Sandra Began Everyday

Create Your Own DIY Valentine Tree

2012-01-29T16:15:00.000-06:00

If you have branches, a vase, Valentine craft supplies and a glue gun, you can quickly create a Valentine Tree for your home or Valentine Event. I enjoyed creating the ornaments of this tree with the help of my 8 year old son and his friends. They created the ideas and I took care of the glue gun. Fun was had by all of us.

Create your own Valentine Tree.

Cupcake liner Valentine ornaments

Tie-dye Doilies. All you need are watercolors!

Rick-Rack Heart Ornament

Tie-Dye Heart

Candy Heart Ornament. What you need: 2 candy hearts, 2 cutout paper hearts and 8 inches of yarn.

Valentine Cupcake Liner Ornaments. What you need: 2 cupcake liners, 4 cotton balls, 6 inches ribbon, glue gun.

Easy Valentine Art For Your Home

2012-01-27T06:57:00.001-06:00

I love changing the artwork in my home every holiday. Here are 2 simple, inexpensive ideas for Valentines Day that YOU can make at home.

LOVE Art. Draw 4 squares and the letters with pencil on an 8x10 piece of paper. Have your kids (or you) paint the squares using different colors. Supplies: Frame, Paper, Pencil, Watercolors.

Candy Heart Art. I bought an inexpensive frame and used my hot glue gun to glue on 12 candy hearts. Easy!

Valentine Crafting with Kids

2012-01-27T06:44:00.000-06:00

Valentines Day is coming soon so I grabbed Charlie and his friends Ellie and Kate and we spent an afternoon making cards, containers and ornaments for our Valentine Tree. I love the creativity the kids have. Paper, water colors, ribbon, hearts and a glue gun goes a long way!

Sandra Began Launching Charity Shopping Event to Benefit The Building for Kids Children's Museum.

2012-01-24T10:15:00.000-06:00

I am launching The Spring Fling Shopping Event to help raise funds for the Building for Kids Children's Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin. The charity shopping event will be held at the Building for Kids on Monday, April 23, 2012 from 12:00 - 7:00pm.

After a successful 3rd year of my Holiday Preview Event in October of 2011, which has over 800 shoppers and has raised close to $15,000 for 2 of my favorite local charities, Bundle Up Kids and The Miracle League of the Fox Valley, I thought what a great way to help the museum raise funds to enhance exhibits and the educational programming and what an easy and fun way to promote my artist and retailer friends to our community.

I am a proud museum Member and Board Member and have enjoyed hours of fun and learning at the museum with Jack and Charlie so having the event benefit the museum is a natural choice.

Over 45 artists and vendors will showcase their creations at the museum and feature spring goods for Mom, Baby, Kids, Teachers and you! You will find unique gifts, jewelry, home decor, fashion, bath and body and oh so much more!

Tickets are $10 in advance/$15 at the door

100% of the proceeds will benefit enhancing exhibits and programming at the Children's Museum

To learn more about the event or if you are interested in exhibiting, visit www.springflingevent.com.

Fresh Berries and Boughs 101

2011-11-11T13:58:00.000-06:00

I love decorating with different types of fresh berries and greens. You can create a designer look in minutes by mixing in any of my favorites to your planters, garland or containers. All of the beautiful berries and boughs below can be purchased at The Wreath Factory in Menasha or Plymouth, Wisconsin or at your local florist or greenhouse.

WINTERBERRY: stems of bright beautiful red berries add color to planters.

PORT ORFORD CEDAR: short needles with graceful blue-green color and wonderful scent. Hang in a chandelier, drape on mantle or add to planters for a soft, whispy look.

INCENSE CEDAR: yellow buds at tips of boughs. Tuck into faux garland to add color and texture.

BERRIED JUNIPER: scented, silvery durable greenery with blue berries.

ROSE HIPS: Orange and red large berries are a festive addition to wreaths and arrangements.

FRESH MAGNOLIA: Fresh glossy green leaves with a brown and gold underside add texture and beauty to wreaths, garland and planters. A vase filled magnolia alone or mixed with fresh greenery is always stunning!

Fresh Holiday Greenery Buying Tips

2011-11-11T13:40:00.001-06:00

If you area heading out soon to purchase fresh greens for your outdoor decor, here are a few things to remember:

Outdoor Planters: Mix your greens, choose pine, balsam and cedar. I love adding port orford cedar and boxwood to my planters too. Don't forget red twig dogwood and white lights. You can use dirt or floral foam in your planters to hold your fresh greens in place.

Wreaths: A 24" wreath is the perfect size for a door. Adding a bow? You need at least 3 yards of ribbon to make a bow that will stand out on your wreath.

Garland: Frame average sized doorways with 25 feet of garland. I love the mixed garland at The Wreath Factory. Want to add lights? Use 100 lights per 10 feet of garland.

Swags: Hang swags from lights, light posts and on doors.

If you want to choose from the biggest and best selection of holiday greenery in the Fox Valley, visit The Wreath Factory of Menasha, located at 220 Main Street, downtown Menasha.

