Homespun With Love

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2012-02-28T04:00:00.065-08:00

Quotations by Dr. Seuss

" A persons a person no matter how small."

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind".

"Don't cry because it's over smile because it happened".{source}

March second would have been Dr.Seuss 108 birthday! Today we would like to say "Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. Thank you for making us laugh and think and dream big dreams". In honor of Dr. Seuss, we made some un~cupcakes to share with you.

Vegan "Baileys" Irish Cream

2012-02-27T04:00:00.123-08:00

We thought it would be fun to add something new this year to our St. Patrick's Day celebrating,.... a little Irish Cream. Hoping to stay within the "clean" eating guidelines we have been trying to live with, we did a little searching in hopes of finding a Vegan "Bailey's" Irish Cream recipe with the right ingredients we would like to try.

Since we have never made Irish Cream before, we had, fresh in our minds, the days gone by memories of the original, and were not sure what the Vegan recipe would leave us with.
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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-02-26T04:00:00.060-08:00

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The Lord is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,

Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

Psalm 113:4-6

St.Patrick's Day Subway Art Print

2012-02-25T04:00:00.059-08:00

Is your mantel a little bear and in need of something more?!

We have just the thing for you! We are proud to bring you our St. Patrick's Day subway art print! From "Top O The Morning To You", to "Kiss Me I'm Irish", we got you covered with the most traditional Irish sayings and blessings.
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Can Of Three Shamrocks

2012-02-24T07:01:00.056-08:00

Three is Ireland's magic number. Hence the Shamrock. The Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Faith, Hope and Charity.

Numbers played an important role in Celtic symbolism.

Three was the most scared and magical number.

Three may have signified totality: past, present and future or behind, before and here or sky, earth and underworld.

Everything good in Ireland comes in threes.{source and to learn more}

Feature Friday:{Bacon Time}

2012-02-24T04:00:00.051-08:00

Today's Feature Friday spotlight is shinning on Mindie author of the blog, Bacon Time and Etsy shop owner of TLC Creations. Mindie is a busy wife and mother, business woman, blogger and crafter. Let's just say, like many women, Mindie wears a lot of hats.

On Mindie's blog you will find interesting recipes, money saving tips, crafts, giveaways and time spent bringing awareness to others through her weekly link party.

Today we are spotlighting Mindie, to show our appreciation for all she does for others. Our focus today is on Mindie's Etsy shop where you will find quality jewelery at prices you can really afford.

21 Free St. Patrick's Day Party Printables

2012-02-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

Hostess With The Mostess: St. Patrick's Day Printables

Time to start planning for this years St. Patrick's Day party! We can help you out with a selection of twenty-one free St. Pat's party printables. Need some cupcake toppers? Bottle labels? Drink coasters? Or treat bag toppers?

We think you will find a few things to help make planning your party easy and cost effective. So go ahead, take a look. If you would kindly leave a nice comment for the designer/designer's, they would love to hear from you!

Recipe Wednesday:Herb Infused Oil & Vinegar

2012-02-22T04:00:00.039-08:00

Looking for a quick and easy way to make your own, gourmet flavored oil and vinegar? Who doesn't love those fancy gourmet bottles of flavored oil and vinegar, and at one time or another, even spend more than you should have on them.

Why not make your own! That is what we finally did. While at the Dollar Tree over Christmas, we came upon these oil and vinegar bottles and we knew we could make our own flavored oil and vinegar for much less and be happy with the way they looked and tasted.
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Happy Mardi Gras!

2012-02-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

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Mardi Gras History

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to Medival Europe, though we have no written record of how that really transformed into the current Mardi Gras of today. But the origins of the Mardi Gras we celebrate today -- with Kings, Mardi Gras colors, and brass bands -- are traced to New Orleans.

Although we can trace its history to the Romans, a French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, landed on a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans in 1699 and called it "Pointe due Mardi Gras." He also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated the very first Mardi Gras.

In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile) ... similar to those who form our current Mardi Gras Krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Graf Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. The procession was held with a huge bull's head pushed alone on wheels by 16 men. This occurred on Fat Tuesday. {source and to learn more}

Our Irish Mantel

2012-02-20T04:00:00.094-08:00

It is time to start decorating with the Emerald Isle green of Ireland! After a red and more energetic Valentine's Day decor palette, we are looking forward to the earthiness of green St. Patrick's day brings.

