2013...Let's Do This!

Are you ready for 2013?  I am.  A new year, a new start.  I found a wonderful New Year resolution/goal printable at 30 Days so I thought I would fill it out, post it on my blog and share it with you.  I also need a way to hold myself accountable.  I wrote it and published it for all the world to see so now I have to DO it!

As I wrote in my last blog post, 2013 will be the year I simplify...my life, my home and my blogging.  I get overwhelmed easily.  I say "yes" too often.  I need to learn how to say "NO".  What I want to do and what I can (& have time to) do are not the same.  I will work on that. 

What about you?  What will you be doing in 2013?  

If you want a printable like the one that I used in this post, click here.  And, yes, I totally stole the title...because it's AWESOME!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!

It's OK to....Simplify

Simplify.  That's my New Year's Resolution for 2013.  

I need to simplify my home. I've been a hoarder wanna-be for too long.

I need to simplify my blog.  I started that 2 days ago.  I'm cleaning it up, changing the design and getting rid of the frilly stuff.  It's still a work in progress....

I need to simplify my blogging.  I started this blog over a year ago as a "craft/diy blog" but I want to change that....sort of.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to craft and paint but I want to blog about other things too.  Like life, reading, food, mommy stuff, social media, etc.  You know, WHATEVER!

I'm starting today (yes I know it's almost midnight).  I'm going to participate in a It's OK Thursday link party.  Have you heard about this?  I discovered this fun link up about a month ago.  Read my "it's OK's", then head over to the blog, A Complete Waste of Makeup to read some of the other blogger's linked up posts.  It's FUN and a great way to get to know and meet new (to you) bloggy friends!

It's OK...

to let go of "stuff" that you've had to long (and never use)

to get rid of half of the clothes in your closet (because you DON'T wear them)

to eat cookies for dinner....sometimes!

that I didn't decorate for Christmas this year (does a Charlie Brown tree count?)

to prefer to use my iphone camera because it's easier and more convenient (ok, that's just an excuse to use Instagram)

to watch the Maury show and enjoy it (dial up the drama!)

to be the only person in the world that doesn't watch vampire/zombie shows

to be a girl that LOVES to watch football games

share your blog's post with new (to you) link parties that are NOT about crafts, decorating or diy projects....DONE!

OK, now come with me to ACWOM to read more "It's OK" posts....

Linking to:

It's OK Thursday at A Complete Waste of Makeup

 

Links for Sandy Hook

I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened in Newtown, CT last Friday.  The question, "why?" will never be answered.  I refuse to watch television news programs.  I can't bear to see those little caskets and heartbroken families at the victim's funerals taking place this week.

This morning, I saw a post on facebook about a special link party to benefit the families of Sandy Hook from Kelley at The Grant Life.  I knew I HAD to be a part of it.  I tracked Kelley (@TheGrantLife) down on twitter and asked her if I could contribute.  She said yes!  Thanks, Kelley :)

So, friends, join me (and a sweet group of bloggers) in this wonderful charitable link party.  Link up ANY post from December and we will donate $1.00 to the Sandy Hook/Newton United Way!

All Star Block Party #29

Hello friends! We're so happy that you came by.  The past several days have been difficult for everyone.  Our world has been turned upside down.  After all of the sadness that surrounded us, we were uplifted to see the wonderful creations that were shared with us last week.  Here a few that made me smile.

1.   Pam's Party Planning and Practical Tips shared some beautiful snow ornaments with us.  They look so good on a Christmas tree lit with white lights!

2.  Serendipity Refined shared a tutorial on how to make a star tree topper.  I know a few people that need this for their large Christmas trees!

3.  The Ironstone Nest shared her beautiful outdoor Christmas decorations with us.  Please visit her blog to see more...great inspiration!

4.  Sweet Pepper Rose shared her cute pumpkin snowman.  I love it when you can use decorations from one holiday in the next one and this is a super idea!

Thank you to everyone that shared their wonderful projects with us.  If you were featured today and would like a button for your blog that says so, please grab one from my sidebar.  You deserve it!

Before we get this week's party started, I would like to announce that next Wednesday, Christmas Day, we will NOT be hosting our All Star Block Party.  We're taking a break to enjoy the holidays and spend time with our families.  We hope you do too.  We'll be back on January 1, 2013 (at 8pm CST) to kick of the new year with you!

This week we are happy to have Lisa from Create Inspire with us as a guest co-host.  Welcome Lisa!

When you link up a project or recipe, it will be shown on all of our blogs.

 In The Old Road 

New House

 Nutmeg Place

 Full Circle Creations

Create Inspire (guest co-host)

The Rules:

• Keep your links family friendly and only link up projects made by YOU.
• No business pages, giveaways or link parties allowed.
• Follow your hosts (listed above) and please link back to the host's blog that you linked up to.
• We reserve the right to delete any link that does not abide by these rules.
• All entries are required to submit their email address for reminders of future party dates ONLY! (opt-out is available)

Do you see a link that you like?  You can now share it on Twitter, 

Facebook or Pinterest with the new inLinkz link tool that we are using!  

