Our Reflection

iHeartFaces Spring Photo Challenge

2013-02-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

{1 Photo – 31 Days} Spring Photo Challenge

I'll be the first to admit, I've tried these photo-a-day challenges before and failed miserably. I adore the photography community over at I Heart Face so I'm going to give it a go again.

There really are no guidelines at all for this challenge (yay!) But here are some tips to help you get started. See more HERE.

Make sure you use the hashtag #iHeartFaces if you share your image via Instragram, Twitter or Google+.

This is just a great way to get to know each other better. Can't wait to see your images starting this Friday!

There really are no guidelines at all for this challenge (yay!) But here are some tips to help you get started: - See more at: http://www.iheartfaces.com/2013/02/instagram-photo-challenge-spring/#sthash.UnN9bkqN.dpuf

There really are no guidelines at all for this challenge (yay!) But here are some tips to help you get started:
1| Submit one photo or many photos that follow the theme or inspiring word for that day.
2| Add your photo on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Facebook or the I Heart Faces Photography Community.
3| Use the hashtag #iHeartFaces so that everyone on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, our Community and Pinterest can find your images.
4| On Facebook you can either tag I Heart Faces or upload your image directly to our page (we have found that the tagging option does not work for everyone on FB.)
5| Join in one day, 10 days, 23 days or all of the days! There is no stress at all…just participate when you are able.
6| “Like” or comment on other images as you can. It’s always fun to encourage another photographer in our community. :)
7| Please feel free to share our {1 Photo – 31 Days} Photo Challenge graphic anywhere you’d like. We’d love for all photographers to be able to join in the fun!
8| Photos can be taken with your nice camera, a point-and-shoot or your phone…it’s all good! The quality of the image doesn’t matter a bit. We just want to get to know YOU and have FUN!
9| This is a family friendly photo challenge. I Heart Faces is not responsible for crude or rude photos/tweets associated with our hashtag.
- See more at: http://www.iheartfaces.com/2013/02/instagram-photo-challenge-spring/#sthash.UnN9bkqN.dpuf

Customize Your iPhone App Icons

2013-02-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

I was tired of "the same old thing." Don't get me wrong, I'm someone who loves routine, but my phone was so blah. I was under the impression that unless I jail-broke my phone, it couldn't be cute, and I wasn't about to do that.

I was more than happy to run across the app CocoPPa. I still have some tweaking to do, but now my phone is so much more me! Super cute right!?!?

***Just make sure you don't delete your original app's. I put all mine in a separate folder. These are just facelifts to your current apps, they're not taking their place.

I'd love to see what you come up with. Instagram or Tweet your screen shot and tag @_laurahernandez so I can check it out!

Valentine's Day Mug Swap

2013-02-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Friends!One of my favorite days of the year. Everyone's expressing their love for one another.Everything seems to be pink and sparkly and everywhere you turn there's chocolate! Have you heard about the Valentine's Day Swap or #VDAYMUGSWAP everyone has been hash tagging? Alissa from Rags to Stitches and Caroline from Sew Caroline but together this awesome idea! Everyone who entered was blindly pared up with someone else. No rules, just make someones Valentine's Day extra special. I was partnered with Skye from Neathering Our Fest. She is such a doll. I was SUPER excited when the box arrived! She had it cutely wrapped in pink tissue paper and popping bubbles. It was filled with all my favorites... Sweetish fish, licorice, a cute little journal and this ADORABLE mug! I don't know how she knew I was a little country at heart, the rooster had me cracking up!

This was a lot of fun and I enjoyed getting to know you Skye! Can't wait to do it again next year.

A Day with Spanki Photography Workshop

2013-02-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

I write this with my heart almost beating out my chest with excitement. If you've been following my blog over the past year, you've seen how my posts have slowed because I'm devoting much of my free time to my photography career. I can't say 'Thank You' enough to all of you who continue to support me though this process. It's not been easy.

