Halloween treat bag

Last Halloween, we were lucky enough to spend the holiday in Seattle with my family. Lil D had the best time trick-or-treating with his cousins...they were so cute! Lil D tells his version here. My sister and I decided to enlist our mom in making the kids matching treat bags...My sister got the idea from her daycare provider and of course we just had to make them too (well, mom did)!

Mom cut out black canvas in large rectangles and then we stamped the kids feet on with white paint.

Add some black dots as eyes...

Some Halloween fabric around the top...add some handles...

and there you have...the sweetest little ghost treat bag...

And the sweetest little trick-or-treator...a little tired after all those houses!

They turned out so cute...(nice work mom).  I wish I could remember the measurements...but to be honest...I kinda just let mom do her thing.  Can't wait to pull it out this year!

I'm linking to:

DIY show-off Fall Festival

Knock off Knock out at It's so very Cheri

Master bedroom: from trashy beach to...well...something much better!

When my husband and I moved into our home 4 years ago, I decided I wanted to go with a "Beach" theme for our bedroom.  So I picked a blue (I thought I would like) bought white bed linens, and we switched out the blue fabric in our headboard (that my husband made years before) for white...and look it's a beach theme! ?????

(notice the miniature lamps and lack of any sign of the beach...)

NOT GOOD people...not good.  We (or maybe just me) convinced ourselves that we liked it...and then the baby came and there wasn't time to even think about changing it...a baby room was more important to decorate.

After much searching, I found new bedding that I loved and the room got a complete makeover.

We started in the bathroom. My husband tore out the old vanity and mirror (oh, they were bad) and put in a new vanity, counter and sink. Then he built a frame and had a new mirror installed. We also took out the closet doors and put in curtains. When the doors were open, which was ALWAYS, it killed so much space in the bathroom.

We loved it all so much that we ended up redoing the vanities and mirrors in the other 2 bathrooms as well!

And FINALLY....the awful blue paint was covered up by a much more soothing and calm green and tan.  We got a new mirror for above the dresser...some lamps that didn't look like they were shrunk...

A large print (from Ikea) for above the bed and ditched the blinds for some cellular shades.  Let me just tell you...that is one of my most favorite things.  The sun really heats up this room in the morning...you know, at the same time the shower and hair dryer are going, and these shades keep all that sun heat out!

I'm really want more accessories in this room...but if you notice that little guy in the corner...he tends to move all my stuff (or hide it) to make room for his trains and cars...so all that fluff will have to wait. After working on this transformation for a LONG time...it is finally complete and every time I walk into my room I feel calm...not agitated like that awful blue made me feel...

If you haven't already signed up...check out the necklace giveaway!

I'm linking to:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

NECKLACE GIVEAWAY!

I have been having such a fun time with my new blog and sharing all the fun things I have been making/creating/decorating/cooking...you get the idea. I have really appreciated the fun comments and have had even more fun (and spent probably too much time) exploring others blogs...thanks for all the fun!

Because one of the things I love to do is create jewelry (and even though my sister would probably disagree) you can have too much.  Or maybe just not enough space to store it all...nevertheless...it doesn't stop me from wanting to make more...

so why not give it away!

I made this necklace for myself about a month ago and it is currently my favorite to wear. Sooo...I made another for someone else to enjoy!

Do you want it? You can win it.

All you have to do is become a follower and leave me a comment that you did...

I will randomly (or have the 2 year-old) draw a number out of a hat to see who wins!

I am headed to Las Vegas (with the husband and without the 2 year-old) on Tuesday, so I am going to leave the giveaway open until I return on Sunday...winner will be announced on Monday!

Good luck!

Jewelry organization idea...

My sister has been decorating her entire home (she moved in just over a month ago...I'll be posting her before and afters at a later date)...anyway...she is WAY into jewelry and this is how she decided to display/organize/accessorize her wall above her dresser... 

