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We all know how it is this time of year… we get so busy with shopping & family & busy schedules. So what I REALLY need this time of year is just a fun night out with the girls (no offense, guys!). So that’s what we did the other night — left the kids and the boys at home, and hit the town! Well, hit the town as much as moms who have to get up early the next day can, at least…

Recipe for a successful girls night:

1. Good friends (and mine are the best!)
2. A good place to go that’s conducive to talking and sharing.  We decided on tapas at Pura Vida (highly recommend, for those of you in Atlanta).  This worked out great since we just orders bunches of good food to share.
3. Fun cocktails – my favorite for the evening was a margarita made with grapefruit soda, which I’m determined to recreate… Stay tuned for that!
4. Money to spend*.  The nice thing about tapas for dinner is that we set a general budget at the beginning, and then just split the bill up 4 ways at the end.  No stress.  Consider it a Christmas present to your mental health!

*This girls night was especially fun since we had some money to spend from Serve, the new service from American Express.  It’s super easy… we all signed up for Serve online first, then it is simple to just email your friends money.  Plus you get $10 just for trying it if you sign up right now… a great start to your girls night out budget!

Want to treat your friends to a girl’s night out?  Just comment here, and one lucky winner will win $100, perfect for just that purpose!

Remember to sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use. Comment below within the next 7 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account! Official sweepstakes rules and regulations may be found by clicking here. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Like a summer blockbuster movie, these cookies are chock full of explosions: they’re both infused and garnished liberally with Pop Rocks. This not only makes them crackle like fireworks but also pays homage to that other all-consuming american obsession: truly trashy candy (and I say this in the most loving way possible).

So–are you ready to make your fourth of July extreme?

Go read the whole thing, and get the recipe at Cakespy:  Pop Rocks Cookies

It’s a really neat technique that just uses acrylic gel medium from the art store– no toxic chemicals or anything like that.  The toner from the photocopy remains on the wood, so the white areas of your photo become wood colored, which is a really nice natural effect.   I’m planning on make a bunch using some wood veneer cards to use as keepsake gift tags for gifts this year.

For the tutorial I used one of my squid watercolors — in the example above I used a photocopy of a photo of The Boy, perfect for grandparent gifting! And it’s easy to do, though I will warn you it does take a little practice to get the timing exactly right, so plan on practicing on some scrap wood first.

I didn’t really go over how to use photos for the ornaments in the tutorial, and there’s a few things I’ve learned.  Pick a photo with a lot of contrast, and ideally use photoshop, or some other photo editing software, to turn it black and white and bump up the contrast.  In Photoshop, use play with the layer Levels to get a good effect.  Remember to reverse it, especially if you add text!  Make a bunch of copies on the same page (try different sizes). Then print it out, and photocopy.  For the ones shown here, I actually printed out the text separately, and put in on first, then put the photo on top of the text, so I get the ‘white’ background behind the text.

Wanna do it yourself? Go get the instructions…

(Past ornament tutorials: Resin Stars, Easy Gift Card Holder, Champagne Chairs, Sweater Photo Frames, Shrinky Dinky Santa)

After my big Halloween Parties, my next favorite party to throw is a White Elephant gift exchange party. I do one every year in mid december for our close friends, and if you’ve never done one, they are a lot of fun. A great icebreaker type party if people don’t know each other well, and even more fun with a group of friends who have inside jokes! We do ours prior to the holidays, but this is even better to do in January so everyone can regift the crap they got from Aunt Hortense! … So here’s the deal:

A White Elephant gift exchange, sometimes called Dirty Santa, is where everyone brings a gift of a set dollar amount (extra credit for re-gifts!) and you pick and steal the gifts from one another. Detailed rules & hosting hints are below, as well as an invitation you can feel free to use, numbers ready for printout, and a “Steal Tally” sheet..

