naptime creations

The Thrifty Home – Penny Pinching
Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday
Bargain Shopping Paradise - Wallet Friendly Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Wicked Awesome Wednesday – Handy Man Crafty Woman

What are little Boys made of?-733

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear
Beyond the Picket Fence -

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello

Home and Family Friday-Home is Where My Story Begins

Quinoa Pilaf-Melissa's Cuisine

TGIF- Craft Junkie
Friday Link up-SO you Think You're Crafty
Friday Favs Party-Nap Time Crafters
feature Friday Linky party-Blissful and Domestic
Shine on Friday-One Artsy Mama
Toys in the Dryer-Fun Stuff Fridays
Truly Lovely - Fancy This Friday
My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday
Free for All-Young and Crafty

Berry Oatmeal Muffins and Tasty Tuesday Party

2012-02-21T10:30:00.000+08:00

You may have noticed... I've updated my social networking links... I've had the Flickr group for months now... but never told you all about it... and I just created the facebook page...

SO, link up anything inspired by this blog to my flickr group or facebook page... hope you will stop by and say hello!

Love these muffins!

Brown Sugar 1 c.

Whole Wheat flour 1 1/3 c.

White Flour 1 c.

Vanilla 1 tsp.

Oats 2 cups

baking powder 2 TBS

cinnamon 1 tsp.

milk 2 cups

eggs 2 (beaten)

oil 1/4 c.

berries (blue or strawberries chopped) 1 1/2 c.

Makes 24 muffins

Grease muffin tin... stir flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and cinn. together. Add milk, eggs, oil until blended. Finally add the berries, don't over mix and squish. Put in muffin tin, bake 15-20 min at 400.

Now lets check out the amazing things you were all up to last week! My mouth waters every time I go through these links!

Pesto Cheese Blossoms-Home Cooking (I could not get a picture to post..go check it out!!!)

Crock Pot Tamales-Talking Dollars and Cents

Cauliflower Soup-A Latte with Otta

Neapolitan Cake- Something Sweet

Almond Cream Cheese Danish-Country Mom Cooks

knit for good....

2012-02-19T13:41:00.001+08:00

a group of moms....lane crawford...yarn....knitting needles....

A KNITTING PROJECT!

Here in Hong Kong Lane Crawford and a local charity partnered to make blankets for the local needy. The stores handed out bags with the needles and yarn (for free) and then the charity will distribute the finished blankets.

Each person was to knit a 8x8 square which we turn in back to the store. From there they are somehow being made into blankets. I started each square as most in my group were new to knitting.

I know not everyone got them done on time, but our little group project did turn out a number of squares. I finished three before the Christmas deadline...

Interested in doing a charity knitting or sewing project? There are TONS of options.... here are a few sites I found:
http://www.knit-a-square.com/
http://www.knittingforcharity.org/
http://www.interweaveknits.com/community/charities.asp
http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/
http://www.dailyknitter.com/charity.php
http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/tp/charitysewing.htm
http://www.projectlinus.org/
http://www.freeneedle.com/directory.php?directory=Sewing%20for%20Charities%20and%20Good%20Causes

Hope you can find something that fits YOU. If you have a site that you love or have done a project with... Please share in the comments!

shared here:

Check Me Out Saturdays-A Vision to Remember

Saturday Spotlight-Craft eNVy

Saturday is Crafty Day- Along for the Ride

Sundae Scoop-I Heart Naptime with Chocolate Sundaes

Sunday Showcase Party-Under the Table and Dreaming

Sharing Time-Raising Memories

Showoff Sundays-Decorating Insanity
Sunday Link Party-Petite Hermine

Large Felt Car Playmat

2012-02-16T07:25:00.000+08:00

last year for Christmas my sister made my son a playmat very similar to A Girl and a Glue Guns mat. He LOVED it and pretty much wore it out over the last year. I decided that for Christmas I would update the idea and try to make it personal to where we live and put all his favorite places on it.

Some of our favorite places:

the airport
IKEA
grocery store
favorite park
friends homes
our apartment building
the mountains behind out place
fruit stand
favorite restaurants
Dad's School
train station

it also has a gas station with a hose to fill up the cars.

Airport terminal with plane parking

and LOTS of car parking spots... he loves to park the cars.

I had SO much fun making and creating this... although trying to sew something this large wasn't easy. Especially when I had it all pinned on and was trying to sew without sticking myself! I know we will get a lot of play and fun from this for years to come! I've also made a glue gun travel size version... HERE

Sharing at these parties:

What are little Boys made of?-733

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear
Beyond the Picket Fence -

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello

Home and Family Friday-Home is Where My Story Begins

Phyllo Appetizer and Tasty Tuesday Party

2012-02-14T10:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Valentines day!!

This is one of my go-to appetizers. Especially when I need to bring finger food to a party!

First, I bake several sheets of Phyllo Dough (with melted butter spread between). On a baking sheet. I would say around 7-10 sheets. Bake until slightly crispy.

The topping is a mixture of:

cooked, chopping spinach (1/2 cup packed tight). I buy this already made in the freezer section in cubes.

1 can of artichoke hearts (chopped fine)

8 oz cream cheese.

I spread that mixture on top of the cooled phyllo dough. Then top with diced cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of garlic salt.

Cut into squares and eat up!

I also wanted to share with you my redone recipe and tutorial archives. I've put a picture of each one linked back to the original post for easy viewing. Hope you will go and check it out. The tabs are at the top of the page!

Now for the WONDERFUL things you are all up to! Here are some of my favorites from last week. I've also pinned these to my pinterest food board. Not sure if its because I'm baking cookies today for Valentines or what... but all my features are sweets! opps!

Chocolate Wafer Push-Ups: Lady Behind the Curtain

Pink Velvet Cupcakes:The Alchemist

Strawberries and Cream Bruschetta: Crumbs and Chaos

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosted Red Velvet Cupcakes: The Adirondack Chick

Mini Cheesecakes: Home Cooking

Valentine Dessert: Annies Home

Can't wait to see what you have this week!

toy bags, babies and thread...

2012-02-11T08:37:00.002+08:00

Many moons ago, when we had about 5 toys... I made bags to keep things organized. Now two years later with two kids... the toys are pretty much all over! However, they got a music set for Christmas and I wanted to be able to keep the instruments together. I went back to my toy bag roots and came up with a simple draw-string to keep them together, yet assessable.

Because this was for musical instruments I sewed a couple felt "notes" to the front of the bag.

I made a simple casing on the top edge and threaded a ribbon though it.

Fun, noisy times ahead!

keeping the little one occupied while I sewed this bag....
QUESTION?
Where do you buy thread? I was thinking of this while baby was playing with the thread selection I got over Christmas from Joannes. I had never bought a set like this, but it was on sale and I had an additional coupon. Thread is EXPENSIVE! What do you do? I've looked at buying online (ebay, etc) but not sure about quality.... I seem to go through a lot of thread.