I have a HUGE announcement!

Have you heard of Spanki Mills? She is an AMAZING photographer and a professional role model of mine.

The other morning I was deep in The Word and reading my devotion Jesus Calling, and it spoke about fear. Refusing to waste energy worrying, and you will find strength to spare. I start thinking... What am I afraid of? I mean really afraid of. What am I holding inside that is sucking my power and momentum? The answer hit me so hard I nearly fell off my chair..... Success. It sounds odd. Success? Isn't that what everyone wants in some form?

Why do I still get that pit in my stomach on a way to a shoot? Why did I complete my business permit over a month ago, yet haven't had it filed? Fear. I'm afraid to succeed. Success leads to the unknown.

I spent a long time in prayer that morning, handing my fear over to God. I needed to take that leap of faith to take my career to the next level, but how? Later that same day, Spanki started a Facebook photog group. Within a few seconds, I was connecting with other photographers and learning I wasn't the only one with fears. Even Spanki herself has ups's and downs. Isn't that funny how we can put people up on pedestals and think they are perfect and don't have issues like us "normal" people. Well it grounded me. Spanki even commented on one of my posts (which made me do a mental backflip of excitement).

Next thing I knew, I was inviting Spanki to visit me in my home town for a mentoring session. Better yet... I thought why not share this opportunity with others and host A Day with Spanki Workshop! YES! This was my answer I had prayed on earlier that day. This is what I needed to take that next step.

So.... This is YOUR invitation too! If you have any interested in perusing a photography career, this is an event you don't want to miss. The Sunday after the workshop we will be doing a portfolio shootout open to anyone!

Workshop: Saturday, August 3, 2013

Shootout: Sunday, August 4, 2013

Monterey, California

Read all the details here.

READY TO SIGN UP? Email Spanki at info@spankimills.com with MONTEREY in the subject line.

Hope to see you there!

Valentine Ideas!

2013-01-23T12:22:00.003-08:00

I heart Valentine's Day.{Sorry I just couldn't resist.}

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
This year I promised myself to make Valentine's Day creative. Here are a few ideas I ran across this week... 1. Canvas button heart. You could have fun and personalize it. 2. Mason Jar. Red Hearts. Twine. Simple yet super cute. I thought of filling this withtiny strips of paper, each saying a reason you love that person.
3. Scrabble Pillows. Obviously it doesn't have to save LOVE. Maybe its a special wordthe two of you share or a nick name and the numbers are a date? 4. Marshmallow Heart. Yes this is a super cute idea but the more meaningful ideawould be to have an outdoor hot-coco picnic together. Maybe where you first met? 5. Cork Stamp. Could be a heart, a monogram or something that means something specialto the two of you. It also could be the cork from wine bottle that holds a meaningful memory. 6. Milk Heart Cubes. I just thought these were super cute. They could go in glass of milk or bowl of cereal and as they melt, the milk turns pink. 7. Love Album. Each page contains a letter from the alphabet and warm words pertaining to that letter. 8. Root Beer Float Kit. Adorable right? I can just image surprising your special someone at work for a lunch date and bring this along. 9. Mobile. I'm loving how this is hanging from a ladder but obviously you could use anything. Then add the XOXO cutouts and old photos of the two of you. 10. Love Map. Where you got engaged, where you married and where you live now. Are you font crazy like I am? Check out my previous post of my top 12 FREE Valentine fonts HERE. Love Never Fails.If you ant to see more of my Valentine ideas, visit my Pinterest board HERE.

Styled Photo Shoot Results

2013-01-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

I've always had the urge to do a styled photo shoot.

You know a total girly day. Hair, makeup... the works!

Finally the day came.

If you didn't catch yesterdays warmup to today's post, check it out HERE.

I teamed up with my bestie Melisah who stylized our models. Her work is amazing!

At the end of the day, all I had to do is grab my camera and click away.

