the Diary of DavesWife

Lastly, using some pre-cut foam stars I made this little garland to adorn the table.
I think it all turned out {SUPER} if you ask me...
But it was this Guy's reaction that made it ALL worth it!

"I just Wuv it Mom, I JUST WUV ALL Of it!"

{to see how I made his costume go here}

Here is where I am linking up this week!

I'm Topsy Turvy

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

{THREE}

2012-02-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

3 Years Ago Today

I became a Momma to this Handsome little Boy:

He is the Center of our Home

And Makes Every day a New Adventure

I {ADORE} his Growing Imagination

His {BIG} Smoochie Kisses

And that he is becoming More Like his Daddy EVERYDAY

Happy {3rd} Birthday Little Man!

♥ Your Momma

Images by Jamie Lynn Photography

Birthday Preparations...

2012-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a little quiet over here lately.

{especially after I bombarded you with all of my Valentine ideas}

But It's all for a good reason.

Someone VERY special has a Birthday this week.

And since it's an odd numbered year for his Birthday

{I can't believe he is turning 3!}

I am putting together a party for just our family.

So, NATURALLY, I have been in Full Party Planning Mode.

Here are a few little peeks at what I have been up to:

The Invitation:

Yes, I put this pic of Nixon in his Halloween Costume to use again.

{this boy still can't get enough of Superman!}

And having a Superman party gives him another excuse to wear it again!

I also designed a series of printables to go along with everything:

Here is a little Peek at what I was cutting out this afternoon!

I can't WAIT to show you what else I have up my sleeve!

I'll be back soon with more!

Valentine {FREE} Printable

2012-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Second Day of February!
(I meant to post this yesterday, but I got a little too busy)

Anyways, To celebrate the Month of L♥VE,

I am going to share the LAST Free Printable in my Valentine collection this year.

With YOU!

This last one is my FAVORITE

And I hope it will be yours too!

{Always Have, Always Will}

This Printable Is Available in {4} Different Colors

RED

TEAL

GREY

PINK

To download your very own,

Simply click on your color choice to be directed to the download page.

All Prints designed by DavesWife are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter or claim as your own. 

This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file.

And will only be available for FREE for a limited time.

If using these on the internet please link back to TheDiaryofDavesWive.com

Here is where I am linking up!

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

Mod Podged {Interchangeable} Striped Plaque

2012-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

It should come to No surprise to You that I LOVE Stripes.

Especially Black & White ones.

It is a dominant design element I use in my home.

As a matter of Fact I have an entire board on Pinterest dedicated to just Stripes!

You can see it in All of it's Striped Glory HERE.

So when I saw Amy from Positively Splendid's Striped Stacked Wall Frames

I was inspired to create a interchangeable Striped Plaque for my front door post

Here is what I came up with:

Again this is another Simple project that I made with items I had laying around my house.

I started with an unfinished 12x12 Plaque that I spray painted Black

And unfinished particle board heart that I spray painted red.

{ it was an item I bought at the craft store last year and never used}

Next up I added the stripes.

Side Note: My original plan was to use some white vinyl but I quickly realized I was all out.

So I resorted to Plan B: Mod Podge.

I simply took a piece of white cardstock and cut {5} strips that measured 1 1/4" thick

And Mod Podged them right on to my board.

Once the strips were in place I added 2 more coats of Mod Podge to the top

{letting it dry in between coats}

Next to attach the heart,

I used {2} Command Strips

And applied them to the back of my heart

peeled off the backing, and pressed it onto the center of my board.

This way when Valentines is over, I can pull off the heart

Without damaging my board

And put something else on it for the next season.

Genius Right?

Then I attached a Big Red Grosgrain Bow

And Hung it up outside on my Post:

Go here to see a Full tutorial on how I made the Post

I L♥VE how it looks on My Front Porch!

Here is Where I am linking up this week!

I'm Topsy Turvy

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

Valentine Feather Wreath

2012-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

You didn't think I was going to let ANOTHER

Holiday pass by without showing you what I did for my Front Door did you?

For Valentines, I wanted something Fun, and Bold.

So I used the Feather Wreath you saw in my kitchen at Christmas

Tied it up with some Houndstooth Ribbon

And using some Felt, batting & embroidery thread,

I hand stitched a puffy little heart to hang in the middle of it.

