Recycling Meets Rudolph

Have you ever thought, hey I really want a deer head on my wall? No? Me neither, but when I ran into this adorable Christmas project I couldn't resist. I had been admiring it on the Good Housekeeping website and Pinterest for some time now and tonight was the night that the reindeer was to be made!

Picture by Michael Partenio/Good Housekeeping

This little deer is considered a Scandinavian Christmas Decoration. When I was looking up decorations for the office the article leading up to this suggested to use other holiday traditions and decor. Which seems like a neat way to celebrate since in office settings we sometimes have to focus on 'holiday' rather than Christmas. With that said, I still Americanized it and Christmas'd it up.  

Click here for instructions and template. 

A little printing tip: Change printer setting to 11 x 17  and print on tabloid size paper. I also should warn you that the reindeer is way tinier than the picture looks. 

So here's mine! 

I can't believe it turned out so well. I free cut the scores because I thought that would be easier than marking before assembling. I also did the brace part c out of order too. I'm excellent at following instructions! ha.

Then came decorating! I used red tissue paper for the nose and sharpie for the eyes. Googly eyes would be precious too! Then to really American Christmas it up I added bulbs to the antlers. I would've put real bulbs but I didn't have any extras and I feared it would be too top heavy. Instead I cut these out from wrapping paper. 

Then I wrapped some garland around and done! I think you can also place him inside of a pre-made wreath. I actually adore him and think he could be out year-round minus garland and bulbs. I've seen those inflatable deer heads for $20-30 in stores but these was essentially free. 

YAY! and because it's fairly small I put it on a small section on my wall or else it could be overwhelming. I also was thinking about making 3 and putting them on the wall v-shaped. I think that would be cute! Bonus the shadow it creates on the wall is also spectacular. 

I have also made an adorable sign/garland that says Merry, Merry! Pinterest inspired and again, once I find my camera cord i'll take a picture but since it's too big to cover with my phone I can't. I hate losing things!

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? 

I am! Here's a sneak peek of my garland on the banister. I love a banister wrapped in garland. 

I'll take some up close pics of the stockings too later! 

---

Happy Recycling Meets Rudolph :) 

Thankful Hit List

Don't say I didn't tell you so. Two weeks of thankfulness not bad. Ha! I would say I'd make up for day 8 - day 30, but I just don't think I have it in me. Instead let me highlight a few things and since Thanksgiving wasn't too long ago, I think I'll continue with a few of my favorite things (thankful things)! How about a quick hit list. 

Thankful Hit List 

My crazy, loving family ( & that precious baby niece!) 

Love

Friendship - new and old! 

TEX - my snuggle buddy pup

Work & work friends!

Small towns - and hometowns

Talents - especially crafting abilities 

Grilled Chicken sandwiches (and fried let's be honest)

Pretty things - well that's pretty vague. 

Answered prayers and unanswered prayers 

Good television (and trashy entertainment) 

Laughter

Pinterest 

My dup (which is short for duplex) such a cozy place

Second chances

Inspirational quotes 

and Christmas! 

That's probably a good enough hit list to make up for my Thankful Blog 1 & 2. I'm so excited for Christmas and once I find my camera cord I will add some pictures of my decorations and things. 

Week 2 - I'm thankful for...

Day 4: 11.4.12

Day 4 I'm thankful for time change and hot chocolate! 

Today is another not so serious 'thankful' post considering I laid on the couch all day and watched my DVR. And I wouldn't dare say I'm thankful for Real Housewives (guilty?!) but I am thankful for entertainment (and that cutie Andy Cohan)! I love 'falling back' it's my favorite of the two! Just going to sleep and knowing that you're granted an additional hour is amazing. So I'm thankful for time change!

I'm also thankful for hot chocolate! I say I'm not a fan of cold but I think it's a lie because I love - scarfs, gloves, boots, hot chocolate and snuggling! I like being cozy and something about hot chocolate surrounds me with warmth. I think it's a little nostalgic. I remember when we were little my brother and sister and I would fight over our hot chocolate mugs - we had the ones that changed into things when they were cold or hot (think mountains on the Coors bottles). For some reason I think they were from Denny's! I love those things and I'm not a coffee drinker so hot chocolate gives me a chance to still collect cute mugs like this one...

"Future Trophy Wife"

hey, big aspirations! I know! 

This is obviously a joke but it's a huge mug and I love it! I'm too much of a feminist to have such goals.But if by trophy you mean pretty then sign me up! I also have an Elf on the Shelf cup because I love him so much but I think it'd be creepy to own the elf without a child, no? Okay, so I'm off topic a bit and rambling about the 4 coffee cups I own. 

