GOOD TASTE: Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

For Christmas I received the most delicious batch of Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies from my friend Vicky. She always bakes delicious treats and these are definitely one of my favorites. The slightly tart cranberries and the white chocolate are the perfect combination paired with a a traditional chocolate chip cookie batter.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 239 & Leftover Candy Cane Sugar Cubes

FROM MY ARCHIVES:  Leftover Candy Cane Sugar Cubes

Welcome to The Inspiration Board! I hope you’re rested up and ready to party. I’m excited to see what you’ve been up to and super excited as we close out 2015 and start a brand new year of creative sharing. This blog started in 2010 when I was between jobs and I’m thrilled that you all still come and visit me here. So let’s get going and end 2015 with the best creative link up ever.

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 238 & Cheers

Welcome back everyone. I hope you had a fantastic weekend and if you celebrate Christmas, I truly hope it was filled with joy. I think I need about a month to recover from the holiday prep, frenzy and ridiculous amounts of food and treats. I actually don't have a much time to recover because I head out of town in a week for business travel. Phew, I'm tired just thinking about it.

It doesn't look like any of you have missed a beat. The projects linked up on The Inspiration Board were amazing as usual. I'm so grateful that you choose to share here on homework. And, in case you've been too busy to pop over, here's what I've been sharing lately.

Homemade Vanilla Extract & Printable Labels / Instructions  :  Vintage Wagon Place Cards  :  Cranberry Conserve  :  Holiday Outtakes

Now take a minute to enjoy the projects featured this week.

CELEBRATIONS: Merry Christmas

From my house to yours...

GOOD TASTE: Cranberry, Apple & Mandarin Orange Conserve

Even though Thanksgiving is a distant memory, my annual Cranberry, Apple & Mandarin Orange Conserve is the perfect side for your holiday table. This super duper easy dish looks festive and pairs perfectly with just about anything.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 238 & Valentine Candle

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Heart Garland Wrapped Valentine Candle

Hello friends! Happy Christmas week. We are down to the wire and I'm sure you are all busy, busy, busy with last minute shopping, wrapping, baking and all things holiday related. I hope you have a chance to enjoy these last few days and pause to relax, create memories and take joy in the preparations. Now, let's start this little party. 

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 237 & Eggnog Recipes

Well, here we are friends. Ready or not, it’s Christmas week. I had a marathon wrapping weekend and I worked on our Christmas cards. This is the first year in probably 20 years that I didn’t make our Christmas cards. I ordered them and apparently I didn’t allow enough time so I just received the box and was furiously addressing and stamping. I knew it would be a mad dash to the finish line but this year I really pushed it. I hope you had a nice weekend and could enjoy the season. In case you’ve missed anything here on the blog, here’s a little snapshot of what I’ve been sharing.

 

Homemade Vanilla Extract with Printable Labels  :  Vintage Wagon Place Cards  :  Recycled K-Cup Gnomes  :  Holiday Dining Room

A huge thank you to all of you who stopped by, commented or linked up to the party last week. It was another amazing week of fantastic inspiration. So without further ado, here are the project featured this week.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 237 & New Year’s Eve Countdown

FROM MY ARCHIVES:  New Year's Eve Confetti Countdown

Welcome to The Inspiration Board creative party everyone! I’m so glad you’re here, especially during this crazy, hectic time of year. I managed to finish my Christmas shopping. I have a few more gift deliveries I’m waiting on and I’m also anxiously awaiting for my Christmas cards to be delivered so I can work on them and mail them out. This might be the first year that I’m late sending cards. How about you? Have you accomplished everything on your list? I hope so.

Well, let’s move on to the creative party…

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 236 & Peppermint Pleasures

We’re halfway through December and I’m back to work today from my staycation. I took last week off from my day job to get caught up with holiday prep and life in general. I got a lot done but as always, ran out of time to get everything accomplished. I hope you had a wonderful weekend filled hot chocolate, a cozy fireplace and maybe some holiday music. Doesn’t that sounds nice! And, In case you’ve been as crazy busy as me and haven’t had a second to swing by and visit me lately, here’s what I’ve been sharing.

Recycled K Cup Holiday Gnomes  :  Vintage Wagon Place Card  :  Holiday Dining Room

And now for the projects featured this week from The Inspiration Board

CELEBRATIONS: Vintage Wagon & Logs Holiday Place Card

I just love this little metal vintage wagon. I’ve had it for nearly 30 years! The little wheels actually turn and it’s so well made.

