Coasting

Since I'm traveling today, I made it a point to pick up cardboard coasters from various restaurants to use for this clever project:

Original purpose: Preventing pesky water rings on wood.

Aha! use: Tagging gifts for the people at home. Hang on to cardboard coasters from the bars and the restaurants you visit on your journey. When you return home with souvenirs for friends and family, punch a hole near the edge of the coaster, tie a ribbon through the hole, and write a quick note in an empty space (or on the blank side).

Reward: Clever gift tags that capture a travel memory

Enjoy! :)

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Creativity Flowing

I get really excited when people re-purpose an item! Really, I do.

For example, someone took old doors and made them into a headboard!

Guess what I'll be looking for next!

Enjoy! :)

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Creative Wrapping

'Tis the season for gifts, but perhaps I'll get creative with these wrapping ideas:
(courtesy of Real Simple)


Make Gift Tags From Greeting Cards

Last year's holiday and birthday cards may be too pretty to throw away, but they're probably not meaningful enough to keep. Cut out hearts, flowers, or any other whimsical illustration from the card's cover, avoiding handwritten notes on the opposite side, and stash them with your ribbons and wrapping paper.

Use Newspaper and Maps to Wrap Boxes

Leftover paper of all kinds―wallpaper, old maps, last week's Sunday comics―begs to be recycled as gift wrap. Use a copy machine's enlarger function to make much of small things. Choose a dictionary definition to suit the occasion: love for Valentine's Day, shamrock for Saint Patrick's Day, ageless for an anxious friend's birthday. Photocopy the page onto an 11-by-17-inch sheet of paper (if possible) at the highest magnification, repeat as needed to increase the word size, and squeeze in the choice part of the definition.

Secure Gift Bags With Ponytail Holders

Present your presents well without needing to master the fine art of bow tying. Plus, this "bow" can be recycled to keep Heidi's braids from unraveling.

Tie Jump Rope Around Kids' Presents

Jump-start a trend in the next round of kids' parties. A fun, colorful decoration and an extra gift.

Wrap Wine Bottles With Dish Towels

Place the bottle along one side of the fabric so that the bottle's top meets the top of the fabric. Fold the excess material at the bottom over the bottle, forming a pocket of sorts. Then roll the dish towel evenly and secure at the neck with ribbon.




Turn Old Calendar Pages Into Gift Wrap

Personalize a birthday present by taking a page from that month and circling the special day.






Enjoy! :)

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Early Thanksgiving

Since I'll be going on a little trip for Thanksgiving, we celebrated early. It was super wonderful.

There was food as wide as the eye can see!! My mom made Paula Deen's uber-yummy stuffing, and we pretty much shoveled it in. Try it!

Paula Deen's Homemade Stuffing:

• Cornbread, recipe follows
• 7 slices oven-dried white bread
• 1 sleeve saltine crackers
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 7 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sage (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)
• 5 eggs, beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, dried white bread slices, and saltines; set aside.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the vegetable mixture over cornbread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, taste, and add salt, pepper to taste, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Reserve 2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture for the giblet gravy. Pour mixture into a greased pan and bake until dressing is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Serve with turkey as a side dish.

Cornbread:

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

To serve, cut into desired squares and serve with butter.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Enjoy! :)

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Update on November Goals

My November goals are going so much better than I ever hoped! Here's the scoop-

Personal Development:
1. Continue to use coupons and seek out good deals.- This is ongoing and my budget thanks me.
2. Make a new recipe and blog it.- Still working on this.

Clean/Organization/Decorate:
1. Move console table into family room.- I hope to have this done by Friday and blog the finished product.
2. List a few items on ebay.- So done! Really! I was inspired by this article at manvsdebt.

Class:
1. Continue to complete assignments- My paper is 4/5 complete! Woohoo!

How are your goals coming along?

Enjoy! :)

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Console Me Update

You may remember this guy. He was a bargain-find in one of my usual places. :)

As you can see, I've been working on him to get him ready before the holidays creep up on me.

Instead of painting him white, I went with more of a creme, neutral color. It think it really highlights the detailed legs.

So far, he has been painted, and I am waiting for the gloss top coat to dry.

Hopefully, I'll have a picture for you soon!

:) Enjoy.

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Junk in the Trunk

This week I was so excited to get on Craigslist and find someone who was getting rid of (free) two trunks. They didn't post a picture nor dimensions, but that's ok. I love a good project. :)

Needless to say, I contacted the seller immediately and received a quick response.

Could it be one of these?











































You KNOW what I did next! I envisioned these trunks in so many places!

* Perhaps storage in the garage?
* Perhaps storage in the extra bedroom filled with pretty linens?
* Perhaps an accent under one of the windows with a warm blanket?
* Perhaps a coffee table in my living room with some scented candles?

So many choices! I couldn't wait to get them home so I quickly emailed the seller and asked when I could go and get them.

This is what I got in response:

Did you miss it? Yep, me too. They didn't respond. Bummer. So now I have trunks on the brain, with no trunks.

Enjoy the weekend. :

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Free Movie Date Night

I love this site! They provide *free* passes to movie screenings. You just register and enter your zip code to find what's coming near you.

Just for fun, I entered a Dallas zip code and they had 3 showings! Unfortunately, I don't live in Dallas (anymore), so I can't see Ninja Assassin. Bummer.