We decided we wanted to get back to the "neutral" zone and have a more earthy, rustic St. Patrick's Day decorating plan. We incorporated elements that we think of when we think of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day. Green, lace, stone, shamrocks and Irish sayings.
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Tangerine Tango On A Budget

2012-02-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

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Have you thought about incorporating Pantone's color of the year, Tangerine Tango into your home decor? Yes, it is time once again to change up the home decor and fashion color. According to Pantone, this reddish orange Tangerine Tango color continues to provide the energy boost needed to move forward. If you are like most, you don't have the disposable cash just waiting for you to spend on a complete home makeover of Pantone's favored color. Now that does not mean you have to go entirely without the trendy color gracing your home. We found some ways for you to add this energizing color to your home in ways that are appealing to the eye and the pocket book.
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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-02-19T04:00:00.002-08:00

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I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
^{6 My soul wa}More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
Psalm 130: 5-6

Natural Remedy: Peppermint For Headaches

2012-02-18T04:00:00.037-08:00

Are you looking for natural remedies for the things that ail you? Exploring the world of herbs for their healing and restorative properties is something we have started to do more of. Instead of turning to the medicine chest for a pill, we are looking to Gods garden of healing herbs and plants to help us.

"Let The Good Times Roll"!

2012-02-17T15:52:00.043-08:00

"Laissez les bons temps rouler"! Meaning, "Let the good times roll"! In honor of the Mardi Gras celebration starting this Tuesday, we baked up some gluten free vanilla muffins. Much to our delight, the muffins baked up looking like sweet little Kings Cakes minus the baby. We put our Mardi Gras muffins together in no time and with very little expense with Dollar Tree items and free Mardi Gras printables.

Feature Friday:{Yesterday On Tuesday}

2012-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday On Tuesday: Napkin and Place Mat Set

We are happy to have in our Feature Friday spotlight, Malia, of Yesterday On Tuesday! We love Malia's vintage inspired style from her blog decor to her many vintage inspired crafts. Being a busy wife and a mother keeps Malia pretty busy, but not so busy that she can't find time for some crafty goodness!
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Make Your Own Coconut Honey Scrub

2012-02-16T04:00:00.037-08:00

Time to start preparing your Winter dry skin for the warm, sun kissed skin that Spring and Summer will be bringing! Instead of heading out to the drug store or department store for your skin care products, turn to your pantry! Today we are honoring all grandmothers and their homespun beauty remedies for being priceless to our health and well being. With that said, take a look at the ingredients label on some of your favorite, pricey beauty products and see how many unpronounceable names there are and then look at a jar of homemade Coconut Honey Scrub: Organic Sugar, Organic Raw Honey, Organic Coconut Oil, Essential Oil. Now, which one do you want to use?!
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Recipe Wednesday: Homemade Ginger Syrup

2012-02-15T04:00:00.008-08:00

As a child whenever we had an upset stomach or stomach flu, we were always given the old Ginger Ale as a way to help settle things down. Aside from the fact that Ginger is great for settling an upset stomach, taste great in recipes and smells heavenly, there are are few more things you may be interested in knowing about Ginger.
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From My Loving Husband!

2012-02-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to this morning!!! My husband is the BEST at surprising you with out of the ordinary gifts! This one ranks right up there now with the Happy Anniversary sky writing! Love you! To see more pictures keep reading!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T05:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
By now you must know that dark chocolate {in moderation} is good for you, even on the day of love. Not just any old chocolate, but dark chocolate high in cocoa. The flavonoids in the cocoa bean are natural compounds with antioxidant properties - the same compounds that give berries, red wine and green tea their health benefits. So what better little gift to give to someone you love on Valentine's Day than chocolate and good health! And tucking some chocolate into a pretty homemade wrapper is not a bad idea either.
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Semi-Homemade Valentine Cookies

2012-02-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Need a quick, easy and festive Valentine treat idea in a hurry?! When you are just not up to the bake from scratch thing, give it the old semi homemade version instead. We used four, probably in your pantry ingredients, for a quick, last minute, bring to the gathering festive cookie!
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DIY Box Of Valentine Chocolates

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

This year instead of gifting one of those large, pretty red heart boxes full of chocolate, we decided to downsize the chocolate box to a more intimate, portion control appropriate box. Yes, we are going to have chocolate on Valentine's Day only a little more civilized. So this is what we came up with.
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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-02-12T04:00:00.001-08:00

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We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

Valentine's Morning Coffee & Donuts

2012-02-11T07:20:00.002-08:00

Breakfast awaits you! There is nothing nicer than sharing a meal with those you love. In this case, coffee and donuts. On Valentine's Day morning, why not serve up something with a little heart from home sweet home! Heart shaped donuts and coffee for the adults, and milk and donuts {in a special grown up cup}, for the kids! This sweet surprise is sure to make a lot of hearts happy and strike up good conversation. Serve these with a little protein on the side and the day is off to a pretty good start!
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Printable Valentine Treat Packaging

2012-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

How do you plan to package and present your Valentine gifts and treats this year?! It has been said that we eat with our eyes first when it comes to food, but we think the same can be said when it comes to gift giving too. It doesn't matter if your gift is homemade or store bought, the packaging message is the same. With that said, we found five Valentine treat/gift packaging ideas that are free, printable, cute and easy to put together!

