make something: holiday wreath

in ,
wreath.jpg

I splurged on a bay leaf garland. It was beautiful and smelled so good; I couldn't resist. I figured it could be part of our Thanksgiving centerpiece and then a garland in the house. Using it for two holidays made it worth it. Unfortunately, it dried out so quick! Enter back up plan: make two wreaths out of one garland.  Of course I needed a few more "ingredients": one mixed green swag, pine cones and moss. That was lovely and all but it needed a little more texture. I raided my hens and chicks, wired each one and attached it to the wreath. I liked it but it needed more. On my afternoon walk with the baby and the dog I collected some berries, more evergreens and boxwood. A quick stop at the flower shop for a stem of seeded eucalyptus and a red branchy stem. Viola, my two wreaths were finished! You can click on the pictures below to see the progression. It goes together really simply with wire and a little hot glue.

curious delivery

in
jewels.jpg

Clementine received a large envelope in the mail today from a certain Sister Ellen O'Connor.

Inside was another envelope marked with script writing containing a small black box and many folded multi-colored  pages of prayers.

I opened the box to find three old brooches; one silver, one gold, and one iridescent and sparkly all resting upon one folded tissue.

I smiled and wondered who these were from as I do not know a Sr. Ellen O'Connor.

Curious. It is not every day one finds vintage "jewels" in their mailbox addressed to a one year old.

I had to share this story in hopes that someone might be able to tell me more.

where I've been

in ,

I've been nestled away in a mountain cabin; cozied up to the fire and surrounded by snow, family and friends. I am officially in the holiday spirit.

a slice of a tree for love

in ,
wood.jpg


A few of weeks ago we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. The 'traditional' gift is wood. We are so like minded, the mister and I, that we both went to the same store to buy the SAME gift; this lovely crosscut board from Canoe. These are specially made from fallen trees in the woods of Minnesota. They are sealed which brings out the natural wood grain and makes it safe for cutting and serving food. I love it. I have it sitting on our counter with some pumpkins and a box of grass. It makes me smile every time I see it.

pumpkin ice cream served in a mini pumpkin

in ,

I love pumpkin ice cream (especially Double Rainbow Perfect Pumpkin. It lives up to its name.)

I thought it would be fun to serve it in a mini pumpkin.

I carved one out, rinsed it, dried it, and placed it in the freezer.

After about an hour I took it out and scooped the ice cream into this ever so appropriate bowl.

Imagine a whole tray of these! They can be assembled ahead of time and popped backed in the freezer.

halloween costume make-over

in ,
costume.jpg

This year's Halloween costume decision for Clementine was an easy one;  she has been wearing a witch's hat since September. Plus, I think there is something really funny about a tiny little cutie dressed up as a witch. I found a costume at store. Gasp!! A store bought costume?!?! Could I really do it? I couldn't say no.

When it was all said and done I got it for $2.50. It was worth it for me to get it and give it a "home-made costume" make-over.

I added some sequins and sparkle...

cost-makeover.jpg

and replaced the original skirt with pieces of multi-colored tulle and a top layer of sparkly polka dot tulle.

cost2.jpg
costume-whole.jpg

It lights up too! I pinned a small strand of purple LED lights to the lining under the tulle and made a pocket for the small battery pack. I bustled it up so she didn't trip and you could see her sweet striped leg warmers and sparkly black shoes.

photo-2.jpg

I've always loved Halloween but there is just something about being a mom and experiencing it all over again in a new way that makes it even more fun!

DSC05397.jpg