Shared on these fab sites:

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello

Home and Family Friday-Home is Where My Story Begins

TGIF- Craft Junkie
Friday Link up-SO you Think You're Crafty
Friday Favs Party-Nap Time Crafters
feature Friday Linky party-Blissful and Domestic
Sshine on Friday-One Artsy Mama
Simply Designing - Simply Link Party
A Few of My Favorite Things – Favorite Things Friday *
Truly Lovely - Fancy This Friday
My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

heart garland

2012-02-08T18:56:00.004+08:00

To go with my new wreath, I also made a little garland. I tried to reflect the true meaning of LOVE on these hearts. (My son really wanted to be in this shot, although from this pictures it looks like I am forcing him!)

WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US

I used a mix of felt and foam hot-glued onto a ribbon.

and over the door...

GOD IS LOVE

Shared on these great sites:

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice-Seven Thirty Three

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear
Beyond the Picket Fence -

{cheater} pumpkin cheese cake and Tasty Tuesday Party

2012-02-07T11:00:00.000+08:00

I was looking to use up a bit of pumpkin... and came up with this. Its REALLY easy and was just as tasty!

First, I made up a box of fat free-sugar free cheesecake flavored JELL-O and put it in a graham cracker crust to thicken.

Next... I made up a pumpkin mixture...

1/2 can pumpkin

1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

cinnamon and nutmeg to season...

Mix this all together and spread on the bottom of a greased metal pie pan. Mine was about1/2 inch thick. I then baked this in the oven at around 375 (my oven in in Celsius.. so I'm estimating for you) I think it was around 30 min to get firm... test with a toothpick.

Let it cool in the pan, then carefully lift out and place on top of the pudding in the crust. I refrigerated it another few hours before slicing and serving with cool whip! YUM! The layers were really pretty too, sorry my pictures are not great.. it was late at night...

Now, lets show off some of YOUR fabulous links. Here are just a few of my favorite... there really are SO many yummy links. Thanks to all who linked up and a BIG thanks to those who leave comments... you make me smile!

Fiesta Nachos-Cooking for my Kids

Baked Potato with Feta-Serenity You

Pomegranate Cream Crepes-Will Cook for Smiles

Fresh Guacamole-Scout's Stitches

Fudge Filled Hearts-Lady Behind the Curtain

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies-The Farm Girl Recipes

Remember... I also pin all the features on Pinterest to get more exposure for you!

lets see what you have been up to this week.

Love is all around-Valentines Wreath

2012-02-04T12:43:00.001+08:00

I was inspired to make some Valentine decorations this year... I had bought a heart shaped wreath base, so I started with a wreath.

I hand sewed a bunch of little heart pillows. I put just a bit of stuffing inside to make them puff.

I bent pipe cleaners into the word LOVE and glued it to the wreath...

here's a peek at the back of the wreath... I just tied on the pillows with string. I could have just hot glued on a piece of cardboard or foam too...

Shared on these fabulous sites:

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello

Home and Family Friday-Home is Where My Story Begins

http://smilemonsters.blogspot.com/

TGIF- Craft Junkie
Friday Link up-SO you Think You're Crafty
Friday Favs Party-Nap Time Crafters
feature Friday Linky party-Blissful and Domestic
Sshine on Friday-One Artsy Mama
Just a Girl Blog - Show and Share Day
Simply Designing - Simply Link Party
Tidy Mom - I’m Lovin’ It Fridays!
A Few of My Favorite Things – Favorite Things Friday *
Truly Lovely - Fancy This Friday
My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

Check Me Out Saturdays-A Vision to Remember

Saturday Spotlight-Craft eNVy

Saturday is Crafty Day- Along for the Ride

Question for YOU!

2012-02-02T21:45:00.000+08:00

On your computer screen do these two pictures look any different to you? I am primarily talking about the quality of them. The first picture is the original file size and takes a bit to upload... usually I use an export system to add the watermark and reduce the size. I just want to make sure I'm not compromising the quality you all see. (the second one). Please let me know what YOU see! Also, can you guess what I was making? (and I forgot to take a final picture before I gave it as a gift...sad)

simple car mat gift

2012-02-01T22:15:00.004+08:00

Link up to this weeks Tasty Tuesday party HERE.

I made this simple car play-mat as a birthday gift. My son helped me with the layout, so it was a fun gift for us to make together. Its just hotglued together, so it didn't take long at all! Throw in a few cars and you have a great gift!

I made a large version for my son for Christmas. Will be showing that off soon.

Showing off at these sites today:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins and Tasty Tuesday Party

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000+08:00

I meant for this to go up last Tuesday while I was away. Not sure what happened. Hope all of you who stopped by checked out my year of pillows I was posting last week.

The irresistible combination... chocolate, peanut butter and bananas!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

I used a banana bread recipe and tweaked it.

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup. white sugar

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 ripe bananas

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

cream shortening and sugar, sift in the dry ingredients. add the peanut butter and bananas. finally add the chips. Spoon into muffin tin. bake at 350 for 30 min. although check after 20.

ok... I'm blogging on my husbands work computer today... so no collage...Which gave me freedom to choose A LOT of features today! yeah! SO many great links last week. You all did a fabulous job linking back too! here are several I loved.

Crave Cute- Soda Crackers Cookies

Galley Kitchen-Potato, Ham and Broccoli Casserole

A Little Less Meat-Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup

Stella B's Kitchen-Seasoned Sour Cream

The Law Students Cookbook-Kidney Bean Cauliflower Curry

The Liberated Kitchen-Caramel Apples

Country Momma Cooks-Easy Potato Donuts

Lets get this party started!!!

Ai Ya! Tasty Tuesday didn't post!

2012-01-30T14:22:00.001+08:00

Not sure what happened last week. All my pillow posts worked, but for some reason Tasty Tuesday didn't go up! I was in Vietnam with my family celebrating the Chinese New Year holiday...and didn't even notice until we got home on Sunday. Tasty Tuesday will go up late Monday night this week...Hope you will all be back in force!

A Year of Pillows...Part 10: November

2012-01-29T14:13:00.001+08:00

November

A thankful heart...

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A Year of Pillows..Part 11:December

2012-01-29T14:13:00.000+08:00

December

A Little Holly Holiday!

I hope my year of pillows has inspired you to make some festive couch wear for your house! Can't wait to hear about what you come up with.

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

Shared on these AMAZING blogs..

Check Me Out Saturdays-A Vision to Remember

Saturday Spotlight-Craft eNVy

Show & Share Sunday-Sugar and Trash

Sundae Scoop-I Heart Naptime with Chocolate Sundaes

Sunday Showcase Party-Under the Table and Dreaming

Sharing Time-Raising Memories

Showoff Sundays-Decorating Insanity

Sunday Link Party-Petite Hermine

A Year of Pillows..Part 9:September/October

2012-01-28T14:00:00.000+08:00

September/October

For the fall season, I made a single case...Again, I was kind of at a loss for something for September. And thoughts?

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A Year of Pillows..Part 8: July

2012-01-27T14:00:00.000+08:00

July

A Patriotic July...

