Oh Well....

LOL...Ok, I found this picture and frankly it looked like something one of "my guys" might try to do!!! And it sort of goes with this years decorating.....LOL

This year we have gone really, really simple.....the economic crunch, time crunch, working to get ready for new shows have all been part of a need to go really basic this year.
And you know what, I think we have enjoyed it more this year than the years that I worked so hard to do the "big Christmas extravaganza".....

I am taking time this year to just enjoy the season and what others have offered. Enjoy the beauty of the trees in the neighborhood...instead of worrying about needing a "look at me, look at me" display in our own. But I am also finding that we are not the only ones cutting back and doing more simple things for our celebration. It seems to be a theme I see everywhere.
And with slowing down....it gives us more time to enjoy each other, to remember what the holiday is about (I know that is said over and over and we ALL know what the season is suppose to be about...but taking the time to truly take it in and see how we are reflecting it in our own lives).

Instead of trying to find elaborate, I can't really afford it gifts, I have written cards to dear friends to let them know that I am thinking of them....and with each of those cards, taking the time to reflect on their friendship, how much they have meant to me, and pray for them and their sweet families.

I don't know that I will be posting anymore before Christmas...the one thing I will be doing is be part of the mad rush tomorrow at Honey Baked Ham...LOL.... But I want to leave you with a wish from my heart. Thank you for reading my blog....for the comments that you leave. I have so enjoyed learning about many of you through those comments and through visiting your blogs. You have enriched my life with your thoughts, creativity, humor, and friendship....those are priceless gifts. I pray that we share, laugh, create and bond more in the coming year.

Have a blessed Christmas...hug your families a little tighter this year, step away from the hustle and spend more time with them without a program or a plan....and don't worry so much about "Martha-ing" your way through the holidays.

Much love and Huge hugs,
Debbie

"Blessed is she who believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:45

First Corinthians 13 (The Christmas Version paraphrased)

If I decorated my house pefectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity,
but do not show love to my family,
It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata,
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another' home that has coordinated Christmas
china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is
thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,
but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.
LOVE NEVER FAILS.

(author unknown)

Shhhhh..Another Giveaway....

Yes......I want this. You too can register for this wonderful video camera....just run to
http://inevergrewup.net/ and join in on the fun!!!
Now my friend Jen has signed up....and I am so sure she registered just to get one for me...well, that is the delusion I am working under!!! LOL
There have been so many great giveaways this holiday season....hope you have all had the chance to win something fun!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Cookie Exchange..........Weekend Edition!!!!

So Sorry for the delay!!!! It has been a crazier than normal week...with being called in to work extra hours and hubby not feeling well..... leading to a trip to the VA this afternoon. Please forgive me for the delayed start to our Cookie Exchange. Let's just make it a weekend of cookie recipes.

Post your recipe in the comments area....and if you blog about it, leave a comment with the link to your post. Monday, I will take all the comments and do a drawing for a fun holiday prize.

The coffee pot is on....the chai tea is ready....and cocoa is in holiday mugs with big dollops of whipped cream....now let's try some great cookies!!!!

Hugs to you all!!!

Debbie

Let me get us started with:

Snowball Cookies...

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups pecan pieces, finely ground

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add flour, pecans and salt; mix well. Cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.

SHAPE dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart, on ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE 10 to 12 min. or until centers are set. Remove from baking sheets to wire racks; cool completely. Roll in powdered sugar until evenly coated. Store in tightly covered container at room teperature. 4 dozen

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs

Microwave 1 package of chocolate chips in a large bowl on medium for 2 minutes -- stir until all are melted.
Stir in 1/2 cup of peant butter. Cool. gently stir in 1 tub of cool whip topping. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Scoop truffle like mixture and shape into balls. Roll balls into a coating: powdered sugar, toasted coconut or other favorites.
Store in fridge

