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“I had Carla in Ohio until Tuesday evening, then I had to reluctantly give her back to California. I’ve been catching up on lots of family time that I miss out on when I’m in Tokyo, going to lunches and hanging out with the ‘rents around the fireplace. I also had the opportunity to meet Lisa, one of the talented ladies behind A Charming Fete. It was great to hear her thoughts on creating party atmospheres, and I was particularly impressed with her amazing dessert tables. Another inspirational week!”
*With such a short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it seems like everyone is already gearing up for the holidays even though Thanksgiving is almost a week away! So I’m starting to think about what fantastic homemade gifts I can give this year. How festive do these cinnamon apple chips from A Couple Cooks sound? They’re surprisingly easy to make, too, as long as you have a mandoline.
*I love the idea of including a recipe with your homemade food gifts. Use this adorable printable recipe card download from Nicole’s Classes. Or print several recipes that make up a delicious meal and gift a dinner party menu, easy weeknight meal ideas, or even mini cookbook!
*I can’t wait to whip up a batch of these beautiful DIY lace notebooks for my friends. I think it’d be fun to personalize them with a metallic monogram, too!
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(Target is full of gift ideas! I found this INCREDIBLE calendar in the dollar bins along with a version which offered a monthly shot of bacon. Every month. For 12 months. I basically think I just crossed off all the folks on your gift list.)
“Yup, Alyssa is still in Ohio and I’m not and it’s sad (poor PLANNING, Carla). (I’m even trying to sneak another trip out there before Christmas, but should I save up for another visit to Tokyo? Decisions!) But you know what else Ohio has? Dunkin’ Donuts. A large hot tea with 2 Splendas (which they add FOR you!) reminds me of cold walks from the parking lot to my school building when I was in grad school. It’s the time of year where I reminisce about snow and New Hampshire and a slower pace of life while we conserve body heat through the winter. Feel free to remind me what I’m missing.”
* We’ll be sharing our DIY ornaments here on the blog soon, but I’m still obsessed with this trio of felt ornaments (originally found via Elise Blaha). I’m definitely going to need to make these for the first tree I’ve had in years!
* Speaking of felt, how amazing is this rainbow felt tree ornament?! I’m also planning on finally using the felt circles I bought on Etsy last year to make these super pretty felt trees.
* I have a few family photo sessions to shoot this weekend, so remember it’s not too late to put a great photo of the family on this year’s card! I really love these 5 easy tips to getting a good photo, especially the one about keeping it fun and casual.
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Have you seen the photo updates from our recent shoot on our Facebook page? They’ll hit the blog soon, but in the meantime head over and check them out! (And we’d love a Like too!)
Top Inspired added our DIY Natural Air Freshener to their list of Top 10 Homemade Air Fresheners!