I have chosen a word to focus on throughout the year since 2012.  I love this idea from Ali Edwards and I encourage you to try it to too.

This year I had a few words picked out that I was trying to pick through.  And then I finally picked my word.   I had picked the word COURAGE.  I was set to that.  I made up a printable, I was picking quotes.  I was excited.

Then, BAM!  New Years morning I woke up and I could not get the word "START" out of my mind.  I tried, I already had my word picked out,............but my word picked me.

So my year for 2016 is START!!!

I love hand made gifts.

Every year I try to make one present for each member of my family from my heart.  I enjoy it.  It gives me peace and it brings joy to my Holiday Season.

I try to come up with something unique to each person.  I also try to have the kids make something for each other too.  I feel like it brings the true meaning of Christmas into our home.  The true spirit of giving.  Showing love and thoughtfulness for one another.

Now is the time, if you haven't already, to decide what you want to make this year.  You have 30 days to complete all of your projects.  Make a list of the supplies you will need to get, and have them on hand.  I find that if I have what I need then I can pull it out when I find an extra minute or two.  My best friend crochet's blankets at night for after her kids have gone to sleep, for Christmas gifts.  Doesn't that just sound perfect? Creating, watching a Christmas movie, sipping on Hot Cocoa!

Here is  a Pin Board I've created with some of my favorite Handmade Christmas gifts ideas.

Follow Heather Sweet-Me's board handmade christmas on Pinterest.




What things will you be creating this year?

It's that time of year!  Time for family pictures!

I know this is a love/hate relationship for most.  It's always a struggle to get everyone excited about dressing up, looking nice, and sitting still.

Then you have to pick the outfits.  Choose a Photographer.  Pick a location!!!  Oh, the stress!!!

This year, let go of that stress!  Try to have fun with your pictures.  Pick a location that the kids can explore as well as smile for the camera.  Choose clothes that everyone will like and wear again.  Have your children help you pick their outfits, that way there is less of a rebellion.

When it comes to picking out your outfits, I always say pick something you love on you, then plan the rest of your family's outfits around that.  You will be most critical of what you look like in your pictures, so if you feel good about your appearance, then you will love your pictures that much more.  Also, stay away from "matchy matchy" outfits.  It looks better to have them coordinate and compliment each other, instead of trying to be twins.

The Sweet-Me family just had our pictures taken and these were the tips we followed:
*  Pick a location with several back-drop options
*  Pick a neutral color scheme
*  Bring snacks that are not messy for the littles
*  Bring snacks that are not messy for the Dads!
*  Have fun!




We didn't hire a photographer because I love photography and like to play around with it.  I just set up my tripod and had at it.  I have named myself the "tripod queen" because I have always taken our family pictures this way.  It is getting late in the season, so if your favorite photographer is booked up, give your tripod a try, or enlist a friend to come shoot for you.




Now that you have your pictures done, it's time to make those Cheerful Christmas cards!  I love that there are so many options now.  Here are some of my favorites this year.  They are all from Tiny Prints.

So Excited!  We are starting our 12 days to a SWEET-ME Christmas on the blog, Wednesday 11/19!!!

We will have tips, ideas, giveaways and inspiration each day, to help YOU get ready, organized and EXCITED for Christmas.  We want you to be able to CELEBRATE love, joy and the season the entire month of December instead of stressing and rushing around!  Make sure you check back everyday for new tips!  Tell a friend too!  It's the season for giving, and we will have some FUN giveaways!!!

70 Days until Christmas!

Does that stress you out!?

It's time to re-think the Holidays!  It's time to enjoy the Christmas Season!

Sweet-Me Christmas was designed to help you remember to enjoy the Holidays.  We will be doing the "Twelve days before December" starting November 19th.  Until then, we will have as many tips, hints and inspiration to get you going on a joyful Christmas.

First we need to change our thought process.  If the idea of the the Christmas season strikes a little bit of fear in your heart, then let's change that.  Change requires a deliberate effort.  We must change our thought process, and our Holiday Habits.

Think about last Christmas season.  What did you enjoy?  What needs some changing?  Are you in the habit of procrastinating the buying of gifts?  Do you over-spend every year?  Do you over commit?  Be honest with yourself, without beating yourself up.  Change is about wanting better, not obsessing on everything we do wrong!

This year we are going to change our mindset about how we go about the month of December.   We will make time to enjoy the magic, take in the warmth and share the love!

Do you have any tips you would like to share that helps you embrace the Christmas Season?  We would love to hear them!