Holiday – The Sweet Tea Sisters

November 8, 2021

Simple Book Page Chain Garland

I was looking for something a little different for my mantle this fall, but I also wanted it to be neutral enough to use across multiple seasons. I decided on a simple chain garland like we used to make in elementary school, only instead of construction paper, I used pages I tore from an old book I purchased at the thrift store for exactly this kind of purpose. I put in a movie for my daughter and me to watch and before it was finished I had completed two DIY book page chain garlands for my fireplace mantle that I can use year-round.

To make the chain garland I used supplies I already had in my crafting stash. My 12″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer that I’ve had for close to 10 years and will forever NOT ever be without! Some Tombow glue, though any good adhesive would probably work, and any old book that won’t bother you to tear up. If I remember correctly, I paid $1.00 for a set of three of these books at the local second-hand store. I think this one is about vampires or such–perfect for destroying for craft projects! I don’t encourage anyone to look too closely a the pages as you never know what’s written on them! Luckily, we are slicing these up so it doesn’t really matter.

I started by simply ripping out a whole bunch of pages from the book. I didn’t really pay attention to how many and then began slicing them (I stacked about 5 pages at a time) into 1″ strips. I used the whole height of the book page because it made a nice size loop for the chain. A small paperback book may not be quite tall enough to make a loop as big around as the one I made for the main chain.

I wasn’t sure how many links I would need since I’m not the type to measure so I just kept cutting and cutting. I knew it would be easy to throw together a few more links or remove links if needed. Once I had a good stack of strips cut for the garland I decided to make a second chain with thinner and smaller circles that I could layer with the first chain. Two garlands are always more interesting than just one in my book! So this time I cut the height of my book page down a bit (these are around 4″ tall) before I began slicing it into strips.

After you have a nice pile of whatever size and variety of strips that you want it’s time to start assembling the chain that will make the garland. Do you remember how to do it? Start by gluing one strip of paper into a closed loop, then slide a new strip through the center of the original, completed ring and then glue that strip shut to create a link. Keep adding new strips through each newly completed loop to create more links. Does this bring back memories of kindergarten?

Pay attention to where you are adding the new strip, especially as your chain gets longer. I found a few places that I had added two links to one loop. But that’s not a big deal–just tear off the second link and throw it away! Easy peasy!

Once you think your chain is the length you want, repeat all the steps again to make the second chain. I knew I wanted the smaller garland to drape a few more times across the mantle so I made it longer than the larger loop chain.

I love how the book page garland looks on my fall mantle. I may make a few more garlands for use on the greenery on my staircase this Christmas. I added some twinkle lights intertwined through the loops and it’s so festive and sparkly! I may even add a little glitter to help reflect more light if I make another set.

This DIY book page garland was inexpensive, easy, and fast–three of my favorite things when it comes to crafts! You could easily do this with the help of your children. This simple book page garland would be beautiful around a Christmas tree, on a stairwell, draped across a mirror, or even across some display towels on a towel bar. Get creative!

We hope you enjoy this idea and would love to see your garlands if you decide to make them. Share them on your social media and tag us @thesweetteasisters on Instagram.

XOXO,
Doe

November 1, 2021October 31, 2021

Finding Moments of Rest for a Peaceful Fall

Do you find that once October hits life begins to feel a bit frantic? Schedules fill up and to-do lists run long. Home and family life can quickly begin to turn a little chaotic and feelings of overwhelm can start creeping in. For someone who loves people but loves to be home even more, that gets old really fast. So this year, for the month of November, The Sweet Tea Sisters are going to try to engage in one or two simple things each week that will encourage us to slow down just a bit and enjoy a sweet moment of rest here and there.

Here’s a list of ten things that can be done anytime during the next five weeks–whenever it fits the schedule–but no pressure allowed! The goal here is not to add extra work or expense to the budget, but to find a few simple things that, with minimal effort, cost or prep work, will hopefully energize our spirit and bring moments of rest in the chaos. There is no set time frame for this–there isn’t a particular day of the week or even a particular week to do any of the activities. If it makes your life easier you could schedule some, while others you may decide on at the last minute. You don’t even need to do all ten–five is the goal, but you know the SweetTea Sisters like to have OPTIONS and sometimes we might feel like doing a little extra!

Any of these things can be done by yourself, with your family, or with a group of friends. Mix it up! Welcome to The Sweet Tea Sisters 5 in 5 Restful Fall Challenge, and we’d love to have you join us!