Now my front door is ready for Heart Day

Doesn't it Say "Look at Me, Here I am,Love Me!"

(can you name that movie?)

Here is where I will sharing this week:

I'm Topsy Turvy

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

I ♥ Avocados

2012-01-26T02:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Avocados from Mexico for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't know about you but, I REALLY LOVE Avocados from Mexico!

It is the BEST condiment for a Turkey Sandwich,

Paired with Sour Cream, it makes the Perfect topping for homemade Enchiladas,

And of Course, You can't have Guacamole with out them Right?

Today I am going to share with you my recipe for

FRESH GUACAMOLE

This is so EASY to make and will taste so MUCH better than anything you buy at the store!

Here is what you will need:

• 4 Medium Ripe Avocados cubed

• Juice of a 1/2 a Small Lime

• 1/8 Cup of Finely Diced Red Onion

•1/8 Cup of Diced Tomato

• 1/8 Cup of Chopped Fresh Cilantro

1/2 Tsp Granulated Garlic

Sea Salt to Taste

Here is how I make it:

Take your cubed avocados and run a fork through them to soften them up just a little bit.

{ I like my guacamole a little on the chunky side}

If you want to smooth yours out, run them in your food processor, and give them a good mash with the back of a fork.

Then add the juice of a half of a lime along with your chopped onion, tomato, and fresh cilantro.

Season with your granulated garlic, and add your sea salt to taste.

Pile it up in a big bowl and serve with your Favorite Chips.

So what is YOUR FAVORITE thing to use Avocados for?

Are you an avocado lover too? Visit I love avocados on Facebook for free ringtones, wallpapers, virtual gifts and more to celebrate your love for the green goodness of avocados.

You can even get a I ♥ Avocados Badge like me

to profess your love as well!

And you can even connect with other avocado lover by following Avocados from Mexico on Twitter @guacgirl and by following the hashtag #iloveavocados

The Glitter Academy

2012-01-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

To All My Local Arizona Readers:

Have you heard about The Glitter Academy?

This event will be held at My Noah’s in Chandler, AZ on

Thursday, March 1st from 6:30- 11pm

Tickets for this event are only $20.

This event is a great place to network for bloggers, but we are welcoming

THE ENTIRE CRAFT COMMUNITY!!

Bring your friends, mom, sisters, neighbors… whoever!!

The Darling Glitter Girls really know how to have fun.

And have put together this event that you won't want to miss!

I will CERTAINLY be there, and would LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet you too!

So Grab up a ticket BEFORE they sell out

Right HERE

Check out all the different craft kits that you can purchase and make that night.

Click here for more info on the Craft Kits for this event.

But here is the
BEST NEWS OF ALL.

Kim Stoegbauer of The TomKat Studio will be

The Special Guest Speaker that night.

Her blog was one of the VERY FIRST creative blogs I started reading.

If you have seen any of the adorable printables or amazing parties Kim has styled, you will know why!

It will be an amazing night you won't want to miss with lots of Creative Friends, Food, & FUN

So who is with Me?

Pink Mini Donuts

2012-01-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

If there is one day that I love spending time in the kitchen,

it's Sunday.

Whether is is cooking a scrumptious meal for my family & friends

or making a yummy treat.

I {LOVE} coming home from church,

tying on my apron & making a good mess.

Yesterday was no exception.

Want to see what I was up to?

These are SERIOUSLY DELICIOUS and Easy to Make.

{if you can make waffles then you can make these too!}

Just before Christmas I was gifted this Fabulous little Kitchen Gadget

The babycakes donut maker

it retails at $25 but I have seen them online for cheaper.

As you can see it makes the most darling little donuts.

So yesterday I got out a Pink Cake Mix

Made the batter according to the package directions

and poured it into my donut maker.

And here is what I got:

Top them with your favorite icing and sprinkles

{canned icing works great too!}

And these little cuties really come to life!

In my book, when I make something THIS Cute and THIS Yummy

I HAVE to share it.

So I packaged them up in these cute little pastry boxes

And tied it up with a cute bow & tag

And delivered them to 2 friends that rescued me this past week when my car battery died.

