A Snowman Sock Craft - Too Cute!

When I was teaching, there was a kindergarten teacher who made these adorable sock snowmen every year for Christmas.  This year, I thought that would be our special Christmas craft too.  After a quick internet search, I came across this wonderful tutorial here.  Amy's snowmen were the cutest out of all the ones I saw, and her tutorial is awesome.  Very easy to follow!

So... I dug around the house and found several old tube socks that we were going to donate.  Amy was right, Target carries a ton of cute ankle socks in all sorts of patterns for just $1.  I used my little girls' hair elastic which worked great and we just needed a few buttons, googly eyes, beans/rice and we were good to go!

Here are the inspiration snowmen from here:

Here are our snowmen!

10 little snowmen in all!

We had a great time and I just can't help but smile when I look at these lil' guys.  Seriously, super easy, fast, affordable and you get a great finished product.  They make wonderful gifts!  Click here for the how-to.

Here are a few more pictures of our day:

Our supplies.  Socks, elastic ties and rice/beans. 

Of course, working over a rimmed baking sheet helps to keep all the rice and beans contained!

 Everyone was so proud of their little creations!

November Crafts for Kids

I can't believe we're only a week from Thanksgiving and I've hardly gotten a chance to get down our Halloween stuff.  Honestly, I just tossed our pumpkin today!

Well... I admit, I don't think we're going to get around to doing any Thanksgiving decorating around our house.  I think this year, we're going to slide right into Christmas decor... hopefully sometime soon!  :)

In the meantime, here are some fun craft ideas I rounded up from familyfun.com.  I featured some crafts last month, in October, and I thought this might be a fun monthly feature that hopefully you find helpful.  There are a TON of great craft ideas out there and I thought it might be nice to be able to go one place for just a few fun ideas each month.  Just click on the name of each craft for a direct link to the directions.

Button Indian Corn Napkin Ring

Corny Cookies

(a great way to use up some left over Reese's Pieces from Halloween!)

Tiny Tom

Turkey Napkin Holder

Turkey Place Markers

Village People

(how cute are these guys?)

Lastly, I love these Thankfulness tags from Jones Design.



(via jonesdesigncompany.com)



This Halloween...

my friend and I will be putting a together another little Halloween party for our friends and their little ones.  Last year we had about 50 people including about 20 kids under the age of 5.  We created quite a scene when we would knock on a neighbor's door and 20 kids later, they were done handing out candy.  :)

My friend has graciously offered to host this year as we just have too much going on.  If you're still looking for a few ideas to add to your Halloween festivities here are links to the inspiration for our party for last year and some pictures from the event.

We're doing the photo booth again... (It's so great having friends who are much better photographers than I am and know what they're doing!)  We'll also have a twilight scavenger hunt in the backyard as we've asked everyone to BYOF (bring your own flashlight).  For food... we're keeping it simple this year and having a "Stew Off".  People will be bringing their favorite stew/crockpot dishes and we'll vote and maybe even have a prize for the winner!

I'll be sure to share pictures of the party!  Lastly, here's a link to one fabulous, over the top, Halloween Party.  I was in awe.  Whitney is amazing!

Cheers to a cozy and tasty, Halloween weekend!

October Kid Craft Round Up

We are full into the fall season with shorter days, a chill in the air and regularly falling asleep to the sound of rain on the roof.  I love doing crafts with my kids.  It's so much fun and teaches many great skills:  listening, following directions, patience, perseverance, imagination...etc..  I'm always on the look out for EASY projects where I can use things I already have.  Few of us have the time or budget to be running around for exotic supplies.  Here's a round-up of some of my favorites for October.  These are all from Family Fun.com




(all images from familyfun.com)

 1.  Spirit Jugs
2.  Personalized Nature Pals
3.  Leaf Mobile
4.  Bat O Lanterns
5.  Squash Softies
6.  Jar O Lanterns

Nicole, over at MeOhMy, also posted some adorable and easy Halloween craft ideas.  I think I'll be making the cute banner and wreath!



(image via meohmymama.blogspot.com)



Valentine's Day Treats

I know, we're just getting started with January, but hey, February is right around the corner.  Starting early, always makes any holiday more fun!

I'm not one to go all out for Valentine's Day.  I've evolved.  There was a time when if roses were not on the agenda, it made for a bad day.  How silly!  Now, I just feel like it's a fun day to show friends and family a little extra TLC.  Who couldn't use that right?

Here's what I have in mind.  I LOVE this template from Twig and Thistle.  You can download it for FREE!



(images via twigandthistle.com)


I've already purchased bags from their etsy site.  25 for $5.00.  Not bad at all!  :)

So then... what to fill them with?  I LOVE these Almond Chocolate Toffee Crunchies from Savory Sweet Life.  They are fool-proof and work everytime!  They are truly the best mix of salty, sweet, and crunchy. 



(via savorysweetlife.com)





Enjoy!

