our life in a click

Friday Phone Dump Week 4

2012-01-28T11:49:00.001-05:00

I'm getting more comfortable with my new phone and all of the options for taking pictures that it has.

I have a lot this week!

row 1 *dd 2's paintings for her room*Mexican hot chocolate*my Anthropologie dish towel that makes me happy!*

row 2 *my lonely toothbrush when hubs was away*dd 2 painting the above canvases*snow over the weekend

row 3 *sad, empty wine wrack*my first "selfie"*working on my scrapbooks*

row 1 *another beautiful morning*our friends' new puppy*my "son" (dd 1 had to dress up like "Mr Man" for school that day)

row 2 *baked potato bar for dinner-made them in the crock pot..my new favorite way to bake them!*more snow before it all got washed away*dd 2 using her microscope*

row 3 *making my candy heart wreath*some new additions to dd2's room(both)*

Linking up with:

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a good life

InstaFriday

{Getting Crafty} Conversation Heart Wreath

2012-01-27T09:00:00.003-05:00

I teased you yesterday with an upcoming Valentine project o'mine using "The Official Candy of Love". I'm not making that up, it says it on the bag!

Have you figured it out yet? (well,it is in the title if you need to go back and look.)

{Don't mind all the backsides in the above photo.}

I pulled out my hot glue gun box. Check out that lid!

I also purchased some conversation hearts and a Styrofoam wreath form from Michael's (with a 50% off coupon). I needed two bags of the candy.

I cranked up the Vampire Weekend Pandora station and got to work gluing those bad boys on.

I tried to create a random color pattern with the hearts. I used a low temp hot glue gun but still had my trusty bowl of ice water at the ready in case I got some glue on my fingers.

I kept adding rows of hearts to the wreath form

until the whole thing was covered. I had some extra candy so I layered a few more hearts around on top to give it more dimension.

Some of the sayings are quite silly.

What's your favorite?

Purdy cute, no?

I tried displaying it on my plate stand at first.

I also hung it up on the door with a Command adhesive hook.

I finally added some pink ribbon (from this past year's Christmas wrapping) and hung it up on the kitchen door.

Hey, I've got some color going on again in the house! I still need to pull out my Valentine's decorations but this is easing the transition.

Here's another Valentine's Wreath that I made last year out of candy canes.

Candy Cane Hearth Wreath

and my daughter made these adorable

Candy Cane School Valentines

I'm Heather and I like to ~~play~~ craft with candy. You can see more candy wreaths here and here.

Happy Friday!!

one year ago...Show & Tell Doorways

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Got Valentine's Crafts

Create & Inspire

Winter Decor Pin-spiration

2012-01-26T08:47:00.003-05:00

I was looking for winter decorating ideas and found some great ideas on Pinterest (where else?)

pinned from {here}

I love this simple front porch.

{source}

Love the bottles, but I'd skip the ornaments after Christmas{natch}.

{source}

Pottery Barn hurricanes filled with pine cones,sheet music candles and glittery goodness.

{source}

Simple blue mason jars on a window filled with glass beads or salt and tea lights.

{source}

Cute winter printable!

{source}

Twig candle holders--looks like an easy rustic craft.

Lots of great pin-spiration!!

Here's how I've been decorating in the gap between Christmas and Valentine's Day.

This Snowy Garland.

My thrifty vignette.

{the family room, before I put up the snowy garland}

I'm ready to add a little more color back into my decorating as Valentine's Day approaches. I'll be back tomorrow with a new project!

{hint}

one year ago...Favorite Posts of 2010

Oh and if you want to follow me on Pinterest, click on the red button.

I'll follow back!

{Please leave a comment if you are following me on Pinterest, thanks!}

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Hop Along Friday

Shabby Apple Necklace Winner!

2012-01-25T18:40:00.001-05:00

We have a winner!!

The lucky winner of the Shabby Apple Lost in Wonderland Necklace is....

Commenter #6 Heather

who said she'd be searching for the Mad Hatter, as in Mr. Johnny Depp if she was lost in wonderland....

Congratulations Heather!!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

{Recipe} Red Pepper Soup with Balsamic Reduction

2012-01-24T20:00:00.007-05:00

I just started getting Vegetarian Times(thanks to a magazine fundraiser at my kid's school) and I'm really enjoying it. Love the recipe index in the back, I can quickly look up vegan recipes for my newly-Veganized daughter.

source

We all liked the sound of Red Pepper Soup with Balsamic Reduction so I gave it a whirl.

