Twelve Crafts Till Christmas

tuesday's true confession: apparently ants live in texas too!

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:07:00 +0000

I've never reposted before, but I am today because it's Tuesday . . . and it's been far too long since I've confessed anything. And there is an incredible sense of irony in the fact, that this is my very first Tuesday's True Confession and I can pretty much confess the EXACT SAME THING that I did in my very first Tuesday's True Confession in my old state. Let's just say that I woke up this morning to about 100 little ants coming through a crack in the caulking of our back door. I opened said door to find a GIANT ant hole as high as the threshold of our back door that is the cozy home to probably a thousand ants. My three year old and I spent the entire morning waging battle with the ants. Now, she just walks around the house with her eyes darting across the floor looking for ants. Picture me trying to explain to her that when the ants are outside in their home, she should leave them alone and not stomp on them . . . but when they are in our home, we stomp, squish, spray and basically annihilate them.

Poor kid is damaged for life!

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I'm grossed out. You will be too, but please don't judge me. I found an ant. Not outside in the grass or on the sidewalk, but in . . . my . . . kitchen! And not just on the floor, but in . . . a . . . cabinet! And we all know that there is NEVER just ONE ant. I confess (This technically isn't my true confession for today.) that I am not a person who cleans the house everyday, but please believe me . . . our house is clean. Not spic-and-span-so-you-can-eat-off-the-floor clean, but at least I'm-not-going-to-find-an-ant-crawling-in-a-cabinet-at-11:30-at-night clean. So, like I said, please don't judge me.

As a result, I did something that I have wanted to do and needed to do for a long time. I took everything out of the cabinets, scrubbed everything in serious scrubbing fashion and put everything back in a neat and orderly way.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

I started doing this at 11:30 PM, so it was a late night. I just couldn't go to bed wondering if there were more of those little pests running around in there. Thankfully (I think), I didn't find anymore, but now every time I walk into the kitchen or open a cabinet I'm expecting to find an ant. HELP! I don't want to use toxic pesticides just for peace of mind, but does anyone know of a toxic-free way to keep these little critters away?

Here's my true confession . . . I'm a hypocrite. You see, whenever I find a spider or other crawly little bug in the house, I gently scoop it up and put it outside where it belongs. I know, weird. I'm fully aware that this is completely bizarre behavior, but I just can't bring myself to kill them. I even have my girls trained now to come get mommy when they find a spider so we can rescue it and put it outside. But there is something in me . . . something deep down inside of me that cannot muster up the same compassion for ants. I'll just say it . . . I HATE ANTS - not outside-type ants, but any ant found in my house is definitely in danger and should fear for its life.

I guess I should thank that little ant because it helped me mark a to-do off my list that I've been putting off. At least my cupboards are cleaned, and now I can do what I like to do and . . .

confess on!

movin' it monday: the family room

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:01:00 +0000

This past weekend we got one step closer to "finishing" one ENTIRE room in our house . . . not the entire house . . . just ONE room. My husband has been begging for a flat screen TV for years, and with the move, we acquired one. We've been living with it on the floor in front of the fireplace for five weeks as we tried to figure out whether to look into LCD TV stands for the side wall or mounting sets for above the fireplace. Here's what we decided:

I so wanted this space above the fireplace to be a great focal point with a family picture or a favorite piece of art, but it just didn't make sense to put the TV stand on a different wall. The electrician did a fabulous job, and I'm ready to whip this room into shape.

Next up . . . trying to figure out what to do with this space . . .

Craft on . . . or unpack on! ;)

the end of winter countdown calendar

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Winter officially ended for me when we moved to Texas in February and it was 70 degrees. (Holy smokes . . . I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to it being 70 degrees in February.) But the official end of winter is this weekend.

Good bye winter!

Hello spring!

I had BIG plans to post this little end of winter countdown activity calendar a month ago, but well . . . as you know I've been a bit preoccupied. So . . . you will have to keep this in mind when next year rolls around OR better yet . . . make your own version for the end of spring or the end of summer or . . . you get the idea.

End of Winter Countdown Calendar

We hung our countdown calendar up about a month before the end of winter. Each hat, sweater or mitten had a little activity or treat tucked inside that we could do each day in anticipation for the end of winter. By the end of the countdown, all our shapes were tucked neatly inside our little storage bag ready to be hung up next fall as a countdown to winter.

Here's what you need:
-felt or fleece . . . A big shout out to National Nonwovens for supplying the felt for this project!
-paper patterns cut out in appropriate seasonal shapes . . . For winter I used a mitten, a sweater and a hat.
-ribbons
-clothes pins
-small strips or rectangles of paper

Here's what you do:
1) Cut our varying shapes from felt. You will need two of the same shapes for each day. I did 10 mittens, 10 hats and 10 sweater, so I needed 20 of each shape.

2) Pin two of each shape together (or not if you dare) and sew around the outside edge or each pair. Do not sew the neck and waist of the sweater, the head opening of the hat and the wrist opening of the mitten.

3) Write or print off an activity for each day. I used a variety of fun activities, service oriented activities and treats.

4) Secure ribbons on a wall, mantel or ceiling of your home.

5) Hang shapes up with clothes pin tucking paper/treat into each shape. (Actually, I put the paper in each morning before the kids got up because I have sneaky kids, and I knew the temptation of all those activities and treats just sitting there all month long would be entirely too much for them to resist.)

6) Each day tuck the shape you used back into the storage bag. (Brief and super easy tutorial . . . so easy it really isn't necessary . . . to come this weekend.)