CELEBRATIONS: Holiday Home Tour–Dining Room

The holiday décor has finally started to make an appearance at my house. This year I went with the on-trend look of plaid and red for a couple of reasons. I love the look and I have loads of red knick-knacks that I could use to complete the look. My dining room hutch is usually the first piece to be decorated for every season. I love switching out the plates and server ware but almost always have a foundation of white dishes. I added the pretty black scrollwork plate at the top and a buffalo plaid scarf and the rest came together easily.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 236 & Printable Birch Tags

FROM MY ARCHIVES :  Printable Birch Tags

It’s getting serious now friends. There’s no time to waste as we head for the home stretch. Are you ready for the holidays? I’m slowly getting there but I need to pick up the pace a bit. So in between the shopping, baking, wrapping and everything else, I hope you’ve had time to create something to share.

Show me whatcha got….

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 235 & Oh My Cupcakes

Welcome back everyone. I hope you had an amazing weekend. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, every weekend needs to be super charged. I hope you got some things checked off your list and had a little leftover time to relax and enjoy the weekend. Thank you to everyone who visited last week, shared a project, or left a comment. I appreciate each and every one of you. In case you missed anything, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been up to.

Girly-Girl Handmade Gift Ideas  :  Recycled K-Cup Holiday Gnomes  :  Friday High Five

Now, let’s be inspired with the gorgeous features from last week’s link party.

FRIDAY: High Five

It’s Friday – time for this week’s Friday High Five. What have you been high-fiving about this week? Christmas prep, holiday cards, or maybe just surviving the week is enough to high five about. I have to say, today is especially sweet because I’m taking a staycation next week. Yessiree, I’m taking the week off to do all things holiday prep related. Wish me luck, I have 7 days to shop, create and mail cards, ship gifts, bake, decorate and make handmade gift items. Piece of cake! Enjoy the weekend friends and take a stroll through my high five items for this past week.

I made this Goat Cheese, pistachio and honey drizzle appetizer for Thanksgiving and it was a hit as usual. Super simple but looks so fancy.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 235 & New Year Confetti Straws

FROM MY ARCHIVES : New Year’s Eve Confetti Straws

Let the countdown begin… 24 shopping days until Christmas and 31 days until the New Year. I better stock up on energy drinks and coffee because this is going to be a mad dash friends. I can’t wait to see what you share so that I’ll be even more inspired by your ideas. Ready to party? I know I am.

Here we go…

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 234 & Candy Cane Lane

Phew. Thanksgiving is behind us and although there may be some stuffing and pie still leftover, all eyes are on December and the holidays yet to come. Pace yourselves friends, we still have a month of frenzy and then we can all settle down for a warm winter’s nap… or something like that.

Thank you to all of you that shared a project last week on The Inspiration Board. There was a record number of links and each and every project was inspiring. If you didn’t have a chance to swing by last week, here’s what I’ve been sharing

Girly-Girl Handmade Gift Ideas  :  Veranda The Romance of Flowers :  PinchMe Free Samples

And here are the amazing projects featured this week.

ETCETERAS: 12 Girly-Girl Handmade Gift Ideas

Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. friends. I hope you’re enjoying the day with food, family & friends. In the spirit of being thankful, I thought I’d share these 12 handmade gifts from my archives that could be given to a special friend to thank them for the gift of friendship. I chose 12 very girly-girl gifts that are some of my favorites.

I’m thankful to all of you who stop by and visit me here at my little corner of the creative world. Happy Thanksgiving.

EXTRA CREDIT: PINCHme Free Samples

This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure page.

Friends, if you’re anything like me, you love free samples. Who doesn’t like free samples of food at the market or big box store or any free samples for that matter. How would you like to choose the samples you want and then have them sent to you in a pretty box? Sound fun? You need to check out PINCHme.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 234 & Easy Glitter Tape Place Cards

FROM MY ARCHIVES : Easy Glitter Tape Place Cards

We’re two days away from the big feast and I can’t wait. Tomorrow I’m going to start prepping my side dishes and one of my favorite dishes is homemade cranberry conserve with applies and mandarin oranges. Pop, pop, pop, I love hearing those cranberries burst open in the pot. I say it every week but I want to make a special point this Thanksgiving week and tell you how grateful I am that you stop by and share your links here on homework. My little link party has grown in the past few months and that’s what keeps me going. So, thank you, thank you for supporting this little blog.
Now, let the sharing begin.

