovers laminated bookmark}

last year i created a set of Christmas story nativity cards with farm manger animals and it was a best-seller! two new sets – snowy woods animals & fancy holiday florals – are new for this year.

{Christmas story card set – fancy holiday floral version}

{Christmas story card set – snowy woods animals version}

display your Christmas story cards or any scripture cards from my shop on this little wooden easel that can be purchased as an add on to any card set – your easel & card set will come packaged all pretty like in a cute drawstring polka dot bag

{buffalo check truck Christmas card set}

buffalo check trucks & polka dots just make everything better
cards can be purchased with envelopes & all notepads come wrapped up pretty with a Christmas pencil attached.

{farmhouse Christmas gift & baked goods tags}



{buffalo check truck Christmas stickers}

all stickers in my shop come in sets of 20 and are packageds into glassine envelopes

{Jesus is the Reason planner/purse charm}

Jesus is the Reason planner charms are sold individually 
and are also included in December’s bible verse of the month box!

{December’s bible verse of the month club box}

the subscription boxes come with a set of six cards, 20 matching stickers, 
the planner charm & a treat just for you! the box itself is valued over $35 
and is priced at $25 and bonus – it ships for free! 

{cookies, cocoa & Christmas trucks keychain}

the red truck key chain is probably one of my most favorite things in my shop this year ♥ 
maybe because it’s really so true for me! all i really want to do during all of December is bake Christmas cookies, drink hot cocoa with lots of whipped cream and sprinkles & have hallmark Christmas movies on repeat.

{beaded charm bracelets}

beaded charm bracelets are totally new for me
 i love learning how to make new things and perfecting a skill over time
tweaking the little details and trying things out
i’ve learned so many new things from owning my own little business.
{worded bead bracelets}

i also try to make things that i would love to use and
wear in hopes that is translates to you the same way!


some of the worded bead bracelets are so pretty – i would like to keep them all ♥
when i started making these my younger daughter Jayla was helping me – then she came up with some ideas for some kids style bracelets and she got crafty with me! i think they all turned out so cute.

{kids worded bead bracelets}

 i hope you’re able to check a few gifts off of your Christmas shopping list and 
as always i am so very thankful for all of the customers/friends who have supported and
shopped in my little store – you are such a blessing to me and i LOVE seeing & knowing your names on my worktable when i pack my orders each week – thankyou so much
you are SO loved ♥

Uncategorized

Christmas 2018 ♥

Raising up Rubies2 Comments
popping in to say it’s here! Christmas has arrived in my etsy shop ♥
everything is just so bright & colorful & HAPPY!
Merry Christmas Darling planner / purse charms with jingle bell & tree charms
one of my favorite new releases this year, is this 7 card Christmas story set 
designed to tell a different part of the nativity story with the flip of each card
this & all card sets in my shop can be purchased 
with a mini wooden easel to be displayed in a child’s room, 
a desktop or maybe even near your coffee maker 🙂
matching nativity animals stickers for your Christmas cards
deer and bunnies and bears oh my! 😉

if you loved last years vintage cars & carols scripture cards – you’ll love this new set 
with bright colors, new carol quotes & vintage bug car designs

and matching stickers too! they come in 3 colors to match the cards 
and can be purchased with envelopes for all your holiday snail mail needs

don’t forget matching gift tags too!

this cute Christmas girls & dresses design comes in cards / envelopes / gift tags as well

 and there’s still a few surprise craft boxes & mini books left in my etsy shop
the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for that one person you know who loves to craft or bible journal
… or maybe just for yourself ♥

i hope you find something you love in my shop this year
 i pour tons of love and a little bit of me into everything i create & sell so happy shopping!
our tree is actually up VERY early this year – only because i was hoping to cross a few holiday 
to-do’s off of my list and try to be ahead of the game this time around?! hopefully.
if you follow me on instagram, 
you know we did a little shuffle in some of the main areas of our home
this is the before & after!

i keep telling everyone that was my fun creative house – and this is my 40’s grown up house 🙂

what do you think? before or after?

  

i’m loving the after. it just feels so peaceful.
and as much as i crave color & happiness, there’s just something about the quiet & simple
starting the week off with a big cup of tea and a very long to-do list
hope you found somthing here that inspires you or helps tackle your Christmas gift list ♥
Merry Christmas Darlings!
Uncategorized

free mini December calendar ♥

Raising up Rubies2 Comments

well i say this every year. how did Christmas get here so quick?
i was scrolling though some old blog posts and got excited about some gifts & decorations i’ve done in years past 


this hot cocoa bar is coming back this year! but in a different spot and i’m gonna change it up a bit


this Christmas card / gift wrapping caddy is so handy to have around
and it looks cute on the kitchen counter or living room table ♥


one year i decked my craft room out to the max!
yeah… that’s not happening this year ha!


trader joe’s christmas cookies for the win
and sprinkles in hot chocolate


taking in the last little bits of fall this past weekend
soon it will be covered with snow
for 6 months
😦


guys. we saw Moana. 
we loved it! it’s so cute!
disney never disappoints


download your free calenandar right here!
hope you are getting lots of shopping, decorating and cookie making done!
much love ♥
Uncategorized

a little Christmas shop update ♥

Raising up Rubies1 Comment

it’s been a long while since i’ve done a shop update here
aaaand i hate to say it but Christmas in only a few weeks away…
i know i know 
i’m not ready either.
but hey at least i’m consistent 🙂

i’m headed to Queen Bee Market in Oceanside CA, in just 4 weeks so i’m staying pretty busy
but i’ve got a whole new line of things in my etsy shop for your handmade holiday list ♥
head on over, take a peek … and while you’re there use the code {IHEARTYOU20} for 20% off your purchase just for you bloggy peeps! 
(good through sunday night!)




wishing you speedy Christmas list tackling 
and gifts wrapped under the tree by December 1st. :):)
happy shopping!

