Crossing them off...

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I have quite a list of goals, but I'm slowly completing them, one step at a time. 

I have a few updates to make to my 101 in 1001 list:

10.  Installed some closet organizers.  I found a plastic shelving unit that stands on it's own - so no need to attach it to the wall of the closet.  It's so nice to have the closet clean and everything has a home now.

19.  I cleaned the storage unit!  And my oh my does it feel good.  Now I know that there isn't a bunch of junk in there, and I was able to sell and donate a lot of the stuff that we had been storing but didn't really need anymore.

33.  I'm a Big Sister!  Yay!!  I'm so excited to share my time with this wonderful little girl.

So far I'm 7 down and only 94 to go!  

Only 956 days left...

Tulle Everything 50% off + Free Shipping

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Tulle is having an amazing sale this weekend.  

Everything is 50% off, plus they are offering free shipping!!  

I bought this adorable puff-sleeved shirt for only $4 !!

Real Simple for $5

Pin It Now! Amazon.com is offering an amazing deal on Real Simple.  

I picked up a 1 year subscription for only $5 to Real Simple!  

They are also offering $5 deals on 

• Sports Illustrated Kids
• Smart Money
• People Style Watch
• Popular Science
• Travel & Leisure
• Food & Wine
• House Beautiful
• Cosmopolitan
• Southern Living

But hurry - these deals are only good for a limited time! 

Etsy Finds Thursday! Nestie Style

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Before you fight the crowds tomorrow on Black Friday, be sure to shop locally and handmade.  Here are some great gift ideas from my fellow Nesties.  

{ Red Bench with Dew Drops from KristinsEyes }

{ The Katie Clutch Wristlet by MadasPlace }

{ Annabella floral and Charcoal Grey Pleated Purse by MaryMule }
 

{ Three Piece Kitchen Set by MonkeyPieCreations }

{ Ooh La La Tres Chic Clippies by MopTopMaven }

{ Break Out the Fat Pants Recipe Cards by NotMoira }

{ Personalized Mini Cardboard Suitcase by PaperMillDesigns }

{ Game Over T-Shirt by PersonallySpeaking }

{ Antique Brass and Dark Green Cut Crystal Earrings by Plumb Pretty }

Want to know what I've been up to?

Pin It Now! Well, I've been so excited to share with you my big news...

I'm a Big Sister!

L is an aborable little ten year old girl full of wit and very creative.  She is smart and loves soccer and creating and making crafts.  Yay!  Crafty has a little crafty friend!  


We had our match meeting on November 19.  That day we met at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office and I was able to meet her mother and siblings.  We picked out several activities to do on our first few outings.  


L is truly an amazing kid that I'm so happy to be able to inspire, mentor and learn from.  


Our first outing was November 21 and we went to our local craft store and painted glass ornaments.  We then perused the different craft ideas, deciding to create a scrapbook of all of our future time together.  She picked out some fun paper and stickers, and decided that we need to take at least one picture each outing and create a record of our adventures.  She went through the embellishments and stickers and pointed to each sticker set making comments like "we can buy these stickers when we bake cupcakes," and "we can use these ones for when we go to a soccer game!"  It was thrilling to see her so excited and planning our future get-togethers.  I don't know who's more excited!  


I can't wait to watch her grow and be a part of her life. She has a wonderful mother that loves her dearly, and I'm so happy to share in development of this child.  


If you would like to enrich your life and the life of a child, you can sign up at the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.  

Happy Thanksgiving

Pin It Now! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Eat lots of food and enjoy the company of loved ones!

I love Thanksgiving as it's a great time to reflect on what I'm truly thankful for.

• My amazing husband who I adore and admire immensely
• Being able to go to school and achieve the career of my dreams
• Being able to have the time to volunteer and pursue my ultimate passion
• My 3 healthy and amazing dogs
• Building a great relationship with my brother
• Having a sister that's pursuing her dream to change the lives of impoverished children
• Having full support and love from my amazing aunt and grandparents
• Only 7 more months until my aunt comes to live by us
• Having the last year, albeit very difficult, to be able to build a wonderful marriage and spend quality time together
• Incredible in-laws that are so kind, loving and generous
• An amazing professor that is helping me build a foundation of learning that I never thought possible, and opening my mind to the world - Thank you Kim!
• Learning to live frugally and more eco-friendly
• Having a beautiful home of our own

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving Menu

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This year is a very special Thanksgiving for Neil and I.  

I simply can't wait to eat all the yummy food we have planned!  

Here's a sneak peak at our menu:

Organic Smoked Turkey from our favorite local meat market

Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows

Cranberry Sauce

Hawaiian Rolls with Neil's amazing honey-whipped butter

Pumpkin Pie

Apple Pie

Happy Thanksgiving!  Don't forget the sweatpants.  :)

Thanksgiving Recipes: Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Pin It Now! I love this recipe because you it's delicious, and you don't have to waste valuable oven space.  Just set up the crock pot and let it cook!


Ingredients:

• 
  
  
  3 (15 ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained
  
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

Lightly butter the inside of your crock pot with the tablespoon of butter.

Beat sweet potatoes, melted butter, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg with electric mixer

Spoon into crock pot.

Cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Add marshmallows about 15 to 20 minutes before you are ready to eat. so they have enough time to melt slightly. if they are in too long, they will melt too much.

Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Sauce

Pin It Now! Sweet, tart and great as leftovers on a turkey sandwich.


Ingredients: 

• 1 package cranberries
• 1/2-3/4 cup sugar (depending upon how sweet you like it)
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• lemon juice
• nuts, if desired

Directions:

Spread cranberries in shallow dish so that they are not too thick.

Sprinkle sugar over them.

Cover.

Place in oven at 350 degrees until all are popped open.

Remove from oven, mix with marmalade and lemon juice to taste. Refrigerate. ( you could add some nutmeg and cinnamon to this)

Thanksgiving Recipes: Green Bean Casserole

Pin It Now! Yum, I love this stuff!  I love green beans, and this is great for Thanksgiving.  Super easy, and everyone always love it.  




Ingredients:

• 
  
  
  2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained (or you can use fresh green beans)
  
  1 (6 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
  
• 
  
  1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  
• 
  
  1 (4 ounce) can French fried onion rings
  
• 
  
  1 small onion, peeled and chopped
  
  
  
  
  
  Directions:
  
  
  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
  
  
  Combine all ingredients except French fried onions
  
  
  Put in casserole dish; top with onion rings
  
  
  Bake 30 mintues
  
  
  
  
  
  

{via RecipeZaar.com }