These would also be a perfectly sweet valentine gift for someone you love.

You could even package up some store bought donuts if you don't have the time to make some!

So I made {2} sets of tags for you to download and use!

ALL FREE PRINTABLES ARE FOR FOLLOWERS OF

The Diary of DavesWife

So please follow along :0)

To download your very own,

Simply click on the image to be directed to the download page.

All Prints designed by DavesWife are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter or claim as your own. This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file.

If using these on the internet please link back to TheDiaryofDavesWive.com

Once you are done making them for the ones you love,

Make sure you save some for yourself!

And ENJOY!

Here is where I am showing them off this week!

I'm Topsy Turvy

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

Free Printable Valentines

2012-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

There is NOTHING better than getting a Sweet Little Valentine from Someone You LOVE:

Unless of course, You get a Valentine from a SECRET ADMIRER....

yep, there is a story behind this one :0)

Let's rewind to back in the day shall we?

I was in the Fifth Grade.

I had big poofy hair and loved to wear huge bows.

{not much has changed!}

I had been going "steady" with a boy since the 1st grade

Who, of course rocked the best bowl cut in the entire school.

Before class had begun a tiny little box had been placed on the inside of my desk with a pink bow.

I thought for SURE it was a gift from Bowl Cut Boy.

But to my surprise... it was not.

Another admirer?

My little 5th grade heart could not handle it!

Who could it BE???

I was SHOCKED when I read the name on the card!

It was from the Neighbor Boy who lived around the corner!

And He had gifted me a sweet little bracelet!

Only then did I turn around to see Bowl Cut Boy standing behind me ready to

present me with a bouquet of Watermelon Jolly Rancher Sticks

remember these???

I think his poor little 5th grade heart was crushed to see that I had received

a Valentine from Someone else.

I too, adored the Jolly Rancher Bouquet, But couldn't believe that I had 2 VALENTINE'S!

Well, apparently Bowl Cut Boy didn't like the competition.

And during first recess he took matters into his own hands

And met up with Neighbor Boy behind the kick ball field for a little fist fight.

I have no idea who won the fight.

I was too embarrassed that 2 boys were duking it out over me!

So, I went and hid back inside my classroom.

Before the day was over,

Word of the "fight" had been all around school.

Even the OLDER kids were talking about it.

I was quickly becoming famous.

And I soon began to realize that this was the Raddest thing that could have happened to me that day.

So to help spread a little Valentine LOVE this year,

I designed some cute & simple Valentines Perfect for

Someone you Love or A Secret Admirer....

They come in {2} different color schemes:

RED

PINK

To download your very own,

Simply click on the image to be directed to the download page.

All Prints designed by DavesWife are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter or claim as your own. This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file.

If using these on the internet please link back to TheDiaryofDavesWive.com

Here is where I am showing them off this week!

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

Be {Mine} Valentine Tree & Free Printables

2012-01-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Day After Christmas

I got my fanny out of bed and joined all the Snowbirds at my local Wal-Mart.

There was {one} thing I was after.

Let me be honest here, I probably have enough Christmas Decorations

to decorate {2} homes.

The last thing I need was MORE Christmas stuff.

But this particular item was not going to be used for Christmas.

I had OTHER plans for this {PINK} little lady.

Be {MINE} Valentine Tree.

Now, please don't judge my unfinished dresser!

I recognize it still needs hardware and a nice coat of glaze.

Those will come soon!

{but that is another post for another day}

Back to my PINK Valentine Tree.

I also found some very cute felt hearts in pink & white that were part of

Christmas Clearance.

Then I added some cute stripey bows

And some Cute Printable Tags I designed.

These would be darling as cupcake toppers, or tags for ANYTHING Valentine related.

To download your very own,

Simply click on the image to be directed to the download page.

All Prints designed by DavesWife are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter or claim as your own. This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file.

If using these on the internet please link back to TheDiaryofDavesWive.com

For My Tree topper...

I just used some scrapbook paper and made a "lolly" complete with a glitter heart.

This entire tree cost me less than $10 including decorations.

and I {LOVE} it!

To finish off the space I dolled up some of my candles with a little ribbon and pink felt hearts

And finished it off with one of my latest printables now available in my ETSY shop

Here is where I am showing off this week!

