Thanksgiving Decompression!

Mercy…..I have crammed more into the last four days than my purse on fair day.

Wednesday- My mother informs me that she didn’t buy a train ticket, so I need to drive down and pick her up.  A drive that normally would only take about 70 min one way took about 4 hours total in stop and go traffic.  Fun times. 

Thursday- Thanksgiving day.  Prepped all my stuff that needed prepping on Wednesday, but had to cram it in on Thursday.  Exhausted by the time guests arrived at 3pm.  Dinner at 4pm……well if the turkey would have been    done…….we ate at 5:30pm  (not my fault, my husband does the turkey)

In the mean time, I sample many glasses of my Winter Sangria. Recipe below.  My Father inlaw spills a full glass of winter sangria on my light carpet.  Winter Sangria is with Merlot.  My sister inlaw freaks leaving the room hyper ventilating……….my Mother inlaw freaks, my father inlaw feels absolutly horrible.  My MIL and SIL are the kind of people that keep everything in brand new condition.  No kidding. The take OCD to a new level when keeping things looking new.

(If you look closely, you’ll see my son’s paintings….he insisted I keep them up)

I remained calm because ………my table was cute…….…..Thank you Sangria…..Seriously…….my FILs feelings are much more important to me than my carpet.  WE douse club soda on the stain, then  oxyclean……..it’s gone.  :) But dang my table was cute!

During dinner before pie, I suddenly get a head cold.  Nice. Can’t taste my pie.

Friday – My mom really wants to go shopping.  I teach at 7am, come home to go to Kohl’s and Target.  Sniff sniff, sneeze, hack……. arrive home about  3pm in time to take my son to Michaels because she promised him that she would take him to Michaels…….which means ME driving them both…… I have a happy son and a snoozing mom when we arrive home.  Time for me to go to bed.

Saturday- Drive my mother to Central Oregon (3 hrs) over Mt Hood for an anniversary party of some family friends.  We have the wrong directions and actually get lost in Terrebonne Oregon……something I didn’t think was possible.  We arrive only 3 min late for the party.  It was fun to see my old family friends whom I grew up with…….the daughters of the couple with the anniversary.  Ran into an old friend from Portland who moved to Central Oregon………Head over to one of the daughters for an anniversary dinner in her barn…..it was lovely……..but cold. Stop by Walmart for earplugs…….arrive to the hotel at 8:30pm.  Toss and turn all night.

Sunday – Take my mom to breakfast and meet up with my Aunt before heading over the Santiam pass to take my mother home.  4 hours later, I am home with my husband, son and pup.  Life is good.  I am exhausted.  Work on Monday. Decide to make this my post for Monday.  :) Aren’t you lucky?

But…….wasn’t my table cute? (my son’s sketch pad is on the table….don’t ask me why)

Be sure to come back Tuesday to link your latest creative project on my Get Your Craft On Tuesdays!!!!

Winter Sangria

2 bottles Merlot ( I used 2 buck chuck from Trader Joes)

1/2 t – cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks

Orange slices

Mix and pour into pitcher to chill over night.

Before serving:  Add 2 liters Gingerale and lots of ice.

Do not spill on carpet.

A lil’ stroll down memory lane…..

I’m hosting Thanksgiving at my house.  Which means my house is being re-decorated.  You know how that is.  Why not create more work for myself right? Then on top of getting prepped for the big Turkey day…..My mother didn’t get her train ticket on time…..I have to drive an hour and a half to pick her up…..tomorrow……..after I teach all morning…. then get stuck in Portland rush hour traffic on my way home………good times…..So you guys are the ones to get short changed.  Sorry. 

BUT!…..why not take this time to stroll down memory lane and check out some of my past features?  There are some amazing blogs.

Enjoy! 

Un-Updated Featured list

Get Your Craft On

Grab Our Button!
(copy/paste into your own
website or blog):

<center><a border="0" href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ScrapToMyLu/getYourCraftOnResized.gif" /></a>

It’s Tuesday……you know what that means right?  You have 2 more days until Thanksgiving!  Whoot!

Oh and it’s time to strut your stuff by linking to my McLinky.  I can’t tell you how much I enjoy clicking through.  I’ve been trying…..TRYING to leave everyone a message.  I failed last week.  I think I got in about 20 responses. 

I’ve had a couple of people ask where my cute button code is.  It’s down below. Because I’m shamless……. I can post it right here.  I love seeing it on blogs. 

Grab My Button!
(copy/paste into your own
website or blog):

<center><a border="0" href="http://www.todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.auntiepea.com/files/TCB/TCBLove.gif" /></a>

Cottage and Vine

Be sure to see the giveaway opportunity at the end of this post.  10 people will be chosen for a free download. 

 

Found another newer blog……..looks like several of you already found her a bit ago, but doesn't stop me.  Cottage and Vine couldn’t decide what she loved more…..the garden….or the cottage?  Why not have both? 

I also found her through my Get Your Craft On Tuesdays.  And you thought all the links were for you?  It’s just a motive to find more creative blogs.  he he he….   

