Time Flies.........doesn't it?

WOW! has it really been a week since I have posted? Everyone else must have been busy as well with family, shopping, eating, eating and then more eating because I didn't get any "nagging" emails from my sister to post on my blog! LOL!!!

But yes I did enjoy my Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping with Mother in Law. We made good use of those early hours. It's amazing how much shopping your can get done between the hours of 4am - 10am and still have SO much day left - well........mainly enough day left to nap ;) tee hee hee.

I am transitioning from Fall to Winter/Christmas Decor and yes my tree is up. It's not decorated yet but it's up! I can't wait to see how you decorate your house, tree, door, etc. Be sure to share your great ideas, tips, tricks and let me know when you do!



Hopefully this short little post will do because I am headed out the door for a 4 day family trip to Disneyland!!!!!! It's been in the planning stages for a LOOoooong time and we just surprised my daughter at school right as she was headed to lunch. We had her read the two signs Dad was holding to her little brother out loud.


We captured the moment on video and it was priceless!!!! See you next week! Don't cause too much trouble while I am gone! and don't forget about posting your comments on FLAT BETTY's Blog to help her raise money - and you can win prizes too - for the kids in Haiti! thanks!!!

America's Next Top FLAT Model...........

here we come!!!! and by FLAT I don't mean in the chest. *snicker* I mean "Betty"!!! Part Deux of Betty's travels to Utah have been posted and Betty had lots of questions about photo shoots, modeling, etc and got some expert advice and experience from "Erica." Look how stylin they are!


** don't forget - give a comment HERE and you GIVE to Betty's Cause. In return our sponsor Boutiquecafe will GIVE you a chance to win some of their great prizes! ***

Betty has been spotted....................

in UTAH!!!! Betty's first travel destination has been revealed and posted HERE! Check out the FLAT Betty blog for all the fun details!

***Betty needs your help! for each comment you make by following this link, you can help Betty earn extra donations!!! Boutiquecafe.com has joined up as comments sponsor for her first destination. For every comment left they will donate .05 towards Bettys current cause. It's a great way for YOU as the blog readers to get involved. Just post a comment and "cha - ching" - you've helped raise money for the kids in Orphange and infant Care Center in Haiti. Hurry up and post today!!!!

Boutiquecafe is also giving away a few prizes to someone who comments - check out what the prizes are by clicking here

How Savvy are you???

I've just discovered a few new show - The Savvy Organizer. "Answering the call heard around the world for organization, and practical ways to streamline your life. The Savvy Organizer is on the case and readily available on your ipod or over your computer speakers.....The Savvy Organizer is a free, downloadable and portable online radio show."

As the host Maja says in show #1, "these shows will be short and simple. We are not going to beat around the bush. " I love that! Quick tips and ideas to get organized and stay that way are perfect for busy women! do you have some questions for Maja? Just leave your comments and questions in the show notes on their site! She's ready and willing to help you!

Can we say it yet????.................

I LOVE christmas time! Playing holiday music 24/7 and getting in the spirit! I can't wait! I'm not the only one getting in the mood either. Sandi is right there along with me! tee hee hee. Yes I love Thanksgiving and I am not overlooking it, but for me it's like the kick off of the season! Growing up we always put up the Christmas tree either the day after Thanksgiving or on Thanksgiving night. It's just part of that Holiday - BUT the tree definately has to come down the day after Christmas. *shudder* It just has to. HA!

Ok so why am I blogging on about Christmas? Well,for one, it's just a few short days until my tree will be lighting up my living room AND I couldn't wait to share a few fun ideas with you!

Have you seen these? Custom Printed M and Ms! how fun are those! You can have 2 different messages placed on them and colors???? There's LOTS of color combinations to choose from! I think it's a fun way to get a chocolate fix and spread some Christmas cheer........or let someone know you are thinking about them. How "sweet" (wink)

With Christmas, of course, comes traditions. My sister just passed along a fun little gift that will become a new tradition this year at my house and I wanted to give you a heads up if you wanted to start it as well. Everyone..........meet Mr. Peeps. tee hee hee.