First you make the balsamic reduction by combining 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1/4 cup of agave nectar. Bring to a boil in a small saucepan, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Let cool.

To make the soup you'll need:

3TBS olive oil

1 medium red onion, diced

1/2 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 medium Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced

1 large shallot, diced

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 clove garlic, minced

6 cups vegetable broth

2 large red bell peppers, diced

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add red onion, sweet potato, Yukon gold potato and shallot. Cook 5-7 minutes.

Add cumin, pepper flakes garlic. Saute 3-5 minutes.

Add broth (I make mine with Better Than Bouillon and water).

and red peppers. Bring to a simmer.

Cook 30 minutes or until peppers and potatoes are soft.

Blend soup in batches until smooth (and immersion blender works nicely for this but I used my regular blender--very carefully). Season with salt and pepper.

Spoon into bowls and drizzle each serving with the Balsamic Reduction.

I'm also participating in Debbiedoo's Magazine Copy Cat Challenge.

I was inspired by the photo in the magazine to make a fancy design on top of the soup.

I used a medicine dropper and a bamboo skewer, pretty fancy I tell ya!

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Magazine Copycat Challenge

Feature Yourself Friday

one year ago.. {Traditions} Cranberry Bread

{Getting Crafty} Snowy Garland

2012-01-23T06:47:00.024-05:00

I was looking for something 'snowy' to hang under the mantel but couldn't find anything that I liked.

My cream and white decorated mantel looked nice but it felt a little empty without a garland hanging underneath it.

My daughter before her formal(a good shot of the whole fireplace).

Off to Michael's I went to pick up some supplies. I got these white glitter felt stickers and mini styrofoam balls. I already had the white yarn from another project.

When I got home I also pulled out my Martha Stewart glitter set and some spray adhesive.

I started by making yarn balls, just wrapping the styrofoam balls in yard. I didn't use any glue, I tucked the ends in and under the yarn. I kept wrapping until I liked how it looked.

I decided six snowballs would be enough.

They got a spritz of spray adhesive and a sprinkle of silver glitter

and a sprinkle of crystal glitter. Let them dry.

Once the snowballs were dry, it was time to put the garland together. I measured out the yarn on my table and threaded one end through a darning needle.

To make it easier to string the snowballs on the yarn, I first pierced them with a bamboo skewer to make a pilot hole and then pulled the needle and yarn through the snowball.

I spaced out the snow balls along the yarn and then added the snowflakes. I peeled a little of the backing off and sandwiched the yarn between the sticky part and the backing. I wasn't sure how well it would hold but they have held pretty well. I might hot glue them on if they become a problem.

Then it was time to see how it looked. I kept the ends of the yarn very long until I knew how long I wanted it to be and how I wanted it to hang.

I use these brick hooks to hold all of our garlands. They don't damage the brick and can hold a lot of weight. This garland is really light so I could have used mini command hooks under the mantel.

I decided I needed one more snowball once I saw it hanging up there.

I experimented with different lengths of the garland. Here it was hanging a little lower than I ended up hanging it.

I tightened up the sides and pulled it up closer to my cherubs, then trimmed the ends down.

Some close ups of the garland.

It's simple but I love it!

It didn't break the bank either=under $8.

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Feature Yourself Friday

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 1.22.12

2012-01-22T12:56:00.003-05:00

1. Sunset

The weather hasn't been that great to go out and take sunset photos but I caught this one out our kitchen window. I like how it looks like a line of fire behind the trees.

2. Black & White

The top of the swing set looks a bit like a chalet, especially when blanketed with some snow.

3. A Day In My Life

I spend a lot of my day in the kitchen{not complaining!} and clean the island counter top many times throughout the day(usually just with a wet microfiber cloth but sometimes I need to give it a shot of Daily Granite.)

4. Four

Daughter's formal...waiting for her friends to arrive, I caught a few candids.

5. Colorful

There seems to be an absence of color in my house lately (a welcome respite from the holiday decorations). These straws will have to do.

