Practice Office Acts of Kindness Through the Holidays

Throughout the holiday season it's important to remember our loved ones. Often, we forget about the people we see everyday at work in an attempt to focus as much attention as possible on family. That being said it's always nice to remember some simple office acts of kindness throughout the holiday season to show love and support to coworkers. After all, we spend 40 hours a week fellow employees. Most corporations promote a team atmosphere and what better way to encourage these beliefs than by showing a little extra effort and support to those around you.

Have you ever had someone go above and beyond for you? If so, you know it's a fantastic feeling. Around Christmas time, we get wrapped up in things like presents when the real focus should be on love and kindness. Simple acts like taking out the trash at work can go a long way. Doing things without the thought of recognition is priceless and always offers a rewarding feeling. Grabbing an extra latte at the local coffee shop for a desk mate, restocking there printer with paper, or watering that half dead plant in there cubicle might not get you an award, but it will sure help morale and team spirit.

It's truly the little things that count. Simply asking members of your team if they need help might surprise you. Being stressed around the holidays is always tough. Sharing the workload, going above and beyond, and simply offering a helping hand at work shows that you care. It's always a good idea to get to know even the biggest introverts on your work force. They say, most of the best friendships you will ever generate form in school and at work. For that reason, getting to know the people on your team and going out of your way to take an interest in their lives might just help you to form a lifelong friendship to be proud of. Strike up a conversation, topics like lunch spot suggestions, news stories, ergonomic office products, and TV shows are a great way to gain info and perspective on coworkers likes and dislikes. Who knows, you might have more in common than you thought!

Does your business throw a holiday party? If so you will probably be pushing the office desks together to play typical games and engage in gift giving. Regardless of whose name you draw to shop for, do a little research. For the love of your job, don't just rush out and by the first candy cane tie you come across. Does your coworker love dogs? Is he or she a sports fan? A few simple questions and a nice conversation can get you the info needed to rock there world when it comes time to share in the office gift giving experience.

So the holiday season is dying down. Everyone is back in there office cubicles and hard at it. Families have headed back home. To be honest, a slight bit of depression can set in if you let it. It's hard to watch your loved ones go and know it could be months before you have the opportunity to see them again. Rest assured, you're  not the only one thats feeling that way. The good news is that your back with your work family who you will be able to relate to and spend time with all year round. Hopefully you have taken the time to show some random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season and built a better friendship with those around you. Bring in some doughnuts or a homemade dip to share after the Holidays have passed. Ask coworkers how there family time went and take an interest. Before you know it these tasks will be like second nature.

In closing, love and respect should be given to those around you without effort and regardless of what holiday is around the corner. Too often we are preoccupied with the next big project and miss the joy of everyday things. Regardless of if you write for an office furniture blog, teach, or run a fortune 500 company, caring goes a long way. The biggest act of kindness you can always share is your time and support of those around you.

Read More

Pt.5 Winter Gift DIY ~ Not your Grandma's slippers here

Ya won't find your grandma's slippers, mass produced like a trucker with Caffeine filled veins, on here, darling. We are kicking that box down & bringing a whole new respect for Hand made gifts this Holiday season. Thumb your nose at the hours in line, grouchy faced shopper crammed stores and get in touch with the TRUE meaning of gift giving from the heart.

Gift #1

Ingenious all in one Boot scrubber & scraper! With the look & quality of something you buy in a Gardener specialty store. Perfect for any home where mud or snow is possible. A door hinge for boot bottom scraper? Now why didn't I think of that..

Original source: *    http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/recipe-project/project-20110124.asp *

Found  * via content in a cottage * whom shared her finding from Mary Jane Butters project of the week.

Perfect for a wide range of recipients. From a gardener, a farmer, Dad & the boys who romp about outdoors and the special little Lady who comes & goes from yard to kitchen. What about those with a camper or tent camp? You are bound to know someone whom would love your personalized gift. Keep this one in mind year round. Great as a New home gift! I would forgo any plastic handle brushes. They would just make your project have a less indulgent appearance. Wood top brushes range from $2 or more. For some they may even be a little more searching to acquire. But remember, Presentation is not just about the packaging. 

I advise against Painting. Seal/weatherproof the wood before screwing in the hinge/brushes. Do the same sealing on the wood handle brushes before assembling. This will seal out moisture & protect the wood for many years to come.

Be sure to include a How to use tag. " To use, Hold the Boot Scraper in place by stepping onto the "platforms" on either side while Scraping the opposite boot."

Gift #2

Why not SHARE that heirloom Doily with other members of your family! This is one way to share a precious memento hand me down with other members of the family whom would treasure a piece of past.
Do you remember Victoria Magazine, when they became AWOL for almost a decade? I LOVED that magazine and still have a few of my favorite editions from the early 90's. Talk about disappointment when I could not find anymore issues before I realized they closed down the press. Well they made a come back recently with a bit of modern flare. This is from their May/June 2011 edition. Sharing with us how Maggie Weldon, the creator & owner of Lace Pottery creates breath taking yet simple plates. You could easily make a platter, a bowl or on down the line to your desire. A simple hand woven Doily with the looks of an Heirloom treasure can be shared with many others.
 Ever so grateful to have found the tutorial being my issue containing this tutorial became a home for winter hibernating mice in the garage. Never should have left it out there...