Our Gift To You

2012-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Homespun With Love Turns "1"!!!

Yes one year ago today we took the big step and ventured out into the blogging world! We have loved every minuet of it and have learned and continue to learn each and everyday from all of you. There is so much creativity and inspiration to be found, we are happy to be connected to women/men like you.

We want to let you know from the bottom of our hearts how much we appreciate, and how honored we are, that you have become readers and followers of Homespun With Love. It is so humbling to think that in some small way, the creative ability the Lord has given us might inspire someone to dream and be inspired themselves.
We love getting comments from you and look forward to more!

So today, to show our sincere gratitude and love for you all we have a little gift for you. No you won't find a big party going on with balloons and streamers, or a big sponsored giveaway, but what you will find is a gift that comes from our heart with love. We hope you will like this.
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Feature Friday:{Alyssabeths}

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Alyssabeths: Felt Heart Valentine Wreath

Feature Friday:{Alyssabeths} We are so excited to bring you today's Feature Friday spotlight! Get ready for a good dose of romantic, shabby chic, pretty, feminine on a budget crafts and handmade jewelery. Beth, of Alyssabeths blog and Etsy shop, has won over our hearts with her frugal craft style and romantic jewelery designs. We love how Beth takes simple dollar store finds and turns them into much, much more. Beth's jewelery designs are truly lovely and one of a kind pieces.

DIY Valentine Candle Holders

2012-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

We simply can not get enough black and red lately! Here we go adding another layer to our red and black Valentine theme decor. We came up with a frugal candle centerpiece using odds and ends of things we already had. We just a little spray paint and some glue, we put together a unique candle arrangement.
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Recipe Wednesday:{Love Potion No.9}

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

What is red and good for your heart?! A big red heart shaped box of chocolate? Maybe. If you answered our Love Potion No.9 you are correct! More specifically, the ingredients in our Love Potion is what is good for your heart. We did a little creative magic mixing of this and a little of that, and made a healthy for your heart, pretty and tasty Love Potion No.9 we would like to share with you.
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We Reached "500" Followers!!!

2012-02-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

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We reached "500" followers!!!

We are amazed, happy and so honored that you have become a follower! We truly appreciate it more than words can say. We love you all! Thank you SOOOOOO MUCH!!!

Cupid's Arrow Pencils

2012-02-07T04:00:00.001-08:00

Are you looking for a Valentine gift idea without all the sugar? We crafted up a little non-sugar alternative, but still with all the sweetness! This is our take on the popular cupid's arrow that you are seeing and maybe even crafting yourself these days. We like this because it is: sugarless, easy to make, cost effective as multiple gifts and well received.
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Kids Budget Savvy Valentine's Table

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Need a couple ideas for a kids Valentine's Day table? We have put together a kid friendly, pocket book friendly quick and easy Valentine's Day table just for the kids. Put this table together while the kids are in school and surprise them when they come home! You will be the best mom, aunt or grandma! As we always try to do, we used mostly items we already had. Here is what we did.
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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

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Owe no one anything, except to love each other
for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

Valentine's For Boys {Free Printables}

2012-02-04T04:00:00.001-08:00

No girls allowed, sorry! Sometimes boy's just need something that is all theirs and just special enough for them. We did some shopping around to see what we could find in the way of "boys" Valentine cards. After running these past the nine year old male judge, we got the finale approval! These Valentine ideas can be for a boy to give out to classmates, friends and family, OR for the family, friends and classmates to give to him.
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Sweet-Heart Candy Arrows

2012-02-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Origin of Valentine's Day Hearts
Around 12th Century people were not aware the function of heart was to circulate blood inside the human body. What they knew was that heart begins to beat faster when a person is upset or excited. They, therefore, derived that heart was the seat of emotions and feelings. Poets too eulogized the role of heart in feelings of love and romance and over the years this make believe connection between heart and love became deep seated in the minds of people. Today, even though it has been scientifically proven that emotions come from the brain, the heart remains a powerful symbol of love and Valentine's Day. {source}
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Feature Friday:{Funky Polka Dot Giraffe}

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Funky Polka Dot Giraffe: Warm & Fuzzy Valentine

Feature Friday:{ Funky Polka Dot Giraffe} Today we are featuring another one of our blog reads, Kyla, of Funky Polka Dot Giraffe blog and Etsy shop.If you are looking for an upbeat, fun, craft inspirational hang out, than you need to check out Funky Polka Dot Giraffe. There is always something interesting brewing over their.

