November PTA board

During our last PTA meeting I had everyone trace their hand and write what they were thankful for.

 It was simple but fun.

The hands became the turkey feathers.

See simple, but cute.

Now to figure out Decembers.....

Thanksgiving Placecards

My sweet friend asked me to help her make place cards for her family Thanksgiving dinner she's hosting again this year. 

She shared an idea from Pinterest. Simple yet fun. It originally came from Eighteen25 guest posting on the Idea Room

 Thanks to photo shop we were able to have our own little version within just a short time. Kaylyn insisted I share so that you all may have some fun too. So here you are. Just cut it down the long side and fold. Then insert your napkin and utensils. What a simple fun way to add a personal touch to your no-china needed family dinner. Choose one or choose both! I think they would look great in a basket right next to your plates.

 Give Thanks place cards

Thanksgiving place cards

If you like what you see, let me know. I love to hear from you. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mini Pumpkin pies

 These are the miny pumpkin pies in a muffin tin. How to make it all you need is some pie crust is an a can of pumpkin pie filling. What you must do is role your dough out; then take a cup or something big enough to make circles in your dough to have them fit your muffin tin.

Here I am using a turkey baster to take my pumpkin pie (follow can instructions) filling to fill the crusts which have been inserted in the greased muffin tin.

 I had to shoo my brothers away before they ate the mix before it was cooked.

 This is the final product of your effort. If you are wondering what to use the rest for use it for anything. I just put it in pie plates and cooked it.

I found this on pinterest. It is in mom's food board.

The original recipe is from Make-n-Takes

Just for Kaylyn

Ok, dear friend. I know you check this regularly and since I have to work all weekend...And since I never remember such things without making a note...I thought I'd post this just for you. Wouldn't this be easy peasy and fun for the little ones at your Thanksgiving dinner? Pine cones just up the canyon, what a fun little trip for you and G. while the girls are in dance! Or get some cinnamon pine cones for added scents.

Whadya think?

Kids Thanksgiving table decor

Sorry, I can't post a picture from another blog here at work....

Turkey Block: project 45 of 52

My friend and I enjoyed a great day of crafting as we continue to prep for her great hosting of Thanksgiving dinner for her in-laws. We made our Turkey's from 2x4 blocks that I shared in my last post. I had everything already so these little guys cost us $0!

We were so excited at how our turkeys turned out.

For her table decor she will have fall garland down the center with various gords and these trees...

She will also have bowls of goodies to snack on...

In the meantime I am transforming my house into a holiday treasure. I love to decorate for Christmas and am running a bit behind this year. It is also taking a bit longer. Last year I, thankfully, labeled each bin by room and briefly what was in it. The problem this year is we have a different house with less finished living space (still working on that) so I have to decide how and what to use.

Oh, but never fear, I will have it done by Thanksgiving!

The lights outside went on for the first time tonight. That has also been a bit of a kunumdrum. Before we had lots of beautiful trees to lite up so we have very little free standing decor. Now, just our baby trees. Guess I will get to go shopping for Christmas decor. Good thing the shopping for presents is nearly done; just pj's and stocking stuffers left to get! The UPS and FedEx guys are learning our address quite well thanks to PYP and online shopping!

How is your holiday plans coming?

Holiday craft ideas....

I love this turkey...and I think I already have all the supplies....

From UCreate: guest post

And I think there is a perfects spot on my counter for this...

 from I heart naptime

Pumpkin Bars

I found this recipe in a Kraft magazine several years ago. We love pumpkin pie and this is right up there with it. Yummy and Easy! Just the way I like it. So for a great desert for Thanksgiving day give it a try. You could easily make it ahead of time and stick it in the freezer or fridge...

Pumpkin Pie Bars

1 1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar (divided)

3/4 cup cold butter or margarine

1 cup quick oats

1/2 cup nuts

1 pkg cream cheese

3 eggs

15 oz pumpkin

1 Tb pumpkin pie spice

Preheat oven to 350

Mix flour, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup sugar in bowl. Cut in butter and mix until crumbles. Stir in oats and nuts. Reserve 1 cup of mixture. Press remaining mixture into 9x13 pan. Bake 15 minutes.

Beat cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, pumpkin and spice. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 25 minutes.

I used pecans. My dad is severely allergic to walnuts so I always cook with pecans. I don't remember what the original recipe called for but really- does it make a big difference? Not for us! ;-)

I always make notes in my cookbooks or with my favorite recipes. I'm glad I did with this one because for some reason written down it looks more detailed than it is. I'm always amazed at how quick and easy this comes together.

Plus, another cooking straight from my pantry recipe!

Thanksgiving Dinner Decor: Nametags

Project 43 of 52

I have found I love to decorate- especialy someone elses house. I stew and fret and never seem to make my own thoughts come to fruition for my house but when I think of someone elses...the ideas come like crazy and everything seems to just fall together. So imagine my delight when my friend mentioned she would be hosting all of her in-laws for the big day. She wants to make it extra special and have that WOW power. Of course that sent me to the blogs. I knew I had seen some great ideas. Just a bit of blog surfing added to my own creativity and I think we have come up with some great ideas to do on a penny pinchers budget! We are talking, after all of a Thanksgiving dinner with little ones running around. Oh, don't worry I will share each idea as we complete them. It may be a bit late for your 2010 spread but maybe not. At any rate you might have some ideas to tuck away for next year. Of course, with my friend's great planning ahead you may find lots of time to still do it for this year....

Here is our simple, yet lovely nametags.....

I used George and Basics on my Cricuit to cut the tags. The letters are Opposites Attract. I love the glitter paper. It is a very thick cardstock. I had to use a new blade and put the highest pressure and depth on to get the cut. Then we still had to trim them a bit but I like the added strength. Add a gromet, ribbon, and a fall leave. Then we cut each of the letter outs for all the guest names. I would recommend welding the letters together if you have that ability. It took quite a while to glue the little letters on. Now she can set them up against the glasses, lay them on the plates, or tie it around the napkin whichever she wants. 

The only problem I see is that her family might be so impressed she will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner every year. Just so she is warned....

I LOVE THEM!

What do you think?

Thanksgiving ideas and more....

My dear friend has the great honor of hosting her inlaws for Thanksgiving and mentioned the stress of coming up with decor and name tag ideas. Of course being the blogger I am becoming and finding it easier to do someone elses decor than my own I searched for some ideas for her. There are lots of fun Thanksgiving ideas out there right now. Tempts me just a wee bit to decorate my own house with some of them. BUT as anyone who knows me knows, Halloween comes down and Christmas goes up. I love Christmas and everything about it!

So with that, Kaylyn, here is what I found just for you! Of course I have to help you. Of course we will have to go shopping the craft store for supplies, paper, felt etc. And of course I know where some coupons are for Micheals. We are going to have a ball!! :-)

Craft ideas from Thrifty Decor Chic

Printables on Tatertots and Jello

Blessing Board tutorial from Tatertots and Jello

Lots more ideas here at Tatertots and Jello

I especially like this one from Thrive

Thanksgiving banner at Organize and Decorate everything

Cabinet decor at Organize and Decorate everything

Thanksgiving decor at Oraganize and Decorate everything 

Paper crafts from Eighteen25

Here's a great Christmas gift idea from I heart Naptime. Although I don't know if I would make the marshmallows, I might just fill with fun ones.

Wouldn't these crayons from Whatever be great for a teachers gift?!