Feelin Crafty

Here are a few things I've bookmarked and would like to make someday, somewhere, somehow...

Easy Hooded Bath Towel (I think I've mentioned this one before!)

Monogrammed Burlap Pillow (I love the texture that burlap adds.)

Pillowcase Dress (I've never sewn with elastic; it intimidates me, but I need to try it.)

And, I love these children's wall decals and am trying to think of a way to copy them for my daughter's room... any ideas? I don't really want to paint on the wall because that somewhat limits furniture arrangements. Perhaps I could incorporate them into the wall art project that I have yet to do?

I'll let you know if/when I get around to any of these items! :)

Green Toys

Another toy that I think is worth the money is this environmentally friendly tea party set. Our daughter got if for her 2 year old birthday. She loves the colors and that it is just her size. I like that it is made from recycled materials and is safe for her to put in her mouth (and even eat off of!)



We also have the sand play set. It is very durable.



Check out even more American-made, eco-friendly toys from Green Toys!

Thanks for introducing me to this fabulous company, Ideal Bite.

Ideal Bite offers bite-size ideas for light green living, delivered in a short, sassy, free email each weekday. Tips cover everything from biodynamic wine to organic cosmetics to seasonal recipes from local chefs. Sign up now!

Menu Plan 11/9/09

Whew! Last week was a busy (but good) week with work and company at our house. Still trying to squeeze in some holiday shopping here and there, and stay on top of things at home, too, like the cleaning and cooking. Need to do a good cleaning early this week before (hopefully) putting up the decorations. I've been feeling crafty but haven't had any time for that lately. Not to mention I hope to get back on the running schedule. I've really fallen off in the past two weeks. Oh yes, and SLEEP. I need my sleep. Sheesh.

OK. Enough ranting. There's really nothing to complain about here. On to the menu.

A couple extra things we made last week were BBQ Meatballs and some Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake for church. This week we will make some Creamy Crockpot Corn for a luncheon.

Breakfasts:

Organic Raisin Bran or Cheerios with Milk

Bananas

Lunches:

PB&J Sandwiches

Yogurt

Carrots

Pears

Dinners:

Monday - Cheesy Chicken and Rice with Peas

Tuesday - Leftovers

Wednesday - Crustless Spinach Quiche, Toast

Thursday - Italian Roast Wraps, Green Beans

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Vegetable Beef Soup and Golden Sweet Cornbread

Sunday - Leftovers

Dessert:

Chocolate Beet Cake with Frosting

This post is linked to Menu Plan Monday.

Soda Pop is Not So Sweet to Me

A reminder to myself on why I don't (and don't want to) drink a lot of Coke!

...Never mind all the candy I consumed this past weekend. Bleh!

Menu Plan 11/2/09

Breakfasts:

Organic Raisin Bran with Milk

Bananas

Orange Juice

Lunches:

PB&J Sandwiches

Yogurt

Apples

Dessert

Dinners:

Monday - Quesadillas, Salad Greens

Tuesday - Taco Soup and Tortilla Chips

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Biscuits and Sausage Gravy (nitrate/nitrite free)

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - BBQ Chicken Stromboli (dough)

Sunday - Leftovers

Dessert/Snacks:

Halloween Candy

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Halloween Cake Balls

I should have highlighted these earlier in the week... but, ah... my brain is often on "information overload" these days. Can you tell?

If ever I am motivated to make homemade treats to hand out on Halloween, these will be them.

Perhaps next year?

The Pioneer Woman's Cake Balls, Halloween-Style

Where Do You Christmas Shop?

...if you do in fact Christmas shop?

Here's my list for this year. It is not glamorous at all. I kind of wish it was more unique/local. Oh well.

Stores I regularly go to anyways:
Target
Costco
HyVee

From home:
Amazon.com
Kohls.com
NickisDiapers.com
HarryandDavid.com

Specialty stores:
Gary Gribble's
City Limits

Mostly for stocking stuffers and giftcards:
JoAnn
Wally world (ugh)
Dollar store
Walgreens

How is it going with the to-do list? OK. I bought cards and stamps. I have a plan written down for the next two weeks: what store to stop at on what day and what I am stopping to get. That should be helpful, right? Of the original 15 people I had to buy for (which got cut to 12 - we mutually decided not to exchange with some family members), I am down to 8 gifts left yet to buy. And I *know* what I am buying for 7 of them. After that, it is just stocking stuffers. I don't feel like it, but I guess I am making progress. I really want to beat my goal and be finished before Thanksgiving!!! I think it is possible with the exception of 2 gifts, one of which will be purchased online. Here's to avoiding the holiday shopping crowds!

When do you set up your Christmas tree? I am thinking of doing it earlier this year to allow us to enjoy it longer.