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A Year of Pillows..Part 7:June/August

2012-01-26T14:00:00.000+08:00

June/August

cloud has a different stitch around it...

I was un-inspired for August, so you can just use the June one again in this set.

What would you put for Aug? Ideas please!

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A Year of Pillows...Part 6:May

2012-01-25T15:00:00.000+08:00

May

April Showers...Bring May Flowers...

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A year of pillows... Part 5: April

2012-01-23T14:30:00.000+08:00

April

I decided to make April a bit more serious instead of just putting on an Easter egg. On a side note... I can't decide if I like the way my machine letters or not... sometimes it does a better job than others. This was a good one... What do you think?

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A year of Pillows...Part 4:March

2012-01-22T14:30:00.000+08:00

March

A March wind blows across this pillow!

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

A year of pillows...Part 3: February

2012-01-21T14:30:00.000+08:00

February

a smattering of hearts decorates February

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

Shared on these AMAZING blogs..

Check Me Out Saturdays-A Vision to Remember

Saturday Spotlight-Craft eNVy

Show & Share Sunday-Sugar and Trash

Sundae Scoop-I Heart Naptime with Chocolate Sundaes

Sunday Showcase Party-Under the Table and Dreaming

Sharing Time-Raising Memories

Showoff Sundays-Decorating Insanity

Sunday Link Party-Petite Hermine

the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter

Just Something I Whipped Up-The Girl Creative

Show Off Your Cottage Monday-The House in the Roses

Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do

Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

Creative Me Monday-Southern Institute for Domestic Arts & Crafts

Making Monday Marvelous-C.R.A.F.T
Craft and Tell - Cherished Bliss
More the merrier Monday-diy Home Sweet Home
Made With Love Monday- Sew Chatty
Craft-O-Manic Monday- Craft-O-Maniac
Amaze Me Monday - Dittle Dattle
Metamorphosis Monday - Between Naps on the Porch
Mad Skills - Mad in Crafts
Inspire Me Monday - Singing Three Little Birds Sandy’s Organizing Mission Mondays – Organize with Sandy *
Make it 4 Mondays – Cottage Instincts
The DIY Showoff Monday – The DIY Showoff *
Bobbypins Boardwalk – Boardwalk Bragfest
Sassy Sites – Operation Organization Monday

A year of pillows... part 2: January

2012-01-20T14:30:00.000+08:00

January

Here are my January pillow cases... I know they don't even have a pillow inside... I was too lazy to stuff and un-stuff them all while taking the picture... oh well... you get the idea..

I hand sewed on white/clear beads which are hard to see in the picture, but very nice in person.

In case you missed them...here are quick links to all my other "year of pillows"....

a year of pillows....part 1: pocket pillow basics

2012-01-19T14:48:00.003+08:00

I start with a long strip...almost twice as long as the pillow and a inch narrower than your actual pillow form. (you want it to stuff in tight!). If you are sewing something on the pillow, this is the time to do it, while you have a flat surface. Hem the two ends, with the right side the same as your design in the middle. Fold up the bottom to cover the design, then fold the top over the bottom. Try to keep your pillow design in the center of all this.

Top over bottom..at this point I measure my square to make sure it is actually square! You want it to be around an inch shorter top to bottom than it is wide (you still have to sew the sides, this will take an inch off the width)

Pin the sides and sew, I rounded my corners just a bit when I sewed.

turn it right side out and stuff with your pillow form!
Over the next 10 days I will be posting my year of pillows... come back and check it out!
shared here:

Look What I Made-Creations by Kara
The Thrifty Home – Penny Pinching
Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday
Bargain Shopping Paradise - Wallet Friendly Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Wicked Awesome Wednesday – Handy Man Crafty Woman

Hookin' Up Party-House of Hepworths
Show Off Your Stuff-Fireflies and Jellybeans

Everything but the Kitchen Sink-A Little Knick Knack

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear
Beyond the Picket Fence -

Lebanese Chicken with Vegetables and Tasty Tuesday Party

2012-01-17T10:30:00.000+08:00

This is a family favorite for a chicken and vegetable dish. I usually serve it with a side of brown rice... yum!

Lebanese Chicken

Boneless/Skinless chicken breasts (enough for the number you are feeding)

1/4 c. olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

2 cloves garlic (minced)

two bell peppers-sliced

two whole tomatoes-sliced

1 large onion-sliced

3-4 medium potatoes (peeled and sliced)

2 TBS basil

1/2 c. water

2 zucchinis cut up

place potatoes on the bottom, then layer chicken and other veg in a 9x12 dish. Mix spices and liquids together, pour over dish. Bake covered at 390 for around and hour. The potatoes are the hardest to get cooked, so check those! enjoy!

Now to show off some of the amazing things YOU are all cooking up! Wow, there just aren't enough meals in a week to try all these delicious recipes!

Potato Soup-Aunt Nubbys Kitchen

Calzones with Chicken, Spinach and Artichokes-A Latte with Otta

Light Roasted Balsamic Vegetables-Inspired by Family Magazine

Brownie Peanut Butter Cups-Raising Oranges

Cranberry Upside-Downer-Life's Simple Measures

2011-1581

2012-01-14T08:54:00.000+08:00

Any guesses as to what this number refers to????

Its not the number of times Jack as asked WHY this week...

Its not the number of times Max has said NO this week....

Its not the number of loads of laundry or dishes that I have done...

Itsour registration number for our ADOPTION!!! Yes! Its official!! Afternearly of year of chasing down papers and waiting for officialdocuments to be approved...(and 5 years of wanting to adopt, but doors closing in our face...) we are registered with the ChineseGovernment... OFFICIALLY!!! We are SO excited and can't wait to seewhat gift God gives us... We've been official now for about two months(I'm a little late on getting this posted)..but there didn't reallyseem to be a rush when it will probably still be a couple of years. Wehope you will join us in praying for the right baby girl to be placedwith our family!

pant cuffs...my way (tutorial)

2012-01-12T08:07:00.001+08:00

So I put cuffs on the boys pants...and I wanted the bottom edge to be a clean look... Not sure if this is the best way (in fact I'm pretty sure its not), but here's how I did it.

1. start by sewing the outer layer of the pants completely (crotch, inseam and side seams).

Sew the inner layer at just the inseam and sides (leave the crotch open) so you should have two separate legs.

2. Put the inner legs inside the outer pants right sides together and sew around the bottom of each one.

3. it should look something like this when you pull the inner legs out.

4. now looking at the right sides, stuff the inner legs inside.

5. Pull all the way through and pin and sew the crotch seam.

6. you can now finish the top however you like. I sewed around the top to hold the layers together, then folded over a casing for my elastic.

tada!!!

Shared at these great parties:

Look What I Made-Creations by Kara The Thrifty Home – Penny Pinching
Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday
Bargain Shopping Paradise - Wallet Friendly Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Wicked Awesome Wednesday – Handy Man Crafty Woman

Everything but the Kitchen Sink-A Little Knick Knack

What are little Boys made of?-733

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear
Beyond the Picket Fence -

Tasty Tuesday party (32,000 feet in the air!)

