4 Things

 I am wondering how quickly I can write a blog post.  Do you ever have one of those weeks that you just feel a little behind and don't think you can ever catch up?  You think that you almost do and another little thing sets you back just another little step.  I know that we've all been there, but it's maddening, isn't it?

But on with this week's post!
Eat:  This cold weather really means soup to me.  In fact, I've started to make a pot every Sunday and then bringing it for lunch throughout the week.  How about these yummy (and easy) recipes for soup from The Little Red House?  I think that Black and White Chile recipe could definitely be made in the good old crock pot!
Make:  I can't wait to make this necklace from Thanks I Made It.  So cute!  Would also make a nice gift!
Totes:  If you know me at all, you know that I am obsessed with tote bags!  I can't even say why, but I have always loved them.  So they get their very own category!  I love this tutorial (it's a video) on a Stamped Totebag with Leather Straps from WhimseyBox.
Wrapping:  I love wrapping gifts.  Perhaps more than a person should love something that will be torn to shreds, but I do.  Here's a good reference guide for Gift Tags printables and tutorials, from One Pretty Thing.

Finally, the next two weeks will be quite busy, so I'm going to take a little blog break!
I hope to have some fun new content when I return to this little corner of the world in December!
Happy Thanksgiving! Don't forget to be thankful for the real blessings in your life!

4 Things

Thank goodness it's Friday!  This week has been a doozie!  I was honestly relieved to go to the dentist yesterday (a chore I typically hate), sit quietly in the waiting room for 10 minutes and mindlessly read the November Issue of Bon Appetit.  I have a big work project that I need to start, but couldn't figure out where to begin.  I was able to sort out my thoughts, as I sat in the chair, getting my teeth cleaned (no cavities!).  Perhaps I don't hate the dentist as much as I thought!  (Remember, if you can't get out of it, get into it!  It really works!!)

Make:  I keep seeing great ideas for presents to make for that hard to shop for person.  How about a Personalized Throw?  You can pick up a plain inexpensive fleece blanket almost anywhere, then add some applique!  Brilliant!  Full tutorial on Maize Hutton.

Decorate:  That big turkey dinner is right around the corner.  You've probably thought about your menu, but what about the centerpiece?  Check out these Tips for Autumn Floral Arrangements from A Beautiful Mess.  Including feathers?  So pretty!

Consider:  My heart continues to be heavy with thoughts of the Hurricane Sandy victims.  I want to write something deep and heartfelt, but I am at a loss for words.  I thought this post from A Blog About Love was quite poignant.   May we all have gratitude!  (Especially in the spirit of Thanksgiving, but always.)

Download: I love these Fall Wallpaper downloads from  IMM Living Blog, via How About Orange.

4 Things

This was my view when I walked outside on Wednesday morning.  I was so thankful to see the sun!  Things have been a bit rough around these parts as we hunkered down and waited for Hurricane Sandy to pass through, earlier this week.  We were incredibly fortunate here in Baltimore and other than very heavy rain and wind (although scary and violent at times), did not suffer from much damage.  My heart is broken watching all of the scenes from New York, New Jersey and other places up the coast.  The devastion has been weighing on my mind.  Many thoughts and prayers are being sent their way!  I realize that I could have easily been in that exact situation, if the storm had followed a different path.  Certainly makes me appreciate every flip of the light switch, every drop of clean drinking water.  

 As I waited for the storm to pass, I did have a few candles burning.  In case the power, went out, I didn't want to be in complete darkness.  I thought these were pretty on a vintage tray that I love. 

I was stuck at home for about 36 hours and while I never lost power, one can only watch so much tv and surf the internet for so long.  I happen to love puzzles, and happened to pick this one up at the Dollar Tree a few weeks ago.  I can't remember the last time I bought one, let alone worked on one.  I was so happy when I remembered that I had this one on hand.  This is the progress I made in one evening.  For 500 pieces, I thought I made a pretty good dent!

Think:  I love this about taking are of what you have.  Something to think about as we near Thanksgiving.
Make: Looking for some handmade inspiration?  Every November, I love to follow Sew Mama, Sew's Handmade Holiday postings.  For the entire month of November, they post an assortment of gifts that you can make with a theme.  For example, Nov 1st was Gifts for Little Kids.  I not only use this to think of gifts to make for Christmas, but also reference it for the upcoming year. 
Cook:  I recently found out that I have to follow a nut free/peanut free diet, which poses a problem particularly when it comes to lunch!  I can't wait to try Lunch Without Nuts: 19 Simple Ideas for Peanut-Free Lunches, from One Crafty Place.  Lots of original ideas, even if you can eat nuts. 
Entertain:  With the holidays ahead, there is a lot of entertaining to prepare for.  And not just the main event.  If you have guests coming, you have to feed them before and after Thanksgiving dinner too!  Check out this Guide to What to Cook When Company Comes from Life In Grace.  What a wonderful list of recipes!  She also did a whole month long of tips for October on Hospitality which are thoughtful and useful.

Hope this finds everyone safe and warm.  Hoping that we all have an uneventful and dry week ahead!