Today the family visited Monschau Germany. Here is a map of where we were. Once I am home I will download my photos but in the mean time here`s a stock photo of Monschau in the winter time. The city was covered in a blanket of snow and they had the annual Christmas Market. I was happy to get my first glass of Gluwein. Certainly something you need to indure the cold weather. More updates later. Hope everyone is well.

Due to a merger w/ the company I work for I won’t be getting a paycheck from Dec. 18th till mid January. Needless to say that’s put a world of hurt on any plans for Christmas. The purse strings have tightened up and we are only buying presents for the kids this year. Hopefully next year we’ll be in better shape…but it is the way it is. However, I am excited about the gifts I got for my nephews Gavin & Ryan. Check it out:

While searching for Christmas ideas for my nephews I stumbled upon a blog where the writer created these adorable snowman kits. This would be such a great idea for Christmas gifts for those friends with kids! My schedule is a bit too much to undertake this project this year but I’m thinking this would be a wonderful idea for 2010’s Christmas Season!

A snowman is simple. He needs a hat, eyes, nose, mouth, scarf and buttons down his shirt. If you want an authentic snowman, you can even add a corncob pipe.

Cut a 7 inch width of red polar fleece for a scarf. Most polar fleece is 60 inches wide which makes a perfect length for a scarf. Then fray the end by cutting a 3 inch strip every 1/2 inch. Check it out with a little snowflake:

I traced a snowflake cookie cutter on white craft felt with pencil and cut it out. Then I stitched around using a machine blanket stitch. This scarf is so cute, you could steal it from the snowman and wear for Christmas.

Gather small semi round stones and paint them with black acrylic paint to make the snowman’s mouth.

I splurged on a fake carrot from a local craft store for $3. My husband thinks I should cut the “hairy” things off it it… too gross. I pulled out the foliage and hot glued a dowel into the hole in the end, to make it easier to stick it into the snowman. You could also use a real carrot in the kit… which would obviously need to be replaced as needed.

Next were inexpensive buttons for the eyes and down his tummy, big black buttons for the eyes, smaller green buttons for the tummy. I put the rocks and buttons into this cute little box for the gift.

And last but not least, the hat. I made it out of cheap black felt. I sprayed the felt with a little heavy starch to make it less floppy, and it turned out darling. I will be posting a tutorial on making the hat later today (I hope.) I still have a few measurements to get right if someone besides me is tried make it… I had to fudge a few times. I thought that Geometry teacher was lying when he said I would use these skills someday. Circumferences anyone? You could also buy a hat from a thrift store, Halloween close-out, cheap Santa hat, there’s lots of inexpensive choices.

UPDATE: Here are the directions for making a snowman hat: Start with at least 3/4 yard of cheap black felt.

Cut one circle 20″ inches wide for the brim of the hat.
Cut a smaller circle 6 3/4″ in the center of the the brim.
Cut one 8″ inch circle for the top of the hat.
Cut one rectangle, 6″ x 24″ for the cylinder.
Folding the rectangle in half, stitch the end using a 1/4″ seam, making the cylinder.
Keeping the cylinder wrong side out, carefully pin the 8″ circle around the top of the hat. Stitch together.
Turn the cylinder right side out. I used a chopstick to make the turn neat and tidy.
Pin the brim of the hat carefully around the cylinder. Stitch together.
Embellish the hat if desired. Use a piece of red felt or grosgrain ribbon around the hat. Or throw on a flower or a sprig of holly. Or just simply leave it a plain black hat… either way it’s going to be a darling snowman.

Last it all goes into a gift box… add a cute little tag that reads, “Just Add Snow.” And another check off my gift list!

Tiffinay at Northern Virginia Magazine has asked that I share their holiday contest with my blog readers.

In their December issue—to hit newsstands on Nov. 25—you’ll find professional decorating tips from interior designer Kathy Alexander that will help you deck your halls in such a way that you could even make Scrooge happily say, “Ho, Ho, Ho”!

Excited to see if you’ve learned anything from the guru or are innately talented with tinsel and such, we invite you to fill out the form below and send us photos of your holiday décor before Dec. 21.

On Dec. 22, we’ll select a winner in indoor décor as well as a winner in the outdoor category. Each will receive a $50 gift card to either Okra’s in Manassas or Tigris Grill in Falls Church.

If you submit a photo please send a copy to me at curebloodcancers@gmail.com and we’ll post your photos here as well. Happy decorating everyone!!!

Click here to be directed to the contest.

This weekend felt like an absolute whirlwind. Friday night I attended a jewelry party my friend Janet hosted. I went home at a decent hour as my friend Mike was coming over at 8am (yikes early for a Saturday) to help fix some lighting issues in our home. I awoke to find that snow had been falling for at least an hour. Every viewable surface from my home was covered in a blanket of snow. Our first snow of the season…it was lovely. Mike arrived promptly at 8am but quickly discovered that the job was going to be more labor intensive than he thought. He planned to go buy the items he needed and come back on Sunday morning. In the mean time I cleaned my house and then went out to run several errands. When at our local Home Goods store I came upon these ridiculously cute cat bunk beds. A bit over the top I realize. However, I simply couldn’t resist buying it for Puff & Snoppy. As you can see they’ve already claimed there new beds! Sunday my friend Mike returned and replaced the lighting fixture in my laundry room as well as hung a chandelier for me in my dinningroom. They both look great. I’m so fortunate to have such handy friends who are willing to help out! I swear I feel like my 5 year old home is falling apart. My next project is to figure out why my gas fireplace won’t ignite. Never a dull day. I digress…anyways the rest of my Sunday was nice. Abby and I drove out to Marterella Winery to deliver gifts we purchased for a local family in need. All the rest of the girls who work there showed up. Kate treated us to several bottles of the new champagnes she’s stocking at the winery. It was a lovely afternoon. When I finally got home I did more cleaning till about 10pm. Oye…am I sore today! Hope you all had a good weekend!