What shapes would you use as an end of spring countdown? An umbrella? A rain boot or coat? Hmm . . . that's about all I have. Clearly, my creative juices aren't quite flowing yet!

Craft on!

oh where, oh where have i been?

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:02:00 +0000

I know . . . I know . . . I've been MIA for far too long. As you know, I've been moving. I was hoping to be up and running here with crafty projects and more, but this moving thing has been totally zonked. I still don't have all the boxes unpack, and we've been in our new home/town/state for four weeks now. Not good! Plus my front room is completely bare . . . well, that's not true . . . there is a piano sitting in the middle of the room . . . but other than a lonely old piano . . . it is completely bare.

Not only have I been MIA from the blog, but I've been MIA from your blogs, from my e-mail, from facebook, from the internet almost entirely. So boo to me!

I'm going to slowly get back into the blogging routine again, so I won't be posting daily like I did before the mover . . . for the time being anyway. And I'm going to slowly get back in contact with many of you as well. I've missed you!

Craft on!

feed me friday: spinach artichoke rolls

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

WARNING! Mouth may water and appetite may increase after reading this post. Good food ahead thanks to Krystal from Recipes Of A Cheapskate!

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I am SO EXCITED to be here guest posting on 12 Crafts Till Christmas. My name is Krystal, and I write a little blog called Recipes Of A Cheapskate. When I discovered 12 Crafts last year, it helped me so much in my desire to have homemade gifts for Christmas. I got started right away!!

In my blogging efforts, I have the support of my dear husband, Captain Jax, and two little kidlets--K-girl, who just turned 3, and Baby M, who is almost 11 months. They put up with me trying new things in the kitchen, and usually eat what I make. As long as there's no onions!! You'll occasionally see me post things regarding Baby M, my preemie boy who was born 11 weeks early last year.

He's 100% tube-fed, and I'm finding it's very difficult being a mom who loves to cook, having a baby who doesn't know how to eat.

On my blog, you can find all sorts of good recipes, that aren't going to break the bank. I don't like spending an arm and a leg at the grocery store (who does?) so I often have recipes that use ingredients that I can store on my shelves, grow in my garden, or freeze. I love being able to freeze a good meal for a busy day!!

I have some yummy appetizers you can cook up just in time for Super Bowl Sunday!

And some grilled recipes for when BBQ season kicks off!

And if you're a breakfast person, I have a lot of recipes using a Master Pancake Mix. it's like a Bisquick mix, only better :)

As well as your every day dinners when you just need to pull stuff out of your fridge and pantry. That's the type of recipe I'm going to share with you today, something quick and easy (and freeze-able) that you can make on a busy weekend night.

This recipe came about in my desire to have more meat-less meals. Cutting the amount of meat you eat, cuts down on the money you spend at the grocery store. Always a plus! I have a chicken version, that Captain Jax loves, and he loved my spinach artichoke cups, so I thought I could combine the two of them into something wonderfully tasty! And it was!!

The ingredients are things I keep on hand in my fridge and pantry--some shredded cheese, cream cheese, canned crescent rolls, spinach, and artichoke hearts.

The process is simple as well. Combine the softened cream cheese, the shredded cheese, spinach, and chopped artichokes in a bowl. Add your favorite seasonings (we like garlic, and Italian seasonings) and mix it all together. Unroll your crescent rolls and divide them into the separate triangles. Stretch the rolls out a little big, and add a spoon-full of the mixture. Seal up the dough around the mixture. Make sure you get everything sealed up good. Even if you think you got it sealed though, it's probably NOT, and will ooze out during cooking. Or maybe I just like to overfill everything. :) When all your rolls are finished, dip them in some melted butter, and then roll in breadcrumbs.

Bake them up, and serve them with a nice green salad. There ya go! Dinner, quick as a wink.

I also wanted to share with you my weekly link-up called Saturday's Party that EVERYONE is invited to come LINK UP every week with your party ideas!! I don't care if it's crafts, decor, gift ideas, or food, ANYTHING related to parties is welcome!!

SPINACH ARTICHOKE ROLLS
From: http://recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com
Posted at: http://twelvecraftstillchristmas.blogspot.com

1/2 pkg (about 1 1/2 cups) thawed, drained spinach
3 cups shredded cheese (I used mozzarella and cheddar)
1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 pkg crescent rolls
melted butter and breadcrumbs for coating

Preheat oven to 350degs. Mix together everything but the rolls, butter, and breadcrumbs. Add your favorite seasonings (like garlic, Italian are very good). Roll out your crescent rolls, and divide into the triangles. Take each triangle, and kind of stretch it out with your fingers. Place a spoonful of the mixture on the roll, and wrap the roll up around it, sealing everything inside. Things will still leak out when it's cooked, it's the nature of the beast. :) Roll each bundle in melted butter, and then breadcrumbs. Bake about 1-2" apart on a baking sheet (these spread a little bit). Bake for about 25-30 minutes, and serve warm!

Thanks so much for letting me be a Guest Blogger Elizabeth!! It was lots of fun to create something special for your readers. Come on by and visit Recipes Of A Cheapskate!

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No, thank you Krystal for this fabulous addition to my recipe box!

Cook on!

make your own vanilla: a gift idea from Kathleen at AlwaysSewLove

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I'm somewhere between Iowa and Texas, so I'm turning my blog over to Kathleen today! I was looking through her blog a while ago and found this idea. She took pity on me in my moving chaos, and wrote this up for you all. Let's give her a warm welcome!

