Santa was good to all.

And a good time was had by all....

The weekend is over. The gifts are unwrapped. Celebrations were celebrated.  Now let the cleanup begin! 
Car and I are spending the (amazingly rainy-may-need-an-ark-kindof) day inside cleaning and organizing the loot in his room.  He's very particular about what he wants, so we should be in good shape by the end of the day. 

OK....now he's playing nerf hoops, but hey, everyone needs a break.

So I'll have some gift updates soon (my family gets me); a new to-do list and some New Year's non-resolutions shortly this week.  There's possibly a trip to the Lego store in there somewhere (which of course is two hours away), but hey, that's the important stuff.  After cleaning and laundry.

I hope you had a great weekend/week of celebrations. 

Pictures soon. When the camera is located.

Is this tacky?

OK, don't answer that, because what's done is done.  I always run out of scotch tape!  And the easiest thing to grab that I always have around? Painters' tape. 
And I don't think the puppy will mind.  I'm hoping she really won't notice. 

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from our home to yours.  Thank for you visiting me these first two months.  I look forward to sharing more projects and ideas in 2012!

Still shopping?

Are you still looking for a few perfect gifts?  I was wondering what ideas were out there in bloggy land that didn't add to the clutter: I do NOT like clutter, and this time of year I get anxious thinking about all the stuff we are going to add to the house.  We made a huge haul to Goodwill a few weeks ago, and that helped.  Still, I would love to think about not adding to anyones clutter. 
So here are a few ideas to help you out!
From simplyorganizedwithjill.com:

• Stamps (especially great for the elderly for housebound)
• Movie tickets
• Amaryllis or other flowering plant for the holidays

From http://www.organizedhabits.com/:

• Give a coupon gift: Dinner gift card plus free babysitting for new parents
• Consumables: Chocolates are always OK (yes, I agree!)
• Gift card for a massage or pedicure

From http://smallnotebook.org/: Ideas for kids:

• Tickets to a local childrens' or science museum
• Trip (with a favorite aunt or uncle, even better) to a cooking class for kids
• Give a gift to the local zoo in their name, and a date to take them in the future

There are a ton of ways to "gift" someone you care about without adding to the clutter.  For most of us, we really don't need any more "stuff" in our lives anyway.  I would welcome a small token if you have to wrap something (chocolate, small ornament) along with a gift to a favorite charity.  I have my favorites, probably people on your list do too! 

And if times are tight, spend realistically within your budget: the people who love you really don't want you to go into debt.  A batch of fudge can go a long way (did I mention chocolate is always good?); a coupon for your time over a cup of coffee or to help with a project you know has been put off; a homemade ornament (tons of ideas there that don't take much money). 

What are your clutter-free gift ideas? Do you dread the accumulation of more "stuff" this holiday season?  Please tell me I'm not alone!

Still stumped? Give a goat, or a cow, or a gaggle of geese....or bees!  Check out a
this great organization: http://www.heifer.org/

And then there is always my absolute favorite clutter-free gift: The Kindle!  I have not missed piles of books gathering dust in my house!

Happy shopping!

"Art....in place"

Our city has a program called "Art in Place".  Sometimes it's really interesting pieces, like huge wooden whale tails or people made out of metal. Sometimes we just drive by and say "I guess it's art" and figure we don't know any better.
There is one piece we love, and we drive by it every Sunday: a stone sculpture of a polar bear. Not only is it cute on its own, but it gets mysteriously decorated each season:

And yes, Santa does, in fact,rock.

(Visit this link to get information about the artist, Gert Olsen, and see the bear in it's natural state.)

You know your friends "get" you when.....

....they ask you to housesit and pick out this keychain so you will remember. Love it!

Last minute craft idea

I've seen this idea so many places I finally decided to give it a try.
Start with a Styrofoam cone (go smaller than you might want at first; it takes longer than you think!)
 

I started out with a design I had seen before using the candies still in the wrappers.   Having "Kroger" printed all over my design didn't set well with me (no offense to Kroger, but it wasn't very festive).

So I flipped it around and tried a pattern with just the candies; much better.  I got busy with the blue gun and sticky fingers;  soon I had something I thought I could live with. 

Made a little bow on top with some leftovers, and done..