Linking up with:
Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Friday Phone Dump Week 3

2012-01-21T09:04:00.006-05:00

row 1 *dd #2's soccer game*Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movie ticket (amazing)*more soccer

row 2 *Pellegrino & lime * dd #2 trying on red skinny jeans-got them! * winter tablescape

row 3 *hubs* special delivery*vegan/gluten free chocolate chunk cookies

row 4 *winter mantel* dd #1's winter formal* dd #2 sick day

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Super Stalker Sunday

Ryan want YOU (to enter my giveaway)

2012-01-20T07:03:00.001-05:00

He feels bad for me.....

{pinned from here}

Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!

All the lovely details on how to win this magical piece can be found here.

It will make Ryan (and me) very happy.

Happy Friday!!

one year ago...January Thrifting

Right now.....

2012-01-19T07:44:00.002-05:00

I'm obsessed with Downton Abbey.

source

Have you seen this PBS show?

I came late to the party but I was able to catch up with Season 1 on Netflix just in time for the premier of Season 2.

My favorite couple - Anna and Mr Bates (Season 1)

{the Christmas decorations have come down, I promise!}

Now that I have to watch the show in "real time", it's torture waiting a week in between episodes...but sweet torture!

I've also been reading my birthday gift.....

I'm taking my time and savoring it.

source

Aren't they the cutest family?

I wonder if Cortney and Robert were to work their magic on Downton Abbey(not that it needs it!)...a little Downton Chic maybe?

Here's what else I'm crushing on...

source

This super softening hand lotion from Bath & Body Works is keeping my hands soft and crack-free this winter....no small feat! I've stocked up on it and keep it around the house so I remember to slather it on throughout the day. So far, no cracked fingertips!! {yay!}

Have you entered my Shabby Apple giveaway?

Click here to enter.

one year ago....Black & White Wednesday "Little Hands"

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{Giveaway} Shabby Apple Giveaway!!

2012-01-18T07:31:00.001-05:00

I have been a Shabby Apple fan for quite some time. I love to peruse their site and check out all of the vintage jewelry, clothes and accessories.

They have an eye popping collection of super-feminine women's dresses.
I'm in summer mode already!! {wishful thinking!!}

Is this one more flirt or fatale?

I'm totally sweet on these bright hair accessories

and oh wow!! on these adorable children's dresses.

You are probably wondering by now...what about the giveaway?
One of you lucky readers can win this fabulous piece of jewelry called the Lost in Wonderland necklace ($52 Value!).

I'm drooling over this green floral cameo. Does it make your heart go pitter patter too?

Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!

~~If so, here's how to enter:~~

~~1)Be a follower of ourlifeinaclick and leave me a comment that you are (if you're already a follower--thank you!, let me know by leaving a comment). {1 entry}~~

~~2. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook. (Leave a comment letting me know). {1 entry}~~

~~3. BONUS entry.. leave me a comment telling me what you'd do if you were "Lost in Wonderland".~~
~~{1 entry}~~

Want to get something right away and save some cash too.

Use the code "lifeinaclick10off" to save 10% off your order!!

Good Luck!!

Winner will be selected by Random.org on January 25th @5pm EST.

Open to US Residents only and cannot be returned or exchanged.

New Thrifty Finds

2012-01-16T20:24:00.017-05:00

I had a pretty good trip to Good will the other day.
Check out my spoils!

I found two little votive candle holders and a tart pan. I can't wait to make a tart!! I also picked up a thermos, my daughters both like taking soup to school so it's nice to have an extra one around.

This cut glass and silver bowl looked so sparkly and I loved the salad tongs that came along with it.

This was my favorite find from the day- a Smith and Hawken pear shaped candle holder.

I love pears in my decor and I loved the cheap-o price too. It would have made a nice gift and it did, from me to me!

I tucked it in with my winter table scape.

I was ready for a change from the Christmas red and white decor. I used my paper globes from this Thanksgiving post too (two are in the vases and one is out on the table top).

I also switched out my mantel to all wintry whites and silver. The white candle holders that I got on this trip are being used too.

The silver"love" candle holder is nestled in among the white objects (and I can use it again next month for the Valentine's mantel=score!).

Are you switching up your decor after the holidays?