Just hover your mouse over the thumbnail, click on the down arrow next 

to the gear symbol, then click on the social media site of your choice.

 Loading InLinkz ...

Twelve Cookie Christmas

One Christmas, during my early teen years, I got the crazy idea to spend the entire day in the kitchen baking cookies.  I think my mother thought that I had lost my mind.  I have a great Mom.  Not only did she let me take over and mess up her kitchen but she helped me gather up 12 different cookie recipes and their ingredients.

I spent ALL DAY baking cookies and ended up with more cookies than one family could eat.  I still don't remember why I did it....I just like cookies and wanted to see if I could do it.  I'm weird like that.

This year, I decided to bake 12 different kinds of cookies again.....virtually!  You see, I have a big aversion to kitchens and cooking now.  But looking at recipes and eating....that I LOVE!  So sit back, grab a cup of hot chocolate and let's (virtually) enjoy my 12 cookies for Christmas.

<<< Below each picture is a link to the recipe >>>

Chocolate Chip Turtle Cookies

Pretzel cookies with choc. & peanut butter chips

Reese's Stuffed Oreos

Cream Cheese Cookies

S'mores Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Eggnog Cookies

Cranberry Turtle Bars

Christmas Tree Kiss Cookies

Andes Mint Cookies

Oreo Cheesecake Bites

Cowboy Cookies

Enjoy!

Linking to:

The 12.12.12 Link-Up Party at Three 31

All Star Block Party #28

Welcome back to our All Star Block Party!  We enjoyed last week's party...so much creativity and inspiration!  Here are a few of my favorites:

1.  Creative Country Mom shared some beautiful vintage holiday boxes with us.  

2.  Attempts at Domestication shared the cutest little wooden snowmen made from 4x4's.

3.  White Lace Cottage shared her beautiful a French Charm Bedroom with us.  Don't you just love the vintage gate? 

4.  Just say the name of this next one...milk chocolate, caramel and peanut butter.  You want some don't you?  Then head over to the Sweet Boutique and get the recipe! 

Thank you to everyone that joined our party last week.  If your project or recipe was featured, please take a 'featured' button from my sidebar for your blog.  You deserve it!

Now, let's get this week's party started.  When you link up a project or recipe, it will be shown on all of the party host's blogs:

 In The Old Road 

New House

 Nutmeg Place

 Full Circle Creations

The Rules:

• Keep your links family friendly and only link up projects made by YOU.
• No business pages, giveaways or link parties allowed.
• Follow your hosts (listed above) and please link back to the host's blog that you linked up to.
• We reserve the right to delete any link that does not abide by these rules.
• All entries are required to submit their email address for reminders of future party dates ONLY! (opt-out is available)

Do you see a link that you like?  You can now share it on Twitter, 

Facebook or Pinterest with the new inLinkz link tool that we are using!  

Just hover your mouse over the thumbnail, click on the down arrow next 

to the gear symbol, then click on the social media site of your choice.

 Loading InLinkz ...

Google+ Blog Hop - December

Welcome to the December edition of the Google+ Blog Hop!  If you haven't joined Google+ yet, we encourage you to do so....for you and your blog.  This awesome social network is growing by leaps and bounds and the SEO benefits of membership are endless.  We're not the only ones that think so.  This article by the well known website, Mashable.com, explains it best.

"Google's social network Google+ has passed 500 million members, the company revealed in a blog post Thursday. Of these users, 135 million are said to be actively visiting the social network each month."

http://mashable.com/2012/12/06/google-plus-500-million-members/

We want to encourage you to use Google+ to help your blog and/or business grow.  This blog hop is designed for YOU to meet new g+ friends, increase the exposure of your blog/business and allow you to "fill your circles"!

To join this g+ blog hop, link up your Google+ profile page URL (NOT your blog's homepage).  For the "name" section, use your name or your blog's/website's name.  Use your personal photo or your blog's/website's button/logo for the thumbnail picture.  

Important note:  If you have problems linking up your profile page, try linking the "about" section of your profile page instead of the "posts" section.  Also, problems loading a thumbnail picture usually can be solved by loading the picture directly from your computer instead of your g+ page. 

You may link your g+ profile page at any of the blogs listed below:

In The Old Road (host)

The NY Melrose Family (host)

Pamela's Heavenly Treats (co-host)

Nutmeg Place (co-host)

We would appreciate it if you would also follow the hosts of this blog hop (add them to your circles).  All of the host's g+ profile pages can be found at the top of the list.  

This blog hop is only for g+ pages...please do not link up your blog's url.  We encourage the sharing of your personal, blog or business' g+ (profile) page.  After you link up your g+ profile page, please visit some of the other profiles that are linked up and add them to your circles.  We want you to help your fellow bloggers' g+ page grow!

Feature Friday - Holiday Events II

I'm back to share a few more fun holiday link parties with you.  I get downright giddy this time of year when I find so many holiday themed link parties going on in blogland.