Add berries and pine cones to planters. These adorable buckets can be found at The Wreath Factory

Shop WISH Boutique Clothing and The Wreath Factory Holiday Open House This Weekend

2011-11-01T19:35:00.000-05:00

Sandra Began Holiday Pop-Up Boutique featuring WISH Boutique Clothing

Your Wish has come true, we are bringing the boutique clothing back to the Fox Valley. WISH was so popular at the Holiday Preview Event and so many asked "when is WISH coming back to the Valley?", I decided to showcase the fabulous boutique clothing and accessories at my Pop-Up Boutique.

Hours:

Saturday, Nov 12 noon - 4:00 pm
Sunday, Nov 13, noon - 2pm

Where:

216 Main Street, Menasha

right next to The Wreath Factory of Menasha

downtown Menasha

Featuring:

Sandra Began Holiday Decor and Bundle Up Wreath, goods Made Good

Wish boutique jeans, clothing, bags, boots

Stella and Dot Jewelry

Grab some friends and come and shop for holiday fashion. WISH is cash and carry and credit cards accepted.

The Wreath Factory of Menasha's Fresh Zone now Open

Right next door to the Pop-Up is the Wreath Factory of Menasha and their Fresh Zone. Find fresh garland. boughs, wreaths and planter inserts for the holidays.

The Wreath Factory is located at 220 Main Street in Menasha.
920.886.9989

New Wreath Benefits Bundle Up Kids

2011-10-30T13:33:00.001-05:00

I've teamed up with The Wreath Factory and Goods Made Good, a creative extensive of Goodwill of North CentralWisconsin, to create a new holiday collection. The handcrafted Bundle Up Wreathfeatures fresh balsam, pine and cedar and adorned with seeded eucalyptus andpine cones. The wreath also includes a one-of-a-kind trendy handcrafted bow,designed from salvaged wool sweaters by Goods Made Good. The wreath’s bow also doubles as ascarf, which can be worn long after the holiday seasons are over.

The wreath and scarves are available at The Wreath Factory’sstores in Menasha and Plymouth and can be purchased online by clicking here.

For every Bundle Up Wreath purchased, $5 will be donated to Bundle Up Kids, a program I created which collects donatedwarm winter apparel and distributes it to school-age children in need. Since I started the group in 2009, more than 400 children have been helped. Inaddition to Bundle Up Kids, proceeds from the wreath sale also benefit GoodsMade Good.

Here I hung the Bundle Up Wreath above a decorated mantle of fresh greens.

I’m really excited about this partnership with The Wreath Factory and goods MADE GOOD, the Bundle Up Wreath serves not only as a distinct and beautiful holiday decoration but a statement that speaks to our commitment to the community as a whole.

Every Bundle Up Wreath comes with a Care Tag.

The Bundle Up Wreath is adorned with either a Red or Natural Scarf/Bow and makes a fabulous gift for the holidays. Gift shipping begins November 7th and wreaths can be shipped in the 48 US States via
Ground Delivery if ordered by December 15th.

You Are Invited to the Holiday Preview Event

2011-09-14T11:22:00.000-05:00

I hope you will join me at this fun and festive shopping event featuring 40 artists and retailers and help me raise money for local programs that support kids in our community. Last year over 650 shoppers enjoyed browsing and buying gifts, holiday decor, jewelry, baby items, handmade goods and so much more.

100% of the 2011 tickets sales will be donated to 2 of my favorite local organizations that help kids in the Fox Valley: Bundle Up Kids and The Miracle League of the Fox Valley. With your support, this event has raised over $10,000 for these and other local charities.

Tickets are $10 each and $15 at the door.

Purchase your tickets here.

The first 100 shoppers on both Friday and Saturday receive a goodie bag filled with gift cards, coupons and a fabulous $50 Gift Card from our sponsor Avenue Jewelers.

Schedule Of Events

Friday, Oct. 14 5-8pm
Saturday, Oct 15 9-4pm

Shop. Socialize. Cash Bar.

Harmony Cafe Sweet Samplings & Coffee Bar in The Lounge

The Compassion Project: 7 Student Artists Visit The Exhibit

2011-06-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

Last week, Jack, Charlie and I took a trip downtown with family and friends to view the Appleton Compassion Project at the Trout Museum of Art. Words cannot express how we all felt when we walked in the museum. So many tiles with so many deep thoughts and emotions from over 10,000 Appleton Area School District students and teachers were incredible.

My kids and their friends were so proud of their work and were excited to share not only their tiles with our group, but also the tiles of their friends and teachers.

This exhibit is a must for you to see. You will be inspired by children's passion for compassion and the beauty of the exhibit will take your breath away. The exhibit closes on June 30th so don't delay. Take a trip to downtown Appleton and discover an amazing exhibit of compassion.

To learn more about these images, visit my photo gallery.