Maybe tomorrow I'll get back to serious but it's Monday so who knows... Night y'all. 

Day 5: 11.5.12

Day 5 I'm thankful for phone calls with my sister

When my phone rings and it's my sister it's always a good time! I can't disclose our conversation in fear of looking like complete idiots but I will say that when we're together it's tricky. And by tricky I mean we lack common sense together, though we do dominate together in board games but not in life. Ha!

We have silly conversations and serious conversations and lately are conversations include a noisy babe. Just kidding - my niece is a doll! My niece!! Remember a few blogs back my sister being preggo? Well, that baby is out and beautiful! If I can get permission i'll post a picture of her. Baby Avery will definitely be included in this month's thankfulness blog!

So it's not a long and detailed message but today I'm thankful for phone calls with my sister! I suspected that in the work week these blogs would shorten up a bit! No big deal.

New Real Housewives of BH tonight! Wooooo!

Day 6: 11.6.12

Day 6 I'm thankful for the right to vote! 

Thumbs up to that! 

On an ungrateful note..what the heck is this- I voted sticker from the 90's?! 

Everyone has these spiffy seal looking ones and I get this. Boo. 

Day 6: 11.7.12

Day 4 I'm thankful for great surprises!

I was on the phone with my mom today when I got a text from my brother asking if him and his wife AB could stay at my place for the night next week. Even though it's only for a few hours - I'm excited! I need to think of a solid breakfast place. Yay!

Also, I'm thankful for delicious pizza from Graces Place (and my company!)  And Modern Family. Hilarious. 

Day 7: 11.7.12

Day 8 I'm thankful for my work friends! 

Today I'm thankful for my work friends! I was reminded of that today when we all went out to eat. We don't have the same lunch breaks because we have to stagger them to accommodate our schedules, but sometimes  certain circumstances (birthdays!) allow us to move our schedules around and do lunch. As we piled into the minivan and began the chatter and laughter, I in the back of course, :) just looked ahead and thought how thankful I am to have 4 ladies that I enjoy working with and spending time with! 

I also should mentioned that I had another grilled chicken sandwich favorite that I'm thankful for - The Tarragon Chicken Sandwich at Annie Moore's. Delicious! 

Week 1 - Today I'm thankful for...

Day 1: 11.1.12

For some reason, I just feel like blogging. It's been so long since I've really put my thoughts into words and just typed. First off, I feel like I should clarify the three images added below. Well, I'm part of a family Fantasy Football team and on ESPN you have to have a hyperlink to add a picture for your team so I used my blog as a placeholder for these images. The dog and hulk picture is from www.dogshaming.com, if you're not too sensitive, "there's no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners" type of person (which I agree with)- I think you'll find this site hilarious. Anyways. the picture is because I crushed my brother, Scott in fantasy and his team is the Incredible Holcs! (See Scott on the Hulk's body below) - You'll need to know my last name for this to make much sense.The other is a picture of my dad, Timbo Slice. Like Kimbo-Slice. Yeah buddy rollin' like a big shot. Trunk hit hard like TIMBO SLICE. We're ridiculous, but my team is awesome in fantasy. If you ask my family brother he will credit it to the fact I was late to the draft and had Arian Foster automatically recruited to my team. Whatevs. My boy Foster is the man!

The real inspiration for operation start blogging again is because I saw my facebook friends putting "day one thankful for" posts for November and I was like I want to do this, but I use too many words and just can't do it in a status so here I am...blogging. Let's not hold our breath though because we know i'll start and not finish but I'm going to make an effort! I think I might post every couple of days to my facebook for my die hard fans to read, just kidding. I may have met my quota yesterday on the facebook posting since it was Halloween and I wanted to show (off) my Pinterest inspired stolen costume. Oh you're dying to see it? Fine. Here it is!

Price is Right contestant!

I'm aware my numbers are backwards - I had to use my camera on my laptop...so that happened. Look it was either that or a phone picture in my bathroom mirror, deal with it! 

Day 1 I'm thankful for my parents and coworkers - This is a sob story, no joke! 

I'm not going to single out any certain coworkers because they are all truly great, but today 3 in particular stood out and I was thankful to have them a Kleenex distance away!

