Christmas Favorites

Favorite Songs

1. “O Holy Night”
2. “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant
3. “Christmas Canon” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra- This is the song I walked down the aisle to!
4. “Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill

Favorite Christmas Movies

1. Elf- Hands Down!!
2. Home Alone 

Favorite Places to Travel

1. New York City
2. Natchitoches, Louisiana

Favorite Christmas Treats

1. Christmas Tree Cookies
2. Polish Mistakes
3. Peppermint Bark (Dark Chocolate)

Favorite Christmas Activities

1. Celebrating with Family
2. Looking at Christmas Lights- It's even better when turned into a scavenger hunt!
3. Listening to my Pepaw read the story of Christmas

My Dad keeps sending me these pictures via email so I figured I would share them with you.  

Cheers to being a kid again!

Bk

Dead or Alive

On American Pickers the other night, Frank and Mike were talking about old pictures.  They said that alot of portraits taken during the Victorian Era were taken of dead people.  It is believed this was because pictures were too costly; therefore, people only took photographs out of necessity (such as to remember a family member).  They further explained that the photographer would typically prop the subjects up to make them look alive; and sometimes even pose them with their family members or a favorite item such as a toy.  WHAT??!! 

I can't help but think of these old pictures I recently picked up from a local flea market.  I wanted to use them for a project, but now I am not so sure I even want them in my house. I feel like I am hearing a secret or seeing something that wasn't meant for me to see!!! I'm almost afraid to ask, but what do you think?  Do you think these people were alive when these pictures were taken?

   

Anybody need some extra photos?

Bk

Truth

As I was driving home from school yesterday, I decided to call my Dad.  Our conversations are usually pretty sporadic and this one did not disappoint.  Somehow we found ourselves on the subject of faith and creationism.  He had no idea what I was thinking about posting today; however, what he said was very relevant and right on target!  He said he once heard a preacher describe the beginning of earth like this... Have you ever broken a cell phone and then thrown it up in the air?  Better yet, have you ever broken a cell phone, thrown it up in the air, and then expected it to come back down in one piece- perfectly put back together? 

In truth,
Bk

"As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God." Romans 14:11

My Kind of Funny

Sophie Blackall has to be one of my favorite artists to date.  She was born in Australia and now resides in Brooklyn, New York.  I think her prints are awkward.hysterical.and brilliant.  Here are some of the ones that continue to make me laugh.  Enjoy:)

What's your favorite?
Bk

Christmas Gifts 2012: (Mostly) Handmade Edition

1.      Handmade Cloth Dolls

I think these are the sweetest little dolls!  How fun would it have been to have a doll that actually looked like you as a kid?!  I think this will be a future gift for our nieces:).

2.   Olliegraphic Plate
I have already purchased one of these for a dear friend's daughter and have two more on the way for my favorite nieces.  They are customizable and appear very durable.  I would highly recommend these for the younger family members.  The company occasionally offers discounts on their Facebook page. 

 

3.   Charlie and the Christmas Kitty

If you have ever visited the Pioneer Woman's blog, you are very familiar with the family dog, Charlie.  Ree Drummond is a beautiful writer with hilarious commentary on her beloved family member.  I think this would be a perfect Christmas gift for children of all ages.

4.   Real Wood Creations

I purchased one of these for a Christmas gift a few years ago. The sellers have several colors to choose from and they allow you to pick any quote that is within the appropriate length to make it extra special.  I really like the fact that the creators hand paint all of the letters (instead of using vinyl).  

5.   Earrings!!

These are made by yours truly (insert shameless plug here)! 

6.   Jewelry Roll

I bought these for my bridesmaids five years ago and I still think they are just as pretty as ever.  The seller allowed me to customize the style, stitching color, outside color, and interior color for every single one I purchased to match the personalities of my bridesmaids.  I would highly recommend this as a gift for friends, sisters, and/or co-workers!

7.   Family Necklace

I love, love these necklaces!  They are made by a lady who lives in my hometown of West Monroe, LA.  Her husband beads the necklaces while she stamps the charms.  My brother and I bought my mom one for Mother's Day a few years ago and she wears it all.the.time.  

8.   Cake Pan

A few Christmases ago, I bought customizable cake pans for my grandparents.  I thought the Cake Pan Lady was very reasonably priced and her product did not disappoint. Everybody loves a good potluck dinner every now and then, right? 

9.   Walk In Love Tee

I think these Walk In Love tees would make a perfect gift for guys and girls alike. I may have to add one of these to my personal Christmas wish list this year:).

10.  Show Offs Art

These prints on canvas are created and sold by a family from our church.  They're a cool family with an even cooler story behind all of their work.  You should check them out!

I would love to hear about some of your favorite handmade/local gifts!

Happy Shopping,

Bk

Truth

"A person who constantly seeks glory on earth constantly fears troubles on earth. But a person who seeks glory only with God fears no disturbance except for God's judgment." -Anonymous writer on Matthew 5:12

Pickin'N'Grinnin

The more I write, the more I feel the need to share my desire for this blog.  If you get nothing else from this post, please know/remember that I get to pick and choose what I want to share with all of you on Hootknows- it’s not always an accurate picture of real life.  It’s just a snapshot. In other words, please do not think the grass is always greener on my side of the fence- I struggle too!!

I created this blog to document some of our everyday details (and to make me take pictures to go along with those everyday details).  I hope it is evident throughout my posts that my strength and joy comes from the One who lives within me- Jesus.  He is the reason I wake up every morning! 

I am humbled and honored that you find my life interesting enough to read about.  Thank you!

Love,

Bk