Here's a before and after of each of our models...

Photo's by Laura Hernandez PhotographyHair & Makeup by Melisah BustosCan't wait to do this again! My senior girls are going to get pampered this year!

Styled Photo Shoot in Progress

2013-01-21T05:30:00.001-08:00

Three beautiful models,

one amazing hair and makeup artist,

and a weekend full of fun!

Here's a sneak peek at the styled session in progress....

Photos by Laura Hernandez PhotographyHair & Makeup by Melisah BustosCome back tomorrow to see the outcome of the photo shoot!

My Favorite FREE Fonts for Valentine's Day

2013-01-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

I know it's only the first week of January but I have a lot planned for Valentine's Day this year.This includes making backdrops and props for upcoming photo shoots.While working on my new design templates, I came across some fonts that are actually FREE.I wanted to share since they might inspire you to create something too!

JellyKa Saint Andere {Here} Smell the Roses {Here}

KG All Things New {Here} Janda Happy Day {Here}

Love Letters {Here} Simon Script {Here}

Loveness Three {Here} Heartland {Here}

Sunshine In My Soul {Here} LoverBoy {Here}

Now don't you have the urge to create?Happy early Valentine's Day friends.

DIY Bride & Groom Mugs

2013-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

If there was a group for Pinterest Addicts, I would be an honorary member.

I love all the fantastic ideas its given me for the home and business.

This week one of our good friends was getting married and I refused to shop from their registry.

I wanted to be different. I wanted to be unique. I wanted something they would keep and treasure.

Pinterest helped me come up with the idea of a custom coffee mug.

I struggled with "Good Morning Gorgeous, Good Morning Hansom," "Mr & Mrs," and "I Do, Me Too."

It's simple and easy...

Buy and two mugs of your choice, preferably white or a very light color.

Before you begin make sure they are super clean and dry.

You can either use a stencil or free-hand the design you want on both sides of the mugs with a fine tip permanent marker.

Be creative! This is the fun part.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes so the design will set.

Simple, cute and totally in budget!

MIA

2013-01-02T06:03:00.001-08:00

Last year, I made three new year's resolutions.One, start writing a blog. Check! Yesterday was actually my blogs 1st birthday.Second, quit drinking soda. Check! I actually have gone an entire year without my Sierra Mist. Dying but did it. Third, live a more healthy lifestyle and lose weight. Well two out of three isn't bad, right?The first nine months of this blog, I posted nearly everyday. It became an addiction.Seriously. Well the last few months my posts have been much less frequent.At one point, not even once a week. A lot of you have checked in with me, making sure I'm ok (which I am). Thank you for that.About three months ago, something out of the blue happened, and it changed the way we live our daily lives. Don't worry, we're all healthy.Depending on how you looked at it, you could either freak out, or trust God that He is in control and will be by your side through anything.I chose the latter. From this turning point in our lives, a seed was planted in our minds, and slowly over the past few months, with Gods support, our new business is born.

This is where I've been. Creating a new career. Who says at thirty-something you can't pursue a dream?

My goal was on 01/01/13 to launch.

A new design. A new website. A new focus.

SO.... without further adieu, check it out HERE.

Here are a few sneak peaks...

View entire post HERE.

What do you think?

I love reading your comments!

Goals, Not Resolutions

2013-01-01T13:10:00.003-08:00

Official goals for the new year...
Spend more time nourishing my relationship with Jesus.Spend more time reading the Word.Spend more one-on-one time with my husband.Spend more time with our girls.Spend more time growing our business.Spend more time taking care of myself.
Anything seem repetitive?Yup. Each of my goals require more of my time.When already I felt like there weren't enough hours in a day.Overall, that has to be 2013 focus.Time management.
God, keep my focus on you.Don't let my mind get distracted on the earthly things.
Matthew 6:20Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy,and thieves do not break in and steal.
Happy New Year friends!