2012-01-10T10:30:00.000+08:00

Today I have no food to share... as this is posting I am flying back to Hong Kong with my two kids...and eating plane food. Nothing photo worthy for sure!! I'll be back next week with something tasty from my own kitchen and hopefully will be over jet-lag by then too!

Here are a few of my favorites from last weeks party. Thanks to all who linked up and also those of you who take the time to leave lovely comments... I LOVE them.

Roasted Vegetable-Traditional Foods

Cranberry Almond Oatmeal-Gluten Free Pantry

Peanut Butter Cheese ball-My favorite Finds

Roasted Cauliflower-Megs Everyday Indulgence

Mexicali Corn-The Lovely Cupboard

Looking forward to another great week of links!

who's the cutie?

2012-01-07T13:44:00.000+08:00

Aren't they adorable? The boys are cute... but I'm talking about the sweaters! This was my fall knitting project and I LOVE the way they turned out. I found the pattern for free on Ravelry and it was perfect for what I wanted.

here are some front and back shots... I also made the pants. Corduroy lined with flannel...so cozy!

I'll be sharing a tutorial for the cuffs later next week... but here's a closer look at the pants for now.

awww...

cuff tutorial to come....
shared here:
Sshine on Friday-One Artsy Mama
Just a Girl Blog - Show and Share Day
Simply Designing - Simply Link Party
Tidy Mom - I’m Lovin’ It Fridays!
A Few of My Favorite Things – Favorite Things Friday *
Truly Lovely - Fancy This Friday
My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

Check Me Out Saturdays-A Vision to Remember

Saturday Spotlight-Craft eNVy

Fabric Friend Art

2012-01-05T12:46:00.000+08:00

I realize now I don't have a picture of the final result, but you can get the idea! I made a birthday/housewarming gift for a friend earlier this fall. I cut fabric (sealed the edges with fabric glue) and hotglued it all together. It was super fun, easy and I love the result.

I hot glued it to the card board that was the backing for the frame I used, then put in in the frame. Gluing it down kept the fabric all stretched out and flat in the frame.

I glued on a few buttons for embellishment, and added a quote to finish it off.

here are a few more shots of the flowers and the stitches I used on the leaves.

I hope this inspires you to make a fun fabric flower picture!

shared with these great parties:

Everything but the Kitchen Sink-A Little Knick Knack

Pinkalicious Thursday-Frugalicious

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear
Beyond the Picket Fence -

Christmas Fondue and Tasty Tuesday Party

2012-01-03T11:00:00.000+08:00

My family doesn't cook turkey or ham for Christmas....we fondue! I love this tradition, its SO tasty and fun for the whole family! My mom has a huge collection of great fondue pots and we eat and eat (blow a fuse) and eat some more! I think we've worked out how to run the cords to keep the power on, but its tricky!

Our four favorites:(not including dessert)

Cheese Fondue

Swiss Cheese and Kraut Fondue

Oil Fondue

Broth Fondue

The cheese ones are my favorite, but all are great. The oil and broth are straight forward. Heated oil and chicken broth to cook meat (beef or chicken) we started the broth version a few years back as a healthy alternative to the oil. (try dipping a cooked meat chunk in the cheese, delightful!) I've also read to can make these in a slow cooker if you don't have a fondue pot. I don't think the oil/broth would work because it wouldn't get hot enough, but the cheese would be great.

I've looked online and can't find recipes that look as good as the ones my mom uses, so today I'm sharing them with you. Thanks MOM!

Basic Cheese Fondue:

3/4 lbs shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1 TBS butter

3/4 cup milk

1 TBS Sherry

2/3 shake Tabasco

1 TBS flour or corn starch

Melt butter and stir in garlic, flour and Tabasco. Add cheese in small amounts waiting for each bit to melt before adding more. Add Sherry and heat until smooth and thick.

This makes a very small batch. My mom says she almost always doubles or triples it for our family.

Swiss/Kraut Fondue:

8 oz sauerkraut

8 oz sour cream

8 oz of Swiss cheese (or as needed)

4 oz cream cheese

(milk as needed)

Melt all the ingredients together over low heat. Adjust the amount of cheese and milk to get the desired consistency.

This is GREAT with rye bread dipped in it.

I feel like I've been surrounded by sweets for a year through this holiday season, so I'm going with more savory for todays features.

THE ultimate NO KNEAD CIABATTA-ceciliarosslee

Chickpea Veggie Alfredo- The Veggie Converter

Zucchini Muffins - T Muffin

Baked Potato Soup- Mommas Like Me

Sun Dried Tomato and Bacon Cheese Ball- A Mom Not a Professional

Lets see what you've got for this week!

Pintuck Jumper (I'm Back!!!)

2012-01-02T02:25:00.000+08:00

I've had a lovely week off the blog! I'd like to say I was itching to post, but in reality I was much to busy opening gifts, going to Church, playing games with family, after Christmas sale shopping (I love Kohl's!) eating amazing treats, and ignoring all the football on tv. I hope your week was filled with much the same.

Today I'm sharing a gift I made for my niece. Its a simple jumper and was easy to make. I traced a tank for the top and just drew out the bottom. I lined the top (so I wouldn't have to figure out how to finish the edges) and I like how the lining compliments the top. Its corduroy, so should be nice for the winter.

I put three pin tucks at the bottom. The ribbon around the neckline it just sewed on top. I was planning on the closure being in the back, but when I found the flower button, I seemed like it should be in front. The back and front are identical, so actually it could go either way. My sister in law says it fits well, but I need to get a picture from her! My niece is nearly five, so I would say its around a 5T. If anyone is interested I can post the pattern. Let me know...

Linked up here:

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter

Just Something I Whipped Up-The Girl Creative

Show Off Your Cottage Monday-The House in the Roses

Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do

Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

This Weeks Cravings-Mom's Crazy Cooking

Creative Me Monday-Southern Institute for Domestic Arts & Crafts

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas!

Nap Time Creations is taking a Christmas break for a week. I'll be back after the new year with lots of homemade gifts. I haven't been able to share them (because I don't want to give away the secret!) So I have have lots to share. Tasty Tuesday will be back on the 3rd as well! Blessings to your family as you celebrate the birth of our Savior! May there be presents under your tree and love in your heart!
Merry Christmas.

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Nativities

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000+08:00

I love nativity scenes! There are SO many beautiful ones to make, and amazing ones you can buy as well. I just love having them around, and can't seem to have too many. Hope you enjoy the scenes from our home and some from yours as well!

My Kid-Friendly Nativity...they can touch and play as much as they want.

Our advent wreath and Nativity (love the combination!)

Isn't this beautiful!?

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Finger Puppets! How cute!

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Another kid friendly option

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I love the simplicity

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This would be one I would love to have...

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BIG Christmas Dinner (Lots of recipes!)

2011-12-24T00:46:00.000+08:00

Those of you who read this blog frequently know that last week I was hosting a big Christmas dinner. AND... it was a success! So fun! I've never cooked all day before (literally) and it went so well. My kids were great, which allowed me to get done what I needed. I am going to share my favorite party recipes with you today!

