I'm in the organizing mood!

I got crazy last weekend and didn't feel like the weekend could end until my pantry was clean.  I wish i took a "before" picture.  But here are some pics of the "after".

I got a little carried away with the label maker.  Tom thinks I'm crazy!

Now that it is so pretty and organized, I can see the walls.  So the big question is...

Paint or Wallpaper?

Little Craft Project

I found the cutest little ruffled cake topper on The Sweetest Occasion Blog.  I was working on making some of these myself when Brittny came over and got inspired.  Check out the cute headband she made.

Ok, I know she is my granddaughter, but isn't she just the cutest little girl you've ever seen?!!!

Here are some quick instructions if you want to make this.  It took Brittny about 15 minutes to make it.

Cut a piece of fabric 2" x 8" with pinking shears. 

Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.

Hand sew a running stich along the folded end of the fabric.  Be sure to knot the end of the thread before you start.  When you have sewn all the way across, pull the thread to ruffle the strip.  It will pull together in a circle.

Sew the ends together to secure the circle.

Next, hot glue a botton or other cute little decoration in the center.

Next, find some elastic, measure to the head of some cutie pie that will wear it and sew ends together.

Hot glue the flower to the elastic over the seam that you just sewed.

Then place on a little cutie!  

(She sure loves her daddy!)

Enjoy!

My Sister started a blog!

I am so excited.

My sister Jami is incredibly creative and she is a great writer and she started a blog. http://delightfuldaisyness.blogspot.com/  I've been begging her to start one. She also started an Etsy store.  She makes the cutest cards!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DelightfulDaisyness

Check out her Valentine Cards!  I just love them!

Christmas Time

I know, I know...I am a bit behind with my posts especially if I am just getting around to Christmas things.  Sorry to say, this won't be the last Christmas post.  I will try to get these out sooner next year. 

Every year in our house right after Thanksgiving, the Christmas season starts.  We listen to Christmas music and start Christmas crafts.  Some people (Tom) think we are crazy to start so early, but I just can't wait!  I love everything about Christmas.

This year I got to decorate the office where I work.  I loved every minute of it.  Everyones office door had a wreath hanging from it, a fresh Christmas tree scented the air, candles, pillows and pointsettas were put into place.  It was just as cheery at work as it was at home.  It felt so good to create a fun, loving environment for the ones I love at work just like I do for my family.   One of my friends asked me, "how do you think of all this?"  I had great role models in this way.

My dad had a wonderful spirit of hospitality.  He would go out of his way to make people feel special and welcome.  Every year at his work he would set out yummy goodies and play Christmas music.  If anyone ever mentioned that they liked something, he would go right out and get it.  When we would have friends over he would create a huge spread of the most wonderful food.  He always made more food than we could ever eat and then share with the neighbors.  He loved using his smoker to cook and roasting coffee beans for anyone who would love it.

I lost my dad to lung cancer a year and a half ago.  I thought last Christmas would be tough without him, but I missed him so much more this year.  As I thought about the joy I received from creating these beautiful spaces for those I love, I realized that without knowing it, I had learned this from my dad.  I am so grateful for this gift and I hope without realizing it, my kids are learning it too.  Christmas seems even more special.

xoxo,

Carol

January Calender Girl

This month's calender girl photo shoot was a bit challenging but man does this girl have some character! Chloe has grown so much since December. Among her many talents, this month her favorite is climbing. She is in full crawl mode and her aim is ALWAYS up.. up the coffee table, dining table, the gate to the stairs you name it she's going up. : ) Gotta love it!

I have been trying to jot down some fun moments that I know will soon flee my swirly mind.. any contributions are welcome : )

Chloe in the New Year

Pretty sure this lil'miss is the cutest lil chica out there : )

I ♥ naptime w/ Chocolate Sundaes: Silhouette SD Machine Giveaway!! wahoo!

Check out this great website below.  They are having a rather fun giveaway.  I think I must add one of these to my craftroom.

I ♥ naptime w/ Chocolate Sundaes: Silhouette SD Machine Giveaway!! wahoo!: "Okay ladies!! Today’s giveaway is kind of a big deal!! I’ve been *so* excited all week to share this with you! Silhouette will be giving awa..."