However, in my neck-of-the-woods, they are showing The Blind Side and it looks so good. :)

Once you register, you should search for RSVP codes (I use google). The screening passes print right from your computer, and you get 2 for each screening. Hello date night!

I would pair this with a gift certificate from restaurant.com, where you can get a $50 dinner for $20/25 and off you go to an inexpensive night to remember!

Register today! It's well worth it! And no, I don't get anything for this endorsement.










From their website:
"Gofobo is a new and exciting online experience designed to help you see movies first and win prizes fast. It also will allow you to build new relationships with other people who love movies, celebrities and fun. Gofobo will allow you not only to experience new movies, contests and live events, but also to share your comments, get information on your favorite movies or stars…and a whole lot more. Keep coming back to gofobo as we continue to grow, offering more movies and contests – and more experiences – for our gofobo members."

Enjoy! :)

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Vury Lazee Weekennd

Unfortunately, there are not any project updates. Instead, we laid around with the puppies.

Hopefully this week will be more productive!

:) Enjoy

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First Giveaway!

Yep, you heard right! It's my first giveaway and I'm super excited!

Since this is my first giveaway, I wanted it to be something special and unique. So, I scouted a few neat items at the St. James Art Fair (back in October) and finally settled on something that I, myself, would like to have (and of course I bought one for me too).

Enough talk. Let's get to the good stuff- the jewelry giveaway!

That's right! My first giveaway is jewelry! Specifically, a custom necklace with a real butterfly wing from PhbeaD. Don't worry, no butterflies were hurt during this process. The wing is encased in soft plastic with a sterling silver chain.















Ready to Enter?

• To Enter: You have the possibility of entering three times! (1) Leave me a comment stating "PhbeaD me..." and tell me your favorite piece of jewelry (2) Blog my giveaway, providing me the link AND (3) follow me.
  
• Giveaway Closes: Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 8pm EST
• Number of Winners: One
• Prize Ships: United States only
• Usuals: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Wednesday. Good luck!

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You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

Last night, the boy and I went to this:












For someone, such as me, who has not seen the movie, it was a great starter!

At one point during the play, the littlest was dressed in so much clothing that he could barely move. Needless to say it was hilarious!

Are you seeing any plays this season?

Enjoy! :)

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Don't Walk- RUN to Fab Finds Under $50!

I was featured on the wonderful blog: Fab Finds Under $50!

Excitement!!

Yesterday, I asked about something on her inspiration calendar and she responded via blog! Now that's customer service!

I really liked this idea (below) and have most of the items, except the chunky turtleneck, so she gave me some ideas- on a budget.

If you haven't been to her site, she features fashionably fabulous items all under $50. Because who's closet couldn't use a little bit of fashionably fabulous!

Also, she compiles a monthly inspiration calendar to help for those of you with the "I-don't-know-what-to-wear-days." I have them, and you have them, but now there's a solution!

I really like the way she mixes JC Penney's, Old Navy, and thrifted 'pretties.' She really shows fashionably fabulous on a budget.

I'm pretty sure you will find something you like!

Head on over and enjoy! :)

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Turkey Month Goals

For November, I'm going to keep my goals relatively simple, and try not to over-do it. (You know how that goes...)

Personal Development:
1. Continue to use coupons, and search out good deals.
2. Make a new recipe and blog it.

Clean, Organize, Decorate:
1. Move sofa table into family room.
2. List a few items on ebay.

Class:
1. Continue to read and complete assignments.

What are your November goals?

Enjoy! :)

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The Incredible Edible Egg

Yesterday morning, the boy made Paula Deen's omelet. Wow oh wow!

It was melt in my mouth good! He added tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, and bacon.

What a great start to a Sunday!

Omelet:
* 1/4 cup tomatoes
*1/4 cup mushrooms
*1/4 cup bacon (cooked, crisp)
*1/4 cup cheese
* 3 eggs
* pinch salt and pepper

1. Bring 4 cups water to boil on stove.
2. Add eggs to bowl and scramble.
3. Put eggs in a zip lock baggie, along with tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, salt/pepper, and cheese. Shake to mix.
4. Close/seal bag and place into boiling water on stove. Make sure water covers the bag. Add more water if needed.
5. Cook for 6-10 minutes, or until eggs set.
6. Remove bag from water and let sit for 1 minute.
7. Remove omelet from bag and enjoy.

I think I might make this ahead of time and leave in the fridge overnight for a quick, healthly breakfast.

Enjoy! :)

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October Goals Review

October wasn't too bad, although I think I had too many goals, especially with taking two classes! Whew!

Personal Development:
1. Revise budget, add more saving, less spending.- This wasn't easy, but definitely worthwhile.
2. Try a new recipe and blog-it.- I made Baked Ranch Chicken, with success!
3. Read "The How To of Happiness."- This was actually an interesting book, and I'm glad I read it.

Professional Development:
1. Apply for more jobs with my new degree.- I did apply for at least 2.
2. Read "Never Check Email in the Morning."- Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete this goal. My classes have really eaten my time.

Clean/Organization/Decorate:
1. Return garage items to rightful owners (really).- I returned most of the items, but there have been other items added to the garage. Just when I think it's over...
2. Paint twin bed.- Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get to this.

Travel:
1. Take a day trip to local museum or park.- I visited a local museum to see their collection of weapons, both new and old.

Class:
1. Finish final paper (of graduate career).- I had hoped to be further along than I really am, but that's not the case.

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