Makes 36 snowballs

My All Time Favorite Cookies......
Cream Wafers

1 cup soft butter

1/3 cup whipping cream

2 cups all purpose flour

granulated sugar

creamy filling (recipe below)
*Mix thoroughly butter, cream and flour. Cover and chill. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll about 1/3 of the dough at a time to 1/8" thin on a floured cloth-covered board (keep remaining dough refrigerated until ready to roll). Cut into 1 1/2" circles (or stars).
*Transfer rounds (or stars) with spatula to a piece of waxed paper that is heavily covered with granulated sugar. Turn each round or star so that both sides are coated with sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Prick with fork about 4 times.
*Bake 7 to 9 minutes or just until set but not brown; cool. Put cookies together in pairs with creamy filling. (set point of stars slightly askew).

Creamy Filling

Cream 1/4 cup soft butter or margarine; 3/4 cup confectioners sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Tint wth a few drops of food coloring. (add a few drops of water if necessary for proper spreading consistency)

Last but not least...you need something to go with the cookies. I can't remember where I found this recipe..but it has been such a favorite. We gave jars of this mix as gifts or a couple of years and we still get regular requests for refills!!! (Most of the regular requests come from Zack's college guy friends....)

Chai Tea Mix

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French Vanilla flavored powered non-dairy creamer
2 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. In a blender or food processor, blend 1 cup at a time until mixture is the consistency of fine powder.
To serve: Stir 2 heaping tablespoons Chai tea mixture into a mug of hot water.

I SOOOOO Heart This....

Yes, I stole this picture from The Nester's blog....you can click on it and it will take you directly to her post about this.
I have this "thing" for doors...especially old doors....doors with character.....doors with history....doors with funky accents....I just love doors.

I think I first fell in love with the door decorating idea when I went to a craft show where one of the vendors had used old doors to do their entire display. Hinged doors to make their divider...used an old screen door to display wreaths...I am just was so captivated by all the possiblities.

(From Stephanie's Between The Vines open house)
Anyway...I have been wanting to do something as a headboard..or just focal point behind our bed...and this door thing is speaking to me!! So right after Christmas (much to the horror of my family)..the paint brushes are coming out and I want to do some fun things around the house. I will update you as the process begins. I am really excited about this. And I would love see or hear about your door ideas or finished work!!!

Now if you would like to be totally depressed about your holiday decorating...or maybe it is just me.... go to Warm Pie, Happy Home . She has some wonderful holiday pictures that will make you drool and gave me some great ideas for next year.

Don't forget about our cookie exchange on Friday...I will have the hot peppermint cocoa ready for you!!!
Hugs to you all...have a great evening!!!
Debbie

I Want To Thank The Academy.....

I just got the sweetest award from Pam from Prims*By*Pam....thank you so much!!!
Pam said that I have to send it to 6 others --- who to choose!!!

Here are the rules if i give the heart to you.
1.Post a copy on your blog.
2.Mention who gave you the award.
3.Pass the award onto 6 others.
4.Leave a message on their blog letting them know the award has been bestowed upon them.

So here are the 6 sweet ladies that I would love to give this award to:
Jen from Runpinne
Tiff from Making Room For Serendipity
Ky from Pondering Over The Clothesline of Insanity
Pam From Baskets N Prims
Gina from Cat Nap Inn Primitives
Sue from Oodlekadoodle Primitives

Thank you again Pam for the sweet award!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Angel Babies...and more

These are what I have been working on for an ornie swap that I am in. I just love this pattern from Sweet Meadows Farm!!! (these are so much cuter in person!!!)
So what last minute projects are you working on????
Tiff has been gettting me in alot of trouble lately.....she just HAD to share this picture from:
Stop Staring and Start Sewing Blog.

Cute, isn't it??? And the instructions are so darn easy...I thought this would make a perfect little "extra" gift for my mom. Here is the fabric I picked out....

