Friday Favorites: 11-4-11

I had SO much fun speaking about crafting/blogging and the holidays with a group of young moms at church this morning.  I was speaking to an audience of over 100 women--some who are crafting experts, and some who have NEVER even seen a craft blog, so I had to keep the ideas general but applicable to everyone.  I think it worked and was a nice morning for all!

Next weekend is the weekend I am throwing my autumn bridal shower!  I can't wait to share the pictures, ideas and tutorials with you!

For now, here are some fun ideas from the week!

On Etsy, I found these pom poms made from doilies on Myhaleygirl!  This actually looks EASIER than the tissue paper poms that are so popular right now.  I have been dreading the poofing of the poms for the bridal shower--maybe I'll try these!



Oh, Crafts! came up with this cute stamp idea for packages and for letters.  Since Christmas is coming, this would be a fun idea for any Christmas Card envelopes you are sending.  Just exchange the pink for gold or Christmas colors . . . If you can't find a tag stamp, just cut a sponge or foam in the shape of a tag!



Somewhat Simple created and shared some free Thanksgiving printables.  print, cut and fold in half on a toothpick or lollipop stick in order to make cupcake toppers, or cute decor for each slice of pumpkin pie!




Armelle--cute blog I just found--love it--posted some cute Thanksgiving table decorations for the kiddie table--or the young in heart.



Sweet Pea's Kitchen shared an awesome sweet potato recipe for Thanksgiving.  Instead of peeling and casseroling the sweet potatoes, how about just serving them in the skin like a twice baked potato?  Fun presentation and easy--win, win!



Catch My Party shared these frree, darling Thanksgiving printables from Love the Day.  I love the non-traditional colors!



The Hungry Mouse shared a pumpkin, brown sugar cheesecake in a chocolate, shortbread crust.  YUMMMM!



The photo completely sold me on this one, but Flickr had a homemade caramel recipe from Betty Crocker packaged in cute little Christmas jars.  My neighbors would be pretty happy to get one of these!


Okay, I am getting hungry (I love yummy holiday recipes). . . and it is dinner time.  We are off to PF Chang to use a gift card and enjoy a treat!  Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites: 10-27-11

I have absolutely loved using my Silhouette Cameo this week!  I didn't even get to hook it up until Monday, but I've made two garland banners and two signs for the upcoming bridal shower I'm throwing. 

I have had a lot of friends ask me about the Cameo--what is it?  It is an electronic cutting tool, but, unlike the Cricket, it is completely off your computer.  You download software and then have access to an online library of thousands of shapes, fonts, outlines, etc.  Each download is about 99 cents.  So, I only have to spend several dollars on one party or theme rather than buying a whole "cartridge" for 50-80 dollars with theme shapes I might only use once or twice.  You can read more about the machine here.

So far, I've used only cardstock with my machine, but it cuts vinyl and fabric too.  I know all three will come in really handy.  I will be able to make signs and those cute baby onesie gifts lickity split! 

AND, Silhouette is not endorsing me or giving me anything to talk about them.  I'm not even a blip on their radar, but some bigger crafting blogs--including the Silhouette blog--are giving away free Cameos right now!  Enter and see if you can win one!  I am LOVING mine.

So, I haven't been posting tons of projects on my blog.  I am sorry!  It isn't that I'm not doing projects, but I'm busy making projects I can't share yet!  I am throwing an autumn themed bridal shower on November 12th, which I can't wait to share with you--creams, whites, golds and tans will be our color scheme, with a fun appetizer bar and favor bags.  I can't wait to show you!  (I did preview the cream pumpkin centerpieces on the Calico and Cupcakes Facebook Page). 

I am also throwing a crafting boutique--the first official sales for the Calico and Cupcakes SHOP--on November 27th!  I will be posting my products as soon as I start crafting them--Christmas decor!

Oh, and, since I'm not busy (ha, HA!), I'm speaking on crafting at our church's young mom's outreach group on the 4th of November.  Whew! 

Somewhere in all that November craziness is my hubby's birthday.  I need help.  I really want to encourage him this year--he is a hardworker looking for a new job to provide for us.  Does anyone have any low cost ideas for celebrating and encouraging your spouse?  We have a gift card for a fun date night to celebrate, but I want to give him some really thoughtful gifts or activities.  Ideas would be much appreciated!

