DIY Christmas Trees

The Christmas season is finally here! I am kicking it off by joining a link party over at Hi Sugarplum! to share my first 2011 Christmas craft with you. I'll hopefully be linking up with everyone for the "Christmas Cheer in the Blogosphere" link parties the rest of the month as well. If you have some fun Christmas ideas to share, you should consider joining these fun link parties!

Just realized that I need to get my Christmas tree set up by December 8th... okay, better get on that!

The Christmas craft that I'm going to share with you is how to make cute little Christmas trees for a tabletop or mantle. I was brainstorming on what I could use to decorate our buffet table in the dining room, and I've seen so many unique Christmas tree ideas (here and here) that I thought it would be fun to try making some of my own.

I like shabby chic, but I don't think it's my style when it comes to Christmas decor. I wanted something fun and colorful, so I decided to hunt for bright red and green scrapbook paper or wrapping paper. At Michael's I could only find shiny wrapping paper (I wanted a matte finish) and no patterns that I liked. I then found a few sheets of scrapbook paper I liked (4/$1 sale - score!) and picked up a few other supplies I would need:

I bought 3 Styrofoam cones (9", 12", and 15"), scrapbook paper, spray adhesive, and star buttons. I debated about bells, ornaments, and glittery stickers for the toppers and decorations but went with these stars, which I'm very happy about.

I basically just started measuring by wrapping the paper around the cones to see how much I would need.

Once I got the paper where I wanted, I drew a line around the bottom as I held it tight on the cone (no gluing yet). I then took the paper off the cone and cut along the line. I didn't do this on the first one, and it was so much easier this way.

I didn't provide a full on tutorial because it was a lot of trial and error cutting, sizing, and gluing. The spray adhesive actually didn't turn out to work well at all. I think it is meant for bigger projects because the sprayer was very powerful and it was hard to be precise and get into tiny spaces. I pulled out my trusty ol' glue gun, and that worked great. Just had to watch my fingers since the heat goes straight through the paper!

After the paper was secured on the cones, I glued the star buttons on top. And here is the final result! The whole process took me about an hour.

Only the largest cone needed to sheets of scrapbook paper. I used double-sided scrapbook adhesive tabs and matched up the stripes way before I started cutting. You can see it up close here, but from far away it looks perfect.

If you have a fun Christmas craft to share, be sure to link up with Cassie today over at Hi Sugarplum! Or you can join in on the fun throughout the rest of the Christmas season!

Photo shoot!

While we were at home for Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to take some photos with my friend Blythe, who is aspiring to build her brand in photography. I wanted to give her some more experience, and also get some good photos of my husband and me for our 2011 Christmas card. I know this is kind of spoiling our card, but Blythe did such a good job I just had to share! (Be sure to get a good laugh at my model face... yeah definitely don't have "the look" down yet.) I am so happy with these - it will be hard to pick one. I am excited to have some quality photos to frame around the house as well. I never loved the engagement pictures we did back in 2009, so these totally make up for those!! Thank you Blythe, you are wonderful!

Be sure to check out Blythe's blog to see her amazing photography skills!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I am headed home for the first time since July. This trip home is long overdue, and will actually be our longest visit at home since we've been married. To say I'm excited is an understatement! I think was about 8 in this photo, and yes, those are all of my siblings. This is one of my favorite pictures to look at when I get down. I am the oldest, and these guys mean the world to me. I can't believe how things have changed, seemingly so fast. I am so excited to see each and every one of them!

I thought I'd share what I'm thankful for this year, and I think that I definitely ought to make this an annual tradition.

Thankful for in 2011...

My family. (didn't see that one comin, did ya!) I love them all so much and I would be such a different person without them. As much as I've hated them at times, I've loved them 10,000 times more at others.

My loving husband. He takes care of me, makes me feel safe, and makes me laugh. He listens to me. He loves me when I'm being a brat, and he never lets me stay mad at him. I could go on.

God's provision. He really has a funny way of working things out. Just when I think I can do it on my own, He reminds me that I can't. And when I think I'm at my wits end, He reminds me that it's His job to take care of me. And He does - way better than I would have myself.

New friendships. At this time last year, I felt alone and I missed my college friends like crazy. Since then, God has allowed deeper friendships to form with our small group, and brought other people into my life. A tangible community is slowly starting to form, and I don't know where I would be without that!

A warm bed to sleep in and food in my fridge. It seems obvious and cliche, but lately I've really been struck with the fact that I am so much more fortunate than most of the world. Because I own a car, have a mediocre-paying job (by American standards), and can count on my next meal, I am in the top 5% of the world. Crazy.

Prayer. I get to talk to God directly - and He hears me!

The internet. Particularly the blogging world. I have learned so many things this past year from the blogs I follow and from Pinterest! It has been so fun!

Sweaters. Mugs filled with warm drinks. Trying new recipes. All things pumpkin. Warm showers. Fun earrings. Target. Old friends who know me. Newborn babies.

Think of what you're thankful for - it is a wonderful way to get your heart in a good place.

I hope you all have a warm & cozy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Chicken Taco Chili



via Skinny Taste

I have never really loved chicken chili. I think it's because I have only tried White Chicken Chili, and I always feel like there is something to be desired after I finish eating it. I just love the traditional rich tomato-based chili sauce so much, and the white chicken-broth sauce really doesn't quite satisfy me. When I found Gina's recipe, I was excited that it was a red meat alternative to traditional chili and would hopefully still have the same delicious flavor. And I was not disappointed! This is one of the best chilis I've ever had. It's loaded with beans, corn, and that rich spicy flavor my tastebuds crave. I served it over instant brown rice with shredded colby jack cheese and a dollop of low-fat sour cream. I left out the cilantro to save money, but I'm sure that would make it even more amazing. The best part is that the leftovers taste just as great! We served this for four and after already eating some leftovers, we still have more.

