DIY Christmas Wreath

While I am not a huge wreath person, I do like a Christmas wreath on the front door.  The last few years I haven't even had that.

In my house (remember we are in a double wide) we use the backdoor as the front door.  When we inherited the double wide there were some strange things about it the door situation is one of them.  Confession time,  there aren't even stairs to the front door.

 I have tried to hang a wreath. I like them on the door that gets used the most, the back door.  So hanging one has been a challenge.  But I have learned a trick, now it works. I will share it with you.  First we have to make the wreath though.

Here is what we are starting with. A pretty plain run of the mill wreath from Wal-Mart.  I bought it last year after Christmas for $5.00.  I was excited to pull it out, I have waited an entire year to use it.

 I was a very bad blogger this time and didn't take photos of the process.  I have to admit it took me quite a bit longer than I had thought it would.  And photos of me placing things on and ripping them back off again are not fun to look at.

I bought a roll of red glittery wired ribbon (on sale for a dollar) and a poinsettia ornament (also a dollar). Then used old ornaments that were headed for the garbage.  Throw them all on with a little bit of hot glue and 2 hours later you have a Christmas wreath that looks like it cost a lot more than $7.

 If I were doing it again I would put the ribbon on first.  I kind of forgot I had it.   And add the ornaments starting closer to the bow.

Now to hang the wreath.  As I said at the start of the post we are working with a backdoor that  has no gap at the top of the door.  So a conventional door hanger will not work.  I have tried.
I found this post  at Lemonade were she used an upside down command hook to hang wreaths on a cabinet door.  The light bulb went off!!  


 This is the back of the door.   I tied the ribbon into a bow, but after thinking about it, I will hang another wreath on the inside from it.

Now I have another tip/trick for you.  When I went out to hang the wreath I noticed how dirty my front door was.  The way the house faces the wind and rain blows right at this side.  So I set to cleaning it.  First I tried plain hot water. Not working.  Next a little bit of dish soap. Not working.  Finally I went to my standby cleaner for just about every thing.  WINDEX!!  It cleaned the entire door quickly and easily.
This is an after shot. I didn't think to take the before. (bad blogger I know)
I sound like the father from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING.  I am always saying put a little windex on it. But hey if it works.

So there yo have it I finally have a Christmas wreath on my door.

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Thanks for hangin' out.

I will be linking up to the parties on my party page and here.

Photo Challenge *Childhood Memory*

This weeks Photography Challenge is a Childhood Memory.  As I started getting ready for Thanksgiving I knew what I would photograph.

Pie!!

Not just any pie, pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin pie made the way my mom makes it.  She always adds more of the spices than the recipe calls for.  I have wonderful memories of making pies with mom every Thanksgiving.  She would always wait until the end to add the spices.  We would add as much at the recipe called for to start with.  Then we would taste and see what it needed more of. I love cinnamon and so I always said it needed more cinnamon she would add in some and I would stir.  I have very vivid memories of  holding onto a huge metal bow with a big whisk stirring the spice into the pumpkin mixture.  The dark color of the spice would swirl around the bowl blending with the other ingredients until it was all one. Then we would taste again.

My birthday is in the middle of summer.  When mom would ask me what kind of cake I wanted for my birthday,...... yeah, I would ask her to make me a pumpkin pie.   It stinks when your favorite dessert is only made once a year.   I love the photo above with perfectly appropriate amount of whipped cream on top.  Ahhhhhhh,.... so sweet.

Now do you want to see how I really eat my pie?

That's right, WAY more whipped cream than I would ever let my kiddos put on their pie.  But, because I put it on mine they can too.  Can you see the little bit of pie peeking out?

I LOVE pumpkin pie!  It is one of the things that makes the world feel right.  That and cinnamon rolls..... and pecan pie...... and chicken noodle soup.  Wow, I really like food.

I am off to finish my pie. No really, I have been eating a piece while typing this. YUMMY!

As always I am linking up to the Photo Challenge at A Step in the Journey.  Go check it out.





Thanks for hangin' out.

Birds Nest Necklace

 I am pretty sure that all of you have seen these beauties.  The birds nest necklace is everywhere and so cute!  I have thought of buying one for some time. I am a sucker for anything that relates to my kiddos. However, not very many people make them with 5 "eggs".  I could have had one made for myself  but,....I kept putting it off.


Then I came across this tutorial at Sarah Ortega Photography.  She made making one myself  look easy and had great photos to help me along.  So I got to it and made one.


I used 20 gauge wire for the nest and for the "eggs" I used an old necklace from my Grandmother that was not repairable.


Not only does it remind me of my kiddos it reminds me of my Granny.  Love that.  The pearls are a very pretty glossy champaine color.  I made the nest a little small, on porpouse, I really want the pearls to stand out just like my family does in my life.


