Claiming Our Space

Mini Peanut Butter Cup Cookies {Recipe}

2013-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I think that these cookies from Brown Eyed Baker were the cookie for Christmas 2012. There were everywhere on Pinterest, everywhere on the internet and a huge hit at our Christmas Eve party! And why not? They are decadence in a tiny package!

I think that I heard the phrases "these are sin in a double bite," "how did so much flavor get packed into this little cookie," "these things are the devil," and "I cant stop eating these! floating around the party. My mom even asked to take some home so she could have them with her morning coffee. That is a huge compliment since she is not a sweets person at all.

These delicious cookies couldn't be easier to make.

Thanks to my fabulous KitchenAid stand mixer, the dough went together in a couple of minutes. While the cookies were baking, D and I unwrapped the mini peanut butter cups. I think this was the part that took the longest of all. It takes a while to unwrap all those candies.

I followed Brown Eyed Baker's recipe as written since I didn't want to mess these up. Though I did use organic peanut butter. I thought there was already enough sugar in there and didn't want to add any more. Considering the response, I don't think having no sugar in the PB made any difference. I also only got about 36 cookies versus the 48 BEB got.

So if you need a quick, decadent and easy dessert to bring to a party - these should be your choice.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Source: Brown Eyed Baker

Ingredients
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup organic no sugar added creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
48 miniature Reese's peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat together the butter, peanut butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the egg and vanilla and mix for another minute or so to combine.

Reduce mixer speed to low, add dry ingredients, and mix until just combined, giving the dough a final mix with a rubber spatula to ensure all of the flour is incorporated.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, which works out to be about 2 teaspoons worth of dough, and place 1 ball in each of the cups of a miniature muffin pan. Do not press into the pan.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until light golden brown and slightly puffy.

Remove from the oven and immediately press a miniature peanut butter cup in the middle of each cookie, pressing down so that the top of the peanut butter cup is even with the top of the cookie.

Cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the pans, and let cool completely.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Try not to eat them all before your party!

Look Out!

2013-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

We finally got some snow that was "packable" on Sunday.

So what happened?

My stepson tried to get me with a giant snowball!

Chocolate Covered Mashmallows {Recipe}

2013-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

I came across this pin for caramel and chocolate covered marshmallows from A Turtle's Life for Me. I thought they would be perfect for our family's Christmas Eve party. However, I couldn't get the caramel right and it kept slipping right off the marshmallows no matter what I tried. Blerg!! I wasted about a dozen marshmallows before I decided that plain chocolate marshmallows would have to do.

Once I made that decision, these went really really fast.

I found these great red and white paper straws at my local Meijer that reminded me of candy canes (they were in a box like this). Cut in half they were the perfect size for the sticks.

Don't these look delish? Everyone at the party thought so too which is why out of a whole bag of marshmallows, there were only six left at the end of the night.

Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Source: All over the internet

Ingredients:
1 pacakge of marshmallows
1 package of chocolate bark
2 T Crisco
Red & white paper straws cut in half (you can also use lollipop sticks)

Directions:
Break up the chocolate bark into a small saucepan.
Melt over low heat.
Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of Crisco to make the chocolate smooth and glossy.
Insert the 1 cut straw into each marshmallow
Place a piece of parchment paper on your counter
Dip each marshmallow into the chocolate, tapping the straw against the rim to remove the excess chocolate.
Place onto the parchment paper.
Let cool.
Repeat until all your marshmallows are covered.
They only take about 5 minutes to get hard and are ready to serve.
Enjoy! (Don't eat to many before your guest arrive! :-D)

Willow Wednesday

2012-12-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

After an exciting, and busy, Christmas weekend, I think the best place to take a nap

is laying on D. People make nice beds!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Features!!

2012-12-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

It time for our Features!

Thank you all for linking up to the
Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Link Party!

Today it is time for all of us to share our features from the the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Link Party!

Claiming Our Space along with Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool are sharing our favorite link ups today! Since each of us will have selected our own two features you will so make sure to stop by to check out which link ups we selected.

I had a hard time picking my features. But here they are!

Felt Wreath

from Making It Feel Like Home

I love the shaggyness of it. It reminds me a little of poinsettia leaves.

Candy Cane Cupcakes

from Just My Crazy Kitchen

Chocolate, mint, buttercream all from scratch. What isn't to love?

Grab the button if you were featured!

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/Decemberbutton-Feature_2_zps4e78dd54.jpg" /></a> Thanks again for sharing all your great projects, recipes and posts!

