December 27, 2011

Homemade Holiday [Gifts]

This was my first Christmas were I attempted crafty gifts. I think I did pretty well! Here are a few of the goodies I made for my friends and family. Thanks to my amazingly wonderful husband, who surprised me with a "non birthday birthday gift" - a Silhouette machine...my goodie making was fabulously changed! XO to that awesome man!!

Etched Glass: I was able to cut directly on contact paper making the template so easy to use.

 Plate

 Cake Stand

Plate

I also made my mom a felt flower wreath for her front door. Go Dawgs!


What fun to give away things I actually made! It is so much more gratifying than store bought gift giving. Beware my friends...you may be seeing something similar come your birthday, new baby, new home... :-).


December 11, 2011

Traditional Ornament? What's That?

Every year we host a Turkey Fry for 30+ of our closest friends. We started it in the early years of our marriage and it's just grown and evolved over time. The two constants: fried turkey and the ornament swap.

I created the ornament swap the first year we hosted this shindig and made up the rules as we went that year. I wrapped our gift in the prettiest wrapping I could find and presented it as the "best". Well, that ornament went around the room at least 15 times, being stolen again and again. Our rule, NO OPENING until the very end....so yes, you're swapping and stealing based solely on the wrapping. Genius! We know!

So after all that stealing and the back and forth, it was time to open and reveal our prizes. Our ornament, the "best" one, was a crazy, bright orange glitter ball with orange feathers. HIDEOUS and hilarious at the same time. From that moment on our gig was up and the ornament swap has taken on a life of it's own.

This year, we upped our game and now I'm left to ponder how I will outdo this next year!! Behold...the 2011 Judson Ornament....now proudly (we hope) displayed on the tree of the Rinkers......





(sorry for the poor pic, last minute shot with the phone camera)


December 2, 2011

Baking Sometimes....Equals Failure

You know, there are times when you can make the most delicious desserts and they actually even look good. Then there are times when you don't.

In this case, I didn't. It was great for a laugh though! Enjoy your holiday baking.