Kristen's Gingerbread Giveaway!

Good morning friends!

I have a busy week planned but wanted to jump on here and tell you about an awesome giveaway over at Kristen's Creations! How cute are these?! Head on over and check out Kristen's site and enter for a chance to win!

A Reminder.....

Happy Black Friday! Did you get up early and go shopping? Not this girl! While I love shopping as much as the next girl, I love my bed a little bit more at 4:00 am! :o) Can I get an amen out there?

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I wanted to share one last post on this year's festivities. It's more for myself but just in case you've wanted a glimpse into my private life, I thought I'd post it here.

Yesterday, Emma (my niece) and I were alone in the kitchen. I was moving around cooking and things were pretty quiet as everyone else was out in the garage. I'm not sure how the conversation actually started, but I made some random comment about my kitchen. I want to say it was something along the lines of wishing it was more modern but that Uncle Chris and I didn't have the money to make any changes to it right now. Emma looked me right in the eye and said, "A lot of people I know don't have all of this fancy stuff." Suddenly I could see things just a little clearer.....my grandmother's china was on the table, a pot of freshly ground coffee was just finishing and the people that I love were gathered together out in the garage. I was so busy trying to get our dinner done in my 1957 kitchen that I lost sight of all that I am blessed with and it took a 10 year old's observations to bring my focus back into perspective. I immediately stopped what I was doing and looked at her and said, "You are absolutely right. And I'm thankful for what I've been given." And I truly am.

So thank you Emma for helping Aunt Melissa see things as they really are. You bring a joy to my life like no one else and it is my deepest hope that you never lose the ability to see things like you did yesterday!

Have a good weekend!

Just One More....

I promise this is the last fall/Thanksgiving card I'm going to post this season! Is it just me that can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is almost here? I certainly hope not!

I'm not sure if I'll post anything for the rest of the week as I'd like to concentrate more on my home and family during this time. I'd like to encourage you to do the same thing....and with the risk of sounding like a broken record....

Have you found something to be thankful for today?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Gratitude....

Image from bhg.com

Good afternoon!

I hope your day is shaping up to be a good one. It's one of my favorite kind of days at home....the only thing on my agenda is puttering around doing some light housework and watching the rain turn into snow.

Plans for Thursday are all finalized and everything is purchased so that leaves me with a peace of mind. Usually I wait until the last minute to do things because I seem to always be running behind! I'm thankful that this year is different....

I wanted to leave you with a quote that sums up how I'm feeling these days. I hope you find many things to feel gratitude for today!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life....it can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home and a stranger into a friend." Melody Beattie, Author

Have a good week!

2010 Favorite Things at 320 Sycamore.....

Good Friday morning!

I've been following Melissa's Favorite Things Party all week long and wanted to share my list today! Here are a few of my favorite things in no particular order....

1. Coffee! We like it bold and strong....no sissy stuff for this girl! Right now we are enjoying the Costa Rican Blend from Costco and it is gooooooood! I couldn't find a photo on their site so you'll have to trust me on this one!

2. Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation! If I could only have one makeup item for the rest of my life, this would be it. I love the even coverage and it lasts all day long. Why mess around with something that's just going to wear off?

3. My Scor-Pal! I bugged my mother for six months prior to my birthday about getting me one of these and I can't even begin to describe how much it helps me in my card/box/gift making. I love it!


4. Scotch's ATG Gun! This adhesive has saved hours and hours of taping, gluing and re-assembling my projects! While it looks huge and bulky, it's actually quite comfortable.


5. My Kitchenaid Mixer! Need I say more? Mine's Cinnamon!


6. My Coach Penelope Handbag! I saved the best for last.....I love it. It's roomy, stylish and durable. I won't give it up until it falls it literally falls off my arm!

There you have it! Why not come over and join us at the party? Have a good weekend!

Thanksgiving Menu....

It's a little late in the day, but can you believe that I've actually posted something four days in a row? I don't quite know what's come over me!! :o)

While I won't be doing printed menu's like the faux one above, I wanted to share our Thanksgiving menu while it's on my mind....

Turkey
Dressing
Mashed Potatoes (for those who don't eat Dressing)
Green Beans
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Rolls
Pumpkin Pie

Appetizers:
Meat, Cheese and Crackers
Deviled Eggs

What are your must-haves for Thanksgiving?

Hostess Gift....

Hostess gifts are almost a thing of the past aren't they? I say, let's bring them back! A little kindness goes a long, long way. Even a store bought beverage seems more thoughtful when you add a little handmade tag to it!

Have a good evening!

Free Thanksgivng Printables....

Looking for some Thanksgiving decor that won't break the bank? How about this?

Or this?

Or even this?

All of these printables are available for free from Jessica at Craftily Ever After so head on over today and choose one for your home....

Thanks Jessica!

Have a good day!

Past Thanksgiving Projects...

Good morning!

It's hard for me to believe that the holidays are here already! And because I don't want to skip right over Thanksgiving and go straight into Christmas, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite past projects for this time of year. Enjoy!

Sweet Treat Turkey

Napkin Ring

Turkey Bag

Turkey Bucket

Pumpkin Card

Simple Box

Have you given any thought to what you are thankful for?

Cake Pops by Bakerella

How fun is this?!

It is done.....

I'm so glad to report that the Christmas Bazaar is done! I simply don't know how vendors do multiple venues in one year....it's a lot of work and completely changes my perspective of what it takes to run a successful one!

Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of most of the items that were on our table but I did take this one last week when I completed it at home....

Tag Inside

Tag Outside

I followed the directions from Splitcoaststampers and found it to be fun to make...it's perfect for those occasions where you need a little extra something for someone but are on a tight budget!

Have a good day!

And the winner is.....

Ooops! I forgot to draw for the winner of my fall giveaway....thanks for the reminder mom! And the winner is.....

Number 9! Linda Kish! Please send me an email with your mailing information so that I can get your stuff out to you!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the fall giveaway. I have many plans for the holidays too so be sure to check back often for more gift ideas and giveaways!