A New Word And The Top 10 Posts

I am a little slow in admitting Christmas is over.  I don't want to get back to reality.  It's easy to pretend it is still a holiday while the kiddos are home from school and JP only has to work 2 days this week. Meanwhile the rest of the world is getting on with life, work, and everything else.

We had a lovely Christmas.  We ate to much, and laughed a little more that usual.  We stayed up late spending time with family.  It was perfect.  Now all the kiddos have a cruddy cold that is making it's way around the family.  I am just glad that everyone felt pretty good Christmas Day.

Christmas morning, notice that only the top half of the tree is still decorated.

 Now it is time to put the tree and decorations away.  I usually wait until the new year to take it all down.  This year I am itching to have my house back to normal.

Speaking of the new year it is time to figure out what the new word for 2012 will be.  I don't set resolutions for myself in the new year.  I like to come up with a word for the year that I can keep in the back of my mind in everything I do.  This way I can work on several area of my life while working toward a common goal.
Last year my word was TIME.  Then end of 2010 and into 2011 were hard times for our family.  We all need TIME to adjust and grow.
It has been good for all of us to think more about how we use our TIME and to work harder at giving TIME  to others.  I also started this blog as a way of giving more TIME to myself.  So I could have a space (even if it is cyber space) that is just mine.  Crafting, sewing, crocheting, blogging, and photography have become the outlets that allow me to feel like I can give so much of my TIME  to everyone else that needs it.  TIME has been a good word for 2011.  But a new year means a new word.

I have had a few words rattlin' around my noggin but the one I keep coming back to is HEART.  As mothers, wives, women. (if any men are reading this you have a part too) We are the HEART of the home.  Weather you are the president of a company, the president of the country, or the president of the PTA as a women you (in large part) are the heart of your home.  When I am in a bad mood or feel down. That rubs off on the entire family.  When I am happy and joyful that too rubs off on the entire family.   I would like to work on strengthen the "HEART" of our home.  Also the "HEART" of each child.  They need encouraged  to find their own strengths and passions in life.  While I am using HEART figuratively here I would like to focus more on our actual hearts as well.  Start cooking a little more healthy,  and cut back on TV/video game time. 


To those of you who have stuck with me through my rambling, more personal than usual post. I thank you.  If you scrolled through looking for photos, here are the top 10 most viewed post of 2011.  Not surprising some of the most popular posts were some of my favorites too.

Cake Mix Cookies *Holiday Edition*

Crochet Snowflake Pattern

Dry Your Own Herbs

Laundry Soap

A Handmade non-breakable Christmas~Pinterest Edition

Fun in the Sun Activity Table

Back to School Headbands

Ghost Headband

Cake Cookies

Chunky Winter Scarves. *Giveaway*

I know I have said it before, but thank you for making this year so wonderful.  I look forward to next year and what it holds.

Thanks for stoppin' by and hangin' out.

A Look Back II

We are on to the second part of our look over this year on the blog.  We only have 4 months to cover.


SEPTEMBER~ This is when I started to crochet again.  I am so glad that I did.  I have been shocked at how calming and peaceful I find it.  It has quickly became one of my favorite pastimes.

I also finished my first challenge.

OCTOBER~  I showed you how to make your own Curly Ghost Headband.

NOVEMBER~ I started getting ready for Christmas early this year.  My DIY Christmas Wreath was the first thing I made this year.

DECEMBER~ It has been a busy month here, as I am sure it has been for all of you.  My pattern for crochet snowflakes are the last thing I showed this month.

There you have it a (almost) year of projects in review.  2011 is almost gone. Do you all party like animals for new years eve?  Or are you pretty tame like us?  See you in the new year.

Thanks for stoppin' by and hangin'out.

Looking Back

Ok, it is time for me to realize that the Christmas holiday is over, life must go on.  While the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas is over, the excitement of starting a new year is growing.  What will 2012 hold for the double wide?

It is always fun to reflect over the last year at the beginning of a new year.   So lets have a quick overview of the last year.  I had thought I started blogging in February, I was wrong, I didn't start until the end of March.  I have written 163 posts this last year.  Can you believe that?!  I can't.   As I was looking back over the posts I thought I would highlight a few posts over the year.  I will do the first 6 months in this post and and the last 4 months tomorrow.



My very first post was a t-shirt that I refashioned into a sweater for Oak.

Then I made name shirts for the boys.

We made Cake Cookies for the first time in April.

 May, I made my first ever apron.

We made painted toast.  This is an activity we still enjoy doing.  We have even used the bread (after it is toasted) to make sandwiches. 

In JUNE I made over a family hand-me-down mirror.

 And turned some plain candlestick holders into Shabby Candle Holders.

 In JULY I learned how to dry my own herbs in the oven.

 In AUGUST we made granola and pop-cycles.

It has been a lot of fun looking back over what we have done this year.

Thanks for stoppin' by and hangin' out.

PartyLite Candles

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PartyLite Simple Pleasures Holiday Sweepstakes. All opinions are 100% mine.

I LOVE candles.  I especially love scented candles.  They bring such a warmth and comfort to a home.  My husband and I have tried air fresheners, we always come back to getting a candle.  Usually they last longer and the scents, for me, are better. 

So when I heard of of PartyLite Simple Pleasures Holiday Sweepstakes and all the great candles they have I thought I would check them out.  They are mostly an at home party company.  I am sure most of you have been to or have hosted one of these types of parties.  It is where you invite family and friends to look at some great product that you love in the comfort of your own home. 

I was thinking if I were to host a PartyLite party I would invite my family that lives close to me, some ladies from church, and maybe even a couple of ladies that my husband works with.  Set out some refreshments and make a night of it.  You know have a PAR-tay!  Were I stay at home with the kiddos it would be a fun way to get together with some other ladies.

