Celebrations: new year’s countdown and confetti

Once Christmas is over and you know what that means... the new year is around the corner. This year has flown by so quickly but I guess I say that every year.

Etceteras: vintage button snowflake

I was invited to a Snowflake Party. Now, I know for most you that won’t sound strange but many people will be wondering what the heck a Snowflake Party is. For instance, when I told my family that dinner would be a bit delayed because I was finishing my project for a Snowflake Party – they gave me that blank look that I often get…   A Snowflake Party is basically a group of bloggers and a hostess all creating a themed project. Fun!

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 287 | Glitter Tags

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Easy Glitter Ornament Tags

Welcome to The Inspiration Board link party everyone. I’ve been solo hosting this link party for 5-1/2 years and love waking up every Tuesday to all the link ups. It’s been equally as fun selecting the features and I’m proud to say I’ve never missed a features post. I carefully select the projects to be featured based on what I like and what I think all of you will be interested in seeing.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 286 | White Christmas

With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror, we’re on the home stretch to the holidays. Are you ready? I’m super envious if you’re one of those organized ones… shopping done, house decorated and so on. Based on all the holiday projects shared on The Inspiration Board, it looks like I’m behind once again. That’s why I’m so happy you keep me inspired.

FRIDAY: High Five

Happy Friday everyone. If you’re here in the United States, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with family and feasting. I’m blessed to have my family here in Los Angeles where we can spend holidays together. We all make two or three dishes and still follow tradition and gather at my parent’s house. How lucky am I?

So on this day after Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for a wonderful week and maybe do a little shopping. Here’s what I’m high fiving about this week.

DRESS CODE: Business Travel Fall Wardrobe

I left sunny and warm Southern California at the crack of dawn a a few weeks ago for my usual week of business travel to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It’s always a little challenging packing for a week of work especially when you can’t wrap your head around the fact that it’s going to be cold. I made some good choices and once again learned a thing or two about packing for the week. Here’s what I wore.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 286 | K-Cup Gnomes

FROM MY ARCHIVES:  Recycled K-Cup Gnomes

Welcome to The Inspiration Board creative party. It’s Thanksgiving week here in the U.S. and I’m so excited to enjoy a feast of turkey and all the trimmings with family. I hope your week is filled with blessings and a multitude of reasons to be thankful.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 285 | Spread Love

Happy short week friends. Here in the U.S. we’re celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday so that means we need to take Wednesday off to prepare the food and Friday off to recover from all that eating. Three cheers for turkey, stuffing, gravy, pie and all the trimmings. I can hardly wait. Of course, right after Thanksgiving things are about to get real. It’s go time and we need to put it in high gear and get ready for the holidays. Are you ready to be inspired as we officially head into the holiday season? Here we go…

UPCYCLING: Faux Galvanized Metal Box

Here is Southern California, or at least in my city, there’s a plastic bag ban. That’s fine. I’m all for eliminating those plastic bags. But if I want a paper bag when I go to the grocery store, I have to pay for it. In other words, it’s BYOB or Bring Your Own Bag. I miss my brown paper grocery bags. I used them for everything. Covering books, crafting, and putting recycling in.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 285 | Sweater Napkin Rings

FROM MY ARCHIVES : Gold Sweater Napkin Rings

We’re half way through November and on the home stretch of the holiday season. I’m so looking forward to Thanksgiving and the food fest that comes once a year. Turkey, stuffing, gravy and oh my pie! The day after Thanksgiving reality really sets in and it’s time to kick it into high gear and get ready for the holidays. I’m getting twitchy just thinking about it. So let’s all take a minute to relax and share some inspiration.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 284 | Pink and Green

Are you ready for some inspiration? Today’s features represent this time of year when there’s so much is going on. Fall, Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It’s hard to focus on one thing when you’re hearing holiday music on the radio and you haven’t even thrown out your pumpkins yet. Plus, in my neck of the woods, it’s still 80 degrees so I’m really confused. Enjoy the features and if you haven’t had a chance to pop by lately, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been sharing.

FRIDAY: High Five

It’s Friday friends. We made it through another week. We decorated, crafted, baked, cooked, DIY’d and inspired each other. Now it’s Friday, it’s time to take a little break, re-energize and high five. Here are some new finds I’m high fiving about this week.

GOOD TASTE: Pantry Buster Homemade Granola

The other day as I stared into my pantry looking for something to snack on, I realized I had steel cut oats, some cereal that no one was going to finish, and some peanuts and chocolate. I could eat the chocolate and call it a day or whip up some granola.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 284 | Dollar Store Sock Cozy

FROM MY ARCHIVES :  Dollar Store Coffee Mug Sock Cozy

Hello, hello friends. Here in the U.S. it’s Election Day. I don’t make any political statements on my blog or on social media but this year’s election has been pretty crazy. Not that I want to bury my head in the sand, but if you’re like me and need a little distraction, I hope you’ll stay a while and browse through the inspiration here on homework.