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Hi! This is Kathleen from AlwaysSewLove. I am so excited to be a guest here today! Here is an awesome tutorial for making....

Vanilla!

I saw this idea on the Heavenly Homemakers blog and knew I had to try it. I can't believe how expensive vanilla extract is at the local food store.

Here is what you need.

1. Vanilla Beans. I ordered Madagascar Vanilla Beans from Amazon. $23.75 for 1/2 pound.

2. Vodka. Buy the cheap stuff. Did you know they come in plastic bottles these days? Mine were $8.99 a half gallon.

3. Gallon glass jar. I found mine at Walmart for $4.98.

First step is to cut the vanilla beans in half length wise leaving about an inch so it stays together.

This takes a little while. When all vanilla beans are cut place them in the jar.

Now pour the Vodka into the jar. Screw on lid. Put in a dark place and wait 6 months.

I purchased my bottles from Specialty Bottle Supply. I bought twelve, eight ounce sized bottles. They were .86 apiece. They also sell plastic shrink wraps which makes for a more professional look. Shipping costs more than the bottles so while your vanilla is 'cooking' keep an eye out for bottles you can use. A dark glass would be best.

FAST FORWARD. 6 MONTHS!

My Vanilla only 'cooked' for about 5 months since I started a little late. I found this site The Graphics Fairy in blog land that has free graphics. I found something I liked and doctored it up in iPages. I bought sheets of labels and printed them out.

Depending on the jar or bottle you used you might have a bit of trouble pouring the vanilla into your little 8 ounce bottles.

SUPPLIES:

The Vanilla :)
Amber bottles - my 5 gallon jar yielded 12, 8 ounce bottles.
A large measuring cup.
A strainer
A coffee filter
A funnel
Labels

(I used a plastic tub to catch any spills.)

1. Put the coffee filter into the strainer and then place in measuring cup.

2. Pour the Vanilla into the coffee filter.

3. Pour into the bottles. Dry the outside of the bottles.

4. Place labels on. Not so easy to get it perfect... but close enough.

5. I wrapped the bottles in plastic bags and added a bow.

Then give them all away!

NO WAIT! Keep one or two for yourself and plan on making a new batch in June!

Blessings!

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I love this project for two reasons:

1) because it's uber cool to say that you know how to make your own vanilla

2) because I need a good lesson in patience, and this is sure to teach me that

Thanks Kathleen!

Craft on!

we've got winners..

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:00:00 +0000

YES WE DO!

Woohoo! I love giving away goodies! The only down side is that I don't have goodies to give to everyone! Check out the winners for all three of the twelve crafts' giveaways below, and go to Bev's place at Flamingo Toes for the other three winners.

A great big thanks to Bev, you all and the giveaway sponsors for making Blog Spa a fabulously fun event!

Basic Facial Care Set from Skin Journey

WINNER: Courtney Elizabeth who wrote, "I use Clinique acne line of products. I love it but it's pretty pricey so it would be great to try something else."

Sparetime Crafts - clever and creative Etui box

WINNER: Stephanie with her extra entry, "I also entered the Barefoot Bath and Body giveaway at FT!"

Amber's Lemongrass Spa shop - winner's choice of either a body polish or a foot scrub

AND

O. C. Styles - manicure/pedicure kit

WINNER: Julie from Pickles and I scream who wrote, "I would definitely choose the body polish, this cold weather has dried my skin out something awful!"

Congrats ladies! Send me an e-mail ASAP with the address your prizes need to be sent to.

Craft on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

O.C. Styles

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

Sparetime Crafts

Skin Journey

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body Elegant Rose Boutique

tuesday's true confession: quick and dirty style

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:27:00 +0000

I confess I can't remember the last time a looked through my blog reader.

Cue guilt!

I've been absent . . . no commenting of your amazing blogs . . . very few responses to comments left on this blog.

Guilt increasing!

I miss you, and I can't wait to be back reading, commenting and responding in a few weeks when the move and our nomad lifestyle is over.

In the meantime . . . stay indoors and . . .

CRAFT ON . . . because I can't!

movin' it monday: a top ten

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Tops ten best things about moving

10. Listening to my husband laugh hysterically as he reads my old high school yearbooks found in a box in the basement.

9. I found sheets and towels I didn't even know I had in the back of the linen closet.

8. I may come up with the best cookbook ever called Cooking with Random Ingredients Left in Your Cupboards Before You Move . . . that title may be a bit cumbersome. The cookbook will include a recipe that uses Progresso Soup, whole wheat noodles, frozen peas, chopped olives, canned mushrooms and American cheese slices. (Yep, we had that for dinner tonight and my husband actually like it.)

7. The junk drawer FINALLY gets cleaned out.

6.  Moving gives a big boost to the plastic garbage bag market . . . you know, after making thirty some trips to our local donation center with a van filled to the brim with garbage bags stuffed with clothes, toys, towels, sheets, etc.

5. Those size 6 jeans from my pre-baby days FINALLY get purged from my drawer. No more guilt for not willing my hips to shrink back into the pre-labor and delivery days.

4.  I finally had to admit that I don't NEED eight mixing bowls.

3. The Lazyboy chairs in my husband's "man cave" had to be sold because they won't fit in the new house.

2. Purging, sorting, walking up and down the stairs carrying heavy stuff hundreds of times a day is a great workout.

1.  Moving makes me never want to move again.

What would you add to the list?

Craft on . . . because I'm not getting any crafing on!

come join the blog spa blog hop!