Via: * http://lacepottery.com/page.html?id=25  *

Ready to jump right in & create your own? Your family & friends will be AMAZED with your "new found skill" and treasure the useful piece of art to boot. Why not make a proper set. Enough for use during meals, outdoor dining, or as  Spring meal /Birthday exclusives. Click that link under the above photo to see all the accommodating How to photos. This below is just to tease your temptation with the simplicity:

Gift #3

Remember the Book cover sketch book in Part 4? And the Cant live without Cast Iron bread pans in Part 3? Well baby if you like those, then your gonna LOVE playing with this one.

Find an OLD hard back while shopping in the thrifts, the Library sales with this project in mind. Make a recipe card scrapbook they can keep adding to over the years! Just be sure to add some already filled in with favorites. Like taking photos? Why not add in a few photos of the food item to accommodate the card? Put pictures in plastic protective sleeves for that extra special "just for you" touch.

Via Two Peas in a Bucket

Complete tutorial over at  *Two Peas in a Bucket* .

Originally meant as a mini photo scrapbook. I saw the metal rings & instantly brought to mind a better use for storing those recipe cards. Now THAT is a kicker use for the love of Hard back book covers!

Gift #4

Save those pages during your crafting! Why not turn them into fire starters! Either for your self or as a bonus for themed gift giving:

I know the pine cones are just darling in appearance, but for home fireplace use I would add wood dust/shavings in their place. Mixed in with a little Beeswax,paraffin for "cementing". Add the sage leaves, lavender sprigs, rose petals or other dried & naturally scented additive of your choice. Pine creates Creosote, coating the chimney which in turn creates a flammable substance clinging to the actual interior. Pine is just not a good idea for indoor fires. 

Too many pages to use? Keep them handy. You never know what this winter Gift series will bring to your attention.

Gift #5

Despite a more natural approach with my own Hair, Panda has been rather flustered with hers. Not only did she inherit my smashing good looks, attitude & pretty much everything else. Poor thing inherited my exact hair. What once was fine baby black hair has transformed with her maturing into my ethnic texture strands. With haphazard annoying curls appearing in some sections. She began using the flat irons while at her friends homes and a year ago I succumbed with compassion to buying her one of her own.  Apparently the lower end brands do not give her the same results as those she found using her friends straighteners.

So I found the one she has been begging for priced 50% off {at Ulta Beauty}and even then it is far more then I would willingly spend but was met with "All I want this year is a Chi Hair straightener. Mom, I don't care if I get anything else.". Thanks to Grandma the super sale queen, I found one, even better then she requested.

The point of this gift is that MANY girls/women use the hot flat iron or even a curling iron on their hair. I do not know a single teen girl that I have encountered whom does NOT use one.This is a simple gift but can be combined with hair accessories such as a nice brand of hair protector spray or gift card for the local beauty supply which any Teen would be smiling about.

WONDERFUL * tutorial for the hot or cold storage travel case for their flat iron.  * Get a peek at the recipients flat iron. {they do vary in width. From 1/2 inch plates to 2" plates of the straightener. If for a younger female, simply ask "Mom" what the size is before you whip it up. Otherwise, you might have to resort to a bit of creepy snooping in their bathroom with that hidden in your pocket measuring tape. Your on your own there 'Sista!

Via Sew4Home*

'..You can pack it two different ways, depending on whether the tool is warm or cold. If the tool is warm when you need to pack it, put the tool itself in the inside tool pocket and loop the cord around to the outside cord pocket. This way you don't store the cord next to the hot tool."
https://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/travel-accessories-curling-ironflat-iron-case

Gift #6
For the Gym, The local pool, sleepovers, or for that youth whom plays a sport. Panda played Cross Country this last season and always had a separate sling back bag for stuff. And due to the dirty shoes and sweaty uniform, had to be washed.. Often..This one is a great unisex gift. Do NOT let the circle grommets scare you. Truly they are the easy part if you have a problem with cutting straight lines.

*Via Sew4Home*

https://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/make-fall-fabulous-shoulder-sling-sport-duffle

Can you believe just 2 more weeks to get your gifts done! Now that I put that down, I realize I better get a move on my list. I've been far to busy with winter cleaning and organizing this past week. I have only accomplished the back seat cover for the car since I've been spending as much time cleaning it from Moose Tracks as I am other rooms of the house...
Now Ya'll get moving. Time is closing in on us!
Sweetest Dreams,
~Tammie

Read More

Quick creative low/no sew costume year

Due to our week away not long ago, my budget was smacked for Halloween costumes. As in NO money. (I had $9 left on a Joann fabric gift card & that is all we spent plus 50 cents at the thrift store.) Broke thanks to the rental being $200 more then what we thought it would be due to the quote (hidden insurance & stuff) given when it was picked up. Normally all of October is spent making costumes for our little ones. This year, I had to do something different. BUT in no way was I going to just slap something together without getting creative. Making costumes is what I find this time of year so much more exciting.