Chocolate Lovers Bath Salt

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wished you could bathe in chocolate because you love it so much?! Well chocolate lovers, with a few simple pantry items you can! This sweet soak is said to relieve scaly dry Winter skin due to the Epsom salt gently exfoliating the dead skin cells, and the flavanols in the chocolate are said to promote new cell growth for a radiant glow, just in time for Valentine's Day!
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Symbols Of Love

2012-02-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

We love celebrating and decorating our home for all of life's occasions. Seeing symbols of LOVE throughout the home speaks from the heart to all who live in the home and to all who enters. As mothers, those little "decorations", we put out will hopefully give us the chance to teach our children a little something about Gods love for us and how we are to love others. There really is an opportunity to teach in all that we do. We just need to be mindful and take the opportunities. So we would like to show you a few of the decorations we have out in our home this Valentine's season that speak to love and its opportunities.
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Recipe Wednesday:{Valentine's Tea & Cookies}

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Do you have plans this Valentine's Day for a little tea and cookies? If not, you may want to consider it. In as much time as it would take you to wash a load of laundry, you can set up a sweet Valentine's Tea table for a lovely family tea together. By making up the Valentine cookies and tea bags ahead of time, say a day of two in advance, all you need to do the day of your tea is to take out some of your pretty tea cups and tea pot that have been waiting for the "special occasion", and set your table.
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Valentine Candy Bar Wrappers

2012-01-31T04:00:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for a quick and simple, diy Valentine craft that is also a gift, consider candy bar wrappers! No baking or messes to clean up, and the presentation is so cute! Today we have three different candy bar wrapper ideas for you that we are sure you are going to love and use!
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Sassy Lollipops!

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little sassy this Valentine's Day?! After getting the kids Valentines cards and gifts all situated, don't forget to take some time to do a little grow-up party planning of your own! Whether it be a small get together with the girlfriends or sisters, or something more romantic with your sweetheart, all you need to make these sassy lollipops are a few inexpensive items and craft supplies and in no time you will be one sassy lollipop decorator!

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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

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You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
Psalm 139: 2-6

Valentine Napkins & Napkin Rings

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have fun doing it yourself! Turn paper napkins and pipe cleaners into pretty accent pieces for your Valentine's table. It is so easy to add fun inexpensive touches to your entertaining with items you already own.
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"Can of Hearts" Valentine's Centerpiece

2012-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

We needed a fresh new idea for a Valentine's table centerpiece this year. So after a little thought, this is what we came up with. Something like a topiary, but not. Something like a lollipop, but not quite. We call it simply, "Can of Hearts". Not at all hard to make and most of the craft supplies are probably in your craft stash.

Feature Friday:{Flamingo Toes}

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Flamingo Toes: Simple Spring Framed Vases

Feature Friday:{Flamingo Toes} We love to bring to you the the crafty ideas of the women behind the blogs we follow. So often they are the women showcasing all our crafts, that their great talents get a little lost in the shuffle. Today, we are spotlighting the talented Beverly, author of Flamingo Toes and Etsy shop. Beverly seems to have a knack for all things crafty from sewing to good home cooking. Flamingo Toes is a great source of inspiration for the crafter, and her love of the Lord is evident too. Since love is in the air, we have picked some of Beverly's creations that speak love to us to show you.

Valentine Cards & Sweet Tokens

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Does your heart just beat a little faster when someone gives you a special Valentine's Day token of love?! This Valentine's Day don't just be the recipient of a Valentine's token of love, but be the "gifter" of one as well! We first introduced our mini Valentine Cards last season and decided to bring them back with some sweet little ideas of how you could use them this Valentine's Day.
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Recipe Wednesday:{Chocolate Nutella Valentine Hearts}

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Our Love Affair With Chocolate. Are you having a love affair with chocolate this time of year?! We are! There is no denying that once you lay eyes on a piece of chocolate it is love at first sight. Than the smell entices you to draw ever nearer like a spellbinding perfume, and as if you have lost all control, you pop that chocolate delicacy into your mouth and feel like you are in heaven. Than of course there is Nutella! A sweet all unto itself.Today we want to share with you our homemade Chocolate Nutella filled hearts perfect for a sweethearts Valentine dessert!
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Valentine's Day Mantel Garland

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

DIY Valentines Garland. To finish off our Valentines mantel of course we had to make a garland. Red heart doilies are so reminiscent of childhood Valentine making for us. We would gather around the dinning room table with all of our supplies and make Valentines for family and classmates and cut out red construction paper hearts to hang in the windows of the house. Looks like we still love those red hearts.
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Valentine's Day Mantle Candles

2012-01-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

Romantic Candle Wraps. Sassy and edgy are our Valentine's Day mantel candle wraps. We hope you had a chance to see the full Valentine's Day Mantel. We decided this Valentine's Day we would have a more adult, sophisticated theme and decor to follow. These candle wraps are so simple to make and really need no special materials to put together.
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Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

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The Year of The Dragon

The Dragon’s Personality

People born under the Dragon are passionate, brave and self-assured. At their best they are pioneering spirits; at their worst, they epitomize the old adage: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Dragons are generous with their resources, a tendency that at its most negative can reflect a foolhardy attitude towards money. But Dragons in general are blessed with good fortune. They are smart, enterprising and have a wicked sense of humor. They have a natural flair for fashion and are the people to consult if you want to catch up on the latest trends.

