5
Dec

Baby Doll Kit

Today was my daughter Savannah's friend Ava's 2nd birthday party and we had such a great time!  It just so happens that the playgroup we attend is pretty much dominated by boys, so it's really nice for Savannah to have a girlfriend here and there. Savannah has known Ava since she was 4 weeks old and Ava was about 4 months old, so pretty much 95% of her life :-).  Ava is such a sweet girl.  She is tiny, petite, a little on the shy side, beautiful and very smart.  I'm so happy that Savannah has Ava as one of her first "girlfriends".I was trying to decided what to … continue reading

3
Dec

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

I LOVE shrimp - I mean love, love, love shrimp.  It is my most favorite food in the world.  If there is a shrimp item on a dinner menu, 9 times out of 10 that is what I will order when we are out.  However, ordering shrimp in a restaurant can be a bit pricey at times so when I find shrimp on sale at my grocery store, I always try to snatch it up.About a week ago I made this delicious shrimp scampi for my husband and I for dinner.  Now I know it was good because my husband said it about 3 times and coming from him that means my recipe was a hit!!  The shrimp were … continue reading

3
Dec

Sew Mama Sew Giveaways

I love the Sew Mama Sew blog!  Right now they are doing their big annual giveaway days.  There are tons of crafters and craft suppliers that are giving away items.  You can enter to win either supplies or handcrafted items or both.  All you have to do is click on the crafter's link and leave a comment on their blog - it's that easy!!  Head over to Sew Mama Sew and check it out - you'll also be amazed how many talented artists are out there!I actually just won a giveaway myself on Sandi Henderson's Portabellopixie blog.  I am so excited - I never win anything!!  I … continue reading

29
Nov

Holiday Chex Mix Recipe

Today my family decorated our lovely Christmas tree that we cut down yesterday.  We turned on our holiday music, got out the family ornaments, and I made up a homemade batch of chex mix!  I love chex mix.  If you've never had it and you are thinking that it is just liked the stuff you get in the bag, you are sorely mistaken.  It is SO much better!  I look forward to chex mix every holiday season.  I know I could probably make it other times of the year, but it has become a tradition that I make our chex mix while we decorate our tree.  Please, please, please give … continue reading

28
Nov

Knifty Knitter

I have been crocheting for about 9 years now, but I have never learned how to knit.  I REALLY want to, but I just haven't ever had the opportunity for someone to teach me.  I don't really do well with instructional books - I just can't visualize what they want you to do.  So I am hoping someday to pick up knitting, but in the meantime I have my knifty knitter.Have you ever used the knifty knitter?  I think it is one of the best creations!  You don't need to know how to crochet or knit and you don't need to really be into crafting at all.  It's VERY basic.  It's a … continue reading

28
Nov

Life Lessons

My favorite magazine subscription that I receive is "Real Simple" magazine.  I love this magazine for many reasons; it has beautiful pictures, the page layouts are really user friendly, I am generally interested in about 90% of the topics they cover, and I even love the paper they use.Lately, I have been relating to their "Life Lessons" section in the magazine and this month in particular, I thought they had some really great advice.  I would like to quote a few sections from the "10 Truths I Wish I'd Known Sooner" article by Amy Bloom.1.  Events reveal people's … continue reading

27
Nov

Fun with Fleece – Hat & Mittens!

Tomorrow, Saturday, my family and I plan to cut down our Christmas tree at our favorite Christmas tree farm! Bringing home a fresh tree into our home, just smells like Christmas to me. As convenient as fake trees might be, it just wouldn't be the same (or nearly as fun).Cutting down our Christmas tree is becoming one of our family traditions and I love it!  My husband and I have cut down our tree together since our first year of marriage and now we get to experience this wonderful outing with our two daughters.  We get all bundled up, ride the tractor out to all … continue reading

25
Nov

Thankful

I love Thanksgiving.  It is the holiday that gives me the most reflection over the past year.  You would think New Year's might be that day for me, but really I use New Year's to look at the year ahead.  So, thinking towards tomorrow (Thanksgiving), my heart just wants to explode for all the things I am thankful for - I have been truly blessed.  I know I cannot list them all, but here are just a handful:I am thankful for........1)  The birth of my daughter Matilda Jane.  She is a true blessing from God.  She lights up my life and is such a sweet, happy baby.  I … continue reading

23
Nov

Holiday Wreath Tutorial

I saw this wreath idea several months ago on another blog I follow, The Nesting Place, and have been dying to try it.  I decided Christmas was the perfect time and I'm happy to share this tutorial with you. I believe the decoration you choose to hang on your front door says a lot about you.  It's the first thing people notice before seeing you answer the door and can really set the tone for your visit.  So why not take a little time and effort and make it truly special?I don't know about you, but I am certainly on a budget these days so I am always looking for … continue reading

22
Nov

Busy, Busy

So this was one of the last free weekends my family has between now and Christmas.  Not that I mind, I quite enjoy all the holiday festivities.  But you would think that knowing this is one of our last leisurely weekends, that I would take it easy and relax, but nope, not me......not this busy bee.So here's what I've been up to.  I decided on Saturday that I wanted to go ahead and put up our Christmas decorations.  We are not hosting Thanksgiving this year (we are heading to my in-laws), so I figured, why not get a jump start?  I love Christmas and the earlier I … continue reading