in preparation

I've never done a December Daily but so love checking out all of the projects I've seen over the years. This year, I'm going to try to do something. Not necessarily a December Daily but at the very least, a December Something. Just enough to document a handful of our traditions and some moments from our 2012 holiday season. I really want to keep things simple. The plan is to use Instagram to capture a moment each day - I use it far more than my regular camera (though that will get a good workout this month as well) and knowing I can count on a square format photo each day will help (potentially) work ahead a tiny bit.

A few days ago, I grabbed a few kits to work with. I'm done I tell ya - done! So all of you amazing designers, stop creating more stuff that I can't resist. I have a couple of things I've designed myself that I'll work in as well. Looking at it all here, it seems not quite as simple as I intended but if I use it judiciously, it'll work the way I have it planned in my head.

TOP: Nettio Designs Holiday Faves | Zoe Pearn A Lot Like Christmas | Paislee Press Press Cards No 18
BOTTOM: The Celebration Shop Tags (free!) | Three Paper Peonies My Life in Photos (free again!) | Micheline Martin Artsy Bits

Now to figure out what the heck I'm going to do for an advent calendar. I have two days, right? I could always do what I did last year...create a tree with small brown paper bags - perfect for dropping in small toys/candy/notes; paper circle garland and drawn on tree.

I really like to add a lot of extra stress to my life though so who knows what I'll end up with.

free tag printable

I saw these. And they're awesome. And it reminded me that I threw these together a few weeks ago so I could get ahead on wrapping holiday gifts. That hasn't happened but at least I can share with you all :)

Each one measures 2x3" and the file is a single letter sized png...just print and cut. Enjoy!

Halloween 2012: In the Books

Here that? That's the sound of holiday spirit going *pop, sizzle, fizzle, dud*

Honestly, I feel like I half-assed it this year. We went to the pumpkin patch, but didn't carve pumpkins. Costume elements were completed as needed...not like last year when I had everything done and ready to go two weeks ahead of time. I was busy throwing together lame class treats for Izzy 30 minutes before we left for school yesterday.

Pumpkin patch? Always my fall highlight. We lucked out with a warm(er) sunny day in the midst of a bunch of cold grey days.

There was hay jumping.

And "How Tall this Fall?"

Goats.

Bunny love.

And bunny snacks.

The yearly attempt to herniate our children.

And glorious late afternoon light.

Glorious, glorious light.

BUT, this was the first year I didn't need to stay home to pass out candy and got to actually trick or treat with Carlos and kids. And despite the drizzly and cold weather, (I'm grateful that was the only minor effect Sandy had on us...still thinking of my friends that were hit immeasurably harder than we were) we had a fantastic time.

Two Castle Crashers (garbage can helmets and daddy-made and painted weapons. Bloody, natch. Bat costume idea swiped from here...rather than printing the mask though, I used it as a template and made the mask from felt. LOVE the idea of attaching it to a pair of sunglasses rather than tying it around her head!

The battle.

Total standoff.

Miss Izzy...that third frame is So. Totally. Her.

Sister in the lead. Trick or Treat!

Oh, and I started and finished a knitted mustache/beard combo for Carlos to wear about 2 hours before we hit the road.

Izzy, of course, needed to try it out.

*Whoosh*

That? That's the sound of my favorite holiday ushering itself in with the flipping of the calendar page. Welcome, November. Welcome, Thanksgiving. Phew.

12 Tags for Christmas Winner!

By random draw, the winner is

Congratulations! I know you will love the class. I hope the rest of you will go sign up as well...I know Nora has so much incredible stuff panned for you including more giveaways.

Thanks to Nora for letting me host this and congratulations Pinky! Please email me so I can get your info to Nora :)