Hi Everyone…just wanted to quickly touch base with everyone and let you know we leave for Germany on the 11th and will return on the 20th. We are flying my mother in laws ashes to Germany and the funeral will be held on the 16th. I’ll be checking my curebloodcancers@gmail.com address if you need to reach us. Hopefully after the funeral life will start getting back to normal. As I’m sure you have all noticed my posts have been sparse of late. I suppose I just haven’t felt in the mood to be the social butterfly I typically am. Thus I really don’t have anything to write. A bit of the winter blues this year. With just cause of course. Heck I’m even struggling to convince myself to put up the decorations this year. It all just seems so somber for our family right now. This too shall pass.

Thank you for making my birthday the most amazing birthday to date! Special thanks to Abby for planning my surprise birthday dinner at Iron Bridge. It was so nice to spend the evening with so many of my close girlfriends. Janet, Lisa, Vickie, Rebecca, Dawn, Amanda and Kathy I’m so glad you all made it out!!! Last night I met my mom, Aunt Michele, my little sister Theresa, Liz, Nate, Abby, Kleo, Vickie, Dawn, and Tim for drinks at McCormicks. Then we went to watch Side Line w/ Sandra Bullock. I was absolutely spoiled by all the gifts you all gave me. I’m so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Special thanks to my friend C for the fabulous birthday cupcake, surprise visit, thoughtful gifts and lovely rendetion of Happy Birthday. You all made this birthday so special. I love you all!

I was busy cleaning my house on Thanksgiving morning when I got a phone call from my husband (who at the time was at my father in laws home in Williamsburg). He told me he was just watching the news with his father. CNN was reporting a story about a couple who crashed Obama’s state dinner. Knut was surprised when he recognized Tareq Salahi and his wife Michaele as the culprits. Knut called me and told me to take a look at the news. Sure enough it was Tareq & Michaele.

My first thought is this is a shameless publicity stunt by Bravo to exploit the new Real Housewives of DC in which Michaele is set to be part of the cast. Seriously I can’t believe that they would exploit the White House of all things held sacred in this city. I will attempt to refrain from making any judgements until the Salahi’s make a public statement as to what happened. However, my gut is telling me that Bravo producers are behind this. If that is the case shame on them. If the Salahi’s don’t come out and explain themselves I’m sure I’ll get the other end of the story in due time through my other sources at the White House. If the Salahi’s did crash the party there should be serious consequences for their lack of good judgement!

I’m sure the Salahi’s have now jeapordized someone’s elses career at the White House by their actions. Did they bother to think of the consequences to those agents who “did not follow proper procedures” and allowed the Salahi’s entrance to the dinner? This action on there part is likely to cause major discussions at the White House on overall security procedures. I feel for those who were directly involved with the security that evening. If anyone deserves to be punished – it’s the Salahi’s.

Link to CNN story

Technical Info: 2.8L, 200 hp, DOHC V6 with electronic engine management, 5-valves per cylinder; 5-speed automatic transmission w/ Tiptronic, ABS 5.3 Anti Lock break system, Alloy wheels, Electronic Differential Lock traction Control, Servotronic vehicle speed sensitive steering, four-link front suspension, stabilizer bars, front and rear; Fully galvanized sheetmetal, aluminum hood.

Safety/Security: Driver & Front passenger next generation airbag supplemental restraint system; Front seat side airbag supplemental restraints; 3-point front and rear safety belts with automatic self-tensioning; Inflatable “Sideguard” curtain airbags; Side impact protection, body crumple zones; Anti-theft vehicle alarm system; Headlight washer system; Integrated front fog lights, rear fog light; Dual power mirrors with defog feature.

Comfort/Convenience: Dual zone automatic climate control system; Power windows with “one-touch” down and “one-touch” up; 12 way power front seats; Electronic cruise control; Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column; Convenience close feature for windows and sunroof; Wood inlays for dash, console and doors; Remote keyless locking with controls in folding key; Auto check system with trip computer; Cupholders, folding center armrest; 60/40 split/folding rear seat; Symphony radio w/ cassette, in-dash cd player and Bose Speakers; Pre-wiring for CD changer and telephone; Heated Front & Rear Seats (I LOVE THIS FEATURE AND USE IT EVERY DAY!!!), Leather Seat Upholstry, Quatro All Wheel Drive System, Sunroof Package – Glass Sunroof w/ power, Tilt, Slide.

Original Price of car: $40,825

Mileage City 17 / Highway 24

Owners Notes: Sadly my mother in law just passed away. Our family had just traded in her Audi A6 for a Q5 since it was easier to transport her in a car with a higher profile. I’ve inherited the Q5 so I’m selling my 2001 Audi A6. This car has been an absolute joy to drive and I hope the new owner will come to love her as I have. Full maintenance records available. All oil has been changed every 3k miles. Mileage has just hit 100,800 as I type this. I’ve already completed the 100,000 mile maintence: timing belts, wiring, and water pump. The safety inspection is due in March of 2010. The only thing that will need to be attended to at that point is a small crack in the drivers side headlight assembly. I’ve already purchased the part and any mechanic can install it for you. You won’t need to deal with this until March though. My local mechanic said he’d do it an an hour tops. So it’s a minor cost.

This car is in excellent condition: Kelley Blue Book values the car at $7905. I’ve reduced the price to account for the tires and labor to replace the headlight frame.

If interested in this car please call me at 703-855-1480 or email me at curebloodcancers@gmail.com.

Wishing you all a warm wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by friends & family. Life is so short…appreciate those around you and give thanks for all the things you do have in life!