The Rules:
-Basically, everyone brings a WRAPPED GIFT, of whatever dollar value you set. $15-20 is a good amount, but you can go higher or lower.
-Gifts can be anything, newly bought or regifts that the person received previously (going over the $ limit is allowed with re-gifts). Fun and silly gifts encouraged, but remind your people that crappy ones aren’t. If in doubt, alcoholic gifts tend to be popular!
-All the wrapped gifts are put out on display so everyone can see them.
-At the beginning of the gift exchange, everyone draws numbers from a bag. This is the order they will choose their gifts in. #1 goes first.
-Whoever gets #1 will also get a chance to steal at the end.
-#1 picks a gift from the table. They are stuck with that gift, unless someone steals it from them, (or they have their chance at the end)
-#2 can either pick a gift from the table, or can steal #1’s gift. If they pick from the table, it moves to #3. If #2 steals from someone, that person then gets the option to either pick from the table or steal.
-Play continues in this manner. Each guest can either pick from the table or steal. And if someone is stolen from, they get the same option.
-Each steal should be recorded in the Steal Tally. Once an item has been stolen 3 times it is LOCKED (ie the 4th person to touch it gets to keep it). Once it is locked it should be noted on the STEAL TALLY.
-You cannot steal from the person who just stole from you! So if Person A steals item from B, then B cannot immediately steal it back. But if C steals it from A, then B can grab it back.
-When the last # comes up, that person can steal or choose the last gift. If they choose the last gift, move to next step. If they steal, then continue the steal process till someone has chosen the last gift.
-The person who had #1 then gets to steal a gift if they wish. If they don’t game is over. If they do, then stealing continues until either all gifts locked or the person who is currently up is happy with their gift.

Host Hints:
-Have an extra gift or two on hand for that couple who only thought they needed one gift, or the slacker who forgot. It makes it more fun if everyone plays. Have extra gift bags for anyone who shows up without their gift wrapped (unlikely, but possible).
-Either print out numbers before hand and cut onto slips of paper, or handwrite on slips of paper – 1 number for each gift.
-You’ll need seating in the gift exchange area for all guests.
-Make sure you set a ‘gift exchange start time’ after the party start time. We know how people are fashionably late– let them know that if their too late, they’ll miss the fun.
– When everyone arrives there should be a place for them to put their gifts. No one should know who brought what.
– Appoint one guest to keep the Steal Tally (provide tally sheet and pen)
– Remind people that stealing is fun and encouraged!

Invitations, Tally Sheets, and Numbers – these are all CC licensed, so feel free to use. Though credit is appreciated!

Invitations (3 options)

Steal Tally Sheet and Numbers (up to 36)
Steal Tally: Numbers:

Alternate rules for big groups: I’ve organized these several times for office holiday parties, and with big groups I recommend (for time reasons) reducing the steals to 2 (ie the third person gets the item) and labeling each gift with a number (1-n number of people). Each person must receive the gift with their number (if they chose to not steal), rather than picking a gift. This saves time on the initial gift choosing. Everything else continues as normal.

Hope you have fun with this!

PS: Welcome those from various places, including Tip Junkie :) And if you’re doing a White Elephant, I’d love to see your own tips, comments, and pics – post ’em in the comment section!

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Originally published Nov 2008

Whether we like it or not, the colder months are officially upon us and the holidays are just around the corner.  Using items you already have around, transforming your home into a warm and welcoming place is easier than you ever imagined. These quick and simple tips for do-it-yourself decorations will have you sitting back and relaxing with a hot cup of cocoa in no time at all!

Snow Globe:

Not only is it super easy to create your own snow globe, it’s a really fun child-friendly activity. Grab an empty mason jar and fill it with water, some sparkles (white or silver if you’re going for a snowy effect) and a couple drops of glycerin. Glue a toy or mini-scene of your choice to the underside of the lid and screw right on, adding a little hot glue to keep things secure. If you’re feeling extra creative, check out this tutorial from TipJunkie on tinting mason jars. Your very own DIY snow globe is complete!  [ed-Pictured: from a great tutorial at Corner House]

Table runners:

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get at least a couple fancy placemat sets each year. We don’t really make use of these at home, but one of the ways I’ve upcycled them is by sewing them together to create a fun and festive table runner. No need to put too much time into this one either – simple attaching the patterns together will give you the look you’re going for. You can even place those festive filled vases on top to finish off the look!

