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Kelly’s Stamp of Approval 6

December 1, 2019  Kelly Picks | Uncategorized

This week in Kelly’s Stamp of Approval 6 it’s time to countdown to Christmas. See how to make an epic charcuterie board that will wow your guests, tips to make old fashioned pomanders that smell amazing, a planter that stopped me in my tracks, my America’s Next Top Model days, my dog has gone viral, my scary trip to the ER and more.

I love when towns decorate for the holidays and my jaw dropped when I passed this planter while shopping on Small Business Saturday. The height from the pampas grass and red berries combined with purple and green cabbage and trailing ivy is stunning.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Beautiful Winter Planter of pampas grass, winter red berries, purple and green kale and trailing ivy kellyelko.com #planters #christmasplanter #winterplanter #fallplanter #gardening #gardeners #containergardens #containergardening #wintergardens #fallgardens #pampasgrass #kellyelko

December 1 means starting the Christmas countdown and my whole family is so excited about this Harry Potter Advent calendar! Each day reveals a tiny little figurine all dressed up for the Yule Ball. I know, I know, we’re weird!

Harry Potter Advent Calendar kellyelko.com #adventcalendar #countdowncalendar #kidschristmas #harrypotter

Christmas, and company, is coming and that means having to feed them. My favorite way to feed a crowd is to make a charcuterie board. The possibilities are endless so check these out for inspiration.

How to Make Epic Charcuterie Boards – Tips from a Pro

Tips on how to make an epic charcuterie board kellyelko.com #charcuterie #charcuterieboard #snackboard #cheeseboard #appetizers #partyfood

Have you ever made a pomander? They take me back to my childhood and smell amazing. There is a secret to making sure they last and don’t get moldy!

How to Make Orange Pomanders 

See how to make orange pomanders that last (tips for making sure they won't mold) kellyelko.com #chistmasdecor #christmasdiy #diychristmas #oldfashionedchristmas #pomaders #orangepomanders #vintagechristmas #christmascrafts #farmhousechristmas #kellyelko

I always get so excited when people take the time to let me know they purchased one of my creations and Hank the Boston Terrier seems to be loving the new pillow his mom bought for him. It’s my dog Sushi disgusted as Rudolph.

Boston Terrier Christmas Pillow Here

Adorable Boston Terrier and his matching pillow kellyelko.com #bostonterrier #pillows #christmaspillow #christmasdecor #doglovers #kellyelko

Going through a giant suitcase full of old photos still has me laughing out loud! As you can see, my parents loved every imaginable shade of brown. My sis and I really popped against that drab background in our blinged out costumes complete with Little House on the Prairie bonnets (Nellie Olson would be jealous). Even my tap shoes were gold! I’m the one with my awkward both hands on hips pose. My sister on the other hand, thought she was auditioning for America’s Next Top Model. Tyra Banks would be proud!

See that white sign behind the trophy on the mantel? It’s a vintage German train sign that my dad gave me years ago. Thankfully, I don’t still have that sequined costume.

1970's recital kellyelko.com #recital #vintagephotos #vintagepictures

My daughter flew home for Thanksgiving break and it was a series of unfortunate events.

I should have left well enough alone but decided at 3am the day before she was to fly home, to book her on an earlier flight. I should have believed that my daughter would actually get up on time. Oh silly me! I had to resort to calling campus security to ask them if they would pound on her door! The good news is she made her flight!

Two days later, we got a call from her telling us she was having difficulty breathing (she is allergic to tree nuts and also has mild asthma). My hubby drove over with her inhaler but when he arrived, her friends were walking my swollen, sobbing, hive covered daughter to his car so he rushed her to the hospital. When I got to the ER she was pale, had vomited a few times, and was having difficulty breathing. They gave her a shot of epinephrine and a few other things and we waited for hours until she was cleared to go home at 2 am. She gave us quite a scare!

Food allergies are no joke! Both of my girls have had tree nut and sesame allergies since they were little. They have never had a reaction like this and have never had to use their Epi-Pens but over time, and with each exposure, risk of severe reactions increases.

On a lighter note, tomorrow I’ll be sharing my Christmas home tour as part of the Jennifer Rizzo Holiday Housewalk that runs Monday through Friday. It’s the OG of Christmas home tours and I look forward to it all year long. I decked and trimmed everything in my path, including Sushi, so be sure to come back tomorrow.

