this and that

[image via cstar events]

I'm storing this idea in the "fun party ideas" section of my brain. These would be perfect for Easter, birthdays, and even New Years!

Tuesday night was spent chasing Santa Claus through the neighborhoods so the kids (and I) could sit on his lap (I refrained from doing this) to tell him what we want for Christmas. We also made beautiful gingerbread houses using gumdrops, peppermint pinwheels, m&m's, smarties, jelly beans, and sugary frosting for snow... all while listening and singing to the Christmas genre station on Pandora. Love me some Pandora! Oh, and I bet our gingerbread houses are more personalized than yours! Geneva built a mailbox on her house and Christian and Nicolas built dandelions (they are fascinated by dandelions ever since I showed them one the other day) and candy bushes and trees.  

Sneak peak at one of the many handmade or hand painted gifts I'm giving friends and family this Christmas! I used Pebeo Porcelaine 150 outliner paint on porcelain mugs from CB2. 

Do it!: 

1. make sure your mug is clean and dry.

2. paint whatever design you want! (i'm personalizing each mug based on the person I'm giving it to).

3. once you've finished painting, let it dry for 24 hours.

4. bake your mug for 35 minutes at 300 to 325 degrees F. 

5. after baking, turn off the oven and leave the mug inside until it has gradually cooled to room temp.

6. mug is now dishwasher safe with a rad design! drink up folks!

[images via society 6]

If you're an art enthusiast, into creative designs and juxtapositions, or want a cool sight to browse through on your lunch break, check out Society6! They have really sweet artwork created by thousands of artists from around the world! Find a print you like? Get it framed, put on an iPhone case, laptop skin, t-shirt, or sweatshirt! The possibilities are endless. I personally LOVE the "Scales" iPhone cover designed by Steven Womack and the "Whimsical Balloons" laptop skin designed by Laura Ruth!

[image via pinterest]

Made some the other day except I used shelled pumpkin seeds from the bulk bins at Whole Foods. 

Do it!: 

1. put about a cup of shelled pumpkin seeds in a ziploc bag and pour 1 tbsp. of olive oil and 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce into the bag. 

2. shake the bag until the seeds are covered with oil and soy sauce.

3. line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread the seeds on the sheet.

4. bake the seeds at 400 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes. Don't overcook because the seeds brown easily!!

5. Let cool for 5 minutes.

6. Enjoy as a snack on its own, on salads, fish, greens, and rice!

nom nom nom!