Yearly Reflection

2012-12-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

Last year my New Year's resolution was to start a blog.

Its astonishing how drastic your life can change in such a short amount of time.

Right now the house is quite. The lights from the Christmas tree are softly glowing.

Its just me, my coffee and my thoughts.

Realizing the difference who I am and who I want to be... is what I do.

Here's to an amazing 2013!

Will you join me?

I've drastically reduced my prices a well. $10 for an entire month? I think YES!

Click HERE for the deets.

Mason Jar Chandelier

2012-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone else have a serious obsession with mason jars?

Over a month ago I bought four large mason jars with the idea I was going to craft something of my new home office.

Darn Pinterest gave me these AMAZING ideas that led me to believe I could

work two jobs, be a mom and have this unlimited amount of time to craft.

What was I thinking?

My husband is the sweetest. He took the jars and made his own

creation of awesomeness that now hangs right above my desk.

Isn't it gorgeous?!

DIY "Big-Bang-For-No-Bucks" Christmas Star

2012-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Melissa and I blog about making our house into a home over at LovingHere.com (with my Hubs who occasionally will pop in with a post on woodworking or something of the sort). Now that Christmas is so close, I've had this huge desire to make our first Christmas in this house (we lived in an apartment last year so this is extra special--our first house ever!) especially beautiful.

Plus, I grew up in a household that really decorated for Christmas with a big tree, garland on the stairs, wreaths, candles, snowmen, toy trains--all so beautiful! That's my parents' house on the left--so pretty and festive. And I wanted our home to have that special, exciting feel, too! If you're like me, even though small, sparkly ornaments and pretty garlands are fancy and festive, you find that sometimes it takes a bigger piece to really make an impact on a room. Unfortunately, those larger decorative items can cost a lot!

As a not-so-newlywed (going on 2 years now), we don't have a lot of decorations, nor do we have the budget to go out and stock up on all things red, green, and sparkly, no matter how lovely they are (like the ornament Hubs got me last year for our first married Christmas). Plus, I find making crafts at Christmastime to be therapeutic, peaceful, and just plain perfect for putting me in the mood for this sometimes-energy-draining-yet-still-magical time of year. So, I wanted to share with you an idea I had for making a large Christmas decoration for almost no money. (I like the sound of that!) I starting thinking that I wanted something large to hang above our mantle, or maybe on the opposite wall of our living room (we have faulted ceilings, which leaves a big, triangular-shaped open space to hang something). Artwork was going to be $100 or more for something we liked, so we've just been putting it off to make something ourselves. I was fine with waiting because we've been so busy doing other, bigger (and smaller) projects around the house since we moved in a few months ago. When I started decorating, though, I got impatient and set out to make something I could hang up there temporarily. Here's what I came up with:
To make this giant star, all you need is glue, yarn and paint stir sticks. (All of which we had, so this project was free for us!) Yup, those free wooden stir sticks you get when you buy a gallon of paint will work perfect for this. Now, since we've recently painted EVERY ROOM in the entire ground floor level of our house, we had plenty of these to spare. (You'll need 10.) If you don't have these just chilling in your paint supply bucket, you can get them at any store that sells paint. They might not give you 10 without buying any paint, but you can ask, and if not, they are usually only a few cents each, or you can use rulers...or other pieces of scrap wood...maybe even cardboard, though it might be a little flimsy. Now, to get started, glue (I used hot glue) the sticks into V shapes. You want them to be as even as possible so your star doesn't come out all unbalanced. Then, just start wrapping them in yarn, like I did for these yarn-wrapped letters. The joints can be a little tricky, but just wrap in all directions and it should cover just fine. You can always use a drop of glue to hold it if you need to. Also, where the stir stick has the "handle," wrap the yarn extra thick so the indention doesn't show on your star. Make sure to leave the ends open because that's where you'll connect them to the other pieces later.