Hot Wassail

1/2 of mix should be apple juice

the other 1/2 is a mix of orange, cranberry, and pineapple

add 2 TBS brown sugar, a dash of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick

its best to let it sit on the stove on low heat for around an hour before serving. The flavors mix so well! Its always a hit and people ask for the recipe all the time.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

(adapted from Americas Most Wanted Recipes)

3 lbs Potatoes peeled

4 TBS butter (1/2 stick)

1/2 cup flour

4 cups whole milk

1 cup skim milk

1 cup chicken broth

2 cups cubed ham

1 lbs velveeta cheese

white pepper

garlic powder

1 tsp Tabasco sauce

Cut the potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes and put in pot with water to cover. Boil for 10 min, drain, set aside

Melt the butter in soup pot and add flour, whisking constantly until the paste is smooth. Gradually add the whole milk, milk and chicken stock, whisking. When the sauce begins to thicken, add the velveeta, keep whisking.

Add the potatoes to cheese mix. Season to taste with garlic and pepper, add the tabasco. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 min, stirring occasionally.

** I have found that once the soup cools, you need to put it in small portions to re-heat. The whole pot tends to burn if you try to reheat the large portion. Too thick and the bottom burns, while the top doesn't heat!**

Vegetable Potato Soup

4 large potatoes

1 med. onion

4 carrots

a few stalks of celery

6 cups chicken broth

thyme

2 cups milk

Chop all the vegetables in small cubes. Put in a large pot with chicken stock. Add a generous amount of Thyme (a few TBS). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 min. Add the milk to lighten the soup and a bit of corn starch to thicken. simmer for 10 more min.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

I blogged about this last Christmas, so you can just click the link for the recipe

Asian Style Cabbage Salad

1 head of cabbage

4 carrots (shredded)

1 cup almonds (sliced or crushed)

1 package of ramen noodles (dry)

dressing:

1/2 cup Oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 vinegar

3 TBS soy sauce

seasoning pack from ramen

Mix all of the ingredients together for the dressing and let sit. Chop cabbage. Add carrots and almonds. Crush up the dry raman and add to the salad. Pour the dressing on top and you have a delicious, easy salad!

Enjoy!

Shared Here:

Home and Family Friday-Home is Where My Story Begins

Tickled Pink@ 504 Main

Inspire Me Fridays @ Joyful Stamper

TGIF- Craft Junkie
Friday Favs Party-Nap Time Crafters
Sshine on Friday-One Artsy Mama
Simply Designing - Simply Link Party

My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

A FEW STARS and a bunch of bows (and a winner!)

2011-12-21T15:00:00.000+08:00

Go HERE for Tasty Tuesday

The winner from the ornament giveaway was comment number: I've contacted Jess the winner and the Fat Jolly Elf to work out the details.

I had SO much fun making these stars for party decor. You can make them too! Heres the tutorial

I also love the simple folded stars. They really made things look festive! You can find out how and get the pattern HERE.

And now for some beautiful festive bows! Looking for some last minute ideas to spice up your wrapping?

Great Tutorial...

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Fun Idea

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How about some bling?

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Shared here:

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice-Seven Thirty Three

It's Stinkin Cute-It's Sew Stinkin Cute

Everything but the Kitchen Sink-A Little Knick Knack

Crafts for Under 20 Somethings-Bear Rabbit Bear {for crafts for teenagers & kids}
Beyond the Picket Fence - Under $100 Party *
Tools are for Women Too – Link Party

Guest Post: Everyday Moms Meals and Tasty Tuesday Party

2011-12-20T09:29:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to enter the amazing ORNAMENT GIVEAWAY! ends tomorrow!

I'm so pleased to have another guest poster today. Krista from Everyday Mom's meals has some great ideas. She's a faithful participant in my Tasty Tuesday parties, so I am SO excited for her to host todays party.

Hi I am Krista, and I'm the everyday mom of Everyday Mom's Meals. I have been blogging since May 2010, and absolutely love the foodie community it has opened up to me. I am a full time wife and mother, to be my husband of almost 9 years, Adam, and our 7 year old son, Alex. I enjoy easy, home style recipes that bring my family around the table to share good times, and make wonderful memories. I like to think my blog is for everyone, from the novice cook, to the experienced, for the wife who has extra time to cook, to the working mom who needs to get a tasty, quick meal on the table her family will love. I hope you stop by Everyday Mom's Meals soon! You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Today I'm sharing a SUPER easy Christmas recipe that we started making last year. (As the photos of my son indicate. It's amazing how much they grow in a year!) These are a perfect after school treat, hostess gift or yummy treat for your next holiday party. And the best part? They are a wonderful "kid friendly" recipe that little hands can help make during the holiday baking marathon! I hope your kids enjoy them as much as Alex, and from our family to yours....Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

Chocolate Pretzel Treats

1 bag mini pretzel twists (rings work too)

1 8 oz package Hershey kisses, each piece unwrapped

1 bag M&Ms

Count out the number of kisses you have. This way you know the number of pretzels you need. There will be more pretzels and M&Ms than kisses. Place the pretzels on greased baking sheets; place a chocolate kiss in center of each. Bake @ 275º for 5 minutes until chocolate softened. Remove from oven. Place an M&M on each, pressing down slightly so warm chocolate fills the pretzel. Chill for 5-10 minutes until firm. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

*We actually put ours in the freezer to speed up cooling and setting.

*I store ours in the fridge b/c our kitchen gets a lot of sun light and is warm most of the time.

*Steps the kids can help with: Unwrapping all the kisses, placing pretzels on sheets, putting kisses in center and taking off sheets when cool.

Thanks Krista...looks SO yummy!

And Now....here are just a few of the amazing links from last week. You are all SO creative!

Black Chickpeas Chaat-Simply Sweet N Savory

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies-Inside BruCrew Life

Chocolate Peppermint Creams-Stella B's Kitchen

Monster Cookies-Mommas Like Me

Red Velvet Fudge- Scrappy Happy Me!

Joyful Jars and Wreaths

2011-12-19T16:30:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to enter the amazing ornament GIVEAWAY!

This was so simple and fun to do! I took old jars (pasta sauce, Snapple, jam). I poured paint inside and swirled it around until the inside was covered. I wrapped Christmas scrapbook paper around the outside, and glued a cut out letter on each one. I mod-podged all over the paper to seal it in. I put a ribbon around the top, and done! So easy!

Wish I would have had time to make some of the BEAUTIFUL wreaths... inspiration for next year! If you have a wreath to share, please link up at the bottom, would love to see more of what you have to share!!!