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:

~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey

~a facial mask and headband

~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

~a Fabulous Feet Set giveaway from the Abbey James Co.
~a personalized spa body wrap tutorial
~a foot care package from O.C. Styles and Lemongrass Spa
~a tutorial for spa slippers
~a $25 shop credit to Elegant Rose Boutique

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The day we've been waiting for is finally here . . . the day that you get to start linking up your posts so we can learn from all of you!

Please link up:

~your own spa tips

~any spa-related tutorials

~any self-care ideas that you have

~a post about one or two ways you have taken care of yourself this week

This is a blog hop, so you can post this linky party on your blog by grabbing the code below - copy the code and paste it into your blog post for today in html mode. If you want to participate but don't understand how to, please e-mail me any questions. I'm happy to help.

And don't foget to enter all the great Blog Spa giveaways from this past week that are sponsored by these amazing shops:

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

Giveaways are open until February, 2, 2011 at 11:59 PM (CST). Winners will be announced on February 3, 2011.

Blog Spa on!

blog spa: tips for taking care of the inside

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

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What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Nothing?
Some left over lasagna from dinner last night?
A couple of baby carrots while making your child's lunch for school?
Coffee?

This week Bev and I have been on a mission . . . Blog Spa: a week of taking care of yourself after a year of taking care of others. But the realty is that taking care of yourself needs to be done more than just one week out of every year. AND it involves taking care of your entire body . . . outside and INSIDE! We've been focusing on the outside part of ourselves all week, so as we round out Blog Spa, we want to remind you to take care of the inside too!

Exercising and eating right are musts for busy women. Both contribute the fuel and stamina we need to get through each day.

Now, I know what you are saying:

"I'm too busy to eat breakfast."

"I'm trying to lose a few pounds, so I don't eat breakfast."

"I do eat breakfast . . . kind of. I eat whatever is left over in my kid's bowl."

"I'm really not a breakfast person."

And to all those excuses I say, "BLECH!" and "NONSENSE!" and"BOO!"

Eating a proper breakfast is the best way to give you energy for that busy day, to work towards losing those last few pounds, to eliminate the need to eat off your child's plate, to get yourself into a healthy eating pattern the rest of the day.

So on our last day of Blog Spa, I'm going to give you three quick, easy, nutrition-PACKED Spa-like breakfast options to start your day off right.

Veggie Scramble

This protein-packed breakfast will keep you feeling full until lunch (I've eating this breakfast 3 days this week, and I didn't need a mid-morning snack) plus you start your day off with a serving a veggies! Woo hoo! If you have seven minutes you can make this and jump start your morning.

Here's what you need:
~1 whole egg and 2 egg whites

~1/2 of a small green, yellow or red pepper chopped*

~1/4 a cup of fresh broccoli florets*

~3 - 4 cherry tomatoes cut in half (right now I'm loving sweet yellow tomatoes)*

~2 T. Parmesan cheese
*Right before you go to bed the night before, quickly chop the veggies up and put them back in the refrigerator.

Here's what you do:
Spray non-stick skillet with cooking spray and saute veggies while you whisk together egg and egg whites. Pour whisked eggs into skillet and scramble together. When eggs are properly cooked, dump them on to the plate, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

A Yummy Breakfast Treat

At first glance, this reads more like a dessert, but it's packed with good stuff to fuel your body . . . plus it's like dessert for breakfast.

Here's what you need:

~1 large banana

~2 T. peanut butter

~2 T. of nutella or 2 T. chocolate syrup

~1/2 cup vanilla soy milk or skim milk

~1/2 cup ice cube

Here's what you do:

Freeze banana overnight. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Drink!

The No-Excuses Egg Sandwich

Another good protein breakfast with a serving of whole grain some veggies and a sprinkling of calcium. With the help of the microwave (yep, you can microwave eggs), this breakfast is a no-excuses breakfast option.

Here's what you need:

~1 egg

~1 T. water

~1 wedge if light Laughing Cow spreadable cheese

~1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes

~2 slices of 100% whole wheat bread

Here's what you do:

Crack egg into microwave safe bowl. Whisk it together with 1 T. water. Cover and microwave 1 minute. In meantime, toast bread and use large biscuit cutter to cut bread slices into circles. Spread Laughing Cow cheese onto each circle. Slide egg omelet onto one circle. Sprinkle tomatoes onto egg and place other circle on top. Enjoy!

Are you a breakfast eater? What are your healthy breakfast ideas?

Don't forget to come back tomorrow morning to link up your Blog Spa contributions!

Blog Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Skin Journey

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

Sparetime Crafts

blog spa: one last giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

~a Fabulous Feet Set giveaway from the Abbey James Co.
~a personalized spa body wrap tutorial
~a foot care package from O.C. Styles and Lemongrass Spa

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Our last Blog Spa giveaway from Elegant Rose Boutique is up now over at Bev's place. This shop is AH. MAZE. ING!

Sadly, Blog Spa is almost over. We have one more tip/tutorial post scheduled here at twelve crafts for tonight, and our blog hop party will start tomorrow so you can ALL JOIN IN on the party!

Remember to come link up:
~your own spa tips
~any spa-related tutorials
~any self-care ideas that you have
~a post about one or two ways you have taken care of yourself this week

I have one last shout out to Bev, my Blog Spa partner from Flamingo Toes. Working with her has been so fun! As a super creative crafter, blogger and businesswoman, she is the whole package! ;)
Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

O.C. Styles
Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

Sparetime Crafts
Barefoot Bath and Body
Skin Journey
Abbey James

Elegant Rose Boutique

blog spa: a tutorial for your toesies and extra giveaway entries

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

~a Fabulous Feet Set giveaway from the Abbey James Co.
~a personalized spa body wrap tutorial
~a foot care package from O.C. Styles and Lemongrass Spa

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A wise woman that I know once told me, "If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of anyone else."

