I HEART the Dollar Tree

Last night I ran, literally, into the Dollar Tree to pick up one item.  I told myself I could spend no more than five dollars (plus tax of course) or knowing myself, I'd end up with a bunch of stuff stuck in a drawer unused.  I'm pretty proud of my purchases...

This is another one of those "why didn't I think of that?" kind of things.  I'm going to use these to tie my garland on my staircase and other places around my house.  Love it!

Now, I'm generally not a big fan of glitter, but I really liked these little reindeer.  It's hard to see in the picture but they have these cute little bells around the neck.

Number 3, Mistletoe.  I usually buy the real thing, but I'm really trying to cut corners this  year with my purchases.  So, I think I'll take off that yucky red ribbon and those horendous bells, stick a new, beautiful ribbon on top and hang it from a doorway...no one will ever know!  SHHHH!

Next up, these little guys...



The picture doesn't do them justice but they are really awesome. I think I'm going to use them for a new wreath I'm working on inspired  by...

this darling Refurbished Wreath from The Little Apartment.

And last but not least,

..this little foam wreath...I bought it to make a book wreath.  A dollar!  My favorite part!

So, enjoy your Tuesday, and run, run, run to The Dollar Tree!

Joy~~~~~~~

Weekend fun!

What a weekend!  I hope everyone had a wonderful THANKSGIVING!  The girls and I (and Connor) made a quick getaway to Columbus to stay with my sister-in-law and visit with my other sister-in-law who came to visit too.  We were busy but had tons of fun!  On Friday evening we had a birthday party for the birthday cousins...both turning 4 within a few weeks of  each other
(terrible pic but what can I say, they're still adorable!)

On Saturday morning, my most amazing and wonderful sisters-in-law watched Connor while the chicks and I stole away to Easton (NOTE TO SELF:  ALWAYS visit Easton during an OHIO STATE home game...it was a GHOST TOWN!)  They had $$ to spend for Christmas and birthdays so we went to Forever 21 and across the hall, what to my wondering eyes should appear but...

AHHH, yes, H & M!  I hate shopping when I have no money :( but oh my gosh, it was fun to look!  I want one of everything, thank you!

Later in the afternoon, we made a trip to the Columbus Zoo.  (Okay, this is where I admit I'm not the biggest zoo fan in the world, but the park was decorated beautifully and the animals were very active and the kids had a great time! I would definitely do that again in the winter....you might think about it yourself...fun trip, but BUNDLE UP! BRRRRRR!)

The chicks at the park entrance...so adorable even freezing cold!

My sis's in law with their cutie pies!

K-man on the train...what a smile!

And Connor all bundled up!

I had to include this little guy...or girl....?

He/she/it was so sweet and kept sticking his nose through the fence to see the baby.  I thought about our sweet little Jesus and how the Bible says the animals were there gathered around him.  I wonder if they knew?....

Anyway, we had a fabulous time, it just gives me a little of the Monday morning blues because it makes me miss everyone.

Last night, however, no blues at all... My Kel BO and I had a little naughty shower for Jerica (maybe not aforementioned but she has been my RIGHT HAND, and arm, and foot and eye for the last 6 years!  I always introduce her as my children's mother).  Well, anyway, she's GETTING MARRIED SATURDAY so a little ornery was needed....

Is she a doll, or what?  I love that she has such fun wherever she is and with whatever she does.  I love you Jer!
Speaking of Jerica, no one loves shoes as much as I quite like her so I'm inspired to show you these...

I found these at Kohl's on clearance while I was there shopping for Lydia.  I know, I'm awful, but they were $11!!!.  Doesn't everyone need a pair of pewter oxfords with ribbon ties for the season?  Come on , you know it was a great way to spend $11 :) 

And lastly, (you can tell it's been a while), I made a little change in my living room with the book shelf.  I should have a before picture, but I don't.  This is after I changed all the books around so you can see only the pages not the spines.  I love the effect, the whites and ivorys with less color.  Those shelves have always been a thorn in my flesh, but I think I might be happier now...

What do you think?  I think I'll take out that scalloped center decorative piece above the window.  That window is tiny and I'm thinking of sticking a bamboo roller shade on it.  I'll let you know how it turns out...

Hope your week is wonderful!

Joy~~~~~~~



Tis' the Season for Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Cream CheeseFrosting

It was a dark and stormy night...oh wait, that really isn't relevant...Actually, it was dark and stormy and I had seen this recipe on FoodNetwork the night before.  On my way home, I called to see if I had all the ingredients to make these yummy things and Hallelujah! I did.  I needed something to begin putting me in a festive mood.  I think these have done it! 

I took this recipe from Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Icing from the episode, "Potluck Thanksgiving".  I've changed it up a bit just simplifiying it some (leaving out the rum-soaked raisins...not a favorite).  I think they are absolutely wonderful AND they make your whole house smell truly delicious!  Hope you try them...let me know!

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Icing

For the cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

¼ pound (1 stick)  butter
1 cup unsulfured molasses
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1½ teaspoons grated orange zest (this makes all the difference in the world!  Don't skip it!)

1 teaspoon of vanilla (I added this)

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Place the butter and molasses in a small pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cool for 5 minutes, then mix in the sour cream and orange zest.  Sift the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together into a small bowl. Mix with your hand until combined. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture and mix only until smooth. (this part is important!)


 
For the frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Mix the cream cheese, butter, orange zest and vanilla in a mixer.  Add confectioners sugar until well blended. 

Enjoy!

Joy~~~~~~~

Innntrooooducing...

I'd like to introduce you to someone quite little and quite special that has become a part of our lives.  His name is Connor...

Connor is a very special little boy who comes to stay with us.  Connor lives with his mother and grandmother, but like all of us, sometimes, they need a little help, so, that's where we come in! 

He adds such joy to our already blessed lives and we enjoy getting to help him grow and develop.  We don't know exactly what the Lord has in store for Connor and our family, but we are certainly anticipating good things because, that's the promise--that His plan is always good!

Hoping good things for you today!

Joy~~~~~~~

SPOOK-TACULAR!

The girls and I had a "bootiful" and very busy weekend.  Our trick-or-treat was on a weeknight.  Who wouldn't want to see this lovely treater when they came to my door?...


Note Gracie, our Golden, standing in the background wondering why SHE can't be a part of the "goings ons". 

Dinner with friends that needed to be caught up with came later in the weekend, an awesome service at NewSong church on Sunday morning, saying goodbye to a dear sister in Christ's husband (Kathy--who just lost her father 3 weeks ago...I'm so thankful that "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted, Psalm 34:8) and trying to get to bed early last night!  What a weekend!

Here's hoping and praying you have a wonderful, first-of-November week!

Joy~~~~~~~