Willow Wednesday

2012-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

It is hard work being a reindeer so I am resting up under the tree!

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!

Tout It Tuesday - #37

2012-12-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!
Can you believe that Christmas is a week away? We can't and are in a bit of denial about the whole thing. We haven't finished the Christmas shopping, we aren't finished with the decorating, the house is a disaster/work zone getting ready for my family's Christmas Eve gathering and I have no idea what to make for food for the party. So things are pretty much in chaos. Here's hoping you all are in much better shape than we are. On the plus side, the fireplace wall in the living room is coming together and it is looking fantastic. I am hoping that we will get things wrapped up in early January so I can show you what I have been working on.
Now that you are caught up with what we have been up to, it is time for this week's features.

Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies
from The Domesticated Princess

D loves peanut butter cookies since they don't have any chocolate in them.

(How did I end up with someone who doesn't love chocolate?)

Fabric Rag Basket
from Handmade by Annabelle

I think I need several of these to hold craft supplies.
So much cuter than brown cardboard boxes.

Glogg Spiced Wine
from Lazy Budget Chef

Booze and fire are not usually a good combo but when you mix them to make Glogg - it is all good! Watch out though because I know this delish drink can pack a punch (I am convinced it is because of the aquavit...that stuff is dangerous!)

Drawer Pull Wine Stopper
from Will Work for Eskimo Kisses

What a great last minute gift idea! Now I just need to figure out how many to make. :-)

Make sure to grab the featured button!

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This week's Fan Fav!
Christmas Kitchen
from House on the Way

Make sure to grab the Fan Fav button

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Before we get to the party, just a couple of other things.

Second, the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool is still going on until Thursday. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Now it's time for Tout It Tuesday!

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

Just a few rules/guidelines.

1. I would love it if you would follow through GFC or Bloglovin'. It would be great if you would also follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.

2. Please do not link shops or link parties that are not related to a project, photo or recipe challenge. Everything else is accepted.

3. Linking to Claiming Our Space isn't required but I would appreciate it if you would grab my button and either display it with the post you are linking up or under your list of parties.

4. Don't forget to click on the "like" button on your favorite project or recipe so I know which one should be the week's Fan Fav.

5. Please try to visit at least two posts for each link you submit and leave a comment. Comments make everyone happy!

If you have a Holiday or Winter themed link up, make sure to also link up to the Winter Wonders and Holiday Happenings party going on until Thursday!

With all that out of the way, let's get the party started!

Crispy Garlic Mustard Pork Chops {Recipe}

2012-12-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

We like to try one new recipe each week. It helps us branch out from our favorites. Do you try to do the same? There isn't any rhyme or reason to what recipe we try, we grab some meat out of the freezer ,in this case, the meat from the freezer was pork chops from WilburII, and do a search on what else but Pinterest. I mean, where else would I go to try to find a pork chop recipe?

This recipe caught my eye. I love that it uses panko, so much better and crunchier than bread crumbs. I was intrigued by the idea of brushing the chops with lemon to add flavor. I hadn't seen that before. Plus, I love anything I can put the delicious Trader Joe's Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce. That stuff is great on almost anything.

D thought it was great and this recipe is definitely going into our recipe rotation.

Crispy Garlic Mustard Pork Chops

Source: Adapted from BAS Cooking

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork loin chops (about 8 ounces each, 3/4 to 1 inch thick), patted dry
4 tablespoon Trader Joe's Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce (You can also use honey mustard)
lemon juice
1 cups panko
1-2 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for baking sheet
1-2 tablespoons dried Italian herb mix (We used this). Amount depends on how herb-y you like your food.
Coarse kosher salt and ground pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Coat pork loin chops with lemon juice
Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with oil; set aside
Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper
Spread one side of each chop with 1 teaspoon honey mustard
Dividing evenly, combine breadcrumbs with chopped fresh herbs and a tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl
Sprinkle mixture on one side of the pork chops, over the mustard, and pressing lightly to ensure the panko mixture doesn't come off
Transfer pork, coated side up, to prepared baking sheet
Bake until crust is golden and pork is opaque throughout (meat should register 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), 14 to 16 minutes
Serve

Don't forget that theWinter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool is still happening through next Thursday. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Willow Wednesday

2012-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I like to help Mom by laying on her craft supplies. Felt makes a comfy place to rest.