So Bev and I want to challenge you to do just that . . . to do just one thing today to take care of yourself. Exercise for 30 minutes, eat a well-balanced meal, read a couple of chapters from a good book, just sit and do nothing for ten minutes, file your nails, take a warm bath . . . whatever helps you feel recharged, renewed and refreshed.

We invite you to write up a post about how you have been inspired to care for yourself this week, and link it up on Saturday with all the other spa tips/tutorials and ideas that will be linked up in our blog hop. After all, Blog Spa isn't so much about pampering ourselves for indulgence . . . it's about taking care of ourselves so that we can be even better moms, wives, employees, grandmas, friends . . . people.

And by now, you know the routine . . . it's time to head on over to Bev's place (oh, how I wish I could LITERALLY do that) and check out the next Blog Spa tutorial . . . a little pampering for your feet. BUT before you go . . . take advantage of these extra entries for ALL three of the giveaways that you've seen directly here at twelve crafts. That's right any extra entries left below will automatically be added to all three Blog Spa entries that you've seen here.

Extra Entries:

~Leave a separate comment below for each giveaway you entered AT FLAMINGO TOES.*

*For example, if you entered only 1 of the giveaways at Flamingo Toes, you will leave one comment below. And the 1 comment you leave below will go into the entry list for all three of the giveaways here at twelve crafts. Technically, if you enter tomorrow morning's giveaway at Flamingo Toes, you could have up to three extra entries for all three of my giveaways. Woohoo!

Blog Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

O.C. Styles
Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop
Sparetime Crafts
Skin Journey

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

blog spa giveaway: take care of your feet

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

~a Fabulous Feet Set giveaway from the Abbey James Co.
~a personalized spa body wrap tutorial

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Let's talk about feet!

How much time do you spend on your feet each day? Running errands, making meals, picking up toys, cleaning, walking around the office . . . yes, ladies we spend A LOT of time on our feet.

So . . . we should be taking care of them. Right? Right!

Of course, most of us don't have the time or the money to go to a salon or a spa for a pedicure, so we have to learn to take care of our own feet.

And I'm so excited to introduce to you TWO shops . . . that's right TWO . . . that want to help us take care of our feet.

Lemongrass Spa

First up . . . Amber from Lemongrass Spa. If you've never heard of Lemongrass Spa, you have got to check out this line of natural bath and body products.

You can pick up pretty much any bath and body product you want or need at Lemongrass Spa - shampoo, mineral make up, body polish and even products for the men in your life.

Here's just one of the many I would like to try . . . in my new soaker tub once I get to Texas! ;)

And I was just going to show one, but then I found this yummy looking cupcake bath bomb. That thing goes in your bath not your mouth . . . much better for my thighs!

Amber is giving away winner's choice of either a body polish or a foot scrub. Go with the foot scrub ladies, and take care of those busy, tired feet!

O. C. Styles

The second shop I'm loving and get to share with you is O. C. Styles! I would buy one (or twenty) of every thing in this shop if I could. This shop carries clutches, coffee sleeves, card holders, key holders, and multi-packs for bridal parties or mass gift giving. And I love the patterns, the colors, the designs . . . I just love it!

Here are my two absolute favs:

And the manicure/pedicure kit is ADORABLE! I love the unique shape of this kit.

One winner . . . two products . . . to take care of your feet!

First entry:

~How much time do you think you spend on your feet each day?

blog spa tutorial: a personalized spa body wrap

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:52:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

~a Fabulous Feet Set giveaway from the Abbey James Co.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We've pampering ourselves head to toe this week during Blog Spa. Yesterday, Bev over at Flamingo Toes showed us how to make a bath scrubbie and a bath soak. Well, you are going to need something cute to use as a wrap once you get done soaking. . . right? Right! So that's when you reach for your personalized spa body wrap. You don't have a personalized spa body wrap? Well, now you can! And the best part is you can use things you already have on hand to make yourself one . . . woohoo!

Spa Body Wrap

Here's what you need:

~a towel from your linen closet

~a stained washcloth (or a unstained washcloth)

~some bits of fabric from your scrap pile

~some elastic

~hook and loop strip about 2 inches long

Here's what you do:

1) Place your towel right side up on the ground. Decide which long side is going to be the top of the wrap and which long side will be the bottom. At the top, place one side of the hook and loop about 1/4 down from the top and a 1/4 inch in from the side. Sew.

2) Place your towel back on the floor right side up. At the top on the other corner, place the other side of the hook and loop about 2 inches down from the top and a 1/4 inch in from the side. Sew.

3) Place the towel back on the ground again WRONG SIDE UP. Fold the top edge of the towel down about 1 inch. This will be your tube for the elastic. Pin and sew a straight line to make the tube, but do not sew up the ends.

4) Take the elastic and pull it tight around your chest where you would normally wrap a towel for the length you need to cut. (Make sure there is tension in the elastic and that it is stretching.) Put a safety pin through one end of the elastic and start pushing it through the tube you just created on your towel. Read next step before pushing too far. (This isn't as easy as with regular fabric but with a little patience, it will go all the way through.)

5) Push safety pin through until the opposite end of the elastic is just past the end of the hook and loop piece (so about 2 1/4 inches in from the end. Sew elastic in place here going back and forth a couple of times.

