Vanilla Extract Update

After three months of sitting, steeping, melding, and getting better with each day that passes......Homemade Vanilla Extract! Let's take a look. 

A few months ago I started a batch of Homemade Vanilla Extract to give away as gifts this Christmas season. What an easy gift to put together. This is where it started. You can see the beans and vodka all nice and fresh in the bottles on the first day.

Holiday Scents

What's that smell?

Okay, let's be honest, that question can be taken in two completely different ways. If you live with, or have lived with teenage boys, then you know this to be all too true. Luckily today I'm talking of things that smell good.

What's your scent? Is there a particular scent that you use during the Holidays? Something that just speaks to you and says "Christmas time"? I'd really like to hear your thoughts.

Frosted Pinecones

Don't you just love pinecones?!! They are so versatile and can truly be used for more than one season. Love them!!

Free End Table Makeover

Don't  you love when you find a great bargain, or better yet, a freebie that just can't be beat? Especially when it allows you to be a bit creative.

This little, old end table was sitting on the curb in front of a house, and the young lady said she was getting rid of it, and it was free.

Christmas Stocking Hanger Makeover

It's not easy finding the perfect decorations.

Always in search of the perfect Christmas stockings and Christmas stocking holders, last year a compromise was made. I managed to find (or change) Christmas stocking holders to tide me over until I find what's perfect for me.

Decorating for Christmas is a fun, and expressive way to beautify your home. In the quest for the perfect look to suit our own style, we look; explore magazines, websites, catalogs, anything we can get our hands on.

Clever Christmas Tree Extras Storage

It seems that every year talk of Christmas, television ads, sales, and decorations come earlier. So this post should be no surprise to you. Christmas organization!!

But to be honest, I do start thinking of the Holiday Season early in an effort to be organized and have more time to enjoy the festivities with friends and family. Shopping early is something I do every year. Although it is spread out over a few months. It's just more enjoyable to me that way. With that in mind, I am here to put a little bug in your ear that it's really closer than it seems.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Is there anything more delicious smelling than Vanilla Extract? Hmmm that is a very good question, my friend. Not many smells make me want to eat right now. Okay popcorn and bacon, but that's a whole different story. I'm talking of baking, and Christmas gifts. Homemade Vanilla Extract as Christmas Gifts.

Thought that would get your attention. This is so easy to make that it shouldn't even be considered "making" the gift.

Banner Themed Card Box

Card boxes are for many different occasions; weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and......of course, graduations.

Yard Sale Finds...Part 1

Yard sales are awesome!!! One person's junk is another person's treasure. Truly and absolutely.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day!

To all of the Mothers out there, have a wonderful day. And a very special Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mom. I love you.

Loaded Cauliflower Bake

I love a good dish. An easy dish. A dish that the whole family will eat, and has vegetables in it. Now this one is almost healthy. Okay, not really when you consider the cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, but it is delicious.

Grad Cap Cardholder Tutorial

Graduation season is almost here. So....finally, the Graduation Cap Cardholder Tutorial is complete. Yippee!! Right?! Not a lot of pomp and circumstance today, no pun intended, but just the basics.

Jute Wrapped Cans

When you want a quick pick-me-up in an area, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, jute or sisal wrapped....anything....anything, works well. It's a great way to add something new, interesting, and texture to a space. I wanted to try this last summer, and they turned out nicely.

Note Card Sets

What a very practical and fun gift. Note card sets say so much.

DIY Treat Bags

(Instructions at the bottom.)

Ahhhhh. I do love a good treat bag. They are adorable, convenient, practical, and a blank slate waiting to be decorated however one desires. Personalizing treat bags is great way to add a special AND decorative touch to any occasion.

Happy Easter

May you and yours have a wonderful Easter. 

Enjoy your day! Come back soon!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail....

It's been a little strange decorating for Holidays recently. All of the children are grown. I'm sure in their own way, they still appreciate that the house is festive, when they visit. However, my decorating has dwindled quite a lot. Everything is much more subdued and neutral. I love it!! It's very calming and soothing. So this year, the Easter decorations got a neutral overhaul also.

Open House Anyone?

Warning! Lots of pictures. Just to get me in the mood. (Cue the swanky 70's music.)

It's mid-March. Three months until "Open House Season" is well upon us. Time to get started! Are you ready?

Farm Fresh Basket

Spring has sprung. The grass is rize. I wonder where......oh phooey! Way to early for this little saying.

The snow is melting. It's sunny as heck. I can actually see my deck!

Cake Decorations On The Fly

Honesty first.....I am not a baker. My cakes aren't beautiful, they are never baked from scratch, they will be lopsided to some degree, but.... there's a big BUT here....they are always made with LOVE.

Missing In (Craft) Action

I know it's been a long time. Missing in action is what has happened. The "action" of every day life completely took over.