I absolutely LOVE it.  If only I had a wall for such an array...or...if only my husband would ever be okay with necklaces adorning our walls (I have hung mine on a small bare wall in my closet...nicely organized, but only I get to enjoy their beauty)!

  

The furniture in her room was our grandparents...I am hoping when I am up there (Seattle) in January that she will let me change them up a bit....

Halloween wreaths

(I am repeating this post for make you monday over on Twice Remembered and DIY show-offs Fall Festival #4)

and again for Southern Hospitality (fall decor)

Last Halloween, my mom made the cutest Halloween wreaths...

I decided to scale mine down a bit...but I had to have one!

I already had the excelsior, wood stars, fabric, light bulbs, vinyl and paint.  I bought 2 wreaths, 2 wood plaques, a packet of sparkly bats and the 1 picket fence (cut in half)...I think I spent a total of $6 per wreath...not too bad.

Each ghost got a funny unique face after a coat of white paint (this was a total pain and next time I will figure out a way to spray paint them).  I used a paint pen for all the black then filled in the blue eyes and stippled the pink cheeks.

Each wreath got half a picket fence, a sparkly bat, yellow sparkly stars and a sign with vinyl letters cut on the cricut.

The ghosts were then hot glued into the wreath after they got some fabric around them and the wreath is hung on an inside door with black polka dotted ribbon.

I made an extra for my mother-in-law as a gift for watching Lil D next week while Mr. Thompson and I sneak away (shhhh...don't tell her, it's a surprise)!

You can see other Halloween/Fall decor at "A Soft Place to Land"

ABC bookends

I have been trying for MONTHS to figure out what to do with Lil d's books.  I decided I wanted to put them on top of his headboard/bookshelf so I was on the look out for bookends.  Man was that a pain...I got it in my head that I wanted some sort of boxes to put on either end...everything I found was $20 plus dollars and I didn't want to spend that much to then paint them, etc...until I found these...

I found the set of 3 for $5 at the local thrift store...a little sanding...some paint...and a few letters and...

I got these...

I LOVE when what I picture in my head works out, and the whole project only cost $9!

Check out more home accents at the DIY show off:

And even more fun projects at DIY day at A Soft Place to Land

Yummy...that's all I'm saying...

So over the past few days I have come across A LOT of delicious looking baked goods and the colder air the past 2 days has made me want to be in the kitchen baking!

I think tomorrow might be a good day for that...if you are lucky enough to be a neighbor, I will probably bring some your way...'cause I want to bake it...but I shouldn't eat it...well, not all of it!

1. 2. 

3. 4. 

1. Peanut Butter Carmel Cheesecake from Boiled Hotdogs

2. Strawberry bread from 4 reluctant entertainers

3. Spiced Pear Cake from Centsationalgirl I know I have blogged about this one a few times...but it was completely delicious AND I will be making it again...SOON...like tomorrow!

4. Fresh raspberry sour cream crumb muffins/bread from ashleysbusy a Williams Sonama recipe.

Happy baking...'cause if this hasn't got you in the mood, well...I think something may be wrong with you!

Laundry room makeover

It's that day of the week...and I'm participating.  Just LOVE to see all the great ideas out there!

Nobody LOVES to do laundry do they?

This room drove me crazy...yes, I was lucky enough to have a closet in there...but it is so full of other storage, that it wasn't very helpful in the "laundry" department.  And how much did I "love" having piles of clothes on the floor (heaven forbid we buy a laundry basket)...and then there is that drying rack...good night!

So....my husband built me a shelf...it is DEEP...hung my drying rack and put up a curtain (you know, 'cause every laundry room needs a window treatment)...

I just had to put up lots of beach pics of my lil D 'cause let's be completely honest...would rather be there then working in here...

