Christmas cookie cutters!

Yesterday, I spent the morning baking 2 dozen classic sugar cookies {with frosting and sprinkles of course} for my first ever Christmas cookie exchange!

Yes, there's a first time for everything.

I would rather cook than bake--any day of the week. It's not my best skill.

Anyhoooo....this morning I came home with two plastic containers packed with all kinds of yummy treats ready to offer guests between now and the big day. Well worth it.

So, what did I do with the $5 bucket of cookie cutters from Aldi?

The same thing any "anti-baker who wants to look like she's Susie homemaker" would do....

I hung them in my kitchen!

These jumbo-sized guys are with the rest of the cookie cutter clan but, they made their debute on the side of the cupboard instead of the garland. It was getting a bit heavy.

So, even though it appears as though I unclip those darling cut-outs from that silky ribbon and bake all day and night throughout the holidays....

Really, I just think they are cute and festive...and why not appreciate them everyday instead of them lurking in the back of my cupbaord all season next to that ugly vase I can't seem to get rid of?

Do you like to bake during the holidays? If so, come over anytime.

Please and Thank you.

Cheese please...

The BAD NEWS is...

I am having a CHEESE fetish lately.

Sliced cheese

Mac 'n Cheese

Cheddar flavored chips

Melted cheese on tortillas, eggs, soups, sandwiches, pretty much anything

and...

Cheezits

Notice how the last one ends in "zits"...also happening these days. Awesome.

The GOOD NEWS is...

I am a few days away from officially being in the third trimester! YES!!

This second trimester has gone by much faster than the first. Praise.the.Lord.

I am so thankful for the ability to carry another healthy baby, but I have to be honest:

I don't love the pregnancy stage.

My legs hurt. My back hurts. My brain is...uh...gone. I can't remember yesterday, what I just ate, where my phone is, if I shut the garage door, how old my daughter is or where she is......ugh!

3 more months....3 more months....3 more months....

A fun way to display your Christmas cards!

Here's a creative way to redo a frame and turn it into a fun way to display cards, pictures and your kids artwork...

1) I took the frame OFF this painting. This snapshot was taken last fall, and the painting has been moved to a new wall space since then. It's amazing how much a frame (or lack there of) can change the look of a piece of artwork. I love the painting so much more now without the frame.

Ok, moving on....

2) Paint the frame however you like!


I used my trusty crackle spray paint from Hobby Lobby. After each coat, I sanded it around the edges a bit to get the antique look I wanted.




3) I used tacks and pushed them gently into the backside of the frame. 5 tacks on one side of the frame and 6 tacks on the other evenly spaced. This creates the zig-zag look I was going for.

4) Next, I used my (seemingly endless) twine to create the zig-zag.
I tied off the first one securely and simply strung it back and forth around each tack until I reached the end--then, tied it off securely at the end.

(Make sure it's pulled fairly tight, so it doesn't sag when you add the clips and paper at the finish)


5) I bought some miniature wood clothespins (Hobby Lobby) to hang Christmas cards and some homemade snowflakes with.

6) Stand back and admire.....

I can't remember what blog I saw these snowflakes but, they are SUPER easy to make. All you need are pipe cleaners, pretty paper, a glue on jewel or button (whatever your taste), and some super glue! I made a ton to hang on the tree as well. These would be cute to put on a present too, don't you think?

I hope you find a fun way to display your Christmas cards! I can't wait to get more in the mail....it's always so fun!

Fabric Christmas trees

I found this really easy tutorial to make these darling Christmas trees...

Check out Shanty to Chic for directions.

I improvised a little, but all my supplies were from Hobby Lobby.

Minus the fabric--leftovers I already had.

My friend Megan had the idea to just glue the fabric to make it "look" ruffled, instead of using a machine to actually ruffle the edges. Thanks for the help Megan! I love them.

It's going to be hard to take them down after the holidays.

I may have to leave them up year round, cuz they are stinking cute!

Front porch and a snow munchkin

A neighbor down the street sold me this awesome cottage style bench for $60 last summer....love.

Red star stuffed with greenery from Hobby Lobby.

Some large branches I shoved in a tin bucket and filled with some bush clippings I picked up on a walk one day. I just wanted something to hang lights on, and this was the perfect spot.



I usually use this garland indoors, but I really like it outside (again with lights).

Vintage sled found at an antique store for $25. The red broom was a white elephant gift several years ago...random to put it on the sled, I know, but it's the right color, so......

After knocking down the icilces. Now, I can walk out of my house without fearing for my life (or Kensie's)...those things were scary.

Now, for some utter cuteness:

I think playtime in the snow was a success...look at those red cheeks!

She took the BEST nap after this.

Stay warm friends!

Four things...

{1} Some seriously pretty (but deadly) icicles that need to be knocked down...

{2} I got myself an early Christmas present. Not something I would normally wear, but I love it! It was from a Premier Jewelery party, and I've had SO many compliments on this beauty.

{3} I FINALLY got my hair done. It's been 6 months. I had been looking for a new hair stylist that is close and affordable....harder than you think. But, thanks to FB--I found one and booked an appointment 4 days later! How much? $55 for all over highlights and cut/ style. I was so pleased, and only wish I could style it like this again...

{4} My Mom, sister Lauren, and I were able to enjoy a girls night in downtown GR that same night! It felt so good to dress up, have a fresh hairstyle, go to a fancy place for dinner and just enjoy some good girl talk. I love you beautiful ladies!

Stay tuned for front porch decorations and a little snow munchkin with some VERY red cheeks! We've been playing in the snow all morning...I think it's time to warm up with some hot chai tea.

Happy Thursday!

Snow, snow and more snow....

It sarted snowing yesterday. It literally has.not.stopped. There's over a foot already, and we're still expecting more.

(view from the kitchen window looking at our invisible driveway)

Love it. Hate it.

All at the same time.

But, honestly we shouldn't complain AT ALL. We didn't see a single snowflake until Decemeber 1st. And if you are from the midwest-->you know that's amazing in it of itself, right?

(backyard)

And after 9 Christmas's with snow, I can't imagine one WITHOUT it. It just makes me want to sit by the fireplace with hot cocoa and a blanket while gazing at the twinkling lights throughout the house. Ahhhhh....so warm.

That reminds me...here's the mantel I've been meaning to post. A quick shot of it anyway...

(You may notice there are 4 stockings already. My loving mom has made all of them thus far...and she didn't waste any time in making one for baby Mason on the way!)

Now, back to the snow...

After living in Michigan for almost 9 years now (wow has it really been that long?), I have a much better understanding of the four seasons as well as the four letter word S-N-O-W.

California has a TON of stereotypes. Some of which I still have to defend....I'm proud to be a native Californian and will always consider myself a "West Coast" girl. But, I also see the beauty of Michigan, and think it will be a wonderful place to raise our family--despite all the bad stereotypes the Midwest gets as well. I'm sure all my west coast friends are thinking "But, WHY do you still live out there?!?"

It's not that bad. Really.

I may complain occasionally about the weather, but people make a place a "home". And this is my home now. And I couldn't be happier. So bring on the snow!

Just don't ask me in February if I love it. There will probably be some curse words coming out of an 8 month pregnant witch. Just sayin...