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 233 and Silver & Gold

It’s Thanksgiving week! Hip Hip Hooray! Here in the U.S. we’re prepping for the biggest feast of the year. I know many of you are starting to prep your turkeys. Every family has a different way of preparing the bird. Some people use a brine or buttermilk for a few days before roasting, others place butter under the skin or even deep fry their turkey. There are so many yummy ways to prep that bird. Plus, all those side dishes – phew… it’s a lot of work but so worth it.

So if you’ve been busy preparing for the feast and haven’t had a chance to visit lately, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been sharing lately.

Etched Glass Milk Bottle  :  Friday High Five  :  Veranda – The Romance of Flowers (Giveaway)

And now for the projects featured this week. As always you guys blew me away with the beautiful projects linked up.

FRIDAY: High Five

Happy Friday everyone! Here in the United States all thoughts have turned to turkey, stuffing, gravy and pie. I can’t wait for the feast next week. I have a super busy weekend with family obligations and of course, I need to make my list for my Thanksgiving dishes and get to the market. I hope you have a great weekend planned. Here’s what I’m high-fiving about from this past week.

My vintage button jar is filled to the brim and I can’t wait to create some fun projects using some of these gems.

HOMEWORK: Reading–Veranda The Romance of Flowers Giveaway

I’ve had a lot of giveaways lately because I want everyone to have a chance for a little something special and extra this holiday season. This latest giveaway is really special. Veranda The Romance of Flowers is by Clinton Smith. The Editor in Chief of Veranda, the very elegant interiors magazine that features some of the most beautiful interiors from around the world.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 232 & Healthy Advent Countdown

FROM MY ARCHIVES : Healthy Advent Countdown

Happy Tuesday everyone. I’m so happy you’re here today! The day when we get to inspire each other with the projects we’ve been creating. This time of year the projects are even more bountiful and amazing. Between the cooking, baking, crafting, sewing, decorating and more the creativity is through the roof. So without further ado, let’s start the party and inspire each other.

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 232 & Fleeting Fall Colors

Welcome back everyone. We’re off to a brand new week of sharing inspirational ideas. Thank you so much for linking up your project on The Inspiration Board last week. I can’t tell you how much it means to me week after week to see the party grow. We’re midway through November and it’s going to be a mad dash to the holiday finish line. Confession time…I’ve done absolutely nothing to prepare for the holidays. It usually hits me as I’m enjoying a leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich and then it’s go-time!! Who’s with me?

Let’s move on to the features but first, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been sharing.

Country Living Christmas Joys Giveaway  :  Etched Milk Bottle  :  Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

ETCETERAS: Etched Glass Milk Bottle

I have such a fun project to share with you today. Have you ever etched glass? It’s not as hard as it sounds, in fact, it was super easy and I can’t wait to create more etched glass pieces. I happened upon this project because of a nice reader.

Homework: Reading–Country Living Christmas Joys Review & Giveaway

I have such a treat for you today friends. The wonderful and inspiring people of Country Living have come out with a book to inspire us through the holidays. It’s called Country Living Christmas Joys and it’s filled with beautiful holiday ideas. And the best part? I get to give away a copy to one of you.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 232 & Birdseed Acorn Cakes

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Bird Seed Acorn Cakes

Welcome to The Inspiration Board. The day when we get to inspire each other with the projects we’ve been creating. This time of year the projects are even more bountiful and amazing. Loads of food, gift ideas, stories and more. So without further ado, let’s start the party and inspire each other.

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 231 & A is for Apple

Welcome back everyone. So glad you stopped by. This is such a great time of year for inspiration and The Inspiration Board was brimming with goodies last week. There are loads of features today because I wanted to share so many of the projects with you and just couldn’t narrow it down any further. So here we go…

First, here’s what I’ve been up to.

Fall Treat Tin  :  Noble Fir Giveaway  :  3rd Annual Handmade Shop Holiday Gift Guide  :  Friday High Five

And now for the projects featured this week.

FRIDAY: High Five

It’s Friday – thank goodness or TGIF as we like to say. This week flew by in a flash and time is only going to start picking up speed as I fall further behind on the holiday to-do list. I need to start my online holiday shopping so that there’s time deliveries but first I should make a list. Oh, so much to do. Cards to make, goodies to bake, yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

So, how was your week? Do you have anything to report and “high five” about?  Here’s what I’ve been up to this week and I’m high fiving over.

Coffee! I have to admit, I’m a caffeine addict. I probably drink 3-4 cups a day. I should probably cut back but that probably won’t happen anytime soon.

SHOW & TELL: Handmade Shop Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Every year I host a link up for Etsy and Handmade Shops. This was the third year and even though I didn’t get as may shops linking up, there was still plenty of gorgeous handmade items shared. So, without further ado, here are the featured products that make up the 3rd Annual Handmade Shop Gift Guide.

