goodbye 2009

Last week, I took this picture of my aunt's Christmas tree. When I was looking through the pictures today, I was struck by how the clock ornament reminded me of the end of the year.

I set several resolutions last year, but unfortunately I lost the paper I wrote them down on! I do remember that a couple things I stuck with was ... plant a garden ... run a half marathon ... and finish graduate school.

A couple of things that I think were on there ... that I did not stick with ... go to bed earlier (definitely didn't happen) ... read all of the chronicles of narnia ... travel to Tanzania.

I am really bummed that the last one end up working out. A couple of E's friends were living in Tanzania this time last year. They've been back in the states for the last couple of months, and tomorrow they leave for France. This year, I am bound and determined to make it to Europe in the Fall. This also means that I need to set myself up on a budget savings plan ... umm now.

...................................................................

What about you? 

What are some of your resolutions for the new year? 

What are a few of your highlights from the previous?

a couple days late

Merry Christmas to you and yours (a couple of days late).

I hope that you enjoyed celebrating the birth of the savior of the world.

Christmas treats and testing out the new camera

and the winner is...

A little elf here to bring you good news ...

I hope that each of you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas. E and I have been loving spending some r & r with both of our families. Sorry for the lack of posts. I promise to get back in the swing of things in the next couple of days.

Although I didn't check my email or read blogs for about 72 hours (that may have been a record), I did remember (only a couple hours late) to select a winner for this week's giveaway.

This week's lucky star press giveaway goes to Ms. Kayla!

Congrats on your lovely little cards!

merry christmas to me

 I truly have the best husband in the world.

Enough said.

stampted

A couple of post ago, I shared how I used a $1 Michael's stamp for the "to and from" details on our gifts. 

Here are a couple other little stampers that I thought you would enjoy. 

 

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a little bit of country

I am becoming more and more of a fan of the pages of Country Living. 

Does anyone else share the same appreciation?

 

stockings, sleepy stella, and coasters

Our stocking are hung...

 

& the tree is lit!

But for some reason sweet Stells does not seem to share my excitement...

 

 

I feel like she is thinking "mom please stop bugging me!" I don't catch her this tired except when she comes home from playing with another dog ... and when it happens I soak it up!

While I was in the holiday spirit & snapping photos {wishing I had a better camera ... or that I knew how to use the one I have}, I decided to finish up my final gifts. I followed this tutorial to make these super inexpensive coasters. Each tile costs about 32 cents. So, if you still have someone on your list, but are running low on cash, then these are the perfect solution! 

a crafty christmas

I have been waiting with anticipation to write this post. Last Saturday a group of my closest friends and I celebrated our eighth girl's Christmas. Girl's Christmas ... creative huh? We started calling it that when we were Sophmore's in High School and the name has stuck. It has been an absolute blessing to share my life with these ladies and watch as we all grow into the women God created us to be.

So I think I have already told you, but last year we switched things up a little bit. We kept the exchange part the same, except we added the stipulation that all things had to be handmade. Let me tell you ... the handmade factor has made the annual event even better than I could have imagened! Girl Christmas is truly one of my favorite days of the year. We potluck and share our handmade creations {do I sound like I am 50 or what??}.

This morning, I am here to share a couple of the treasures I received. I hope they strike a little creative nerve in you.

#1: My amazingly creative friend Cory made each of us this lovely set of bath salts, sugar scrub, and a felted bar of soap. The bar of soap is such a fun idea ... it's like a loufa and soap in one. I can't wait to use these beauties, but in the meantime they're fabulous little bathroom decorations.

#2: My precious friend Shannon {who recently moved to SC and I miss her terribly}, crafted us these dainty little teacup candles. As soon as I take down my Christmas decorations, this will be one of the first things I find a place for!

#3: My little seamstress friend Jenna, made each of us our own Christmas apron. Love it! Click here for the tutorial she used.

#4: My best friend in the whole world, Jen,  made us these amazing doily tote bags. Click here for a step by step tutorial.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise, but I crafted everyone a little jewelry from Stella Bella Boutique.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour. Merry Christmas from each of us!

Also, please excuse the weird things my blog is doing. I am trying to do a couple of new things, but for a little while it will be under construction. Don't worry, we'll still be open.

unexpected ornaments