These below I did not make, but are from pinterest.com....love the varieties:

from pinterest.com

I've seen these made with everything from m&m's to pom-poms to feathers.  Make a whole little family of trees!

Merry Christmas week....one week to go!  The excitement is surely building around here.  I'm not sure how busy my mom-hammer will be in the midst of preparation, but here are some pictures in the meantime.  We enjoyed driving around seeing lights; a lot of these are taken by my favorite helper. Enjoy.



The xmas "oops" picture....we got better.

 Lights. So necessary. So beautiful. So enjoyable driving around on a crisp night.  I hope they bring joy to you as much as they do us. 


"You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see." Matt5:14

Enjoy your week, your lights, however you celebrate this holiday season. 

What will I do today?

Alternate title "It's a good thing she's cute"; or "It's a good thing I'm handy"; OR "It's not even 7:30 and I'm going to hurt this dog!" (okay okay, not really hurt her, of course, I wouldn't, ever, ever....)

BUT.
I'm in my pj's, (which is a good thing I sleep in a tshirt and sweats), with old shoes thrown on, coat, not showered and hair not brushed.  Then...picture said train wreck of a mom outside waiting for the bus, when the dog (at the time I thought) jumped over the fence and went on a fandango around ours and the 5 neighbors yards. WHEN the bus is coming up the hill.  I tell C to get on the bus, but tell our lovely, wonderful bus driver to keep an eye out for said loose puppy that was running amok.  Done.

Sweetest bus driver ever picks up C, drives ever so slowly up the hill, being so careful, when said amok puppy decides to run AROUND the bus.  So, picture bus, sitting still in the middle of the road, puppy running circles around the entire bus, and aforementioned mom chasing after pup around the bus in her unkempt outfit.....

Oh. I.was.not.happy. 

(don't believe a word she says about me)

This is where the "it's a good thing she's cute comes in, because after I got her home, she pooped in the floor. Really? All that time and exercise outside, and you come IN to poo?  Really??


 OK. Calm. Took a shower. Tried to wear her out because I was going to be out for a few hours.  Came home and made up.  Darn, she really is cute.


So onto trying to solve the mystery.  I just assumed she jumped over the fence, so I went outside to test it.  She stayed in, I went out, and called to her.  She calmly walked through this tiny space:

Fortunately, I had one leftover piece of treated wood, which with one cut (that turned into two) and a few leftover outdoor nails from the treehouse, and the space was (I hope is) sealed up.

all done....we hope.

We haven't been out yet to test it out, but I'm hoping this is it.
And I hope tomorrow I can stand at the bus stop with dignity, like a normal person.

And then I'll wonder..."what will I do today?"

Crafty time....How about Orange?

I've fallen in love with the blog http://www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com/.  Check out these two fun, easy, downloaded, free (did I mention free?) projects!

Printable Nativity Set

And if you're in need of some free (FREE!) downloaded gift tags, well she has that covered too:printable gift tags

Check out her blog!

C~O~O~K~I~~E~S~C~O~O~K~I~E~S~C~O~O~K~I~E~S~!!!

((I orginallly started this post while it was raining buckets, and I couldn't get my pegboard, and was wondering what to post about while I was waiting to get going on my closet project....))

Sooooo.....in the meatime, I was thinking about what to post.  I have a ton of fabric samples hanging here and there, and paint samples on different walls in three rooms of the house (is this normal?).  I thought about posting on those ideas rolling around, but then I thought: COOKIES.  Let's talk, instead, about cookies.  Me LOVE cookies~!

I get cookie cravings before the holidays.  I buy big bags of sugar, flour, chips, mints, glitter, butter and sprinkles.  I peruse recipes for new ideas, and pull out the old favorites.

This is one thing I love about this time of year (unlike this:the mess that goes along with decorating, but I digress...)
So here goes: My favorites, old and hopefully new, cookies for the season. 

Jello Cookies: These, I assure you, will become a quick favorite. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they taste like the different flavors of jello: Strawberry, cherry, lime...you pick.  Yum.  And don't forget these for any occasion: think fun colors for spring, Easter, 4th of July.  These freeze well and are just downright yummy.  Love them.  Click for link.