Scroll through this slideshow and check out the individual products below.

EXTRA CREDIT: Tree Classic Garland Giveaway

Today I have a wonderful giveaway opportunity for you. This year is the 40th Anniversary of Tree Classics – the maker of faux Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and more. I’m so excited for one of you to win a Classic Noble Fir Garland.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 231 & Marshmallow Peppermint Stir Sticks

FROM MY ARCHIVES :: Marshmallow Peppermint Stir Sticks

Hello, hello everyone! If you’re new here to homework, every Tuesday, I host The Inspiration Board where we come together to share our latest and greatest. So what have you been up to? I’ve been noticing a lot of fall cooking and baking link ups lately – it’s definitely the season of good eats!

Last week The Inspiration Board was brimming with fantastic projects. You can check out the features from last week’s party here.

Now let’s inspire each other:

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 230 & Game Day Food

Happy November everyone. I hate to be a broken record but time sure is flying… how in heck did October fly by so fast? And here’s another statement that’s like my voice on repeat… it’s still hot here in Southern California. Today it was 85 by the coast. Paleeez – bring on the fall weather. I have sweaters to wear and soups to make. So once again, I rely on all of you to bring me fall inspiration. And you didn’t let me down.

Before we get to the features, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been sharing lately.

Beautiful Bellevue and What I Wore  :  Grey Felt Fall Treat Can  :  Friday High Five

And now for the amazing and inspirational features.

FRIDAY: High Five

Welcome to the second edition of Friday: High Five. Five snippets of my week – what I’ve been up to, creating, wearing, what I’ve accomplished or what is inspiring me at the moment. I’d love for you to let me know what you’re “high-fiving” about this week. Leave me a comment and let me know. 

I’ve been playing around with fall colors and this by far is my favorite color combination. Burnt orange and turquoise. I bought a package of these little tea lights and wrapped a pretty piece of turquoise velvet ribbon around the holder. I think one for each place setting at Thanksgiving will be perfect. What’s your favorite fall color combination?

UPCYCLING: Grey Felt Fall Treat Tin

I’m so excited to finally be sharing some real fall projects. First up is this simple treat can. The combination of grey felt, beautiful, crisp  fall leaves and turquoise is quite possibly my favorite fall combination to date.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party 230 & Brown Paper Packages Advent

FROM MY ARCHIVES ::  MINI BROWN PAPER PACKAGES ADVENT

Welcome back everyone and a big welcome if you’re new here to homework. Every Tuesday, I host The Inspiration Board where we come together to share our latest and greatest. So what have you been up to? I wish I could say I was on track for the holidays but in reality I’m just getting into the fall spirit. I better step it up!

Last week The Inspiration Board was brimming with fantastic projects. You can check out the features from last week’s party here.

The Inspiration Board: Spotlight 229 & Healthy Choice

Welcome everyone. It’s a brand new week and I’m excited to share the features from The Inspiration Board. There was a record number of link ups last week and I can’t tell you how happy I am that you choose homework to share your creativity. I’ve been hosting this party for years and it’s endured and now grown even with all the mega parties out there. Hooray! In case you haven’t had a chance to stop by lately, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been sharing.

Beautiful Bellevue and What I Wore  :  Gold Metallic Desk Lamp  :  Friday High Five

And now for the features.

FRIDAY: HIGH FIVE

Happy Friday everyone. I’m starting a new column on my blog called Friday High Five. These are just snippets of what I’ve been up to, inspirational ideas or anything that we can “high five” over. Woot. Most of these will just be shot with my phone as I muddle through the week. Have a great weekend. I’ll see you back here next week. Enjoy the first edition of Friday: High Five.

By the way, this post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission if you make a purchase using the link.

I gathered these leaves on my recent trip to Washington. I’m sure my co-workers thought this Cali girl was crazy picking up leaves in the office parking lot. I put them in a baggie and packed them in my suitcase. They made it back in one piece and I was able to press them. Upcoming project with the leaves and this pretty grey felt.

DRESS CODE: Beautiful Bellevue & What I Wore

Hello friends. I took my third business trip to Bellevue, Washington a few weeks ago and was in awe of the beautiful seasonal changes, the crisp air and the love the people of Washington have for their beloved Seattle Seahawks Football team.

It's a short flight from Los Angeles to Seattle and the company I work for always sends a town car to pick me up at the airport. It's such a treat and I love feeling so special. I snapped this picture of myself in the town car doing my best celebrity gaze impression.