Festive filled jars:

Candy canes, red bows and sparkly ornaments are a holiday staple. Another really quick way to spice up a room is to fill clear glass vases or bowls with items you’re not currently using.

These ones by Jen from Creative Design are wonderful!

Fancy candles:

Candles are one of the simplest ways to update a room and make things feel warm and cozy. Whether you’re stuck with a bunch of leftover stick candles from a party a long time ago, or are in the mood to go out and purchase a few news ones, there is no need to spend money on any particular design. Adding some stylish ribbon around the base or the body of your candy is a really quick way to create a whole new look. I suggest clumping three candles of different heights together to create and using big, embellished ribbon to really make a statement. If you need a little inspiration, Amanda over at Imperfectly Beautiful has a great tutorial. You can also add a little twinkle by covering your candles in mod podge and rolling them in chunky sparkles!

Recycled Card Art:

After years of collecting Christmas cards and never knowing what to do with them, I finally found a way to put them to good use. I frame collages of cards in cheap dollar store frames and place them on my mantles, bathroom vanities and kitchen counter tops. Again, I stick to the rule of three, usually combining a few for a more prominent look.

Holiday themed wreath:

A wreath, either for outside or in, is a really nice way to embrace the season. Using a collection of twigs or tree trimmings, bundle them around to form a circle tying every few inches with twine or wire. Next, take advantage of nature by adorning the circle with pinecones, leaves, and greenery. Add some festive spirit by using the the glue gun to attach bows, ornaments or other holiday themed items to your increasingly beautiful wreath to complete the look.

Brush Mat:

As the cooler air approaches, I usually head out to my nearest home hardware store to pick up a new brush mat after retiring last year’s when summer came along. In my opinion, nothing gets dirty boots cleaner but they’re also nearly impossible to clean. Instead of paying extra for the ones with design, just grab a plain one and head home for a little fun with spray paint. Using home-made or store-bought stencils and fall colored spray-paint, get crafty with your new mat and create a brand new personalized boot cleaner.

Hi my name is Jessica, I’m a passionate do-it-yourselfer and recently started expressing my creativity and sharing my many ideas through blogging. I have the pleasure of working for online DIY resource for homeowners and retailer of Maytag appliance parts, PartSelect.com.  If you’re looking for repair help or simply wondering what we do, pop by for a visit!

Check out this oh so cute Cupcake Ornament tutorial by Diana Evans… love it! And the tutorial itself is just plain adorable… all illustrated with Diana’s adorable drawings. In fact, I think this tutorial would make a lovely “Do it yourself” kit for Xmas presents. Buy the supplies, print the tutorial, and package it all up nicely for someone who’d love a DIY craft gift!

Get the Tutorial

Need more ornament inspiration?  Some great handmade ornament tutorials here:

Adorably cute Hot Cocoa ornament how-to over at Flamingo Toes.

Dollar Store Crafts has several cute handmade ornament ideas.

A christmas ornament roundup over at One Pretty Thing.

Snowflake Ornaments at MegaCrafty – from coffee filters!

Craftypod has a roundup of Xmas tutorial from the past. Some great ones in there!

A sheet music ball tutorial at I Heart Naptime.

Love these little ‘favor’ ornaments, adorning a Favor Tree at Martha Stewart. Cute idea for the regular tree too!

Here’s a roundup that has several great ideas that I posted a few years ago.  Still great stuff like : Felt “Polaroid” Photo ornaments, patchwork balls, vintage eggs, acorn mushrooms, and many more!