Don't Miss the Miracle League of the Fox Valley's Opening Day, Saturday, June 4th

2011-05-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

If you love baseball, come out and join the Miracle League of the Fox Valley players, buddies, fans and friends at the 2nd annual Opening Day ceremony. Celebrate with over 150 kids with physical and mental disabilities the start of their second baseball season. Buy a hot dog, learn more about the league and have some family fun! Learn more about this amazing league at www.foxvalleymiracleleague.com. The field is located at Memorial Park in Appleton. Play Ball!

5th Grade Ferber Students Create Compassion Tiles at The Fire

2011-04-30T15:13:00.001-05:00

In December of 2010, over ninety 5th graders from Ferber Elementary in Appleton took a field trip to The Fire - Pottery, Mosaic & Glass Fusing Studio on College Avenue in downtown Appleton. Why? To create a tile for the Appleton Compassion Project.

The students created a drawing of their Compassion tile at school ahead of their visit and Audra and Cathy from The Fire scanned the drawings on a glass tile.

At The Fire, the students added colored glass to their tiles and then the tiles were "fired" to create the beautiful pieces of art. As you can see from the images of the tiles, these 10 and 11 year olds are compassionate kids and talented artists. My son Jack enjoyed the field trip and was very proud of his tile.

Art teacher Jessica Hartjes took both the 5th and 6th grade classes from Ferber on an art field trip to The Fire. She wanted the students to experience creating their tiles in a "real art studio". Thank you Jessica and the Ferber teachers for making this happen for these kids. What an amazing experience they had.

Click here to view the complete photo gallery of the students visit to The Fire.

The Compassion Project Exhibit Opens Tomorrow, Sunday, May 1st

2011-04-30T14:08:00.001-05:00

In less than 24 hours, the Appleton Compassion Project exhibit opens. The Trout Museum of Art, in partnership with the Appleton Area School District and Appleton Education Foundation, are proud to announce a new project that aspires to teach the practice of compassion through the use of art. "The Appleton Compassion Project" is an art project involving 10,436 Appleton Area School District K-12 art students. In fall 2010, participating students received a 6-inch-by-6-inch art panel to draw or paint their idea of compassion.

The inspiration behind the project came from Richard Davidson, PhD -- a University of Wisconsin-Madison psychology and psychiatry professor and brain investigator who has scientifically found that those who practice compassion have measurably healthier brains, and generally, a happier outlook on life. Davidson's vast research has earned him the most distinguished award for science given by the American Psychological Association -- the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in 2000; he was also named one of the world's most 100 influential people in 2006 by Time Magazine. Davidson's research shows that compassion can be learned, and should be practiced, as a skill.

Click here to visit the online exhibit of the Appleton Compassion Project.
Visit the Appleton Compassion Project Facebook page here.

Need Parenting Tools and Advice? Attend This Free Presentation on Wednesday, April 13 in Appleton

2011-04-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

Need parenting tips and ideas? Check out Parenting Tools You Can Use...From Newborns to Toddlers to Teens, a FREE presentation happening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7 pm at Appleton North High School. This community event is offered by the Appleton Education Foundation in collaboration with the Fox Cities Book Festival and several community partners.

Join parents like you looking for practical tips and ideas with Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson, "practicing" mom and grandmother and noted Educational Psychologist, Parenting Coach and Author of the popular handbook, Parenting: A Field Guide.

No one rolls up their sleeves like Dr. Anderson when it comes to discussions on effective, productive parenting. Be sure to bring your notepad, because the ideas will come fast and furious during her enthusiastic sharing of thoughts and recommendations covering:

those critical first three years
school readiness
behavior and discipline
guiding school-aged children
the nuances of parenting preteens and teens

A great presentation for soon-to-be-parents, parents of newborns or toddlers, and parents of children of all ages!

The Post Crescent features Appleton Compassion Project

2011-04-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

Ferber Elementary 5th graders work on their tiles at The Fire, downtown Appleton.

Today The Post Crescent featured a wonderful article on the Appleton Compassion Project. Click here to read the article and read below for details about how you can see the exhibit:

What: “The Appleton Compassion Project,” an art project by over 10,000 students in the Appleton Area School District

When: May 1 through June 30

Where: The Trout Museum of Art, 111 W. College Ave., downtown Appleton

Admission: $6 adults, $4 students and senior citizens. Children age 10 and under enter free with an adult. Trout Museum members also enter free. AASD students with work in the exhibit will receive free family passes.

Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays.

Related event: “The Appleton Compassion Project Live!” is an inspirational event that invites the community to celebrate compassion through science, art and music. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in downtown Appleton. Keynote speaker is brain researcher Richard Davidson, whose work inspired “The Appleton Compassion Project.” Live entertainment includes musician Cory Chisel and Appleton North High School choral music students. Admission is free. Passes are required in advance. They are available now at The Trout Museum of Art and the PAC and from the Appleton Education Foundation.