This Chinese New Year 2012 ushers in the Water Dragon. Water exerts a calming influence on the Dragon’s innate fire. Water Dragons are more open to other people’s opinions than other Dragons which gives them the ability to channel their personal charisma into real leadership qualities.

Famous celebrities born in under the Dragon include John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Al Pacino, Marlene Dietrich and Matt Dillon. The Dragon’s lucky color is yellow. {source}

Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-01-22T04:00:00.001-08:00

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Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings
from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
Psalm 17:8

Valentine's Day Mantel

2012-01-21T04:00:00.002-08:00

What Is Your Love Language? According to Dr. Gary Chapman, there are five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch and we all have one in particular. Finding these love languages is reported to help express practical and power ways of expressing love. {source}. Today we are speaking the language of love through Valentine decor. Our theme this year is a little sassy and a little edgy, red and black romance!
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Feature Friday:{Alaskan Dermish}

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Feature Friday:{ Alaskan Dermish's Dessert Specialities} Are you looking for something a little different this new year along the lines of sweet indulgences? We were shopping around to see what the world of Etsy had that was sweet with some healthiness mixed in and we found, the Alaskan Dermish. Monica, owner of Alaskan Dermish, specializes in the extra special caramel like Blueberry and making vegan and gluten free batches as well! You better come have a look for yourself.

Winter Blues Bath Salts & DIY Pedestal Jar

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Chase Away The Winter Blues. If you are feeling a little "blah" this Winter, take some time out for yourself and chase away those Winter blues with an uplifting, bath salts soak! Let the family know that you will be in-dispose for the next 30 minutes, get your favorite soft robe, slippers, some candles, your choice of beverage and your Winter blues bath salts and lock the door behind you!

"33" Free Valentine Printables!

2012-01-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Paper & Pigtails for Catch My Party: Printable Valentine Collection

We Did A Little Shopping Around For You. We shopped around and found "33" really great, free printable Valentine's for you! From sweet classroom Valentine's to something a little more sophisticated. Hearts and love birds, cupcakes and frogs! Now, there is no reason not to get in the Valentine's Day spirit! Happy Valentines printing!
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Recipe Wednesday:{Healthy Dates}

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ready For A Date Tonight?! This recipe is not original and there are many variations to be found with the additions of unsweetened cocoa, peanut butter and the like. We decided, since we are on a quest to regain our good health prior holidays, we would make a very simple batch as a healthy, sweet and feel good about treat. A few nutritional facts about DATES: Wonderfully delicious, dates are one of the most popular fruits with an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, required for normal growth, development and overall well-being. The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which prevents dietary LDL cholesterol absorption in the gut. It is also a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Source and for more information.
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Health Tip: Rosemary

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

A Rosemary Legend. One of the loveliest of all herbal legends is the story of why rosemary has blue flowers. When the holy family fled into Egypt, a weary Mary spread her cloak on a white flowered rosemary. The flowers miraculously changed to the blue of Mary’s cloak. The Spanish name for rosemary is romero, or pilgrims plant, and derives from this legend. For botanical accuracy there is a species with white flowers, but the rest bloom in shades of blue. {source}
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Valentine's Day Dessert Table

2012-01-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

A Step Back In Time. Before we get on with Valentine's Day 2012, we wanted to take a small step back in time and take a peak at last Valentine's Day Tea Party dessert table, and share with you some of our ideas. We put together a vintage dessert table for our Valentine's Tea Party on a budget using semi-homemade desserts and homemade decorations. A step back in time is always nice when it is filled with sweet memories.
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Winter Chandelier

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Winter Decorating. The peace and tranquility of a few Winter decorations around the house is well worth the extra energy of having to pack up yet another box of well loved decorations. As the days, weeks and years are passing by now much quicker, enjoying to it's fullest, the God given seasons in all their splendor in decoration and/or reality is something worth pursuing. And so it is with our Winter chandelier, transforming for a short while to bring us a glimpse of Winter beauty.
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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-01-15T04:00:00.001-08:00

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The Lord is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life-
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Five White Vases

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Easy Winter Centerpiece. You may remember these "five white vases" from our post we did, DIY Milk Glass Vases. So now, we are putting these vases to good Winter time decor. We love how easy and quick this centerpiece is to do. Just a simple swap out of foliage, add in a silver tray and silver votive candles and presto! The five white vases of Winter!