One of my favorites is being featured on the LinkyHere blog today.  The new website, Daily Dish, is hosting their first annual Gingerbread House Competition. This fun holiday competition is already underway so if you have made (or will make) a gingerbread house for the holidays, you can share it here.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the winner of the competition gets a prize.  Woot, woot!

Just A Small Town Girl is hosting a 25 Days of Christmas Link Up.  You can link up anything Christmas related!  Check it out here.

Pink on the Cheek is hosting a Holiday Home Tour on her blog.  I know many of you have been decorating your home for Christmas so now is the time to start showing it off.  Link up your holiday home decor posts here. 

Claiming Our Space is hosting a Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Link Party with 6 other bloggers (can you say BIG PARTY?).  This party is happening TODAY, Dec. 7th so hop on over (here) and share your winter or holiday related projects!

Debbie of Debbiedoo's is hosting another Magazine CopyCat Challenge for the holidays.  She has renamed it the Holiday Knock Off Decor Party just for this occasion.  You don't want to miss this party.  Last year, she had over 140 participants!  The party starts on December 10th and you can read all about it here.

Do you see why I'm so giddy?  So many holiday parties and SO much inspiration!  Get busy, you have a lot of partying to do.  I'll be back around midnight tonight to start the December edition of my Google+ Blog Hop.  I hope to see you then!

All Star Block Party #27

Welcome to another All Star Block Party!  We're so happy that you have joined us.  Before we get started with this week's party, let me show you a few things that made me smile from last week.

1.  A Debbie-Dabble Christmas shared part one of her Christmas Home Tour with us...a beautifully decorated entry to her home.  Want to see more? Then hop over to her Christmas blog to take a peek at the living and dining room.

2.  I love biscotti with my coffee and this has to be one of my favorites.  Mocha Almond Biscotti from Amy's Cooking Adventures.  Mmmm....can't you just taste it?

3.  I had a hard time picking just one picture to show you from this next one.  I loved them all!  Down to Earth Style shared a wonderful  nature-inspired decorated porch with us.  I was drawn to the ladder display in the corner and the lanterns and the pinecone basket and....well, just go see all of the pictures!

4.  I have such a weakness for all things vintage and I fell in love with all of the gorgeous vintage Christmas decor at Chateau Chic.

Thank you to everyone that shared a project or recipe with us last week.  We love seeing all of the amazing talent out there!  If you were featured in today's post, take a "featured" button from my sidebar.  You deserve it!

Let's get this week's party started.  I want to welcome this week's guest co-host, Rachelle from Adventures in Creating.  Welcome Rachelle!

Don't forget, your project can be linked up here or at any of the 4 other

host's blogs. Your link will be shown on ALL 5 BLOGS!

 In The Old Road 

New House

 Nutmeg Place

 Full Circle Creations

Adventures in Creating (guest co-host)

The Rules:

• Keep your links family friendly and only link up projects made by YOU.
• No business pages, giveaways or link parties allowed.
• Follow your hosts (listed above) and please link back to the host's blog that you linked up to.
• We reserve the right to delete any link that does not abide by these rules.
• All entries are required to submit their email address for reminders of future party dates ONLY! (opt-out is available)

Do you see a link that you like?  You can now share it on Twitter, 

Facebook or Pinterest with the new inLinkz link tool that we are using!  

Just hover your mouse over the thumbnail, click on the down arrow next 

to the gear symbol, then click on the social media site of your choice.

 Loading InLinkz ...

10 Computer Geek Gifts Under $10

I have several computer geeks in my family that are difficult to buy for at Christmas time.  If I ask them what they want, the answer is usually some expensive electronic gadget that my wallet can't afford.  This week, I set out to do some online geek shopping with a budget of $10 per person.  Surprisingly, I found some really cool stuff.  I want to share it with you in case you are in the same shopping bind that I was.

My first 3 items are from the online store, ThinkGeek.com.

1.  Tiny USB Power Car Adapter for $7.99
2.  USB FlexLight for $9.99
3.  Hard Drive Case for iPhone for $9.99


The next 3 items are from X-tremeGeek.com.

4.  3 Port USB Casette Hub for $9.00
5.  Accessory Organizer for $7.00
6.  Cable Drops Cable Clips for $8.16


I love to shop on Etsy so here are 3 things I found there.

7.  Evolution Computer Geek Vinyl Sticker by thatstickerguy for $8.00
8.  Compu-Mug by perroaventuros for $8.00
9.  Floppy Disk Notebook by WeeBindery for $5.50


The last one is a book that I bought a week ago from Amazon.com.  I just finished reading it (it's OK to read a book before you gift it, right?).  It's the biography of Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs:  The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

This book is a perfect gift for computer geeks.  It's a good, easy and fast read that tells the story of Steve Job's life.  In paperback at $8.99, it's a winner!

I must confess that as I was shopping for geek gifts, I found several things that I wanted.  Me, a computer geek?  Haha, NO WAY!

Well, maybe a little :)

Linking to:

Make the Scene Monday at Alderberry Hill

Newbie (with a Twist) link party at Debbiedoo's