Tis the Season

So what do you do when you have close to zero extra dollars and Christmas is right around the corner?  You get crafty, that's what you do.  I have been doing some "research" aka spending entirely too much time on pinterest and have gotten some really good ideas.  Here's a look at what I've got cooking (note: nothing is actually cooking right now)  :)

I have started the process of the vanilla extract has it takes quite a bit of time to get to optimal vanilla extract status.

The scrubs will be made just prior to giving, I'm just on the hunt for cute jars that make since for a body scrub (ie have a large enough mouth to get your hand in to scoop the scrub).  And the magnet board is just a cute little gift that I may just make for myself.  I will keep you updated on how everything turned out. 

You can find all of these diy's and more via my pinterest page. 

Happy Birthday LEW

Happy Happy Birthday to my awesome little sister Linda.  I hope you have a great day darling.  xoxo

Ooh La La

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving holiday. Mine was terrific, spent with family in California.  During our recent trip we were walking around San Francisco and Paul's sister took us to La Boulange.  It is literally like a little slice of heaven right there in the middle of San Fran. 

They have all kinds of french pastries, sandwiches, breads and coffees.  It is soooo good its ridiculous.  They went straight to the top of my favorites list with a giant jar of nutella at their condiments station.  I mean that is just insane... in a good way.  If you are ever in the area you should definitely stop by one their locations.  The food is fantastic, the ambiance is great and they have nutella. 

Doesn't it all look soooo tasty, it's making me hungry just writing this?

Another food post....imagine that.

So in my effort to seem some what productive on these "chilly" fall days I have seemed to taken up baking and cooking.  I was looking through the 25th anniversary issue of House & Home magazine and came across a recipe for spiced nuts.  It was great because I had all the necessary ingredients and didn't have to leave the house.... perfect for my very consistent lazy behavior lately.

All I needed was:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup of cane sugar (like demerara)
1 tsp each of cumin, paprika, cayenne and salt (give or take depending on your taste)
2 cups of almonds (also, your choice)

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
Heat oil, vinegar and sugar in saucepan over low to medium heat, sprinkle in spices and salt and mix well
Add almonds, stirring to coat and cook in saucepan approximately 5 minutes until everything is sticky
Pour mixture over a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Let cool and serve at room temperature

This is sooo simple and could easily be changed based on your personal taste but would make you look like some kind of super star at your next gathering.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my Dad.  You are an awesome guy and I hope you have a great birthday.  Love you.

P.S.  If I was rich I would buy you this bad ass truck that probably gets  a wopping 7 miles to the gallon.  :) 

via

Inexpensive Wall "Art"

Now if you are anything like me and can't stand blank wall after blank wall in a home but don't have the moola to purchase art you live by the theory of "if it can go in a frame... it's art" . Which is how we roll in this casa.

There are several low cost things you can do to add a little something something to your walls instead of just leaving them as big blank spaces.

I myself have framed coffee bean bags  and they are proudly displayed on a wall in my living room, seen in a previous post.  I have also framed maps I got from a $3 book of state maps  from TJ Maxx.  I chose three states that have had significance in our lives and framed those bad boys up.

My Aunt was kind enough to take this photo outside of a home on Caterina street in Italy when she was there and had it framed for me.  Obviously, her photography skills are waaayyyy more superior than mine. 

I just love the colors of the laundry and the shutters, such a simple thing but full of life and color.