Fudgy Mint Cookies: This one was from a friend, and I only have the recipe in hand; I've never been able to find it online, so here goes: It's worth it. You start with a box of Devils Food Cake mix (Do not just use Chocolate, it isn't the same). 
Recipe: One box Devil's Food Cake Mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon water
2 eggs
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
 In a large misinc blow, combine the cake mix, butter & water.  Add eggs & mix well.  Shape into 1-inch balls & rolls in confectioner's sugar.  Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheetsw.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes .  Immediately press a mint into the top of each cookies.  Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Yeild: about 3 dozen (or enough to last around here around 10-15 minutes...)
  These also freeze well; but we've never had much luck there.  They are just as good straight out of the freezer as they are warm. Yum. 

Gingerbread men: I just love these around Christmas.  I always buy fresh ginger (not fresh, but a fresh box of the spice) as well as a new bottle of molasses.  Recipes abound; this one stays really soft.

Recipe: 3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
In another blow, mix 12 tablespoons unsalted butter(1.5 sticks), 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 egg.
Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, then add 1/2 cup molasses and 1 tablespoon vanilla.
 Let dough rest for 2 hours, roll dough 1/4 inch think and cut shapes. Bake 7-10 minutes or a greased cookie sheet.  Makes 2 dozen cookies.

S'mores Cookie Bars:

These are my new best friend I do think: From http://www.lovintheoven.com/, S'mores cookie bars. I haven't tried them yet, but I think it's a given: they looky yummy.

 Seven Layer Magic Cookie Bars: Ok, there's nothing special holiday about these, but I've always loved them.  With all the buttery goodness and layers of things to love, they need to stay in the holiday time frame, so I'd eat them every day. 

Christmas Bark: I never though something made with saltines would be at the top of my dessert loves, but this is.  Amazing collection of chocolate, butter, saltines and nuts makes for a concoction I have never dared to have in my house.  I visit friends to have it.  It's that addictive.  Found a copy of this recipe from http://www.amysfinerthings.com/ .  (like I said, never made it, don't dare.)

I think that's about it for now.  Hungry yet?  I'm not....I've been making batches of dough all afternoon and snacking along the way....I think I love the dough as much as the cookies.  Happy baking!

And just in case you just can't make your own, or want the best gift idea ever (she's booked until after the holidays anyway), check out my friend Kelly's amazing cookies at One Creative Cookie. They are large and thick cookies, and not only are they gorgeous pieces of artwork, I promise you they taste even better!  Check out her large variety of ideas and gift baskets for every occasion. 

Just shoot it: Frosty morning again

Let's hear it for.....Closets!

The pegboard has been bought, wrestled, hauled cut, (wom)manhandled, nailed and painted. And it's done! Just as a reminder, here is the before:

....and here is the after:

<><><>I could hardly wait to hang things on it and get organized. <><><>At first, I thought I would need to finish it up with some trim around the edges, but I'm glad I didn't do that before loading it up. Once everything was up, it really blended into the wall and wasn't necessary.

I've already moved things around a time or two, and realized I could even hang the rarely-used ironing board safely in the corner. It will no longer attack us as we go in the closet...It's on the wall for good. No more falling over! Yay! 

And my favorite favorite part?  Empty spaces.  Just perfect. 

I have a theory that you have just enough stuff (and most likely still way too much) if every drawer, closet, shelf and other storage item in your house has some bit of empty space in it. 

If you find every nook and cranny full to overflowing, it's time to clean out, give away, de-clutter and/or stop buying.  I like my empty spaces.....it's calming.

Things I learned during this project:

Paint it flat, not vertical, and with a roller, not a brush;

Go all the way to the ceiling: I wish you had. I may change that;

Remember that each support brace you use will take up a few rows of openings, so plan for that. You can't cheat and use less support than you need, but just be aware of that lost space; 

And oh yeah: pegboard is larger than it appears in the store.

What next? Well, I have a small piece of board left over. I already have my eye on a spot for it.  Stay tuned...it's going to be a lot more involved, and require a lot more precision and finish work.

Tomorrow: Check back in for my favorites cookie/treat recipes of the season. Yum.

Just Shoot it: heavy frost morning

One closet wall to go please.....

The sun was shining finally, and it was time to get to Lowe's and get my pegboard.  Got it! Here it is, wrangled onto the cart and into the parking lot!