Wow, it’s already thanksgiving week?  Where is the year going?  In any case, one of my favorite things about this time of year is the food, and my favorite holiday casserole is this one!  It’s simple to make, not too sweet, and always a crowd favorite.  I wrote up an extensive step by step how to last year at Foodwhirl, so I’m not going to go through it all again — just go read it there : Dot’s Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.

…perfect for Thanksgiving!  I don’t know if sweet potatoes are on your typical Holiday menu, but they always are on mine.  This is an easy and quite tasty dish, that is very kid friendly too.  My 5 year old loves it.

I actually made 2 different versions of this dish this weekend… once for dinner at a friend’s house, and again for The Boy’s class Thanksgiving lunch at school. (For the kids, I decided to top with marshmallows instead– also tasty, but not as good as the crumbly nut topping).

read the whole thing..

 

Hassle-Free Handmade Holidays

By Rachel Klein of One Pretty Thing

Photo by tilaneseven

If you’re anything like me you think the same thing every year. “This year I’m going to make all my own gifts/bake the desserts from scratch/grow all the decorations myself! It’s going to be awesome!” It sounds so festive, so heartfelt. But how many of us actually have time to do it? It’s taken me a few years but I’ve finally got my handmade holiday system down to a science. A schedule of crafting and planning that starts in the summer allows me to create the handmade gifts that bring me so much joy, as well as save me money and stress in December. Sound overwhelming? New to handmade holidays? Pick one or two of the following ideas to try this year, then add another the next. I’m going to share ten hassle-free handmade holiday organizational ideas you can get started on now. I’m a Christmas girl, so these ideas reference that holiday, but are easily applicable to any holiday you might celebrate.

1. Gather your organizational supplies! I like to keep an inspiration folder for each holiday on my desktop. My Christmas folder has lists of menu ideas, decorating ideas, and gift lists. Set your folders up in advance and you’ll be able to find that beach-themed Christmas tree picture later.I also like to keep a binder for each holiday. These are perfect for storing magazine clippings, a list of Christmas card addresses, and post-holiday recaps. Again, get these set up before the holiday magazines start pouring in and you’ll be ready. My Christmas binder has dividers for decorating, recipes, activities, card ideas and the all-important recap-what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d like to try next year.
2. Putting up a tree? Decide on the theme now. If you know you want to put up a woodland themed tree, start searching for inspirational pictures. Pick out the handmade ornaments you know you want to make and add them to your crafting schedule. If you know what you’re looking for in advance, you’ll have time to search the craft store sales, yard sales and thrift shops. If you put up the same tree every year, get it out over the summer. Check that the lights are working and that the ornaments are intact. Make a list of what you need to replace and craft or shop sales over the next five months.
3. Cards. Cards are a big one. Are you doing a photo card? Set aside an afternoon to flip through Flickr and get ideas for your photo session. Engagement pictures are another fun source for photocard inspiration. Making your own cards? Choose a design now. Buying cards? Buy them now, make sure your address list is up to date and set aside the first crispy evening to address them. Don’t forget to save the envelopes from the cards you receive. It’s the easiest way to update your Christmas card list. As for me, I’ll be taking our Christmas card pictures this summer, ordering my cards early and crafting handmade envelopes the first week of October.
4. Most of my holiday hours are spent making gifts. Some years I like to make different gifts for everyone on my list, but most years I like to pick a theme and streamline. One year I’ll make knit gifts, another year art pieces. Think about what people would like, what they compliment you on, and what you wouldn’t mind doing for hours on end. Decided on an idea? Write out your list. How many hours will it take you to make each gift? Is it feasible? Break your gift list down. You have twenty weeks until Christmas. Can you make a gift a week? If so, write it into your calender and stick to it Resolve to spend a little time each week until you’re done. How wonderful would it be to have them all done by Thanksgiving? If I knit every night during The Daily Show, I’ll reach my goal no problem!
5. What about food gifts? I love giving them and receiving them. Plan it out now. Decide what you’re making and give yourself a few months to perfect your process, take advantage of supply sales and decide on packaging. Some gifts, like homemade vanilla take months and require planning. Check out my Edible Gift Roundup for lots of great ideas.
6. Speaking of food, start collecting holiday recipes now, then sit down early in the fall and go through them. Mock up your holiday menus so you have time to sprinkle the recipes into your everyday meals between now and then. Practice makes perfect, especially when you’re making something new. And if you know in October that you’re going to need three pounds of almonds and a bottle of Kahula, you can take advantage of sales. Super-organized bonus-plan freezer meals to have on hand for busy holiday weeks.
7. Do you plan on decorating with natural materials? The gardener in me loves growing special decorations for the holidays. Forced bulbs, branch wreaths, bowls of pine cones-I love them all! If you’re planning on using a potted tree this year, research their care now and buy one before the seasonal rush. Planning on forcing bulbs? Start collecting containers now. How about those wreaths? Assemble your supply list now.
8. Since I started blogging, I’ve seen so many amazing handmade advent calenders and I’m really excited to finally be making my own. It seems like a big task but not when you break it down. There are lots of advent resources out there, such as this one in which participants make one a day. Choose an advent calender, then break the project down into manageable crafting sessions.
9. Summer is also a great time to make a list of all the supporting characters in your life-the coaches, dog walkers, day care providers and teachers. If you plan now you’ll have time to make them a heartfelt holiday gift. Make a list, pick a gift and schedule gift making sessions. Check out my Roundups of Gifts to Make and Keep on Hand for more ideas.
10. Don’t leave out packaging! If you’re crafting all knit gifts or all painted canvas gifts, your packaging just got easier. If you have an inspiration binder, go through it and grab your favorite packaging ideas. Design your box or bag, gift tag and adornment now. Create a supply list. Schedule the necessary crafting sessions you’ll need to get it all done.