Cottage and Vine is all about wreaths.  Wreaths make a home.  Every home   should have a few.  I’ve got at least 4 that I can think of hanging around or outside my home.  She loves wreaths so much, she is hosting a Wreath on Wednesday….I think it’s going to be something you can post yours on… I  can’t wait.

Don’t you love a blogger who will give it up……give up their ideas…….give up how they did them……hold our hand and show us?  She does just that.  This red wreath caught my eye.  I plan on making one for my new gate my husband made me.  Visualize this red on my crisp white gate. 

If painted wreaths aren’t your thing and you have a magnolia tree around, you may be more interested in making one of these beauties.  She shows you step by step.

Mmmm, I love a red bench almost as much as a red door.

 

Of course she can make wreaths….if she can make her own topiary…..a real live one…….one you have to water.  I’ve always wanted to know how to do this and lucky me….there’s a TUTORIAL!!!!

  I’m starting to get really green with envy……..would you look at her kitchen? 

I couldn’t possibly have a post that didn’t include burlap…..my current obsession.  This kind of sewing is right up my alley.  I think I could manage this. 

It’s time to take a photo of your wreath and get ready.

 

FREE Thanksgiving Place Card download to 10 winners!

It’s Click Carnival time!  Sing like a chickadee when you find the most inspirational sites online.  It’s fun and it’s simple!  

1. Locate our widget and click on 3 sites. 

2. Come back and tell me what you found. 

I will choose 10 winners who will get a free place card download designed by Skip to my Lou.   Winners will be selected Tuesday 7pm

Perfect for Thanksgiving. 

Holiday Topiary!

Another quick decor item to do for the holidays…..I just can’t help myself.

Over at Calamity Anne’s  (found her from my Get Your Craft On links) she has such a great idea for a home made topiary.  And we all know my obsession with Topiaries. She is also kind enough to show us a tutorial!!! This could be done with Lemon’s like she did…..but the possibilities are endless………..especially with Christmas coming up.  But if you’re stuck on Thanksgiving, you could use acorns, walnuts, etc…..  For Christmas you could use………peppermint candies, round ornaments, gum drops…..can’t wait! 

She also has a ton of great recipes………comfort food recipes. 

 

I want to thank you all for clicking on our sponsors.  I must say….we have the coolest sponsors with the coolest stuff.  Great ideas for gifts too.  Thank you for making me look good by visiting their sites.  I’d give you all a bite of my pumpkin bread if I could. 

 

Today’s Mama….look at that cute ad. If there’s really a super mom out there, it’s her.  Childmade, an idea place has so many crafty ideas.  Great place to browse.

Chaotic Creations by Kristen.  Really great ideas for personalized gifts.  I love the stamps!

At Second Street

It’s crunch time people…….for those of you hosting Thanksgiving……you know what I’m talkin about.  Time to try out those last minute decor ideas, maybe try out your table setting, shampoo the carpets….or am I the only crazy one?  I don’t think so. 

I found a fairly new blog.  I love new blogs.  They’re so excited to show us everything.  A Second Street.

 

First of all I love how she created her own cornucopia……out of burlap no less.  She MADE this with a bit of chicken wire, burlap and autumn goods.  That’s something we could whip up this weekend.  Guaranteed to impress your guests.

Why am I showing you Halloween stuff? Well because creativity has no boundaries.  Actually I was so impressed with the disposable cake stand, I just couldn’t keep the excitement to myself.

   I’m thinking this would be perfect for Christmas goodies too.  Of course you’d use Christmas paper……..you could even use wrapping paper if you’re not a scrapbooker that has an over abundance of paper……..don’t look at me like that……..I’ll use it soon enough. 

Below are the easy materials she used.  Simple!  Love that. She’s a crafty mom with 4 kids, so she’s a pro at making cakes…..seriously…….she’s a pro. 

She shares her marshmallow fondant recipe with us on her blog.    She loves to repurpose clothing too. She made a cute hat from an old sweater.  She’s just that crafty.  Go visit her and leave her a nice comment……because that’s what TCB readers too.  You’re the best by the way!

Fabulous Friday giveaway still going until Sunday…..scroll down and enter.

 

Holiday Cards?  Still need them?  Visit Amber’s Announcing You

Fabulous Friday Giveaway!

Grab Our Button!
(copy/paste into your own
website or blog):

<center><a border="0" href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ScrapToMyLu/fabulousFridayResized.gif"/></a>

You know…..these baby items are so cute, I’m about ready to tell my husband I want another baby just so I can buy these. I don’t remember clothing THIS cute 10 yrs ago. Where were you Apericots? I got robbed! It was SO hard to find darling baby clothes back then. It was either a big ugly dump truck or opt for stripes. My son wore LOTS of stripes.

Anywhoo……Apericots is giving away a $25 gift certificate to their online store. Their clothing is organic and so so soft, you’ll never want to take your baby out of them. You can even design your own.

