Monday's Features

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Turkey day is this week!  So excited. And have so much to do for Christmas decorating {EVERYTHING is being made at our house this year} and gifts {again 95% handmade...}

Here are some ideas if you are still searching up that perfect gift!

Sewing

This one is super cool.  I think Joshua would *love* this.  And I also want one as a shark for a beach cover up jacket.  :)  This is from handmade by Jill whom I've stalked for years.  As I'm sure most of you do to!

I love these. They will go perfectly with my Christmas plans -- I just have to find somewhere to put them.  All Sorts even has the pattern for you to print off.

I think these would make a great easy gift to give.  And frugal too.  These are from the cottage home (WHY did I just find this blog?  I think I must be the only person that had never been there before.  I'm now a stalker)

I wonder how Andy would feel about a ruffle shower curtain?  Do I really care what Andy would think about a ruffle shower curtain?  Nope. Good because a ruffley goodness while I shower would just start my day off right.  Moda Bake shop has the how to's!

Ashley from Lil Blue Boo shows you how to make a reverse applique.  {And you can get that punky girly skull download for free.  I love the heart eye patch}  Even if you are new to sewing all of Ashley's tutorials are easy peasy!  And so are her patterns that she sells. 

Crafts

I'm sure in a few days this will be all over blog land.   Choose to Thrive has recreated the Ballard planter.  I don't know about you but I've had this page torn out and hung up for a few weeks now.  I've been searching thrift stores for that perfect container.  Hello why did I not check my pantry!  She did this for $0.  Yup that's free. Go look!

I think that this Bubble Wrap version of Bingo could be the perfect thing for Thanksgiving.  Are you traveling?  Great for the car?  Or add a holiday version to your kid's table.  Put things like turkey, football, someone sleeping on there and have kids mark them off during the day.  Winner gets a special turkey prize! Ohdeedoh!

This would be perfect for stocking stuffers or little gifts.  Gingerbread playdoh...mmm. Yummy.  Or you could add pumpkin pie spice for a little something for the kids this week!  Christy is having a whole week of gingerbread on her blog!

I'm sure you've seen these pillows around - I for one love them. So delicious.  The gals over at Classy Clutter made a no sew version for all you non-sewers out there!

In case your feeling ambitious or you are already for Thanksgiving how about this Blessing House to hold all of your family's blessings?  All of the things on serendipity are amazing.

Printables

Love, Actually did it again.  Go there for a hunny gift - the 12 lays of Christmas.  Get the gum printable and a printable for each day.  Attach with the small gift and you have one happy hubby.  Probably the best gift he could ever ask for.

Hosting a cookie swap?  Or just going to one?  Go to Living Locurto to get these cookie swap party printables!  There are signs, tags and recipe cards!  Thanks Amy!

I think that this Merry & Bright tag is supper cute.  It would look great hanging from any gift!  The Giver's Log has lots of great wrapping ideas!

Ahhh I love these!  Wear them on Thanksgiving. Or use the cards as labels - Hello my name is Apple Pie, Pumpkin pie.  Yum.  Who doesn't love pie?  Lolly Chops did a fantastic job on these!

Recipes

So not exactly food but Dressing Heidi Sage does have a recipe for Applesauce cinnamon ornaments.  Didn't her kids do a great job decorating?  I love the gingerbread man's button!

Yum these are from Making Memories.  They are fudgy toffee chip toffee bars.  She is hosting the 12 weeks of Christmas cookies right now too.  Go check out all of the yummy goodness.

My boys hate green beans (yes I'm including Andy too).  I love them.  But I bet I could get them to eat them with this.  It's from Picky Palate.  Cheesy green bean and bacon casserole pot pie.  Just because you smother the vegetable in bacon and cheese doesn't mean it's still not nutritious. 

Doesn't this look Divine?  Sophisticated? Soooo pretty?  Heather from Sprinkle Bakes made this Honeyed Pear in Puff Pastry.  Even sounds pretty.  YUM.