1. Blowout Party 2. The Red Thread 3. Squido 4. Joanne Fabric

1. The Speckled Dog 2. The Haby Goddess 3. Matt and Becky 4. Our Best Bites 5. Little Birdie Secrets

Shared Here:
Sundae Scoop-I Heart Naptime with Chocolate Sundaes

Sunday Showcase Party-Under the Table and Dreaming

Sharing Time-Raising Memories
Show & Share Sunday-Sugar and Trash

Showoff Sundays-Decorating Insanity
Sunday Link Party-Petite Hermine

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter

Just Something I Whipped Up-The Girl Creative

Show Off Your Cottage Monday-The House in the Roses

Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do

Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

This Weeks Cravings-Mom's Crazy Cooking

Creative Me Monday-Southern Institute for Domestic Arts & Crafts

Cozy Scarve and Mittens

2011-12-17T14:47:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to check out the amazing ornament GIVEAWAY!

Christmas time always makes me start thinking of homemade gifts... I love cozy knits and sews! Here are a couple of cute hats I've made for my family....and more scarves and mitten goodness below.

I love a good scarf, don't you! Here's a little round-up of some of my favorites from around the web.

1. Make-It Love-It 2. babble.com 3. Martha Stewart 4. Skip to my Lou 5. Serendipity 6. Tumblr.com

7. FaveCrafts 8.Making Lemonade

And some great mitten patterns and ideas!

1.Canadian Living 2. Make It Love It 3.Craft Gossip 4. The Purl Bee 5. Earth Heart Designs

6. Down With Clutter

Guest Post: Kristins kNook-Oreo Peppermint Creams

2011-12-15T23:00:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to enter the amazing ornament GIVEAWAY here..

I am so excited for this guest post today! This dessert looks AMAZING! Go over and check out all the tasty goodness at Kristin's kNook.
A big thank you to Emily for letting me share this easy and tasty holiday treat at Naptime Creations.

This recipe is dedicated to my mother. To her, for Christmas, I give the gift of, "You were right. My tastes have changed since I was 10 years old and refused to eat anything of the onion, mushroom, bean, or peppermint variety. You win, Nadine."I've been going a little insane over peppermint lately. I think it started last summer with the homemade peppermint patties and now I'm drinking peppermint green tea twice a day and adding peppermint extract to my mochas and hot chocolate.After I discovered how much I loved the homemade peppermint patties, I saw this recipe and knew it was a must-try. It would be an almost effortless and tasty addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Make sure you have a plan on how you're going to get rid of it before you make it.I'm giving you fair warning.

Oreo Peppermint Creamsadapted from Better Homes and Gardenscrust:2 1/2 cups finely crushed Oreos (Do this in the food processor. I didn't. My crust was pretty chunky. Yummy, but chunky.)3 T. melted butterfilling:2 cups powdered sugar2 T. softened butter2 T. milk1 teaspoon peppermint extract10 Candy Cane Hershey Kissestopping:1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips1 T. shorteningIn a bowl, mix together the crushed Oreos and melted butter. Line an 8x8 pan with foil (do not skip this step). Press down to form a crust and bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes, or until firm. Let cool.In a food processor, blend the filling ingredients well to form a paste. Spread the filling over the cooled crust. Cover and freeze for a couple of hours. (I froze overnight.)In the microwave, melt the chocolate chips and shortening at 30 second intervals. Stir very well and pour over the top of the frozen filling and crust. Freeze for at least 2 hours.Remove from the pan by lifting the foil and then cut into chunks. Mine was a little messy, and was kind of broken up like bark.I recommend eating this straight from the freezer.

Thanks Kristin! I want to eat this right now!!!

Linked to my THUR parties and FRI parties.

Ornaments...PARTY & GIVEAWAY(closed)!

2011-12-14T21:01:00.000+08:00

Go HERE for Tasty Tuesday
Keep scrolling down for giveaway and link party info!

Our homemade ornament this year was the string glue glitter kind. My son had fun for all of 2 minutes with this project and then I was doing the rest. I really like the f inished product though and they will make great gifts.

Drying on the balloon

Are you IN LOVE with this ornament as I am? well... you are lucky... today I'm GIVING ONE AWAY! The red one on the right could be YOURS!

Here's how you can enter

1. LIKE the fat jolly elf on Facebook (leave me a comment that you did so)

2. Become a new follower of Nap-Time creations (leave a comment)

3. Enter the ornament link Party and leave a comment that you did so!

UP TO THREE ENTRIES PER PERSON

Giveaway will be open until next Wed (21st)

***You will not receive the ornament until after Christmas***

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Check out my BOARD for other great ideas and links to these beauties!
Linked up here:

Look What I Made-Creations by Kara
The Thrifty Home – Penny Pinching
Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday
Bargain Shopping Paradise - Wallet Friendly Wednesday
Nikkie’s Nifty Knacks – Getting Crafty on Hump Day
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Wicked Awesome Wednesday – Handy Man Crafty Woman

Christmas Cookies and Tasty Tuesday Party

2011-12-13T11:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!! I'm going to share all the cookies I've been making (and exchanging) with you today.

Last Wednesday I hosted a Cookie Exchange with a few friends. Its such a great way to get a variety and only have to bake one kind! I used to spend a few days making all different cookies, now with only one afternoon of baking, I have the same result. The basic idea is to have everyone bring a different cookie and then divide among the group, so everyone goes home with a sample. I think officially you are each suppose to bring a dozen per person attending, but I have friends who don't want that many cookies. We just take home as many as you bring, so we end up with more of some than others, but they are all great!

Here are a few photos. First: I hated making sugar cookies until I started rolling them, cutting them, and baking them all on baking paper. This has changed my life! I made sugar cookies and provided all the decorating supplies for the exchange. Oh and I made a batch of my (Mostly Healthy No Sugar Sugar cookies for my kids)

My one year old trying to catch a look at the cooling cookies

The kids had SO much fun decorating... what a mess though! Eight kids under five decorating... yikes!

My son is in the blue stripe shirt. He was REALLY into the blue frosting, which was too bad because that color was the only one that didn't really turn out.

The moms doing a little decorating.

They turned out great. We also had a plate of broken cookies that quickly found homes in our tummy!

Here are all our decorated cookies and the others that were brought, right before the exchange time.

This past weekend I made a batch of peppermint brittle... about the easiest ever! Melt chocolate, spread on greased tinfoil, press in peppermint! let cool, break apart, yum!

And now onto the AMAZING features from last weeks party. I admit I am going for Christmas sweets today.

Piccola Jelly Fish-Chocolate Cake Pops
Reading Confetti-Strawberry Cheesecake Santa Hats
The Sweet Swiper-Oreo Snowmen Pops
The Farm Girl Recipes-Brownie Peppermint Trifle
Kristin's kNook- Peppermint Fudge
Meg's Everyday Indulgence-Italian Christmas Cookies

Can't wait to see what you have for us this week!

Christmas Trees

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000+08:00

I can stare at a beautiful Christmas tree for hours! Can't you? Before kids, my husband and I would put an air mattress in the living room, watch Christmas specials on TV and then sleep under the lights of the tree. So great! I hope we can revisit that tradition when our kids are old enough to also partake! Until then, I'll just sit and gaze with my cup of cocoa in one hand and Christmas music playing.... Here's a little Christmas tree magic for you today...

My Parents beautifully lit tree last Christmas

Do "real" peoples trees looks this amazing?