And here is the back of my van. When I walked out this morning all excited to get to the store, I realized that loving husband had taken our little truck to work that day.  We try to give truck a few work days, since he doesn't get out much, but today wasn't the day I wanted little truck to go to work.  I needed little truck to work!  Well, stubbornly I headed to Lowe's anyway, and figured I would make it all work, since I just had to have this pegboard finally.  Doesn't the streaming rays of sun make it all look so optimistic?? 

This was the view from the driver's seat; I could see my right mirror, so I was OK, but I'm guessing a little less than legal.  I made it the 3 miles home safely, and then just had to wrestle the piece into the garage, get it cut, and wrestle it two floors to my closet.

Which I did.  Getting it 3 feet off the floor while nailing it in was a challenge too, but I had come this far and was not waiting to help.  I hung it up by one nail, and finally had two in so it was secure.  Whew.... I was tired at this point!

So now I have a very brown, industrial wall to look at....not quite the look I'm going for, so we'll see how some paint turns things around. Hopefully by Monday I'll have a prettier, finished look to share with you.
Happy Weekend!

Check this out:

The Enlightened Shopper is a new website I was introduced to tonight.  The guys at Enlightened Shopper are "obsessed with finding the coolest, most unique, and best designed products from companies that give back to a good cause. So go on and make a difference while you shop!"

I love this concept....go on over and check them out! 

I have some favorites already:

The Tocky Clock: Rings, then jumps off the nightstand and makes you chase it to wake up; oh, I need this.  And it's red....my favorite.

Biodegradable Poop Bags: Great idea, and yes, that's a sign of where my life is...

Sugru: Well, it said it's like Playdoh, so it had me there...interesting. 

Great idea...fun site that will be adding new products.  Good causes too...I like their concept!

**AMWN.com is in no way affiliated with these guys (except as a relative of a relative of a relative, well, you get the idea) nor do I profit from it in any way. ; I just enjoy passing along cool things as I find them. 

The problem area:

The problem area: the closet in our bedroom. I've re-arranged all the shelves in there, added a cool wall of adjustable shelves in place of one long hanging rod, added storage for off-season things. But it was still a mess.
  The problem? This wall.

I added a few hooks years ago, and they are overwhelmed with belts, ties, scarves and hoodies. 
 Those 6 little hooks just aren't cutting it, and I'm not sure why I ever thought they would! 

Add to that the ironing board, bags and purses on the floor, and we have a problem. 

I never looked at this wall as real usable space. Then I saw all the cool ways people have used pegboard from Pinterest, and the two collided in space and I knew I have to do that on my wall! 

So today's the day....take down the old few hooks, put up the boards to hold the pegboard, and hopefully by week end, you will see a cool new wall storage solution that will be awesome. 
I hope so...stay tuned!

And the winner is:

Lala22!  You win a piece (your choice) of any piece of jewelry you want!  Let me know what you choose (you had a favorite, but you may have changed your mind!) and your free piece will be on its way to you today. 

I've added new pieces, and plan to add a few more this week.  I bought some beautiful red swarovski crystals yesterday that should make some great holiday earrings; check LauraGee on Etsy soon!

Laura

Sprucin' things up for Christmas!

Saturday was all about decorating and getting the housed "spruced up" for the holidays.  Carter got a bit tired of the tediousity (I know I make up words) at one point; I suggested we go for a walk in the woods as a treasure hunt and find things to fix an old wreath for the door. 
Here is the "before". 

This is just a store-bought wreath with a few old red and gold ornaments, a bow that has seen better days, and overall, pretty boring. 

The first thing I wanted was some pine cones. Looking out the back door, all I saw was hardwoods, but we started out and were enjoying a lovely walk on a nice fall day. 

 

We spotted a pine tree fairly soon, and spied our first pine cone. Soon, we had a full haul (which I had to carry in my shirt untucked and folded around them) and headed home.   They look a lot better in the red basket than in the folds of my shirt, trust me.  (I spared you that picture....you can thank me later).

 

boring before......




...awesome after.


Not everything is ground breaking change; sometimes it's the little things that make me the happiest. A little spruced up wreath for the front door, for no cost is one example.

A walk in the woods to find some treasures was  great fun and I really enjoyed it. My son said it was awesome.

Now when I look at my front door, I think: awesome.


Find something awesome to do with your family this week.


Think simple.  It might just be awesome.