Cookie Exchange Party

Here is a little sneak peak of something I have been working on for a possible cookie exchange party.

Holiday Giving

I think my favorite part of this time of year is how there are so many opportunities to give back.

Even in our daughter's school there are at least 3 different collections... that I can think of off the top of my head... that are going on right now. They are such easy things too contribute that there is no way you can't. The simplest things can make a big impact too.

Yes the economy is tough, and many of you may be saying that you don't have the extra money to give out or the extra time to spend volunteering, but its not the only way you can help your neighbors.

My Stop and Show flier just told me canned goods are 2 for $1. I know that means when I go grocery shopping this weekend that I can donate a few extra cans to the Thanksgiving food drive to help families who wouldn't otherwise be celebrating with a feast like many of us do. There were also extra items I had in stock at home that we will gladly be donating for gift baskets to single, homeless moms who could use a little something special for themselves.

In my inbox this morning I found the following 2 emails with other ways to donate. Everyone will all be starting their Christmas shopping, if they haven't started already, so why not buy products that also allow you to donate at the same time, for no additional cost:

Gap is donating 2% of their gift card purchases to CARE or Communities in Schools.

If you would rather spend your money at small businesses, Lisa Leonard Designs is teaming up with the Red Cross and donating 10% of her proceeds from each sale to the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief. Plus when you purchase any handmade item from her you will receive a limited edition necklace. Two gifts fort he price of one, PLUS you get to support the victims of Sandy! (Use the code from the image below.)

My last suggestion, for something made right here in Rhode Island, is to check out Flat River Furniture. My father builds gorgeous, natural wood furniture and 20% of his profits this year are going to the Lions organization. If you don't see something right for you, talk to him about it and he can create something custom.

In short, there are so many ways to give back this year that require little or no effort. If everyone just pitched in a little we could make a whole lot of people's lives so much better. 

Pretty Holiday Wreaths

There are so many great holiday wreath ideas out there. These are my top five favorites. One for every room maybe? 

Click on the links below to go to each source.

1. Full Greenery A twist on the traditional evergreen branches. The subtle scattered balls give it a touch of holiday cheer and displaying it on a mirror adds more depth.

2. Sparkly Champagne Colors I like the colors in this one and it could definitely transition into New Years. 

3. Tulle and Feathers What's not to like about tulle and feathers? This is definitely an extra girly one. 

4. Christmas Ornament Collection I have seen this wreath concept in a variety of styles and color combinations. The thing I particularly like about this version is the different sizes and its use of vintage inspired ornaments.

5. Spell it With Green I think initials have been a fad for a long time now, and it can get overdone. I'm probably guilty of this one, but I still like it. It's also something a different from he traditional round wreath form. 

Thanksgiving Treats

I found the following treat on Pinterest for Thanksgiving. They not only look tasty, but cute too. I think I will definitely be making one (or more) of these to bring with me on our Thanksgiving rounds.

Enjoy!

Source: sixinthesuburbsblog.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: graciousrain.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: familyfun.go.com via Victoria on Pinterest

I made this for our pumpkin decorating party. It tastes just like apple pie!!

Source: ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: lilluna.com via Yohanny on Pinterest

The kids may not eat turkey, but they should would eat these versions. Gobble Gobble! 

Nifty Thrifty Sunday Linky Party: Herringbone Shelf

Wednesday I was bored. It was my 5th day home after the weekend, school being canceled due to Sandy, and not getting called to sub.

On one of those days I wanted to herringbone the bathroom wall. Matt said no. That was probably a good call, but I had to do something. Our bathroom is one of those rooms that always seems boring to me and nothing ever gets done about it because I can't make up my mind about what I really want it to look like.

I decided to play with the white shelf in there since it's an easy fix if I messed it up. I also had what I needed on hand.

Step one - Start with a plain white shelf.

Step two - Cut 1 centimeter wide strips of black contact paper and stick them to the shelf in a herringbone pattern. These get peeled off after the shelf is spray painted.

I had intended to herringbone the WHOLE shelf, but quite frankly I started to get bored after a couple rows. I also thought it might look cool if I just did the corner. Then I started to wrap the design around the edge of the shelf, and it ended up looking horrible. It also looked weird on a white shelf, so I painted the rest of the shelf in a glossy black.  

Needless to say there was a lot of trial and error involved. The bathroom wall is definitely less boring now though. 

This could be done is any color and any design. Pink chevron shelf anyone?

Now I should probably get started thinking about a bathroom curtain  after 2 years of a bare window.