Okay, okay.  Enough "blah, blah, blah" from me.  It is time for Friday Favorites!  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Can you believe November begins next week?  Craftgossip.com shared a cute kiddie favor from Parents.com for the Thanksgiving table or for your favorite little gobbler.  All you need is felt, googly eyes and a Tootsie Roll Pop.



Craftily-Ever-After.blogspot.com made pilgrim hats to decorate the Thanksgiving table.  Reeses, frosting and a cookie are all you need for this cute decorative dessert.



El Mundo Reciclaje (Okay, Lucia, is that The Recycled World?  My Spanish is rusty.)  shared a cheap easy way to make pumpkin centerpieces.  You will need a dryer vent cut into pieces, spray paint, a cinnamon stick and some Spanish Moss.  So cute!



Disney Family Fun gave us a cute neighborhood scavenger hunt to do with the family on Thanksgiving.  Some of the points might not apply to sunny, warm southern California, but you could write up your own fun list of things you know you could find in your neighborhood!



Okay, this has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but monogramed balloons--can you say GENIUS!?  If you have a vinyl cutter, you could use that, but this tutorial from Life in Wonderland just has you cutting out printed letters and attaching them to the balloon.  What a BEAUTIFUL and personal touch for a party!




Finally, am I the only person who hasn't tried a salted caramel mocha from Starbucks?  You have NO idea how much I love caramel.  It has taken every ounce of diet will power to not try one.  Sigh.  I can enjoy perusing salted caramel recipes, though, and here are two that looked yummy!

The Greedy Gourmand made a salted caramel and vanilla baked cheesecake.  Look at these pictures!



52 Kitchen Adventures shared a recipe for a salted caramel mocha.  Looks. . . So . . . Good! 




I'm off to San Diego with the family this weekend for a little relaxation and rest!  Yahoo!  I pray your weekend is blessed too!

Friday Favorites: October 21, 2011

              
Yes, this was on my doorstep last night.  I know!  I am beside myself excited.  I watched the training video and read the quick start guide, but this is going to be a huge learning curve.  Once I understand it, I will be able to do SO many things with this Silhouette Cameo.  I am giddy!

I also set up my Etsy shop this week--nothing for sale yet, but that will change once I get the Cameo purring.  The shop IS officially open, though.  I just need to list some items . . .

Well, there are some fun inspiration ideas this week.  Enjoy, and happy Friday!

Okay, I love that I can discover new online stores from finding cute outfits on Pinterest.  I thought this dress would be so cute with a cardigan, tights and cowboy boots.  It is from La Posh Style, which is completely affordable and carries some really cute items.  Check it out!




OhDeeDoh created children's book placemats.  This is such a fun idea for a book themed birthday party or for Dr. Suess Day at school!  Get an old book from Goodwill or one that is missing pages, etc. in your own library.  Laminate the pages and create placemats.  SO fun!



Instructables.com showed us a really easy clip to make for those of you with girls.  What a cute idea for Christmas parties and celebrations.  It is just ribbon, an alligator clip and glue. . .



Re-nest posted 5 great ways to get your home smelling like fall for your seasonal get togethers.  There is nothing better than the smell of cloves, cinnamon and apples.



Le Choses de Marie showed us a creative and amazing smelling way to display candles in your fall decor.  Genius and so pretty!



Midwest Living gave us a delicious recipe for creamy artichoke lasagna.  Talk about comfort food!



If you are trying to be good, like me, here is a healthier recipe.  Aggie's Kitchen shared a spicy shrimp and avocado lettuce wrap. Yum!



Finally, let's end with something sweet.  Dreamy Desserts made Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.  What a fun treat for the fall season!



I hope you found something pretty or tasty or fun to make!  Enjoy your weekend!

Friday Favorites: 10-14-11

I haven't been able to chat about my church women's retreat last weekend.  It was amazing!  We studied I Corinthians 13 and dove into a deep study of godly, sacrificial love.  I am walking away with a goal to work on patience and not being so intent to have my own way.  I was heading up the greeting at the retreat for the first time, which was really fun.  I got to meet many new women and also come out of my shell a bit. 

I forgot my camera (so sad!), but my church had photographers there.  If I remember I'll post some of the church's pictures on the blog.

