Christmas on a shoe-string: we're on a budget this Christmas, as I am sure many people are. We are desperately trying to get into a house and I can't think of a better reason to be "tight." But we are still decorating and making Christmas things. Last week, we made this banner for oh, about .25 cents. But besides how easy it was to make, it is super functional and fun to double as an advent calendar. I cut out 25 triangles , strung them together with yarn, and stuck a sticky label on the back with a christmas task. Tonight, the task is "make wassail." Tomorrow, it's "Dance like snowflakes." This is a wonderful month. And the ceiling is looking festive: and the simplicity is inspiring me to be even more frugal and grateful for what we do have this year. What are you doing for DIY decor?
In our town of Halloween.
Halloween has never been an exciting holiday for my husband and I before we had kids. But of course, with children in the mix, the idea of dressing up, baking treats, and spooky stories as a holiday has changed our perspective a bit...and we've been having a lot of fun!
As well as spooks lurking around these parts, we've also been dealing with the seasons first set of coughs and colds...so with three sick kids, I really didn't want to hit the stores for Halloween children's decor. Here's what we have come up with so far...
Spooky portraits: so fun to make with the kids.
How we made them: On one particularly sick day, we laid around the house making spooky faces in the camera. The kids sat with me at the computer while I made them ready for printing. I had originally thought of framing them in these frames from IKEA, but since we were all too sick to get out, I drew a frame into photoshop inspired from the IKEA one I love, inserted the photos, and printed the whole thing out! Voila. Instant framed decor for Halloween!
And since we had more than enough spooky photos of the kids, I have since printed out the pictures, and we have had fun making spooky embellishments in marker and crayon...like pirate eye patches, cat ears and sharp teeth. It's like dress ups without the mess on the floor!
Halloween floral arrangement: Hardly floral! We spray painted some dead branches from outside, adorned with glittered butterflies and black crows (which I did purchase earlier in the month). The spray paint was a hit...and even though the kids just watched me, they wanted to turn everything in the house black after watching the transformation. Good thing we ran out of spray paint!
Bats in the doorway: Oh these took minutes...and cost use pennies..but they really look great as they hang in our entry way. Something about the silhouette factor. These were made with construction paper and string we had on hand.
The kids are begging for more...but alas...I still have costumes to figure out! More on that later...
If you have any fun links of kid-friendly Halloween fun, do share!
Happy Spooking!
Don't Forget...
If you are in traveling distance to Salt Lake City, UT, come to the Startup Princess Women's entrepreneur Touchpoint event on Friday featuring 3 awesome guest speakers including my favorite: Heather Bailey. Have a business? Thinking of starting one? Want to meet some really cool people? Want something fun to do on Friday? Come on down. It'll be a blast!
Sign up here.
I heart handmade.
So it's really true. Each child gets fewer and fewer photos of themselves. Everyone warned me, but I stubbornly took a million pictures of #1 and #2 to prove them wrong. But then came #3, and well....it's true. It's honestly a matter of having a spare finger to press "shoot." It doesn't sound that complicated, but believe me. They were right.
I managed to snap some photos of Ella this week, and it turns out, she is dolled up in everything handmade, and it made me smile. Everything she's wearing in these pictures someone took the time to make with their hands. I find that so special.
I fell in love with this podswaddler (a cross between a swaddling blanket and a peapod) made by a blog reader friend who has an ETSY shop. And her headband, also on ETSY who's maker is my wonderful neighbor. Her blanket in the top picture was made by my dear friend who does my shipping, and the best for last...
...this blessing dress made by my mother-in-law for Ella's special day. It just warms my heart to see so much made from loving hands for this little girl. My husband's grandmother even makes her things...at 90 years old...and I can't think of a better offering than of work from your hands. These are precious gifts!
And let's just say...this baby herself is as handmade as they come! And ooooooh, she's the best gift ever.
Creativity in Business.
I get asked all the time how I started my business, as well as what advice I would give to someone starting out on their own. I always try to offer what i can, but in all honesty, so much of what I have learned is from becoming a part of Startup Princess. Kelly Anderson has become a great friend of mine, and has created a place for women to essentially band together and share wisdom, support, services and techniques on life as a female entrepreneur. And the great thing about this organization, is that it's global with services and support offered via their online magazine with posts and support offered daily. I don't consider myself an entrepreneur. When others ask, "How is your business going?" it usually takes me back a moment. Business? Oh ya. It is a business. That might sound funny to you, but I still think of myself as an artist who happens to sell what I create, which of course means I have a business. Gosh, that sounds obvious. But the word business tends to intimidate me at times, and if it weren't for Startup Princess, I wouldn't have the tools I need to grow.
This next event is in Utah (lucky for me!) and I am thrilled about the the guest speakers: particularly Heather Bailey whom I completely admire and look up to. I have watched her growth for the past 3 years and she blows me away. She must be my age there about, has two children, and has basically created her own little empire with her incredible designs. She will be speaking on "Creating products that sell" and "Creativity in life and business." Sounds yummy. I can't wait!
If you are in UT or can come out for the event, the early bird registration ends on August 1st. And if you are new to Startup Princess, check out the site now, and get involved! It is a GREAT way to network and build relationships with people that can support what you do.
If you are coming, let me know! It would be just peachy to meet up to chat and meet face to face. Treat yourself to a day away and come on over. It'll be a party!
Sale away.
New in the shop: A sale section with items rotating weekly {thanks to a wonderful idea via the black apple}
Each week, I will post NEW items in the SALE section from my shop. Items will be chosen at random and will change each Wednesday. This way, you can snag a chance at getting a discount whenever you like! Enjoy!
The shop.
The sale section.
Winners!
Wowzers. I don't think I've ever had that many people say Happy Birthday to me before. Thanks so much! Good thing I didn't have to choose the winner here, and I could let www.random.org do the work. #46 and #224, the lucky Amy and Sheri, are the winners! Congrats!
Thanks again folks. So far 30 is great!
Pesto.
This past weekend, we picked a few bushels of basil from the garden, and made several batches of pesto that we hope will last us a long time! Many of you inquired about my husband's pesto recipe. Here it is:
2 cups fresh basil (packed down)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
2-3 garlic cloves
salt/pepper
1. In a food processor, PULSE the basil, pine nuts and garlic.
2. SLOWLY add the olive oil while it is mixing in the blender
3. Add the parmesan cheese
4. Mix thoroughly and dash in salt and pepper to taste
5. Keep refrigerated or freeze
6. TIPS ON FREEZING: freezing in ice cube trays creates portion size cubes perfect for spreading on sandwiches and salads. After they are frozen in the trays, transfer to a freezer bag for freshness.
Bon Appetite!