Apple Butter Whoopie pies filled with cinnamon buttercream (oh and sprinkles...don't forget the sprinkles).  I've never heard of such a thing.  But Cookies and Cups made it.  And I think I would eat it.  It sounds delish! 



Same time, same place tomorrow!

Blogger of the Week: Stacy from Not Just A Housewife

So I am reaching back to one of my favorite things from my preschool teaching days.  Student of the week.  But now for us adults it's - are you ready for this creativity - blogger of the week.  {I know -- it took me a SUPER long time to think that one up}

What is the advantage to being blogger of the week?  I talk about how fantastically awesome you are.  And I send you a little something something.  {Please note the word little.} 

I currently read 362 blogs each day.  {WOW. That was slightly embarassing to admit}  So to pick my blogger of the week I just went into random.org and it picked number 117.

Not Just A Housewife. 

You may recall I just posted about Stacy's awesome Thankful Tree project.

I really heart that tree. Sigh.

But she has more cool stuff on her blogS.  Yup blogS. One is dedicated to cool birthdays.  {I saw a Star Wars bday there that Joshua would flip for.  Or the Indiana Jones birthday party. OR well you get the idea...}

I am just in love with her mommy blog.  She talks about her kids - about her mommy dates (I totally relate to that post by the way).

She shows off her power tool skills.  {And teaches you how to use them.  Which I need.  I'm totally envious of power tool using chicks} I love shadow boxes.

- And before I go on I think I must admit something.  Until about 4 years ago I was hanging up my pictures in my apartment with thumb tacks.  Yup.  Hubby now hangs up my stuff. And I took Joshua to Boy Scouts a few weeks ago (usually daddy goes not me) they were working on tools.  I used my first hammer.  Yes.  3 weeks ago.  One day I will build a house.  But right now I just need to learn to hang up my pictures.  Thanks for letting me share.  Back to Stacy.

She helps us in the kitchen.  I will try her bread recipe.  I love homemade bread.  Mmmm.

Dude.  She even has made her own cheese. 

Not to mention she's crafty.  Her pretty topiary.  And the washcloth packet - it opens for you to put a bar of soap in. {I saw the washcloth idea and said DUH. Joshua goes through half a bottle of body wash a day.  And I don't think any of it actually gets on him.  "it makes good bubbles".  Apparently he just likes the smell of his bubble bath - they aren't high quality bubbles.  Whatever.  I'm making one of these today actually}

And if for some reason you aren't convinced she's supermom yet --- she gardens too.  And not just a little something.  A BIG somethingS. That's just part of her garden.  She plants "carrots, broccoli, watermelon, tiger melon (?), grapes, peas, beans, cucumber, lettuce, oregano, basil, 4 types of peppers, artichokes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, summer squash, butternut squash, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries." And she didn't even plant everything this year that she did last.  The woman could feed a small country with that garden. 

I think she is just a lovely lady - and you can tell by reading her blog that she is such a great mom.  They have family night, mommy dates and even have themed dinners.  {I'm stealing your Valentine's Day idea} 

Stop by and say hello!

And Stacy - email me {amandaandandy@yahoo.com} so I can get your address!  {I know I know the email -- I thought it was something easy for me and the hubs...DUH.  Our names basically consist of the same 3 letters - It's not easy it's a pain. Note to self - have hubby change name} :)

Talk soon guys!

Fabulous Friday Finds

TGIF.  This week has *flown* by.  Here are 20 fantastic ideas for you to craftlift. 

Sewing Projects

I love all things Boden - including Johhnie B and Mini.  And this shirt is no exception.  Go check out Chef Messy and see her Mini knock off.

I love love love love love this dress.  Did I mention that I love it?  And she will be giving one away.  The tutorial will be up soon -- so make sure you save it.  That ruffle.  Those buttons. Ahhh.  Joshua would you like a dress? :)  Wildflowers & whimsy.  Go. Now.