Learn more about The Appleton Compassion Project at www.appletoncompassion.org

Countdown to The Appleton Compassion Project Debut

2011-03-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

“The Appleton Compassion Project” is a community art project involving 10,436 Appleton Area School District K-12 art students. This school year, participating students received a 6-inch-by-6-inch art panel to draw or paint their idea of compassion.

www.appletoncompassion.org

The inspiration behind the project came from Richard Davidson, PhD — a University of Wisconsin-Madison brain researcher who has found that those who practice compassion have measurably healthier brains. What’s more, Davidson’s research shows that compassion can be learned, and should be practiced, as a skill. “A little more joy might be within everyone’s reach,” says Davidson.

The Appleton students’ panels will be installed in The Trout Museum of Art galleries and on view from May 1–June 30, 2011. Click here to visit The Compassion Project Facebook page.

Both of my kids, Charlie, a 1st grader and Jack, a 5th grader at Ferber Elementary designed a tile and wrote their own artist statement on what compassion means to them. Their art teacher's, Jessie Hartjes, Nicole Callahan and Lynn Sauby, did a beautiful job talking about compassion with the kids. They helped each and every student discover that even though they are kids, they show acts of compassion and feel compassion every day.

Jack's tile

Once the tiles were completed, all of the teacher's at Ferber took the project to the next level. Each grade participated in their own "Compassion Project" by creating thank you notes to neighbors, compassion quilts, essays and more.

As a parent, I am thrilled my kids were able to participate in a community art project that taught them about themselves and the power of caring and giving to others. I look forward to sharing the images of Ferber students creating their art and showcasing many of the compassion tiles and artist statements from the Ferber students.

Compassionate kids become compassionate adults. How lucky we are to have these students in our community and lives.

Click for more information:

Appleton Compassion Project website

Appleton Compassion Project Facebook page

Timber Rattlers Kids Crew...Great Deal and Fun for Kids!

2011-03-22T15:37:00.001-05:00

My family loves baseball. Both boys play Little League and we love watching the Brewers and our Fox Cities Timber Rattlers. My son Charlie had the opportunity to be in the commercial with Fang promoting the Timber Rattlers Kids Crew. What a day he had working on his lines with Fang!

My boys are Kids Crew members and can't wait for the season to start. Here is the Kids Crew flyer. Hope to see you at the ballpark!

Clothing Swap at North High School Sat, March 19 to Benefit Harbor House and Goodwill

2011-03-18T15:34:00.001-05:00

Students of the Appleton Career Academy have created a community wide event~ A Clothing SWAP for Women and Teens. They are partnering with students from Appleon East, West and North to bring the community together in good fashion, for a great cause. All proceeds from the event will benefit the women and children at Harbor House. Remaining clothing will be donated to Harbor House and Goodwill.

Please join the fun! Their wish list includes.........

~YOU!
Join us on Saturday, March 19th at Appleton North. Doors open to public 11-6.

~YOUR gently used women/teen clothes! - Drop off today, March 18 at North High School 4-7pm
You will receive tickets for the items you drop off (March 16-18). Tickets can be used to "purchase" new items at our SWAP March 19. No need to donate in order to participate, but those who drop off clothing will receive an invitation to shop at 10AM***before the doors open to the public!

~YOUR network!
Please help spread the word about the event. The fun of this event depends on the number involved--the more the merrier!

Tickets will be available for purchase at the SWAP. They are $3 each. Items will be worth 1-4 tickets each.

5 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Home with Fresh Greenery

2010-12-15T00:06:00.000-06:00

I love to decorate with fresh greenery. Pine, boxwood, port orford cedar, balsam and bay leaf are a few of my favorites. Grab some fresh greenery at your local garden center and have fun finding clever places to tuck your greens.

1. Hang port orford cedar from a bathroom light fixture.

2. Create a beautiful centerpiece using a tray, candles, pinecones and a fresh bunch of mixed greens.

3. Create a simple centerpiece by placing pine, boxwood, balsam and bay leaf in a vase filled with fresh cranberries.

4. Tuck boxwood behind items in a bookshelf.

5. Create a holiday display of candles, ornaments and greenery on a buffet.

3 Simple Ways to Decorate Your Home with Fresh Wreaths

2010-12-14T23:42:00.000-06:00

A fresh wreath isn't just meant to be hung outside on your door. Here are 3 easy ways to decorate with a fresh wreath INSIDE your home. You can purchase these fresh wreaths at the Wreath Factory in Menasha or Plymouth, Wisconsin or at your local green house or florist.

1. Hang a fresh wreath over a mirror. I used a 24" mixed wreath and a double satin bow to hang this wreath.

2. Use a fresh 24" wreath as the base of any centerpiece. I added pinecones and boxwood to this wreath to add texture and height.

3. Hang wreaths over french doors. I used 4 20" mixed wreaths to create this festive look.

Bundle Up Kids Makes Students Warm and Teachers Smile!

2010-12-13T19:36:00.001-06:00

I just received this note and picture from a 5th grade teacher. I want to thank all of you who have donated winter gear, gift cards and money to Bundle Up Kids. Your donation is helping so many! Thank you.

