The holidays are in full swing! Needless to say, it’s been a busy season of wining and dining, hoping and coping; but above all, loving and laughing.
First, I want share some of my holiday decorating tips that made their way into People Magazine’s Special Holiday Issue.
Simple, easy and affordable! My ideas are sure to put a twinkle in your eye for no more than a swirl from your candy cane. You know I love ornaments; designed a million of them for HSN shoppers a few years back, so the idea of studding fruit with cloves to make pomanders for the tree is right up my alley.
And in honor of my Cleveland roots, I had to recreate the look of ice in my Southern California home. Check out my simple way to create Easy Ice Blocks below with nothing more than a glass decorative block, a handy drill and a string of lights.
With the countdown to Christmas and Hanukkah in less than two weeks, presents are on everyone’s mind. So how ’bout we let the word itself remind us that the best present we can give is being present to the ones we love. If it’s important to them, let it be important to us.
And since I’ve always believed that how we spend New Year’s Eve is a glimpse into the impending year, I will be home with the ones I love thinking about new and exciting ways to decorate the world with love and joy. And providing I survive 2nd and 3rd servings of my Mom’s oyster dressing and Eddie’s Banana Rum Caramel Cheesecake, I plan to delve into 2013 with an open hand and an open heart.
May we walk with compassion in our hearts, speak no complaints; and be truly grateful for everything that we have.
Until next year…
Congrats on getting into People Mag. I like your idea even if I no longer have a fireplace. 524 days ago
What wonderful ideas and thoughts for the holidays.
Thank you for reminding me of my blessings.
Going to buy People Magazine!! 523 days ago
Thanks Mark for all you have given this past year. I hope your Christmas is very memorable. God Bless us all! 523 days ago
Thanks Mark. I am on a very tight budget. I had Christmas decorations I lost that I had been collecting for close to 40years and some were intended for my children. I wasn’t feeling much like doing anything until I saw this and the light bulb went off. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday. 177 days ago
Thanks for the heads up on the Special Holiday issue of People magazine. Great ideas that are budget friendly!
Merry Christmas to you and Eddie and a healthy and Happy New Year!
And that Banana Rum Caramel Cheesecake looks like a perfect compliment to my Christmas meatball lasagna! Thanks for the link to the recipe! ♥ 176 days ago
Thank you so much for keeping us up to date on easy and affordable designs. Please keep them coming as often as feasible. I know you’re busy, so extra special thank you!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year! 176 days ago
You rock, as per usual! Congrats on People Magazine!
And I can barely contain my drool over that cheesecake. YUM!
I wish you and Eddie a very Merry Christmas and may 2012 be your best year yet! 176 days ago