Do you do this? {Book Advent Calendar}

Do you do this? {Book Advent Calendar}

I love this Book Advent Calendar idea for next year!

(Un)Crafty - Starburst Mirror

You have seen starburst style mirrors everywhere.  They are cool.  And usually expensive.  I saw this tutorial on Honey We're Home how to make my own and I thought it was worth a try.  I used chopsticks (available at party supply stores...or your favorite take-out restaurant), bamboo skewers, a cheap 5" circle mirror from JoAnn's, a hot glue gun and metallic silver spray paint.  It was so simple!  I think the whole project only took about 30 minutes from start to finish.  The mirror ended up being pretty big, so I didn't have a place for it, but it was perfect for my mom's bathroom, so she has it hanging in there!  I encourage you to try this project for yourself or for a gift!  Visit the tutorial for steps to follow!

Amy Lou Jewlery

My super crafty, super trendy little sister launched her Etsy site yesterday!  Amy Lou Jewelry has cute, affordable, up to date accessories.  You have to see the earrings, bracelets, and necklaces she has created so far.  Of course, she would love to create a custom piece for you, mamas!  With prices like these, we can always have the perfect accessory.  A few of my favorites so far: the Ava Earring, the Amelia Bracelet, and the Addison Necklace.

So...what's your favorite???

Rudolph Cookies!

Adorable Rudolph cookies made by our friend, Jen.

What child (or adult) wouldn't love these festive Rudolph cookies?!  This special reindeer is pretty popular at our house, so the cookies our friend, Jen brought over last weekend were a huge hit!  Here's how to make them...

1 package of Pillsbury Simply Peanut Butter Cookies
M & M candies (for eyes and nose)
chocolate covered pretzels (make your own OR buy them already dipped!)
frosting (just a bit: to attach M & Ms)

Directions:
Form each cookie into a slight triangle shape before baking.  Bake according to package.  Cool for 2 minutes, then press pretzels into cookie for antlers.  Continue to cool cookies completely, then add small dots of frosting to attach M & M candies for eyes and nose!  Voila!  Thanks to Jen!

Crunchy Craisin Salad

As usual, I can't take credit for this recipe.  A friend, Molly, started bringing this salad around years ago and now its a staple for my family, too.  We especially like this tasty salad around the holidays - its so very festive!

Crunchy Craisin Salad:
1 head of broccoli (cut into small florets)
1 head of romaine lettuce (cut)
1 package ramen noodles
1 cup pecans (chopped)
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1/3 cup brown sugar

Toss cut broccoli and cut lettuce in large bowl.  Set aside.  Combine dry ramen noodles, pecans, butter and brown sugar in oven-safe bowl.  Stir until noodles and pacans are coated.  Brown in oven at 350 for 10 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool.

Dressing:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3-2/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

Toss all ingredients together and garnish with craisins.  Enjoy!

Try Shutterfly Photo Cards

I have used Shutterfly for holiday cards, birthday announcements for my kids, regular photo prints and enlargements, and photo books.  I find the quality at Shutterfly to be great, the service and shipping to be fast, and the product options endless.  Many of my friends upload their photos to Shutterfly as a "safe keeping".  Then, they are sure to get them printed easily and add to their baby books, frames, and dad's office.


As I said before, I ordered my Christmas photo cards early this year.  However, we send out a lot of cards and I had to skimp on my list a little.  So, for the second round, I like this simple and cute photo card from Shutterfly!  


They have so many cute cards...after looking through, here are some of my favorites:
Bright Merry Story Card, Cranberry Joy Card, Glitter Glamour Joy Card, and the Love 2010 Card.




You can choose a card with one photo, several photos, and even one with room for text and updates about the year's happenings in your family.


Besides your photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards,


you can find other great gift ideas like wall calendars: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars,


or photo mugs: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs,


or even birthday invitations and announcements: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-cards-stationery!




The options are endless at Shutterfly!  Go ahead, take a peek and enjoy browsing around.  Remember, Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is on its way soon, so get your cards printed now!


If you are a blogger and you'd like to share, you can receive 50 free cards from Shutterfly by entering here.

Grocery List

Unfortunately, I am not good at meal planning.  I know it helps with shopping and the stress of "what's-for-dinner".  I'm trying to get better at it - and limit the number of times I visit the store during the week.

One thing that has helped me is this weekly meal planning sheet from Aby Garvey at Simplify 101.  The list has a place for your daily schedule that helps you see how the day's activity is going to affect your meal plan.  We live a crazy life (as all of you do, too!) so this is a helpful feature for me!  Continue on to read her "10 Tips to Simplify Meal Planning" for more great tricks!

Right now, Aby is offering a free one-on-one organizing session with a lucky winner from her blog!  Check it out and leave her a comment to WIN!