 I prepared for this - I really did. The number showed up and it was my dealership service department. I had prepared for an almost painless $220 expense for brake pads so you can imagine my dismay when I got an estimate that was double, no triple, no quadruple of what I had imagined. I cleared my throat and was thankful that it was almost time to go...as a flood of tears made it's way to my bottom lids - I tried my hardest to swallow it down and just breathe. It's days like this you realize that you may not be cut out for your lifestyle or your career choice. I work for a nonprofit, I'm not sure I would trade it if I could but it does seem like life would be easier if I joined the for profit world. Unfortunately just like when I thought going to college = money, I have a feeling that's how going to for profit would be too. And I know I'm not alone - I don't need another political ad to tell me that. In this case misery doesn't love company and quite frankly I'm not miserable. I'm just one or two shopping trips behind where I thought I'd be. Did anyone else imagine their closet being filled with designer brands? Nope, I still haven't graduated to that. But it's okay. I'm thankful for what I have and in this instance I'm thankful for my coworkers.

Today I'm thankful for my coworkers. For the rides, jokes, and "I was in your shoes" experiences that really brought light to my situation. We all have our struggles and sometimes when you're so busy worrying about making ends meet or what you don't have - you forget what you do have. Which is a good segue to my parents.

I am thankful that I have my parents. Yes, that they are here with me physically but I'm also thankful for their love, acceptance and compassion. They not only did an excellent job raising my siblings and I, but they continue to be there for us in our journey with adulthood.It's not an easy transition and I'm just glad I'm not alone. Even though I accuse them of hovering the truth is their reassurance means the world to me on days like this...

I think that's the beauty of life is no matter how bad the situation- there is always something to be thankful for.

I'm hoping for some funny thankful's and not so serious ones the entire month, but I'm a pretty serious person so we shall see.

Day 2: 11.2.12

Day 2 I'm thankful for my connections to MaDee

If you've ever read any of my blog posts or have known me for even just a few days, you know MaDee. You may have never had the privilege to meet MaDee, but you know her. In case you don't, MaDee passed away nearly three years ago from a long, hard battle with cancer. MaDee was my best friend of nearly 20 years and no doubt losing her has been the single hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. But with that said, I'm thankful for my connections to her.

I have found hanging out with those closest to her therapeutic. And on Day 2 I had the chance to hang out with 2 very special people. 

I should say 2.5 special people since it started with a text message from Brittany, MaDee's cousin. Brittany "Lil Cuz" is dear to my heart and it seemed like once she got a little older she started hanging out with MaDee more and more. I use to see her as MaDee's little cousin, but now she's a real friend to me. She has some of the same qualities that I loved in MaDee and some of her mannerisms are spot on but she's her own person and I love her. 

Brittany texted me to meet up with her parents who live in the same town as me. I don't meet them out nearly as much as I should but when I do make it out I always have the best time. MaDee's Aunt and Uncle are two of the funniest, sweetest people I know. When MaDee introduced me to them it was Aunt Sara and Uncle Charlie so I still refer to them as that. I loved how MaDee did that, people that she loved so much she wanted you to love so much which is why I can't tell you half of her families real names because I've always called them by their family name, like Nan, Pop, etc. (Just kidding, I know their real names) 

It was easy to identify on Day 2 what I'm thankful for and it's my connections to MaDee. Each of her family members were near to her heart, I can't single out any of them that I don't absolutely love seeing when I do. 

Whether it be her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, mom, dad, our friends, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles,etc...it always warms my heart, all my connections to MaDee. 

Another connection that warms my heart is MaDee's legacy, The MaDee Project. I think a shameless plug at this point is appropriate. 

I'm thankful for ALL my connections to MaDee.

Day 3: 11.3.12

Day 3 I'm thankful for Dr. Watson's

I mentioned that I'd try to do funny ones or at least not so serious ones and I feel like after Day 1 and Day 2's post that this is in order. I should probably mentioned that this is not an order of importance. I'm really just reflecting on my entire day and writing about what pops out the most. I did have a fun conversation with my sister/bffl Ashley but she will be written about another day, trust me! So will all of the predictable ones that I would have put on my turkey feathers if I was in Elementary School!

Okay, so Dr. Watson's. What the heck is a Dr. Watson? It's a delicious sandwich at Macado's. Some town's don't have a Macado's- what a sad world. Maybe I should be thankful that we have three Macado's in   a 15 mile radius of where I live and if we say within 60 miles there's about 6 or so. Not the point. The point is I freakin' love Dr. Watson. And on Day 3 I'm thankful for them.

A Dr. Watson is a grilled chicken breast on a bagel with lettuce, Canadian bacon, tomato, and mayo.
But if you've ever seen me order it I'm very "When Harry Met Sally" as I say no mayo and regular bacon instead of Canadian. One time I said American bacon instead of Canadian and I was like what the hell is that, Amanda? What is American bacon?! Then because I'm awkward, I was like you know regular bacon, strips of it, breakfast like. Thank goodness that wasn't last night among  new company.

I also am thankful for the delicious pickle spear that goes with it.