Thanks crafty habit for making this Anthropologie inspired tuxedo scarf.  I want one.  If I don't stop I think I will have 1,000,000 scarves by the end of this winter.  {And most will have a ruffle somewhere} :)

I actually clapped my hands when I saw this.  How freaking adorable is this.  Oh my gosh.  She wears flowers has the patterns on her blog.  And she is going to do a no sew version.  How awesome is she? 

Got an exercise enthusiast on your Christmas list?  Sew a yoga mat bag for them.  Details on Sew4Home.
Crafting

Natalie over at Johnny in a Dress made this wreath and the how to is up.  She is a such a sweet woman with the cutest little family.  Go stop by and say hi!

I adore this ribbon tree by Lemon Tree Creations. I'm a fan of gingham too.  Easy to do with a lot of impact what's not to like.

This was one of those ohhhh my gosh projects.  Someone better find me a branch.  If it wasn't dark out I'd be out there right now.  Are you kidding me.  This is absolutely fabulous.  Not Just a Housewife -- holy cow.  I am one jealous mama.

I like this.  I like it alot.  And I like that you can change out the song - Christmas carol anyone?  Robyn has all kinds of cool finds on her blog.

Amy over at Positively Splendid made this Menu and Daily Planner.  What a good idea for Christmas gifts!

Printables

These are husband lunch notes.  They are super cute.  From the Happy Home Fairy.  I know.  How cute!

Here's another husband thing.  A report card.  Oh honey....Love actually is one of my favorite blogs.  It's nice to read about how to focus on us every once in awhile. 



I love all things vintage.  I think I'm going to print these out and use the front as thank you cards for my son to hand out with his Boy Scout popcorn.  These were done by Natalie Jost.

Need some handmade tags?  A fanciful twist has some!  I love the scissors.  Yup.  That's the one I want on my gift.

Family Fun has some Thanksgiving Mad Libs.  How fun would this be for the kid's table? 

Food

Yum.  Cinnamon Roll cupcakes from The Nelsons.  Aren't they cute?  {Yea, the cupcakes too}

Wouldn't this be a nice way to come home.  I think everyone deserves cupcakes on their doors.  Somewhat Simple has the how to. 



Who else but Hoosier Homemade could have made this? She was on I heart naptime today.  {I'm a hoosier too...to bad she's not my neighbor.  I would totally be stopping by for an after school snack at her house}

How cute are these whoopie pies?  Perfect for Sunday football games.  Make Merry  has the details!

World's Best Breadstick.  Here they are.  Hey remember in Elf when Buddy runs into the coffee shop?  "Congratulations!  You did!  World's best cup of coffee!  Keep up the good work!"  lol.  I love that movie.  Lehi from Dream Home made these.  And I will say -- they look yummy.

Thursday's Features!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week.  I just have to ask.  How many people are really decorating for Christmas already?  I know it is all over blogland but are the decorations just up for pictures or up for good?  Don't get me wrong.  I'm crafting away for the Christmas season.  It's just not up yet.  While going to get the mail today {we live in an apt.  ug where is my dream house!?} I passed by some decorated patios.  With turkeys...and snowmen.  And pilgrims...and Santas.  So am I just behind the whole Thanks-mas trend?  Someone please help!  I want to be cool too!!! :)

Anywho...your here to be inspired.
Here they are!

Sewing

This first one is def. a project I need.  Organization.  Look how pretty.  Maggie from Smashed Peas and Carrots has them organized by designer and then color.  All in there looking beautiful.  Sigh.  If only.

Emily from The Boy Trifecta is one of my favorite bloggers.  She's just so darn wonderful {can you tell I'm trying to get on her Christmas grift list} lol.  Seriously she's got some amazing talent.  Like this hooded scarf.  I could have used one of these yesterday.  It was cold and rainy here and I tied poor Josh's around his head.  All night "But mom, why did you make me look like an old lady.  I am a boy."

This is one of those posts that made me say "Is she serious?"  I mean she completely took apart an old pair of shoes and made these.  And they are cute.  Go check out This &That Creative for the details.