Then, it's time to start connecting them. I would recommend laying them all out on the floor first to make sure everything fits.

Then, I would only connect a couple at a time (using hot glue again) because the bigger piece you are working with, the more annoying it is to wrap the yarn. It also helps to wrap some loosely around your wrist so it doesn't tangle on the long ends of your star points. It just goes faster.
Now of course, the last joint will be a bit unpleasant because you don't have an opening to work with, meaning you'll have to go a lot slower and bring your hand in and around the star each time you make a loop. It's okay, though, because it's only one small area. Don't give up--you can do it! And then, just like that, your star is complete! Easy and cheap right? Now, I'll admit we haven't actually hung this guy yet (we need to go buy some hooks) but for now, he's just chilling around the living room. Here he is over by the bookcase...
And the tree...

I'd love to know what you think about this project. Thanks for reading and letting me share a little of my story with you. Feel free to visit us over at LovingHere.com and see more of my Christmas craft adventures (Plus, there's a free printable on this post!)--I even learned how to use the sewing machine this year!

Isn't that just the cutest!?!?

Thanks Melissa for sharing some of your awesomeness!

Bloglovin' Gone Mobile

2012-12-20T05:00:00.001-08:00

I'm a huge Bloglovin' fan. Bloglovin' has gone mobile and come out with their own custom app! What a perfect way to keep up on your every-day, don't want to miss, blog reads.Now right at your fingertips! Follow me HERE.

Apple user? Download HERE

Android user? Download HERE

Happy Blogging!

Hairstyle: Easy Updo

2012-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Easy as 1-2-3.

Some people are born with a green thumb. Some can create a masterpiece using only a pencil. All while making it so easy. Me, none of the above. Especially when it comes to beauty. So when I had to do our daughters hair for her this years Christmas program, the pressure was on.

I loved the end result. Don't you think this would be perfect for any holiday party?

1. Begin by clipping the top of your hair aside for later.
2. Once the top half is clipped up, put the bottom half in a low ponytail at your nape.
3. Create a small hole at the base of your ponytail and push the ponytail upward and down through it, creating an inside out ponytail.
4. Backcomb the ponytail.
5. Roll and create a chignon.
6. Secure with bobby pins.
7. Let down the top of your hair.
8. Pull all of the hair from the top half loosely back and twist it a few times.
9. Wrap it around {bun style}, to the current chignon. Securing with bobby pins.

Vuala! Can't even tell my model is 7.

A Blogger Day of Silence

2012-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thee NETWORKING Blog Hop!

2012-12-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends... If this is your first time visiting, welcome.... I'm Laura!

I'm a faith driven, full-time working mom of two beautiful daughters and a wife to an admirable, encouraging husband who are my life. When I'm not working my 8-5 or being "mommy", I'm a natural light lifestyle photographer based in the beautiful Central Coast of California. I am regrettable a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where ever I am. I heart Starbucks {it's my weakness}. I love the colors chartreuse and grey. I have a passion for mountain biking and would love to learn how to play the piano.

Welcome to our blog. Together, we are The Hernandez Family.

Today is the day we've all been waiting for. So let's get things started!

Are you ready to network??

Are you prepared to make some new bloggy friends??

Well, here's your chance!

RULES:

Link up to the homepage of your blog.

....follow Host and Co-Hosts {pretty please}

Feel free to follow by Facebook, Twitter,

or whatever works best for you!

....Hop ~ Network ~ Have FUN!

If you'd like to post this linky on your blog, grab the code below.

The more, the merrier! Wouldn't you agree? {yay!}

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Thanks again to my ever so gracious host & fellow co-hosts:
Kelly @ Live Laugh Rowe
Tranae @ Becoming Fabulous
Jill @ Create. Craft. Love
Kristen @ Tales from the Nook
Julie @ The Naptime Review
Chelsea @ Two Twenty One

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This blog hop is sponsored by:

This is a "Blog Hop" - Grab the code {here}!

