Holiday Photo Card Pics

I've been really bad at posting this month. I had more ideas floating in my head for my blogsite then I actually had time for. And of course I have no posts to show for any of them. *sigh*

So, now I'm playing a little bit of catch up. From my previous post you got a little glimpse of my families holiday cards this year. I was extremely proud of them because, I actually took the photos myself. I usually have one of my super talented friends who are photographers take them but, of course...down to the last minute I needed to provide some sort of photos.

I'm such an amateur and have a lot to learn about photography but, I'm patting myself on the back. And hey, I actually have a few of these photos hanging up to boot!

xo

-Dorie

Holiday Cards

Yes, I'm alive! Sorry for such a long break away from here. This lady has been pretty busy the last 2 weeks. Things are slowing down a bit and I'm starting to get other holiday preparations out of the way. Baking, shopping, wrapping and addressing those holiday cards.

Although, having cards printed through us may no longer be an option there is still time to get out a last minute digital holiday card from the shop.

I hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season so far. Stay warm!

Tree Garland

Yesterday I took a break from working on card orders and put together a few wintery green arrangements for our outdoor planters. It was such a relaxing treat that I know I need to do more of those type of breaks during this crazy busy time.

How lovely is this tree garland? This is on my to do list for a few more breaks before we get the tree early next week. I don't think I've ever seen the wooden straws but, they really are perfect for this. Head on over to Elsie Marley's blog to get the full tutorial.

Shop Sale

Awww...we had a great family vacation at Disney World. 80 degree weather and family fun! It couldn't have been a better trip. I'm excited to share a few pics as soon as I get caught up with everything.

In the meanwhile please enjoy 20% off in the shop today, November 29th only. Simply put CYBER20 at checkout. Enjoy!

Stamp Love

I love it when I start reading a blog and get distracted and go somewhere else and end up at another great blog. I did that and ended up at this young ladies blog, MaeMae Paperie. Ultra talented. I came across this stamp she created. I love it even more that she shows you many uses for the one stamp - love!

A little side note...sorry for the lack of blogging. Holiday orders are keeping me busy and getting ready for our trip. Just a reminder that next week the Etsy shop will remain open but, orders/proofs will not be completed until we return. Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving!!!

Holiday Photo Card Giveaway

Yep, holiday sales are in full swing in the shop. Have you thought about your holiday cards yet? Need some help? A lovely blogger by the name of Jennifer contacted me about hosting a giveaway to one of Winks and Daisies holiday photo cards on her blog, H is for Hillman. Go ahead and enter.

Good luck!

Happy Weekend!

Lovely online Mag

I just ran across this incredible and delightful online Magazine, Gifted. Are you ready for some serious eye candy? The creator is Ez from the blog Creative Comforts. I'm sure you may recognize certain contributors if you are a crafty blog reader like me. So fill the mug with coffee, sit back and enjoy!

Happy weekend!

Can you guess where we are going...

We are so excited! My family and extended family will be going to Disney World. 17 of us! I just wanted to let you know that my Etsy shop will remain open Nov. 21-26 but, no orders will be processed until after the 26th. I will return convo's but, no designs will be completed. I know it's one of my busiest weeks so I wanted to give you the heads up!

Hope your week is going well!

Candy overload

Hi all...hope you had a great Halloween! My kiddos did and we now have WAY to much candy in the house. Not good!

Friday we made some of these guys.

Mario and Black Kitty

We feel so blessed to have great neighbors and my kids are never without a friend to play with. Here is the whole gang we spent trick-or-treating time with.

And off the Halloween track but, thought I'd share because my kids have been seeing this all over the place. Toy Story 3 DVD's come out tomorrow and if you go here you can get $8 off a 4-Disc Blue-ray Combo Pack.

Going Batty

Okay, so I guess with Halloween approaching I've had that on my mind. So, I think this week will be all about Halloween.

My 4 year old daughter was telling me yesterday on how she learned that bats are noctermal - okay she didn't say the word noctermal but, went on to say how bats love to play at night. So it got me thinking...How cool are these ideas. Love the idea of the cutout bats on the doorway. Although, it has been brutally windy here the last few days and I'm not sure they'd stay put.

Hanging Bats :: House of Clouds, Wall Clings :: Martha Stewart, Bats on door :: Country Living, Pumpkin Bats :: Disney Family Fun

A good Halloween laugh

We as a family don't go all out for Halloween but, we enjoy it while it's around! We like to be goofey so hope you enjoy this. You'll have to click here to see us in action(Leyton is in this twice since we are a family of four). While your there make one up and spread a good laugh to family and friends!

Pumpkin Tastebuds

It's strange on how I never really acquired the taste for pumpkin anything when I was younger. At Thanksgiving I would hands down take a piece of apple pie over pumpkin. Maybe it's something about being an adult and just having to try new things or maybe it's just because there are so many tasty things made with pumpkin now a days. Yep, I'm pretty certain it's the yummy pumpkin treats out there now.

Here are my top 3:

1::Pumpkin Spiced Latte
2::Coldstone Creamery pumpkin ice cream - to die for!
3::Creamy two-layered pumpkin pie - recipe here.

A good chuckle!

I love these memo pads from Z Gallerie! When my kids say(whine) about something I always say, "And I want World Peace!" I get the looks like, "huh, what?" So when I ran across these I had a good chuckle!

