
Is it just me or does anyone else feel like you’re on a hamster wheel this time of year? So many things going on .. I am thankful for it all, but it is definitely busy! I spent most of my free time in October and November preparing for my booth at a local Christmas market. This was my third year to do it. I always enjoy being a part of it and meeting other creatives. If you are still Christmas shopping (or have barely started, like me 😅), I would love to encourage you to shop local and shop small. Believe me, I love Amazon and Target just much as anyone, but I also love being able to support small businesses when I can. I know the hard work that goes into creating a product and the joy in knowing that others appreciate it. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor with a side hustle or some cute small shops in your community .. go show them some love this season. It will bring a smile to both of your faces!
I didn’t get to take many pictures on the day of the market, and the wind messed up my setup plan … but thanks to help from my family, we made it work!






Once the market was finished up, I was ready to bring out all of my Christmas decor and do some Christmas crafting for myself! Even when things are super busy, I enjoy taking time to make things. This year I wanted to try out making a couple of different garlands. I knew that I wasn’t going to put ornaments on my tree because I didn’t want to be fussing at a toddler all season to keep her from breaking something or hurting herself. I have a couple of strands of yarn garland that I ordered from Crate&Barrel a few years ago, but it wasn’t nearly enough to cover my tree and would have been really expensive to order enough. I found a tutorial on Pinterest for this chunky yarn garland and covered my entire tree for $13! This was also the perfect activity to keep me from falling asleep while I was watching pharmacy continuing education videos 😆! I used this CHUNKY CHENILLE YARN from Walmart and basically created a braided look with loops. If you would like to watch a step by step visual, come watch my Instagram stories today or the highlight called “DIY Garlands.”



The second garland was made with these WOOD BEADS. I did a pattern of two different size beads, but since this kit comes with so many different sizes, there are so many variations you could make!
The process is obviously super simple … Just string onto twine and make whatever length you need. I did a 6 foot length for my mantle. You can come watch on my Instagram! I’m planning to make more next year to also add to my tree!



I hope everyone finds time to slow down and enjoy the last week before the big day!
Here are links to some other items from this post ..
It was time for us to get a new tree this year, and I am very happy with this one!

Four pack of knit stockings for only $20!!

Stocking holders .. no nail holes and don’t take up a lot of room on your mantle!