Valentine's Day Decor

2012-01-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

Home Sweet Home. As much as we love our Winter decorations right now, in a very short while it will all be taken down and up will go Valentine's Day. In the mean time, we thought it would be fun to show you how we decorated for Valentine's Day last season. We didn't have a theme per say, like all hearts or all roses, we just put together some simple things we had or found here and their, and it all seemed to work. So here is a look at some of our home sweet home Valentine decorations while we prepare for this years Valentine's Day.
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Feature Friday:{Ruby Jean}

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ruby Jean: Vanilla Bean Sugar
Feature Friday:{ Ruby Jean} We are so excited to share a new vintage find with you today! This one is full of really pretty ideas and inspiration, energy and good reading! We came across this lovely blog and camped out for awhile. We are referring to Ruby Jean of course! We were first smitten with the blog design. So vintage cute and friendly, than we got into the content. Well, have a look for yourself.

Snowflake Ribbon Candles

2012-01-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

From Heaven With Love. How precious these gifts of snowflakes from heaven are. Each one unique and different. Touched by the Creators hand. Peaceful and beautiful. Capturing hearts with endless love. Here for awhile and then gone. Leaving beautiful memories.
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Recipe Wednesday:{Nourishing Brown Rice Pudding}

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Comfort Food. Remember when grandmother would be at the stove loving preparing a great comfort food her family! Grandma may not have used the same exact ingredients we are using today, but one thing remains the same..... the homespun love put into feeding the family and bringing us together. So, take comfort in the fact that our recipe today is healthy and will comfort and warm your heart and soul.
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Winter Trees Jars

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Winter Trees. "All the complicated details of the attiring and the dis attiring are completed! A liquid moon moves gently among the long branches. Thus having prepared their buds against a sure winter the wise trees stand sleeping in the cold." William Carols Williams.

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Ideas From The Wedding Chicks

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Love Is In the Air. Are you in the midst of planning a Valentine's Day wedding? Are you an admirer of pretty wedding things? Are you a hopeless romantic? Lover of vintage with a little modern mixed in for good measure? Which ever shoe you may be wearing, The Wedding Chicks are the chicks you want to get to know if you do not know them already. If you are a DIY bride, looking for stylish, budget friendly ideas.....do we have some great ideas for you today!
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Frosty Pillar Candles

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Fire And Ice. We decided to bring a little icy frost and fire into the house this Winter. Yes, the two opposing elements can work together in a crafty sort of way. We got our inspiration from none other than Martha Stewart. Simple household ingredients give you a very good thing.
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Sunday Thought and Inspiration

2012-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Photo

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,

who does not look to the proud, to those who turn

aside to false gods.

Psalm 40:4

Winter Mantel Garland

2012-01-07T04:00:00.001-08:00

A Little More Sparkle. We are loving our Winter mantel and all the pretty, sparkly Winter time jewels that decorate it. Something as simple as a mantel garland really adds that final step in pulling the theme together.

Feature Friday:{Lolly Jane Boutique}

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Apothecary Jars & Plaque

Feature Friday:{Lolly Jane Boutique} Ready to meet the girls next door?! Well, not really next door but we really must say, having never met these two twin girls, they just seem like the really great girls next door who would be your friend forever and share really great craft ideas with you! One thing is for sure, Kelli and Kristi of Lolly Jane Boutique are amazing crafter's. We love their style and use of easy to find, inexpensive material to turn out some pretty great pieces. Let's go have a look shall we!

Snowflakes & Icicles

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Snow Flurry. Recently we inherited some vintage beautiful glass ornaments, snowflakes and icicles to add to our collection. They are going to feel right at home here with all the other snowflakes and icicles. And so it is with decorating our homes, whatever little touches we add, we want it to feel welcome and like home.

Recipe Wednesday:Healthy Sweet & Savory Nuts

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

To Your Good Health in 2012! We are happy to bring you our first "healthy" recipe for 2012! After so many,way too many Holiday indulgences, it has become a goal of ours to get back into a healthy eating pattern and to maintain it as a lifestyle. So, today we bring you our version of Sweet and Savory Nuts.
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Winter Candles

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

By Candlelight, All Is Better. During the cold, frosty winter we love lighting as many white candles as we can and creating an atmosphere of peace and calm as all is better by candlelight. For our Winter Mantel we have winterized our candles with snowflakes and icicles and encased them in ice.
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Winter Mantel

2012-01-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sparkling Winter Mantel. Do you go from Christmas decor back to normal, or do you celebrate the Winter Season by decorating with wintry elements?! We are the type who does celebrate and decorate for the Winter. We love of look of white sparkly snow, icicles hanging in the snow covered trees. As we turn inward during the Winter, the peace and stillness of the season, beckons to bring its beauty indoors for us to enjoy through creative expression.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Source

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

New Year's Eve Celebration

2011-12-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

3, 2, 1. Happy New Year! " Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne ? For auld lang syne, my dear,for auld lang syne,we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you'll buy your pint cup !and surely I'll buy mine !And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne."