In the meantime, you can take a walk down memory lane.

There’s No Place Like Home Christmas Home Tour

This Christmas home tour is filled with so many creative decorating ideas kellyelko.com #christmashome #christmastour #christmasdecor #christmasdecorating #christmasmantel #christmastable #chalkart #holidaydecor #kellyelko

Wishing you a wonderful day!

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Comments

  1. Lisa K .

    December 1, 2019 at 8:27 am

    Your charcuterie board is making me so hungry. Such a great idea. Something for everyone to eat. Glad your daughter is ok!!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 10:08 am

      Thanks so much Lisa – it was very scary!

      Reply
  2. Cheryl Fox

    December 1, 2019 at 9:20 am

    Hey Kelly. I’m a devoted follower! I love all your ideas. I really love Sushi. My husband and I have 2 Boston Terriers. Lulu and Lily. They are sisters and 9 years old. Your sweet sushi reminds me of my Lily. Keep the pictures coming.
    Cheryl

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 10:08 am

      Bostons are the best Cheryl! The pic in this post isn’t my Sushi. It’s a readers dog Hank and she bought that adorable pillow of Sushi as Ruldoph! Enjoy those two sweeties and I love their names!

      Reply
  3. Lesley

    December 1, 2019 at 9:56 am

    Your poor daughter!! I have a sesame allergy and have never met or heard of another who has the same. And yes, it gets worse over time. But lately, I’ve had a few close calls and no reaction at all. Wondering if it can go as quickly as it came? Glad she is OK.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 10:07 am

      So sorry you have to deal with a food allergy Lesley!

      Reply
  4. Robin Wainwright

    December 1, 2019 at 11:14 am

    My prayers are with you and your family. Allergies are serious problems! It’s so much more than a little sneezing with a runny nose! As you have shown, a family member with allergies must have vigilance and quick reactions to support them. Thank you for this life lesson along with all the other wonderful things you do.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 8:51 pm

      Thanks so much Robin. It was a very scary night and it made me realize that we need to be much more aware in the future

      Reply
  5. Deborah

    December 1, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    Oh so scary, so glad she’s ok
    I love your cute little doggie and love all your posts so creative!!
    We always had Golden Retrievers
    Prayers for your daughter keep the great things comming!!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 8:50 pm

      I love goldens! I had a yellow Lab when I was a kid! His name was Rex

      Reply
  6. Marlene Stephenson

    December 1, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    That advent calendar is so cute, and Sushi’s pillow. You and your sister are beauties!! What a scare, our children are so important and loved but,everything turned out alright and i am glad. I was so afraid it was your back but not, good, life can be way more exciting than we need it to be. Very excited about your tour.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 8:50 pm

      Oh Marlene it was so scary! I would rather it had been my back! See you tomorrow for my Christmas tour!

      Reply
  7. Pat Schwab

    December 1, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    Kelly, I am so glad your daughter is okay. Hugs, Pat S

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      Thanks so much Pat – I still get teary eyed when I think about it!

      Reply
  8. Lynn Durfy

    December 1, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    Having raised a child who had severe asthma , this story was scary , glad your daughter got good quick treatment , breathing is good 🙂 . This is a reminder that it is the people and the experiences that truly make life and holidays important , not more things , which none of us really need.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      You are so right Lynn! It was so scary and I’m sure you’ve been through some scary moments with your child. Thanks for taking the time to comment – it means a lot!

      Reply
  9. Jane

    December 1, 2019 at 11:31 pm

    I love a juicy post like this, Kelly…so many ideas to try out and gorgeous photos. I’m so sorry about your daughter. I have really bad asthma, too, and it’s scary how fast it can come on. Her friends and your hubby saved the day!

    Happy Holidays!

    Jane🎄

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      December 1, 2019 at 11:33 pm

      I’m sorry you have to deal with asthma Jane! It’s horrible to know it can take over anywhere and at any time. Wishing you a healthy holiday season!

      Reply

KELLY

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Join me as I decorate my 100 year old home, scour thrift stores, create pretty things, putter in my peony and hydrangea filled garden, and mix up a mean cocktail all with a touch of sarcasm and a side of bacon - Cheers!



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Love where you live by mixing high and low, new and old to create a home that shows off your personality. My mantra ... simple projects equals more time for cocktails!
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160 shares