He came to our house in a small brown bag labeled " Open Thanksgiving night after the kids are in bed. " Oooh! sounds sort of fun! HA! But it's all for the kiddos and it's all in good fun. Inside was a little elf and the following poem:

Christmas is approaching, and this is the day

Santa has sent Mr. Peeps to your house to stay.

He send this small elf to your house and mine.

The day after Thanksgiving, He must be on time.

Mr. Peeps has a purpose. His purpose will be,

To whisper to Santa all the good that he sees.

Soon after he gets here, he moves only at night

To high places, low places, he stays in plain sight.

In the kitchen, for instance, he sits high on a shelf.

Mr. Peeps can sit anywhere, for he is an elf.

He holds very still when he thinks you are watching.

His magic is precious, it fades with on touching.

He sits on the tree on Christmas Eve day.

He knows that Santa is soon on his way.

He waits and he waits without making a noise.

He waits until Santa arrives with the toys.

So you better be nice and mind what you say

Because Mr. Peeps will tell Santa when he comes with his sleigh.

Once Christmas is here and Santa has come,

Mr. Peeps must leave, for his job is well done.

But, he will return next year on the very same day,

To watch your behavior as you work and play.

- Sharon Reynolds

So whatcha think? It's a fun way to keep the little ones good because Mr Peeps is watching to tell Santa if you are good or not and how fun for them to discover where he has moved to during the night.

If you are feeling a bit "elfy" now I found a few elf DIY projects.

clay pot elf

Elf poop anyone? *snicker*

Elf Pixie Hat

Lightbulb Elf

Elf coloring page

And if you are still not in the Christmas mood after all THAT - take a peek outside my window here this morning! what a SURPRISE!!!!

DIY Picture this - tutorial

(Be sure to upload your photos from trying this project into the Brassy Apple Projects Flickr group!)

I'm not sure if anything is faster than this quick DIY project. If you want to add a some color or something unique to your home decor try this!

1. Pop some fabric that you love behind a frame and you are done!
2. Group several frames together, each with a different fabric, for a more dramatic display.
3. AND these are sooo quick and easy to make a quick change when the seasons change, holiday time, etc.


Many of you have seen photos of my entryway. Don't stop at just frames! There are several options of "objects" to place fabric behind besides just picture frames - how about windows?

Here's some ideas for picture frames too! They can go anywhere in your house including the bathroom like these:

You should always surround yourself with things that you love. These are great ways to pops of color, design and pattern anywhere in your house. Now if you want to get a bit more crafty, break out the supplies and lets get started!



Framed silhouettes -



Supplies needed:

Fabrics - or patterned scrapbooking papers
fusible fleece or interfacing (optional)
iron
picture frame
fabric marker
silhouette pattern
fun things to embellish with - ribbons, etc

Step 1: Pick your fabrics. (or papers. in this project I will be referring to fabrics) You will need one for the background and one for the silhouette.

Step 2: Apply the interfacing or fusible fleece to the back of your silhouette fabric per manufacturers instructions. This step is optional but if you want to add dimension to your silhouette use the fusible fleece. If you want to keep the edges neat, crisp, clean and free from fraying without any dimension use the interfacing.



Step 3: Using your Fabric Marker, trace your silhouette on the back side of your fused fabric and backwards too. This will ensure when you flip it over it's not facing the wrong way in the case of an alphabet letter, etc. ** Your Silhouette can be of ANYTHING - an initial letter, your child, favorite animal, favorite shape. Look to magazines, books, die cut shapes, stencils, etc to help you find a pattern.



Step 4: Cut out your silhouette and place it on your background fabric. Place the glass from the picture frame on top of your design and trace around it with a fabric marker. Set the glass aside and cut out the background fabric.



Step 5: Your design might look complete now but if it doesn't and you feel it still needs alittle something - now's the time to embellish! I used black ribbon to set it off from the frame. I simply cut 4 lengths and placed them in the pattern I liked. I used a bit of a glue stick to keep the pieces in place too. You don't have to use a lot. It's just a quick easy technique to keep it together before you place it in the frame.