6) Keep pushing safety through until it comes out the other end. But now gently release elastic so that it is about 2 1/4 inches in from this end. Sew into place going back and forth a couple of times. This means that the elastic is not in the tube where the hook and loop is. (I did sew the ends of the tube up as well once the elastic was sewn in place.)

7) Take your stained washcloth (that you almost threw out until you realized you could make something cool like this with it), and cut a pocket shape out of it. I thought this looked entirely too plain, so I added a personalized monogram using scrap fabric and double-sided fusible interfacing. The interfacing does work with the towel; however I also did a quick topstitch to make sure it will stay on when washed. Sew pocket on where ever you can easily access it while the wrap is on your body. I even put the wrap on to find just the right spot to pin and sew the pocket.

8) I also added a strip of the same fabric from the top of the wrap to the bottom with the same interfacing and sewing technique.

9) Done! And ready for wrapping after a nice warm relaxing bath! This is way better than my terry cloth robe that I've had since I was 18!

See you tomorrow morning for another great spa giveaway!

Blog Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

another great blog spa giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts
~bath scrubbie and tea soak tutorials

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You've got to head on over to Bev's place for our Blog Spa giveaway from Abbey James. Honestly, you are going to love this shop full of artisan handmade body care goodies!

We hope you are enjoying Blog Spa. And we want to invite you to think of JUST ONE (or more if you want) way you can pamper yourself this week. Write about . . . inspire others to do the same . . . and come back on Saturday and link up to our Blog Spa party.

Hope to see you back here at twelve crafts for . . . well, you'll just have to come back to see for yourself!

Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Abbey James

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

Sparetime Crafts
Barefoot Bath and Body
Skin Journey

blog spa: more great ways to pamper yourself

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow
~a manicure set giveaway from Sparetime Crafts

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have I mentioned that we are going to have a blog hop linky party at the end of Blog Spa? No?! Well, we are! You see, Bev and I know that you all have some fabulous spa ideas as well, and we don't want to miss out on even one. So on Saturday, you are invited to link up any and all of your fabulous spa related posts - tips, tutorials, advice, ideas. You can link up past posts or write up a new one up this week and join the fun! We can't wait!

In the meantime, we still have some great tips/tutorials and giveaways coming up throughout the rest of this week because this week is all about taking care of YOU! If you are anything like the two of us, self care and pampering gets pushed to the back burner.

The list of ~~excuses~~ reasons is long:
1) Family comes first.
2) Money is tight.
3) The day is full.
4) It doesn't seem that important.
5) I could go on and on.

But it is important to take care of yourself so that you can be the best you - the you that your family deserves. So . . . here's another on-the-cheap way you can pamper yourself and take care of yourself . . . I'm so tricky because you are going to have to go over to Bev's place @ Flamingo Toes to check it out. ;)

Blog Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Sparetime Crafts
Skin Journey

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

blog spa: take care of your hands giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:59:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaways and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body

~eye care tips and an aromatherapy eye pillow

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you ever seen a product and thought,

"That is so cool! How did she do that?"

Well, welcome to Sparetime Crafts - the clever and creative genius behind these:

I know you think that it's just a box . . . but wait . . . there's more:

And check it out fully open:

Bev (of Flamingo Toes fame) and I are moving from head to toe with tips to pamper, renew and refresh. This morning's giveaway moves us from face and eyes to hands and fingers. We can't all take time to visit a nail salon for a manicure, and we don't all have the money to either. But a good manicure is in your grasp if you have the right tools to give yourself one at home.

And thanks to Carolyn at Sparetime Crafts, one of you will have those tools at your fingertips in your very own Etui box. An Etui box is a 23 piece box (including manicure tools) that holds all your manicure supplies. It is fashioned after the Chinese concept of "a box within a box".

The winner of this giveaway gets to choose the Etui box of her choice. (Sparetime Crafts also carries Etui boxes for needlework . . . so clever!)

First entry:

~Tell the truth . . . do you have one funky nail on one of your fingers right now? You know . . . the kind of nail that snags on every sweater you put on because you can't be bothered to use a nail file. I do! Actually, I have three of them!

pamper your eyes: tips and a tutorial for taking care of your peepers

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Don't miss out on our great Blog Spa giveaway and tutorials:
~a Basic Skin Care Set from Skin Journey
~a facial mask and headband
~a soothing prize pack from Barefoot Bath and Body
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Ladies (and gents . . . no, I'm pretty sure just ladies are reading this)!

Let the pampering continue!! Day two of blog spa started out at Bev's place with another great giveaway. I hope you were able to stop by, say "HI!" to Bev and enter.

Last week after I took my oldest daughter to the dentist for a check up, she asked me, "Mommy, why aren't your teeth as white as mine . . . and why do your eyes look so tired?" True story.

Bah! Yah, so that's not a good sign when my 5 year old thinks my eyes look tired! (And come on little girl, give me a break on the teeth! You are a 5 year old with baby teeth. I am 33 with about 26 or 27 years worth of wear and tear on mine . . . okay, so it's just a coincidence that the day after she told me this I found myself purchasing some white strips.)

So . . . I started researching ways to put a little spark and light back into that super tender eye area so that my little peepers don't scream, "I NEED MORE SLEEP!" to everyone I have a conversation with.

These little tricks and tips have two HUGE things going for them:
1) They are cheap . . . after all, we are going for ~~cheap~~ thirty ways we can pamper ourselves.
2) Each tip can be done relatively easy with things you have on hand or can pick up at a local store.