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

Thanks so much for linking up with us! Wishing you all the best in your bloggy endeavors. Blog on!!

Save the Date! Next Hop: 1/20

Grab the January Blog Hop Button {here}.

Thanks again to our sponsor, In Designer Jeans.

Silence and Support for Sandy Hook

2012-12-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

To the Blog World and Anyone Else who Wants to Help,

Yesterday, tragedy struck so many of us in ways we did not foresee. An elementary school and small town in Connecticut was shattered by a mass shooting. We knew we wanted to help and we came up with this:

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,
The Blog World

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on. If you would like the HTML for this post, please email me and I can send it to you.

Christmas Tree Endeavor

2012-12-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

This year was the year. We had finally made the decision... We were cutting down our Christmas tree. No more tree lots, no more pushy salesmen. We were going to hike up a mountain and chop ourselves a tree.

Well that's what we had imagined. We did make it to a tree farm and walked up and down the hillside but not one tree stood out to us as "the tree." Now I'm not a tree snob, but this was going to be in our living room for a few weeks and I wanted it to be special. So what did we do? We loaded up the truck, drove another 30 minutes to a tree ranch we had heard about.

We pulled up to a golden archway of twinkly lights and trees galore. Just then a reindeer train drove past filled with children of all ages pulling Santa in his sleigh. As we parked there were horse rides, a petting zoo, kettle corn booth and hot coco stands. I turned and looked at the kids faces as their jaws were on the floor. By golly, this was the best tree lot ever!

And the tree lived happily ever after.

The End.

Mark your calendars! THEE Networking Blog Hop is this Sunday....

I Heart Faces Photo-A-Day Challenge

2012-11-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'll be the first to admit I'm a iPhone photo-taking addict.

I've attempted photo challenges in the past, but never made it to the finish line.

Well the amazing people at iHeartFaces has started Photo-a-Day Challenge for December!

It's my final chance to finish 2012 saying I completed one.

You can follow me on Instagram HERE!

Hope you'll join in the fun!

Broccoli Casserole Recipe

2012-11-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

I'll be the first to admit I don't spend as much time in the kitchen as I should. I can cook,

I just seem to save my skills for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm usually the one to bring a

dessert since baking is what I love. But last year I made a broccoli casserole as a side dish to my

in-laws and it was a hit, and I've been asked to make it again.

Broccoli Casserole

Serving Size: 8-10

Here are your ingredients:

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated sharp cheddar
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups crushed crackers
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, mayonnaise, cheese, soup and eggs. Mix well with a spoon. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the crushed crackers and pour the melted butter evenly over the crackers. Bake for 35 minutes or until set and browned.

Hope you have a fabulous turkey day!

Glam Up Your Holiday Table Without Breaking the Bank

2012-11-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever taken the plunge and actually hosted Thanksgiving dinner?

A few years ago I ventured out of my comfort zone and cooked our little family of four a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. All was eatable except the gravy. I'm not quite sure what happened there, but the facial expressions of our kids are burned into my permanent memory. We all laughed it off and now it comes up now and then as one of those "remember when" stories. Priceless.

Today I've invited a special guest to share how she easily

glammed up her holiday table without breaking the bank.

Hi everyone! My name is Sam, and I blog over at Atkinson Drive. I am SO excited that Laura invited me here! I have a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape to share with you and I hope you love it! This a simple & affordable table setting, but there's a glamorous feeling to the whole thing.

First, I took a roll of gold wrapping paper from Michael's for under $4.00 and cut it in half down the middle. I drew placemat shapes on the wrapping paper with a black sharpie. Another option would be to use brown kraft paper instead, then draw on it with metallic sharpies in either gold or silver. Instead of place cards, I decided to draw a monogram on each person's mug! If you would like to keep your mugs, simply draw the monogram onto the cup using a sharpie. It should wipe off pretty easily when your guests are gone, but shouldn't smudge during dinner. These are also really cute as a 'thanks for coming' gift for your guests! Goodwill always has great mugs on sale for something like $.50 each. Use the instructions found here to make the sharpie monogram permanent.

