Happy Holidays

(
I am taking some time off to enjoy the holidays with friends & family.  I hope you are doing the same!  See you in 2011!

(card design byTiny Prints)

Wrap Fest

No one can wrap like Miss Jaimee Rose....



SERIOUSLY??? I totally need to step up my game



bunting for gift tags? ( there's a little bit of GENIUS going on)



for more of Jaimee's wrapping ideas, go here.

Chocolate Houses

I love these little chocolate houses from Ladies Home Journal....

(spotted on Gordon Gossip)

Chocolate Snowmen Bowls

Did you see these chocolate snowmen bowls from One Charming Party?  I would like mine filled with peppermint bark ice cream please.

For instructions on how to make your own snowmen cuteness, click here.

Homemade Christmas

We had a fun filled weekend filled friends, family & parties!  I made a few little goodies including this merry sign & gift box for our friends infamous gift exchange adults only party....

& this little Ho Ho Ho sign for the gift exchange

how cute is this gift bag for my niece Emma

 hand dipped rice krispie treats, chocolate covered strawberries & chocolate peppermint oreos

don't forget the chocolate dipped marshmallows!

                    
what have you been making this holiday?

Backyard Design Project

Remember a few months ago when I posted about the backyard design project I was working on?  I thought you might like to see how the project looks now!  The outdoor kitchen & arbor is my favorite space on the property

the spa is centered on the living room windows, creating the perfect focal point

 I created a separate sitting area for the fireplace to warm up on those chilly Arizona nights

I still have a few accessories and pillows left to finish but what a transformation!  I have been working with my client for several years & loved designing this project! 

Coming down the chimney

     I adore these Santa cupcakes from Sugar Daze.....



(found via Cupcakes Take The Cake)



Most Beautiful Flowers in the world

Yesterday was my 40th birthday & I received the most beautiful flowers from my three favorite boys in the world.  I love it because it was not arranged by a fancy floral designer but my boys who selected each flower with extreme thought & care. (my hubby said it took FOR-EV-ER)

 

It is sometimes the simplest things in life that turn out to be the most beautiful.

Knock, Knock, It's Christmas

The holidays can bring out the best & worst in all of us.  Knock Knock has created clever & fun paper goods to help you laugh your way though your holiday season. 

For ordering info, click here.

Santa & Snowman Bars

Did you see this cute craft project on Martha today?  I am thinking of wrapping up some Santas for Evan's classmates & making snow families for our neighbors. 

For complete instructions, click here.

Photo Gift Tags

Every year, I have the best intentions of making photo gift tags for our Christmas packages & it never quite happens but this year just might be the year.

(photo from Sweet Paul)

Grinch Cupcakes

Love these Grinch cupcakes from Sugar Swings!

my favorite part is his heart in the middle 

(spotted on Edible Crafts)

Hot Chocolate Cake

This could be my new favorite way to enjoy hot chocolate....

(spotted on Birthday Girl via Fine Cooking)

Snow Glittered Cottage

I finished the glittered cottage box & I desperately need your advice:  do you like it WITH the picket fence & stockings?

Or WITHOUT?  Please be honest & if you think it needs something else, let me know. I would love to hear from you!

Thanks for your help!

Christmas Cottages

I had a few of these house craft boxes left over & I thought I would decorate them for Christmas this year.  I used some of Martha Stewart's holiday stickers & craft papers from Michaels to decorate this little Christmas cottage.

All I have left to do is fill with holiday goodies!



Such a simple and easy project!

I am getting started on a snow glittered cottage for my gift box for our Bunco Christmas party on Thursday! I will post pics when it's all finished! 

Stamping Up Christmas

Found these cute holiday decor ideas from Stamping Up on Country Living

I like the simplicity of this centerpiece of cutout stars & white branches

love the crisp white paper with red ribbon

these photo ornaments add a personal touch to the garland & would make great gift tags

For all the details, go here.

Santawich & Snowich

I couldn't resist posting these other cute holiday lunch ideas like this Snowich



 & Santawich from Little Food Junction



(found via Edible Crafts)

Rudolph Sandwich

Surprise your little ones today with this Rudolph sandwich from Little Nummies for lunch.



(Found via Gordon Gossip)

Christmas Tags

How adorable are these Christmas tags from babalsime?

For the free download, visit babalisme here.

Paper Christmas Tree

I was searching for some quick & inexpensive ideas to dress up our table for our early Christmas celebration & I found these Paper Trees from Bird's Party blog.  I am going to use them as place cards on our table. 

Supply list:
* FREE Paper Template - Download yours here
* Scrap-booking paper
* Paper glue, hot glue
* Craft scissors
* OPTIONAL: Ribbon, buttons, pom-poms for embellishing the tops of the trees



How are you dressing up your holiday table?

Christmas Bottle Covers

Cozy up your wine gifts this season with these bottle covers from Pier One.  I can't decide which one I like better so I think I will have to get both! 



Christmas Cake

I love the Christmas colors of this cake by Amanda from i am a baker (spotted on Gordon Gossip).  We are having an early Christmas celebration this Sunday (my sister is moving to New York later this month).  I am planning on making this for our dessert!

( photo via I am baker )