DIY: Snow Globes

So you’re finally on vacation. You’ve slept in, prepared the menu and wrapped all the presents, now what?

If you don’t want to spend the whole day glued to the boob tube might as well do something fun and creative. Time for some D.I.Y. projects!

Honestly, I’m not into D.I.Y. I’d rather buy the things I want from a store than make them. Please don’t judge me. It’s the shoppingera curse! But being a mom has forced me (yes, it’s “forced”) to get the kids busy and to buy me time to put on my false eyelashes.

Snow Globes

We all love those water spheres filled with random “kyootness”. Unfortunately, some of them come with a price, and if you buy them, then there will be no D.I.Y. projects and you will be going to the party without falsies!

What you need:

Sugar and empty jars

My family eats a lot of jam. We recycle the jars and use them as containers, flower vases and make D.I.Y. projects out of them.

Random “kyootness” and a pair of scissors

We're big on recycling at home. This old box of Christmas candle is a great D.I.Y. material. It was Aryanna's idea to cut out the gingerbread and Christmas tree.

Easy peasy:

Place random “kyootness” inside the empty jar with sugar. That’s it.

These gingerbread characters look adorable whether they're on a candle box or inside a snow globe!

If you have kids/nieces/nephews at home and you want some peace and quiet, give them a Christmas project to work on.

Because we can't eat all the candy canes at home, we put them in a jar.

I know what you’re thinking, it’s so easy and it takes less than five minutes to make one. You’re right, but who says that they’re only making one or three? The key is to give them as many jars as you can find and maybe borrow additional cups of sugar from the neighbors.

Aryanna's figurine gets a new home this Christmas.

Let the kids get creative. Choose a winner. Winner eats all the sugar. Their sugar high would give them enough energy to do the next project.

The Epperson’s official snow globe shaker:

Shake, shake, shake!

Shake it, baby!

I believe my son Dylan is checking if the figurine is still in one piece or how to open the jar and get the sugar. Haaay!

Anong balak?

After five minutes… Sawa na.

Sugar high?

Use the snow globes to decorate your home or use them as centerpiece for your dining table. They cost nothing but when displayed in your home, it means everything to your kids. Adults will love them too!

Shoppingero/shoppingera, Happy Christmas Eve!

One, Two, TREE!

After eight years of not having a full blown Christmas tree (read about our Christmas tree stories here and here), this year, we’ve compensated. The Eppersons have put up not one, not two, but THREE Christmas trees!

Maison Epperson is officially on Christmas tree steroids! LOL

This was the last Christmas tree we had at our previous house. We we moved to a condo, we sold our 12-foot tree during our garage sale. Aryanna was 7 years old in this photo. Doesn't she look adorable? She's always barefoot at home.

This was our Christmas tree last year:

Last year's theme was: Fashion + Food + Where The Wild Things Are

Photo taken using Instagram)

This year’s theme is dedicated to my husband Tom who’s been missing a white Christmas. Bet daw ng afam ang snow this year! Haha! It’s the first time in 25 years ever since Tom has lived in Manila that he has been wanting to experience snow. We would visit our families in the States for Christmas but Dylan is too young to travel. So, I transformed Maison Epperson into a Winter Wonderland!

Christmas tree # 1:

This year, we used the same white tree but I've added more ornaments and edited the ones that didn't go with our current theme: Winter Wonderland meets the Tropics Christmas

What is “cray-cray”?

Answer: Buying glass ornaments in Guam and stuffing all of them in one big suitcase that there was barely room to pack clothes!

Remembrance. Glass ornaments I bought from my last trip in Guam.

The glass beer ornaments are dedicated to Tom

What goes with beer?

Glam hotdog! Tadtad lang ng glitters!

The handmade glass lobster is for me

Same goes with the Champagne ornament

Winter wonderland ba kamo? Eto ang snowball! Bawal lang ang snow ball fight dahil made from glass. Duguan, teh. LOL

I got these assorted silver and white Christmas balls from S&R.