Tip #1 - Tea Bags for Puffy Eyes

Now, I drink tea ALL THE TIME (uhh . . . I might be seeing a connection here between my love of tea and my less-than-sparkly-white teeth). But I don't drink Chamomile Tea. It tastes like dried grass, but that's not the point . . . the point is that I may not drink it, but I do have it in my cupboard because it's like magic for your eyes.

What to do: Make tea as you normally would and drink it (or don't) as you are waiting for the tea bags to completely cool. Then lay down. (Yes, the world will not fall apart if you lay down for 15 minutes. Trust me.) Place cooled but still damp tea bags on your eyes. The natural tannins of the tea will decrease puffiness and brighten up your eye area leaving you feeling refreshed and slightly more awake after 15 minutes.

Tip #2 - Potatoes for Dark Circles

We've all heard that cucumbers are good for the eyes, but did you know that potatoes are even better? Plus, you are more likely to have them sitting in your cupboard somewhere.

What to do: Finely grate one small potato. Mush grated potato together with 1/8 of a cup of unsweetened applesauce until well blended. Lay down. (At some point, I am going to get you to relax and lay down, so you might as well just do it.) Pat mixture under eyes. Place hot towel (not too hot) over eyes and take a 5 minute snooze. Gently wash off with warm water.

Tip #3 - Avocados for Wrinkles

Yummy . . . I'm not sure I can resist the temptation of having an avocado in the house because I LOVE me some fresh avocado slices. But that rich little oval of yumminess has other beauty benefits.

What to do: Run to your local health store and pick up some almond oil. Now that you are back home, mush about 1/3 of your avocado up and mix in 4 to 6 drops of almond oil to make a rick cream. You guessed it . . . lay down. Gently dab all around your eye skin area. (This goes without saying I hope, but don't put this in your eyes.) Listen to your children fight over that one toy they both "have to have" for about 5 to 10 minutes. Gently wash off with warm water.

Tip #4 - Warm Rice and Dried Lavender for Rested Eyes

My eyes look tired because they are. Lack of sleep, lots of computer time and just plain life add to the problem. If you spend a tad too much time of the computer (like me), a warm compress is just the ticket for giving those weary eyes a rest. And you can make your own so it can be warmed in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. Ahhh . . . I feel more rested already!

Here's what you need:
~print out eye pillow template
~2 rectangles of fleece, flannel or other fabric
~1 15 inch strip of elastic (1/2 or 3/4 width will work perfectly)
~Rice
~Dried lavender or your choice of essential oil

Here's what you do:
1) Use template to cut out two eye pillow pieces.

2) Sandwich elastic in between fabric facing right sides together. Pin in place.

3) Sew around leaving a small hole for turning.

4) Use funnel to add equal parts rice and dried lavender. (Or mix a few drops of essential oils with rice and let it dry a bit before putting the rice into the eye mask. You will obviously be using more rice with this method.)

5) Fold in open turning hole and sew around mask to close up the hole.

Here's how to use it:
1) Warm in the microwave for about a minute (or to desired warmth), lay down (don't roll your eyes at me) and enjoy 10 to 15 minutes of time to relax those tired eyes.

2) OR . . . and here's the best part because this little eye pillow is multifunctional . . . stick it into the freezer for two hours to make a coldpress - also great for the eyes.

3) OR . . . this little aromatherapy eye pillow is magic for headaches as well. I warmed mine up last night and just put it over my forehead and not my eye area because my husband is out of town and my children were a bit wild last night (which may have been the reason for the headache). Anyway, I could still interact with them and play with them while this little warm pack did the job on vanishing my headache.

Do you feel pampered? Go grab your potatoes and get started!

Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Skin Journey

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

Sparetime Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:58:00 +0000

You've got to head on over to Bev's place for our Blog Spa giveaway from Barefoot Bath and Body. You totally won't be disappointed!

We hope you enjoyed our first spa day together yesterday. In case you didn't have time to pamper yourself with blog-reading . . . check out Bev's tutorials (yep, that's right . . . two tutorials) for a spa headband and an oatmeal facial mask and click here for our first giveaway from Skin Journey.

Then come back here tonight for another great at-home spa treatment tutorial . . . pampering yourself on the cheap can be done ladies! Let's get to it!

Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Barefoot Bath and Body
Skin Journey

Abbey James

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

Sparetime Crafts

spa headband and an oatmeal facial mask

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:48:00 +0000

Welcome to our first Blog Spa Day! I hope you will be joining Bev and I as we pamper ourselves from head to toe this week. After all, a girl deserves a week of pampering after a year of taking care of everyone else . . . right? RIGHT!

Check out the first Blog Spa tutorial over at Flamingo Toes. Bev put her creative genius at work to show us how to make a spa headband and an oatmeal facial mask. I'm feeling oh so relaxed already!

And don't forget to scroll down or click here for our first giveaway from Skin Journey.
Spa on!

Blog Spa is sponsored by these great shops:

Skin Journey

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

Sparetime Crafts

welcome to blog spa: take care of your skin giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Wouldn't it be great if we could all pencil in a day at the spa together? We could finally meet face to face and chat over manicures, gab during facials and giggle in the midst of pedicures.

Hmm . . . that would have to one pretty big spa!

Well, since we can't do that, Bev (of Flamingo Toes fame) and I want to welcome you to Blog Spa . . . you've spent a year taking care of others, making gifts for others, doing for others . . . this week is about taking care of you. We will be offering our own tips and tutorials plus giveaways from some great shops.

