Christmas Card

Merry {early} Christmas from our family to yours!!

I'm dreaming of...

KitchenAid's Artisan Mixer in Pistachio!! Ahh, what a beauty! Yeah, it's an investment but worth e.v.e.r.y penny.  My mom still has her KitchenAid mixer from when she was married 30 some years ago (she's one hell of a busy baker) and it's still kicking. My hubby would just laugh at me but if I could have anything in the entire world for Christmas it'd be this piece of awesomeness.  This past year I've been a bit more adventurous in the kitchen and tried my hands at some new recipes.  What I'd really love to do is master the art of baking.  I can cook, but baking is a whole nother story.  I've mentioned to hubby that I really want to be more "Paula Deen" in the kitchen and he just laughs, never taking me seriously.  Guess I'll just have to show him with the goods, baked, that is. 

So Santa, if you want to spoil me this year with a gift I will love for a lifetime, this would be it!  And I'd spoil you forever by baking you some delish goodies for many Christmas Eves to come! 

There's always one...

Are you stressing and racking your brain trying to come up with a present for that one person on your list that is i.m.p.o.s.s.i.b.l.e to shop for?!?!  If so, check out Wordle, a unique site that allows you to create one-of-a-kind art for that special someone that has everything.  These word clouds make great gifts for all ages from baby to grandparent.  Create your word cloud and print it off on some photo paper, buy a frame to frame it in and top it with some ribbon.

cBv

Crazy Christmas Weekend

Our weekend started last night with the first of five Christmas parties over the next 72 hours. Yes, 5! And they're not all in the same state, so it should be interesting. To add to the craziness, Virginia is "supposedly" getting hit with the winter storm that is coming up the coast. Since meteorologists can never get their stuff straight I'm sticking to my "I'll believe it when I see it" theory, although they're predicting somewhere between 5 and 15 inches (!). Sunday is going to be relaxation and reward day. I'm dragging the hubs to see ICE! at the Gaylord Hotel. I've heard rave reviews and can't wait!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

cBv

To my good friend Court who's little bundle of joy is "supposed" to make her grand entrance today, you're in my thoughts and prayers! Can't wait to hear the good news!

My Advent Calendar!

I'm joining in Kimba's DIY Day over at A Soft Place To Land. Ever since I stumbled upon Buzzing of a Queen Bee's advent calendar last year I was determined to make my own. It was so stinking cute and looked pretty easy. "Technically" I had an entire year to make it but it didn't happen until this weekend. Nevertheless I don't think my hubby minds since he gets 6 days in 1 in order to catch up. Saturday morning we woke up to snow(!) so it was the perfect day for a festive craft. Here's what I needed to make this super cute calendar.

-24 paper mache boxes (in various shapes and sizes)
-holiday scrapbook paper

-1 picture frame (12x14 for me)

-Mod Podge

-24 goodies to stash inside

-hot glue gun

-exacto knife

-sponge brush

-scissors

-tape
I started by spray painting a "natural" wood frame with Rustoleum's Colonial Red.

Next I took the cardboard insert and covered it with scrapbook paper to make the base for the calendar. Then I cut out the scrapbook paper for the lids of the paper mache boxes. My "type A" self was telling me to cover the sides of the boxes w. paper too but my lazy bone took over. Cut the paper to fit the tops using an exacto knife (scissors and tracing will work too). Once you have all of the paper cut figure out the layout for your boxes.

Since I was only able to find one star box I decided to make that Christmas day. After you figure out the layout start applying the Mod Podge to the lids and paper. Tip - a little goes a long way. I got a little MP happy so I applied MP to the lids as well as to the back of the paper. Then once I placed the paper on the lid I applied a thin coat over the paper for a glossy finish. Set them out to dry.

In case you have preferences as to where each paper should go lay them in order to dry. Next, using my glue gun I glued all of the bases to the background.

I let the lids dry for about 30 minutes then I put them on. And no art project would be complete without ribbon. I finished off the calendar by making a ribbon hanger complete w. a box. Fill with your favorite treats and you're all set! (If only Starbucks gift cards would fit inside!)

cBv