We just have plain drinking glasses...I know...we're SO boring! But I found this adorable craft tape at Michael's and just attached it to the bottom of each water glass to glam it up a bit. You could also use different tapes so people don't mix up their glasses.

Get ready for a barrage of pictures, because the centerpiece for this table is my FAVORITE part of the whole thing!!! It's super simple but oh-so gorgeous!

All I did was take a bunch of mason jars and place tealight candles in them then line the center of the table. For a few of the jars, I had floating tealights at varying heights just to add a bit of dimension to the look. As you can see, I also used some vintage & some new jars. There were even some stray candles not in jars.

Of course you won't be eating dinner in complete darkness, but the candles look insanely amazing when all the lights are turned off.

There's something about candles that just put me in a holiday mood! That's one thing I love about this table setting...there's nothing particularly "Thanksgiving" about it, so you could use it for Christmas also. I hope you enjoyed my Simple Glam Thanksgiving ideas, and hopefully I've helped inspire you!

Come check out my Thanksgiving Kids Table, too...

Feel free to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, BlogLovin', Google +, and Pinterest.

Sam | Atkinson Drive

Maple Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars

2012-11-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

Is there anything greater that pumpkin? Seriously.

There really isn't'.

Today I've asked Melissa from my PBandJ to be a

special guest and share her favorite pumpkin recipe.

Every year for Thanksgiving I bake a new dessert to serve alongside the traditional pumpkin and apple pies. Last year it was a pumpkin praline New York cheesecake, the year before a cranberry pear galette and for this year, an out of this world maple pumpkin pie cheesecake bar. The filling is reminiscent of it's custardy sibling yet has a subtle richness from the cream cheese. A buttery gingersnap crust is the perfect bed and cool fresh whipped cream tops it all off making for a great alternative dessert to serve this Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:
1 Package gingersnap cookies (about 9 ounces)
1 stick butter, melted

For the Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 eggs
6 ounces evaporated milk
2 teaspoons maple extract or 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. I use a fluted tart pan with removable bottom for an easy release. If you do not have a tart pan use a 9x13-inch pan and line with parchment paper, the excess paper should hang over the sides to help release after cooling.

2. Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they become fine crumbs. Next, add in melted butter and mix until combined. Press the crumbs into the bottom of your pan. Bake for ten minutes. Bake the crust at 350º F for ten minutes.

3. Make the filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Beat together the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and well combined. Add in pumpkin and beat on slow until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time and scrape the bowl as needed. Add the evaporated milk, maple and vanilla and beat until combined. Next, add the spices, beating until combined.

4. Pour the filling over the crust. Tap the side of the pan a few times to release any bubbles. Bake until the filling is set in the center, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Place in the refrigerator and cut when ready to serve. Enjoy with whipped cream or as is.

recipe adapted from sticky gooey creamy chewy

Thank you SO much Melissa for sharing this amazingness.

This is defiantly on my "to-make" list for Thanksgiving.

Enjoy friends!

Instagram SPAMMERS

2012-11-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Are you an Instagram user?

Most of us are.

It's a fanatic way to share the ins and outs of our daily lives though pictures.

Click HERE to view my Instagram profile.

Lately though, Instagram have been bombarded with SPAM comments.

If you're like me, I didn't know how to remove comments left by others.

Hope this helps....

Apple iOS Devices

To delete your own comments on any photo or any comments on your own photo:

Example of SPAM comment.

1. Tap the "comment" button below the photo.

2. Swipe your finger to the right over the comment you'd like to delete in order to reveal a trash can icon and a reply icon.

3. Tap the trash can icon and select to Delete & Report Abuse or Delete.

Source
Take that spammers!