Uncategorized

Christmas card caddy ♥

Raising up Rubies2 Comments

i’m determined to get Christmas cards out this year.
de. ter. mined.

so when i saw this idea while reading one of my favorite blogs
i knew this would be the cute project incentive to get me going and keep me focused on getting those envelopes addressed. sounds so sad i know.


i got the silverware tray at target and the pulls & screws at Lowes (like she did i think)
the instructions are all on Jen’s blog … except i think a glue gun was used to attach the handles… but i had the hubs drill two holes on each end for the drawer pulls and used the screw size pictured to secure them. all screws have different thread sizes, so just make sure you buy the right thread size for whichever drawer pulls you pick out. (the nice man at Lowe’s helped me figure that part out)

i haven’t decided if i want to paint it yet.
(i know my husband will have to pick himself up off the floor after reading that)
(#paintallthethings)

or maybe decorate it? hmmm…


or maybe just leave it alone for pete’s sakes.
just leave something alone for once jaime.


it’s not like there’s tons of cute stuff in it anyways … 
that it would make it overkill or anything 
🙂


are all your decs up already?? only our tree is up … which is not good
i’m very very behind.
and i have a long list of projects, crafts and baking to do
and gifts to buy … sigh. gifts … yes lots of things to do
go to target today and get the stuff to make this caddy
it’ll make you smile.
♥


oh and check out my previous years Christmas projects!
i forgot about some of these! cute!







Uncategorized

peppermint in a jar … a quick last minute gift

Raising up Rubies5 Comments

Friday was the last day of school for my girls
we have 2 full weeks off and i’m so so happy
i’m not a morning person
but i’m trying to be better about that.

i love to give gifts … and i love to make gifts
even though i never have enough time for all the big ideas i have
i say every year that i’m gonna start my Christmas gifts in august
yeah that never happens.



so for the past few years i’ve given a few of these jar gifts
 to teachers, bus drivers, school secretaries … and just about anyone else i can think of




i orginally saw this idea here … but tweaked it a little bit 
to include any things that looked striped or like peppermint candy
(everything came from the dollar bin, travel, or Christmas section at target)




made some labels then used a big scalloped punch & some glue dots
to attach them to the top of the jars
(the white lids are freezer jam lids that are with the jars and other canning supplies)




i actually went back to pick up a some more supplies to make a few more jars 
and they were all out of the peppermint bark & the face wipes 😦 
so i improvised with some Christmas kleenex travel packs 
and hershey’s candy cane white chocolate bars … i like how they both turned out.


the mason jar tags were from my 12 days of Christmas sale last month
they were one of my favorite things!

if you’re looking for a quick gift for tomorrow or wednesday,
these jars are super easy & quick to put together
and here are the lables just for you! from me ♥



download labels here


have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

Uncategorized

a happy little hot chocolate station … ♥

Raising up Rubies13 Comments

i’m just starting to catch up on sleep, food and my Christmas to-do list
well not really catching up on the list
just trying to frantically get some of it done before the weekend. yikes.




i haven’t really got much of my decorating done besides the tree & this hot chocolate bar
i had fun putting together last weekend for my daughter’s birthday




i have grand schemes for decorating, and even though it’s late 
i’m still gonna try to get some of it done


to set up your own hot cocoa station, gather some apothocary or mason jars
and fill them with whatever your heart desires ♥




the hot cocoa we use is just plain old swiss miss. we like it 🙂
and it came in a really cute throw-back vintage container that i wanted to use for something else.
swiss miss it is.



paper straws, candy canes, marshmallows, sprinkles and some candy
are what filled up our jars 






the little scoops in the cocoa & sprinkles are just teaspoons & tablespoons 
from a set my mom gave me from anthropologie a few years back




i remember when i got them for Christmas i thought, 
oh i already have a set of measuring spoons… i probably won’t use these… 
i have used them for just about everything under the sun!
sometimes moms know things.



my grandfather was an artist… like a for real one 🙂
he painted hand lettered signs for a living
he was very talented, and i’m glad i have a few of his pieces … this is one of my favorites




these voortman cookies were always in our house for Christmas when i was growing up
i remember getting excited about how colorful they were
with all those sprinkles
i love sprinkles



besided my tree i have all of two Christmas things up in our living room
this sign i heart from my bestie Becky…



and this little aqua sign from target




that’s it. i know. i better get on it.




better get busy. have lots to do
two signs just wont do
🙂



hopefully i’ll be back to show you some more Christmas fun ♥




happy hot cocoa making!
linking up here:

free pretty things
Uncategorized

last shop update.

Raising up RubiesLeave a comment


it’s been a super busy, super great season… well a great year for that matter!
in the shop 🙂 i’m closing up on wednesday night, then briefly re-opening for my hoop sale on thursday at 9pm EST … take 30% off of the remainder of my Christmas stock! 
the coupon code is MERRY30 just punch it in during checkout!