Tout It Tuesday - #36

2012-12-11T21:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday!
Things here at our house are a bit in overdrive. We are hosting my family's big Christmas Eve party. My parents usually host but they had some unexpected home repairs come up. Their living room and basement (where we usually gather) are now filled with boxes of clothing and furniture. I know we will have a wonderful evening but in the mean time we need to finish up some projects lingering projects in the living room and hallway before the 24th. Nothing like a party for 30 to light the motivation fires, right?

Now that you are caught up with what we have been up to, it is time for this week's features.

DIY Bunting
from Rustic Silk

I love that this doesn't involve the sewing machine in any way. Thread and glue hold it all together.

Triple Chocolate Toffee
from The Rehomesteaders

Rachel had me at triple chocolate on this sweet treat. Who wouldn't want to make this for a holiday party?

DIY Candles Holder out of Chair Legs
from Adventures in Creating

I never would have know these were chair legs. I so need to put spade drill bits on my Christmas list!

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Dip
from The Hill Hangout

This one is definitely going on the menu for our Christmas Eve gathering.

Who wouldn't love this on a crostini or a cracker?

Make sure to grab the featured button!

Make sure to grab the Fan Fav button

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Before we get to the party, just a couple of other things.

First, I am co-hosting the Homemade Holiday Link Party and the voting starts today. Make sure to come back at noon to vote for your favorite 5 link ups.

Second, this Friday is the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Now it's time for Tout It Tuesday!

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

If you have a Holiday or Winter themed link up, make sure to also link up to the Winter Wonders and Holiday Happenings party going on until next Thursday!

With all that out of the way, let's get the party started!

Homemade Holiday Party - Features!

2012-12-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

I want to thank everyone who linked up and voted during the

Homemade Holiday Party & Celebration!

If you missed it, here is the post with the three voting winners.
Congrats to you three and your great link ups!!!

Now it is time for the Features!!

Christmas Photo Tutorial
from The Crafty Woman

I love the look of total concentration on the little one's face.

Since I purchased my DSLR, I have been avidly reading tutorials on how to make my photos better, take certain types of photos, etc. The only problem is that many are full of jargon that a newbie isn't quite familiar with just yet which makes this tutorial so fab. Everything is crystal clear. Now I can't wait to try out some of these as soon as my new lens comes in.

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn
from It's Not Just About the Recipe

This stuff looks like heaven in a bowl. Added bonus, it is made in the micorowave! How great is that? I do have to say, heed her warning about watching the popcorn if you make it in a brown bag in the microwave. Many years ago, before they had the prepackaged popcorn for the microwave, my dad filled our kitchen with the horrible stench of blacked popcorn when he wasn't paying attention and put it in for WAAAAY too long. The house smelled for days!

DIY Christmas Trees
from I Love Doing All Things Crafty

I have several pieces of cardboard in my craft area that are going to be made it trees. I know I need a forest on one of our side tables. I bet I could spray paint the cone first if I wanted to add a peep of color to show through the garland wrapping or the snowball version.

Make sure to grab the Featured button!

Marilyn has also picked her own set of Features. Visit 4 You With Love to see if you are one of her picks!

Homemade Holiday Party - We have the Winners!!

2012-12-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

You linked up your amazing "Homemade Holiday Projects"

You (and your friends) came and voted.

The votes have been counted.

Drumroll, please.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The winners!

Our first place winner is....

DIY Deer Glitter Canvas Tutorial from Tales of the Scotts

Sock Snowmen

2012-12-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

In keeping with the snowman theme of Christmas 2012 (see Liddy the Snowman here), I was inspired by Then She Madehttp://www.thenshemade.com/ and created some sock snowmen of my own.

I call them Huey, Dewey and Louie - after the ducks from the Disney cartoons.

I followed the directions from Then She Made but did make one minor change. I used felt for the eyes and nose since I didn't want anything hard or sharp in case Willow grabbed one off the table.

A few things to note.

I used up almost a 5 lb bag of rice making 3 snowmen. I don't know if D's socks are gargantuan or what. So if you are planning on making a lot of these, make sure to get a BIG bag of rice.
Your rubber bands should not be the super thin ones. Those will break. Get ones that are medium weight.
I didn't wash the striped socks that I used for my sweaters and caps (I got a pack of 10 at Costco for $8.00) and I am thinking that is why they are curling where they got cut. So I would suggest washing the socks first.
I needed to use a bit of fabric glue to hold the hats on their little heads.

