4 Things.

I am suffering from a bit of writer's block, so I'll just leave you with this beautiful picture that I took while in California about a month ago.  It's a good one.  So good, I might have to print and frame this one. Enjoy!

Bake:  While I should be minding my waistline here before the holidays, I can't stop thinking about this recipe for Pretzel Dogs from Cupcakes and Cashmere.  Wouldn't it be the perfect thing to make your littles before trick or treating?  Or just for snacking on while watching a little college football?

Make (for the holidays):  If only I had more confidence in my ability to paint, I would be making three sets of these Nativity Peg Dolls for my nephew and nieces, from Lil Blue Boo.

Make:  Still looking for something for your Halloween porch?  These are pretty classy, from Honestly WTF.

Make (for gift giving):  I can't help but reiterate that Christmas is right around the corner.  I'm planning on making some gifts this weekend, just to get them out of the way.  I've realized that I have a crazy November so if gifts need to be  made, it needs to happen already.  But I digress.  Check out this tutorial for a leather mouse pad.  Finally, a gender neutral handmade gift!  And relatively easy. Perfect for that tech-y brother.  

Trick or Treat Bags. Cereal Bag Stenciling.

Guess what?  I actually made something!  I visited my sister, my nephew and nieces a couple of weeks ago and wanted to bring them something useful.  Aunt Emmy can't show up empty handed!  I made them some simple Trick or Treat bags based on this tutorial from Alpha Mom.  The website details this craft very thoroughly, basically you create a stencil out of a cereal box. Then using fabric paint, utilize said stencil on a tote.  I purchased totes for $1.50 each from A.C. Moore.  This was a quick and easy project and they loved them!  That's my adorable nephew in the last picture.

I used Tulip soft fabric paint in Mandarin Orange.  

4 Things.

It's Sunday night and I've just realized that I didn't write a blog post last week.  I couldn't decide if I should just skip it or write it a few days late.  I decided to go ahead and post a few days late.  Although this means I'll have to post twice this week.  I think I'm up for it!

Cook:  Have I been posting a lot of chili recipes lately?  Possibly, yes.  But this Vegetarian Chili: 3 Ways post was too good not to mention.  I'm not vegetarian, so I will be add either some roasted chicken or some browned ground beef.  Will still be super healthy.  I think I'll try the pumpkin version this weekend!  From A Beautiful Mess.

Make (for your little one):  If you haven't decided on a Halloween costume for your little one yet, might I suggest this Eiffel Tower costume from  Oh Happy Day?  I realize it might be a bit of a hard sell in our commercialized culture, but there might be a little Francophile among us.

Make (for your friends):  Believe it or not, Christmas is really just weeks away.  It's true.  And if you're planning on making any gifts, you best get started!  If you need a little inspiration, check out Everything Etsy's list of 101 Handmade Gifts for Her.   (Because, let's face it.  Most men wouldn't appreciate a handmade gift any how.)

Tips:  While I usually wear contacts, I do technically wear glasses.  I thought this Makeup Lessons for Gals with Glasses was fantastic!  From Refinery29.

4 Things.

I traveled a little for work last week.  We found ourselves with a little time to kill before heading to the airport, so we decided to check out downtown Charlotte, NC.  What a nice downtown area!  Very clean, easy to navigate, easy to park.  I came across the above mosaic installation.  So pretty!

I also thought I owed you an update on the much touted flea market.  It was, well, a bust.  Poorly advertised, very few shoppers.  But I thought you might like to see my lovely display.  This was about 1/4 of our table.  I've since decided that I prefer to shop at flea markets, not sell at them.  Oh well.  You live and learn.

Visit: As a girl from Missouri, I never take for granted what a real pleasure it is to live right on the Chesapeake Bay.  This weekend is the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race!  Looks like there will be some spectacular boats to be seen.

Make: Need a memo board?  How about this simple and easy one from Jenni Home Studios?  Simply made from an embroidery hoop, fabric and string. 

Bake: Feel like a little autumnal baking? How about trying this Ghost Cake from A Beautiful Mess? 

Watch:  The cooler temperatures make me want to snuggle beneath a blanket and watch a great movie.  Possibly a documentary.  A Cup of Jo lists 10 Great Documentaries.  I remember hearing about "First Position", when it came out this summer.  But not surprisingly, it wasn't showing at my local megaplex.  Actually, I just might see if a few of these are available on itunes for download for my upcoming travel! 
(Ok, officially rambling now.)
Enjoy the weekend!

4 Things

I just returned from a business trip to the south.  The people were so nice!  And those women were so done up!  Hair, nails, real lipstick, the belt matching the shoes matching the purse.  The whole deal!  Such a difference a few hundred miles makes.  Visiting new places is always a great experience (although flying isn't always a great experience).  But hey, I made it there and back unscathed, so I'm counting that as a win.  This week's picture was taken just outside my office building, just along the sidewalk.  The leaves are beginning to fall.  And with that, I share a few more fall like bloggy links....
-I can't wait to try this Black and White Chicken Chili from Giver's Log.  It's getting to be chili season, isn't it?
-Are you the type to enjoy a little pumpkin carving?  Check out these 6 Beautiful Pumpkin Projects from Going Home to Roost.
-With the fall comes camping and hay rides, which will naturally lead to everyone's favorite fireside dessert, the s'more!  A Beautiful Mess presents Tips for Great S'Mores.
-I tend to cook a little more when the temperature gets a little cooler, so why not try the Best Brussels Sprouts recipe from Cup of Jo.
My first foray into flea markets is tomorrow, hope it's a big success and most importantly a fun experience!  I'll take pictures and hope there will be something to share next week. In the meantime, have a great weekend!