Any fun thrifty finds lately?

one year ago...Featured at Tatertots and Jello

Pin It
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Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-01-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

Stacked Up

{firewood}

Winter Wonderland

{I have this platter in my kitchen right now, it's my ideal of a winter wonderland}

Sweet

{cuties}

Hole

{our tree had to come down last week and it's left a big hole in our yard}

Frozen

{our Christmas tree stand has been "drying out" for a week and now has some ice in it}

Linking up with:

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Friday Phone Dump-Week 1 & 2

2012-01-13T22:20:00.004-05:00

The last week (or so) in cell phone pics.

Row 1) *Early morning in my room* the setting sun * our hall tree * holiday party at a friend's house*

Row 2) *Gorgeous morning sky after dropping dd #2 off at the bus* my niece laying down some tracks * New Year's Eve fortune * another holiday party shot from our friend's house..life size nutcrackers I tell ya!*

Row 3)* waiting for our table at Cheesecake Factory * hubs and a friend * visiting an art museum over break * grapes *

Row 4) *pears * precious little guy * playing with Kapla blocks * DD#1's new Frye boots*

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Outdoor Wednesday

Stocking a Vegan Kitchen - Part 2

2012-01-13T07:33:00.002-05:00

As promised back in this post, here are some of the other products we've found to stock the kitchen for my vegan daughter.

These baby zucchinis were just too cute so I had to buy them and they were quite delicious-sauteed up with olive oil and onions!

Trader Joe's Beefless Ground--I guess the photo on the package inspired me to make stuffed peppers with it. Next I'm going to try it in shepherd's pie.

I also found this Balela (chick pea salad) at Trader Joe's.

Speaking of chick peas, hummus is always a staple in our house.

We found some baking mixes at Whole Foods. The cookie dough is already mixed up and can be eaten raw (no raw egg to worry about) but is better baked. We haven't made the apple spice muffins yet.

I noticed that nutritional yeast came up a lot in vegan recipes so I bought ~~some~~ a huge tub of it. This was the smallest size I could find. It's said to have a cheesy, nutty flavor similar to parmesan cheese. It can be sprinkled on pasta or popcorn and I used it to make crispy fried tofu the other night (recipe is coming).

Let's not forget chocolate. We all need a fix once awhile. Most dark chocolate is vegan as long as there are no milk fats in it (like in milk chocolate).

These are a great 'Dorito-like' snack.

We love black beans around here but plain beans are kind of boring. The Trader Joe's Cuban Style Black Beans have a nice kick to them. We use them in soft tacos and other recipes. The Latin Stye Black Bean soup also has a nice spicy flavor and is a hearty bowl of soup.

Maple syrup and agave nectar are two sweeteners that we've found in a lot of vegan recipes.

We've seen both of these products used in vegan baking and cooking but we haven't tried them yet.

For a quick lunch or dinner, Amy's organic soups and chili are a great choice.

I'm an intense label reader now but it's so nice to just see the word VEGAN and not have to worry about it.

My daughter also tried both of these products. She loves the Peppered Tofurky and was so so on the Tempeh. We're still experimenting.

We always liked the Morning Star burgers but only found the Grillers Vegan to be vegan. She's also trying the Boca Vegan burgers. Trader Joe's meatless meatballs are great too!

So there you have part 2 of our vegan journey. I hope to share some of the recipes with you soon!

one year ago...{Getting Crafty} Candy Cane Wreath

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Wordless Wednesday-Lunch with the Hubs

2012-01-12T08:20:00.001-05:00

Trying to beat the January blues with a midweek lunch date.

one year ago...Wordless Wednesday

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Wordless Wednesday

My Memories Suite Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

The lucky winner is Trish @ Love of Quilts who said she'd make a book for her grandkids.

Congratulations Trish!!

Thanks to everyone who entered!!

Memories, Dreams & Reflections of 2011

2012-01-11T07:21:00.002-05:00

Ashley over at Ramblings & Photos is hosting a Memories, Dreams & Reflections Link Party.
Me

{yep, 'tis moi}

I Love You

{my peeps}

Still Laughing

{the inside of our Christmas card}

Winter Wonderland

The snow made these trees look like coral.

Birthday

{Her "the office" birthday party}

Friends

{cheer squad}
I was Inspired

I was inspired to make a diaper cake.

Spring Fever

Daffodils sing spring to me {on our college road trip}
Travel or Vacation

We took a few trips this year but of course Disney was our favorite.

