HALLOWEEN TREAT BAGS

(Pictures removed).
These are the treat bags I made the girls last year. I was so happy to pull them out again for another go around. I used black gingham for the outside, and some fun orange with polka dots material for the lining that you can also see for the names. Leftover material from my pumpkin quilt was used to fancy them up. I used orange ribbon scraps for the handles. For the names I used a letter stencil and cut out the letters in fabric then used a wonderful product called "Wonder Under". You iron it onto the fabric on one side, then peel it off the other side and iron it onto your project. Then I just went around the edges old-school fashion with orange puffy paint so they had a nice clean edge. My girls can't wait to fill them up!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

MY FAVORITE VIRTUAL MAKEOVER SITE

(Dont know why my lips luge huge in this picture. Ugg)

Do you remember my recent hair dilemma? Well I finally took care of it. Nothing drastic. Just a few layers to take care of the frizz and dead stuff and add a little shape and fun. Plus, I started parting my hair on the other side. Have you ever done this? It's amazing how little things can make a difference.
Before I went under the scissors, I visited my favorite virtual makeover site at Mary Kay. It's way fun and the perfect way to try on different hairstyles. You can also try different hair colors, makeup, and accessories. You can try it here. I guess it's like my own personal Hairy Fairy after all!

GUEST BLOG: WOOD PUMPKINS

These adorable wood pumpkins are from my sister-in-law, Karen. She was so nice to let me use her pictures for my blog!
She and her friends like to do a fall craft every year. They bought wood in 4x4 and 1x1 size. Then cut it into 8", 6" and 4" blocks and 1" blocks for the stems. Then they used a sander to round the edges. Then they painted the body of the pumpkins brown or black first so when you sand the edges, it shows up underneath. Then paint them orange, and the stems green. After they dry, sand around the edges to your liking. She added some jute around the stems. Then she used her 3" "whimsy" scrapbook stencil letters for the words. I think it would be cute to do fun faces on the pumpkins like on my can-tainers, or B-O-O. There are so many fun things you can do. But I love "trick or treat" as well!
I want to give props to Karen and her friends as they came up with this adorable craft all their own! And my favorite part: It cost $8 for the wood and $5 for the paint, and they made 4 sets. That equals only $3.25 per project!

SUPER EASY APRON & DISH TOWEL SET

My Inspiration: This project is for a gift. Here is what the giftee registered for at Bed, Bath and Beyond. "Links Chainlink Kitchen Towel" (center)

and Green Solid Kitchen Towel.

Do you remember when I ordered THIS fabric? Well I found the perfect fabric for this kitchen set as well. It's called "Mod Geo" by Michael Miller. I just love the fun lime green color and hip design! Then I found a coordinating green towel. I decided to make an apron and an embellished towel.

First I took my existing apron and used it as my pattern. I left an extra inch at the top and bottom for the hem and cut the side/underarm straight just by eyeing it, so it would be easier to sew.

Then I cut 4 strips for the ties 2 1/2 and 2 inches wide.

I cut another strip about 4 inches wide, iron-hemmed the edges and attached to the towel inside bottom front. I cut it about 1 1/2 times the length of the towel so I could "ruffle" it.

I sewed it all together and VOILA! A super simple, fun apron and matching towel.

A SUBJECT THAT IS NEAR AND DEAR

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is a little less than 1 in 8 (12%).

The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States are for 2009:

• about 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women

• about 62,280 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).

• about 40,170 women will die from breast cancer

After increasing for more than 2 decades, female breast cancer incidence rates decreased by about 2% per year from 1999 to 2006. This decrease may be due at least in part to less use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the results of the Women's Health Initiative were published in 2002. This study linked HRT use to an increased risk of breast cancer and heart diseases.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 35 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

At this time there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. (This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.)
Information taken from the American Cancer Society Website

Image by myself, taken in honor of my mother.

In my life, my mother, grandmother, two aunts, and my sister-in-law's mother have had breast cancer. Of these five, three have survived. I will never forget the fear and panic I felt when I was told "I have cancer" from my mom, or again "Grandma has breast cancer." I will never forget watching my sister in law, as a young, new wife, deal with losing her mother to this disease. Or when I showed up at the hospital after she gave birth to her firstborn, a daughter, and seeing my own mother in the room, but only a framed picture of hers by the bedside.
Statistically, about 1 in 8 women will develop some form of breast cancer in their life. And 1 in 35 will die.
I am grateful that "they" have created a month for Breast Cancer Awareness. That is why I chose to write about this topic- because I want all who know me to increase or start their awareness, NOW. PLEASE do your monthly self-breast exams and check with your doctor regularly. Even if you do find a lump, taking care of it in the early stages increases your chances of survival DRAMATICALLY. We lost my aunt because even though she found a lump, she waited to go to the doctor until it was too late.
I am so grateful I still have my mom, my grandma, and my other aunt in my life. PLEASE be aware and help spread the knowledge of this disease to those you love. This October, THINK PINK!
~ R

PUMPKIN CRAZY

If you could not tell already, I love pumpkins. When I decorate this time of year, I love to decorate with more natural decor, with more natural and fall colors, and organic stuff. Not all grocery stores sell the mini pumpkins so when I saw crates of them at Savemart yesterday, I went a tad bit pumpkin crazy. I loaded up my basket, and then the cake stand when I got home. My justification is that they make a cute gift for others this time of year. So if I need something, I can just grab one from my stash. Not to mention they make a great and easy centerpiece :)

More pumpkins for the front door...

As I began a pumpkin priject yesterday, I had the girls get busy too. I just googled "halloween coloring pages" and got all kinds of cute ones.

So here is thier project.......

And here is mine. Last night we went to a friend's for dinner. She never lets me bring anything, so I decided to bring her a hostess gift of pumpkins! I wanted to do their family's last name initial and two mini's for their kiddos.
The project materials: Pumpkins, sharpie, alphabet template, acrylic paint and brush.

First I took the sharpie and by looking at the alphabet, freehanded the "S" in a thin line. Then with the black acrylic paint, went over it and added the detailed shape. Then I decided to go crazy and add polka dots to all of them! It was lots of fun! They were looking so cute, I couldn't resist doing a baby one for me!

The final results.

FIND YOUR DECORATING STYLE

....according to Homegoods. I am a

Rebecca, you are a Country Casual

Your home expresses your open, easygoing approach to life. You love unique finds, and can turn a few mismatched garden chairs or floral teacups into a charming arrangement. You appreciate a pretty mix of relaxed pieces, like painted wood or weathered furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, lots of throws and pillows, mementos and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a unique sense of breeziness and charm.
You value serenity. While there are probably a lot of interesting things in your home, they are joined by your taste or a certain palette that keeps them in harmony. You appreciate the beauty in simple forms. Whether fancy or plain, you appreciate things that are well made and function as well as they look. You also have a strong respect for the environment and craftsmanship. You care about how things are made, and how they are used.

I think they are pretty accurate, except for the "lots of throws, pillows, and mementos." That, to me = clutter. And I HATE clutter. At least for now while I am in a small space. Because all that in a small space with two small children also = mommy constantly picking up throws and pillows off the floor!

This image, from Homegoods.com- Customer Finds displays bedding, side table, flowers and rug all from Homegoods. Lovely, isn't it?

Have you ever been to a Homegoods store? They are fun, they remind me of a super TJ Maxx without the clothes and 20x's the decor selection.
To find out your own style, go to www.homegoods.com/quiz.asp
Let me know what your results are in the comments section so I can get to know you better!

FREE MONEY

Did you know that if you go to any checkout at Kohl's and fill out your email address, you will be emailed a coupon for $10 off any purchase? Yeah! That's like free money, people. I bought a shirt on clearance and they ended up giving ME 80 cents. SWEET.

SHOUT OUT AND QUICK FAV

image from vampyvarnish.com

Ok all my peeps! I found out that there are ALOT MORE of you reading my blog than I knew! I thought there were like, 2 of you. PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS, and don't be shy, become a follower. Seriously, I started this thing just for fun and it is sort of a hobby now, and I love reading the comments and feedback, it is like fun girly adult conversation that I hardly get these days. I am so happy that you enjoy my ideas- I had no idea! LOVE YA!

And Today's Favorite: RIMMEL 60 SECOND nail polish.
Love this for a couple reasons: it's cheap, it has trendy but pleasant colors, and it really DRIES IN SECONDS! Hello!
Love. it. Go get some!

OCTOBER 12th PROJECTS

PROJECT #1: This last June I was a lucky winner of a blog give-away over on Homemade by Jill. It was so awesome, I never win anything, I couldn't believe it. Pretty much like Christmas. Anyway, I won an "EZ-View desk-top." It is great for crafts or whatever you want because the top of the desk is plexi-glass and you just slide out the drawers. I pictured myself filling it with craft stuff and sticking it under the bed and then just pulling it out and toting it around to anywhere in the house I was working on a project. Um, not so much. It was way too heavy and big for that. So I ended up buying these cheap-o metal legs from IKEA and my sweet dad screwed them on for me. So now I have a cute little desk in my room. I left the paper on the plexi-glass so it won't get scratched so when I have my some-day house, I can take off the paper and it will still be like new!

PROJECT #2: Do you have an Idea Book? If not, you should. I actually have three: Interior Design ideas for my dream house, Crafts/Projects/Ideas, and all those articles and what-nots you pull out of magazines and want to hold on to.
Today I organized the Craft/Projects/Ideas book.
I will list the categories to help inspire you to do your own and give you a head-start!
Interior Design Book: master bedroom, master bath, girls: nursery and room, boys: nursery and room, kids bath, office/den, playroom, living/family room, dining area, kitchen, outside, anywhere decor, seasonal, paint chips and notes.
Magazine What-nots: Good/important info, home care, health/beauty, fashion, things to be done (type of medical info for wallets, make list of everything we own for insurance, etc)
Craft/Projects/Ideas: Birthday parties & cakes, holidays, crafts & homemade gifts, templates, homemade house decor, sewing & quilts.




Project #3: Pumpkin Can-tainers
I came up with this a few years ago and have been doing it for friends (adults should get goodies for halloween too!) It is a perfect project for me because I recycle, use things I already have, and it costs nothing.
STEP ONE: collect cans throughout the month of October. Strip the labels off, clean and dry them.
STEP TWO: dig out your orange, black and white acrylic paints and brushes. (or orange spray paint if you happen to have that lying around). Paint orange all over cans, let dry. Then do white eyes, let dry. Then black pupils, mouths, noses, and any additions. I did a few stars, a spider on one, dots on another. I like getting their mouths kind of crooked, I think it adds character. STEP THREE: fill with green tissue paper for the "stems" and load 'em up with candycorn! I've also done them without tissue paper and punched holes in each side and added wire handles. I might tie the "stems" this year with jute after they're filled.

I JUST READ

I've always wanted to read the "Narnia" series. I've had this book, which is the first of the series, on my shelf for years. I made myself promise that I would not get any more books from the library until I'd read the ones on my shelves. I finally started this one and I really like it so far. Even thought it's written for "children," I think as an adult, there are many threads sewn throughout the stories that we can pick up on and help us understand the world around us better.
Post Script: one good thing about children's books is that they dont take long to read! I just finished it tonight. I can't wait to read the next one. It really was magical, adventurous, had the classic contrast between good and evil, and many parallels to Christian faith. I recommend it!

MY FAVORITE PUMPKIN COOKIES

After finishing yet another loaf of pumpkin bread, I was ready for a change. I made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, a favorite from when I was a little girl. I love how these cookies remain soft and the suprising complimentary taste of chocolate to sweet pumpkin.
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
1 cup oil
3 cups sugar
2 eggs
large can pumpkin (3 cups)
12 oz chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
2 tsp soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
5 cups flour
Mix 1st three ingredients well, gradually adding pumpkin. Add dry ingredients. Fold in chips and nuts. Bake 10-12 min @ 375 on greased sheets.
Note: I am a no-nuts girl, so I add another 12 oz. chips for the nuts, or I often cut the recipe in half using just 12 oz. For some reason I had only mini-chips in my cupboard this time, as seen in the picture.

LOVE THIS DISH TOWEL

Isn't this cute? A little cheeky spin on being green, eh? Love it. photo from Target

PUMPKIN BREAD

So before fall comes, my husband starts asking when and if I am going to start making pumpkin bread. The second fall comes, my husband asks me where the bread is. It is really good. We all enjoy it. It is a recipe I got from my husband's aunt that she always makes. Don't ask- it is a secret. Anyway, here it is the 15th day of fall and our house AND tummies have already had their fair share of it. I have made EIGHT LOAVES already. My husband wanted to know if it's because I love him or because I'm tired of him asking me. I told him BOTH! But I have to admit that I like this tradition too. And I LOVE the way my house smells when it is baking. You can't put that in a candle. So here's to delicious, fall, pumpkin bread.

HAIRY FAIRY?

It's happening. The need to do something different with my hair. But let me start from the beginning. A year ago I cut off 13 inches of my hair and donated it. While I am glad it went to a good cause, I was talked into cutting my hair when I wasn't quite ready and have been missing it ever since. After the cut I had an "A-line" and now it is just grown out to flat, boring, nothing-ness. So I am starting to get the itch to DO something with it. But I don't really want to cut it much, because I want to grow it. Again.
What do you think of these? Layers? Curls?
OH what I would give to have a personal hairy fairy godmother.

LOVE THIS neo LETTERING!

I absolutely love this! I've actually done something like this before (or tried to!), I thought I was the only one! Read on...
http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/2009/08/im-too-cheap-for-uppercase-living.html

Polly-Vous Francais? -OUI!!!

*SQUEAL!* After an entire month of searching everywhere for THIS absolutely adorable fabric, "Polly Goes to Paris" that I just HAD to have (for my daughters, of course) I FOUND IT!!!!! I am so excited. I cannot WAIT to actually see it in person. I have so many ideas of what to do with it swirling around in my head.
I decided to save the pink for their room and went ahead and bought this blue and brown for a skirt or dress. I love making my daughters little clothes. And they will just LOVE this. We adore Fancy Nancy at my house and they go around saying "Ooh, la, la!" SO CUTE! Now all I have to do is sit back and wait patiently for the mailman to bring it to me..................................

{original inspiration from this cute room}

MY FAVORITE HOBBY

Tomorrow is World Card Making day! So happy WCM day to all you fellow cardmakers and papercrafters. You can visit the official website for more info, and TONS of great ideas and eye candy! www.worldcardmakingday.com

MY FAVORITE COSTUMES THIS YEAR

If I had $100 to waste this year for halloween, I would buy my husband and I the GI JOE costumes from this year's movie of Duke and the Baroness. We saw this movie together on one of our date nights and loved it. I love how all the "old school" stuff we enjoyed as kids is coming back and we can still enjoy it as adults. So when I saw these in a flyer in the mail for halloween cotumes, I immediately fell in love. While I don't have $100, it's still fun to think about!