Who wore it better?

I English smocked these collars and had the dresses made 28 years ago for my twins.  Thank goodness, I remembered they were in a garment bag in the closet.  I hand washed them and presented to my daughter's girls this month. 

My girls, MissMelissa and MissAnnMarie wore them as flower girls in a friend's wedding.

 My grand daughter's, MissLayton and MissHadley are wearing them to play with glue evidently. There was a Christmas photo shoot involved too.  I can't wait to see how that turns out.

 MissAllyAnn is wearing a dress her Aunt wore 28 years ago.  That Celtic plaid never goes out of style. Precious baby girls don't either!

Jingle Bell Toss

 Here is a fun idea for all ages.

A jingle bell toss game.  You can play on the floor or on a countertop.

 I needed a family gift idea.  Every year I give each of my siblings and my hubbies brother a family gift box.  There has been Peppermint, movie, Italian, chocolate, Tex-Mex themes. 

This year Pinterest provided the inspiration for this game.

Amazon provided the supplies. 

Supplies needed

Glue gun

(tip) put extra glue on the underneath cups (feet)

All below supplies purchased through Amazon

Large jingle bells (ten per game set)

Art Canvas (11x14)

Plastic tiny cups (shot glass size)

Washi tape (optional decoration)

Bells (50) 7.99

Economy white value pack art canvas

(7) 18.61

Mini red party cups (120) 12.68

I had the hot glue gun and washi tape already

Ton of fun ~ priceless

But, for reference each set was about 7.50

Nutty as a fruitcake

My mother-in-law has been living with us off and on now for over three years.  We share this phase of our lives with my husband's brother in Georgia.  She has many adorable phrases that remind me of her.

If she gets a bit mixed up, her favorite saying is "Oh, I am just nutty as a fruitcake!"

So, in honor of Nicke, here is my recipe for "Nutty as a fruitcake fudge"

Thanks, for the basic recipe here .

Lynn, with Happier than a Pig in Mud!

Lynn, I am not sure why, but my fudge turned very soft, not firm.  

 My fruity ingredients were golden raisins, dried pineapple, dried mango, cranberries and apricots.  The nutty part was pecans. The raisins may have sipped on some orange liqueur while they were waiting to be mixed in with the white chocolate!

Fruitcake White Chocolate Microwave Fudge
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
12 oz white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
2 - 2 1/2 C chopped mix/match traditional fruitcake add ins:
-dried apricots
-dried cranberries-I, um, forgot I had these-bummer
-dried pineapple
-candied cherries
-raisins
-nuts of choice-I used toasted walnuts
2 Tblsp liquor of choice: dark rum, brandy, bourbon or orange liquor
1 tsp vanilla

1. Microwave raisins in liquor of choice for 20 seconds. I had dark rum. Stir and set aside as you chop the rest of the fruit and nuts.
2. Heat milk and white chocolate in microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir, zap in little spurts until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.
3. Quickly stir in everything else.  
4. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with non-stick foil. Press down a bit and spread evenly.
5. Chill at least one hour (longer is better), cut into squares and enjoy.

Wrapping center open for business.

And I am booked through December 25th!

 Thanksgiving is not left out.  I have left some touches around the house to enjoy our Texas fall, which lasts a few weeks. 

Chief Papa makes sure we do not forget Thanksgiving!

Looks like fall and feels like Texas

 It is 87 degrees today in Coppell, Texas ~ don't you just love fall!

Even though that still is a bit warm, the calendar says October, so let's pull out the pumpkins!

 I found inspiration here... Less than Perfect Life of Bliss - Her Fall Home Tour had the below display.  She also is where I got my inspiration for my Craig's List buffet makeover. Here
Miss Julie is amazing, check her out at ...Life of Bliss. 

Julie used that huge wooden board as a backdrop for her wreath.  I used my huge charcuterie board for the backdrop for my cotton wreath.  

Google eye table runner - Target

Velvet pumpkins - Market Street

Cotton wreath - Hobby Lobby

Charcuterie board - Round Top, TX 

My daughters say less is best, I say in this case, more is much better!  See what I started with below and thought I was done, then I just kept adding more!  Yep, much better!

Flower Girls!

Get ready for EXTREME preciousness!!

MissAllyAnn, MissHadley, MissRaylyn and MissLayton did an awesome job and sat through the whole ceremony without a peep. 

 Another great wedding in the books!  

When your niece gets married ....

You help of course and feel very old, because the baby you bounced on your knee and watched grow is now becoming a married woman!  She and Rhett were married at the White Sparrow Barn in Quinlan, Texas. 

The altar area before and after.  Sydney wanted simple and lots of greenery.  The venue was a gorgeous location and didn't need too much extra "stuff".

 Thank goodness, my baby sister was in from Baton Rouge and could help with flowers.

Mint julep cups were filled with fresh flowers and nestled amongst lanterns upstairs.

 Bridal bouquets included garden roses, ranunculus, crespedia, scabiosa, heather and lots more greenery. 

 See what I mean about a gorgeous venue.

 The Mother of the Bride's best friend hosted a luncheon for the bride and her maids while they were getting ready.

 Very impressive way to find your table for the reception.  Escort cards were clipped with tiny clothespin to this huge framed piece of fake grass. 

More fun pictures to come, when I figure out how to share from the family picture site.

The People that make a party worthwhile!

Did I mention I didn't have to lift a finger for this party.   Our three daughters hosted this party at my sister's home. 

 My SIL Sean still had his moving tables and chairs clothes on, but I think shortly after this picture he was in the pool!  

 Sweet cousins!

 The man of the hour (or 60 years!)

 My little sister with my little twins. 

 Friends, relatives from Texas and Louisiana!

 Now for a sneak peek at the amazing wedding weekend with my sweet niece. I will have the pictures from all that fun weekend ready soon.