Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Twinkling Pinecone Basket

This past weekend I started decking my halls and feeling jolly.  We managed to get a new tree up and mostly decorated, some of the outdoor decor up and a few key decorations out.  One of those key decorations is this DIY basket of twinkle lights, jingle bells, glitter stars and gold pine cones.


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I made this basket nearly 10 years ago (waaay before I ever heard of blogs) and year after year it's my favorite piece of winter decor.  It was super simple (and inexpensive) to put together - just add a strand of clear lights to the bottom of a rustic basket and top with a mix of gold painted pine cones, jingle bells (from the Dollar Store), and a glittery ornament or two.  The Merry Christmas velvet tree ornament was bought at a craft show long ago - It never really stood out on the tree, but it's the perfect accompaniment to the basket.


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I love the warm glow that the lights provide and how the glitter on the ornaments really sparkles at night!


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I participate in the following link parties: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Miss Crafty Pants, Super Stinky Boys, Mad In Crafts, Embellishing Life Everyday, Keeping It Simple, The DIY Home Sweet Home Project, Chocolate Drool & Kisses, Simply Cadence, Polly Wanna Crafter, Sew Can Do, Tip Junkie, My Frugal Family, Coastal Charm, New Nostagalia, Blessed with Grace, The Creative Itch, Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Home Stories A to ZThe Lettered Cottage, A Bowl Full of Lemons, At Home with K, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Not Just a Housewife, Sew Much Ado, Blue Cricket Design, My Backyard Eden, Gluesticks, Extreme Personal Measures, The Thrifty Home, The Trendy Treehouse, Someday Crafts, All Things Heart and Home, Elements Interiors, My Girlish Whims, DIY by Design, Somewhat Simple, House of Hepworths, Seven Thirty Three, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Beyond the Picket Fence, Black Kat Design, Thrifty 101, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, Poppies at Play, The Inspired Room, KoJo Designs, Whipperberry, Inspiring CreationsRomantic Home, The Speckled Dog, At the Picket Fence, Little Brick Ranch, Designer Garden, Simply Sweet Home, Simply Designing, Tatertots & Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, Be Different Act Normal, Saturday Morning Blog, It's a Crafty Life, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, Creative Jewish Mom, Flamingo Toes, The DIY Showoff, Marvelously Messy, Nifty Thrifty Things, Thrifty Decor Chick, The Cottage Chick, Running with Glitter, One Artsy Mama, Dittle Dattle, Southern Lovely, Naptime Creations,

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Merry Christmas to Me...and German Potato Pancakes for You

Well hellooooo!  Long time, no post.  Between the cooking and the shopping...decorating and recuperating, I haven't had a chance to upload pics or put together coherent sentences until today. 

Did anyone score some awesome deals on Black Friday?  I had my SUV packed to its limit.  I was out (with my Mom & sister) from 11:30 PM on Thanksgiving until 8:00 AM Friday.  One of the items that I couldn't pass up was this Cuisinart 7 cup food processor at Kohl's:

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I've been eyeing food processors for a little while and I finally couldn't resist anymore!After staring at it for a few days, I finally put it to good use last night and made one of Hubster's favorite side dishes - German Potato Pancakes.  I was so excited about the shredder that I may have shredded 8 russet potatoes...to feed 3 people...we have *ahem* a few leftovers ;)

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German Potato Pancakes

1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons flour (whatever you have on hand)
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 medium sweet onion, minced
3 medium potatoes, washed and shredded (I make my pancakes with the skin on)
1/4 cup oil for frying
3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

1 - In a large bowl, mix together eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic, bacon and chives.
2 - Add in potatoes and onion.
3 - Heat griddle (or large skillet) over medium heat
4 - Once hot, drizzle a bit of oil onto the surface and drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture onto the griddle/skillet
5 - Cook 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp
6 - Drain on paper towels


Now that I don't have to shred the potatoes by hand, I might be adding these to some holiday party menus!

I participate in the following link parties: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Miss Crafty Pants, Super Stinky Boys, Mad In Crafts, Embellishing Life Everyday, Keeping It Simple, The DIY Home Sweet Home Project, Chocolate Drool & Kisses, Simply Cadence, Polly Wanna Crafter, Sew Can Do, Tip Junkie, My Frugal Family, Coastal Charm, New Nostagalia, Blessed with Grace, The Creative Itch, Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Home Stories A to ZThe Lettered Cottage, A Bowl Full of Lemons, At Home with K, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Not Just a Housewife, Sew Much Ado, Blue Cricket Design, My Backyard Eden, Gluesticks, Extreme Personal Measures, The Thrifty Home, The Trendy Treehouse, Someday Crafts, All Things Heart and Home, Elements Interiors, My Girlish Whims, DIY by Design, Somewhat Simple, House of Hepworths, Seven Thirty Three, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Beyond the Picket Fence, Black Kat Design, Thrifty 101, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, Poppies at Play, The Inspired Room, KoJo Designs, Whipperberry, Inspiring CreationsRomantic Home, The Speckled Dog, At the Picket Fence, Little Brick Ranch, Designer Garden, Simply Sweet Home, Simply Designing, Tatertots & Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, Be Different Act Normal, Saturday Morning Blog, It's a Crafty Life, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, Creative Jewish Mom, Flamingo Toes, The DIY Showoff, Marvelously Messy, Nifty Thrifty Things, Thrifty Decor Chick, The Cottage Chick, Running with Glitter, One Artsy Mama, Dittle Dattle, Southern Lovely, Naptime Creations,