I suppose if I wanted to get serious... I'm thankful for food and access to it, the ability to afford it, the luxury of choosing where it comes from and what it's going to be (like a delish Dr. Watson)

Now I'm hungry and I've been known to order back to back Dr. Watson's.

So, that concludes Week 1 of Thankfulness...to wrap it up I'm thankful for my coworkers, parents, my connections to MaDee, and Dr. Watson's. Yep, that sounds about right.

I'm excited for Week 2 of Thankfulness! 

Fantasy Football

Trunk Hit Hard Like Timbo Slice

Incredible Holc!

Valentine's Day - Not just for lovers.

Valentine’s Day – Not just for lovers


Happy Valentine’s Day – by the time this gets posted it will be two days belated! Okay, just call me Martha Stewart if you will. About two months ago I finally started pinning on Pinterest and haven’t stopped. If you’re on Pinterest you know what I’m speaking of and if you’re not, well, you’re missing out! Any way I’ve been trying to “stop pinning and start doing” - I believe this is an unofficial slogan of Pinterest. For Valentine’s Day, I started doing!

I have to admit I say I hate the month of February because of MaDee’s death anniversary date (which will be in 24 minutes) but honestly it’s hard to hate an entire month for one day that carries sadness throughout the entire year. The fact is I loved hating this holiday (V-day) with MaDee. One of the last posts I wrote on MaDee’s CaringBridge was on Valentine’s Day and then a few days later that very post was read at MaDee’s funeral. So really this “dreadful” holiday brings much vulnerability and closure for me. I remember just sitting listening to the pastor and then all of a sudden these words filled my ears and I realized they were my words. Therefore by a long shot I do not hate Valentine’s Day as much as I may claim. I actually love it.

This post wasn’t meant to be a sad rant but instead a bubbly, fun, look-at-me I’m crafty post! Which I’ll get to but Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers and maybe it took me 24 years to realize it but Valentine’s Day is about love. Whether it’s the love for a significant other, parent, child, friend, coworker, teacher, student, pet, etc. – it’s about love. And it’s a great excuse to wear reds and pinks! P.S. I’ve worn red or pink all week - I wonder if any of my coworkers have noticed- today was unintentional but I might as well continue out the week!

So let’s get to it.

I have to say my favorite part of Valentine’s Day is the care package from my mom and dad, the wearing of reds and pinks, and baking delicious cupcakes!

Before I show you my brag book about Valentine’s Day I would just like to highlight some observations I’ve made about Valentine’s Day most are from Facebook…

A few observations – I may sound like a bitter Betty and I’m not denying the fact that I’d love to have a jewelry giving, flower picking, chocolate making boyfriend but it wasn’t in the cards this year.

So I was at Wal-Mart buying a mini muffin pan and I saw three men buying $40.00 3 foot teddy bears. I would like to say to you men: unless this is for your child, no woman needs a 3-foot teddy bear and I bet I can list 40 things for $40.00 she’d rather have but hey, better than nothing!

Hey Facebook friends, nice flowers! You suck! :) Just kidding, I was totally envious all day long looking at this flower garden of a Facebook wall.

“Valentine’s Day sucks, I don’t need a Valentine – Happy Valentine’s to me – being single is so much better” – translation – I wish I had a Valentine.

And last, thank you for all the pet pictures. I agree dogs make perfect Valentine’s but let’s be honest you’d rather have a human.



Alright to the brag book!

A little sneak peek of more things for my
Sprinkle the Bride With Love! Bridal Shower

Printed pictures from Pinterest and did some cute things to them.

Love!

Love is Sweet!

Sneak peek - Guest bucket game!

This is what's going on in my living room - for the shower in two weeks!

Okay, I admit it who wouldn't want this little guy as your Valentine?

Okay, he's mine!!!!

I had a genuis Pinterest worthy idea. Use empty icing canisters and decorate the outside and fill the inside with delicous treats - like cupcakes!

The cupcake plunger is awesome! Must buy! $3.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond!

Mini red velvet cupcakes for my lovely coworkers!

Saw these on Pinterest - Super suckers! Only made a few.

Pinterest recipe! Corndog nuggets! Easy peasy!

And lastly, my loot!

a cupcake from my cupcake :)

from delicious Bubblecakes!

A beautiful card from my bff

And a snazzy scarf, shirt, candy and more from my loving parents.

Happy Valentine's Day!

May all your days be filled with l-o-v-e!

Love, Amanda



The Past 5 Months... A Picture Story!

The past 5 months…


It’s a good thing I don’t do this for living, that’s for sure. Blogging that is – it’s a new year and I’m happy to report that the last half of 2011 was great. In fact, I think I’ll go through October, November, December and January right now!

