The Never Ending Popcorn Chain

First off all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I had a great Thanksgiving. My sister, brother-in-law, and niece came into town this holiday. It is the first time they have joined us on Thanksgiving, it was very special.

Having them here has given my Christmas spirit a jump start! Last Sunday my mother, sister, niece and I did a little Christmas shopping in South Lake at the Town Square. I must say this is the mother of all shopping centers, a veritable one stop shop! Then, my sister and mother shopped Black Friday. To my extreme disappointment, I was not able to go because of work. Fortunately, I did a little Black Friday research, and gave my sister my shopping list. I am a sucker for good deals! Friday evening I started getting out all the Christmas decorations and watched The Holiday and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while decorating. Yesterday, my sister and I did even more Christmas Shopping! It has been alot of fun!

So, this year I am trying out a few different decorating techniques. I am going to make some Christmas ornaments for the tree and also for the first time ever, construct a popcorn chain. I have always thought the popcorn chain was cute and provided a cozy " down home" Christmas feel. So, I am giving it a whirl. I had thought about putting gum drops on the chain too but, I think the kitty's may be too attracted to that. I don't know, they may also be a big fan of the popcorn too, we will just have to wait and see!

Here is the beginning of my popcorn chain:

I have about half the tree left to finish but I think it looks too cute so far!

My niece helped me put the ornaments on the tree. She adored this little Christmas tree ornament that plays Christmas music when you open it.

Keeping in the spirit of Christmas here are a few fun things to check out. This blog is just so festive year round...can't go wrong. I love the colors and that cute little dog. The blog certainly is a favorite of mine. Over at Sew Mama Sew, there are fantastic Christmas gift ideas. I happened upon this by reading one of my favorite blogs, Angry Chicken. She has an awfully cute Holiday Penny Rug on display at her site. Then, there is Jenn Maruska, who makes these adorable Christmas ornaments. Now, you can't go wrong with chocolate during the holiday season, at least I think so. Check out these delicious cupcakes that you may want to make for your next holiday party! Can you believe this!! Wreaths, real wreaths! My mom would always purchase a real wreath and when it arrived in the mail is smelled so wonderful! I love the smell of pine. I think I may have to get one of these wreaths for myself, you just can't beat that price!

Happy Holidays!