Remember, this list isn’t about doing it all. It’s about picking what’s most important to you and getting an early start. Incorporate handmade into your holidays in a way that is manageable, rather than waiting until the last minute. Happy holiday crafting!

Originally published Aug 2009

Start planning ahead now… many cookie recipes can be made ahead and frozen, which makes things easier when the season gets more hectic. Plus, that leftover halloween candy you’ve been trying to get rid of is great for replacing chocolate chips in your fave chocolate chip cookie recipe!

• 12 Days of Ass Friendly Christmas Cookies from The Novice Chef… Some really tasty looking treats, and under 100 calories… I love the Chocolate Hazelnut Pinwheels– They can double as an edible ornament! (though I think I’ll make some with Jam inside instead)
• From Tip Junkie: Semi-homemade food gifts – from peppermint bark, to ‘ready to make’ rice krispy treats.
• Also from Tip Junkie: A roundup of peppermint treat ideas… lots of good ones.
• Chocolate-Hazelnut Spritz Cookies at La Mia Vita Dolce
• Norwegian Sand Cookies at Pam’s wonderful site: Gingerbread Snowflakes
• Candy Cane Cake pops at Hostess with the Mostess (and check out these Rock Candy Trees!)
• Gingerbread houses and More at Crafting in a Green World – and here’s some great ideas for a Gingerbread house party from Chica & Jo
• Chewiest Molasses Cookies at Can You Stay For Dinner – I LOVE molasses cookies.
• Almond Joy Truffles at Duhlicious. These are so pretty.
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies at Little Brown Pen. Easy and Pretty!
• Salted Toffee Chocolate Squares at Pink of Perfection
• Super Easy Last Minute treats – Holiday Pretzel Kisses at Little Birdie Secrets
• Cookie Tree ideas at the Kitchn (Dabbled’s own Cookie Trees are at Foodwhirl — pictured above!)

Go check it out: http://www.megacrafty.com/2011/10/pt-and-tp-roll-pendants.html