I kept all the gingerbread ornaments from last year and hung it back on our tree.

Dear Tom,

Notice how small my Christmas stocking is? Please use your imagination.

Love you,
me

Tip: Personalize your tree! It's fun and creative!

Christmas tree # 2: This pink mini tree has been our Christmas tree for the last six years. I bought it in True Value and I also gave away the same tree to my friends as Christmas gifts a long time ago.

I’ve passed on this pink tree to my daughter Aryanna. She told me that this will be her Christmas tree when she has a place of her own. I love that idea. OMG. My baby is already thinking of her own place!!! Nooooo! Haha!

Aryanna decorated her Christmas tree with peppermints and candy canes. It goes well with her newly redecorated room.

Tip: Mini Christmas trees are great for singles or those who want to decorate their rooms/cubicles and make their space more personal.

Sindihan na ang Christmas tree!

Thank you Meralco! We've got the power!

Christmas tree #3:

I wasn’t planning on buying a new Christmas tree but when I saw this retro tinsel tree in National Book Store, I knew it would be a festive décor for our doorway.

Maybe when my son is older, I could pass on this tree to him. It’s his favorite tree to play with. You’ll know what I mean, scroll down…

Welcome to Maison Epperson! Enter at your own risk. Haha!

Our two-year old son Dylan is the happiest! He loves all our Christmas trees and he doesn’t care about Santa or gifts anymore:

Me: Dylan, you want to go to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus?
Dylan: No.
Me: Why not? He has a gift for you!
Dylan: No.
Me: Tell mom why you don’t want.
Dylan: Mom! Santa’s already in the “Kissmash chree!”

Oo nga naman, eh bat magpupunta pa ng North Pole, nasa balur na namin si Santa! Haha!

Partners in crime

Uhm... Dylan, Blitz is not a reindeer. OK?

My “redecorator” on the loose! Haaay!

Everyday we lose a Christmas ball. I don't know where my son hides them.

Everyday habulan.

Dylaaaan! Ibalik mo yung mga balls! Sige ka, paglaki mo, kalbo na Christmas tree mo! LOL

I know that having three Christmas trees are indulgent but it’s been more than six years since we had a legit tree plus, we’ve got a toddler at home so Christmas is more fun in Maison Epperson!

In the end, every member of my family gets a piece of “Christmas” from Tom and me.

But more than the Christmas trees, decorating them with the whole family, the excitement, the laughter, and spending time together are memories I will cherish the most.

Did you know?

According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, “The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. Tree worship was common among the pagan Europeans and survived their conversion to Christianity in the Scandinavian customs of decorating the house and barn with evergreens at the New Year to scare away the devil and of setting up a tree for the birds during Christmastime. Via Wikipedia

It s a Wonderful Life

“At Christmas, all roads lead home.” — Marjorie Holmes

I believe that wherever you are or whoever you’re with, home is where love and laughter exist. Christmas is in everyone’s heart.

Christmas at Maison Epperson

The food:

Hot cocoa + Candy cane = Christmas in a cup

We received so many blessings this year that another roast turkey was in order.

Thanksgiving part 2! Tom roasted a Butterball Turkey for our Christmas eve dinner.

Turkey stuffing: roasted chestnuts, sausage, onions, fresh sage, heavy cream, and sourdough bread

A Christmas miracle!

I don’t know who bought all the fresh sage in the market but that’s just not right! Haha! Tom and I searched high and low for the herbs for two days and with no luck. Thank God for  the kind soul who  gave us fresh sage for our turkey stuffing! We love you! #youknowwhoyouare

Sharing sage is caring!

Snack at the park: Bonchon chicken wings

Assorted cookies as snack... breakfast... lunch... dinner... midnight snack.

Since my family is half American and half Filipino, our meals were divided as follows:

Christmas eve dinner and brunch were American(ish)-style…

Bacon and cheese frittata

(Photo taken using Instagram)

We went all out Pinoy for Christmas dinner…

Aling Nene's pork BBQ #thebest #alltimefavorite

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Family time:

Playtime at the park

How sweet it is?

