House full of...

sick. That's what I've got. A husband who got an infection after a minor surgery. A little girl that started out with a fairly bad cold yesterday, but who woke up with an even worse one today (and a stomach flu to boot). And, a little boy that has been quite a bit on the sniffly side himself. Oh, and did I mention that mom doesn't feel so hot either? Ah... 'tis the season for colds and flus!

I really miss being little, and having my mom take care of me while I'm sick. Now, I'm on the giving side of the nursing-back-to-health. And, usually, I don't mind. I rather relish in the moments that my little ones actually sit still long enough for me to love on them, and baby them. But, when all I feel like doing is crawling back into bed myself... not so much fun. It's a happy ship I'm runnin' around here today I tell 'ya.

I did make some beer bread. Such comfort food. And, so freakin' easy. Perfect to sop up yummy warm soup with. Not so much on the healthy side, though.


Beer Bread
3 C self-rising flour
3 Tbs sugar
1 can of room-temperature beer

Mix all ingredients together, and pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

No need to get fancy with the beer. I just used a can of Bud Light from our Halloween party stash. Although, it might be interesting to see what kind of flavor a nice bottle of pumpkin ale would add. I'll have to try that sometime. Just make sure the beer is room temp, and that the flour is SELF-RISING.

Speaking of the Halloween party, it went very well. Sadly, I didn't take many pictures. I spent the evening playing busy-little-hostess. I did get some photos of the kids in their costumes before the party. Hazel as Fancy Nancy...


And, Luka as a handsome little vampire. I think this may very well be my absolute favorite picture as of late...


With all of this sickness, being creative hasn't been high on my to-do list. Actually, anything that involves getting out of bed isn't high on the to-do list. So, I'll share a little banner that I completed a few days ago...



Both of my nieces (and Hazel) will be receiving handmade banners with their names on them for Christmas this year. My niece, Paige's, banner is the first one that I have completed. I was careful to ask my sister-in-law what colors the girls' rooms are done in these days. Paige's is al pink and purple. I can't wait until Christmas to find out if she likes it! I also entered this banner in Prima's Build-A-Book contest (it was made from one of their clear scalloped circle Build-A-Books). So, wish me luck!

Hopefully, I'll be back this weekend feeling a little bit better with something crafty to share...

All I want for Christmas...

but, won't be getting. LOL! Bryan and I decided to pass on Christmas gifts for each other this year. With the economy as bad as it is and some pay mistakes made by the military, things are tight. This year, it's just gonna' be for the kids. Well, the kids AND all of the family that we have to buy gifts for. But, if we were exchanging gifts, these would all be on my list...


Bebe Moon mostly sells adorable baby goodies. But, I love that tree trunk pillow. I suppose it would go nicely in Hazel's room, but I think I'd rather keep it for myself. ;0)


Love this little necklace from Block Party Press. Truth be told, I love all of their stuff. Lots of woodgrain, people. It's a good thing.


Lauren Alane. Man, that girl can felt! Her little owlies are the cutest things ever ever! But, you HAVE to be Johnny-on-the-spot because almost as soon as she updates the shop, her little creatures are sold out. I've signed up for her e-mail list, known about the last couple of shop updates, and have yet to get my hands on one. SHe updates again in November. I'm determined to be there.


Life With Tigers was a new store to me. I came across it while searching for mushroom-related items. Their shop is full of fun stuffies. Definitely into the Etsy faves.


Oh, Little Odd Forest, how I love thee. Every last little thing in their shop is right up my alley. But, these tree trunk coasters are the bestest.


More cute little toadstools from Morninglori.


The gal that is muntedkowhai makes some fabulous crocheted necklaces. I think this one has to be my favorite.


My Imaginary Boyfriend is full of lots of felt goodness. Who doesn't need a tree trunk pin cushion? I know I do. They also have some amazing log pillows.


Doesn't it look like a little gnome could just come running out of there at any second? Petite House makes these adorable, well, petite houses. It's another one that you have to RIGHT THERE at shop update time. Again, I've always missed out.


Of all things on my list, these owls are the top of the top. The materials they're made from... wow. No two creatures are alike. They're from Skunkboy Creatures.


Last, but not least, this cute print from Stephanie Dos Reis. There is actually a whole set of fun little kitchen prints that she has. I want them all for my, um, kitchen.

Looking back at this post, I'm sensing some sort of woodland theme (aside from the toast print, and the crocheted necklace). I guess that's just what I'm into these days... without even realizing it. Ah... Etsy window shopping. It's good for the soul. Wouldn't you agree?

Ta da!

Here are the layouts from October's Label Tulip kit in all their glory...

We are trying a new thing at LT and, instead of doing a lift from our monthly guest designer, we are taking turns selecting a layout from the member gallery each month to lift. This month, we selected the talented Mette Kallander. Here's her original layout:


And, here's my take:


My mini-book from Ali Edwards' "A Week In The Life" project:



You can view more of the album here.

This month, our challenge at LT was to create a layout or project that was inspired by fabric. I selected this dress of my daughter's:


And, this is my page:



Finally, a page inspired by the song "Shopping Trolley" from Beth Orton...


Lovin' that song lately. So, I'll leave you with this little video...


Happy Thursday!

Last of the sneaks...

Here are the last 2 of my sneaks...




Not a whole lot of projects this month (by the numbers, anyway), but that mini-book in the first sneak here took FOREVER and a lot of product! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the final project come reveal night. So, be sure to tune in to LT tomorrow night for the full reveal at 6pm PST. I'll be there... with bells on. ;0)

Just a couple...

I promised a couple of sneaks tonight, so I will deliver. There is a mini-book and another LO that I wasn't able to take pictures of today. So, for now, these will have to do...



And, here's a page I did for the current challenge at Say It In Scrap. The challenge was to scrap "What was I thinking?!?"


I had the "brilliant" idea of putting a little boom box in Luka's room after he was born. It was used, at the time, to play soft lullaby music to help him sleep. As of late, it has been used to blast Hazel's music selection of choice (lately... Beth Orton), while she dances wildly about, singing at the top of her lungs. Don't get me wrong... it's adorable... at first. After about the 100th round of Beth Orton's "Conceived" being belted out, it gets a little old. Just a little. Yup. No more Beth Orton for me. What was I thinking putting that in his room?!? LOL!

Well, I'll be back tomorrow with the last of the LT sneaks. See you then!