Summer Days

{on our beach getaway}

A Day In My Life

{I blog from this spot a lot}

All Smiles

{my girls and my mom at her birthday dinner}

Fall Harvest

{apple picking}

Family or Home

{our Modern Family Christmas card}

Celebrate

{my mom's 70th birthday}

Let's Do It Again

{We took a trip to Ocean City, Maryland in February and I want to go back sometime when it's warm!}

I Miss You

We lost my husband's step father after a long illness this past year. This is my favorite photo of him with my younger daughter in Disney world (where else?) in 2002. They always had a special bond.

Beautiful

She shocked everyone at school with her new hair cut! Love it!

Dress Up

My younger one looking so dressed up for her first bat mitzvah.

Macro

I got a new phone {HTC Amaze 4}for Christmas and was trying out the macro option with our Christmas tree. This is Santa Schnoz from Hallmark.

Holidays

She loved her vintage typewriter.

My Favorite

it just is.

Don't Ever Change

{keep on loving small town parades and giving our veterans a standing ovation}

Just Because...So There

{these were some fun shots}

Hopes & Dreams

{Same as last year, to improve my photography and learn more about editing}

Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Today is the last day to enter.

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Memories, Dreams & Reflections of 2011

one year ago...Microwave Cornbread

Project Idea(s) for 2012

2012-01-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

I am going to start with just one project so I don't get a failing grade like last year.
Here it is:

1)Make our own table & bench for the kitchen.

source
I love this Restoration Hardware knock off.
We are going to attempt to build this table and bench based on the plans from Ana White's site.

Have you entered my giveaway? One more day to do so!

one year ago...Memories & Reflections of 2010

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-01-08T20:04:00.001-05:00

One Color

{my daughter's school uniform tights}

Laundry

{I pulled this one from my archives--I found golf tees in the dryer}

Empty

{we visited an art museum over Christmas break and it was very empty when we got there-we had this whole room to ourselves}

One Dozen

{we had twelve stories going before the Zuzu pet knocked it over}

Soft

{my hubby has such a soft spot for little kids}

Don't forget to enter my fantastic giveaway here!!

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Flashback Friday 2001 and Giveaway

2012-01-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas card photo 2001.

Our photo memories are so precious..preserve yours today!

Enter my giveaway for My Memories Suite Software($59 Value)

one year ago...Favorite Photos of 2010

2011 Projects - Progress Made

2012-01-05T08:58:00.006-05:00

Back in this post I listed the projects we'd hope to complete in 2011.

I've crossed out the ones we actually completed.

~~1. Bead board Kitchen Island~~

2. Under Cabinet Lighting in kitchen

{still want to do this}

3. Gas fireplace in the basement

{Got an estimate for this and it was way more than we expected so we are still thinking about it.}

~~4. Install a pendant light adapter with drum shade over snack center in basement~~

~~5.Younger daughter's bedroom makeover~~

6. Decide what to do with our built-ins..to paint or not to paint

{They are still unpainted, does that count as a decision? They might get painted black one day or possibly white??}

So, overall 50% is a horrible grade{we should be grounded for a month} but hopefully we get extra credit for completing additional projects that were not on the list like:

Installing a new cooktop in the kitchen

Reconfiguring a new workspace in the den

Brightening up the dining room

Painting the master bath

Adding bead board and paint to the master bath vanity & mirror

Mini makeover in girls' bath

Power Washing and staining the deck

New kitchen paint color

and finally ...

Removing that pesky scallop over the kitchen sink

How did you do on your to-do list last year?

one year ago...Dining Around Disney

Please enter my fabulous giveaway for My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbook Software--so many things you can do with it besides just scrapbooks!

$59 Value!!!

Click here to enter (3 simple ways to enter!!)

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Weekend Wrap Up

{Giveaway} My Memories Suite Scrapbooking Software Review

2012-01-04T10:31:00.002-05:00

I am a big scrapbooker so I was thrilled when MyMemories.com contacted me about their digital scrapbooking software. In their words...

My Memories Suite is an award winning digital scrapbook software that is extremely easy and fun to use. My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and TopTen Reviews. Using this software, anyone can create digital scrapbooks, photobooks, cards, calendars and gifts without having to buy expensive and complicated software programs.

