The Best Christmas Work Party Ever

Last night was Justin's work's Christmas party, the third one we've been to. The first year was long, boring, and not fun (for me) because we brought Caden with us since everyone wanted to meet him. The second year was better because Caden went to a friend's house, Adam and Kirsten were with us, and both Justin and Adam danced with me.

This year was the best! First, I met a lot of friendly people. Second, we finally broke our unlucky streak for the raffle prizes. The good stuff was taken, but one of our choices was still available: a movie pack comprising popcorn, M&Ms, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and a teddy bear (which we gave to a little girl because Caden does not need more stuffed animals!). Third, Justin sang karaoke! I was bugging him all night but he was firm in his refusal to do it. I guess I wore him down, because to my surprise, he went up and sang "She Bangs." It was awful, but I was so proud of him for doing it! He and another girl were the only ones who sang. We ended the night dancing a lot, including me teaching everyone the Gangnam Style dance. It was a lot of fun!

My Worst Nightmare Came True

My worst nightmare as an Etsy seller came true. One of my items arrived broken. A woman bought this really cute mug for her friend's birthday:

I wrapped it in bubble wrap and tissue paper, added a gift tag, packed it in a box, and shipped it off. I sent a thank-you note with my business cards to the buyer. Everyone was happy.

Until half-an-hour ago when the friend sent me a message saying the mug arrived like this:

My heart stopped. (I am baffled that the handle somehow made it intact.) I replied with my deepest apologies and an offer of another fox item I have. I emailed the buyer as well with the message and refunded her money. Then I cried.

I am doing my best to rectify the issue. I just hope they see that and don't leave me hateful feedback or worse. They seem like nice ladies, but I did mess up pretty badly and would understand if they are angry. We'll see how this ends.

This was only my second time shipping something fragile (the first time there were no problems, but I do remember packing it better). Next time I will do a better job packing the item. Or maybe I will just stay away from breakable things.

(The second worst thing that has happened to me is an item getting lost in the mail, but that was an easy fix because it was replaceable and inexpensive.)

Featured Seller: Grace of Glister Craft

I love all flowers, real or fake. These nylon flowers from Glister Craft are very cute and unique.

Grace shares, "I'm an aspiring singer, but I also love doing arts and crafts. I love making flowers, and creating whatever comes to mind. It's truly enjoyable being able to express whatever I feel, and see what's in my mind's eye in real life."

Go to Glister Craft for more pretty flowers and check out her YouTube channel for updates on her shop and reviews of other shops!

Sterling Pear Mantle Clips Christmas Giveaway [CLOSED]

Although our new place has a fireplace, there isn't exactly a mantle and the entertainment center covers it to keep Caden away. We hung a shelf above the fireplace, and the supports have hooks that we hung our stockings from in the past. But this year, I was given mantle clips from Sterling Pear to review, and now not only can I hang up all our stockings, but I can do it with style! I chose the antique brass holly clips.

Some of my other favorites are the snowflake mantle clips, which come in 6 different colors,

 

and the candy cane stocking holders.

Smiles
*Elegant, ornate, and lightweight.
*Easy to install: simply slip onto mantle. That's it!
*Don't cause any damage to the mantle.
*Don't fall off.
*Can hold a lot of weight.
*Ideal for people with children or pets.
*Versatile: you can also hang garlands, lights, or anything else you want.
*Many styles to choose from.

Frowns
*None

One lucky reader will win 4 antique brass holly mantle clips, a $24 value! If you want to purchase some now, use the coupon code HTRTC112 for 15% off!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Sterling Pear and tell me what else you like.

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1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on Tuesday, December 11. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 12. Remember to leave your email address in one of your entries so I can contact you if you win! This giveaway is open to the U.S. only. Good luck!

Deck the Halls

Today we decorated for Christmas! My usual Grinch attitude wears down every year as Caden gets older. He makes Christmas fun. He loved the tree, especially the star, his favorite shape right now. I love seeing the tree lit at night when the rest of the house is quiet and dark. It's almost magical.

Signing tree in ASL

We also played with the Jacquie Lawson London Advent Calendar, making our own virtual Christmas trees.

Caden insisted on putting all the ornaments on the top!

Justin's tree

My tree

I also found more free Subway art (my new favorite decoration because it's so cheap, easy, and versatile) and put up all our stockings using antique brass holly Mantle Clips, which you can win here!

Perfect screen shot from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe!

Quick & Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

Last week I was wondering what to make for dinner. I glanced through the pantry and fridge and decided we could make cream of broccoli soup, which I had never done. I found a recipe online, made some slight alterations to accommodate what we had, and it was delicious! I recommend adding this to your winter menu:

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp. crushed garlic
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb. broccoli, fresh or frozen (I had frozen broccoli & cauliflower blend, so it came out with a milder taste)
• 1 1/2 tbsp. flour
• 1 cup milk
• pepper to taste

Directions

1. Saute the onion and garlic in 1 tbsp. of butter. 
2. Add broccoli and broth, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
3. Puree the soup in a blender (or with a stick blender if you have one) and return to pot. 
4. In a small pan, melt 1 1/2 tbsp. butter. Stir in the flour and milk until thick and bubbly. 
5. Add to soup. Season with pepper and serve. 

For a healthier version, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil and use low-sodium chicken broth. The original recipe also includes chopped celery (sauteed with the onion), but we didn't have any.

WINNERS!

The winner of the printable holiday planner giveaway is comment #12 by Kaitlin. The new second winner of the Farm Rich appetizer coupon giveaway is comment #24 by Deb K. Thank you both for including your email addresses!