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 11

Only one more day till the big finale!  You're sure to be one of the 11 ladies dancing in today's deal - 25% off of the romatic The Industry skirt:


the industry

Simply enter 'Day 11' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Monday, November 21, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

Tis the season to be jolly, or fa la la la la labulous in today's deal of the day.  Get 25% off of the sassy Boogie Woogie dress and have a fabulous holiday party season!

boogie woogie


Simply enter 'Day 10' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Savory Parmesan Bacon Sweet Potatoes

When the Hubs and I were first married, we decided that we'd like to have Thanksgiving dinner together, at our house, and then go out visiting our families in the evening.  That dinner for two has evolved into a full on family affair and we now host both sides of the family every year.  That's just fine by me - I love to cook (um...you may have noticed) and I love throw a party!

Back when it was just the two of us, I tried out a few different sweet potato recipes.  Some sweet, some savory.  Although I l.o.v.e. my desserts, I don't love the traditional marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes.  So I tried and I tweaked over the years until I ended up with my absolute favorite turkey accompaniment.  These sweet potatoes are whipped with cream and infused with rosemary.  But the kicker is the bacon.  Because everyone knows...bacon makes everything better ;)

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Yep, this is the best picture I could find - note to self: take pictures of the food this year ;)


Savory Parmesan Bacon Sweet Potatoes

6 medium sweet potatoes (3-4 pounds), washed
3/4 pound smoked bacon
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 shallots, minced
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (plus a sprig or two for garnish)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2 - Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork
Note: I highly recommend baking them on a baking pan - otherwise, you'll have a sticky, gooey mess on your oven rack.  Let's just say I may have omitted the pan a time or two :)
3 - Remove sweet potatoes and let cool slightly
4 - Once cooled enough to handle, peel sweet potatoes and discard skin - place flesh in a large bowl and set aside
5 - Add 2 Tablespoons of butter to a pan over medium heat.  Add minced shallots and saute until soft (about 2 minutes or so)
6- Add rosemary to the pan and cook for an additional minute or so; remove from heat
7- Add remaining butter to the sweet potatoes and start whipping with an electric mixer
8- Add shallots and rosemary to the bowl, whip to combine
9 - Add cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired creamy texture is reached
10 - Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and fit with a wire rack
11 - Arrange bacon strips on the rack
12 - Bake bacon (on 400 degrees) until crisp - generally 12-15 minutes
13 - Once cooled, roughly chop
14 - Add (all but a tablespoon or so of) bacon to sweet potatoes and stir to incorporate
15 - Bake sweet potatoes on 400 degrees for 20 minutes
16 - Garnish with reserved bacon and a sprig of rosemary

Note: I usually go through steps 1-9 the day before and refrigerate the sweet potatoes until the next afternoon.  It makes for an easier Thanksgiving day (and more time to watch the parades!)

I participate in the following link parties: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Miss Crafty Pants, Super Stinky Boys, Mad In Crafts, Embellishing Life Everyday, Keeping It Simple, The DIY Home Sweet Home Project, Chocolate Drool & Kisses, Simply Cadence, Polly Wanna Crafter, Sew Can Do, Tip Junkie, My Frugal Family, Coastal Charm, New Nostagalia, Blessed with Grace, The Creative Itch, Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Home Stories A to ZThe Lettered Cottage, A Bowl Full of Lemons, At Home with K, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Not Just a Housewife, Sew Much Ado, Blue Cricket Design, My Backyard Eden, Gluesticks, Extreme Personal Measures, The Thrifty Home, The Trendy Treehouse, Someday Crafts, All Things Heart and Home, Elements Interiors, My Girlish Whims, DIY by Design, Somewhat Simple, House of Hepworths, Seven Thirty Three, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Beyond the Picket Fence, Black Kat Design, Thrifty 101, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, Poppies at Play, The Inspired Room, KoJo Designs, Whipperberry, Inspiring CreationsRomantic Home, The Speckled Dog, At the Picket Fence, Little Brick Ranch, Designer Garden, Simply Sweet Home, Simply Designing, Tatertots & Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, Be Different Act Normal, Saturday Morning Blog, It's a Crafty Life, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, Creative Jewish Mom, Flamingo Toes, The DIY Showoff, Marvelously Messy, Nifty Thrifty Things, Thrifty Decor Chick, The Cottage Chick, Running with Glitter, One Artsy Mama, Dittle Dattle, Southern Lovely, Naptime Creations,

