Enjoying My Time Off

The hubby and I were playing a game of cribbage last night and I realized something kind of amazing about my unemployment situation: now I have A LOT of free time. There are so many little projects that I've put on hold in recent months because I was just too busy with work, the house, church or neighborhood activities, etc. Now I have all the time in the world to focus on them. In fact, I'm going to tackle one unfinished project every day until I'm gainfully employed again. Why not, right? 

So what's first on my list?  Today it's a combination of things. I'm going to hang Christmas lights on our front porch, using a ladder, a staple gun, and any other dangerous tools the job calls for. After that, I'm finally going to get this apple crisp recipe pulled together. I've been salivating over it for weeks and it just sounds like the right thing to eat on a cold winter day. If it turns out okay, I'll share pictures with you!

Ta-da!  (Let's hope I can do a better job than this.)

Holiday Apple Centerpieces

We're hosting a few holiday gatherings in the coming weeks and I'm looking for cute, cost-effective ideas for decorating our dining room table. Apple centerpieces seem to be popping up all over Pinterest this year and given the popularity of them in Washington state, I think they'd make for a great solution. Now which one to go with... I like them all!

Via Finding Home Online

Via Hanna's Charming Christmas

Unknown source

Via Tangled Up in Knots

Easy Halloween Boa Wreath

Who cares if it's only October 3rd? I'm getting into the Halloween spirit this week with decorations.

I love this idea from Simply This and That featuring a wreath made out of a black boa and Halloween knick-knacks picked up from Michaels. It sounds like it only takes minutes to make which means I may have a fun craft project on my hands this week! (I'll be sure to post results.)

Globes Galore

Lately, I've had a major sense of wanderlust which may explain why I'm so drawn to these amazing repurposed globe projects.  Aren't they fascinating? I love it when something ordinary takes on a new, inspirational form.

1.  Clock - Dishfunctional Designs
2.  Night Lights/Art - Positive Ponderings
3.  Disco Ball - Six Axle
4.  Grill - Inhabitat.com
5.  Bowl - Rose of Sharon Blog
6.  Kitchen Light - The Inspired Room

Listen Up, Crochet Lovers!

You know those cheap, fake wooden shoe stands you can get at places like Bed, Bad & Beyond and Ikea? I think they sell for something like $10 each?  Here's an idea: instead of using them for shoes, you can turn them into genius storage solutions for crocheting supplies.  Love it!

It almost looks like art, doesn't it? Makes me want to crochet right now!