So without further ado, welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party. Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, I’m so happy you stopped by and always grateful for your sweet comments. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. Every Monday, there’s a dedicated features post and I share and pin all the featured projects.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 283 | De-Stress

Welcome back and welcome to The Inspiration Board Spotlight. I hope you had a great weekend. We did the Fall Back thing and started Daylight Savings. It’s so confusing. Plus, this morning I headed to the airport at 4:30 a.m. for a week of business travel. I’ll land before noon and head straight to the office for meetings. So while I guzzle coffee and try to stay alert through my meetings, I hope you can sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the beautiful projects featured this week.

EXTRA CREDIT: Holiday Lists and Tiny Prints

 This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.

It’s that time of year when things get a little stressy and frazzly. Before the real craziness begins, do yourself a favor and knock a few things off your holiday list.

SHOW & TELL: Handmade Holiday Gift Guide 2016

I'm so thrilled to present the 4th Annual Handmade Holiday Gift Guide. Every year I host a link up for shops and handmade artists to promote their wares in preparation for the holidays. I love giving and receiving handmade items. If you're looking for unique gifts, I hope you'll consider supporting handmade and these shops.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 283 | Cranberry Relish Crostini

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Cranberry Relish Crostini

Good grief, it's November. Are you ready to buckle up and speed through the rest of the year? I'm excited to see what will be shared on The Inspiration Board this week. It's that time of year when holidays and season blend together and there's never any shortage of creativity.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 282 | Earth Tones

Happy Halloween friends! I hope you have your pumpkins carved, costumes done and your treat bowls ready. For me, once Halloween is over, it means go time. We enter complete madness and it’s a fast sprint to through the holiday season. Group hug – we can do this. Before things get really crazy, enjoy these projects featured from The Inspiration Board and a little review of what I’ve been sharing.

PRETTY PLEASE: Serums for Fifty Plus Beauty

At a certain age you can no longer take your skin for granted. You have to take extra steps to protect your skin and hair. Plus, it’s a constant struggle to figure out which products are best suited for these new phases in your life.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 282 | Brown Paper Packages

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Brown Paper Packages Advent Countdown

Happy Tuesday everyone. It’s the last week of October and now things are really going to get crazy. Holiday shopping, Thanksgiving, cards, trees, oh my. I think we need a group hug. Hopefully, you still have time for creating and sharing during this insanely busy season.

So without further ado, welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party. Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, I’m so happy you stopped by and always grateful for your sweet comments. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. Every Monday, there’s a dedicated features post and I share and pin all the featured projects.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 281 | Cool Colors

Welcome back friends. As always, I’m so excited to share the features from The Inspiration Board. There were so many wonderful links. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared, commented or just visited. I so appreciate you popping in from time to time. In case you haven’t had a chance to see what I’ve been sharing here’s a little recap.

Etceteras: moss and pussy willow nest

Fall is in the air but I think a bird nest is a nice decorative touch no matter what the season. I typically display a bird’s nest in the spring when they’re naturally in season and home to a mama bird and her eggs.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 281 | Easy Holiday Place Cards

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Easy Glitter Tape Place Cards

Too early? These place cards from my archives can be easily modified for any get together. But if you are thinking ahead to the holidays, these couldn't be easier to make. Are you working on holiday projects yet? I can't wait to see what you share this week on The Inspiration Board.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 280 | Think Pink

Welcome back friends! It’s a brand new week and I’m energized and ready to go! I had a moment or few hours of panic last week. For the first time in my six years of blogging, I forgot to schedule the link party. I posted it later than usual and was so thrilled and relieved that most of you circled back and shared your wonderful creativity. That made me feel good. That you all took the time to come back even though I know how busy you are. Thank you! Thank you.

UPCYCLING: Storage Jars with Mod Podge Knobs

One can never have enough storage jars in my opinion. I’ve been saving up jars and love how these bright and cheery jars turned out. They’re the perfect size for smaller pantry items.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 280 | Cornhusk Napkin Rings

FROM MY ARCHIVES :  Cornhusk Napkin Rings

So sorry the party is starting late. Somebody forgot to schedule the link up post. Ooops. Well, better late than never. Welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party. Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, I’m so happy you stopped by and always grateful for your sweet comments. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. Every Monday, there’s a dedicated features post and I share and pin all the featured projects. Don’t forget to check out the features from last week’s party HERE.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 279 | Fall Touches

This is the time of year when I torn between Halloween treats, fall decor and pre-holiday prep. There’s so much going on it’s hard to focus. Lists include handmade gifts for the holidays, Thanksgiving prep, holiday cards and so much more. It’s hard not to get a little twitchy and stressed. It’s good to take time to decompress and find inspiration. I so enjoyed going through all the links this week. It’s one of my favorite things to do. A cup of coffee and a quiet morning and inspiration galore. I hope you find a few quiet moments to enjoy the features this week.