I also have a set of "Mood Swings" dolls to make too.....can someone order up just a few more hours in our days till Christmas?????

So what are you working on?????
Hugs,
Debbie

Sunday Morning

Female Icon Quiz.....

I grabbed this test from Jen....just thought this was something fun to fill in with. Don't you hate taking these silly quizzes??? Especially when they turn out pretty close to being right.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Stand up for yourself... and me.


• * Be confident, strong, and direct.


• * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.


• * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.


• * Give me space to be alone.


• * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.


• * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.


• * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

• * being independent and self-reliant


• * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on


• * being courageous, straightforward, and honest


• * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life


• * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me


• * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

• * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to


• * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence


• * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it


• * never forgetting injuries or injustices


• * putting too much pressure on myself


• * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

• * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit


• * are sometimes loners


• * seize control so they won't be controlled


• * figure out others' weaknesses


• * attack verbally or physically when provoked


• * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

• * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted


• * are sometimes overprotective


• * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Tiff Made Me Do It.....

Like some of the rest of you....I had been floating around the web, finding great new blogs and signing up for some of their awesome giveaways.... It is so darn addictive and can become your full time job...LOL So I had tried to steer away from them for awhile, until Tiff posted about this great giveaway on her blog and I had to fly over there to sign up!!!

I am a true blue Fiesta Girl....I love my Fiestaware. It's bright and cheerful colors just make me smile...and they bring back memories of my grandma's kitchen where she had all the colors (sadly, they are "missing".....wouldn't you know!!). So I started my own collection in memory of grandma.

Here is the scoop.....go to Ravings Of A Mad Housewife blog and sign up for this wonderful give-away. Not a fiesta collector??? Well, just sign up and pass it on to me!!! With this great giveaway you can get 4 place settings of Fiestaware...you get to pick your own colors (up to four different ones!!). This is such a great deal.....


BTW...Santa...my fiesta ware teapot is Missing....could you send another this way????
Hugs,
Debbie

Final Show Pictures.....

Crafters are a funny group....for the most part they are sweet people that work hard.... But they can be hesitant about having pictures of their items taken, and frankly I don't blame them. They work hard to create something new...or spend money to purchase patterns for designs and ideas....and then someone comes along to copy what they have done.
For many of us, this is our "job", so when someone does that and especially when they try to undercut our price because they don't have the design time or the expense of purchasing the patterns and such....it is like stealing part of our paychecks...and in this economy that really doesn't go over well.

One of the reasons that I mention that is to explain why I don't have close up pictures of items in other people's booths. And some would just rather you didn't take pictures at all....

The booth below was across the hall from me. These two guys have apparently done this show for 12 years and rent an entire room. When the show opened...there was a line outside their door. The picture isn't very good, as they sold down so quickly, I didn't get over for a shot in time. They had all sorts of great stuffed animals...from Winnie the Pooh to Lambchop....they put them on bikes, or in rocking chairs and other fun things .. then decorated them for the holidays. The women went crazy over these!!! That room was packed to the walls the night before..I mean stuff full of great items..and when they left, I would be surprised if they had enough to fill one box. They did an awesome job!!




Next is Angie Carter from Chattanooga. I met her many craft shows ago. She makes tons of fun Christmas ornaments and gifts....and it was always busy at her table!!!

This was a couple from Soddy Daisy, TN...she had really cute snowman buckets that were painted.

The next two pictures are of my friend Cindy's booth...she does great clay figures!!! I just love these guys. You might remember in the past my posting pictures of her Halloween children figures...they are adorable. She had ornies for baby's first Christmas, and many others...she is such a talent!!! (She just didn't like it that I caught her with her gallon drum of tea!!!! LOL)

This is Mary from Sugar Ridge Creations.
I have seen Mary at other shows and her items online...but this is the first time I have really been able to chat with Mary...what a sweetheart!!! I LOVE her clothing and it was amazing to see all the women that came by our booth wearing her clothing and sharing with us when they bought it and where. So sweet.