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem, thought to be composed by Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns in 1788. It is sung to the traditional folk tune Roud 6294. Auld Lang Syne literally translates to "Old Long Since," and more roughly it means "long, long ago" or "days gone by." Source.
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New Year's Fortune Favor

2011-12-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

Your 2012 Fortune Awaits You. Predictions for the New Year can be found in a crystal ball, tea leaves or from a fortune teller. All those can be fun and who's to say that on occasion, some of those predictions don't turn out to be correct. Well, we thought it would be fun to make up New Year's party favors using regular fortune cookies and tucking them into little silver take out boxes.
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Feature Friday:{The 36th Avenue}

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

The 36th Avenue Free New Years Printable

Feature Friday: { The 36th Avenue} Have you visited The 36th Ave. yet?! Ladies, if you have not, please do! Desiree is a creative, energetic, full of life that rubs off on you kind of lady! We love her design style from paper crafts to tackling a furniture refinishing project. Desiree is a busy wife and mother and manages to create beautiful crafts, home decor pieces and free printables! Be sure to check out Desiree's latest.

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Welcome 2012 Free Printables!

2011-12-29T10:51:00.000-08:00

Pamela Smerker New Year's Printables! Here is another fabulous set of FREE New Year's Party printables for you from yet another talented party and design girl, Pamela Smerker Designs! If you haven't yet fixed your sights on some stylish New Year's Party printables, well what are you waiting for?!! Head on over to Pamela's to get your set today! Be sure to leave Pamela a sweet comment. She would love to know what you think!

Photos/Source/Pamela Smerker Designs

Count Down Champagne Glasses

2011-12-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

How Do You Countdown? Counting down the minuets, and than the seconds until midnight, and the beginning of a new year is fun and exciting. Watching the big ball drop in New York's Time Square, even if only on t.v. is as traditional as toasting in the New Year. We took out inspiration for these count down champagne glasses from the mother of crafts herself, Martha Stewart.

Celebrate. Cheers. Happy New Year. Free Party Printables!

2011-12-28T07:52:00.000-08:00

anna and blue paperie

anna and blue paperie: 2012 Free New Year's Printables

Stylish New Year's Party Printables. You must know by now what big fans we are of the work of Anna and Blue Paperie. Not too long ago we had the pleasure of featuring Anna and Blue Paperie. and can not say enough good things about Stefanie and her creative talent. So today, Anna and Blue Paperie are offering for FREE again this year, 2012 New Year's Party Printables! We loved these and used these last year as our New Year's Eve party printables choice. To get you in the party mood, take a look at some of the ways Miss Stefanie styled her party printables! FABULOUS!!!
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Recipe Wednesday:New Years Eve Cocktail Bites

2011-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sweet, Savory, Creamy Goodness! We have a great little finger food recipe for you today! This New Years Eve, along with all your favorite libations, serve up something sure to please all your guests. This quick and crowd pleasing finger food recipe is great paired with your holiday cocktails, and only requires three ingredients! We love these types of recipes. You can even put it together ahead of time and bake them off prior to your party starting!

Retro New Year's Eve Party Kit & Hats!

2011-12-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

elline.com

Get Ready To Party! We wanted to share with you a really cool website and blog we came across. Full of great ideas and inspirations and some really, well done New Year's Eve freebies! Ellinee blog and Ellinee Design House is a design studio that specializes in wedding, baby, and holiday stationery. They share a passion for good design, paper, and handmade crafts. Today they are offering for FREE, a Retro New Year's Eve Party Kit and New Years Eve Hats! Come check them out.

New Years Eve Cocktail Napkins

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Stylish Cocktail Napkins. Cocktail napkins are a fun way to make a statement. Why not make your own festive cocktail napkins for this years New Years party! While printed cocktail napkins can be found just about anywhere, with anything on them, there is a real sense of accomplishment about making your own unique, signature napkins to tie in with the rest of your party theme and your personality.
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New Years Eve Horns

2011-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Out With The Old, In With The New! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Now, it is time to get ready to ring in 2012!!! Unbelievable how fast this year has gone by. So now we need to get ready to make a lot of noise! Why you may be wondering. Did you know using noise to welcome in a new year goes back to ancient times when it was felt that noise scared off evil spirits. We plan on making a fair share this New Years Eve. For those of you who prefer a nice quiet New Years, wear your ear plugs and make up some of these horns for a friend to help them chase away those evil spirits that have been hanging around a little too long!
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Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Source

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Merry Christmas!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

photo

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star
upon the highest bough.
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now.

Glory To The New Born King!