First up, The beautiful raven haired girl whom fell in love with the young local Glass makers son. Unbeknownst to her, an evil witch that lived just outside the village, had a daughter that secretly admired this boy from afar.
One day, as the young boy & this beautiful young girl walked along the deer trails, not far from the witch's cottage, the evil daughter was out gathering wood for the fire. She soon spotted the two lovers amongst the trees. She became enraged when she saw the young boy holding the hand of this dark haired beauty. The jealous outcast girl could see they were smiling at each other and laughing. Then, the young boy stopped walking. He reached into his pocket, bringing out a cloth covered item he held so delicately.
He slipped this beautiful glass heart he made for her, attached only by a thin ribbon. The rays of the sun glitter along the edges, making the red glass shine as though a thousand lightening bugs danced inside. This gift made the girl so happy.

Her smile beaming up to the young boy as he stared deep into her eyes. She hugged him with delight over such an amazing gift.
The evil daughter stomped back to her cottage, intent of ridding herself of this girl. She carefully selected herbs, roots & other magical ingredients for what she hoped would seal the fate of that village girl.
The evil daughter was able to slip unseen to the girls house. Offering her this "special tea" saying it would ensure a lifetime of happiness with the man of her dreams. The girl quickly made the tea for she so deeply wanted to ensure a happy lifetime with her young love. As the last drop fell from her cup, she began to feel odd. Her skin tingled and her hair began to thicken. She fainted from fear. She knew she had been tricked. All she could think of was her one true love.
When she awoke, she found herself in the form of a crow. The glass heart still dangling from her neck. She tried to call out but the only words she could say was the last word she had thought of during the transformation. "Carl". "Carl". And to this day, as the black crow flies amongst the sky, you will hear the young girls cry as she searches for her lost love.
(Get it? Caw caw as in Carl Carl with a twist). I made this story up when I brainstormed Panda's costume. She did laugh at me and say "You totally made that up mom". Yes. Yes I did. Now go put this on...


Her costume was made with a black long sleeve tshirt under a more dressy style sun dress, given to her from a friend who had outgrown it. Same with the boots. The white capri tights were perfect with the color scheme. The only items purchased were the glass heart & black feathers attached with diluted liquid glue to the basic face mask. I paper matched the beak on before the feathers were applied. Finishing it with a yellow paint. I cut an old bed sheet to make the wings, attached them to her shirt with simple hand sewing of 1 stitch & a few knots. A few feathers added for more emphasis on what they are. Took 3 hours total.
My Little man wanted to be Hobo. Why? I truly do not know. But it worked for me and nothing was bought for his outfit. A raid into the closet brought tattered play jeans, daddy's shirt & a bandanna. The stick had somehow founds it way into our house but that's not unusual. You would be amazed at the things I find from my little Nature freaks, bringing tokens of their day in with them. It may well have served as a sword as they climbed the trees, fighting off pirates. Or as a stick to move a lone garter snake out of their path. Between the rocks in pockets of dirty clothes & leaves under pillows, I am not at all surprised to have found that stick in one of my cupboards.
A little bit of brown face paint diluted, for the scruffy dirty face as well as some old eye liner I had.

Now he fits the part of a railroad traveling hobo, sitting here at an abandoned saw mill not far from our home.

And as for frog, she wanted to be the typical Fairy princess. A few flowers left from another project, 50 cent wings from the thrift store and $4 dollars of fabric during the big moonlight madness 60% off sale at Joanns. The tulle is from a different old skirt of hers. I used a jumper dress of hers as a pattern for the outline and had just the straight side seams & shoulder straps to sew. VERY basic. I left the rest unsewn. I attached the leaf bottom with simple straight stitch, cut to fit around her midsection & freehand cut some leave strips to overlay.

A headband of her sisters holds a lone flower as her crown. Looped on with thread & needle. Voila! Fit for her imaginative play. A wand, made & given to me from a friend, was the accessory she so insisted for her costume.

As for me, I used that old bed sheet to make a hooded cloak & witch hat.I sprayed clear coat krylon (again from another project) onto the finished hat after scrunching it up a bit. This helped harden the fabric & to hold the shape better.

A broom was made from an apple tree branch, stripped of its bark while I watched Frog riding her bike in the yard. The overgrown field just South of us, supplied the straw. All free hand and it came out just fine.


Now to add a ribbon & buckle (made from an antique dresser that was falling apart-I clipped off the handle, using the back plate & pounded holes in it for the ribbon). This will hide the seam of the hats brim to the upper portion. I am using my black bridesmaid dress from my little brothers wedding, as well as a Victorian inspired white top I used in previous photos from my Gypsy tea pictures. Bell sleeves, bunched up bodice peeking from the strapless gown top. PLUS a pair of black combat boots given to me by my much loved Sister in law. Gotta look through the winter clothes bin for some socks. Panda cant find her red & white striped stockings so more creativity is in order.

I hope these inspire you to get creative & not fear a low or no budget for this wonderfully magic holiday. It is the 1 day a year you can dress up however you want (and get away with it).

Happy Halloween!

and as always...

Sweetest dreams,
~Tammie

Read More