Beauty bonding with Aryanna

The best board game in the world!

Taboo = ROFL with the fam

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Santa Claus came to town!

The fashion… or the lack of it. Haha!

Name that jammies

Like what I said before, tradition vetoes trends!

Aryanna's all-day pajama style!

The Christmas table setting:

The theme of our table setting this year was “12 Forever” — a bit grown-up but always child-like.

Plato-platuhan

Touches of elegant gold + Juvenile prints = 12 Forever

Fun and festive plates

Kyoot!

For hot cocoa and coffee

The Epperson's signature bow napkin fold

Miss-match glassware

Carabao horn flatware

Christmas brunch table setting

Give love on Christmas day and all-year round!

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a family all wrapped in each other.” — Burton Hillis

Shopingero/shopingera, how was your Christmas?

Jenni’s Top 10 Christmas Treats

I know, I know. I have yet to post photos from my book launch and the Nuffnang Blog Awards event in Malaysia, but I have so many photos to edit! Will work on it soon.

I’m on chill mode as of now because my work’s done for this week. After 11 months of non-stop work, I finally get to slow down and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I deserve this time off.

Christmas at Maison Epperson is now on overdrive! Wala na ‘tong atrasan! Todo kung todo! Haha!

Here are my Top 10 Christmas Treats to make the holidays merrier and bright:

1. Give love. Let’s do our part to help Sendong flood victims.

Here’s how: http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

Donate now!

Self-righteous people can skip this:

This 28th of December, 2011, Seventh HIGH is holding a charity drive for the victims of typhoon Sendong in participation with DSWD. Seventh HIGH, a year old boutique nightclub in Manila, has been known to throw special charity events for different causes, including Breast Cancer Awareness, Pediatric Cancer Wards, and even HIV efforts. In light of the recent tragedy in Mindanao, Seventh HIGH seals 2011 with what the hope would be their biggest call to compassion.

Seventh High S.O.S.

Seventh HIGH Operation Sendong. Raising awareness among the urbanites of Manila, it encourages its attendees to help by bringing donations or pay door charge in order to be part of the party. Donations and door proceeds will be given to DSWD in their relief efforts for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Supported by a large roster of celebrity and model dj’s, bartenders, and guests, the young club hopes to give its attendees an inspirational celebration of humanity that brings together music, fashion, and arts in a unified effort to revive Mindanao.

This event is open to public. Seventh HIGH is located at 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, interested groups and individuals may call 09063786916.

2. Indulge without feeling guilty. Thanks to Dr. Aivee Teo, I lost more than 10 lbs. (will blog about my weight-loss program soon). As much as I want to keep it off during the holidays, I also want to enjoy some of the traditional holiday treats like hot cocoa!

Here are some healthier alternatives to the decadent cocoa drink:

Numi Organic tea. It tastes like chocolate! So yummy!

Nestle Fat Free Hot Cocoa Mix

 3. Movie marathon. Ditch the usual GG, SATC, Modern Family, etc. series and pop some Christmas DVD or VCD classics and watch them with kids! Here are some of our favorites:

"Home Alone 1" not in photo

The Epperson's all-time favorite Christmas film!

 4. The candy cane can. You can use them as a holiday table centerpiece, decorative ornament, and as a dessert!

Candy canes are our giveaway to street children. These striped treats put a smile every time!

A simple yet personalized place card makes any table setting special!

5. Jingle bell rock! What better way to set the holiday mood than listening to your favorite Christmas carols!

Harry Connick Jr. Christmas CD not in photo.

7. Make meals and memories with your loved ones. This is the perfect time to bond with your family. Help out in the kitchen or offer a hand in setting up the table for the Noche Buena feast.

Christmas on a plate

Make your table setting fun and festive for the holidays!