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King!
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Peppermint & Snowflakes Party Pt.2

2011-12-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

December Birthday Sweets Table. The sweets table is a collection of simple, fast semi-homemade, inexpensive treats that I dressed up a little bit. I choose a variety of flavors that the guest of honor liked and were commonly liked by all. Chocolate, cinnamon, peppermint, almond and vanilla graced the table in one form or another.

Peppermint & Snowflakes Party Pt.1

2011-12-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

December Birthday Celebration! The best Christmas gift I was ever given was my daughter who was born on Christmas Eve. Everybody should have a birthday party, especially those born on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Now that she is an adult, there is no reason NOT to continue on with this tradition.This year I put together a small little gathering of family and a sweets table to celebrate the occasion.
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Feature Friday:{Homework}

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Homework: Black & White Napkin Rings

Feature Friday:{Homework} As we head into our Christmas weekend, we wanted to leave you with a really inspiring, elegant and peaceful blog called Homework. The creative mind behind Homework is Carolyn who creates very clean, uncluttered, not overdone or unbelievable and beautiful crafts, gifts and home decor. We like how Carolyn takes basic, simple items and makes them look so beautiful without a lot of fluff, glitter or extra embellishment.
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Baby Jesus Ornament

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Fall On Your Knees. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days, were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2

Snowy Night Candle Jars

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Silent Snowy Night. The silent, golden dance of a candle flame is absolutely mesmerizing. Couple that with the magic and wonder of Christmas time and it is pretty awesome. Since snow and candlelight are such a part of Christmas, we thought some snowy night candles were in order. Simple, easy to make using old baby food jars and craft supplies you probably have on hand this time of year.

Gingerbread Playdough

2011-12-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

Making Christmas Memories. Christmas time gingerbread houses, gingerbread men cookies, gingerbread cake and we bring you gingerbread play-dough! Who doesn't like some type of gingerbread during the holiday?! We love how something as simple as making up a batch of fresh, homemade gingerbread play-dough at Christmas time and playing with it as if it were the "real" thing creates in the heart and mind of our family a happy Christmas memory.
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Recipe Wednesday:Chocolate Espresso Delights Christmas Cookies

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Cookies For Christmas. Baking cookies at Christmas time is a family tradition that has been part of our family for many, many years. This is one activity the entire family can get involved in and have fun with. There is no right or wrong way. No certain way the cookies have to be decorated or cut or come out looking. No problem with getting flour on the floor, sugar in our hair and more frosting in our tummy's than on the cookies themselves. Does that really have to matter all the time? Cookie baking is all about drawing the family together for awhile and forgetting about the cares of the world and our everyday cares. If just for a while, we can realize the magic of Christmas, and reflect on the meaning we are celebrating this glorious time of year. And when we do, we give our families and ourselves the best gift ever.
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Christmas Cupcake Ornaments

2011-12-20T04:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas Cupcake Ornaments. We would like to say thank you once again to Stephanie Lynn of Under The Table And Dreaming for inviting us recently to be part of this years Handmade Ornament Series where we featured our Christmas Cupcake Ornaments. If you haven't had a chance yet to see the line up of ornaments, click on the link below to be taken to the series. So many great ideas from very crafty ladies.

Under The Table & Dreaming

Our love of cupcakes is no secret. So why only eat cupcakes when you can hang them on your Christmas tree and admire them?! These can be a little messy just like the real ones, but if you don't mind a little Christmas glitter snow on the floor, on your grandmothers table and in your freshly washed hair, we would like to show you how to make Christmas cupcake ornaments!
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Glass Ball Monogrammed Ornament

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Tis The Season To Knock Off! Glass balls are so pretty on a Christmas tree with the light reflecting on the glass. The colors twinkle and sparkle and dance about. What is not so pretty is the cost of just one glass ornament. Frugal girls we are, we love a good old friendly knock off challenge!
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Betty Crocker Dollar Store Gift

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Betty Helpers! If you thought Betty Crocker only made cake mixes, think again. Betty Crocker doesn't just bake any more. She has a line of kitchen helpers for you to get the job done with. Betty even has them in her favorite color red, like the color of her spoon on her cake mix boxes!
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Pretty Winter Feet-Dollar Store Gift

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tween Inspired Gift. Trying to come up with inexpensive but well received gifts for tweens can be a bit of a challenge. While looking for a little something for our tween nieces, we knew we couldn't go too wrong with some type of beauty item. Than we got the idea for a gift of "Pretty Winter Feet"!
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Inspirational Mugs

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

"O Come All Ye Faithful". With Christmas comes the renewed hope of Peace, Joy and Faith to all. We wanted to give the gift of inspiration this Christmas in a functional way that someone would use and see everyday. We also wanted our gift to be practical and good looking and budget friendly. We came up with making our own inspirational mugs.
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