I’ve found a lot of gems on the internet this week. Most of them are Christmas-related because that’s where my mind is right now. I hope you don’t mind, Dear Reader.

Enjoy!

Homegrown: Advice on Parenting & Families

• Andrea at Crazy Jugs recounted a wonderful story called God made dat.
• Another Andrea, this one from Take It Smiling, shared a list of her must have children’s books
• Rachel at The Small Notebook (one of my new favorite blogs!) posted an article about making your own Christmas traditions.
• Tsh, the Simple Mom, asked readers to share their thoughts on this question: How do you handle well-meaning extended family who want to give gifts in a way that don’t align with what’s best for your immediate family? There are 75 responses; a lot of the astounded me.

Home Cooking: Recipes & Kitchen Tips

• Cindy from Mom Maven posted a recipe for Toffee Bars that I can’t wait to try.
• I love when Grace tries to help me in the kitchen. Mary Beth at Cupcakes and Crinoline posted a great recipe for Christmas Bars you can make with your kids
• Angela at Cottage Magpie posted a recipe for one of my favorite Christmas cookies – peanut butter kisses
• Heather, The Mogul Mom who also writes at Smotherhood, posted 3 easy and delicious recipes for supper.
• Robyn’s Online World shared instructions for Christmas pretzels that would make a great gift, too
• Heather from Not a DIY Life posted a recipe for Rum-Pum-Pum Thumbprints on her recipe blog, On Pans and Kneadles
• Jenn at Frugal Upstate posted instructions for Oreo cookie “truffles.” A dozen (or even a half dozen) packaged up in a pretty box would make a great gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Homemaking: Keeping Your House Running

• Jenn at Frugal Upstate posted ideas for frugal Christmas decorations from nature (pictures from her local public library – brilliant!)
• Amber at A Classic Housewife in a Modern World gave suggestions for decorations that reflect the real meaning of Christmas (this post is part of very helpful series on Advent – take a look)
• You can see lots of Christmas Tree photos at We Are THAT Family, where Kristen is hosting a linky event
• I am totally in awe of the Christmas decorations at Courtney’s house. She posted them at her blog, Nesting Instincts

Homespun: Crafts & Other Projects

• Jenn at Frugal Upstate gave a great suggestion for recycling your Christmas cards
• Mindi at Moms Need To Know has instructions for making gorgeous sparkly ornaments (I love this idea so much that I might bag the baked good I was going to give our neighbors and Grace’s teachers in favor of these ornaments!)
• Tidymom posted instructions for making an equally gorgeous wreath from glass ornaments
• One year, my mom made pomanders from whole oranges, and I remember the wonderful aroma. Mariana from Playful Things posted a tutorial for making one at Blissfully Domestic.

Have you post something this week that was worth writing Home about? Send me the link, and maybe you’ll see it here next Sunday!