These are a quick and easy way to add some snowman fun to your house. Once I gathered all my materials, I made Huey, Dewey and Louie in a little less than an hour. I think the filling of the sock was the hardest part of the whole process since I could only use a 1/4 c scoop to fit in the opening since the rice kept getting stuck in my funnel.

Here's hoping you have a snowman filled holiday season!

Don't forget to link up to the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool. Each of us have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Winter Wonders and Holiday Happenings Link Party

2012-12-07T06:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the

Winter Wonders and Holiday Happenings Link Party!

December is here and that means Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa are right around the corner so it is the perfect time to share all your delicious holiday dishes and decor, along with your favorite Winter treats and projects.

Help get us inspired!

Claiming Our Space has joined up with Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

My project is a canning lid snowman. I call him Liddy the Snowman.

I started canning last year, jams, applesauce and tomato sauce, and so have been gathering the canning lids since it seemed a shame to throw them out. Yikes, that was just a little bit Horder-y wasn't it. Well, in any case, I have a good number of the lids saved up.

I have reused some to seal up some chalk paint jars but thought that they would work great for creating a snowman. Thankfully, it turned out pretty cute!

This is an easy project. Once you get the lids painted, it takes only about 15 minutes to whip up your own Liddy the Snowman.

Materials Needed

1. three canning lids

2. glossy white spray paint

3. ribbon or heavy twine

4. black marker - I used a Sharpie

5. orange marker - I used a Sharpie

6. red felt

7. white felt

8. cotton ball or sherpa type fabric

9. hot glue gun

Directions

1. Wash and dry three canning lids

2. Using a flat head screwdriver, dig out and remove the reddish stuff that seals the jar. If this step is skipped, the paint on it will never dry. I didnt' do this on my first go and over a week later, it still comes off on my fingers.

3. Paint lids, both sides, a glossy white. Let dry. It may take 3 light coats to cover completely.

4. Cut one piece of ribbon about 5" in length and cut another piece 8" in length.

5. Cut a quarter circle with a 4" radius.

6. Cut a piece of white felt 1/4" wide x 3 1/2".

7. Glue the red felt to a lid, with the "nice side" to the front, wrapping it around the back, to make a hat.

8. Glue the white felt to the bottom of the hat, covering the edge so the red doesn't show.

9. Glue fluffed cotton ball or a small piece of sherpa fabric to the point of the hat.

10. Using the black marker, make three dots on one of the lids then draw the eyes and mouth on the lid with the hat.

11. Using the orange marker draw the carrot for the nose.

12. Lay your lids, nice side down, spacing them out how you would like.

13. Glue the 5" ribbon to the back of the tree lids so they are now all connected.

14. Use the 8" ribbon to make a loop to hang your snowman, glue it to the back of the hat.

15. Hang your snowman.

I made a hanger using a piece of 3/4" x 3/4" scrap wood, 1" x 4" scrap and a cup hook. I sprayed it all green so it would fade into the background. You can use whatever you have hanging around your scrap pile to make a hanger if you want.

I would love to see you version of Liddy the Snowman, so if you make one, let me know so I can check it out.

Now that you have seen my project, it is time for you to share your projects, crafts, recipes, whatever you have come up with that is Winter or Holiday related via the linky tool below.

Your project will show up on all the host's blogs so you only need to link up once but, remember, all of us are sharing something different for the party. So make sure to visit Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool and Claiming Our Space to check them all out.

The party will be up until Thursday, December 20 and then on Friday, December 21, each host will pick their favorite two link ups. So mark your calendar to check back to see if you were feature.

Just a few guidelines

1. If you aren't already a follower, we would love it if you would add each of the hosts.

2. Link ups should be Winter or Holiday related. (No shops or other link parties please)

3. Try to visit some of the other link ups and leave a comment. Everyone loves visitors!

4. You don't need to link back but we would appreciate it if you would display the button on your blog or in your post tolet your own readers know about the party.

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With that, it is time to party!!

Poinsettia Pillow

2012-12-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite projects from last Christmas - the Poinsettia Pillow.

Now, I can't take credit for this since it is a fabulous project Centsational Girl did back in 2009 but at that time, I didn't have a sewing machine so I bookmarked it as a future project (oh, the dark ages before Pinterest when you had to bookmark things and remember to put them in the correct favorites folder).

I used a drop cloth for my pillow cover fabric since it was a nice and neutral, bonus that I could use the finished edge to save some sewing, and I needed to make four pillows since I was giving these as gifts so it was very cost effective.