When you host a PAR-tay you can earn FREE, yes free, or price reduced products.  These change monthly so you could host a party every month, and use your hostess rewards to decorate your home.  That way you don't have to spend much if any money to change your house up a little.

A great way to keep up with new products and deals going on is to like on PartyLite Facebook

Some of my favorite things out of the Fall/Winter Catalog are:

 

 

 

The new Winter/Spring Catalog launched on December 15th.  To see what  is new go to PartyLite Facebook  .

They have some fun stuff I hope you get a chance to check them out.

Thanks for stoppin' by and hangin' out.

Kadie

The Things I Didn't Get Done

I actually feel pretty pleased with the things I have accomplished this Christmas season.  All the presents are bought and wrapped.  Except that one that is being shipped it should be here today.(there always seems to be one)  I made several ornaments.  Even some with the kiddos that I will love forever. I made several Christmas gifts and  goody plates.  I was able to make to the ALL the kiddos concerts and programs.  AND we got to see and e-mail Santa already. Yes, we have stood in line to see Santa on Christmas eve day before, please don't judge me.

Forgive me while I pat my self on the back for a minute. While I was able to check a large amount off my to do list there are still somethings I wasn't able to get to.  My to do list always seems to big to finish.  It doesn't help that I keep adding to it all the time.

Today I am going to share with you the things I wasn't able to get to.  In case your to do list needs adding to.  Or if you have a last minute craft or gift you need.

Tamara, has a great tutorial on how to make these Cinnamon Pomander.  She makes big ones, but you could make little ones and hang them on the tree.  This is on the top of my list for next year!

Source: etcetorize.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

A simple wreath out of fresh rosemary would look and smell so nice!!  If you have a large rosemary plant you could even make them to give away.

Source: allaboutyou.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I didn't find a pattern for this one.  But it looks simple enough that you could figure it out.  What a great ornament or wall hanging.

Source: flickr.com via Kadie on Pinterest

How cute is this cupcake ornament?!  If you use a non-breakable ball it will still fit in the nonbreakable category.

Source: artsyvava.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

Of course there are some crocheting things on my to do list!  This garland would be so cute to hang Christmas Cards on or to string on the fireplace.

Source: adknits.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I am sure you have all heard of and seen the Elf on a Shelf.  Here is a DIY version that is so cute.  The entire family is really excited about having an elf next year.

Source: inkablinka.com via Kadie on Pinterest

A cute felt tree with ornaments might help the kiddos leave the real tree alone.  If only for a little while.

Source: emptybobbinsewing.com via Kadie on Pinterest

We defiantly need a snowman that can't melt.  This one would be perfect.

Source: viv-spot.blogspot.com via Kadie on Pinterest

I wish I was close enough to you all to hand you a goody plate and tell you Merry Christmas.  I am so grateful for each of you.  Your comments and encouragement are such a blessing to me.  I have made some wonderful new friends this year through the blog.  People I would have never met any other way, I am thankful that each of you have come into my life.  So here is your virtual goodie plate from me to you.  Free of calories!!  

 

 If you would like to make the calorie loaded versions you can find the recipes here(soft molasses cookies), here(Santa hat pretzels), and here (Carmel corn). As Wyatt says they are all YUMMY and Tasty!! I hope you all have a very  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Now For Something New......... in 2012

Well ladies (and guys?) and all my bloggy buddies I am very excited to announce something new.

My very best bloggy buddy, Terry from These Peas Taste Funny, and I are going to be Co-hosting a new linky party.  That's right starting on January 5th we will start the "Link It Up Thursday" party.  The party will be open from Thursday to Sunday.

I LOVE a good linky party don't you?!  So get your project ready to link up.  We will each be featuring a few projects on each of our blogs.  We are sharing a link party so if you link up at one blog it will show up on the other blog too.   

Grab a button and put in your sidebar or on your party page so you don't forget.

<center><a href="http://kadie-sevenalive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="and then, she {snapped}" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z402/tcohoe/GOODONE-1.jpg" /></a></center>

I hope you join in a make it so much fun!

Thanks for stoppin' by and hangin' out

Easy Crochet Snowflake Pattern

Here is the pattern for the snowflakes that I put on the crochet stocking.

You could also use them for Christmas tree ornaments.  Or put them on a gift, or as a last minute gift themselves.  They are pretty easy and quick once you have made a few.

 I have to say, this is the first time I have ever written out a pattern and posted it.  I feel a little sick to my stomach about it.  If you try it and it doesn't work please let me know. I will try to fix it or answer any questions you have.  This is for you Terry.:) And of course anyone else who feels like trying it.

You will need:

• size 3 crochet thread (I used a glitter white color, Red Heart)
• #5 (1.90 mm) metal crochet hook

Round 1

Chain 2, sc 8 into 2nd chain from hook.  Join with slst into first sc.

Round 2
work 2 dc into each stitch (16 dc) join with slst.

Round 3
Chain 7 *skip next dc, work 2 dc into next stitch chain 4** repeat from *to **.  Work one double crochet in stitch next to the 7 chains join with a slst into 3rd chain. (this makes 8, dc 4chain loops.)

Round 4 
*sc 3 into chain 4 space, chain 3, sc 3 into same 4 chain space** repeat from *to**.  Join with slst into first sc.  Leave the tails long to make a loop to hang on tree or to tie onto stocking.

Abbreviations:
dc-double crochet
slst-slip stich
sc-single crochet

You may want to iron and starch them if you are going to put them on a tree.

I hope you get a chance to try them. 

 Thanks for stoppin' by and hangin' out.








I will be linking up to the parties on my party page. Please check them out.