"I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes because of the generosity of others, it eases my heart knowing that one of my neediest students is walking her mile home tonight bundled up nice and warm with a huge smile from ear to ear on her face. Thanks again Sandra and the Bundle up Kids gang!!!"

Thrivent Donates Winter Gear to Bundle Up Kids

2010-12-13T12:47:00.001-06:00


My friends at Thrivent loading my car up with coats, boots, hats and gloves.

A group from Thrivent Financial in Appleton, WI recently donated a car load of warm winter gear to Bundle Up Kids. Thank you to all of the employees at Thrivent for the wonderful donation. You are helping so many students stay warm this winter.

Free Christmas Subway Art printable

2010-12-13T12:36:00.000-06:00

Craftily Ever After: Free Christmas Subway Art printable: To get this high-resolution Christmas Subway Art image for FREE click on the link now.

A Began Family Tradition: The Santa Scamper

2010-11-09T20:44:00.000-06:00

Every year Patrick, the boys and I run (sometimes walk) the Santa Scamper with family friends before the Christmas Parade in downtown Appleton. The Santa Scamper is a 1-mile run down College Avenue and is the official launch to the Began Family holiday season. If you plan on running, hold on tight to your little ones hands because the crowd is large and moves quickly. Only one year did we have to exit early. Charlie (then 5 years old) and I were chased by a Deer down College Avenue (actually, a high school boy dressed up as a deer) and he was unable to focus on the run. The Santa Scamper is sure to leave you and your family with fun memories!

Santa Scamper 2009

Santa Scamper 2005

Santa Scamper details...
Tuesday, November 23rd. Race Start– 6:03 p.m. at corner of State Street & College Avenue
The 1-mile run starts about 1/2 hour prior to the 40th Annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade and proceeds down College to Drew St., finishing at Jones Park. No Roller Blades. No pets.

Print the application, 1 per family member, and enter today! Hope to see you there.
Early Entry Deadline: Tuesday, November 16, 2010.

The Greens Have Arrived! The Fresh Zone is now open at The Wreath Factory.

2010-11-07T11:37:00.000-06:00

Boughs, branches, berries, wreaths, swags, garland and beautiful fresh greenery creations are now available at The Wreath Factory in both Plymouth and Menasha.

Did you know you can pre-order your wreaths, garland, swags and table runners too?

Stop in soon and purchase your fresh greenery for your outdoor decor. The snow is coming soon so get those planters filled, garland hung and wreaths displayed outside!

Hours and Info

THE WREATH FACTORY OF PLYMOUTH
M-F 8AM-6PM

SAT 9AM-5PM

SUN 10AM-4PM

920-893-8700
N6625 HWY 57
PLYMOUTH, WI 53073

[click here for map]

THE WREATH FACTORY OF MENASHA
M-F 10AM-6PM

SAT 9AM-5PM

SUN 11AM-4PM

920-886-9989
220 MAIN ST.
MENASHA, WI 54942

You Are Invited to the Holiday Preview Event

2010-10-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

I hope you can join me at the Holiday Preview Event this year. Last years event was such a success due to the overwhelming support from shoppers, exhibitors and supporters. We raised over $5,000 for charity.

This year's event is going to be even bigger and better:

-over 45 exhibitors will be at the event featuring gifts, fashion, home decor and so much more!

-the 1st 100 shoppers on each day will receive a Swag Bag loaded with gift certificates and coupons and featuring a $50 gift card from Avenue Jewelers!

-A Sandwich and Soup Buffet will be available in the Main Dinning Room on Saturday from 11-1pm. Shop and enjoy lunch with friends. How fun!

-Tom and Paul from The Wreath Factory of Menasha will be decking the halls again.

-The Fire is offering a Glass Ornament Making Workshop all day on Saturday.

Proceeds from the event this year will benefit 3 of my favorite organizations who help kids in our community:

The Miracle League of the Fox Valley
Bundle Up Kids
Harmony Cafe

You can purchase tickets online and at local businesses. With your help, we can reach our goal of raising $10,000 this year and have a lot of fun doing it.

Visit my website www.sandrabeganholiday.com or the Event Facebook page for more details!

Bundle Up Kids Begins Collecting Winter Gear October 4th

2010-09-30T18:58:00.001-05:00

Winter is just around the corner and once again, I will be collecting snow pants, boots, coats, socks, gloves and hats for local students. Bundle Up Kids is a program I started in 2009. We work with schools to make sure students are properly attired once the cold and snow arrives.

Every child in the Fox Cities needs winter attire and my mission is to make sure every child in need in our community has warm fall, spring and winter gear.

Bundle Up Kids will begin accepting donations of new or used items beginning Oct. 4 at the following locations:

No Worries Home Boutique in Grand Chute
The Fire in downtown Appleton
The Wreath Factory in Menasha
Grassroots A Salon in Appleton

Donations will also be accepted at the Holiday Preview Event on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 at Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton.

Clothing items and donations of cash or gift cards from Target, Sears and Kohl’s are accepted. All items and funds collected go straight to the kids.

