Tuesday, November 26, 2013

DIY Thanksgiving Acorns

Nothing like the last minute to get me in gear!
We moved last weekend and my house is still a disaster
but I REALLY wanted to make these
DIY Thanksgiving Acorns.
I finally carved out some time . . . just before the big day!
They're super simple!
You'll need: a glue gun, some plastic Easter eggs, chalkboard paint, and jute.
Paint the eggs according to the directions on the paint bottle.
{FYI: mine took 24 hours to set.} 
Starting just above the center line of the egg, glue jute around and around the wider end of the egg, until you come to the top.
Cut the jute about 1/4 inch up, creating a little stem.

You can add designs or write guest's names with chalk and use them as a place-card.
{NOTE: Don't push too hard when writing or you'll scratch the paint.}
 
I thought it would be extra fun to add a personalized note inside for your loved-one;
kind of like a ridiculously adorable Thanksgiving fortune cookie. =)

How are you welcoming your holiday guests?
 
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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Turkey? What Turkey?

 This is my all-time favorite part of the year: The Holidays!
Last year, we had Thanksgiving with my in-laws.
Each family was assigned to bring some kind of turkey to display.
 
We decided to "hide" our turkeys to save them from the feast!
 
Check out these creative turkeys on display:
 
A dessert stand----------------------------------A veggie tray
 
A pinecone turkey with thankful feathers---------a gratitude turkey
 
A pom-pom turkey with fabric feathers------------a wide-eyed button turkey
Dessert turkeys------------------------------------------ A Beaded turkey
 
We had SO much fun making ours! 
I made a pirate with feathers disguised as sails.

The Stud made his into a grandma (complete with gold sandals).
 
The Oldest made a Chinese man (love his shoes!).

The Middle made his into Santa with toy-sack-feathers.

The Youngest disguised his a Secret Agent (like Perry the Platypus).
 
 Your family can play too!
How will you hide your turkey?
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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Minted + Julep = LOVE

I have fallen in love with Julep.
 
It's a blog built around artists. Craft artists, Recipe artists, Styling artists, Party artists, they're all so talented!
They have a lot of fabulous seasonal DIY content!
 
Check out some of my favorite posts:
Add some 20's glam to your next party with this simple, elegant DIY idea.
 
Add a luxurious touch to your Thanksgiving table with gold-leafed pumpkins.
 
 
Baked in individual portions, these beautiful desserts can be made with a number different fruits.
 
Simple yet stunning ideas to bring happiness to your holidays.
 
Now, as mesmerizing as Julep is, you can't forget where is came from:
It's the be-all, end-all for anything printed.
From cards to invitations and business to weddings, they have a HUGE selection.
Their Christmas cards are to die for!
 
This is one of my favorites:
You can even choose the shape of outer edge!
SWOON!
Get Mint+Juleped this holiday season!
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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Photo Challenge: Days 6 & 7

Day 6: SWEATER
Yes, I know it's a jacket but I'm totally in love!
Check out Sexy Modest Boutique and follow them on Instagram for deals & giveaways. =)
 
Day 7: HOME
I'm trying to pick a base color for our new home:
Please help me decide!
Which one is your favorite?
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

"A Grateful Plateful" Printable

The November Photo-A-Day Challenge for today made me think.
Day 5: BLESSED
 
It made me think of how many people there are in my life that
I feely truly blessed to know. And I want them to know it.
 
I'm starting a new November tradition:
A Grateful Plateful.
Attach this card to a plateful of goodies and drop it at the doorstep
of someone who has made a difference in your life.
Today, I feel very blessed.
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Monday, November 4, 2013

Day 4: Harvest

The November Photo-A-Day Challenge wasn't so easy today:
I don't have anything to harvest!
However, I'm truly thankful for those who do harvest
and make it possible for my family to enjoy their hard work.
 
Day 4: HARVEST
This was turned into a savory soup tonight.
Perfect for the rainy weather we're enjoying. =)
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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Day 3: RED

The November Photo-A-Day Challenge was easy today!
Day 3: RED
Enter a fun giveaway AND get my mom's cocoa recipe
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Hot Cocoa Recipe AND Red Cup Living GIVEAWAY!

This is my absolute favorite time of year!
For me the best part of the Holidays is being with the people I love.
That's why teaming-up with Red Cup Living made so much sense!
 
Red Cup Living is a company founded by a husband and wife team trying to
rekindle their neighborhood’s sense of community by holding more gatherings.
Read more about their story here: http://redcupliving.com/#red-cup-story

And when people gather, we eat, drink, and be happy. =)
Just look at the options they give you:


I immediately spotted these su-WEET mugs!
It seriously looks just like a red Solo cup with a handle but it's actually durable AND reusable.
How stinkin' cute is that?! I dig them.
They made me want hot cocoa.
 
This time I wanted my mom's hot cocoa.
She graciously texted me the recipe
(along with permission to share)
and I whipped up a batch to share with you.
So, here you go!
As soon as I put the first ingredients in the pan, a flood of memories rushed through my head:
the yellow leaves on the ground outside,
finally being tall enough to help my mom stir the cocoa,
scooping it out of the pan with an avocado-green Tupperware measuring cup,
drinking out of a mug I bought for my dad when I was in 2nd grade.
listening to my Grandma Scorse play the piano after dinner.
 
I love this stuff.
{print it here}

This is how we do it:
VARIATIONS:
1- If you prefer the taste of dark chocolate, reduce the second measurement of milk to 4 cups.
2- Add a 1/4 tsp of your favorite spice: cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or nutmeg.
3- I like mine extra creamy to I add whipped cream on top before I sprinkle with cinnamon.
I love this stuff.
 
You can add some extra holiday cheer with fun, reusable cups from Red Cup Living.
Four New Red Cup Living Products Available in Time for the Holidays!
They would be great stocking stuffers
or Secret Santa gifts at work.
 
Find and follow Red Cup Living here: 
You can WIN some of these iconic gifts right here! 
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