These pillows are a bit time consuming since you have to cut out all the leaves, especially if you are making more than one. I did it while watching television in the evening. However, the final product is worth it I promise. Another tip, make sure you totally load your bobbin since there is quite a bit of sewing. It is no fun when you are in the groove of sewing and it runs out. Ask me how I know.

Now I did make a couple of changes from Kate's version. I made a envelope back pillow (here is a good tutorial from Teal and Lime) since I haven't tackled a zippered anything yet. I also skipped the covered button and opted to just glued some small yellow buttons for the center. I like that they look like the yellow stamens of an actual poinsettia.

For the full tutorial with great photos, visit Centsational Girl's post.

Let me know if you make a poinsettia pillow of your own, I would love to see it!

Don't forget, tomorrow is the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Willow Wednesday

2012-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Mom, why do you always wave a treat over your head when you are holding the camera?
It is SO annoying.

It's Voting Time! - Homemade Holiday Party

2012-12-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Marilyn and I are totally blown away by everyone's creativity! All your projects are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Now it's just time to cast your votes for your favorites!! Here's the deal on the voting - everyone gets 5 votes. Yup, 5 votes.Whether or not you linked up a project, you're eligible to vote for your 5 favorites. So make sure to check them all out!

You have until 11:59 pm December 9 to vote.

The top 3 projects are eligible for prize packages listed here.
The winners will be announced at noon (eastern time) December 10!

Tout It Tuesday - #35

2012-12-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!
Christmas is fast approaching and we am trying to get in the of things. We just got our tree up on Saturday and got most of our decorations up in the living room on Sunday. Still have the outside stuff and the dining room (it still looks a lot like Thanksgiving in there) to go. I have also been working on several cute projects that I will be sharing in the coming days. How are you all coming with your decorating? Better than us I hope. It seems like each day should have an extra couple of hours at this time of year doesn't it?
Now that you are caught up with what we have been up to, it is time for this week's features.

Julie from Being Home shared her Paper Mache Snow Reindeer. I think this is an beautiful transformation.

Tim from Marty's Musings shows how to patch a wall. We so need this since we have a corner that has been waiting for me to finihs up the repair for over a year. I am so excited to try the wet sponge technique since the mess of sanding has made me put it off

Tagana Rose shared how you can make your own sour cream. We never seem to have sour cream in the house when we neeed it so this will be a great thing for us.

Brandy from The Moody Fashionista uses bubble wrap to create an advent calendar. I am not sure I could only pop one a day since I love popping bubble wrap.

Make sure to grab the featured button!

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This week's Fan Fav comes from Kim at Reposhture Studios. She used a drop cloth and other bits and bobs to create a beautiful holiday swag. I love how versatile drop cloths are!!

Make sure to grab the Fan Fav button

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Before we get to the party, just a couple of other things.

First, I am co-hosting the Homemade Holiday Link Party and the voting starts today. Make sure to come back at noon to vote for your favorite 5 link ups.

Second, this Friday is the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Now it's time for Tout It Tuesday!

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

With all that out of the way, let's get the party started!

It's Time to Party - Homemade Holiday Party

2012-12-02T09:10:00.000-05:00

I am so psyched that today is finally here! I LOVE parties and I LOVE winning things! Don't you? So why not do both? This party is being co-hosted by Claiming Our Space along with 4 You With Love and it is going to be a blast!

Here's the highlights!

Link up your homemade holiday projects now through Dec 3, 2012, 11:59 PM eastern time.

Come back and vote for your favorites between midnight Dec 4 through Dec 9, 11:59 pm eastern time.

The winners and features will be announced Dec 10 at noon, eastern time.

Here's the prize packages for the winners!

First Place Prize Package

A $10 Gift Card to either Hobby Lobby or Michael's (winner's choice), a $5 Gift Card to Starbucks, 4 spices from my advent spice box, along with these items from my 20 days of Homemade Holiday Inspiration.

Second Place Price Package
A $5 Gift Card to Starbucks, 4 spices from my advent spice box, along with these items from my 20 days of Homemade Holiday Inspiration.

Third Place Prize Package
4 spices from my advent spice box along with these items from my 20 days of Homemade Holiday Inspiration.

Are you ready? Let's get this party started! (Also, this is my first time running something like this. If you run into a snag, please e-mail me at your earliest convenience).

Willow Wednesday

2012-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Mom, can't you see I am trying to hide?