The Season for Giving - World Vision

I love how World Vision has put together their Holiday Gift Catalog this year.  They've given us opportunities to give in ways that are simple and tangible and make such a difference in the everyday lives of people around the world.  Here's just a few examples.

For only $30 you can help a child succed in school by providing backpacks and school supplies.

For just $25, you can give 2 chickens to a family and help them with their nutrition and income through the raising and selling eggs.

For $69, you can provide farming tools and seeds.  What a great way to help people, help themselves!

Your donations can towards towards all sorts of things including clean water, animals, soccer balls, even art supplies.  I can't wait to sit down with our boys, go through the catalog and let them pick out ways that they can help.  Often it's hard for kids to understand how giving a monetary donation can really make a difference.  They can't see it.  Through the pictures and descriptions, I'm excited for our kids to learn how giving can have such a real effect on others who live with much less than we do. 

Click here for a link to their online gift catalog.

(all images from worldvision.org)

Gifts - Roasted Rosemary Cashews

Did you get those adorable tags from Tuesday's post?  Well I told you I was going to use them, and here's how!

           

This year, I made Roasted Rosemary Cashews, following this easy recipe from Ina Garten.  I packaged them in these great tie top bags, very similiar to bags that coffee comes in.  I LOVE these bags and have used them for all sorts of favors and goodies.  If you're in the Seattle area, you can get them at Packagaing Specialties.   You can also order them online at Garnish, one of my favorite sites for fabulous packaging products. 



My little buddy helping me to put the cashews in the bags



Finish off the bags with brown ribbon and a sprig of rosemary



I hope our dear preschool teachers will enjoy these!




Lastly, a quick plug for brown ribbon and rosemary trees!  I highly recommend both as you get great bang for your buck.  Brown ribbon goes with EVERYTHING... it always comes in handy when I'm looking to put something together last minute.  Rosemary trees are everywhere this time of year.  You should be able to find them at your grocery store or hardware store.  I've had mine in our planters by our front door for 3 years and they've been able to survive through the winters.  They smell great and are so useful!

Enjoy!



WHY IT WORKS - Christmas!

I have to admit, I feel a little hesitant posting my own photos as inspiration photos this week.  As with many people, I feel like my spaces are always a work in process and they get better and better with time.  But, many of you have also commented how you really enjoy seeing my own personal projects and rooms.  So... here goes!

WHY IT WORKS:

Our garland going up our staircase



For our tree this year, I tied glass ornaments in 3s
with lime green ribbon



Faux branches covered in snow and tied with
the same lime green ribbon





One of my favorite things! 


 

Another one of my favorites!  I carted these 2 back from Italy!



INSPIRATION

• EDIT!  You don't have to put EVERYTHING out!  This is something I'm working on too.  Especially with holiday decor that you only get to put out once a year, we have a tendency to want to display everything!  So display prudently and selectively.  It will make what you do put out that much more special and there's always next year.
• Color palette.  Things look more cohesive if they relate to each other.  This year, I really wanted to highlight lime/moss green, one of my favorite colors.  An easy way to do this is with ribbon.  You can incorporate ribbon in so many ways and you only need to invest in one bolt.  Use it as a garland on your tree and mantle, tie bows on a wreath, and hang your ornaments with the same ribbon.  It really makes everything look put together.  
• Find inspiration NOW and shop LATER.  Again, good design does not have to cost a lot of money.  I'd say 90% of my Christmas decorations were purchased after Christmas, marked down at least 50% off.  So start looking at things that you love and get ready to go out there after Christmas!
• Buy basics.  I love great design, but I want to be practical too.  When I'm buying ornaments or other decorative objects, I try to stick with silver or gold.  I love mercuy glass too!  Silver and gold will never go out of style and you can easily use them throughout the year.  One year, when I was starting to build my collection, everything I bought was gold, silver or lime green.  For example, get basic candle holders and you can change the color of the candles each year, basic ornaments and change the ribbons each year, basic pots and vases and change the color of the flowers or greenery each year. 

In the midst of all the projects and running around that comes during this season, I hope you're able to slow down and enjoy all the beauty around you.  It truly is a magical time of year.

A Craft Fair

I'm excited to be checking out this craft fair this weekend.  If you're in the Seattle area, this is a great one to check out!  I love how crafting has become a bit "cooler" in recent years... either that or I'm just getting older.  :P  Seriously though... you'll find really cool pieces of artwork, home decor, clothing, jewelery, food and all sorts of real cool stuff for your home.  All of it is handmade locally.  I love the idea of supporting local artists pursuing their passion!  And this is the kind of fair that has items all price points.  I really don't like going to art shows where everything is out of my price range.  No fun!  :P 

So...  if you have time this weekend, check it out.  Most of the artists there also have etsy sites, so next week I'll be sure to post some of my favorites!