Step 6: Cut any ribbon, fabrics or other embellishments that are hanging over the edges and place it in your frame. Polish the glass and display!

It's Betty!

A few of you have found my newest project and blog and I gave a sneak peek about it last week. Well................I am so excited to finally let you in on the secret!

Please welcome Flat Boutique Betty!

To get the full scoop you'll have to hop on over there and check out all the details. And to celebrate the launch of this fun new project I'm giving away a skinny scarf to one lucky person who "snags a betty" button, posts it on their blog or website and then leaves Betty a comment on her blog in the giveaway post! The skinny scarf is one of my newest combinations using the fabrics from the Summer in the city line. Have fun and good luck!

Splurging and deception

Cue the Daytime Soap Opera music. tee hee hee. I couldn't help but think of something dramatic after typing the title - HA! Actually it's all in good fun.

After several errands to run with my little guy in tow yesterday I splurged on Celine Dion's New CD Taking Chances as I passed by it on the shelves. It came with an extra CD of 8 of her greatest hits for a great low price so I had to snatch it up. Didn't you just LOVE seeing her on Oprah? She's seems so personable, considerate and real. I love her new sound too. It's so different for her but I like it. So that explains the "splurging" part. Now onto the deception - cue evil laugh - MUwahahaHAHaha.

I ordered Jessica Seinfelds new cookbook Deceptively Delicious the day I heard about it on Oprah and watched the show. It took awhile to arrive but I LOVE IT! I doesn't seem that hard to do - it's just a change - and for me small and little at a time until it becomes a habit and I get a groove down of creating my Purees! But our first meal was a success! I made chicken nuggets and didn't have any of the purees on hand that she recommended for the recipe but what veg. puree I did throw in was just fine. And the kids didn't know! tee hee hee. Love it! It's a fun change that I can't wait to do more of!

Anyone been crafting???? I'd love to see some pictures if anyone has tried the magnets. There have been lots of comments left with great alternative ideas and links for supplies too - don't miss those! I have a few more ideas to share too! Anyone want to see?? *snicker*

SPC ~ [what I wear] Pose. Click. Smile. Click.

week 2 - Self portrait Challenge theme for November is "what I wear". They want to see what you wear and where you are going or the story behind the outfit. I thought it would be fun to share what I wore this weekend while doing a photoshoot. I was asked by a local photographer to be one of many women to help her with some photos for a client. The Client - who is a OB/GYN doctor - is having his office redecorated and is going for a "women in all seasons" theme. Old, young, middle age, tall, short, pregnant, blond, redhead, etc. It was fun to be asked - I was one of the "tall" women *snicker*. There has certain attire we were supposed to wear and I was lucky enough to get some single shots taken of me and that the photographer sent me a sneak peek of one of the photos.

I love the effects she used and the fun wardrobe. White blouse, loose tie. Sexy - LOL!!! You can see my week 1 photo here and more of the photographers photos here on flickr.

Honky Tonk

Grab those spurs and saddle up! My only boys Holiday design this year is now available and not for long!!!! Honky Tonk HoHo is a fun mix of texture, color, pattern and shapes done western Santa style! The word "Giddy up" is appliqued on frayed denim patches down one of the legs. Snatch up a pair for your little cowboy this season!

The matching tee and jacket have been created my the SUPER talented Kip of Kippydoodles! Be sure you check out her auctions as well!

And if you are looking for a fun ready made item - ON SALE - I've just stocked up my "jeans" section on my website with some GREAT deals! High School musical, Hannah Montana, Chocolate Lollipop and Kitschy Noel jeans!


Sneak a peek at my newest boys design and let me know what ya think! Ya'll come back now ya hear! *snicker*

A Feathered Nest

The celebration of a new baby is always a joyous occasion and when it's family it makes it even a bit more special. What do you get when all the Ladies - Grandma, Aunts, cousins, inlaws, sisters - come together with their creative minds and talented fingers? Not only a great night of womanhood, bonding and chatting but the guest of honor, my cousin, leaves with a "feathered nest" for her upcoming little chickidee.