BUT...my laundry stuff is right at my disposal (most people like to hide it...I like to not have to open doors to find it!

and hung one of my fav projects I have EVER made...

just a plain board painted brown with more beach pics modge podged (is that a word yet?) on some chip board letters painted with sand paint...my lil d's feet print in more sand paint...and a few shells and starfish to finish it off.  Oh...and the names and dates of the beach. We have visited a few more beaches since I finished this, that I need to frame and get up on the walls too!
What I love about this...nothing on the floor! Oh, and the cutest face to look at while folding load after load!

Sunday Dinner at the Thompsons

Mr. Thompson LOVES pork tenderloin...I mean LOVES.  So I try to buy it whenever it is on sale and stock it up in the freezer.  The only problem, with my little family of 3...2 loins in one pack is too much. Soooo...this past week I decided to just cook up the one and save the other for tonight's Sunday dinner...good choice because dinner tonight was delicious.

Pork tenderloin sandwiches

(with pasta salad on the side)

I finally went to the grocery store last night and got some produce. Hurray for spinach!  The tomatoes are from the garden and boy am I going to be sad in another month when we are eating store bought again.  Also picked up some crusty rolls and swiss cheese.

Marinade:

1/2 C. soy sauce

1/4 C brown sugar

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

2 cloves garlic

1 lb. tenderloin

You can marinate it for 24 hours, or if you forget (oops), throw it together in the morning while pouring cereal for lil D.  Mr. Thompson grilled ours, to perfection I might add, then I sliced 'em up and put it on the bread with swiss cheese. (I also threw mine under the broiler to melt the swiss).  Add tomatoes and spinach leaves and enjoy. You can really use any marinade on the pork.  I found one that uses pineapple juice I may try the next time...then I'll top it with pineapple instead of tomatoes.  I didn't put any sauce on mine and I didn't feel like it was dry.  Mr. Thompson put some A1 on and said it was good...but plain was also delicious. I am fully aware that Mr. Thompson enjoys my cooking...but he let me know again tonight with praise and accolades.  Funny how much men love good food!

No nap equals "helping hands"!

It always worries me a bit when the boy opts out of nap time and his napping days may be numbered.  It's not like I give him a choice...he loses every sleeping aid he thinks he needs...but today, I think I missed the window.  Too many errands this morning after a late class at Gymboree.  Oh well, who wouldn't want this cute face helping around the kitchen to prepare for a nice neighborly BBQ?!

So this is my new favorite dessert...for the fall!

I was so excited when I read it on centsationalgirl.com and was even more shocked when my only missing ingredients were the pears.  I even had whipping cream (left over from the shower's fruit dip) to top it off with Lil D's favorite topping.

This is seriously so yummy and you should definitely try it out!

So our little BBQ (on no shopping week) was a great success! Grilled burgers with melted swiss and guacamole...even tomatoes right off the vine in the backyard.  Add some sweet potato fries with sea salt and basil (also from the backyard) and a pasta salad with the remaining italian dressing and left over veggies from the shower. I'm telling you...it all tasted so good and my sweet new neighbors from 2 doors down would have no clue that I haven't been to the grocery store in over a week!

Tomorrow we are off the the UT state fair...not the best state fair...but there are cows and the big yellow slide AND a hypnotist.  Oh, and lots of yummy food!  Hurray for fair food!

A very busy, but productive day!

I'm reposting for Southern Hospitalities Fall Decor party

I love days where I feel like I get so much accomplished...they don't happen often enough. Lil D and I hit a few stores this morning and I found these for only 75 cents a piece...

and after Lil D hit the nap...I turned them into these...

and then I FINALLY took these (click here) and got them all up and prettified!

Do not mind the big Maxell man over my fireplace (does anyone remember that magazine ad?)...he has been, and always will be, in the tv room of any home that my husband and I live in...it's a long story...and really not that great of one...but he belongs with us...and we love him!

I bought a leaf garland at Micheals and then some Christmas and fall picks in oranges and bronzes (all sparkly and pretty) and filled in the empty spots.  I also used extra beads I have from beading to add to the pumpkins.  My favorite trick are the leaves in the upside down vase.  Maybe you all know this, but I was AMAZED. On the Today show a week or so ago they were showing different centerpieces and used vases filled with stuff and then placed upside down.  How do they keep the stuff  inside you ask?  "press n seal" saran wrap...put it on, press it down, cut off the excess, then turn it over...nice!