I also made two loops on the back of the nest part to string onto the necklace.  This way it lays flat on my neck and doesn't twist with movement. 

 I have never made a piece of jewelry before.  It was a lot of fun and came together quite easily.  I was finished in about 20 minutes.  So if you have ever thought of making one for your self, go for it.  I have some pearls left over that I am going to try and turn into a pair of earrings.  Then I will have a matching set.

Thanks for hangin' out.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Source: dollcita.tumblr.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I just popped in to tel you all a happy Thanksgiving.  I know for those of you not in the USA is in not Thanksgiving. But it is here so...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  I love Thanksgiving!!  I can't wait to dig into the turkey, cranberry sauce, and the pumpkin pie.  
I am grateful to all of you.  This blog has become a great creative outlet for me and I am grateful to each of you for sharing in that with me.  I consider you all friends and appreciate that you take time out of your lives to visit the double wide! :)
Thanks for hagin' out

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Yesterday, was a rainy chilly gray day here at the double wide.  I gotta say it's about time!  I don't think I have ever been so happy to see the end of a summer or to hear thunder in the distance as I have been this month.  This summer was brutal!  So while gray clouds would normally be cause for frustration yesterday it was cause for cheers.  When the weather turns chilly I have the impulse to bake and cook.  Maybe it is because for months I have no desire to walk into the kitchen.  As the thunder boomed outside we had the smell of cinnamon, sugar, and bread cooking inside.  I can think of very few things that will warm you up better than a warm cinnamon roll straight from the oven.

I used to be afraid of yeast.  After learning the Easy French Bread recipe I felt better.  But Cinnamon Rolls always seemed daunting to me. I remember my mom making them as a kid but until I found this recipe from Pioneer Woman I had never tried to make them myself.

The Pioneer Woman claims these to be the best cinnamon rolls in the world.  I can think of a few that come close but not any, I have had, that are better.

What I love best about them is how simple they are.  It doesn't take to long to make them.(as far as making homemade bread items go)  Also, they stay soft and yummy for a couple of days.

 I do a couple of things different than the recipe.  One, I make them in a cookie sheet.  She makes them in round pans to giveaway.  I just scoop them on a plate to giveaway.

Yes, I really do give some away.  I promise. I would never hoard an entire pan to my self! Ok,..... maybe once but that's the only time.......,  I promise.

Her recipe also calls for a maple coffee glaze. Which I am sure is delicious, but we don't drink coffee.  So I make a regular powdered sugar glaze.  You can find a recipe for it and tips on making her cinnamon rolls here.

Also, she uses this dough for rolls and other dishes.  It is a good base recipe to have.  You can refrigerate the dough for a couple of days. So, if you are taking rolls or a desert (or both) to Thanksgiving this year these are great.  You can make the dough ahead of time and just roll the rolls out and bake them the day of.  The cinnamon rolls you can make a day or even two ahead of time.  Trust me they will still be great, as long as you can keep your family from eating them.

So Yummy!

Thanks for hangin' out.

A Hand Made Non-breakable Christmas

I know, I know Thanksgiving is not over yet.  Abba reminds me every time she sees something Christmas related.  I am not usually one of those people that starts listening to Christmas music in October.  (however I could do without Halloween all together!) I really love Thanksgiving, all the food and family what's not to love, right?

But, I had to get an early start on Christmas this year.  See last year our Christmas tree became a half decorated toy area for the youngest kiddos.  Wyatt learned pretty early that if you took the balls off the tree and threw them on the kitchen floor they would shatter.  A game he found quite enjoyable.  I however, did not.  I have decided this year to try to make some non-breakable Christmas tree ornaments.  Here are some of the things I am working on or will be trying to make in time for Christmas ~ via my pinterest boards.

Which, by the way if you are not on Pinterest, I have one word for you....... Why?

Button and Felt Snowmen

Source: urbanpaisley.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I have made some of these little stockings.  They turned out so cute. 

Minni Stockings

Source: lemondedesucrette.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Crochet Candy Cane

Source: crochet-mania.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Crochet Snowflakes

Source: garnstudio.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Dried Orange and Cinnamon

Source: naturalsuburbia.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Button Wreath

Source: marthastewart.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Button Tree

Source: modernminerals.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I know a few of these are crochet and that not all of you crochet.  All of these ornaments are on the easy side.  All of the patterns are free or have tutorials with them.
These are breakable, but they are so cute and the kiddos can help me make them.

Santa Hand print

Source: clayfulimpressions.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Thumbprint Christmas Tree

Source: google.hr via Kadie on Pinterest

Hand Print ornaments.

Source: homemadegrits.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Here is a recipe to make air dry craft clay.

