Oatmeal Cookie Cupcakes

Make these. Like today!

Recipe found here: Cupcake Right Now : Peas and Thank You

Valentine Treat Table

The PTO Executive Committee and myself planned and put together a Valentine treat table for the staff of the school.

We provided chocolate covered strawberries, brownie bites, chocolate covered pretzels, kisses, red hots, twizzlers and pink lemonade.

The inspiration for this table and the free printables that made it possible were found here:

Lovely Free Printable Valentines | Living Locurto - FREE Printables, recipes, party ideas and crafts.

(The printables I used are no longer available but this site is full of wonderful ideas)

Rag Garland Tutorial

When planning my daughter Riley's first birthday party I wanted a unique banner or garland to hang on our fireplace. I saw these rag garlands used in holiday decor on various blogs and decided to try my hand at making one. I used them on the mantle, on the high chair and over the punch bowl.

If you love them as much as I do, here's how to make your own.

What you will need: fabric, twine, ruler, scissors (or pinking shears)

First decide where you will hang your garland and how long it will need to be. Measure out a piece of twine in that length. I add a few inches to each end and add a knot for hanging.

Next choose your fabric. This is a great project to use up your fabric "stash". You could also incorporate ribbon into your garland. For my cupcake party garland I cut my fabric into 9x2 strips but you could vary this depending upon the look you want.

Now begin tying your fabric strips onto your twine. Just a single knot, pulled tight. As you tie, push the strips to one end of the garland. Personally I prefer a random look but you could also add strips in a pattern.

Note: For this project it took 10 strips to complete 3 inches of garland.

These rag garland are a fun and inexpensive addition to any party or holiday decor.

1-1-11

Seems as good a day as any to start a blog.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I don't make any real resolutions. I feel like I would just be setting myself up for failure and I don't need the pressure. I do like "to do" lists though.

MY 2011 To Do List

1. Organize - I'm a pretty neat person by nature but there are certain areas in my home that need some attention. My closet, the pantry, the laundry room, the playroom and my "crafty" space.

2. Healthier kitchen - We don't eat a lot of junk food and over the past year or so I've cut out a lot of the processed stuff we used to rely on. There are still improvements to be made though. Also, I have shelves of cookbooks that I need to crack open and actually use.

3. Slow down and enjoy more - This could be the thing that is the most challenging. I have a tendency to get so wrapped up in what's keeping me busy that I forget to stop and actually enjoy the moment.

4. Read more - I love to read. I love books. I am a self proclaimed "book nerd" and proud of it. I don't have the time to do it much anymore. I must make the time. I buy books, put them on the shelf and there they sit.

5. Simplify - So far I have cancelled magazine subscriptions, weeded out the Christmas items that I didn't need/want anymore and reduced the "decor" items in my house. I have a feeling I will be making lots of trips to Goodwill.

Bring it on 2011!!