The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~130~

Happy Friday everyone! For my U.S. friends, do you have a gravy hangover too? Oh my goodness – everything was so good but I showed no restraint what-so-ever. Even though it was a holiday week here, The Inspiration Board was still jam packed with goodies. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by this week, left a comment or shared a project. I’m always amazed at your talent and always so grateful that you choose to share it here. Thank you!

In case you didn’t have a chance to drop by this week, here’s what I shared.

A beautiful card I received | 15 Unique Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas | Faux Vintage Lace Napkin Rings

And now on to the projects in the spotlight this week:

GOOD TASTE: 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Leftover Round Up

Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. friends! Whether you live in the United States or not, these Thanksgiving leftover ideas will come in handy at some point.

Enjoy the day, don’t eat too much (yeah, right…) and file these recipes away so that you can enjoy the leftovers in a unique way!

INTRODUCTIONS: A simple comment {Hello Lovely}

I’ve met many people through my blog and many, many through my Tuesday link party. One of the reasons I love hosting a link party is to not only see all the beautiful projects that get linked up but to be able to feature some of the projects every Friday. I know a lot of blogs are doing away with link parties, some are combining parties into mega or super-sized parties but for now, I’m planning on keeping my party simple. I like being able to read through the comments, visit all the links and form relationships.

ACCESSORIES: Initials, Inc. Overview and Giveaway

I wanted pass along an opportunity to you that sounds like a great way to work from home with fantastic earning potential, award winning training and a product line that is very current. It’s called Initials, Inc. The company was founded by two sisters, who gave up their careers for family and began an embroidery and monogramming business.

The Inspiration Board: creative party [130]

From my archives | 5 minute faux snow globe

Oh dear... we're in the last week of November. How did that happen? Here in the U.S. turkeys are being brined, bread is waiting to be turned into yummy buttery stuffing, there are pies to bake, and loads of side dishes to prepare. It's one of the most wonderful feasts of the year and I can't wait!

So, what have you been up to? Thanksgiving prep, winter decor, holiday baking and more? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see.

CELEBRATIONS: Faux Vintage Lace Napkin Rings

I mentioned last week that this year, I’m not hosting Thanksgiving at my house (fist bumps everyone)! But when I do have large gatherings, I like to use napkin rings even if I’m not going to use cloth napkins.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~129~

It’s the countdown to Thanksgiving prep here in the United States. This year, I’m not hosting Thanksgiving at my house (phew) so I only have a few dishes to prepare and take with me. Thanksgiving is really late this year so once it’s over I’ll be doing the panic dance trying to get ready for Christmas. It looks like most of you are in good shape since there were loads of holiday projects, recipes, and ideas linked up on The Inspiration Board this week. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by, commented and shared a project this week.

If you didn’t get a chance to stop by here’s what I shared here on homework.

Smoothies  |  Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with Salted Caramel Ice Cream  |  2014 Owl Lover Calendar

PLUS

I have two super giveaways this week – click over to enter. A Kitchen Aid Mixer and $100 to Shutterfly.

Now on to the projects in the spotlight this week:

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EXTRA CREDIT: The Practical Photo gift {Shutterfly Giveaway}

Hey, friends! Last week, I shared with you my fun Sport Gift Bag that I’m planning on giving to the moms of my son’s teammates.

I ordered the bag from Shutterfly with an action shot and added some fun personalization. Over the past two weeks, you may have seen a number of other bloggers sharing about their own experiences with Shutterfly gifts this holiday season. If you missed some of those, be sure to check out LooksiSquare tomorrow for a very special collection showing you a variety of gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list!

INKLING: 2014 Owl Lover Calendar | Customizable Free Printable

It’s that calendar time of year and I’m so pleased to once again be able to share with you the Owl Lover Calendar from My Barn Owl. This is my fourth year sharing this free, customizable calendar and I look forward to it every year.

GOOD TASTE: Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with Salted Caramel Ice Cream

There are some days when I count my blessing even more than others. Like days when I get to to come up with a recipe using ice cream that was sent to me. Not just any old ice cream but Graeter’s ice cream. It’s my absolute favorite brand of ice cream. Graeter’s still makes their ice cream in a French Pot two gallons at a time and it’s rich and creamy and oh-so good.

The Inspiration Board: creative party [129]

From my Archives | Frosty Apples

Welcome to the Inspiration Board Creative Party! Today's my favorite day when I get to see what all of you have been creating. If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you. Whether this is your first visit or you've been stopping by for years, I so appreciate it.

Now on to the creative party. What have you been working on? Decorating for the holidays, testing new recipes, feathering your nest? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see it. Stay awhile, enjoy the other links and the party.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a shiny red Kitchen Aid Mixer. Click here to enter.

CELEBRATIONS: Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway

It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media. Co-hosted by: Shannon's View from Here, My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, Joans 5 Star Reviews, Sweetphi, Mommy Kat and Kids and Naturally Frugalicious.

I’m so excited for this giveaway. I joined a large group so that I could offer you a giveaway with a fantastic prize. Wouldn't this shiny red Kitchen Aid Mixer make your holidays jolly!

GOOD TASTE: Bolthouse Farms Juice

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bolthouse Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you like smoothies? They are so good and so good for you. I love a fresh smoothie but frankly, I don’t always have all the fresh fruit ingredients to make one. I mean, sometimes all I have left at the end of the week is one sad brown banana and that wouldn’t make a very fun smoothie. Plus, I don’t always have time to break out the blender.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~128~

TGIF friends! We crafted, decorated, baked, cooked and diyed through another week. Oh my!

