4 Things.

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Hello and Merry Christmas week!
Let's hope your shopping is finished and your refrigerator is stocked and you are taking some time to relax this week! My best holiday shopping tip is: Create a wish list on amazon throughout the year, gathering ideas for your family and friends, then when it's time to do your shopping, you can finish it off in no time!

This would make a simple and easy addition to the cookie platter.  So pretty too!
A yummy appetizer, could even serve on New Year's Eve!
I'm buying one of these, to make tags out of anything!
And finally, if you don't happen to live in a winter wonderland like I do, wintery scenes to make at home. (I can just look out my window.)
Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

4 Things.

I took this picture about a week ago.  Pretty, no?  But also a cold, hard dose of reality.  It's been cold, really cold this past week.  It's been tough to take.  But I guess I better get used to it.  No signs of warming up any time soon!  I've been reading lots of books, watching Lifetime Holiday movies and drinking lots of hot tea.  It looks like the weather has been pretty miserable everywhere, so I'm not in it alone! Stay warm!

It's soup weather, all over the country. I made this delicious one for dinner tonight.  Highly recommend!
Easy holiday appetizers.
The perfect thing to do with all those bottle brush trees I keep buying.
Adorable free printable reindeer holiday card.  Perfect to tie on top of a present!

4 Things.

Wishing a very happy Thanksgiving week to you!  If you're traveling, I hope you reach your final destination as planned and with peace.  Where ever you are, be there with a thankful heart.

Here's an alternative holiday dessert, low fat too!  Skinny Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars.
This would make an easy, simple and modern hostess gift for a thanksgiving guest or would look really pretty on the buffet table, for a thanksgiving host.
If you're acting as a guest this week, perhaps you might like to offer to make breakfast!  Maybe this Hash Brown Quiche?
And finally, the Essential Thanksgiving.  Sometimes you can't mess with tradition.

4 Things

photo taken at the Fulton Farmer's Market-Holiday Market.

Are you enjoying the fall weather where you are?  Earlier last week, it was unbearably cold here in Minneapolis, but by Thursday, regular fall weather resumed, thank goodness.  Thanksgiving is almost here!  My favorite holiday.  I can't wait to visit my family, very soon!
And with that, here are some seasonal posts from around the web:
Pomegranates are in season and are popping up in the produce department. A friend of mine was eating this at lunch last week and I had to have the recipe!  Yum.
Apple season is a big deal here in the upper Midwest.  And locally picked apples really are so much better than the one bought in the grocery store.  I sort of overbought at the last farmer's market of the season, last weekend.  In order to use a few up, and make dinner, I plan on making this recipe for Pork Chops with Apple Chutney.
The 10 Laws of Thanksgiving Dinner.
Maybe you're not making thanksgiving dinner and you're a guest.  Wouldn't this Pumpculent make a lovely hostess gift?

4 Things

It is just me, or does November 1st feel like the beginning of the holiday season?  I'm excited about the holidays.  There have been lots of changes (umm...big move to a new city) and I'm looking forward to some traditions.  And to see my family!
I haven't made any jewelry lately. 
-I love this new Friendship Bracelet idea.
-Or how about this pretty glass bracelet?
Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  I might convince my family to try this Roasted Cranberry Sauce, this year.
If you're planning on any handmade gifts this year, it's time to get started!   I like this simple, but pretty pot holder.  And it uses up fabric scraps!

4 (ok, 5) Things.

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Hi Friends!  I completely forgot to post last week.  Sorry!  I'm back and doing well.  It was REALLY cold here last week.  It came up sort of suddenly, which was a little tough to take. But it's been much warmer this weekend.  And the fall colors are lovely.  Especially when seen around a lake.  We have a few of those around here. And now onto to my favorite  things I've found on the internet this week.
-Some things are just silly enough to crack me up.  Brides throwing cats. 
-Have you heard of Humans of New York?  It's a beautiful and honest account of the people one photographer sees day to day in NYC.  His book recently came out!  You can also follow Brandon Stanton's blog here.
-This would be a really fun Halloween treat! 
-I have a love hate relationship with the shellac manicure.  Love the long lasting manicure, hate the difficult removal and the weakening of my nails.  I can't wait to try the new Vinylux manicure!

And a bonus link: Roasting pumpkin seeds! 

Four Things

Autumn.  Glorious.  Really, really beautiful here in the upper Midwest! I had trouble downloading my own picture, so you'll have to appreciate this one. Unbelievable fall color!  Next week, I promise to download my own pictures of the MN Fall glory!
Like most people, I love my iphone!  But I hate how smudgey the touch pad gets.  This is such a clever DIY!
Here are some fun Halloween printables.  I love the little bats!
These Sashiko Sampler Potholders would make the best Christmas presents!
Fear of Flying, was assigned reading when I took creative writing in college.  At the time, so provocative!  Hard to believe it's 40 years old!