Here’s what’s on our list and some thoughts about each one.

Eat dinner by candlelight
This does not mean you need to make a fancy dinner or set the table with cloth napkins and wine goblets–but you certainly could if that’s what will bring you joy without stress! There’s a good chance we will dish up our food in the kitchen and take our plates to the dining room table, or maybe even our living room coffee table! But there’s just something about candlelight that makes even the most humble thing feel special and relaxing about candlelight. In fact this sounds like the perfect way to elevate a pizza and paper plate evening!
Send someone a card or letter of encouragement
Stopping to take the time to think about and then tell someone how grateful you are for someone is usually a sure-fire way to put yourself in a better frame of mind (and heart). Instead of focusing on all the chaos and to-do lists swirling around, take a moment to be thankful for the blessing of the people God has placed in your life.
Movie Night
We love a good movie and sometimes a mid-week movie with a big bowl of popcorn sounds delightful! A pile of blankets and pillows, your favorite pajamas, and a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles are a great way to enjoy 2 hours.
Go to bed early
Pull out a sleep mask, diffuse a little essential oils and hit the hay 30-45 minutes earlier than usual with the mindset to do a little relaxing breathing while thanking God for some of the things you’re thankful for as you fall asleep.
Buy a bouquet of flowers
Fresh flowers are a great way to lift drooping spirits. Pick up a bunch or two from your local grocery and divide them into a few smaller arrangements to place all around your home to bring spots of life and color when the world outside is getting darker and colder earlier and earlier. If you have a florist you love and it fits your budget you can get a great bouquet from there as well. (If you want to be even more extra, grab a extra bouquet and share it with a friend!)
Take a leisurely bath or shower
When it’s chilly outside, warm up with water! Use all the pretty smelling lotions and potions, light a few candles, play some soothing music and soak up the moisture until you feel sufficiently pruney. (Shaving your legs is an option, not a necessity!)
Schedule coffee or tea with a friend
In person or over a video call, in a home or at a cafe, just schedule some time for an uninterrupted heart to heart chat with a dear friend. Make sure to include some belly laughs if at all possible!
Game Night
Invite a few people to get together to play a few games or assemble a puzzle. No need to make a big meal–a potluck hot cocoa bar is fun and simple!
Read
Put the phone away, turn off the TV, slip into your favorite cozies, and spend a little time reading whatever you love…magazines, scientific journals, biographies, chick-lit, novels, gossip rags…whatever will give your brain a little break!
Eat dessert
Bake it, pick it up at the grocery, or get it from your favorite bakery, but indulge in your favorite dessert. Slow down and really enjoy every bite!

None of these things are hard, magical, or even unusual, but when done with intention, a thankful heart, and a mind to enjoy them fully, they might bring some much needed rest into the middle of what can quickly become a season long to-do list.

Do you need to find a few minutes of rest this season? Follow us on Instagram, check out our stories throughout the month of November to follow along, and then join us in this challenge! Use our list or make your own. Either way, we’d love to hear what you do– tag @thesweetteasisters and use #STS5in5restfulfallchallenge to share your peaceful moments on Instagram.

XOXO,

Shan and Doe

February 13, 2021

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Breakfast

When I had a little more time and energy and I loved putting a lot of effort into creating a fun holiday event. But nowadays putting together a few simple, yet fun foods at the last minute is about all I can manage. Today I’m sharing a Valentine’s Day breakfast you can pre-prep tonight with foods you probably already have in your pantry.

I’m already a procrastinator but Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that always seems to sneak up on me and fall through the cracks. this breakfast is my go-to for special days and celebrations. It checks all the boxes for being easy, prep-ahead, delicious, and fun for everyone in the family.

You can start today by prepping Weekend Baked Eggs. You’ll grate the cheeses, cook your breakfast meat, and mix together your egg base and store them in the fridge separately overnight. Tomorrow all you’ll need to do is pour the eggs over the cheese and meat then put it in the oven an hour before you want to eat. If you don’t have breakfast meat in your fridge or freezer, no problem, just leave it out!

Next, you’ll mix up a batch of Whole Wheat Scones. These are best if the dough sits in the refrigerator overnight which makes them perfect for a relaxing Valentine’s Day morning. They only take about 15 minutes to bake so they’ll be ready in a jiffy. Serve them with your egg casserole, or save them for later and have a mini Valentine’s Day tea party.