Don't forget to take advantage of my Etsy sale on digital holiday cards! Can you believe Christmas is only 2 months away? Get ahead start and have your cards ready to go. One last thing to check off the list.

Apple Picking

Last week the kids and I went apple picking one day after school. We always look forward to this little tradition.

Apple orchards are so calming. I really think it would be a great place to take a nap...


...or spending time with my 2 favorite munchkins.

And you never know what else or WHO you may see(hear) there. Maddie really thinks she heard the people of Whoville on this clover.

Then when you capture the most precious picture ever...you know an apple orchard is the perfect place to be!

When we got home I fired up the George Forman grill(insert chuckle). Seriously, I use that thing quite often. We made apple burritos. Here's an easy recipe and you can add more or less of the ingredients to make this pretty healthy and still have one tasty treat!

A Mini Photo Shoot

Last week was the most perfect Fall week ever! Mid 70's. Did I ever mention Fall is my favorite season? Too bad it only lasts a short time. I do consider myself lucky living in Wisconsin and enjoying this season to the fullest. The trees are absolutely beautiful with the array of colors.

My neighbor/friend asked if I would take a few pictures of her boys. Okay, note...I have NO formal training in photography but, I really love to practice. I'm quite pleased on how these photos turned out so I thought I'd share a few of my favs. I'm hoping to get my own kids out this week. Any bets they don't cooperate for me?

Don't forget to take advantage of my Etsy Holiday digital card design sale!!!

Digital Holiday Card Sale

This is just a little "thanks" for my blog readers. Now through October 25th I will be offering $2 off any of my digital holiday cards. Just contact me through my Etsy store here. Please make sure you mention this deal and that you read about it on my blog site. No need to purchase the design first. I'll give you the info on how your savings will be applied once you convo'd me.

Absence

So sorry for my absence this week. It's been a loooong week. Projects here and there, things to do, places to be, you know those kind of weeks, right? Thank goodness tomorrow night I get to drink some vino and have dinner and laughs with some girlfriends that just happen to be neighbors. The best kind!

Keep an eye on the blog early next week because I have a special deal going on to my blog readers only. (Hint - think Holidays!)

Happy Weekend!

Silhouette Giveaway at T&T

One of my favorite blogs to glance at, Twig and Thistle is having an awesome giveaway. You may have heard of something called the Silhouette! That's right Kathleen is giving one lucky reader a chance of having their very own. This little digital cutter is full of creative tricks. This has been on my want list and I think probably has just been promoted to a must need.

Jot on over and enter!

Pretty Wreath

I spotted this on Paper Crave this morning. At first glance I wouldn't peg it as being paper. How pretty is this?! Another reason to ♥ Paper Source.

All Doily'd Up

I've been seening a ton of creative things lately that you can do with doilies and inspired doiley designs. So pretty! Here are just a few I'm lov'n.

Top image: Hand stamped tags :: Bottom image: Hand stamped glassin bags :: Both found here: Happy Huismus

Decorative Tins :: How to by Martha

Pretty Stationary how to: Avie Designs

A Great Bread Recipe

It's been awhile since I posted a food recipe. My husband came home with this one from a member at the tennis club. He basically "told" me I had to make it because it was to die for.

Over Labor Day weekend we were invited over to friends house and we made and brought this over. I kid you not...it was gone within minutes! It is so easy and is the perfect item to bring to a party of any sort. My husband is banking on me making this for a few Packer Sunday games. Okay, if I have too!

Here's the recipe: (this is the amount I use for a bag of twin french bread)

2 sticks butter
2 Tbl poppy seeds
1 tsp Beau Monde seasoning(a must)
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Thick cuts of swiss cheese cut in 3/4" cubes(about 8 ounces)
Loaf of desired bread(french, italian, ciabatta, boule, etc)

Instructions: Criss-cross cut the top of the loaf of bread. Do NOT slice all the way through or into the sides. Stuff with the swiss cheese cubes and the shredded parmesan cheese. Melt the butter and add the poppy seeds and seasonings. Wrap bread in foil and pour melted butter mixture over the top. Loosely seal foil and pop bread in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Yummy goodness! Enjoy!

Holiday Cards and More

Along with the designs I create in my Etsy shop I've mentioned before that I also design for a few other online companies. I feel blessed time and time again to do what I love and to have others appreciate my design work as well.

I've been with Photo Affections for 1 year now and I cannot be more thrilled about being part of their team. They just posted their 2010 Holiday card collections. Seriously, there are all sorts and I'm sure anyone can find a design to match their style.

Another adorable online company I work for is PeaPod Announcements. Earlier this week they just launched a new site. I've been working with PeaPod's for about 2 years. They are offering more than just announcements/invitations. Be sure to check out all the goodies and the new site.

Back to School, Back to a Routine

Last week Leyton started school. Oh, Mr. First Grader...we are SO proud of you. He is our shy child but, has really surprised us already with his more laid back attitude about it. Maddie started 4k this morning and was soooo excited. About all of it! Riding the bus, being in a classroom, and meeting new friends. She is our little social and spunky one! Love these kids!

With the munchkins off to the school I have most of the morning to myself - well the days I'm not to working 10hr days. It's such a weird feeling to have silence throught the house but, at this time of year I'm ready for some of that. With the holiday season approaching in the months ahead I have plenty to get done. I'm even hoping to squeeze in a workout 3-4x a week. YAY!