The handmade invitation arrived and set the tone for the event. "Come and help her Feather her nest!" The table was laid out with small trees, greenery, twigs and a peek of a little bird here and there. Not to mention the accent of feathers here and there, themed goodies likesmall chocolate nests with tiny candy eggs in them - yum, and a few areas set up for the creative mind and craft fingers to get started! It was one of my favorite baby showers I've attended. Laid back, low key and no crazy baby shower games. Plus being wrapped up in conversation and girl talk with my family really made the night. Everyone who attended had the opportunity to help handquilt a small blanket for the baby and also dip into some paints on stretched canvas, unfinished wooden frames and even a few baby t-shirts and create something from the heart for the baby and her new "nest" when she arrives.

The gift opening was the last event of the evening and fun as we "Awwwwww'd" over all the small itty bitty items she was given. One of the items she recieved from me was a handbag that I just LOVED how it turned out. Rich in texture, color and just the hint of sparkle. I thought it fit her personality just right. I hope she enjoys it.

The whole "feathered nest" theme has gotten me thinking about birds, nests, new babies, etc and is helping me in my creativity on a little "nesting" project of my own. NO - I'm not pregnant. tee hee hee - but I am working out the details for an exciting upcoming project. Mums still the word on this BIG announcement until I get a few more details nailed down. I promise to share when I do! Hopefully you will share in my excitement too! In the meantime, enjoy these fun sites and blog I found all centered around the "feathered nest" theme.

I love the style of these blogs titled The Feathered Nest and The Feathered Nest. Also, a fun site by The Knot is called The Nest. So The Knot helps you get married and The Nest helps you out once the wedding is over - tee hee hee. And my favorite site is Nest. This site is new to me so I still need to do more reading up on it but I love the concept - Helping other women artists. They have a blog too! Looks like I'll be adding another great blog to my list! Enjoy!

Just alittle Thursday sneak.......

*snicker* - I know some of my readers DISPISE sneaks and teases. I guess it's a whole lot easier when you're on my end doing the teasing rather than being left in suspense. So sorry - but here's a tiny peek at a few things I've been up and some exciting news to come............................stay tuned - *wink*

Pumpkin Bread

I'm not one for sharing recipes on my blog - I don't think I've shared one yet but hey, there's a first time for everything right???


This is one of my favorite recipes that gets saved and only made in the fall. It's always a hit with however I share a loaf with and my Grandma and Grandpa loved it when I would stop by gifting them each their "own" small loaf. They weren't much for sharing this bread. tee hee hee. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Bread

2 c. canned pumpkin

3 c. sugar

1 c. water

1 c. veg. oil

4 eggs

3 1/3 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3/4 tsp ground cloves

Heat overn to 350. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat until well mixed.

Measure the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and baking powder, nutmeg and ground cloves into a seperate bowl. Then stir until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, beating until smooth.

Grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans and dust them with flour. Evenly divide the batter between them. Bake for 60 - 70 mins or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 - 15 min. Then remove from pans by inverting them onto a rack and tapping the bottoms. Slice and serve plain, buttered or with cream cheese.

Can you smell is now??? Mmmmmm......................

Self Portrait Challenge - [What I wear] wk 1

November's theme is ~ What I Wear ~ on Self Portrait Challenge. Different days bring different events but one thing holds steady in my daily routine - Get up and get ready. RARELY I don't. I do like to take a lazy morning every once in awhile but it's never on a weekday. Too much to get done. I always have somewhere to go and I just work better when I'm in "work" mode. That means out of the "comfy clothes", showered, makeup on, hair done and sporting a pair of shoes with some sort of heel. *snicker* I really don't need to be any taller but I love to wear shoes with a bit of a heel. Love a nice ballet flat too, don't get my wrong, but most of the time you will see me in heels! I snapped this photo of me today - getting ready to head out the door and accomplish a list of errands. More self portrait photos to come this month...................

7 Random things.....

I was recently tagged by Becca to post 7 random things about me. First, here's the rules:

you must abide by if you are tagged:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Now - down to business! ;)

1. I use to play the saxophone when I was young. HA! My sisters HATED having to listen to me practice - that interest only lasted a year.