8. Bake or buy cookies! Christmas won’t be the same without the smell of baked (or heated) cookies!

Personalize your dessert!

9. Holiday style. Wear a festive holiday sweater (yes, even grandma’s knitted gift) or a Christmas print pajamas, never mind what fashion experts say, tradition vetoes trends every time!;D

One of Aryanna's "Christmas" jammies

We love reindeer sweaters!

10. Say a little prayer. Give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that has come your way and pray for those in need.

For those who are missing their families this Christmas, remember that home is where love and laughter exist. Make the best of the season wherever you are or whomever you’re with. The spirit of Christmas is in everyone’s heart!

Shopingero/shopingera, what’s your top 10 Christmas treats?

Maison Epperson: Candy Canes

The Epperson’s Christmas tree saga continues…

Aryanna: “Our tree’s nice buuuuuut, it’s lacking something.”
Tom and me: “We know. Candy canes.”
Aryanna: “So when are you going get them?
Me: “Soon. We’re so busy.”
Aryanna: “So when?”
Me: “Next week.”
Aryanna: “When exactly? Like Monday? Tuesday?”
Me: “Aaaaaaaaaa!”

You get the picture.

She is never going to shut up about the damn candy canes! Haaay!

Eto na,  Aryanna!

Real candy canes

Sweet!

Tip: For a fun and festive Christmas tree, leave the decorating to your kids!

Gingerbread + Candy canes = Fashion + Food

Tah-dah! We’re almost done with our tree!

Sana wag kaming langgamin! Haha!

Tip: Leave the plastic on the candy canes if you don’t want an army of ants attacking your tree!

I have to admit, our tree is looking festive and kyoot! Malapit na ma-achieve ang Fashion + Food + “Where the Wild Things Are” peg!

Maison Epperson: Oh, Christmas Tree (Part 2)

Yes, I’m still in the “Christmas tree” phase. You will not hear the end of it till I’ve semi-completed the decor. I’m actually surprised with myself that I haven’t gone all out on decorating our tree. Normally, I would buy EVERYTHING and by the day’s end, we’d have a Christmas tree on steroids. Could it be that I’ve gotten older? Hell, no! I believe that this new found patience comes from experience. Knowing me and my family, we’d probably get tired of our decors before the holidays are over! So, WE (yes, our whole family) decided to build our tree slowly and beautifully.

We're not "dreaming of a white Christmas" anymore — we made it a reality!

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Working on a family project like decorating a Christmas tree is not easy especially when you’re an Epperson because we are bull-headed individuals — each of us have our own minds, style, opinions, and wise-cracks. We eat “Survivor” challenges for brunch! Seriously, it takes a lot of patience and love to agree on what COLOR of tree to get! LOL

Here are tips on how to decorate your own Christmas tree together with your family:

1. Listen to mom. All the time. The end. I’m joking.
2. Happy wife = happy life! I’m not kidding.
3. Choose a theme that reflects your family’s style.
4. Listen to kids, they have great ideas! We all decided that our theme would be Fashion + Food (both of which we are passionate about) + Where The Wild Things Are (our all-time favorite children’s book and we dedicate it to our baby Dylan)
5. If you can’t decide, divide the responsibilities. In our case, Tom and Aryanna decided on what color of tree to get and I took care of the trimmings.
6. Decorate together. There will be no glitter throwing at each other. Those sparkly specs are evil!
7. If you have small children, make your tree kid-friendly. Leave the heirloom pieces for when they grow-up.
8. Have fun! It’s just a plastic tree! The true essence of Christmas is spending time with your loved ones.

You’ve seen our white Christmas tree from my previous post, it’s time to reveal the accessories!

Fashion + Food + Where The Wild Things Are = Holiday style

Fashion: I treated our tree like a LWD (little white dress). It’s a great canvas to add accessories.

This floral ornament with a drop-pearl detail reminds me of Coco Chanel!

Every little white dress (and white Christmas tree) needs chandelier accessories!