I have been keeping busy by making baby gifts, making invitations for my sister's wedding shower--so excited to share all the details with you when I host that in mid-November, decorating pumpkins for our ministry wives' workshop this weekend and gearing up for a boutique sale with some friends at the end of  November.  Oh, and I'm a guest speaker on crafting at a young mom's group at our church in early November.  Ha!  I have a lot on my plate, but I love it all!

Here are some fun ideas from the week.  Enjoy and have a beautiful weekend!


Six Sisters Stuff made 4 ingredient Rolo cookies.  Have I mentioned I am a caramel fanatic?  Sigh.



Parmesan Hashbrown Cups?  Yes, please!  Thank you



Pieced Pasttimes shared a beautiful tutorial on making a subway art sign.  The directions are clear and the outcome is beautiful!



I love Lisa Leonard for many reasons, and she, of course, gives a cost effective, beautiful project for Christmas.  Take a 5 dollar Ikea doormat and paint the stencil JOY.  This would be fun with placemats, canvas art, etc. 



Stay at Home Artist had a guest blogger, The OBriens, make such fun, whimsical fabric pom pom necklaces.  We are used to the strand poms or rolled flowers, but this is dainty and fun without being SO crafty and such a large statement.  Plus, this is insanely easy to do.




I love Tidy Mom.  She is a really nice blogger who keeps it real and always has fun ideas.  Tis the season for bringing appetizers, and this puff pastry garlic chicken puffs look delish!

Friday Favorites: 10-6-11

I am posting Friday Favorites early because I am leaving for my church's Women's Retreat early in the morning tomorrow.  I'll share pics and let you know what I learned when I get back!

Enjoy these fun ideas!

I am an adorer of organization.  Curbly used a Quaker oatmeal box to organize ribbon.  I love this idea!



Modern Day Moms made the cutest mousepad.  What a cute gift idea--and really cost effective!


Made by Rae made the cutest bibs for baby boys!  I love to decorate onesies. .  . I'm going to have to give some of these ideas a try!



The Less than Perfect Life of Bliss came up with a fun way to reward and motivate good behavior on a road trip.  I love how she decorated each clip as well!



Here are 3 different ways to decorate your fall pumpkins with ribbon.  Each idea is so creative and fun!

My Blessed Life


The Autocrat


Eddie Ross



Finally, let's end with some yummy fall recipes.  My Kitchen Addiction made pumpkin spice cannolis.  Yum!


















These Peas are Hollow made Gingerbread Bundt Cake.  They are so cute--perfect for those neighbor gifts at Christmas.



Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Friday Favorites: 9-30-11

My sister in law has her engagement party tomorrow, so I've been making bruchetta for 70 people, putting pics in frames to decorate the party, and creating vertical photo banners for the patio.  Needless to say, life is a little busy right now.  So, I figure getting Friday Favorites out late is better than never. 

Oh, and my birthday was a blessing!  Friends and family made me feel very special, and I got many fun gifts.  My hubby scored BIG by preordering a Silhouette Cameo for me.  I am chomping at the bit to do some fun projects!  Speaking of fun projects, enjoy the inspiration today!  Happy Friday!

Add Some Paint made a dry erase board desk.  I have blogged about this paint before, but I haven't tried it yet.  This inspired me.  I think a cute board in the kitchen would be bright and fun for messages, verses, etc. 


Organize and Decorate Everything made pumpkin tp rolls--seriously easy and cute.  Whether you decorate your house with them like the blogger or just have fun tp decor as you store it in the bathroom, this was a cute idea.


I love making baby onesies as gifts for mommies of a new little one.  I thought these were so simple yet sweet.  There are a ton of girl onesies out there (ruffles, etc.), so it was fun to see some boy ideas.
Here is a funny one from Knit, Stitch, Click.

Here is a cute sports theme from A Girl and a Glue Gun.


Sunny Side Up in San Diego shared a Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread recipe.  It looks AMAZING!  This is getting baked this fall for sure!


Erin's Food Files made pumpkin cream cheese truffles.  They look amazing too--so easy to pop into your mouth without feeling too guilty!


Closet Cooking made pumpkin pie french toast with ginger snap crumbles for a topping.  Yes, please.


Finally, let's end with some beautiful fall decor.  Have you decorated your mantle yet?  I haven't, but these ideas have me itching to break out some decorations and also try some new ideas!
Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures


Sweet Something Design


My Blessed Life


B&B's Nest


Our Vintage Home Love


Nesting Place


The At Home Blog in Arkansas


Have a great weekend, everyone!