a few of my favorite things

(I still don't get why that is considered a Christmas song...)

I thought I'd showcase some of my favorite things from the last month or two. First, our neighbors gave us a little shelf. It was plain and unfinished but well made and Tyler needed just the thing in his room. Here it is.

Well, I had to spiff it up a little and I'm always up for a craft so I used paint, paper, and mod podge - you know, the essentials - and came up with this. I added some banana-leaf containers for toys and it's just perfect. Can't beat free! (I know it's kinda hard to see, but use your imaginations... the paint is brown and the paper is blue with brown stars.)

After getting all your input on a color for our door...6 months ago, we finally got that done. And sticking to our previous theme of "hiring out," we had a friend's painter come and paint it for us. It took 2 days but looks incredible. We are thrilled with how it turned out. It almost looks too nice for our house. (Picture is a little cloudy.)

My aunt makes these cute beaded watch bracelets. As is natural for me, I have to discover how to do all things "cute" myself. So, I did. We did an Enrichment night making them and I have lots of extras that I can use as gifts or use for myself. In fact, I think I'll do a giveaway sometime soon (like, in the next week) so be sure to check back. Does that sound fun?

Lastly, I decided to do a "cookie swap" at my house this year. I feel like December is CRAZY (and if you saw my schedule for this week you would be as tired as me) every year but I think it's a great idea to have an excuse for a girls' night out. And, what husband would object to his wife making cookies, leaving for an hour, and then bringing home tons of different kinds?! Win-win if you ask me. Yum. We had about 30 people, tons of different cookies, and lots of fun. No pictures though.

Now I can relax a little. I love Christmastime!