Blog Hop & Pick your Plum Giveaway....

Are you ready for this? Today's Creative Headquarters Blog Hop is sponsored by none other than Pick Your Plum!

We are so excited to be able to giveaway a $50 Pick Your Plum Grab Box to one of our lucky readers this week {just in time for a little holiday crafting}!

Just look at some of the fantastic products they've offered this past year...

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below {and good luck}!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s get on to the hopping, shall we? Remember, follow all four hosts plus the honorary co-hosts {there are a few this week}, and pretty please share our button via your blog, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. The more exposure the party gets, the more exposure you get. Plus, you get to meet even more amazing new friends, and that’s truly what it’s all about!

**Note: This is a blog hop, not a link party. Link up your blog homepage using an image such as your blog button, and write your blog name in the “name” field. Links containing projects and individual pages will unfortunately be deleted.

We also wanted to let you know this is also our last CHQ Blog Hop for 2012. We will be taking a short break to enjoy the next few weeks with family and friends this holiday season. Make sure to check back with your co-hosts often as we've got some exciting announcements coming your way in January!

Remember, if you are a new follower, please leave me a comment so I can thank you!

Remembrance.....

My heart goes out to each and every family affected by the senseless event in Newtown, CT.  I am saddened by this event and at a loss for words.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

My friend Sarah shared this quote on her facebook page and I think that it is an important reminder that even when evil strikes....there are good people in this world.   Thank you Sarah for sharing this.

 "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." -Mister Rogers

Virtual Cookie Exchange

For some reason, as I site here and think of what to write to introduce this post, the only thing that comes to mind is the cookie monster singing "C is for Cookie".....too much Sesame Street these days?  Perhaps....Too many cookies these days???  NEVER!!  Every Christmas my girlfriends and I take turns hosting a cookie exchange - it's one of my favourite traditions and the fact that every single one of them is an excellent baker is just icing on the cake (or cookie in this case - sorry couldn't resist!) 

This year, one of my BBF's (aka Best Blogger Friends) Meredith from Wait till your Father gets Home asked if I'd like to participate in a Virtual Cookie Exchange!  Ummm, heck ya!!  What a great idea....and a fun way to share one of my favourite Christmas Traditions with all of you!

So without further delay, here are my melt in your mouth, easy peasy, I've already eaten six of these as I type this post, MARSHMELLOW CHOCOLATE SQUARES!! 

These are some of my favourite cookies and I make these every year!   If you are participating in a cookie exchange this year, I highly recommend these since they not only taste great but they freeze really well too:)

Marshmellow Chocolate Squares
1 package chocolate chipits
1 package butterscotch chipis
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 butter or margarine
2 cups mini marshmellows
shredded coconut

-Put all ingredients (except coconut and marshmellows) in a double boiler and melt - make sure you stir often.  Once everything has melted, remove from stove and let it cool.  Once it is cool, add marshmellows (you can also add chopped nuts, but I opted not too!)

-Spread batter into a buttered 9x9 pan.  Sprinkle with shreaded coconut.  Cool in refridgerator.

-ENJOY and prepare yourself to be showered with compliments from all who try one of these squares! 

Want to see some more baking goodness?  Well, click on the links below to visit my BBF's, once again my mouth is watering at all the goodies these ladies have shared:)  I hope you'll check out some other fabulous cookie recipes to try this holiday season from some very talented bloggers!

Andes Mint Cookies from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Snowman Oreo Truffles from Repeat Crafter Me

Cereal Wreaths from Bear Rabbit Bear

Mocha Cookies from One Artsy Mama

Christmas Mice from Happy Hour Projects

Mars Bars Squares from Becoming Martha

Thin Mint Cookies from Create.Craft.Love

Soft Gingersnaps w/Pumpkin Dipping Sauce from Ladybird Ln

Marshmallow Chocolate Squares from Jessie Street Designs

Peppermint Bark from Wait 'Til Your Father Gets Home

Spiced Chocolate Bark from Chase the Star

Dressing for the Holiday Season!

I'm thrilled once again to have my sister here today with another post on fashion trends.  Today, she's sharing with us ideas on how to dress for a small variety of Christmas functions.....off to you Christine!

forever 21 skirtsDress / Chunky knit cardigan / High neck blouse / GUESS low rise jeans / Forever 21 skirt / SPANX , $51 / Indigo by Clarks genuine leather boots / American Eagle Outfitters / J.Crew j crew / Kenneth Jay Lane red ring / Stella & Dot / House of Harlow 1960 bangle bracelet / Girls' Fair Isle Sequin Sweater

Hello Jessie Street readers!

It's that time of year- eggnog, hot chocolate, christmas music and most importantly holiday get togethers! So to help you get into the spirit and shop a little for yourself I have put together a collage of outfits that may come in handy for any holiday gathering you have this season

First up is a casual Christmas with the family. These fair isle sweaters are everywhere this season and would be perfect for the casual christmas with the family, opening gifts under the tree and chasing the little ones. Add a fun silver cuff bracelet to finish off the look and make it a little bit more polished.

Second would be for a Christmas lunch with your girlfriends. Take your summer dress, add some tights and a chunky boyfriend sweater with ankle booties and you are good to go. To add a little festivity add a funky cocktail ring

And the final ensemble would be ideal for an office Christmas party. Here is an amazing skirt that I am loving from Forever 21 (plus the price point is not to shabby either). For those that don't like to dress in sparkly sweaters or dresses, I think lace is a nice way to add texture but stay elegant and festive at the same time. If you want add some sparkly, add it with your earrings or clutch.