I'm Topsy Turvy

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

Valentine Posters

2012-01-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

Last night while watching the latest episode of

The Biggest Loser.

I worked on the finishing

My Valentine Printable Collection

I LOVE creating printables and sharing them with you.

I was shocked when my Christmas Collection was downloaded over

16,000 times!

{Holy Moly}

It makes my little heart happy that my readers like them so much!

As some of you know, all of the FREE Printables I share here on my blog

Are available for a short time only.

Once, I retire the freebies, they go up for sale in my

ETSY SHOP

Before I release another set of Free printables I wanted to share with you some

of the NEW items I just listed .

8x10 BE MINE Printable Poster

available in {5} colors

11x14 Definition of LOVE Printable Poster

available in {3} different colors

8x10 Cupid Printable Poster

available in {2} colors

If you like these, you are going to LOVE

the set of FREE Printable Valentines I have coming soon!

So check back! And tell your friends to come follow along too!

Large Framed Glitter Heart {Cute & Cheap Valentine Decor}

2012-01-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday Everyone!

Can you believe we are already 1 full week into the New Year?

I spent Most of that week cleaning and organizing

just 2 rooms in my home.

{One of those rooms... the Craft Room... may have taken me 4 of those days}

I certainly know how to make a good mess!

But now that I know where most of my stuff is,

I took a little break to start putting together some simple decorations for Valentines!

Today I am going to show you how I made this

Large Framed Glitter Heart

I can't even begin to tell you how easy this was!

To make one of your VERY OWN,

Here is what you will need:

{1} 12x12 sheet of Glitter Paper

{I bought mine at Hobby Lobby using my 40% off coupon = super cheap}

A pair of Scissors

A cute polk-a-dot pencil

{okay so it doesn't have to be polk-a-dot, but it just makes it more fun if you ask me}

{1} 11x14" frame- with the glass still in it

Glue Dots *not pictured

First take your sheet of glitter paper and turn it face down and draw a heart

{I know pretty basic right?}

Remember the heart doesn't HAVE to be perfect.

But if you want it to be I found LOTS of heart templates by Google Searching.

Next step Cut out your heart.

Then using some glue dots stick it to the front of the Glass in your Frame.

Easy Peasy Right?

Here is where I am Linking up this Week:
I'm Topsy Turvy

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie

Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog

Sugar Bee Crafts

Mommy by day... Crafter by Night

Daily Dose of Delicious #CleverSalads #CleverMarzetti

2012-01-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you...

but I have been feeling REALLY guilty about

My Holiday eating . . .

{and the lack of exercise that has gone along with the holiday eating too}
PLEASE tell me I am NOT the only one! ;0)

I think I am officially done with Sweets & Junk Food for a while...
It's time to get my body back on track
With some Yummy Healthy Eating.

So I was thrilled to be asked to do a review of Marzetti Simply Dressed all natural salad dressing!
When it comes to salad dressing,
I typically prefer something a bit "girly"
I like things that are fruity & fresh as opposed to ones that are thick and creamy.
There is something about creamy salad dressings in a bottle
that taste a little too "preserved" for me.

So when I received my sample of the Marzetti Simply Dressed Ranch Dressing

I was thrilled that I was actually able to pronounce ALL the ingredients listed on the label!
And impressed to see only natural ingredients,
with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or high fructose corn syrup.
So I cracked open the bottle and grabbed a handful of baby carrots...
And I can honestly say, I was impressed.
It actually didn't taste like it came out of a bottle!

Intriguing right?
Well Here is the good news, there are MORE flavors:
Blue Cheese
Caesar
Pomegranate
Strawberry Poppyseed
Champagne
Ginger Sesame

So while you are shopping for your favorite veggies
Pick up a bottle in the refrigerated produce section of your favorite grocery store.
There is a flavor for everyone!

I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Simply Dressed review. They provided me with product to test myself and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

The Best of 2011 by {DavesWife}

2012-01-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!
This year, we fore-went the late night party
&
started off 2012 all cozy in bed.
{and listened to our crazy neighbors go wild}

I will say, I am Happy to see 2011 go.
While it brought a lot of new friends, new family members,
Good Memories, Family Vacations, a few TV appearances, & the completion of some Major projects at
The Call Home.
I am Really glad to put behind me the Heart ache & Trials
that we dealt with throughout last year.
I can say, However, that I did learn A LOT about my self this last year.
And as I have looked back through my posts from 2011
I am very PLEASED with some of the progress I have made in my little home.