So stop by every morning this week for a great giveaway and every evening for a spa tip or tutorial.

To start off our Blog Spa I want to introduce you to a great Etsy store . . . Skin Journey. Skin Journey provides a line of quality spa products for body and facial care.

Republic of India Shea Butter Cold Process Soap

Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub

Italian Mint Squalane Lip Balm

Plus, I love that Skin Journey carries sample/travel sizes as well so that you can try out a variety of products to see which one you like before you commit to a full-size product AND then get your fav products in travel sizes . . . woohoo.

To kick off Blog Spa, we are giving away a Basic Facial Care Set from Skin Journey.

Basic Facial Care Set from Skin Journey

First entry:

~Tell me about your skin care routine.

feed me friday: pumpkin crunchiness

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:53:00 +0000

I'm in the use-everything-in your-cupboard stage of preparing to move. The last time I moved I was single. It is much easier to use everything in your cupboard and just force yourself to eat things like green bean, garbanzo bean, black olive salad (which actually isn't half bad when drizzled with a little olive oil, lemon juice and salt) when you are single. When you have two children and a husband who aren't as easily appeased, it's much more difficult.

Right now I have enough things stored away in the cupboard to make a few appealing things . . . for a few days. But by Monday or Tuesday we will be eating barley, stewed tomatoes and baked french fries for dinner . . . I may have a mutiny on my hands.

I bought the ingredients for today's recipe for Christmas dinner, but I ended up with so many other sweets I decided not to make it. So my trusty assistant and I drug out the ingredients on our day at home together to make this delicious recipe:

Pumpkin Crunchiness

Here's what you need:
~1 egg and 3 egg whites (This is my lame attempt at keeping it healthy . . . you can use 3 whole eggs.)
~3/4 c. of sugar
~1 c. of skim milk
~1 large can of pumpkin
~1 package of yellow cake mix
~1 stick of melted margarine
~1 tsp. of cinnamon
~1/8 tsp. of ginger
~1/8 tsp. of cloves
~1/4 tsp. of salt
~1/2 cup of chopped pecans
~a trusty assistant in her best Christmas Eve dress

Here's what you do:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.

2) Beat eggs lightly with a fork. Then add sugar, milk and pumpkin and mix again.

3) Throw in cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt and stir together.

4) Pour mixture into 9 x 13 pan.

5) Spread cake mix out over pumpkin mixture.

6) Drizzle melted butter over the top of cake mix.

7) Bake for 40 minutes.

8) Pull out and sprinkle pecans on top. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.

9) Drop on some whipped cream and enjoy sans shirt . . . well, you might want to keep your shirt on!

Cook on!

a show off and a reminder . . .

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Well, I have to publish this quickly because I have had very spotty internet connection the last two days. That's right . . . two days with maybe 30 seconds every few hours where the connection works. I have no idea why. But . . . I do know that I'm busy getting ready for M-DAY because two months ago I would have been in a complete panic knowing that I couldn't connect with all of you and all my fav blogs to read. However, I've almost found myself relieved the last couple days that I don't have to feel guilty for not being around blogland. If I can't connect, I can't feel guilty . . . well, I shouldn't feel guilty anyway, but I do miss being around here and around your blogs . . . SOOOO MUCH!

Here's my show off for the day.

Jennifer from Perrilyn Creations took the pretend and play mommy set and added her own twist. Check out her mini mei tai carrier below as well.

And don't forget about Blog Spa coming up on Sunday!

What is Blog Spa?

I'm glad you asked.

Bev from Flamingo Toes and I are hosting Blog Spa - and the week wouldn't be the same without YOU!

This week will be all about you . . . taking care of YOU!
January 23 - 28 will be a fantastic week full of spa tutorials, tips, and of course . . . GIVEAWAYS from these great shops:

Abbey James

Barefoot Bath and Body

Elegant Rose Boutique

Amber's Lemongrass Spa Shop

O.C. Styles

Skin Journey

Sparetime Crafts

There will be different tutorials and giveaways at both blogs every day - so mark your calendars - you don't want to miss out!

We'd love for you to grab a button too - help us spread the word! (There will probably be an extra entry or two in it for ya!)

Craft on!

tuesday's true confession: i can't wear half of my wardrobe

noreply@blogger.com (elizabeth @ twelvecrafts) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:34:00 +0000

I found a curious thing inside my closet while I was sorting, organizing and purging tonight in preparation for what I simply refer to as M-DAY now.

I found about half a closet of clothes that I haven't worn for almost a year.

Do you want to know why I haven't worn these clothes for almost a year?

Guess.

No, it's not because they don't fit.

No, it's not because they are out of style. (Well, they might be out of style, but that doesn't bother me. I'm not known for my sense of style.)

No, it's not because they are too big. (Although, I wouldn't mind if this was the reason.)

One last guess . . . no?

Okay, the reason that I have a half closet full of clothes I haven't worn in a year is because these clothes all require this . . .

Yes, I confess tonight before all of you that I am so lazy and I despise ironing so much that I have half a closet of clothing (that I love) that has gone unworn because it requires ironing. Sad, isn't it!

And guess what else . . . I managed to justify not ironing even one article tonight or tomorrow or at any point in the next three weeks because . . . hey, why iron something that's just going to get all wrinkly in the move?

I wonder what my excuse will be once we are all unpacked and settled in at the new house?!

Mental note to self . . . do not buy anymore clothing that requires turning on the iron.

Are there any confession hidden in your closet?

Confess on!