Ahem...Ahem...Is this thing on?

My, my, it's been quite some time since I've been on here...and I've missed it so much!


I've decided to dust off this old blog and give it another go.


There are so many creative things I adore and through Facebook and Twitter, I've enjoyed sharing them.  I get quite a few questions about my crafts and decorating so I thought it would be great to blog more detailed descriptions of whats going on around my house!

So let's get started...

I have recently developed a serious obsession with stationary and printing things at home.  I somehow just realized that we have a pretty decent printer. After hours of blog research, I found some seriously talented bloggers out there who offer free templates and I have had a blast printing them.   

This one below is from Martha, of course, and I'll be using them for my place settings at our Thanksgiving table... (much more to come on that)

The paper I used for the above and below projects is actually Watercolor paper found in the drawing/sketching section at Hobby Lobby.  It is SUPERB for printing things like place cards and other things...
...like these gift tags from Martha again.  Click on that link and browse around the free downloadable templates.  It's so much fun!  I'm going to punch holes in these and tie them onto presents with ribbon.

These envelope labels below were free from the blog  Love. Obsess. Inspire..  Aren't they gorgeous?  I just printed them on sticker paper and cut them out!

Not only is this cupcake and frosting recipe DELICIOUS, the printable is adorable too!   I found them on the blog Creature Comforts.  Even if you don't print them, definitely make them and eat them!

So that's it for now, if you have ANY questions about downloading, printing, cutting, etc. please don't hesitate to ask!

Oh Etsy...how I love thee...

I just went on a Christmas shopping spree on Etsy-oh, and can someone please type how it is pronounced?  I have been saying "eat-see" but have recently been informed that it's "et-see".  Which one is it?

ANYwho, I digress.

I just bought the most delicious looking soaps I've ever seen from her

The above is cranberry, and below is sleigh ride.  Don't they look divine?

I just want to eat the pictures!

I got a BUNCH of other exciting stuff, but my sister reads this blog, and I don't want her to see her presents before Christmas!!

Also, still no word from my professor regarding the paper.  I called him, but nothing.  I'm so nervous, but all of your sweet words really did help me relax, so THANK YOU!

It's the most wonderful time...

I love CHRISTMAS!!!!  I finally got around to decorating our tiny little apartment this week.  I put on my Christmas music and got to decorating.  It was so much fun.  I only wish we had a real tree to decorate-but our place is just too small :(  Next year!

This is above our bar area... (sorry for the crappy photos, my iPhone just doesn't take great pictures)

This is our little table-and some gorgeous Christmas flowers I got at Costco.  They always have the best arrangements!

Here is our sad little tree!  I had an ornament made for us last year that says "our first apartment".  Hopefully I can get a "we're engaged" ornament this year!!

Some more ornament decorating...

And here are our Christmas cards!  I'm so happy with how they turned out...

This is the outside of the envelope with our return address labels made by her, and our zazzle stamps...

And here are our fabulous Christmas cards made by Sara Luke:

They say: "Our very best to all of you for a Merry Little Christmas and a Happy New Year too!"

Sara did an awesome job, and I cannot wait to mail them!  Speaking of that, when do you think I should mail them?  Is it too early?

He's makin a list...

Have I mentioned that I love Christmas?  I love shopping for Christmas.  I love the family time, the cooking, the love and the thoughtfulness that comes with Christmas.  I have really been LOVING looking up ideas for creative handmade gifts on Etsy.  Here are a few that I will be purchasing...

Cupcake baby cloths from HERE

Letters are from HERE. 

They are magnetic to put on the fridge.  SO much cuter than the plastic ones!

Earrings from here

This adorable reversible bag from HERE

Gorgeous necklace also from HERE

Oh, now if only I had a ton of money to buy everything now!

JINGLE BELLS!

Ok, get ready to think that I am the craziest girl in the world. 

I just finished ordering our custom photo Christmas cards.   My dear friend Suzanna gave me the greatest tip ever.  She told me a girl named Sara at Etsy will make a custom Christmas card for me.  All I had to do was tell her what I wanted.  Within a week, she made me the EXACT card I had in mind.  It's perfect.  It was so affordable, and now I have the file so I can order as many copies as I want from where ever I want on the cheap!  I am so excited and SO impressed with working with Sara.  She was so accommodating  with all of my crazy requests.  She worked quickly and emailed me the perfect card.  This is one from her Etsy shop.  I'm not going to ruin the surprise of what our card is, but the colors are similar to this one!

I LOVE Christmas, and I just don't think it's ever too early to be ready.  I refuse to stress out this holiday season, so I am doing everything as early as I can.  

Gonna smile cause I deserve to....

Three things today that make me so happy....

FIRST: I ordered these awesome earrings from dangsworld on etsy.  I got them in four colors, and I cannot wait for them to get here!
SECOND: I worked on making our Christmas cards.  I know it's early, but I LOVE sending out cards every year.  This will be the third year we have sent them out, and I can't wait to order them!  These are three options from kodak that I really like.  I LOVE the cards on minted, but they are kind of out of my price range.  I'm trying to justify it, but I just don't think I can.  


Which one is the best one?

THIRD:  I came home to this in the wreath on the front door.  Vince worked from home today and when I walked in the apartment, it was SPOTLESS!  He is such a darling.
Even though it wasn't the best day at work (the dog is sick and I cleaned up a lot of poop) it was all in all a great day!

You better not pout I'm tellin you why...

So....I know it's a tiny bit early for Christmas shopping, but I really like to get a head start on things.  I have vowed this year to only buy things that fall under one or more of these categories:

1) Handmade

2)Antique/vintage

3)Something that can be used (tickets, etc)

4)Good for the environment

So with that being said, here are a few items that I will be buying this Christmas....

These awesome reusable bags from Baggu

These adorable aprons from Etsy seller BellaBeeDesigns

This awesome *affordable* hand painted pottery.  I think these santa plates are so cute for my friends with kids...from etsy seller sweetpicklespottery

Are any of you making similar vows for present buying this year?  I really feel that with living in such a "have more buy more need more" society, we really all have enough "stuff", ya know?