Christmas in July Preview - Crafts

Where are all the craft supplies?  I was very disappointed when a trip to my local  Michael's yesterday yielded absolutely nothing.  There wasn't a single Christmas item to be found.  I guess they are taking Christmas IN July literally and not putting anything out until July starts...I hope that's the case anyway because I need a few not-available-any-other-time-of-the-year supplies to test drive a few crafts.  Fingers crossed there will be some things out when I stop by tomorrow afternoon.

Christmas in July Preview - The Final Weekend

Here we go, Christmas lovers, the final weekend before Christmas in July begins!  It's time to fine tune those plans, dig through recipes that have been gathering dust, and line up your craft supplies.  Stay tuned for new ideas, new perspectives, new discoveries.  Please join us on the Magical Holiday Home Forums for day by day recaps of all the fun.

Christmas in July Preview - Hallmark Ornament Premiere

It's the 2013 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Premiere - save the dates - July 13, and 14, 2013.

Christmas in July Preview - Watching and Reading

Our new Christmas in July movies and book have arrived.  We've added the following to our collection:

12 Men of Christmas

Deck the Halls

Four Christmases

Snowball Express

We also decided to read Trading Christmas by Debbie Macomber as a story time, read a chapter a day out loud activity.  I just realized that they've made a movie out of this book - will have to check that out for next year's Christmas in July.

Christmas in July Preview - Christmas Pudding Truffles

Courtesy of http://www.annabelkarmel.us/recipes/christmas-recipes/christmas-pudding-truffles.html

I've been searching for a recipe for Christmas Pudding Truffles to put on the agenda for this year's Christmas in July and then, last night during an episode of Cupcake Wars, Sophia and I came up with the idea of a Christmas Pudding cupcake.  It will be Christmas Pudding in terms of the presentation, not the taste, although next year I think I might work on the taste side of it as well.  Our plans are to make edible chocolate cases, a chocolate cupcake and vanilla buttercream with an edible holly decoration.  I'm thinking fondant will work for the holly.  Hope it tastes as good as it sounds!

Christmas in July is Coming!

Photo courtesy of http://rudolphday.blogspot.com/2012/07/christmas-in-july.html

There are ten days until Christmas in July begins on July 1.  The themes are up over at the Magical Holiday Home Forums and it's time to start planning.

Week One -  I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Week Two - Silver and Gold

Week Three - It's a Sweet Christmas

Week Four - Christmas Traditions

Week Five - Planning 213

Please join us!