Let’s start off with a big announcement that you may or may not know…

I’M GOING TO BE AN AUNT! My sister, Ashley is having her first baby in April. I am so excited for that sweet little GIRL. I think I found out in September? Ashley and Steven sent us an email of the sonogram and heart beat and then called us to tell us to check our email it was so cute. Then in November we found out it was going to be a girl. How exciting! She is going to be the luckiest girl in the world and very spoiled. I can’t stop picking up little things for her and she’s not even here yet! I’m so excited for April.

Of course with a baby comes a baby shower next month so hopefully I’ll have an exciting blog full of pictures of the shower. I have a lot of ideas already on pinterest. (Don’t get me started!)

October

October brings many birthdays including my siblings, my dog and MaDee.

MaDee would have been 24 – and in 11 days the second anniversary of her death is approaching. I feel a little sick thinking about it and have had that ‘feeling’ ever since the calendar turned February. I dread February but I know I’ll get through it. I am forever grateful to have been able to know MaDee as long as I did. When I’m down I really can think of a million memories to cheer me up and our love/hate relationship Valentine’s Day does help me a little this month. It makes me smile.

My brother, Scott celebrated his birthday and so did my sister, Ashley. They are swiftly approaching 30. It’s crazy how that doesn’t seem so old anymore.

The mom-to-be, Ashley celebrated her birthday by going to an apple farm in Charlottesville. I remember thinking it would be a cool crisp fall day and it was totally miserable – hot. It was a fun time celebrating Ashley’s birthday with her. It was neat knowing her next birthday we’d have a little girl to celebrate with

The Apple Farm...

How beautiful is Charlottesville?

Steven learned his lesson last year - always make a yellow cake with chocolate icing. True story: the "H" children were made this every year of their life on their birthdays.

Ashley wouldn't let me post this before - the forming of the bump!



October brought my dog, Tex's 2nd Birthday! His birthday and my sister's birthday are the same day so I had to celebrate his later that week. What we did? I had to flex some hours from work so I left a few hours early, scooped him up and we went on a little shopping trip to Pet Smart!

Tex checking out his swag from Pet Smart.

And the last event in October...I had to say farewell to the Jeep. All in a week - the engine, transmission and radiator were going dooooown.

Farewell Jeep! You're missed but I love my first grown up car.

It makes me feel like a soccer mom.

Oh and Tex was a cow for Halloween - When I find those pics i'll post -they may be on my moms camera?

November

November... I'll I can think of right now is Thanksgiving. It was a great day with family at my sisters. My little cousin was there and it was sooo fun. We haven't had anyone 'young' around for awhile so it was nice to have entertainment. Of course, Ashley was the COA - Center of Attention - with the baby news and all. Can't wait to celebrate the holidays with that little baby!

December

Yay for December! I had a really great Christmas! Celebrating here in Roanoke, at work, and then again at my brother's house in North Augusta. It was our first Christmas not at our home with our parents. At first I thought it was going to be sad and I didn't want change- already, so soon! But I have to admit the first Christmas not at my parents wasn't too bad. I love my brother and his wifes home in South Carolina. The only thing that was missing was the Christmas Day my sister and Steven weren't there but it was still a great time. They came the next day and we were all together... It really did make me realize that no matter where you are as long as you're with your family you're home. HOME. I think it probably makes it a little easier that we moved from our home of 18 years that first Christmas in South Carolina 5 years ago was the hardest.

Christmas...

Some loot waiting to be wrapped!

Baking in the kitchen!

Thank you, pinterest!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

These made excellent gifts!

Christmas in N. Augusta!

My sister-in-laws beautiful display - she needs to pin it!

I love my daddy frame!

The parents to be! Cute little socks.

Christmas makes these puppies tired. Tex and Leo.

Christmas was exciting! And it also brought exciting news for my bff, Stacey who got engaged! Congrats Stacey! I can't wait for the wedding!

January

Happy New Year! 2012! I rang in the New Year in Atlanta at the Chick-fil-a bowl. It was a lot of fun!!

I reflected on 2011 and thought about all the blessings 2012 has to bring... a baby and 2 of my best friends getting married. 2012 will be an exciting year for sure!

Oh and I know, UVa lost but still a great trip!



 February

A sneak peak into February...

Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower - Coming Soon! For my bff, Megan - wedding date 3/17/12!

This is what's going on in my dining area. Bridal Shower pile up.

Theme: Sprinkle the Bride with Love!

A candy, sprinkles, love theme! Event date: 2/26 - Pictures and blog post coming soon.

Thanks for catching up with me! Hopefully i'll blog more soon.

:) Amanda