2. I used to be dancer. I performed at Half Time shows, taught at a dance studio and also coached a high school dance team. In that time I also was privledged to be in a parade down Main Street at Disneyland, perform on ESPN twice in the Cheer and Dance Competitions and Head up the Hollywood Christmas Parade on TV too. *sigh* the good ol' days (wink)

3. I secretly like to watch Gossip Girl - *snicker* SSSssshHHHHHHHhhhh! It's my little guilty pleasure mid week. Sort of takes me back to the days I watched Beverly Hills 90210. LOL!!! I can just zone out and enjoy alittle entertainment.

4. I have double joined elbows which always makes for a fun party trick or weird conversation piece.

Still more???? OK!

5. I am 1 of 4 Girls in my family. No brothers. I fall second in the line up and am also the Tallest. Taller than all my sisters and my parents too! Secretly always wished I had an older brother in the mix.

6. My hair was once a "purpleish" color. A bad choice in a home hair dye job. Luckily it was the wash out kind. Still, it took a few weeks to "soften" the color and by the end of the month it was back to "normalish" - tee hee hee.

7. I love Mexican food! The yummy basket- or in my case basketS- of chips and salsa they give you before the meal is my favorite part! Just keep them comin' boys! If the salsa is REALLY good I'm usually pretty full by the time my actual meal arrives. My step grandmother makes the BEST homemade salsa and I once almost ate an entire jar of it by myself in one sitting while I was pregnant! whew!

Ok, I think that's enough "revealing" information about me for one day! Now I need to tag 7 lucky others!!! hummmmm..........eany-meany-miney-mo....................

Daria

Princess Tiger Lily Boutique

Erica Cass

Andrea Danielle

Ragazza Bella Couture

Nicole

Kim

A Handmade Holiday

I think November 1st marks the "official" start of the Holidays. Well at least for me. ;) The countdown for Christmas begins, the planning trips home for Thanksgiving, readying the house for guests, parties and get togethers with loved ones and dear friends. Oh! Plus the start of Holiday Bazaars too! I love alittle handmade for the Holidays. Nothing says more from the giver or to the receiver when some time has been taken to craft an item and it is given with love. Expecially when it comes from your kiddos. I just cherish those handmade school "gifts" that they are bursting at the seams to give you and just about tell you everyday what it is they made.

Well if you love alittle handcrafted for your Holiday decor or to put under your tree I've got a few resources to help you out! The Sew Mama Sew blog has put together an entire months worth of Handmade Holiday ideas! November has been deemed 30 days of gifts to sew and they have a great list of what is coming each day! Of course they don't just give you an idea they link you to several tutorials where you go and "see" how to make it with step by step instructions. Love that! And if that wasn't enough, every week throughout November they will also offer two $25 gift certificates to their fabric store - Sew Mama Sew! Winners will be randomly selected from all comments posted on the blog in the previous week.



Or if you prefer to support other independent mom/women owned businesses, please check out the Mommydesigners Gift Guide. It's organzied into easy to navigate categories and they have some really great gift ideas!!! It's always better to shop early and have a great selection then to wait until the last minute!




Speaking of shopping, that's what I will be doing this weekend. I'm going to steal away for a few kidless hours with a couple of girlfriends and hit a Holiday Bazaar or two! I hope to find some great pieces to add to my holiday decor or even snatch up a few unique - just perfect gifts!

And on a completely different note - LOL!!! - I've got a few new very exciting projects in the works. I can't quite reveal what they are yet - BUT I will share when I get a few more details finalized. It's very exciting so stay tuned!!!! Enjoy your weekend and your extra hour as we turn the clocks back!

Heavenly Giveaway

A fellow apron wearing blogger is having a smashing giveaway for the Holiday Hostess Apron from Heavenly Hostess. This company is HOT, hot, HOT!!!! You only have until tomorrow night - Friday Nov. 2nd at midnight to get in on the action! Hop over to The Apronista Blog and snatch up your chance to win it! p.s. - It's reversible and I just adore what's on the other side!