Plain 'ole Vanilla

Move over chocolate, when I saw this post at Design Mom, I knew I had to share it! If you're looking for creative gifts to give co-workers, neighbors, friends...anyone really, this is perfect! She has posted a tutorial on how to make vanilla, and has included sources, and links to labels (just print, cut, peel, and stick). There is also tutorials in her post on making vanilla sugar, and vanilla almonds...YUM!

Edible Winter Wreath

I'm not sure if you've strolled the holiday decor aisles, but they are unusually full this year. It's true, holiday decor is a pure luxury, and these days, one would think luxuries were going out of style. So if you have found yourself scaling back this season, I have good news for you! No need to spend a fortune on a holiday wreath (or go without) when you can make a lovely one! You can find instructions for the cookie wreath pictured above here (scroll down a bit) at Fancy Flours. Now you don't have to rush out and get fancy cookie cutters or decorations...I challenge you to use what you have. A cookie wreath would be equally adorable made from round cookie cutters, even a hodge-podge of different ones. Happy decorating!

Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?

I absolutely love runway. It all started when I was a little girl, and my mom took me to a runway show. I have been captivated ever since. Victoria's Secret is known for having arguably the most incredible runway shows of all, so you can bet I tuned into CBS tonight to soak up the all creativity and be inspired. If you've missed it, there is a beautiful clip on their site here. The wings, the pink and black, the feathers, the sparkles, the fluff, the glamor... But I'm left with one question, how do they get nothing but their boobs to jiggle?

Eli, No!

Oh, I wish I could remember where I learned about this book! Anyway, it's worth sharing and posting, so lets not let my memory get in the way.

Katie Kirk has added the most precious book to her Flickr photostream, called Eli, No! It's an adorable story about a dog, Eli, who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Many who have had puppies will quickly relate! More than the story, I love her illustrations. Click through and enjoy...hopefully one of these days we can buy a published copy! What a great gift for kiddos!

Let there be light!

While browsing the archives at Design Sponge, I found this sweet chandelier painted directly on the wall. Couldn't tell at first, could ya? No need for an electrician or a spendy light fixture...just a can of paint and a steady hand (or if you don't have one, bribe a friend who does)! This has got my wheels churning for sure! You could paint a fireplace, light fixtures flanking a couch or buffet, or even paint an ornate frame behind a simple picture or mirror. Or what about that narrow space that really needs a little something, but isn't big enough? Paint on a nice table with a lamp silhouette, and maybe with a nice chair to the side. I'm not sure if in my rant I've stopped making sense... Anyway, find the original post, full of more DIY goodies here.