Um yes this little boy is absolutely swoon worthy.  I'm also loving the guitar.  And the shoes and the red cuffs on the jeans.  But let's check out that shirt.  Kara you did it!  You made a totally awesome boy craft.  She has a million other projects I've bookmarked - go check her out!

I've talked about this before.  It's still on my to do list.  And now yours I'm sure.  Susan over at Living With Punks made this Land Of Nod knock off.  And she's really made a great detailed tutorial for you!  Super talented.  I'm jealous.

Crafting

Doesn't this look delishious?  But don't eat it!! It is candy cane body scrub.  Mmmm oh yea.  There are other recipes too at the Natural Beauty Workshop.

Want to get your kids a lego table for Christmas.  Don't wait in line on Thanksgiving {yes Toys R Us is opening on Thanksgiving night this year} head to your local thrift store.  Kate teaches you how over at The Gaines Gang!

Yup.  Way to go Sherri!  You win Mother of the Year award for sure.  I can barely get our beds made each day let alone this.  And guess what.  It's called the easy playhouse loft bed.  Want to know my favorite part?  Well besides the whole bed loft thing in general.  Those stairs that lead to the bed flip open -- built in toy boxes.  Yes, this bed just got better.  Anna White has the plans.  Sherri talks about it on her blog.  Both of you ladies rock.  P.S. Sherri said it only cost her $350.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME? :) Get me a saw? hammer? Um. My husband.

How cool would this be wrapped around a tree?  Well I think it would be.  Vintage Revivals {crafting with the stars champ --- check out her AMAZING faux fireplace she created} tells you how!

What an awesome less than $10 gift for a guy.  {It seems like if you are male you love video games.  Whether you are 7 like my son or 30 like my husband}  Instructables has the how to.

Printables

Holy cow! Are you kidding me? I freaking love these.  I do.  And I love Flamingo Toes for making these a free printable.  And there are more.  For every stinking food.  Go! {And then come back because I've got more!}

Pretty huh? Brenda made these over at Therapeutic Crafting.  And she's got more!  {p.s. I also want this on a plate}

How about some Thanksgiving Trivia to play?  Make sure you go to Prettie Parties to get the answer! 

Get ahead start.  Heidi has a printable calendar for 2011.  She made hers a magnet.  Genius.

I'm starting with gift tags...I've got TONS to share.  Here's round 1.  I esp. love the Mead style paper.  This is going on a teacher gift {I know how creative of me huh}  Delight.com is to thank for these!

Recipes

These are becoming a gift set.  Plan: go to Goodwill - buy all their spoons.  Go to Alpha Mom get her hot chocolate spoon recipes.  Package all cute and what not.  Add to gift idea below.  P.S. I esp love that marshmallow snowman. 

Yup.  The ultimate hot chocolate gift.  Homemade hot cocoa, homemade marshmallows and stirring sticks.  {plus spoons from above} Cheap.  Easy.  Neighbors. Teachers. Office.  Ta Da.  This was originally created by Stephanie from Under the Table and Dreaming.  But you can find it posted at I heart naptime.

Does this not look like the yummiest cupcake.  It is a Triple Butterscotch cupcake.  And they just look kind of like a fall cupcake.  {Or maybe I'm just trying to make an excuse to make them}  Annie has lots of yummy treats on her blog.

Ok.  So I have a dream.  That one day I will be able to make cookies like this.  Check out those tail feathers!  Bridget is one talented lady.  How just amazingly cute are these.  Bake at 350 {already is I'm sure} a favorite spot for cookie eye candy.  Want a true story: while looking at all of her fabulous cookies I def. burned my package Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies in the oven. :( I'm sure she would never do that (either of them: buy packaged cookies or burn them)

Looks yummy huh?  And look carrots.  This dip is pumpkin cranberry whipped cream cheese.  And I'm thinking how yummy would that be spread on a bagel.  Go check out Little Bitty Bakes.