I picked up some great pieces from her that I love.....I will have to post pictures of those later!! But check out her website....

It didn't take us long to pack up and load the vehicle to head on our way home.

We have never been to a Trader Joes...so we found one in the Atlanta area and stopped in...oh good grief, it is a good thing I don't live closer to one!!! We picked up a package of their pumpkin whoopie pies and the guy apologized because the only ones available had a Dec. 11 expiration date...I informed him that they probably wouldn't last the entire trip home to Chattanooga!!! LOL It was a fun store, and we picked up several things that aren't available to us locally.

Next stop was.....

We had never been to one of these resturants before...but Cindy has raved about it every time she is down this way. It is one of our new favorite places!! It was a Saturday night...the place was packed and it still was only 5-10 minutes till we were seated. The food was awesome!!! We will be headed back that way soon!!!! LOL

All in all...it was a wonderful weekend....and a much needed break. A good friend stayed with my hubby and they had a great visit too...which made it much easier for me to go away. Just an added note when looking for a Christmas gift to give....if you know of someone that is a caretaker for a parent, spouse, disabled child.....the gift of time is priceless. If you can do something to give them a few hours to just shop, sleep, read, get their nails done......it is one of those simple things that can do so much to revive their spirits.

Hope you all are having a fun week!!!!
Hugs to you,

Debbie

Smoke Rise Show...Continues.....

Thought I would jump in and give you some more pictures from our weekend....

We arrived at the hotel (which as I said before, the people were great)...dropped our stuff off and did a little shopping at the T.J.Maxx across the street. Can I just share that I truly feel the love for old T.J....just love this store, and the great thing is I have taught my son well, because he has quickly figured out that if he has to do clothes shopping....money goes alot further there than trying to shop at the "big buck" stores.

Anyway....we found the school, the set up was really well organized and we found the room that we were assigned...this is how it looked to start with...

Ok...I admit this didn't look promising to begin with!!! LOL We shared this room with two other vendors..so we divided the space up and began putting our booth together...

I didn't think the booth turned out to bad considering this is the first time that Hope and I have done a road trip and pulled it together at the last minute to do this set up!!!

I TRIED to get a decent picture of my son to share as he was a great help this weekend...instead I got the "mom please don't take a picture or I will make a really stupid face" photo. Yep, that's the one!!! LOL

Once we left...we decided to have dinner at their local Outback...which is one of our favorite resturants. Sadly, we did carryout and it turned into a disaster....nothing like what we ordered and the gal that I called to see if we could get it corrected...gave me the "So?" response...I was not happy!!! I will say, I called the manager the next day...I wasn't mad, but if I had an employee treat a customer that way, I would want to know. That is how I approached it and he could not have been any nicer....we had a great conversation and I would definately go back there when we return next year. I truly think it pays to let them know if something is wrong...but handle it in the right way....it makes all the difference in the world.

The next morning...the crowd started in...

It was a great day...and I will share photos of some of my friends and their booths tomorrow!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Can You Help.....Cookie Idea...

PLEASE GO TO THE DECEMBER 18 POST COMMENT AREA TO POST YOUR COOKIE RECIPES FOR THE DRAWING!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PLAYING ALONG AND SHARING YOUR GREAT RECIPES!!!!

Almost forgot....
For the last couple of years, I have wanted to host a cookie exchange here at my house..but something has always come up to keep my plans from going forward. So this year, I would love to host one with the wonderful women of blogland. As something fun we can give each other.

In the time I have been here...I have found great recipes, decorating ideas, fashion and more from your blogs...so as a thank you, I would like to host this cookie exchange.

Come by the blog on Friday, December 19 and leave your favorite Christmas cookie recipe. We can all share in the great recipes from your home.