This time of year there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. But by the looks of The Inspiration Board this week, you all have been very busy and VERY creative. A reader let me know that she had never clicked on so many links at a link party before and I have to agree – the projects were amazing! So thank you so much for sharing and visiting.

In case you didn’t have a chance to stop by this week, here is what I shared here on homework.

DIY Rubber Silicone Handles |  Cream Cheese, Turkey & Cranberry Crostini | Handmade Market Holiday Gift Guide | Personalized Sports Bag Gift

ETCETERAS: SPORTS GIFT BAG

This post is sponsored by Shutterfly in conjunction with Looksi Square. I received product compensation, but all opinions are my own.
My son has played sports his entire life. When he was younger he played football, basketball, volleyball and baseball. It was a never ending cycle of sporting events. I lost count of how many times I was the team mom.

GOOD TASTE: cranberry relish crostini

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carton Smart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you as excited about the tastes of Thanksgiving as I am? In anticipation, I’m trying out some new recipes and I thought this cranberry relish, cream cheese & turkey crostini would be a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer or even a Thanksgiving leftovers idea.

CELEBRATIONS: handmade market holiday gift guide

It's finally here. I’m so excited to share with you The first HANDMADE MARKET Holiday Gift Guide. The handmade products featured in this gift guide have been compiled from shops that linked up to my Handmade Market link party a few weeks ago. The party was a huge success and I’m excited to host future handmade market link ups. I’m happy to support handmade for the holidays and year round.

The Inspiration Board: creative party [128]

From my archives | Vintage Tart Tin Place Cards

Welcome to the Inspiration Board Creative Party! I'm so happy that you're here. Whether you're just popping in, linking up projects or looking for a specific project, I hope you enjoy your visit. If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you.

Now on to the creative party. What have you been working on? Decorating for fall, testing new recipes, feathering your nest? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see it. Stay awhile, enjoy the other links and the party.

ETCETERAS: SUGRU FORM & FIX RUBBER

I was sent samples of the coolest new product. It’s like play dough for adults but even better because it dries into a silicone rubber.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~127~

Welcome to the Inspiration Board Spotlight! There were so many beautiful projects linked up this week. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your projects here on homework. The fall themed ideas just make me want slow down, curl up in blanket and enjoy a book and some hot cider. But the reality is – it’s go time. It’s a mad dash through the holiday season and while I’ll enjoy decorating, baking, cooking and all the festivities, I doubt I’ll have time for that blanket and book scenario. How about you? Are you able to slow down the pace and have a few quiet moments? I hope so.

In case you didn’t have a chance to stop by this week, here’s a glimpse at what I shared.

Cooking with Leftovers {a weekly meal plan} | Gold Painted Pressed Fern |  Budget Bridal Décor  |  Thanksgiving Recipes

GOOD TASTE: Thanksgiving Recipes

I had to shuffle my schedule around and the project that I was going to share with you today isn’t quite ready. But since I was meal planning with my mother for our Thanksgiving dinner and going through my recipes, I’d thought I’d share some of our favorites with you. Some of these make a regular appearance on our Thanksgiving table. The spinach apple & glazed pecan salad, cranberry conserve, cheesecake bars and pecan mini tarts are always requested. A few others are new recipes that are also perfect for Thanksgiving.

FRESH LOOK: gold leaf {painted pressed ferns}

A few years ago I created some pressed fern art for my dining room. The ferns were a vibrant spring green and looked so fresh and clean.

CELEBRATIONS: bridal shower decor on a budget

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CottonelleTarget http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Bridal season is around the corner but if you’re planning a wedding or planning a bridal shower now is the time to start thinking about the details. Believe me, I’ve done my share of planning and hosting bridal showers. They seem to come in waves and can be expensive to host. Here’s a creative bridal shower décor idea that’s also friendly on the budget.

The Inspiration Board: creative party [127]

From my archives | Emergency Kit Gift Box

It's my favorite day here on homework. Time for The Inspiration Board Creative Party! If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you. Whether you're linking a project or just came by to visit, I'm so grateful that you're here.

Now on to the creative party. What have you been working on? Decorating for fall, testing new recipes, feathering your nest? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see it. Stay awhile, enjoy the other links and the party.

GOOD TASTE: cooking with leftovers {cook once, eat twice}

I really do love cooking. I especially love the satisfaction of making something yummy and presenting it as a pretty dish. Except in real life…  The images above are all dishes that I prepared for this blog. In real life, I rarely have time to to make it extra pretty. The schedules of work, school, activities, responsibilities and obligations collide every day and leave little time for meal prep.

Don’t get me wrong – I cook almost every night but it’s taken me years to be able to multi task my meal prep and not waste food by using leftovers. Now I usually cook three times a week and reinvent the dish for three additional dinners.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~126~

Can you believe it? It’s November already. It’s definitely crunch time. Time to get serious about fall decorating, Thanksgiving menu planning and of course, the holidays. Even though it’s a busy time of year, there were still plenty of beautiful projects shared on The Inspiration Board this week. Thank you to everyone who came by, commented or shared a project. You all make my day.

If you didn’t get a chance to drop in, here’s what I shared this week here on homework.

Witch Craft Round Up | Glitter Acorn Caps | The Handmade Market (a linky for Etsy Shops) | Party Rats

Now on to the projects in the spotlight this week: