Thanksgiving Place Cards

Just thought I'd share a picture of the place cards I did for this year's Thanksgiving table. I used alphabet macaroni letters with some craft feathers that I had in my crafty-closet, and put them on a piece of folded brown card stock. My kids are going to love them! Happy Thanksgiving all!

"O" Boy!

We were so excited to be a part of O Magazine's “Favorite Things” list this year, which featured our monogrammed string gift tags.

This Thanksgiving...

Taking the time to stop and allow yourself to really think about the holiday and what it means, it's honestly not my 1st thought. Thanksgiving 2011 for me, however, is looking back at my year and being thankful for my blessings, looking ahead and being hopeful, looking upward and finding strength and looking inward and finding peace.

For me, it has been a year that deserves a little quiet reflection & appreciation. We truly have so much to be thankful for. When I think about Thanksgiving Day and having all of my family around me...how the house smells delicious and everyone is happy and looking forward to being together... I want to remind everyone to stop and remember what they are thankful for this year.

My centerpiece for this year's Thanksgiving table asks family members to add a leaf to the "Thankful Tree" and share what they are thankful for. Then, in return they may choose one of the hidden-treasure walnuts underneath the tree. Crack it open and reveal a special surprise...perhaps a piece of candy, a little message or a gold dollar coin (you'd be surprised how many different little treasures will actually fit inside a walnut.) This is a wonderful and fun tradition my family has shared throughout the years, and is a great way to mix a little conversation and excitement to the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Pretty DIY Pattern Notepads

If you are anything like me, notpads are one of those things you can't live without. Not only am I an avid list-maker, but I always doodle and sketch out ideas while I'm on on the phone or when I'm just sitting around the house. I can literally go through a notepad every two weeks, which can get pretty expensive considering I like to jot down my notes on something prettier than the average bland white utilitarian notepad.

Recently, I found a way to "perk" up an average inexpensive tear-off pad that my kids always seem to have around for school needs. Using a ruler and an x-acto knife, I cut thin strips of patterned scrapbook paper to teh width of the pads, coat the back with a good smear of the glue stick, and press on the top of the unattractive cardboard at the top of the pad. Voilà!...a beautiful notepad I’m not embarrassed to carry around in public, and it only cost me around a buck. And think of what a cute little gift it would make for another “listy-lady” in your life. Just stack a couple of different size notepads together with a nice writing pen, tie together with twine and a gift tag, and you’re done.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make you smile!