More Thanksgiving Ideas

I know, only 2 more days till Thanksgiving.  Most of you probably already have your Thanksgiving dinner planned out, but just in case you're still looking for inspiration, here's a great link!  Oh my goodness... how adorable is that paper turkey leg?!  I had to fit this post in before Thanksgiving! 

Click here for a round up of some ADORABLE Thanksgiving table setting ideas.

Why It Works - Thanksgiving Tables

(from marthastewart.com)

WHY IT WORKS:  For this week, I've gathered some of my favorite table setting images to inspire your Thanksgiving table.

There are a few things that all these images have in common:

INSPIRATION

• White dishware.  I love white, it is so versatile!
• Low centerpieces.  They are easier to create and much better for conversation.
• Natural elements.  Notice all the squashes, nuts, gourds, leaves that are used.  Nothing says fall more beautifully than these natural elements.
•  Linens, notice how creatively linens are placed and used.  You really can find beautiful and inexpensive fabrics at the fabric/craft store and use them as table cloths or runners.  No sewing required!



I love the look of table runners.  You can easily make this with just 1 yard of fabric, cut in 1/2. 
I love how the napkins are placed too.



Great use of natural elements.  Artichokes and pumpkins. 
You can find everything while you're at the grocery store!


 

More pumpkins and I always love using white christmas lights on a mantle. 
Always homey and festive!


 

I love how they laid the runners across the table vertically and the
acorns in the hurricane.  Simple and chic!



A Turkey Craft

Here's another great craft project that you can work on with your kids.  Aren't these turkeys adorable?  These were created by a designer in Portland, Or.  His blog, madebyjoel, is a great place for original art projects to do with your kids. 

Click here for full directions.  You could make these in all different sizes and I think these would look great on a buffet or on each table setting. 

Have fun and see you Monday!

Thankfulness Placemats

I found these Thanksgiving placemats in my Family Fun magazine and I thought they were so great!  Especially for preschoolers who don't read yet.  We did this with our 5 year old and it was so much fun talking about each item!  It's never to early to teach about THANKFULNESS!

Click here to download them for free!

Operation Christmas Child

I recently read a short article on party favors.  I know, most people have a love/hate relationship with them, including me.  I feel like I'm constantly dealing with them at our house, yet for my son's birthday party coming up, I'm looking for small goodies again.  :P  

So... in the spirit of making the best use of the favors that we all give and get, here's another idea.  I've been collecting these small toys and school supplies (when they're on sale in September) and saving them for making Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse, a Christian relief and evangelism ministry.  We've done it for 2 years now and it is such an easy and tangible way for children to understand the joy and importance of giving and serving others.  Tonight, I watched one of their promotional videos with my 5 year old.  I want him to see how much his small sacrifice impacts the lives of other children, just like him.

Their National Collection week is next week, November 15 -21st.  Here's a link to information on how, where and when to drop off your donation.  What a great way to start off the holiday season and Thanksgiving.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

This is such an easy to love and serve others, I'd love to hear how this might impact your family!

Halloween Party Details

Here are some pictures from our Halloween Party.  A couple of weeks ago, I shared my inspirations so I wanted to show how things turned out in real life.

It was a great night!  It was so much fun seeing all the kids dressed up and so excited about Halloween!  We had about 20 kids under the age of 5.  It was quite a scene once we headed out to Trick or Treat!  We were happy to be a part of creating some special memories for our kids and their friends.  Scroll all the way to the bottom for ideas for your next party.



We kept the decor simple with some
 Halloween lights and pumpkins



A simple tablescape with a black/orange polka dot fabric.
 The crepe paper cone for our pendants were fun. 



I was inspired by mini cones that Martha Stewart made
for small, stringed lights.  I just enlarged the cone
and added crepe paper "petals"



We had a photo booth set up.  A dear friend helped us with the logistics. 
We shot the photos "photo booth" style.  Can you guess our costume?
THE WIGGLES!



Trying to add some balance to all the candy with fruit kabobs.



Popcorn served in unbleached cupcake liners.



The caramel apple bar was a BIG hit! 



INSPIRATIONS:  Some ideas that you might want to try for your next party.

• TEAMWORK!  Cohost with a friend(s)!  Enlist the help and talent of your friends.  Many hands make for light work!  (and more fun!)
• SIMPLE MENU!  I'm so glad we went with just finger foods/desserts.  Everyone still had a great time and it allowed us to have a bigger guest list.
• FABRIC!  Many times, its even cheaper than plastic/paper tablecloths at the party store.  For example, Joann's is always having sales on their fabric.  I spent $5.00 for our tablecloth.
• MINI CROCKPOT!  This was my first time using one of these and it worked great!  You can use it for caramel, chocolate or cheese.  Just prepare some toppings, items to dip and you're all set!  (set it and forget it.)   :)
• RELAX and HAVE FUN!  Enjoy the company of your guests.  That was the whole point right?  

Lastly, never feel like you need a big budget to host a party like this.  Total cost for this party was probably $30.  The decorations were around $10-15 and a few friends helped with the food.