By Jae-Ha Kim
jaehakim.com
December 15, 2013
Back when I was a little girl, I loved watching “Ray Rayner and His Friends.” He showed a lot of cartoons, had a floppy toy dog as a friend and fed lettuce to an ungrateful, cranky duck. But the segment I always enjoyed the most was when Rayner — who looked like actor Jerry Orbach — would break out the felt, glue and glitter and attempt to recreate a beautifully-made crafts project.
His version was always the poor man’s version: shoddily made and not much to look at. I always thought it was funny that a grownup could be so unskilled at arts and crafts.
Then I became that grownup. And this happened:
Alrighty then.
Granted, I had a 5-year-old helper who had his own design ideas. But, yeah, I take the blame for most of the clumsy execution. (If you want to recreate my gorgeous gingerbread house (ha ha!), I bought the Gingerbread Chalet Kit at Bed Bath & Beyond for $8, using their 20% off coupon).
So I plan on taking some more festive pictures, but I’m gonna get a little help this time around and use some pre-made stuff (that wasn’t made by me!).
Full disclosure: Hallmark saw a post I had made commemorating my son’s first day of kindergarten and sent me this adorable Pics ‘n’ Props Christmas Fun Kit ($24.95). The package includes 18 photo props spelling out Christmas greetings, prop sticks and a 4×6 photo album. My favorite prop is the red Naughty or Nice meter, which would add a fun element to office parties, too.
And guess what? I’ve teamed up with Hallmark to giveaway one of these kits to a lucky winner! Here’s how you can qualify to win:
1) LIKE my Facebook page. Then, leave a comment for me on my wall (or message me there) so that I know you’re entering this contest. Same applies for folks who’ve already LIKED my page.
or
2) Follow me on Twitter and tweet this message: “Follow @GoAwayWithJae & RT for a chance to win @Hallmark‘s Pics n Props Christmas Fun Kit https://www.jaehakim.com/jae-ha-kim-blog/look-at-my-gingerbread-house-and-win-a-prize-too/ #contest #giveaway”
That’s it.
We’ll pick 1 winner at random at 10 p.m. CST Dec. 17, 2013.
NOTE: Unfortunately, this contest is open only to U.S. residents. The kit will be mailed to you directly from Hallmark’s pubicity team. Good luck! And happy holidays!
© 2013 JAE-HA KIM | All Rights Reserved
It’s not that bad! At least I can still recognize what it is. I’m sure there’s way worse on the internet.
LOL! It’s not that bad…if a 5-year-old did it. 😉
Your gingerbread house is gorgeous. Who wants to be like Martha Stewart anyway!
Ray Rayner was part of my morning routine getting ready for school.
Me, too! I was so jealous that one of my friends had a Cuddly Duddley!
Oh my gosh!!! Does that bring back memories. Do you remenber Thumbelina? I still have her!
Oh my gosh! That was one ugly doll. 😉
Well. Your house is made for Haensel and Gretel to be rescued BIG time. The Witch wouldn’t touch it.
OUCH!!! And LOL!
You would lose any competition for worst gingerbread house if I had taken photos of my disasters over the years. Which I didn’t. Last time we tried, we ate the ingredients right out of the box. You did actually built a great one – believe me, I qualify to judge.
Don’t believe her, folks. Ute is a baking goddess!
I think your gingerbread house looks great! 🙂 And I mean it–even though I am entering the contest for the Hallmark photo-props kit. 🙂 Merrrrrry Christmas!
Shout out to Karen, who was the person who told me about these Hallmark Pix ‘n’ Props things. That school one is still my fave. And you are entered!
I think your house looks pretty good! I’m convinced that the pictures on the box are photo-shopped 😉 No gingerbread house that I’ve seen done by an amateur ever looks as good as the photo 🙂
Hee hee! Thanks!