Now you can sit back and relax or work on a few Valentine crafts until tomorrow. I’ll have a post a little later today with some cute garlands you can make with your kids or some friends.

In the morning while your oven preheats, assemble the egg casserole and set it aside. Rinse some raspberries and strawberries and lay them out on a dishtowel to dry. Get a double boiler going on the stove and start chopping up some melting chocolate.

Your oven is probably ready about now so go ahead and get your eggs baking. They take a good hour so you have plenty of time to finish up the other goodies. Spread out some foil near where you will be dipping your strawberries and begin dipping your berries as soon as the chocolate is nice and smooth.

If your kids are old enough this is a great project to give them while you drink a cup of coffee with your feet up. My 13-year-old could handle this task with ease.

if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can melt down some white chocolate as well and use a fork to drizzle lines back and forth across the milk chocolate. Even if they get a little clumpy, your family will think they are decadent!

Next up, White Chocolate Stuffed Raspberries which sound a lot fancier than what they are. All you’re going to do is literally stuff a white chocolate chip into a raspberry. If it is a big berry, add two! I’m not kidding; it’s that easy. Neither my husband nor my daughter loves white chocolate, but they said they were delightful. Again, get your kids to help if you feel they are up to the task.

Your eggs are probably about ready now. As soon as they are out, turn your oven up to 400 and pull your scones out of the fridge to slice and bake. Pour yourself a tasty drink from this post and get ready to plate up your festive Valentine’s Day Breakfast.

Are you a procrastinator, too, or have you had your Valentine ducks in a row for weeks now? Give this menu a try and let us know your favorite part. Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO

Shan and Doe

February 13, 2021

Three Simple Non-alcoholic Drinks for Valentine’s Day

Our families love a festive drink for any kind of celebration. Tonight we’re sharing three simple drinks that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With only a few ingredients, that can be found at most any grocery store, these drinks are a perfect last-minute addition to your Valentine’s Day menu. Their bright red color will brighten any day but are especially fun for this LOVEly holiday.

Cran-Raspberry Spritzer

Can you make a festive drink any simpler than this? Unlikely. Just two ingredients are all it takes to make this bubbly beverage. Simply mix equal parts of a cold juice of your choice, cran-raspberry is our favorite, and chilled lemon-lime soda, like Sprite or 7-Up. But your family doesn’t need to know you’re not a master mixologist. Mix the juice and soda in a fun goblet and garnish with a few fresh berries and everyone will want to make a toast in your honor!

Italian Cream Soda

Dori was introduced to Italian Cream Sodas while she was in high-school (can it be that was more than 25 years ago?!) and has been hooked on them ever since. They seemed to be pretty common on the west coast, but don’t seem to be as popular farther east.

The fun thing about Italian Sodas is their versatility. The base recipe is simple. Layer 8 ounces of cold club soda, 4 TBSP flavored syrup, and 2 TBSP half & half in a glass filled with ice. Your cream may separate a bit on occasion, but it doesn’t affect the taste of the drink.

Fruit-based syrups are ideal for Italian Sodas: strawberry, raspberry, lime, etc. Caramel, coconut, and vanilla are delightful also. We used vanilla-flavored syrup because it’s the easiest to find at the grocery store. We’ve topped it with 2 TBS grenadine to give it a lovely pink-y red hue. If you’re feeling decadent, top it with some whipped cream and sprinkles. You can leave out the cream if you want and it’s still delicious.

Italian Sodas are wonderful year-round and kids love coming up with different combos and mixing them by themselves. For a fancy, at-home brunch, try making an orange cream soda using pulp-free orange juice and vanilla syrup. (You’re welcome!)

Vanilla and Grenadine Italian Cream Soda

Shirley Temple Upgraded

Sometimes we forget about the old stand-bys, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to bring back this classic sipper. We’re making it feel a little fancier by riming our champagne glass with whipped topping and a generous sprinkling of sugar sprinkles.

This one doesn’t really require measuring, just fill your glass 3/4 of the way with chilled lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and then add in a healthy splash of grenadine. Adjust the flavor to your preference, but whatever you do, don’t skimp on the maraschino cherries; scooping them out and munching down is the best part!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money, take a lot of time, or have a ton of ingredients to mix up a festive drink to delight the whole family. You can even keep most of these in your pantry and then whip them out any time something or someone needs a littel celebrating.

What do you think; will your family loves these drinks as much as ours do? We think so! Give them a try this Valentine’s Day weekend and let us know which is your favorite.

XOXO

Shan and Doe