And for those that participate....there could be a fun drawing for a special gift. I would appreciate it if you would promote this on your blogs...the more the merrier!!!
Thanks so much!!!!!!
Debbie

A little sidetrip

Hi All....
I am not going to have time this evening for our further adventures in Atlanta, I will work on that for tomorrow....
But we are "Madea" fans at our house...and I will leave you with a little taste....
(understand.....this is not biblical and we know it....sadly, this is probably someone's interpretation....this is strictly for fun)

Hugs,
Debbie

A Wonderful Weekend....

We had a great trip and a wonderful weekend...I have lots of fun stuff to share, cuz you know everytime we go out it is an adventure of sorts!!! LOL

This first picture was the view from our rearview mirror...we were packed to the hilt and not much room to put another thing!!!!

So we stop at Taco Bell for caffiene fortification....and then hit the road. As we are driving through a small town not far from home...Zach (who is driving) says, "You did see the ostrich didn't you?" To which I am thinking...what the heck did they put in his soda????? LOL
Apparently, he figured out what I was thinking and quickly said, "No really...well, maybe not an ostrich, but one of those emu things." Ok, now I am concerned....
So we whip the car around and head back to the filling station that said emu is hanging out at....and sure enough...here he is. Now you know the only reason that we turned around was:

a. Zach wanted to prove he wasn't crazy

b. not knowing how the weekend was going to go...this could possibly be the only blog worthy item on the whole trip!!!

Now after the siting and a whole National Geographic photo shoot we decided to do...I call my husband to tell him, thinking he would get a good laugh out of this....no, he is mad that we didn't call someone. Ok folks...the EMU was at a FILLING STATION. And I didn't have phone numbers for any of his relatives.....geez!!

We head on down the road.....lots of laughs and luckily no mishaps or Elephants at the side of the road...but we did find Atlanta traffic...

We finally made it to our hotel room at the Comfort Inn....we loved this place, staff was great, room was wonderful and the bed was really comfy!!!

Well...I need to run...I will share more later...
Hugs,
Debbie

Finishing Up....

I am busy doing the last minute stuff to get ready for this weekend....here are a couple of pictures of what I am finishing up this morning...LOVE this guy!!!!!

I plan to take lots of pictures and hopefully, have some great "stories" to tell from the weekend!!! My son has a new I-Phone and promises with it's GPS we will be able to get there with no problems....yeah, I have heard that before!!! LOL

Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

What A Great Idea!!!

Yes, I KNOW I am suppose to be slaving away on craft stuff to get ready for the weekend...but I had to take a break...browse through a few blogs. Well, I found a blog that was posting a "favorite food swap"...what a great idea. And trust me, I may steal it to do here after the holidays!!!

I was just complaining to a friend about not having a Trader Joe's or some of the other great stores I hear about in my area. I plan to find a TJ's when I hit Atlanta this weekend....so what a fun idea to be able to trade items with someone...things that are special to your area. Click on the picture and go check it out....should be lots of fun!!!!

Now back to the glue gun!!
Hugs,
Deb

Sneak Peek....

Doing the HAPPY DANCE!!!

I was just notified this morning that I won this adorable snowman!!! Isn't he great???? And how perfect for my snowman entryway!
I am been a fan of Susan's for awhile...so to have one of her pieces is wonderful!!!
Thanks Susan for this great giveaway.....
I will post pictures when he has a new home here!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Drumroll Please......

It's time to announce the winner:

makeetis

brewerchickey78@yahoo.com

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

I have sent you an email for your mailing info...

A few notes about the contest...
This was my first giveaway...and it was hard. So many of you left such kind notes about the blog and the items that I make, I wanted to send everyone something!!!
So keep watching the blog...as I would like to do another giveaway in the near future...and I have talked with my business partner and we will be doing one shortly for Folkheart my other business.

Thank you again for your support....for signing on to be friends of Creative Heart. I hope to have lots of fun, creative things to offer you in the coming new year!!!

HUGS to you all....
Debbie