After getting the home all decked out (still have a couple more things I am trying to finish up) I made these. And just in time 'cause Lil D was up and we had a train track to lay out and play with.  Then off to get a hair cut for the little guy...which he did NOT want (see here). Then we raced to Target (where we were unlucky in candle choices) and to the neighbors and then back home to eat this. After hanging the canvas print from Ikea (we bought 3 weeks ago) above our bed...I gave my husband a beyond needed haircut, bathed the kid and put him to bed. Phew...I think it's about time for me to do the same!

Dinner is yummier when the husband gets involved...

Today I got out the pork tenderloin and marinated it in this recipe. The husband actually grilled it up for us, along with some pineapple.  All I did was make a spinach salad with feta and craisins.  I am seriously loving "no grocery shopping week".  I used up my spinach before it went all wilty, used up my pure maple syrup (in the marinade) before the expiration, used up one of the 2 tenderloins (I think I will do the other Sunday and slice it for sub sandwiches with melted swiss...mmmmm), and finished off the rest of the feta.

Tomorrow we are having our new neighbors over...my husband wanted me to do something all fancy pants and impressive...I reminded him this was "no grocery shopping week" even if the new neighbors are coming over. Sooooo...guacamole burgers with turkey bacon and swiss cheese it is.  With a side of sweet potato fries with basil salt and lemon dipping sauce.  Doesn't that sound fancy?  I will admit, I do have to go to Costco tomorrow for non-food items, and I may or may not purchase a dessert...I know that is lame because I totally love to bake...but I just have too many projects I am trying to finish up...so a delicious cheesecake from Costco it just may have to be...we'll see!

Faux mercury pumpkins...

I saw this great idea here. And I am pretty sure I ran to Michaels to snatch up some pumpkins of my own (the smallest one is actually from Roberts). Lucky for me they were 40% off (I won't tell you that 3 days later they were 50% off...jerks)...but I got my pumpkins...of course, it wasn't until yesterday that I was able to get to them.  Oh, and not during nap time, because Lil D opted out of a nap.  Lucky for me he just brought his toys into the garage and played while I "played".

Oh...and he also took hold of my camera and snapped some pictures of the "process" for you all...I guess my 2 year-old can be helpful sometimes:)

(yes, I am painting in my good jeans...I was too excited to change...and no, there was no damage done!)

I used the splatter with a toothbrush technique and it worked great.  I may add more before next year...but I was done for the day and Lil D was done as well.  It totally wigged him out that I was putting paint on a toothbrush.  I hope it doesn't give him any ideas!

Now I just need to find the perfect setting for these 3 beauties!

What is in your fridge?

With the baby shower behind us and the primary program just 2 weeks away...I am not feeling any less busy...and with that...I am making one less stop this week by skipping a trip to the grocery store.  This week we are eating whatever is in the fridge, freezer or pantry...with a few nights out (luckily)...here's the plan.

Sunday: Chicken Pomodoro (from Boiled Hotdogs) with angel hair pasta

Monday: BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and spinach salad (leftovers from the shower)

Tuesday: dinner with my cousins (hurray dinner date)

Wednesday: Grilled pork tenderloin and grilled pineapple

Thursday: Ranch turkey burgers with chips, salsa and guac. (with our new neighbors)

Friday: UT state fair and delicious fair food

Luckily, I have leftover fruits and veggies from the party and my fantastic neighbor is giving me some of her romas from her garden...mine are picked clean and the remaining greenies just don't want to turn. So I have plenty of fresh produce to get us through the week.  I'm thinking it is all sounding pretty good right now...maybe I should go have a snack?!