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Some trees from around Hong Kong (where we are right now)

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And Finally, because I thought this was cool and creative... tree without a tree!

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Guest Post-Entertaining at the Holidays (Adventures in Dinner)

2011-12-10T12:00:00.000+08:00

I can always use entertaining tips! (can't we all!) I usually am not very good about being modest in my holiday parties. I really like to "do it all"! In fact this coming Wednesday I'm hosting a Christmas dinner for the teachers who work with my husband. Anyone ever made dinner for 50 before? Any tips? I will let you know how it went and post pictures next week. (if I'm still breathing!) SO excited to hear what Jane has to share today.

I was so thrilled when Emily at "Nap Time Creations" asked me to guest post because; 1) she's awesome 2) she always makes me think 3) since my wee one was born our lives have considerably changed 4) we love to entertain especially this time of year but are short on time and 5) she's awesome.

My husband and I have been a couple for 12 years now and have always entertained a lot. We even had our wedding in our backyard and I made the food for it. There wasn't really a weekend that went by without at least one set of company for a meal-usually two or three.

Then...we found out we were going to have an unexpected, insanely wanted kiddo and she would be arrived January 2010. Everything changed but it was still great and we slowly got back into the entertaining groove.

Then...my dear mother-in-law passed away unexpectedly and we decided to become a multi-generational family by having my father-in-law move in.

Quite a change from two people and a large cat.

But still great.

After a few bumps I realized that the thing I was missing was having our house still be a drop-in place and the spot where we could easily entertain. So I guess that's what my different families, different dinners focus is. How do you happily entertain with; a full-time job (I'm a teacher), a toddler, an 89 year old, a house under major renovations and a mother with Alzheimer's who is often there for a week or so at a time?

Here is my fail-proof strategy to do so:

1) Invite only people that enjoy your company and won't be looking for dust tumbleweeds-those are the only people who should be allowed in your house anyway.

2) Invite the little ones too-chaos is chaos. Who wants to spend $45.00 on a babysitter? If you really want to be a star, get a sitter for you to share, make the kiddo snacks and turn them loose in the family room.

3) Take offers to bring something: a salad, an appetizer-potluck is not a dirty word.

4) Spritz the house and set the table the night before. )

5) Have your dishwasher empty at the start of the night. At the end of the night, turn it on and go to bed.

6) Use your slowcooker. This always works and you only have one pot to clean. I've got a tonne of slowcooker recipe that I use all the time (curry, cacciatore...) but I also have an alternative.

Here's one of my favourite menus to fall back on:

Appetizer: Pretty plate laden with paper thin slices of prosciotto and a large piece of parmesan. Add on the table a little bowl with syrupy, rich balsamic in it. Break off a chunk of the cheese, dip in the balsamic.

Main course: Mussels meuniere

Ask the 'fish guy' to give you enough mussels to fill your guests as a main course. It usually looks like about 3 cups of uncooked mussells/person. Give them a wash under the cold water tap, pull off any of the bits that look like seaweed (the beards) and discard any that don't close when they are tapped. This is a dinner party and not 'how to get rid of unwanted people in your life and make it look like an accident'.

Have a french stick at the ready to dip into the delicious sauce.

Saute, until translucent, one, chopped onion in a 1 T. of oil. Add in 1 large clove of minced garlic and a splash of pernod. Add your mussells and stir for 30 seconds. Add 2 cups of white wine and 1 cup of chicken stock. Top with a tight fitting lid and let cook on high for 4 minutes. Open the lovliness up and get a free facial. Top with pepper, a dollop of butter and a big handful of chopped parsley. Squeeze lemon wedges over the top and place on the middle of the table to let each person grab as they would like. Make sure there are a few 'shell discard' bowls on the table.

Serve with a nice big green salad that your dear friend has brought with her/him.

Dessert: 20 second souffles are my new favourite go-to dessert but no one is upset with a big platter of dark chocolate, fruit and a nice port.

7) Enjoy yourself. Just have a good time. Not everything will be perfect. It doesn't have to be. It's just dinner but it's dinner with people you care about.

Doesn't her food looks amazing! Jane, do you cater? Happy Holiday hosting to all this season!

Homemade Wrapping Paper

2011-12-08T19:53:00.000+08:00

This year my kids and I had a blast making our wrapping paper. We also made a HUGE mess. Fortunately we were outside for this messy adventure. We rolled out two large rolls of brown paper (IKEA). Then put paint on a cookie sheet. The kids walked in the paint, then on the paper. SO fun! I love the finished product and it was a great way to make a lot fast.( Yes, we are outside our apartment buidling on the bike path!)

Oh, and we got our hands into it as well!

and some eye candy to brighten your day!

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Linking up to my Thursday and Friday parties HERE

Christmas Tree Skirts

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000+08:00

HERE for Tasty Tuesday

.I am loving my new paper-pieced tree skirt. It was so much fun to make and even more fun to have under the tree.

While I am loving this one... I'm drooling over these!

Visit my BOARD for all the great links... wonderful tutorials and patterns!
Linking to my Wednesday parties HERE

Guest Post: Passionate Perseverance and Tasty Tuesday Party!

2011-12-06T10:30:00.000+08:00

I'm So thrilled to welcome Mary from Passionate Perseverance today. She has an amazing blog with great recipes and amazing stories. I hope you will go check it out.

Absolutely thrilled to be guest posting today. It's my first time and I am so thankful for the opportunity. I have been baking up a storm this holiday season and am always looking for a new recipe to try. Of course chocolate is always my go to flavor and these little numbers are packed with oooey gooey spectacular chocolatey yumminess. The best part of the recipe?? It's made with whole wheat pastry flour. So they are healthy triple chocolate pecan oooey gooey chocolately yumminess! You must bake these...you will not be disappointed!

Happy Holidays!

Mary

for more sweet treats head over here...

these little numbers are just packed with chocolate goodness!

Triple Chocolate Cookies

Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup canola oil

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)

1/4 teaspoon salt, optional

1/3 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate (2 ounces)

1/3 cup coarsely chopped milk chocolate (2 ounces)

2/3 cup chopped pecans, optional

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mash together the butter and sugars with a fork until well combined. Add the oil and egg and beat until creamy. Mix in the vanilla.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Stir in the dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and the pecans and mix well. Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

Now onto the features from last weeks party. SO many great links and comments. You guys are amazing and make me feel so good about hosting each week.
Bistro Style Sauteed Mushrooms-Tools for Kitchens
Chicken Karahi 2-Simply Sweet N Savory
Dinner Roll Sandwiches-Megs Everyday Indulgence
Shortbread with Toffee-My Naturally Frugal Family
Swiss BBQ Burgers-Talking Dollars and Cents
Fantasy Fudge-Alana's Ramblings

Christmas Cards

2011-12-04T12:59:00.001+08:00

I LOVE sending (and receiving) cards around Christmas... I say around because I have a friend who sends Thanksgiving cards (which I LOVE) and this year mine aren't going out until after the New Year. I love the Christmas letter update from people, but more than anything a family photo is so fun to see. I decided to take some pressure off myself and this year I am sending out Chinese New Year cards! I thought I would take advantage of living in Hong Kong and celebrate that holiday with cards. Its been nice to have one less thing in the rush of Christmas activities. I've got lots of beautiful homemade cards to share today! In a perfect world I would have the time to make something like this instead of just printing out picture....