Let's take a look
Shall We???

{Be Mine} Yarn Wrapped Wreath

Nixon's Modern Farm 2nd Birthday Party

DIY Striped Curtains

THE SHOES that Started "it" ALL

Mod Podge Fabric Shoes

Welcome Summer "Wreath"

My Office Space Make-Over

Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fall Wreath

DIY Superman Costume

DIY Dry Erase Calendar

Little Tom Turkey

There were LOTS of Free Printables

AND

Can you believe there were over 14,000 downloads of just these 3 ???

And last BUT not least

My Most Favorite Project this year was

My Ugly Kitchen Makeover

I don't know what this new year holds for me.

But I am ready for it.

And these are JUST the shoes to start off in

don't ya think?

Christmas Memories 2011

2011-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

We had a {WONDERFUL} Christmas this year.

I hope you did too.

This year, we hosted Dave's Side of the family at our house on Christmas Eve Afternoon.

I LOVE being Home at Christmas

remember this Post?

I made a new Sign to hang on it for Christmas !

I loved seeing it on my front porch everyday.

Inside

Can anyone find what doesn't belong in this pic?

I set up a Hot Chocolate Bar with ALL the trimmings!

And Christmas Cookies too!

My Now Famous

Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

thanks to Pinterest

And some Sugar Cookies Compliments of Pillsbury

And EVERYONE'S favorite {Oreos}

Even My Little Twinkles got a New "Do" and a Pretty bow for the party!

After we loaded up on Sweets. It was time to OPEN PRESENTS!

The KIDS were REALLY EXCITED!

And had a LOT of Fun watching and helping others open their gifts!

And the Adults did too...

Nixon was thrilled with his New Snowman Light

And the Frosty the Snowman PopCorn Tin.

Have I mentioned that Nixon LOVES Frosty the Snowman?

Well He does and can sing you the entire theme song!

Later that evening we joined my side of the Family for our Traditional Mexican Dinner.

& the Little Ones got to go for a ride on Grandpa's new "Tractor"

Thanks to my SIL Melissa for Sharing Her Iphone pic :0)

But once, we got back home, and Nixon settled in bed.

Santa paid us a visit

And Left a LOT of fun New things for Our Little Boy

Note to self: Nixon either Needs a BIGGER stocking

or I need to tell Santa to not bring so much next year!

EARLY Christmas Morning

Nixon was thrilled to see all the Presents that Santa left

Especially His VERY OWN strand of Christmas Lights

After eating a Christmas Breakfast we headed to Grandma & Papa's House

to join them for Church and a Yummy dinner.

As Nixon said Early Christmas Morning

"This is the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER"

I have to agree completely!

However, I am looking forward to the New Year

and a New list of Projects to cross of my list!
If you are interested in seeing the Rest of My Christmas Home
Go HERE HERE HERE & HERE

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

From My Family to yours...

Photos by JamieLynn Photography

My {Christmas} Home Part 3

2011-12-22T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today I will be showing you the last of inside

Christmas Decor in my Home

If you missed Part One Go Here & Part Two Go Here

or the KITCHEN go Here

As you can see, I have made a dent in wrapping!

But I am Still not Done YET!

Hopefully tonight when the little one is sleeping I will get the rest of it D.O.N.E.

While I watch last night's DVR'd A Michael Buble Christmas Special

In My Cozy Family Room

An Upclose of the Mirror and the Believe Banner I made at a Recent Craft Night

okay, I REALLY didn't make this at the Craft night.

I actually just started it.

I am one of THOSE people who talks too much and can't get her Craft done!

So I brought it home and finished it.

If you are interested in the NOEL Printable go get it HERE

On the opposite side of the room sits our

Entertainment Center

with MORE Christmas Trees Of Course!

And a Nixon size Chair & Frosty the Snowman.

Christmas is ALMOST here!

I am going to blink and it will all be over.

Are you ready yet?