They gave me a copy of the software to preview the program.

Here are a few of the quick pages that I whipped up.

This pattern reminded me of Missoni.

There are endless possibilities with the software. I had so much fun experimenting and embellishing my pages. It was hard to stop!

There is "word art" for page titles, all kinds of backgrounds and themes for your pages and unlimited layout ideas. It can automatically fill your pages with your photos if you like or you can choose where to put them. You can add video clips, music and narration to your albums as well.

You can also edit your photos right in the program. I found the program very easy to use. When you are done making your album, you can either print it out at home or have the company print it for you. There are a lot of ways to share and view your completed albums.

NOW is the perfect time to get your holiday photos and/or your 2011 photos organized and displayed.

The best part is that one of YOU also gets to win a copy of the My Memories Suite software ($59 value). {See Giveaway details below}

Also everyone can get $10 off of their order with this code AND $10 store credit..so that's a $20 VALUE!)

Use this code for your $20 Coupon!!!! STMMMS83737

Ok and now for the Giveaway Details!!!!

~~One lucky reader will receive the My Memories Suite software FREE!!~~

Sorry this giveaway is now CLOSED

~~To enter:~~

~~{3 chances to enter!!}~~

~~1. Be a follower & leave a comment to let me know (if you already are a follower, leave a comment letting me know)={1 entry}~~

~~2. Leave a comment letting me know what you want to do with your photos this year = {1 entry}~~

~~3. Visit Mymemories.com and let me know how you'd use the product if you won! = {1 entry}~~

~~winner will be selected by random.org on Wednesday, January 11th @ 5pm EST.~~

~~GOOD LUCK!!~~

Favorite Posts of 2011

2012-01-01T12:15:00.002-05:00

January

Candy Cane Wreath

Candy Cane Valentines

February

"The Office" Birthday Party

March

Irish Banner

April

Bragging on my Artiste

Ireland Trip/Meeting Matt Lauer

May

June

July

August

Updating Master Bath Vanity

Bead Board Kitchen Island

September

October

Magnetic Chalkboard Wall

November

Italian Hipster Nerd Party

Dollar Bill Origami Bracelet

New Kitchen Color

December

Recycled Magazine Christmas Trees

Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops

one year ago...Inspiration for 2011 Projects
Linking up with:
Feature Yourself Friday

December Wrap Up & Catch Up

2011-12-31T11:25:00.001-05:00

It was such a busy month, I didn't even get to post about everything so here's a ~~quick~~ wrap-up to catch up.

The teen had her honor society induction ceremony.

The tween had her Irish dance competition.
I couldn't resist taking a photo of the fancy solo dresses and no, we didn't buy one.

I love the dance shoes and now she's got sparkly poodle socks too.

I think I've finally figured out the hair piece. Yay, Mom!

Happy dancer with some medals!

I babysat my niece a couple of times. She's one of my favorite models!

Tween's instrumental concert. She's playing clarinet on the end.

We celebrated my mom's 70th birthday in the city.

She wanted to try Dom Perignon.

We toasted her (the kids had sparkling cider in case you're wondering)!

Dinner was amazing....here's some food porn for ya.

You're welcome!

A view of the restaurant and a swanky looking couple.

More food...

at dinner..

the wine..

Dessert (this was a basil-lemon tart).

Creme brulee

I forget what this was but it looks dazzling.

The tree in the lobby of the hotel-wrapped pillows on top of presents...neat idea!

Then we had the winter chorus concert. I took a few pix before but not during so I could live in the moment and enjoy the show.

We visited a cute street where they decorate for the 12 Days of Christmas...

The houses are all so pretty.

Finally it was the last day of school before break!

But this one still had a game to cheer for--lots of fun!

The kids did some chocolate dipping...

and lots of baking.

We visited our good friends in their gorgeous home. I should crash it someday to show you all it's fabulousness.

And we had the pleasure of hanging out with these two lovely boys. {we just met the baby-isn't he presh?}

And finally, last night we celebrated Christmas with my husband's side of the family.

During a rather intense round of "Cut throat Christmas".

Some of the cousins opening their gifts.

I'm tired just reliving it all but it sure was fun!
Have a safe and happy new year!
Can't wait to see what 2012 brings!
one year ago....Homemade Andes Mints
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