Brody is invited to yet another birthday party.  I swear all of his friends are girls.  *sigh*

Most of the same people are invited to these birthday parties, so I’m trying to be unique with my wrapping for them all.  I purchased brown wrapping paper from The Container Store (my new favorite store that just opened in Raleigh a couple of months ago).  This wrapping paper is so versatile!  Last week we went to another girl’s birthday party and I used the brown wrapping paper and some wide pink and brown ribbon.  I didn’t think to get any pictures of that wrapped gift, but I think it turned out nice.

This time, I decided to go with a design that I saw on a recent blog post using a snowflake.   I don’t think mine turned out near as nice and the snowflake would probably look nicer on my white wrapping paper instead of the brown, but oh well.

I also used something that Jason just sent me the link too (he knew I’d like the idea and I love that he thinks of me).  I thought it was cute to personalize the gift and put the little girl’s name on it.  Had the snowflake been smaller, I would have preferred to put the name on the front of the package, versus the top, but I wasn’t redoing my snowflake (lazy, I know).

I saw a blog post last week on handmade Christmas gifts. I ran across a photo ornament that I liked.  My family just had their photos taken professionally when we were in IL visiting and each of the grand kids had a photo taken by themselves.  Bingo!  I’ll use those photos to make four ornaments for my parents to hang on their Christmas tree.  Perfect!

It was so simple to make, although I’m not completely happy with the end result.  The opening into the ornament is very narrow so I had to roll up the photo to stick it inside and now they won’t fully flatten.  It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not near as nice as the one shown in the tutorial.  I should have looked harder for the clear plastic ornaments.  I bought the medium sized glass ornaments (that’ll teach me).

So, here are pictures of my finished product.  Enjoy!

I’m working on a few more smaller projects before diving into the onesie quilt.  I’ll keep you posted.

Ok, so it was only 1 minute and 36 seconds to be exact. LOL!

I was contacted by a company called thredUP a couple of months ago, asking if I would be interested in doing a news article for either the local newspaper or television channel. The week before Thanksgiving, I was contacted by Diane Wilson from ABC News. Within two days, she and her camera guy were at our house interviewing me about thredUP.

I have to say that it was the most relaxed thing I’ve probably ever done. Diane and her cameraman were both great to work with. They were at our house for just under an hour. To read more about my experience, read my earlier blog post.

We were out of town for Thanksgiving, so I wasn’t around to record the news broadcast.  Diane emailed me just the portion of the news that was about thredUP.  Take a look (sorry about the ad that plays first).  Don’t I have a cute son (and husband?).

Before we left for our trip to IL, I quickly made a “Sweetheart Journal” for my parents.  It was a very belated anniversary gift.  I had hoped to make it for their anniversary this past June, but just never took time to do so.  I loved the idea of this journal.

Sweetheart Journal
This little journal has a purpose for you,
Its use should be shared just between two.
Simply write a love letter, a poem, or a note
To the one you adore, love, and often dote.
Then, hide this book for your sweetheart to find
And wait for a reply that will tickle your mind.
Remember, to be creative and to have fun
You have only your spouse’s heart to be won.

Creative ideas could include: games (the dot game, tic tac toe), poems, letters, pictures, notes, comments about dates…

I found this idea on a blog called My Creative Stirrings.   The idea was found in a post titled, “Creative Wedding Gift Ideas – Can of Dates”, then had a list of 36 ideas to print off and put in this can.  This one was my favorite idea.

What I love about this journal is that there are no “rules” as to how quickly you have to pass it back and forth between each other.  It can be in ones possession for however long.  The whole point is to catch your significant other off guard and surprise them with this journal hidden in a special place for them to find.

Happy (belated) Anniversary Mom and Dad!  I hope you enjoy your journal and get lots of use out of it over the years to come.

We were in IL for Thanksgiving this year.  Three Thanksgiving meals, tons of food and dessert.  It was all SO good!

We got back last night and are happy to be home (will be happier when all of the unpacking and laundry is done).

My next project is Brody’s onesie quilt.  I can’t wait to get started on this, but guessing it will be another week before I can give any thought to it.  Need to decompress from traveling and get back into our routine here at home first.

I’ll check back in soon.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!