Linking up here:

Someday Crafts Blue Cricket Design

The 36th Avenue Somewhat Simple

Sassy Sites A Glimpse Inside

Tidy Mom Ladybird Ln

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

WhipperBerry Tatertots & Jello

Lolly Jane I Heart Naptime

Craft-O-Maniac Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog Sugar Bee Crafts

O {Christmas Tree}

2011-12-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

I {LOVE} Christmas Trees

almost as much as I love Snowflakes!

And I have LOTS of them in different sizes ALL over my house.

Some day I will aspire to having one in every room like The Yellow Cape Cod

Have You SEEN her house?

I wish I could move in!

But for now I am happy with the handful that I do have!

Recently My Sweet Nephew Jeremy

Who shares my love of Christmas Trees

Who is Also my BIGGEST FAN

(some of you read about him here)

Asked me how many Christmas Trees I put up this year.

And Honestly, I had No idea.

So I promised him I would do an official count

And post about it complete with a shout out to him!

So After doing an official count...

I can say that I have {11}

If you saw yesterday's post

You might have seen how I used two smaller Christmas Trees as "Lamps" In my Living Room.

Well today I am going to show you the other part of the Living room where

my MAIN Tree is.

This Year I did my entire tree in

{Red & White}

Complete with Red & White Lights, white Sparkly Snowflakes, Peppermint Swirls, Pom Pom Garland,

Sparkly Snow Balls, Polka-dot Ribbon

And a topper that I have lovingly named the Taj Mahal

(it is actually a large ornament that I turned upside down)

Here is where I am showing it off this week:

Someday Crafts Blue Cricket Design

The 36th Avenue Somewhat Simple

Sassy Sites A Glimpse Inside

Tidy Mom Ladybird Ln

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

WhipperBerry Tatertots & Jello

Lolly Jane I Heart Naptime

Craft-O-Maniac Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog Sugar Bee Crafts

Make sure to come back tomorrow for Part {3}

You won't want to miss it!

My Christmas House {Part 1}

2011-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas is less than 6 days away...

I finally got my Christmas Cards in the mail Today

Whew!

The house is completely decorated

I have MOST of my shopping done!

{just a few little thing to pick up before the big day}

We are just about Ready for the Big Guy to visit our house!

Are YOU???

This week, I thought I would show you My Christmas House.

Since you have already seen THE KITCHEN

Today our tour will start in My Living Room

I removed our table lamps from off of the side tables and

Replaced them with New "Lamps"

Small Christmas Trees

Decorated with mini red bulbs & White Sparkly Snowflakes

Next up, the Mantel

Red Feather Trees, Peppermint Twist & Snowflake Garland, Candy Cane Candles

Complete with Red Velvet Stockings Made by My Momma

Next to the kitchen, this is my favorite place to be in my house...

As a matter of fact I got comfy in here today as I finished off our Christmas Cards.

Because it has the best view of

Our Main Christmas Tree

Come back tomorrow, and I will show you!
Linking up here:
Today's Creative Blog
Sugar Bee Crafts
Tip Junkie

Free Christmas Printable #3

2011-12-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

THANK YOU to all of you who have left such sweet comments about my

Kitchen Makeover!

I have LOVED reading through all of your comments & questions.

I am working on a new post that will hopefully answer ALL your questions!

including tips, paint colors, etc!

Anyways, On to today's FREE printable!

As a Child

One of my favorite Christmas Movies was

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

I used to remember hunting through the TV Guide just to see when it was going to be on

So we wouldn't miss it.

Now, I own it on DVD and we can watch it anytime we want.

Which thanks to a certain 2 year old has been DAILY.

So today's printable is inspired by my friend Rudolph.

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do!

***Please Note: all printables designed by daveswife

are available for a limited time only.

This free download has now expired.

You can now purchase this printable in my etsy shop

HERE

To download simply click on the image and you will be directed to the download page

All Prints designed by DavesWife are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter or claim as your own.

This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file.

Image quality is high enough for up to 8x10 Prints.

So tell me, What is YOUR favorite Childhood Christmas Movie?

