Carpe Diem

I am just surfacing from my pharmacology book briefly to say hello! I have lots of new recipes to share soon - hopefully Friday. In the meantime, here is a cute DIY project to bookmark for that rare sunny winter day or for a few months down the road. Too clever!

Perfect Summer Bangle  via Lumi

20 Questions

As you might have guessed from my late post, school started today. This quarter 18 credit hours and my first online class will be the challenge. But at the end of it all in March, I will have Little E's birthday celebration to look forward to.

When I first met A, I was greeted with 43 Questions (her version of 20 Questions). I am looking forward to passing along this ritual to my daughter. Nicole at Reaves, Party of Four, shared her version of the question and answer session. Starting this March, I want to make one for my daughter. Picture books are always something we enjoy looking through together, but this will add another layer of laughs to our memories!

 image c/o Reaves, Party of Four

Happy New Year

From The Darwin Girls

Make Your Own Party Hat via The Wedding Chicks

Under The Sea

Like most children at some point in their life, Little E loves the ocean. I may have rubbed off on her a bit - fish are, of course, my favorite animal! However, this summer at the beach she was a pig in mud. We collected ugly white shell after ugly white shell. Yes, I am a bad mom and threw a lot of them back when she was not looking.

Little E's birthday is on the horizon. I asked her if she wanted a theme for her party. (A, she loves themes. You would be so proud.) This year it seems we will be including the ocean and seahorses! I started planning by making a board on Pinterest of ideas. It will be lots of fun to turn my mom's dining room into an aquatic environment. Do you have any favorite ideas for a child's birthday party?

One Charming Party via Pinterest

Tag It

Have you wrapped all your presents yet? (Shhh... Don't tell. I have not even started!) Stop by the amazing Creature Comforts for a round up of free gift tags to complete all your gifts.

{Christmas Hangtags from Lemon Squeezy}

Happy Winter

 via Pinterest

Gift Guide 2011: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Have I shared with you that I love ice cream? I could eat it every day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For all you Buckeyes in Columbus, here is a perfect last minute gift for an ice cream lover. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams are amazing and unique. With flavors like Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows and Cherry Lambic Sorbet there is something for everyone. Would someone kindly send me a pint of Dark Chocolate Peppermint?

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Gorgeously Green

I try and make a conscientious effort every day to be "green". My husband helps me a lot with this by hounding me about my recycling. (Thank you Babe!) My mom recently supported my efforts as well with this book. - Gorgeously Green.

I love this book for its wide range of tips and advice. From makeup to household cleaning to baby! Are you "going green" for 2012?

What to Make on Christmas Break

I never thought I would be saying the words, "When I am on holiday break..." again. However, here I am after completing my first quarter of nursing school. My to-do list for the next two weeks is a mile long: clean the house, do laundry, read three books, finish my Christmas shopping, and cook! A few years ago, A had a Pampered Chef party, and I acquired this cookbook. The recipes are easy and delicious. I stole my mom's crock pot, so first on my recipe list is chili. I will let you know how it turns out.

What is your favorite crock pot recipe?

Study Break

I apologize for the lack of post today. I am wrapping up my first quarter of nursing school, and final exams are demanding my attention this week. See you next Tuesday!

P.S. Would someone make these and drop them off to me? What a way to take a study break.

 

Brie and Apple Tarts via Bloghungry

Santa and His Reindeer

If you are not making cookies this holiday season, here are a couple unique ideas for dessert.

Santa's Hat - Original Pin

Marshmallow Reindeer - Original Pin

Gift Guide 2011: DIY Scarf

Scarves have become part of my wardrobe year round. They are an easy way to add color or an unique twist on any outfit. I love this version not only because it is graphic and black and white, but also because it can be personal. Add your favorite piece of writing to linen and it becomes a thoughtful gift!

Original scarf via We Are Owls. DIY version via Stamp 48.

Will you being adding any DIY gifts to your list this year?

Pink and Turquoise

I am always looking for a new way to wear some of my favorite pieces already in my closet. This outfit led me to dig out a favorite three-quarter length sleeve magenta sweater. I am on the hunt for a turquoise scarf and a neutral, versatile bag now!

How do you renew some of your oldie, but goody winter staples? (It even can work for our tiny tots!)

Earrings via Room of Your Own on Etsy
Style via Pinterest
Children's clothing via Gap

Giving Gifts

Personal gifts are usually the best gifts. This pillow is sweet and meaningful. One of these days J is going to teach me to sew!

Pillow via In Between Laundry

My Fridge Food

Everyone struggles at some point or another with the question, "What's for dinner?". My Fridge Food is a brilliant website that uses the food your have in your fridge and creates a game plan for you. So if you only have chicken, bacon, and peppers, for example, there are hundreds of recipes to choose from. Not only does it point you in the right direction with a recipe, but there is also nutritional information.

In The Kitchen via Wit + Delight

Reading recipes is not always the most entertaining literature. Wit + Delight makes their delicious step-by-step process come to life on their blog. Their easy weeknight recipes are full of healthy ingredients such as kale. Yes, make sure you are eating your leafy, green vegetables for vitamin A, C, and K. Rigatoni w/ Kale & Prosciutto sounds perfect for a cold, grey winter day.



What is your favorite easy weeknight dinner?

More Then One Way to Use Your Socks

One of the things I love about blogging is that everyone can share imaginative, creative ideas. For example, this blogger shared her secret to creating the perfect ballerina-like bun. It is simple, easy, and free (if you have one of those annoying unmatched socks floating around). 

Have you found a creative use of a household product lately? Stop by and share it with us.

C is for Cookie

2011 is winding down quickly. I am amazed that it is November already. Like a lot of families, we love to bake cookies at the holidays. Each year standard favorites make an appearance - chocolate chip cookies, fudge, peanut butter kisses - but making something new is also exciting. I have a couple of possibilities on my "must try" list. Do you have a holiday baking tradition? Will you try a new recipe this year?

Lemon Whoopie Pies via Joy the Baker
Carrot Cake Cookies with with Oatmeal Macadamias via Teenie Cakes (Original pin)
Double Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Cookies via Made (Original pin)

Etsy Favorite #2: The Shop at No144

How can you not adore this Etsy Shop? The beautiful fabric flowers and bows are perfect accessories for the holidays.

Fabric Flower Headband - Bright Periwinkle Chiffon Ruffle

Fabric Flower Shoe Clip - Royal Blue Chiffon Ruffle

All images c/o of The Shop at No144

Etsy Favorite #1: Notetrunk

One of these stamps is definitely going to be my next Etsy purchase.

 

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Found via Creative Odds n' Ends
All images c/o NoteTrunk