In its first year, Bundle Up Kids collected enough donations to provide items to 174 elementary, middle and high school kids in the Appleton and Menasha public schools.

Items in need include:
• Winter hats
• Boots
• Waterproof gloves
• Snow pants
• Coats
• New Socks
• Hooded Sweatshirts (fall/spring item)
• Mittens (fall/spring item)

For more information on Bundle Up Kids or if you interested in volunteering, please contact me at sandra@sandrabegan.com or (920) 585.5397. You can also visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bundleupkids.

SAVE THE DATE: The Holiday Preview Event is October 22 & 23

2010-09-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars, the 2nd Annual Sandra Began Holiday Preview Event is set for Friday, October 22 from 5-8pm and Saturday, October 23 from 9am - 4pm at Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton, WI.

Learn more about the event and purchase tickets online at www.sandrabeganholiday.com.

My Holiday Decor

2009-12-21T11:18:00.000-06:00

Take a peek into how I decorate my home for the holidays. I just had my family room painted a few weeks ago and love the rich color. My holiday decor took on a whole new look with the new paint. I highly recommend David Murray of Murray Custom Painting in Appleton, WI for your painting needs. He does an amazing job!

Holiday Centerpiece in Minutes

2009-12-17T16:53:00.000-06:00

This centerpiece is my go-to when I have a holiday gathering. It is easy to create, takes only a few minutes and all you need are 5 components.

To create this look you will need:

1 24" fresh wreath
1 glass bowl
3 floating candles
3 handfuls of fresh cranberries
5 fresh springs of boxwood

Fill your bowl with water 3/4 full. Add candles, cranberries and boxwood. Place bowl in center of wreath. Light candles.

Easy!

Roosevelt Holiday Home Tour tomorrow!

2009-12-03T11:28:00.001-06:00

The 8th Annual Roosevelt Holiday Home Tour is tomorrow in Neenah, Wisconsin showcasing 4 festively decorated homes. As in years past, I decorated the outside of one home. This year, I will be setting up a mini-boutique in one of the homes. Not only can you get fabulous decorating ideas, you can also shop for gifts without having to head to the mall!

This is a wonderful holiday event featuring local artists, designers and businesses. The tour proceeds benefit Roosevelt School in Neenah, Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha and the Neenah-Menasha Emergency Society.

The tour is Friday, December 4th from 10am - 2pm and 4pm - 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Roosevelt School, Morton Pharmacy, tour committee members and at other local retailers.

I hope to see you at the tour tomorrow. I will be at the Holiday Boutique at the Burkett home.

Chocolate Brown Is The Winner This Year!

2009-12-03T10:53:00.000-06:00

Every year I change my holiday decor inside and out. I like to reuse, recycle and move my holiday decor from room to room to create a new look. In the front of my house, I decided to go with rich brown ribbon, pinecones and cinnamon to create a natural yet stylish look outside. In the back, I stuck with my favorite Red Twig Dogwood to add height and color to my planters. My outdoor decor is still a work in progress...

The planters in my backyard needed some height and color, so I added Red Twig Dogwood, lights and large pinecones. Here's how to create the same look.

1. Add a mixture of greens to your planters. I used balsam, pine and cedar.

2. Tuck 5-7 pieces of Red Twig Dogwod into the center of the planter.

3. Add white lights (for the small planter I used a string of 50 lights).

4. Tuck 3 large pinecones in planter.

If you have a large planter, have the greens flow over the edges and use more Red Twig Dogwood to fill the center.

Holiday Decorating Videos from Tracy Porter

2009-12-03T10:35:00.000-06:00

If you want to be inspired (or shop for holiday fashion and decor), visit Tracy Porter's website, blog and Facebook page. Tracy has amazing style and wonderful ideas not only the holidays, but for everyday decor. In her new Holiday Entertaining Video, Tracy shares her tips and tricks on how to set up a beautiful and inviting winter buffet.

P.S. Tracy's Festive Sale is going on now! Includes all fashion & select home goodies (excluding rugs & lighting). Enter code “festive45″ at checkout & hit “Go”!! Expires December 7th at midnight CST!

Photo Gallery of Holiday Decor from The Wreath Factory

2009-12-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

The Wreath Factory of Menasha's Facebook page is filled with wonderful images of holiday decor and they keep adding new pictures. Click here to view the galleries (you don't have to have a Facebook account to view their gallery!). Check it out.

Martha's Christmas Workshop is Filled with Fabulous Projects!

2009-12-01T15:05:00.000-06:00

If you are feeling like a holiday craft, visit Martha Stewarts Christmas Workshop. Every year, Martha offers fabulous holiday craft ideas, fun decorating tips and a gallery filled with images of holiday decor that will "wow" every one of your guests. Good luck!

Holiday Cards For Less from TinyPrints

2009-11-20T10:25:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite places for fabulous looking holiday cards, both personal and business, is TinyPrints. This year, TinyPrints introduced a new line of affordable cards called Studio Basics. You can order fabulous holiday cards for as low as $0.69 a card.

