Letters for Santa

One of the many activities for Christmas that my kids, well two of the four, are excited to do is write a letter to Santa.  And I am feeling guilty even as a type this because I have been putting it off. No good reason really. But thank goodness for Pinterest because they have provided me with an endless amount of options and now I really have no excuse to deprive my sweet little's anymore.

I thought I would share some links just in case any of you were on the same boat...



Wonder Forest

Just perfect..

Picklebums

This one is an actual writing set. Three different paper designs and each one has a matching envelope. And you can get the sheets lined or un-lined-perfect for those learning to write.

Elf-Lined
This blog has three different designs and they come in color or black and white (cute for kids that want to color it on their own)

Living Locurto
These are especially great for little hands because you can give the kids toy catalogues and they can cut and glue  Three different options is even better!



Amanda Parker
Just Darling!

Uncommon Events
Simple but cute


Martha Stewart
And leave it to Martha Stewart.  She has a template from a girl, from a boy, from an adult and even from a pet.   

Me oh My
Although this one does cost $6 it is stinkin adorable!

Well there you go.  Here are some cute options.  Start the fire, make the hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows, play the Christmas tunes...and have the kiddos write away.

Favorite Appetizer

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Jalapeno Bites

I recently made these as a Thanksgiving appetizer and they are delish!! Melt in your mouth deliciousness. Not spicy at all and they are addicting!!  Always make more than you think you need because everyone will love these!! I am linking this up to Edie at Life in Grace  for a favorite appetizer link party.

Ingredients:

20 jalapenos - yield 40 appetizers
2 8oz cream cheese blocks
1 package of bacon - which you can cut the slices in half because one whole slice is too big for wrapping.
Optional:  shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar would taste just as good I'm sure)

Buy some nice fresh jalapenos
Slice them in half and remove all the seeds and white membrane
Stuff the jalapeno pieces with the cream cheese (or with the cheese cream cheese mixture)
Lastly wrap bacon around each piece - use an entire slice or use half...no rules
Place jalapenos on wire rack on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes

* Picture and recipe adapted from the Brown Eyed Baker

The beginning...

I once saw on the front of a card, "She designed a life she loved."  I feel that is me right now.  I am living a life that I have designed and love. I in NO means have a perfect life but the core things that matter most to me are intact and that is all that matters. What does this have to do with anything you ask.  Well, for a couple years now, I have been wanting to start a blog. If you look at my 'inspiration' on the side you will notice a long list of ladies whom I admire and have been following for a number of years.  I feel like I am in a place now where I can take that leap and do it. 

I always had some reason, some excuse, just something that would stop me from starting a blog.  It was a little bit of fear...I wondered if I had any talent to share with you.  The other part was embarrassment...what if I totally failed, no one followed me, and honestly what was I going to share on a daily basis.  But then I remembered why I wanted to do this.  We all have a  story. We all have something to share.  All of us are fighting some battle.  So why not help, and lift and teach and share with one another.

So here I am.  Finally doing it!  Recreating myself!!!  Growing and being vulnerable.  Isn't that how we grow?  When I say I want to share my journey with you...I mean it.  I want to be raw, and honest and truthful.  I have had an interesting life (that's a future post or two) but because of what I have gone through I feel like I must share and if I help at least one person; all of it was worth it.  But on a brighter side....I also want to post about my home, and inspiration, and having our homes be a place where we can be happy and surround ourselves with the things we love, cherish and hold close to our hearts.  I was reading on a blog (apologies but I do not have the source) about a photographer named Oberto Gili in NY who's home was featured on NYSD.  He gave a quote that a landscaper friend of his once said -

"Unless a home becomes a love affair, it is not a success.  You have to love every single little thing-if it doesn't have a memory, a story, it doesn't count."

I hope you enjoy my story....