Don't forget! You can link up Stockings and Advent Ideas all month long.

I love the idea of using fingerprints...

or how cute are the baby footprints?

You can find all the original links and more cards ideas on my board.
Linked up to my Saturday and Sunday Parties HERE

Stockings (my Paper Piecing Stocking Debut!)

2011-12-03T09:30:00.000+08:00

Even though I started these in July, the end of November rolled around and I hadn't finished them! I spent one afternoon fighting with my sewing machine to get them done in time to decorate our home for Christmas. Sadly we don't have a fireplace, but they make a nice wall hanging! I made six in this collection, two of each fabric mix, but we are only hanging four for now. (NO I AM NOT PREGNANT WITH TWINS!). I just made six while I had the fabric as we do plan to add to our family someday...

The technique is similar to the tree skirt pattern (part 2)I shared awhile ago. These stockings came from a store bought pattern so I can't post, but did inspire me to create my own pattern for the trees skirt.

Okay, now onto some LOVELY inspiration from other blogs!

Head on over to my BOARD for links to the original sites and more stocking inspiration!

Don't forget to link up your advent lovelies here.

Link up your favorite STOCKINGS below.

December 1st: beginning of advent

2011-12-01T16:57:00.000+08:00

I love the start of advent, although lets be honest, most of us have been in the full swing of Christmas since the day after Thanksgiving! But, today officially marks the beginning of the advent season and the beginning of my Delightful December series....This December holds lots of fun pinterest boards, link parties and guest posters. Oh and I'll also be sharing what we have been up to this month (crafts, food and parties). I'm really looking forward to it and I hope you'll come along for the ride!

Advent Calendars

I'm going to feature several calendars from my pinterest board and also our favorite. At the bottom please link up YOUR ADVENT calendar! Homemade and storemade are both welcome...inspiration is a wonderful thing! Enjoy the advent delights.

Source: bethproudfoot.blogspot.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: allthingsbeautiful-charity.blogspot.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: qbeesquest.blogspot.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: ewillow.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: bing.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: nap-timecreations.blogspot.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

You can check out more ideas on my BOARD.
Linking up to my Friday parties here

Now...time to link up your favorite advent calender or countdown! Linky will be open all month!

Winter Salad and Tasty Tuesday Party

2011-11-29T11:30:00.000+08:00

Or as I like to call it:

MY NEW FAVORITE!!!

I have had this for several lunches in the past week and am still not sick of it, I love it!!!
Its really easy to and doesn't use vegetables which are usually expensive this time of year. You will need:
Leaf lettuce
Granny Smith Apple
Feta Cheese
Caramelized walnuts
Craisens
a balsamic vinaigrette (I use the make your own Italian dressing packs from the grocery store)
Chop and put on lettuce... Add dressing and you have yourself a delicious salad! I just finished this for lunch.

Now for the great features from last weeks party. THANK YOU so much for all the links! It was the largest party yet and I had several new people link up, SO exciting for me. I hope it continues to grow over the holidays as people are making lovely Christmas goodness.

I decided to stick with Fall/Thanksgiving features for this week because you all linked up around Thanksgiving.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup-Jane Deere

Sweet Potato Pie- 5 Minutes Just For Me

Pumpkin Cream Oreo Tart- Crumbs and Chaos

Turkey Cupcakes- The Seven Year Cottage

Pumpkin Tea Bread-The Sweet Swiper

Linked up here!
Meatless Mondays-My Sweet & Savory

Mangia Monday (Food Only) @ Shine Your Light

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday (Food Only) @ Blessed With Grace
Delectable Tuesday (Food Only) @ Home Sweet Farm
Totally Tasty Tuesday @ Mandy's Recipe Box

Making the World Cuter Mondays-Making the World Cuter

Just Something I Whipped Up-The Girl Creative

Show Off Your Cottage Monday-The House in the Roses

Craftastic Mondays-Sew Can Do

Motivated Mondays-Becolorful

This Weeks Cravings-Mom's Crazy Cooking

Creative Me Monday-Southern Institute for Domestic Arts & Crafts

Making Monday Marvelous-C.R.A.F.T

Take a Look Tuesday-Sugar Bee Crafts
Tell Me Tuesday-Me and My Boys
Talent Show Tuesdays-Chef in Training
Strictly Homemade Tuesday-Strictly Homemade

Thanksgiving Jars

2011-11-24T22:19:00.002+08:00

I feel like I have to post this while it is still Thanksgiving weekend, because after this I know people are going to be in full swing Christmas! I've seen so many versions of the thankful tree around and also people doing cool things to jars...

Here's my version!

Jars with the sticks (tree) coming out of them!

I used this for decoration at out big Thanksgiving dinner on the dessert table, so nice!

Shared at these fab parties!

Weekend Wrap Up Party-Tatertots and Jello

Home and Family Friday-Home is Where My Story Begins
Make it Fantabulous-Mommas Kind of Crafty

Fresh & Frugal Friday @ Curly Willow DIY

Catch as Catch Can @My Repurposed Life
Friday Flair-WhipperBerry

Inspire Me Fridays @ Joyful Stamper

Tickled Pink@ 504 Main

TGIF- Craft Junkie
Friday Favs Party-Nap Time Crafters
feature Friday Linky party-Blissful and Domestic
Sshine on Friday-One Artsy Mama
Just a Girl Blog - Show and Share Day
Small Fine Print - Friday Link Party
Simply Designing - Simply Link Party
Tidy Mom - I’m Lovin’ It Fridays!
A Few of My Favorite Things – Favorite Things Friday *
Truly Lovely - Fancy This Friday
Southern In My Heart - Inspiration Friday Party
My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

our Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:44:00.001+08:00

While visions of thanksgiving beauty may have been running through my head, reality was much different. Let me say this up front though... it was all perfect!!!

So, while this card is beautiful...

Source: papercraftsmag.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

We settled for and evite... as there were over 100 on the guest list! (I love that you can create a list of things to bring and have the guests choose one)

And instead of lovely place settings...

Source: marthastewart.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via NTCreations on Pinterest

We made do with paper and plastic (don't worry, we wash and reuse again!)

The centerpieces wasn't these GORGEOUS creations...

Source: ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: simplyvintagegirl.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: familycircle.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

But, I did take all the fall decorations from my home to the room we met in.

The food may have not been gourmet...

Source: livinglocurto.com via NTCreations on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via NTCreations on Pinterest

It was pretty good, if I do say so myself!

And in the end... it doesn't matter what anything looks like... when you are surrounded by family and friends, its perfect... just the way it is! Happy Thanksgiving!

Shared Here:
Strut-Your-Stuff-Somewhat Simple

It's Stinkin Cute-It's Sew Stinkin Cute