Linking up here:

Someday Crafts Blue Cricket Design

The 36th Avenue Somewhat Simple

Sassy Sites A Glimpse Inside

Tidy Mom Ladybird Ln

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

WhipperBerry Tatertots & Jello

Lolly Jane I Heart Naptime

Craft-O-Maniac Under the Table and Dreaming

Tip Junkie Lil Luna

House of Hepworth's

Today's Creative Blog Sugar Bee Crafts

Salted Caramel Apple Trifle #cleverdessert #spon

2011-12-09T10:39:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There's no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.

Are you READY for Another Daily Dose of Delicious?
Well as some of you may know
I might have a slight obsession with Salted Caramel
Remember these?

So When I was grocery shopping recently and I came across this

An Idea for a Yummy Dessert Came to mind.

PERFECT for the Holidays.

So If you are needing a Scrumptious Dessert for an upcoming Holiday Party

For an evening in with some Friends.

This is a MUST TRY!

Ingredients:

1 Duncan Hines Decadent Apple Caramel Cake Mix

{bake according to package directions}

1 Can of Apple Pie filling

Salted Caramel Mousse {recipe below}

Whipped Topping

Cinnamon for dusting

Salted Caramel Mousse

2/3 cup sugar

6 Tbsp. water

2/3 cup heavy cream

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. sea salt (or more, to taste)

8 oz. Cream Cheese

2 cup powdered sugar

To Make Salted Caramel Mousse:

Briefly stir together granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking, without stirring, until mixture turns dark amber in color, about 6 to 7 minutes. (Keep an eye on it, though, because it goes from clear to amber very quickly!)

Remove from heat and slowly add in cream (just start with a tablespoon or two), stirring with a wooden spoon until completely smooth. (Be careful, as the mixture will definitely bubble up and possibly splatter a bit as you add in the cream.) Stir in vanilla and salt. Set aside until it reaches room temperature, or refrigerate to speed up the process.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat Cream Cheese on medium-high speed for 1 minute until very smooth. Add in the room-temperature caramel and powdered sugar, and beat on medium-low speed until combined. If the mousse is too thick, add in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream. Then increase speed to medium-high and beat for another 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Set aside.

To Assemble the Trifle

1. Cut baked and cooled cake into bite sized cubes and layer them in the bottom of your trifle dish.

2. Spoon in 1/2 the can of Apple Pie Filling over the cubed cake

3. Gently Spoon 1/2 of your Salted Caramel over the top.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 until your trifle dish is full

5. Top with Whipped Topping and Sprinkle with Cinnamon.

Lastly Serve it up to All your Friends!

Remember to check out Duncan Hines' website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective

Here is where I am sharing this week:
Today's Creative Blog

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Under the Table and Dreaming

Be Different Act Normal

I {LOVE} to Feel Pretty

2011-12-08T13:38:00.001-08:00

Thanks to L'Oreal for sponsoring my post about my favorite beauty looks, tips and tricks! Check out Makeup.com for beauty advice from the experts.

It's no secret that I adore wearing Make-up.

As a matter of fact

It's seldom you will catch me leaving the house without it on.

Sadly I am NOT one of those girls who can get out of the shower and look this glamorous!

I think it drives {DAVE} a little crazy that sometimes it takes me longer than he would like

for me to get ready.

Sometimes getting ourselves prettied up takes times!

Right?
And now that the Holidays are Here, it's the ONE time of the year that I really like looking my best!
So that means a little more time in the bathroom!

However I have recently discovered a TON of great beauty tips being shared over on Pinterest!

My favorite one is all the many ways you can use Vaseline!

Did you know that if you rub this stuff on your eyelashes at night

It can help them grow thicker and fuller?

Well, I have tried it for the last week.

And to my surprise

I have noticed a slight difference in the thickness of my lashes.

So now when I wear my FAVORITE Mascara

Loreal FeatherLash Macara

My eyes have a little more pop and they look thicker and fuller than they have in months!

And

Yes, I am one of those girls who also refuses to pay BIG bucks for My Mascara.

I have been using this particular Mascara for YEARS.

And it is MY FAVORITE!

Beauty doesn't have to be expensive right?

So tell me.

What is your favorite Mascara or Beauty Tip?

I would LOVE for you to share them!

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. Click here to learn more about Makeup.com or become a Facebook fan by clicking here.