Glittery Goodness

Some time last fall, I decided I wanted to decorate with pine cones. Glittered pine cones, to be exact, for our tree and a few around our home for some added sparkle.

It's a simple idea

Inexpensive

Not that difficult to "create"

Only a couple of simple steps

Spray paint, spray adhesive, glitter!

Or so I thought! 

What I wasn't prepared for was the lack of pine cones ~ as in none to be found!  I ask, begged, and was willing to buy pine cones from friends, family and co-workers. Compliments of our hurricane, we are lacking here in my area!

Nope, Nada, None!

The only pine cones available for purchase are coated in {fake} cinnamon scent. They give me the worst headache. I hold my breath every time I pass them in the craft stores.

I was just about to give up on my idea when Lori came to the rescue. During one of our chats, pine cones came up and she offered to send me some. Apparently, they have more than their share this year and she was happy to share.

I'm thrilled with how they turned out and how wonderful they look in our Christmas decor. Just what I had envisioned.


 I've set aside a few of the teeny tiny ones. I plan to add them to my packages once their wrapped {no need to rush in this department, I have 3 more days. Yikes!}  They will be the perfect special touch with the satin ribbon and wrapping paper.

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Cookie Exchange

I've been looking forward to this afternoon all season. This afternoon was my annual Cookie Exchange. It's always such a fun afternoon. I get to catch up with friends and neighbors, eat girlie finger foods, and in the end, I have an amazing platter of cookies to enjoy ~ yum!

I made chocolate covered cherry cookies for the exchange this year.




In keeping with my "low key" holidays, I didn't go overboard on the menu. No one seemed to notice and for the first time in years, I wasn't stressed. What a joy, I should have done this years ago.





I'm really blessed to have such a great circle of friends. Each of these wonderful women have such amazing talents. There is never a quiet moment when we are together.




My sweet friend and neighbor grabbed a few shots of me while filling my platter. She's a wife and mom too! {aka always behind the camera and never in a photo! :) } 


Our week ahead is going to be a crazy one and that's putting it nicely. We are in school until the bitter end :) I'm in charge of putting on our staff breakfast, we have have two parties to attend, and somewhere in all my (nonexistent) free time I need to squeeze in last minute shopping and prepping for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Is it too late to hire an assistant?

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Boxwood Wreath

I was going to order a couple of boxwood wreaths when I realized ....

~We have boxwoods in our yard

~I know how to make a wreath

~It takes very little time to make one

~I could spend the money on something else {that I really want}

so, a crafting I went.

I love the little corner cabinet in my kitchen with the glass front. She just needed a little something, something to dress up for the holidays ~ enter the wreath idea.




My boxwood gathered and secured into small bundles.




Add the bundles by over lapping as you go along.





All finished and pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.




I love this ribbon. I wish I had purchased all they had in stock when I found it last year. It has just the right touch without being over the top.




On display ~ just what I was looking for to add a little Christmas cheer to my kitchen.






It's simple, homemade, and just the perfect touch.
Not to mention that it brings a smile to my face :)



Merry, merry!

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My Blog is Back

Well over a week ago I popped on my blog only to find out it had been shut down.

Why you ask?

They {Blogger} are claiming spam.

Seriously ...


Well, after a lengthy and painful process, I'm back!

I can't wait to catch up with all of you and see all the great holiday goodies you've been up to. I'm right on track with my holiday list and projects. I'm rather surprised by this as I'm usually stressing big time by this date.

*Lori ~ no changes after my tour ;)

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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