Safari Baby shower

Jorden's theme for her baby nursery is safari animals (I'm not going to lie...her bedding is too cute...) so I went with a safari animal theme for her shower.  Here are the invites.  I made them pretty simple...and was grateful once again for my cricut cutter and my zoobaloo cartridge.

I made some additional safari animals and turned them into a mobile of sorts...

...which did not picture well (silly wind)...but it was cute!

These were my favorite things...

Thank you "Hello, cupcake"!

The elephant ears and trunk are made with blue melting chocolate.  The tusks are runts, as is the lion's nose.  Both of their eyes are mini M&Ms and the lion's mane is licorce (pull & peel).  They were actually quick to put together (with a little help from my husband and mother-in-law).  Note to future makers of the elephant...the chocolate does not hold up to heat or direct sunlight!

Luckily, I figured this to be the case and only took out the cupcakes with the giraffe and then refilled with the additional, when those were gone.

For the food we had a veggie tray and fruit tray, both with dips.  We had pulled pork sandwiches and blue chips and guacamole. I found blue koolaid for the drink.  I wanted to do food that was quick and easy and little work.  The dips I could make the day before.  All the fruit and veggies could be cut up early in the morning and then refrigerated till the party.  And the pork I could just throw in the crock pot in the morning and it was ready by the party.

All the paper products and the tablecloths I got from Zurchers. All of the green serving stuff I already own...I have a thing for green serving dishes, trays, etc.  If it isn't green...then it's white...just love it...and bonus...it worked with my lime green and lt. blue color scheme.

(the gift table with the diaper cake)

We ended up with 16 people at the party...which really was a good amount. (people in UT don't RSVP well...which is a whole other issue...so luckily I planned the food right and we had plenty, with very little leftovers).

I was hoping with it being September that the temps would be more in the upper 70s, but unfortunately it was much, much warmer...and the shade in my backyard disappears around 1 and reappears around 3...and of course the party was from 1-3...nice right! I didn't mind a little sunshine on my face for one of the last times this year, but I think others didn't love it as much.  Note to me in the future: regardless of what is going on...a party in the Thompson backyard is best scheduled for 3 or 4pm. Sorry...I just couldn't do it inside on such a beautiful day!

Recipes:

Fruit dip

1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

1 8oz cream cheese

1/3 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cream together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla till light and fluffy.  Slowly fold in whipping cream until well blended...then stir a few times to fully incorporate.  Tastes even better after it has been refrigerated a few hours or over night.

Veggie dip

I bought one of those packet dip seasonings from a craft fair in Seattle last year, so all I had to do was add mayo, sour cream and a 10oz. box of spinach.  It is one of my favorites, I bought a few of them and that was the last one...sigh!

Guacamole:

(I don't really have a recipe...I just kinda wing it till it tastes good)

For this party I used 7 avacados, a palm full of chili powder and 6-7 dashes of tabasco.  Lots of lime juice and about 1/3 C. of my homemade salsa (a friend's secret recipe that I can't give out) which basically adds the cilantro, jalepeno, tomatoes, onions, etc. I blended all up in the food processor and dipped away. I forgot to add the red onion I bought...but it was delicious without...but also tastes good with the red onion.

Pulled Pork

I used 2 pork loin roasts from Costco (they come in a 4 pack). Put them both in the crock pot with about half of a 2-liter of rootbeer (I know that is one liter...but who buys 1 liters).  I cooked mine on high for 5 hours (could have used another half hour, but still shredded fine).  I actually like to cook it on slow for 8-10 hours...but I wasn't getting up at 5am. Shredded the meat and then dumped a full bottle of BBQ sauce on all of it.  When we have this for dinner, I don't add the sauce...I let everyone add their own and the amount the want.  Plus, you taste more of the sweet flavor of the pork if it isn't drenched in sauce...but for a party, adding the sauce ahead is faster and much less messy at the table. I used Barq's rootbeer (it was on sale) and Famous Daves sweet and sassy BBQ sauce (it's my current fav).