Click the image below to find the perfect holiday cards, invitations, gift tags, address labels and thank you cards.

Ideas and Inspiration at Potterybarn.com

2009-11-08T13:20:00.002-06:00

Potterybarn is a great place to find new holiday decorating ideas. The "Ideas and Inspiration" category of their website is my favorite place to visit because it is filled with great looking images and simple yet stylish decor I can easily replicate.

Need to be inspired? Visit potterybarn.com.

Holiday How-To: Glass Vase with Fruit & Cones

2009-10-07T14:14:00.005-05:00

When I need to fill a space on a bookshelf or table, I grab a glass container and fill it with something. My favorite "filler" in the fall and winter is faux fruit, cinnamon and pinecones. Inexpensive and easy.

What you will need to create this layered look in a 12 inch vase:
-glass vase
-12 - 6 inch cinnamon sticks
-5 cups petite pinecones
-9 faux pears

Try different sized glass containers, cones and fruit. Have fun creating your own look.

Holiday Preview & Fundraiser Shopping Event

2009-09-17T12:54:00.004-05:00

I have been looking for a way to raise awareness and money for 2 of my favorite local charities, The Miracle League of the Fox Valley and Bundle Up Kids.

With the help of local retailers, artists, friends and volunteers, I am hosting the first-ever Sandra Began Holiday Preview & Fundraiser Shopping Event set for October 16 and 17th at Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton. Tickets to the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

This fun and festive shopping event will feature holiday decor, stationery, candles, jewelry, fashion, ornaments and gifts. Shoppers will be able to pre-order their holiday greens and cards. The halls will be decked by The Wreath Factory of Menasha to get us all in the holiday spirit.

WHAT: Holiday Preview and Fundraising Shopping Event

WHEN: Friday, October 16th, 4-9pm

Saturday, October 17th, 9-noon

WHERE: Butte des Morts Country Club, Appleton

TICKETS: $10 in advance / $15 at the door

Tickets can be purchased online or from:

Sandra Began and committee members

Grassroots A Salon in Appleton

The Wreath Factory of Menasha

Fabulous Swag Bags will be given to the first 125 shoppers thru the doors on each day.

To learn more about the event and view a list of exhibitors, visit www.sandrabeganholiday.com

Become a Fan of Sandra Began Holiday on Facebook

2009-09-17T12:41:00.003-05:00

Now you can view my holiday decor photo albums right on Facebook. I'll be adding new albums every week now thru the holidays. Become a fan today!

My Favorite Music for a Holiday Party - Cory Chisel

2008-10-21T16:28:00.004-05:00

I love holiday music but as you know, Jingle Bells at a holiday party played over and over can get a bit tiresome. So let me introduce you to my friend, Cory Chisel.
I hope you love his music as much as I do.

This week, Oct. 21-Oct. 27, Cory’s “Home in the Woods” is Starbucks "pick of the week". Go to Starbucks, buy a delicious beverage, and a free download card should be offered to you. (You might have to ask for it). You will receive a small card with a code to type into your iTunes. After that, the song is yours!

Fun facts about “Home in the Woods”:
-Cory wrote this song around a campfire at his family’s cottage in Elcho, WI.
-The version offered by Starbucks was recorded last May at a live show in the former Pilgrim’s Café on College Avenue in Appleton,WI. You can hear the creaky wood floors throughout the song.

Enjoy!

P.S. Click here to check out Cory’s website and hear a sampling of his music at www.corychisel.com

Fresh Garland For Every Door

2008-10-21T11:03:00.004-05:00

Welcome your guests this holiday by framing your door with fresh garland. Add lights to brighten your entryway at night.

Garland tips:

25 feet of garland frames most doorways
Use 100 strand of lights for every 10 feet of garland
Add lights before you hang garland

Get Inspired at The Wreath Factory

2008-10-21T10:53:00.004-05:00

If you want to be inspired, visit both locations of The Wreath Factory. Their designers have transformed the outdoor gardens into a festive winter garden full of decorating ideas. Fresh greens, berries, twigs and ideas abound.

This is only a sampling of the type of greenery available this holiday at The Wreath Factory:

boughs for containers
boxwood
magnolia
winterberry
port orford cedar
incense cedar
pine
balsam
garland by the foot
wreaths of all sizes
swags
containers filled with greens
red dogwood

The Urban Wreath Can Quickly Add Color To Your Home

2008-10-21T10:43:00.006-05:00

The mix of pinecones, pomegranates and pears of my 24" Urban Wreath add color to any home. I love how the red door and bow of the wreath coordinate for a fabulous holiday look.

This wreath can be purchased at:
The Wreath Factory in Plymouth, WI
The Wreath Factory in Menasha, WI
www.sandrabegan.com
24" Urban Wreath - $89

FREE Shipping at Sandrabegan.com

2008-10-21T10:33:00.005-05:00

This holiday season, The Wreath Factory is offering you FREE SHIPPING on my complete collection of fresh greenery. You can shop online at www.sandrabegan.com.