Heck…….I’d wear this bib…… it’s so cute. Ribs anyone? We could start a new trend.

Have you ever seen anything so cute? This cracks me up. M for Mustache.

You know the drill. Place my button on your blog post if you can and leave me a comment, but this week tell me what your favorite side dish is for Thanksgiving. :)

Giveaway ends Sunday 5pm. Pacific time.

la* T * da

Girls, girls, girls……..It’s going to be a quick one today.  The Thanksgiving Cram is hitting the Today’s Creative Blog household.  Why do holiday’s get so crazy busy? 

la * T * da is a new blog…..but boy howdy…..she has wasted NO time in showing off.  I think I originally found her when she linked to my Get Your Craft On.  So many great links.  Thanks for playing.

Of course the burlap caught my eye…….this pillow is perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday.  She walks you through her tutorial.  TUTORIAL!!!

Keeping the kiddo’s busy on Thanksgiving while you cook your famous turkey can be daunting sometimes.  This could be fun for them……..get them on a sugar high…….She walks you through the steps to make these…..I’m thinking it may be better to do these this weekend…..before the holiday.I suppose they would also make darling gifts too.

 

THIS!  This was one of those ideas that made my choke on my Iced Venti Shaken Green Tea.  I LOVE the green frame.  And then to put peg board behind it AND then to make a simple advent calendar that looks SO SO SO COOL!  Can you tell I love this?  This is what hooked her “in” as a feature today.And I know how much you all love silhouettes.  She shows a quick and simple tutorial on making quick and simple gift bags. Great idea.   Just typing the word “gifts” made my heart skip a beat.  I’m not sure if I’m ready for all this holiday craziness.  

Off you go……..go leave her a lots of comments and let her know we love crafty goodness.

 

Thank you Announcing You for sponsoring this post.

Holiday Cards and more

Winners for last Friday’s contest have been contacted. 

Ellie Mae, Amy, Ucreate, Casey, Nicole Lynn, Mommy of 4 Munchkins

Get Your Craft On

Grab Our Button!
(copy/paste into your own
website or blog):

<center><a border="0" href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ScrapToMyLu/getYourCraftOnResized.gif"/></a>

I love Tuesdays…..you know why?  Because it’s you doing the work today….I just get to sit back and enjoy…..ahhhhh.

So link up your latest creative project that you’ve created.  After you’ve linked, I hope you’ll post my very cute button letting everyone know you’ve linked up. 

I love seeing what everyone is working on.  Amazing talented women that you are!

Tatertots and Jello

Oh My Stars! Apparently I’m not the only one in love with burlap. Apparently I AM the only one who hasn’t sewn anything with it………BECAUSE I DON”T SEW! But if I did, I would make this……..even if I don’t have a round table…..but I do have a chair with this exact fabric!!! I’m cool, I’m cool, I’m cool.

Back to the Burlap….I love burlap! JenJen has many many projects she’s completed using burlap. And guess what? She has lots of tutorials! TUTORIALS!!! Oh happy day! Lickity split, you’ll have yourself a brand new table cloth! If you sew of course.

Tatertots and Jello is one of the cutest names for a blog. She is CRAZY for burlap and that’s why I’m crazy for her.

Let’s see………she made burlap flowers for a burlap memo board……magnet board actually….yes….there is a tutorial.

And these adorable really really cute pillows……..she has them on her new kitchen nook. I wonder how she did the graphics?

OH! Well lookie here. A tutorial! She used transfer paper to print the image …….so clever.

She claims these are no sew pillows…..I don’t believe it….but I’ll go back and read through her tutorial again.

She decided one morning to make a few tassels. She grabbed a few scraps from around the house and even used her old knobs from her cabinet remodel as the top. Yes…….she has a tutorial…….Clever clever clever. Yes…..there’s a quick kitchen update on her blog. Now I want new knobs…….my husband is thinking this blogging bit is giving me way to many ideas. While we’re talkin knobs……..holy mother of all that’s good……..would you look at this door knob? I MUST have one of those. MUST! Oh look……more burlap. I told you….she is crazy for burlap. This was a quick and fairly easy tutorial.

Her neighbors must hate her….She’s probably got the best wreath on the block.

Yep……..there’s a tutorial……. Are you starting to get palpitations from all this tutorial talk? I thought these were interesting. A unique way to make some bling bling. She posted some photos of her craft room to prove to us that her house isn’t perfect. (love the shutters by the way) Are you thinking what I’m thinking? What a hideous mess……….WHATEVER!

I’ll be sending her a photo of what a real mess is, because apparently she’s never seen one. Yea……her craft room is a real eye sore. :)

It’s a wonder she can create anything…….let alone one of these most treasured cookie sheet advent calendars. I swear every year I’m doing one of these.

Ok now……do the right thing and go leave her a nice comment.

Get ready for Get Your Craft On Tuesdays. Don’t be shy….link up your creative projects. Something you’ve made, decorated or repurposed….if it’s creative, link it.

Like this post? It’s sponsored by Amber’s Announcing You