Chicken Taco Chili

1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
1 can corn, drained
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies (I used Rotel)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder, or to taste
24 oz (3-4) boneless skinless chicken breasts
any desired toppings - sour cream, cheese, cilantro, rice

Combine everything in slow cooker except for chicken; mix well. Lay chicken on top (cut breasts into fours if you want it to cook faster) and cover. Cook on high for 6 hours, or low for 10 hours. Half an hour before cook time is over, remove chicken to shred, and then stir back in.

adapted from Skinny Taste.

Cabinet reorganization

So I had a problem with my glasses/mugs/cups cabinet. There were no shelves that fit the height of our water bottles and travel mugs, the top shelf was too hard to reach to even think about keeping it organized, and it all was just cluttered. A couple weeks ago I got fed up and started brainstorming.

I like having the glasses right next to the fridge and sink, and also having the coffee mugs above the coffee maker. So moving anything in this cabinet wasn't an option for the way this kitchen is set up. After living with this for over a year, trying to figure out a solution, I suddenly realized something. Renting does not mean customization is not allowed! I found out how the shelves were clipped in, and simply moved the clips down a few notches: 1 notch down for the middle shelf, and 2 notches down for the top shelf (I measured the height of the travel mugs to figure out how much space the top shelf would need first).

And, voila!

I got rid of the useless space above the glasses, and did away with stacking the mugs. It is so nice that I can actually reach the travel mugs and that we have some plastic cups that are easier to get to. It's pretty obvious that I got rid of a few mugs, too. The chipped ones and that free blood drive one had to go anyway, so this little project helped me get that accomplished as well! Hopefully on my trip to Goodwill I'll find something good to DIY. I'm in the mood for a project, and there is still a lot to do in the office.

I love my newly-organized cabinet. It's also inspiring me to find out what else in my kitchen could be organized better, like my tupperware cabinet or my pantry. Hmm, not sure if I'm ready to tackle those yet...

Modernly Retro

Lately I've noticed so many ads and products are going seriously retro. Mostly in the '50s era, but sometimes they are a combination of that decade with the '60s, '70s, and '80s. I realize the whole it's-cool-to-be-thrifty-and-wear-your-parents'-clothes-from-college thing has been going on for a while now, but lately I think the advertising and design world has been catching onto those ideas. Take a look:


Vera Bradley's fall ad - how old school is that station wagon??

De'Longhi kMix coffee maker

Pottery Barn Kids pink retro kitchen - I actually think this is super cute!

Pepsi & Mountain Dew throwback series

 

Shabby Apple's vintage Madison Avenue dress
(the new online boutique you see ads for on like every single blog)

...and I'm sure AMC's hit show Mad Men has something to do with the trend

What's your take on the "new" retro style? Do you like the idea of redesigning an old style or do you think it lacks originality? What other things have you noticed that have "gone retro?"

Zucchini and Black Bean Skillet

Do you ever feel like cooking is therapeutic? There's something about taking a bunch of ingredients and then creating something that smells and tastes delicious. Tonight was a night where I wanted to cook. I went straight to Harris Teeter from work so I could get the ingredients for this recipe I saw on Pinterest (right now I'm on a veggie kick, and you know my love for black beans). I finally got home and cleared out my kitchen to prepare for cooking, only to find out I bought a CUCUMBER instead of a ZUCCHINI. Wow, my brain really must have been somewhere else while I was shopping. I ended up going back to HT for my zucchini, because I was determined to cook tonight. (This extra trip actually worked in my favor because I picked up a bottle of wine that I also forgot, of which I'm now  enjoying a glass!) I'm so glad I went back for the zucchini, because this recipe was delicioso! I also needed that stress-relieving time in the kitchen. So much that after dinner I baked some more chocolate chip pumpkin muffins. It turned out to be a good night after all :)

Zucchini and Black Bean Skillet

1 tablespoon olive oil (or canola)
1-2 zucchinis, chopped
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic
3/4 cup water
1 cup instant brown rice
1/2 cup Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and green pepper, saute for 5 minutes. Add black beans, undrained tomatoes, and water. Increase and bring to a boil. Add rice, stir well.

Cover and let stand for 8-10 minutes (until water is absorbed). Sprinkle with cheese and serve!

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Source: Ready Set Eat

This post is featured in Alderberry Hill's "Make the Scene Monday" and Dittle Dattle's "Amaze Me Monday" Link parties

First day on the job :)

 

Doesn't my hubby look great? This is his first week starting in a pharmaceutical sales position, promoting some new drugs in the Raleigh/Durham area. With so many specialized doctors, incredible facilities, and guaranteed pharmaceutical competition, there is a lot going on in the healthcare industry here. Think about it - Duke, Chapel Hill, WakeMed... talk about intimidating! I know Michael will do just great as he grows this business and promotes his drugs in the new market. He is already working so hard to do his best and put himself out there. I am so proud of him and so excited to see all that he is going to accomplish in this position and in his career! More than anything, we are so grateful God has given him this opportunity. If you think about him, send a little prayer his way as he embarks on this scary and exciting new journey.

I love you, sweetie!