My Old World Wreath, with its warm earthy hues, makes a wonderful gift! Every item from my collection is carefully wrapped in tissue and tenderly boxed with a seasonal care tag. Of course a lovely enclosure card is included.

Call 1.800.303.xmas to place your order today.
24" Old World Wreath - $79

Dress Up A Window with Garland

2008-10-21T10:23:00.005-05:00

A kitchen window is a wonderful focal point in your home to dress up with fresh garland.
Hang ornaments from ribbon to add color.

Here's what you need:

6-10 ft fresh garland
3 small nails & hammer
thin wire
5 ornaments
5 tacks
thin ribbon

Step 1: Hammer nails above corners of window and in center at angle
Step 2: Tack ribbon (use different lengths) with ornaments above window
Step 3: Hang garland from 3 nails using thing wire

Fill Your Outdoor Urns with Greens

2008-10-21T10:08:00.003-05:00

Add holiday cheer to your outdoor urns. I like to use a mix of greens to add texture. Add some color with fresh or faux berries and red twig dogwood.

Tuck your greens into wet floral foam or leftover soil.

Add a strand of lights to add some sparkle. A strand of 50 lights works great.

Here's what you'll need:

5-10 lbs mixed greens (I use pine, balsam and cedar)
24 in. Winterberry
Red Dogwood (36 in long)

Start with greens, tuck berries & dogwood then finish with lights. Easy!

Greenery Pre-Sale at The Wreath Factory now thru November 1st

2008-10-20T13:35:00.002-05:00

Did you know you can save up to 30% on your fresh greens order?
Here's how it works.

1. Place your order now and save 10%, 20% or even 30% on your pre-order.
2. Choose a date to pick-up your greenery at either the Plymouth or Menasha location
3. Pick up your greens
4. Go home and decorate!

Discounts available for pick-up orders only.

This offer expires Saturday, November 1st, 2008.

Find My Greenery at The Wreath Factory

2008-10-20T12:37:00.004-05:00

Exciting news! I've partnered with the Wreath Factory in Plymouth and Menasha. My signature line will now be created and sold exclusively at The Wreath Factory. With 2 retail locations in Wisconsin, FREE shipping, a fabulous design team and the largest selection of fresh holiday greenery in Wisconsin, of course they are the perfect fit.

Ordering greenery from my signature collection is easy:

Shipped Fresh to Your Door or as a Gift
Call 1-800-303-xmas to place your order (shipping is FREE!)
or
Visit The Wreath Factory in Plymouth or Menasha.

Roosevelt Holiday Home Tour Today!

2007-12-07T11:51:00.002-06:00

The 6th Annual Roosevelt Holiday Home Tour is in full swing today.

Friday, December 7, 2007
10am-2pm
4pm-8pm

For the past 6 years, I have helped decorate a home on the tour and it is
always an event I love to be involved with.

This years Home Tour is showcasing 4 festively decorated homes in Neenah,
Wisconsin, all who visit this event will be delighted by the unique holiday
decorations created by local designers including...

Scatter JOY! - Appleton
Avenue Art & Co. - Appleton
The Wreath Factory - Menasha
Twister - Princeton

The wonderful thing about this Home Tour is that you can get great ideas for
your own home and if you see decorations you just HAVE to have, you can stop
in to one of the businesses who created the lovely decorations and buy it
for yourself.

The Holiday Home Tour proceeds benefit the Roosevelt/Alliance Student
Enrichment Fund & Various Community Programs. Tickets for today's tour are
available at Roosevelt Elementary School, Neenah/Menasha YMCA or can be
purchased at any home on the tour.

2007-09-20T23:19:00.001-05:00

Decorate. Celebrate. Entertain. You'll Find It Here This Holiday.

2007-09-20T21:34:00.001-05:00

Let me help you...

make your home come alive this holiday season
shop for the perfect gifts
discover holiday events across the country
find the beauty in fresh greenery
create stylish holiday decor in minutes

I love Christmas. I am addicted to fresh greens, fabulous ribbon, hang tags, cinnamon, florist tape, my glue pan (yes, it is really a frying pan my mother gave me), faux fruit, pinecones and thoughtful gifts. My addiction to Christmas is how my holiday decor business began.

For the past five years, I have been designing, creating and selling fresh designer Christmas greenery and gifts locally and shipping all over the U.S. I created my holiday business to fill lack of availability of high-end fresh design.

My business, SANDRA BEGAN holiday started small, selling greens from my garage. Every year my business grew. I've decorated homes, designed 3 Collections of Designer Holiday Decor, filled a 4000 square foot warehouse and 3 UPS semis full my fresh designs (and I've taught many women how to make a bow!) I have had so much fun teaching others how to decorate and have learned so much along the way.

This holiday, you will find my fresh greenery designs exclusively at The Wreath Factory in Wisconsin.

Simple. Stylish. Elegant. Easy. I'm ready to show you how!