Tout It Tuesdays - #34

2012-11-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone here in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a great day with our families and ate waaaaay to much. Of course, going back to work yesterday was a bit of a let down after the long weekend. I enjoyed sleeping in a bit though Willow never let us stay in bed too long. Funny how shed is the one that wants to sleep in on work mornings but when we can sleep in, she has to get up. Silly dog. Good thing she is so sweet!

Something else wonderful happened this weekend, my MIL moved into her new house and hopefully, I will be able to show how she is transforming her home into her own unique space in the coming months. It is an older cap cod that hasn't been updated since the 1970s. So there is lots of possibilities for a great transformation.
Now onto this week's Features!

Courtney from the Polivka Family shared Tandoori Butter Chicken. Indian food is one thing D and I have never made at home but this recipe makes me think we can do it.

Can you stand how fab these feather trees from Laurie's Little Bits of Creativity are? I can see a forest of these scattered throughout my house.

D loves chicken and dumplings but I am awful at making actual dumplings so this recipe from The Hill Hangout looks like the perfect recipe for me.

Rena from Jewelry Making Journal shared how to make an absolutely gorgeous Rustic Foldover Copper pendant. I haven't yet tried making my own jewelry but this makes me what to get some supplies since I love.love.love jewelry of all types. Wouldn't this look great in the open collar of a crisp white cotton shirt?

Make sure to grab the featured button!

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-Featured.jpg" /></a>

This week's Fan Fav is compliments of The Crafty Blogger.

She created the cutest snow globe ornaments and her post has a instructional video. I love that her family does an ornament exchange. I would love it if my family wold do this but, alas, I can't see anyone else getting their craft on.

Make sure to grab the Fan Fav button

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

With all that out of the way, let's Tout It!

Scalloped Corn Casserole

2012-11-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had seven for dinner, including us. Of course, we made way way way too much food. Isn't that always the case on the holidays? Here is what our spread looked like. You can see the scalloped corn casserole at the far end.

One of the wonderful things about combining D's family with mine is learning about the dishes that are part of his family's traditions. This casserole is one that his grandmother made every year and now his mom makes it. I don't think D would believe it was Thanksgiving without it.

If you try it, I hope you enjoy it as much as much as he does.

Scalloped Corn Casserole
Source: My Mother-in-Law

Ingredients
2 whole eggs, well beaten
1 can evaporated milk (sweetened condensed milk can be used if you wish)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 Tsp. garlic salt
1 Tsp. black pepper
2 cans creamed corn
1 sleeve saltine crackers, finely crushed
3 tablespoons butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large glass bowl, mix eggs, evaporated milk,onion, garlic salt, and black pepper well.
Add creamed corn, making sure mixture is combined completely.
Mix in finely crushed saltines until thoroughly incorporated.
Butter 9 x 9 deep casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of butter, leaving some butter at corners.
Pour corn mixture into dish. Add two tablespoons of butter on top and finish with additional garlic salt and black pepper.
Bake approx. 45 mins. to one hour.

Gallery Wall Pt 3 - Wall Shelves

2012-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Check out our Gallery Wall Shelves! I decided that we needed to jump on the wall shelf bandwagon since I loved the idea of being able to swap art work in and out at will. Plus, the reality is that I was being too pokey about figuring out the layout to actually hang the art and this seemed like a way to actually get something on the wall before 2013.

You can see that the coin art and the sea biscuit shadowbox are included in the mix. I also added some family photos, a silhouette of me from kindergarden, a rubbing from a church in London and some state love art (tute coming for that soon).

I used Ana White's Ten Dollar Ledges as the start for my project. Though I modified it to fit our needs.

Our ledges are 5 feet in length and I used 1x4's, 1x3's and 1x2's. While I used cheaper wood for the 1x4's and 1x3's, I splurged on 1st quality 1x2's so I wouldn't need to worry about knots.

I used our Kreg jig so I could hide the fasteners making the finishing that much easier.

Some wood glue, screws and caulk - and I had 2 gallery wall shelves. (it is the table that is wonky crooked, not the shelves)

I gave them each several coats of white semi-gloss paint and then they were ready to hang.

Some help from D to get a couple of long wood screws into the studs and we were ready to go.

It fills up the space perfectly.

We hung it high enough so that we can put chairs, a bar or a small bookcase underneath without any problem. There is space on either side soany pieces that need to be hung, like shadowboxes, can easily added.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2012-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Source

D and I wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Willow Wednesday

2012-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday afternoon naps in the sun are the best!