Source: busybeekidscrafts.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I will post things as I get them finished.  I have been doing several crafts however most of them are Christmas presents.  And those that will be receiving them are regulars here on the blog.  So I will not be showing them here. Maybe after Christmas.  Also the kiddos are out of school this week.  We are very busy just being together.  So are you going to make any of your Christmas ornaments this year?  I would love to hear/see them if you are. I have an entire board on pinterest devoted to non-breakable Christmas Decor.  You can check it out  here.
 Thanks for hangin out.

Photography Challenge *Catch Up*

 This week I am going to catch up on the last two weeks of the photography challenge.  So sit back and get ready for a photo post. 

So week #16 was something you made, and this week #17 is who do you love.

I am very blessed to be able to have so many people to choose from for the "who do you love" challenge. Instead of showing you everyone I love (becasue that would end up being the biggest post ever) I will just highlight two. I thought this week I would choose my girls.  One, because I don't do photos of them often on the blog and two, because their photos turned out really well.

And because they are my kiddos I feel like it falls under the "something I made" category as well. (ok, maybe that is cheating but I am doing it anyway)

It was windy this day.  That is the reason for the crazy hair.  Abba just had her birthday.  She is growing up so fast.

Little Lotte Lou is funny and crazy. Constantly moving and giving me a good work out!

She loves to blow zerburts. And even though it is an unconventional portrait it looks just like her.  So, of course I LOVE it.

I will be linking up to the photo challenge at "A Step in the Journey".  Head over to check out the other entry's or to link up your self.

Thanks for hangin' out.

Fabulously Flawed Winner.

Winner, Winner, Winner.  We have a winner!

First off, I have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Lesley at Fabulously Flawed for offering up her amazing jewelry!! You should go check out Lesley's esty shop she has added some great new pieces.  They would make great Christmas gifts, just sayin'.

And, of course a big thank you goes out to all of you who entered the giveaway.

Ok, ok I will stop talking now and tell you all who won.

Congratulations to :

#23

Renee Shewbart said... I already like Fabulously Flawed on Facebook.

Yay Renee. Happy day. You will be getting an e-mail from me soon.

Thanks for hangin' out.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend planned.

A New Floor For Me

First, I have to tell you all how great it was to be able to spent the week with my parents!  The guest posts that were here rocked!!  I am beyond grateful for the wonderful blogger ladies that helped me out.  If you haven't had a chance to read all of their posts they are under the Blog Highlights tab at the top of the page.


Things are always busy when family comes to visit.  That is extra true when it is my Mom that comes to visit.  She is a "doer". My husband says it is like marrying the energizer bunny to be married to the women in my family.  My Dad agreed with him.

You may remember the post when I told you about the new floor I was going to put in my bedroom.  Here is the flooring in the box........

and the old wall color.

This is the unbelievably ugly color that was in every room of the house.  EVERY. ROOM.  I always say that I like every color.  But I can officially say that this shade of washed out blue I HATE!  On a side note guess what color the outside of the house is.  Yep, blue.  Not the same terrible blue, but still blue.

Anyhoo, we got the walls painted in the bedroom but we never got the flooring put in.  Since it had been sitting in a box for 6+ months and my Dad was coming, my Mom decided it was time to put it in.  After looking over all the rooms (and buying more flooring) I decided that if I was going to have my Dad's help putting it in I wanted it in the kitchen.  While my Mom is the planner and a "doer"  my Dad is the, know how and mussel to get it all done.  He is a jack of all trades, an all around handy man.  He is a farmer and can fix anything.  (Except for the light in Abba's room.) My Dad says that mom is the other part of his brain.

The kitchen before we started.  We had moved the table out at this point.  I didn't really edit this photo just sharpened it a little.  This is really what the flooring looked like.  (Oh, and we had 3 birthday's in the time they were here and we were redoing the kitchen, crazy)

The floor was uneven and coming up in some places and starting to crack.

 Oak had to get in on the work!  He LOVES to help.  He got out his own tools and did as much as we would let him.

 There was an uneven spot in front of the fridge.  We screwed it down and sanded it a little.   Much better!

What can I say the boy loves his hammer!


When we were about half way through with the floor Mom decided that we should paint.

Yes, I am blaming it on her.  It was crazy to try get it all done.

However, I am so glad that we did!  The floor is nice but with the paint it looks like a whole new room. I got to help with each step. 

Mom was good to watch the kiddos while the floor went in.  Mom, hubby and I painted while the kiddos were sleeping. We were all pretty stiff and sore by the of the project.

Yeah, were were done in TWO crazy, busy, killer days. Just in time for the next birthday. I guess you want to see some finished photos now.

 My new beautiful floor!

The wall color and the new hooks dad put in to hold the multitude of coats and backpacks we have.

Can you believe the difference?!  Lets look at the before and after next to each other.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!

Now I get to decorate.  The truly fun part.  I am thinking dark red accents with yellow would be very pretty.  I also need to repaint the cabinets, just white but they will look better when I am done.


Thanks for hangin' out