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

I hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting a tingling too...come on it's lovely weather for a light as a feather...necklace!  Shabby Apple's deal today is 25% off this delicate necklace

light as a feather


Simply enter 'Day 9' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Friday, November 18, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 7

Jack Frost won't be able to nip your nose in the smoking Too Darn Hot dress...and with today's deal of 25% off, your wallet won't be nipped either!

too darn hot


Simply enter 'Day 7' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

Hmm, what would I rather have?  Six geese a laying...or 25% off of these elegant Jennifer earrings:

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Simply enter 'Day 6' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

I'm not sure if it'll bring you a white Christmas, but today's 25% off of the lovely Antiquated dress is sure to make your holiday merry & bright...

antiquated


Simply enter 'Day 5' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

I want a Hippopotamus Cider dress for Christmas...and I'm in luck!  Today's deal-of-the-day is 25% off of of this sweet dress

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Simply enter 'Day 4' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Shabby Apple's 12 Day of Christmas - Day 3

You're sure to have a Holly Jolly Christmas if you cash in on today's deal - 25% off of the flirty Tambourin #18 fringe skirt

tambourin


Simply enter 'Day 3' into the Promo Code field to receive the discount. 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Black Friday Survival Kits {Giveaway}


One of my favorite days of the year is Black Friday.  Seriously.  I've never gone out for the 'big deal', I just love being out and about crazy early, christmas music playing, sipping a peppermint mocha.  For the past, oh, 13 or so years I've been out in the wee hours.  I usually meet up with my mom and a sister or two if they happen to be out.  There have been years that I went out, came home and went back out again.  What can I say - I love crazy Christmas crowds!  This year there are lots of stores opening at midnight (or before), which means I might be pulling a complete all nighter.  Since most of the ladies on both sides of my family are ususally out too, I thought it would be fun to put together some BF Survival Kits for everyone.


Um...if you happen to be my mom, sister, m-i-l or s-i-l....stop reading!
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Each kit contains a few CLIF and Luna energy bars, Starbucks gift card, a cute little plastic ornament (Target dollar spot!) filled with mints, a pack of gum, bottle of water and a cute notebook to create the plan of attack! 

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And they'll be packaged in these gussied up reusable shopping bags:

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And since I love these kits so much - I'm giving one away too!  All you have to do is leave a comment (on this post) telling me why you love or (horror of horrors) hate Black Friday.  The giveaway will be open until Wednesday, November 16th.

********************************UPDATE: Giveaway Closed******************************
Congratulations to Heather H who said:
Love this idea! I love Black Friday craziness because my mom and I hit it together. Truth be told, we don't really go for the big deals (although I did score an amazing tv last year), we just like the hustle and bustle. And the Peppermint Mochas!



Thank you to everyone that entered!  And I hope you ladies have a fun & festive Black Friday!

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I participate in the following link parties: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Miss Crafty Pants, Super Stinky Boys, Mad In Crafts, Embellishing Life Everyday, Keeping It Simple, The DIY Home Sweet Home Project, Chocolate Drool & Kisses, Simply Cadence, Polly Wanna Crafter, Sew Can Do, Tip Junkie, My Frugal Family, Coastal Charm, New Nostagalia, Blessed with Grace, The Creative Itch, Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Home Stories A to ZThe Lettered Cottage, A Bowl Full of Lemons, At Home with K, All Thingz Related, Today's Creative Blog, Not Just a Housewife, Sew Much Ado, Blue Cricket Design, My Backyard Eden, Gluesticks, Extreme Personal Measures, The Thrifty Home, The Trendy Treehouse, Someday Crafts, All Things Heart and Home, Elements Interiors, My Girlish Whims, DIY by Design, Somewhat Simple, House of Hepworths, Seven Thirty Three, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Beyond the Picket Fence, Black Kat Design, Thrifty 101, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, Poppies at Play, The Inspired Room, KoJo Designs, Whipperberry, Inspiring CreationsRomantic Home, The Speckled Dog, At the Picket Fence, Little Brick Ranch, Designer Garden, Simply Sweet Home, Simply Designing, Tatertots & Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, Be Different Act Normal, Saturday Morning Blog, It's a Crafty Life, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, Creative Jewish Mom, Flamingo Toes, The DIY Showoff, Marvelously Messy, Nifty Thrifty Things, Thrifty Decor Chick, The Cottage Chick, Running with Glitter, One Artsy Mama, Dittle Dattle, Southern Lovely,

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