Food: The Eppersons are big on baking cookies during the holidays. What better way to decorate our tree but with gingerbread!

This is me.

From left: Aryanna, Dylan, Tom

Maison Epperson

Where The Wild Things Are: I chose dripping berry branches to represents a magical forest!

The glittery berry seed branches and reindeer are for our baby Dylan!

Ooh…this is a bonus! I am not fond of D.I.Y. projects but I couldn’t find a silver flower to add to our tree so I made one! It’s not exactly a flower but the clusters of small-sized Christmas balls strung together and tied to the silver leaf, did the job! Watchutink?

Got Christmas balls?

We had a family meeting again this week and discussed what decoration was lacking on our tree. So far, here are some ideas:

1. Buy gigantic silver balls to add scale to our tree.
2. Hang candy canes to add color and, according to Aryanna, “kiddie-fy” it. I’m bracing myself for the army of ants! Haaaay!
3. Add garlands. Aryanna suggested pearls, an homage to Coco Chanel. Aww…she’s really my daughter!
4. The biggest debate is: to put a star or an angel on top of the tree

Tom: “Where’s the star?”
Aryanna: “Stars suck.”
Tom: “Oh, what do you want? A Barbie?”
Aryanna: “No! An angel.”
Tom: “An angel Barbie?”
Aryanna: *rolls eyeballs* “Better than putting Ken.”
Me: “Ken and Barbie!”
Tom and Aryanna: “Pffffft!”

Maison Epperson: Oh, Christmas Tree (Part 1)

Since Aryanna’s “incident” with Santa Claus eight years ago, plus moving into a condo, we’ve pretty much given up on the idea of having a big Christmas tree. We traded our 12-ft. green plastic pine tree to something more practical — a 3-ft. pink Christmas tree. We were contended with our minimal holiday decor (one tiny tree).

Things changed this year. Ever since Dylan rocked our world, the Eppersons agreed that we needed to make Christmas more magical for our rug rat — we decided to invest on another gigantic plastic pine tree with trimmings and all!

Since Christmas is really all about the kids, Aryanna and Tom (my third “child”, haha!), took control of what color of tree to get. They both wanted a White Christmas. Good start.

Me, I’m just the shoppingera, a mere peon in the family. LOL!

Here are my finds:

White Christmas tree from SM, Makati

Our new 8-ft. white Christmas tree

I was lucky to find the perfect Christmas tree! I found a deconstructed white plastic pine tree! Compared to the umbrella-type trees, this is far easier to store and clean.

What I love about it:

•Each branch connects to individual rings attached to the tree trunk, making it easy to store them in separate plastic bags or boxes and easy to clean too! I mean, how does one really clean one whole gigantic Christmas tree?
•The branches are color-coded and numbered for easy installation. It took our family 10 min. to put the tree together. Ang bilis!
•The plastic leaves came in different sizes. It gave texture to the Christmas tree.

Easy assembly

Guess who’s Santa’s little helper?

The Finnster!

What is it with babies and boxes? Our dahling Dylan played “car, car” while we were assembling the Christmas tree.

Vroom...vroom...

Like a moth to a flame

Dylan: "Light mama, light!"

Thanks to LED lights, I won’t have a heart attack every time my baby touches the bulbs!

Tip: If you are buying Christmas lights for your home, use LED (light-emitting diode) lights. You get all the beauty for a fraction of the cost. They use 10% of the energy that traditional strings of lights would use. This will save you a bundle on your electricity bill. LEDs are reliable and do not produce heat like the the regular bulbs.

Let there be LED lights!

I bought 80% of my Christmas tree ornaments from Crossing Department Store, Shangri-La Mall. They have everything you need to decorate your home this coming holiday season!

Silver and white ornaments

Our Christmas tree is still a work in progress. I don’t want to go all out in one go. So far, this is what we’ve worked on. I want to slowly build our tree simultaneous with making memories with my family in each coming year.

I’ll update you guys on what we’ve added to our tree soon! Tune in!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...