Whatever your plans are this holiday season, have fun, enjoy yourself and drink responsibly - wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas!
Christine

Let the Decorating BEGIN!!!

Hello friends...how are ya?? Is anyone else excited about Christmas decorating, Christmas cards, Christmas baking, Christmas get togethers with friends and family, Christmas carols, Christmas crafting and Christmas shopping - I SURE AM!! Although we aren't putting the tree up until the weekend, I have been adding a few decorations here and there throughout the house...just to get everyone in the Christmas spirit:)

Yesterday, my son and I took a little trip to Fabricland and found these adorable pine cone stars....now I know that some of my super crafty friends could whip something like this up in a matter of minutes, but with a price tag of $3 a star (regularly $20 - not kidding, $20!!) and let's be honest here - my limited crafting skills... I couldn't pass it up.

I could have used these stars as is (there was already a sliver ribbon attached to it), but most of my Christmas decorations are red, and I knew that I had some leftover red and white gingham fabric from IKEA that would be perfect.

So, I cut off the silver ribbon from the stars, cut my gingham fabric into stripes, heated up the glue gun and started gluing. This whole project took less than 10 minutes and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Doesn't the red and white gingham add so much more to the star???  I had thought about adding some additional embellishments, but I really like the simplicity of this and think that if I added anything else, it might be TOO much.  I can't wait to share more Christmas decorating, gift ideas and recipes over the next few weeks - Tis' the Season!!! 

Thanksgiving Dinner - Blogger Style!

Hello Friends! And welcome to Thanksgiving Dinner - Blogger Style!!!  Even though I celebrated Thanksgiving over a month ago (I'm Canadian!) I was asked to participate in a Virtual Thanksgiving dinner with my BBF's - (aka - Best Blog Friends!!)  In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, I would like to take a minute to acknowledge how incredibly lucky I am to have met these women  - it is one of the greatest things that has come out of this blog for me and I am so honoured call them friends:)

For our Virtual Thanksgiving, I am contributing two easy peasy appetizers.  These apps are not only easy to put together but can be made ahead of time, so you can step away from the kitchen while the turkey and side dishes are cooking and enjoy some time with your guests!

The first appetizer is a cheese tray.  For me, cheese trays are a staple whenever guests come over.  They are great because you can offer a variety of foods that can be found in your fridge and pantry (perfect for unexpected guests), they look impressive and take no time at all to assemble.

For this cheese tray, I raided my fridge and pulled together an assortment of grapes, old cheddar cheese, olives, mixed nuts, marble cheese, costini and MacLaren's Imperial Sharp Cold Pack cheese.  Then I arranged it on wood cutting board and served it with a  bottle of wine and sparkling water - simple, laid back entertaining at it's best!

The next appetizer is going to knock your socks off - it is DELICIOUS...and I'm warning you... from the moment you serve this, your friends and family will be requesting you to make this at every gathering!   

Hot Cheese Dip

1/2 an onion (chopped)
1 cup Hellmans Mayonaise
1 cup old cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 tsp butter

Preheat oven to 350.  Sautee onions in butter (until translucent) Add mayonaise and cheese.  Heat until cheese is melted.  Trasnfer to a oven safe serving dish (I used a french onion soup bowl).  If you are serving immediately let it cook (uncovered) in the oven for 20 minutes.  If you are serving later...cool, cover and refridgerate until ready to cook.
Serve with your favourite crackers.  Enjoy your delicious appetizer and prepare yourself - everyone is going to think that you are an Appetizer Rockstar!!!

Curious to see what else is cookin' in the virtual kitchen?? Well, you're all invited to our dinner, stop by the links below and see what my friends are cooking!  Warning - it will make your mouth water:)





Leaf Placecard Tutorial at One Artsy Mama



Cheeseball Appetizer at Create.Craft.Love (left)
and Hot Cheese Dip and Cracker Tray at Jessie Street Designs (right)



Tips For Cooking a Perfect Turkey at Ladybird Ln. (right)
and Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes at Artsy Fartsy Mama (left)



Save oven space with Repeat Crafter Me's Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole (left)
Cranberry Marshmallow Salad at Happy Hour Projects (center)
Cheddar Tea Biscuits at Becoming Martha (right)




Classic Warm Apple Crisp at Chase the Star (left)
Seven Alive's Favorite Pumpkin Pie (right)




Turkey Cookies at Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts (left)
Pilgrim Hat Cookies at Wait Til Your Father Gets Home (right)



It's finally happening - NEW FLOORS AND STAIRS!!!

Hello Everyone - Hope that you are having a fabulous weekend:) We've been super busy
preparing our house for new flooring and painted stair railings - I am thrilled!  This has been something that I've wanted to get done since we moved in EIGHT.YEARS.AGO!!!  That's how we roll around here - eight years it's taken....eight long years and I can finally say goodbye to my pink and grey carpet - WHOOOHOOO!

Earlier this week, we recruited the help of my father in-law and our dear friend to help my husband remove the carpet and baseboards in three bedrooms and stairway. It already looks so much better.... We've decided to put laminate hardwood in the bedrooms and carpet on the stairs and hallway.  

After living with bare floors and bare stairs for almost a week, a few days a day...it occured to me that NOW (before the carpet goes in) would be the perfect time to update the oak handrails and spindles on the stairs (pretty quick aren't I!!!) So, I did a little rescheduling of contractors and asked my dad to help me prepare the stairs for painting and patch a few walls - we'll have a newly updated staircase before you know it;)

Here's a little glimpse of what we're working on, stairs will be painted this week and the carpet will be installed by Thursday.  I am thinking of painting the spindles white and hand rails black....what do you think, should I do that or do you have another suggestion for me - I'd love to know!