Cookies in a Jar!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. This year my husband and I are expecting our first child. In preparation for said event, we have decided to start pinching pennies, including Christmas gifts. One of the best frugal x-mas gifts I've found are cookies in a jar. They're not only cheap, but fun and easy to make.
As I'm writing this post and thinking back to previous years, it seems this has become a family tradition. My husband and I head over to my mom's house, and make these little delights. We normally make about 12, 1 quart jars and split the end products. You can find the recipe we used for chocolate chip cookies here. I've also included the labels I made in photoshop in this post. Enjoy!
Click to enlarge. The "to" cards are to be tied with the "recipe" cards around the lid.


I made this poinsettia round label to be adhered to the top of the jar.

Decorate Your Walls with Molding

Decorate Your Walls with Molding
I love this idea for the bedroom. I can't wait until we get all the outside work done so we can start on the inside!

The xx - Crystalised

I have to say the video isn't anything spectacular, but I just love this song. I had no idea the band was comprised of such young things. Enjoy!

Pearl buttons, red ribbon, and lace trim

Well as I had expected I had a very busy weekend. The football game, ticket taker experience wasn't so bad. Mom and I made great headway with my Halloween costume. And the cookout was so much fun! My friends ended up getting a pop up camper! It was so cozy and nice!
Did I mention that the making of this costume was my first "real" sewing experience. I sure did pick a dozy of a pattern. I arrived bright and early at mom's house both days. We ended up spending two full work days on this garment, with a half hour for lunch. I can't imagine how long it would have taken just one of use to sew.
If mom was sewing I was cutting, pinning, or ironing (and vice versa).
I think it turned out lovely. The only thing left is the grommets and lacing of the red ribbon. There are so many possibilities with this pattern. I originally thought that Jason and I would go as the Mad Hatter and March Hare..but we'll see.

Engergized Friday

Well Friday is finally here! So far, I've beat my goal of one post a week. Granted it hasn't even been a week since I posted that goal.
I feel energized and ready to face the busy weekend. I've been catching up on all my internet connections and finding all sorts of inspiration for crafts & style. Above is a new blazer I found while surfing here. Its only $40 and I think it would perk up any outfit day or night.
I just got my Halloween pattern cut out. Now it's time for pinning and cutting out the fabric. I have so much to learn about sewing! For instance, is a stay stitch really necessary? What is baste stitching? How do I ease the seam? What's a top stitch? I've only sewn purses, which I've had simple instructions or made up my own procedures for. No terminology required. Luckily, when I sew this I'll be at my mom's house (expert); as I don't even own a sewing machine. I hope I'll get this completely knocked out, or almost knocked out this weekend.
I have a cookout to go to Saturday evening, which I'm looking forward to. I found a great recipe for carmel apple cookies. Well at least I hope its great. I've not used it before, but the pictures looked yummy.
My husband should be getting back from his "boys only" adventure Monday. Who knows what time. I'm so glad that he's going to be home! We have so much work to do before our house arrives. Gosh that sounds funny..."our house arrives". I'm just a little, um is bitter the right word, that he left for 11 days right before we get a house. Boys will be boys though.
I found an excellent paper lantern diy project. I was thinking about using it for a house warming party. It maybe wishful thinking. I'm planning the party for Nov. 14th. Any party tips are welcome. I saw a nifty idea. Take a large pumpkin, clean & hollow, fill with ice. Viola a lovely center piece and cooler for beverages.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Inspiration for fall...

I would love to make this wreath! I wouldn't keep the bike trail theme, but think it would be fabulous in fall colors and found objects!
Here are instructions!!

Where is my Head?

Oh my! It has been a whirl wind. Recently, besides starting school, my husband and I ordered a manufactured home. Which means lots of work. Banking papers (first time home owners), ground to prepare, septic systems, electrical work, etc... There is also a preexisting house to tear down. Our house should be here by the first or second week in October!
Jason has also just left on an eleven day vacay, "boys only" motorcycling adventure. I am in the middle of planning prom, being Junior Class Sponsor, Art Club Sponsor, and Art Teacher (revamping lesson plans & new projects)! Not to mention Oct. is right around the corner. It too is full of activities! I found the cutest pattern for a Halloween Costume. Have I ever sewn clothes before, you may ask? No, just purses and cell phone holders. Maybe a toga or a hem. So that should be interesting in its self.
Its just been so busy lately, no post. I haven't even been able to keep up with e-mail and face book! Let alone all the interesting blogs I follow! I applaud those bloggers who blog daily!
My goal, and because I'm writing it let it be so, is to blog once a week! I'm thinking Wednesday's would be perfect!
Have a great week everyone!