GOOD TASTE: Baked Peaches with Vanilla Beans and Mint

Even though fresh peaches are a summer fruit there’s something about peach pies, peach cobbler and baked peaches that seem like fall.

SHOW & TELL: 4th Annual Handmade Holiday Link Up | Gift Guide

There's something special about a handmade gift. Whether you made it yourself or purchased it, handmade is unique and thoughtful. I love supporting handmade products and I used to have an Etsy Shop but gave it up to focus on this blog and my day job. 

Every year I host a Handmade Holiday Link Up. It's a chance for shop owners and artisans to share their wares. From the links, I create a Handmade Holiday Gift Guide to help boost your sales for the holidays. 

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 278 | Bird Seed Acorn Cakes

FROM MY ARCHIVES : Bird Seed Acorn Cakes

Welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party. I’m so excited. Last week’s party was the biggest ever in the five-plus years I’ve been hosting the party. That inspires me! So whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, I’m so happy you stopped by and always grateful for your sweet comments. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. Every Monday, there’s a dedicated features post and I share and pin all the featured projects.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 278 | Mini Me Recipes

Welcome back everyone. I made it through a record-breaking heatwave last week and now the weather is feeling a little more fall-like. Now that the weather is cooperating and we’re in October, I can really enjoy the season. Plus, the projects shared last week on The Inspiration Board were so inspiring. Thank you to everyone who visited and linked up. It was the largest party ever and I’ve been hosting this weekly link up for over five years. Thank you. Thank you.

HOME ROOM: Dining Room -A Touch of Fall

If my decorating schedule went by the weather, I’d be sharing some coastal décor complete with shells and sea glass. In my neck of the woods, we nearly hit 100 degrees this week. Even though it’s sweltering, I’m going by the calendar and the calendar says it’s officially fall.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 278 | Cranberry Conserve

FROM MY ARCHIVES:  Cranberry, Apple, Mandarin Orange Conserve

Are you ready to party, share, and inspire? Me too! Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, I’m so happy you stopped by and always grateful for your sweet comments. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. Every Monday, there’s a dedicated features post and I share and pin all the featured projects.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 277 | White Fall Accents

Thank goodness so much Fall Inspiration was shared on The Inspiration Board because I’m currently roasting in 90+ degree weather. I’m dreaming of soups, sweaters and pumpkins while wearing shorts and flip flops. That’s okay… here in Southern California we pretend it’s autumn.

Enjoy all of these wonderful projects featured from The Inspiration Board creative party. This time of year it gets harder and harder to choose the features because everyone is bringing their A-game. In case you haven’t had a chance to pop by lately, first up a little recap of what I’ve been sharing.

THE DIRT: DIY Easy and Practical Potting Table

I have a quick and easy DIY for you today. I’ve been wanting to organize my backyard potting area for the longest time. Inspiration struck when I saw this super easy cinder block and wood plank table on Freunde Von Freunden. So pretty and simple. In fact, it was such an easy DIY that my son built it for me in a few hours.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 277 | Halloween Jar

FROM MY ARCHIVES :  Easy 5 Minute Halloween Treat Jar

Welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party. Are you ready to party, share, and inspire? Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, I’m so happy you stopped by and always grateful for your sweet comments. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. Every Monday, there’s a dedicated features post and I share and pin all the featured projects.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 276 and Au Natural Décor

Are you feeling fall? We finally had a cooling trend and a definite crispness in the air but it looks like we’re heating back up and get to enjoy more summer weather. Oh well, whatever the season or the weather, there’s inspiration to be found. I know you’ll enjoy the projects featured this week and I want to thank everyone who stops by to share their projects, visit or leave me sweet comments.

In case you’ve missed a post, here’s what I’ve been up to lately…

SHOW & TELL: How to Add Fall Accents to you Home

Fall is almost officially here.In some areas it’s still hot and very summer-like and in other areas the temperature is dropping rapidly. I happen to live in an area that will be warn for a few more months. It’s hard to get into the fall leaves and soup mode when you’re still wearing shorts. So in case you’re like me and need an extra push to start feeling fall, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite fall | autumn projects from my archives.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 276 | Black Lace Jar

FROM MY ARCHIVES :  Black Lace Halloween Jar

It’s time for The Inspiration Board Creative Party! Are you ready to party, share, and inspire? For some reason everyone’s creative juices really go into overdrive this time of year. Maybe it’s because the kids are back in school, the upcoming holidays, or the slightly cooler weather. Whatever it is, everyone always brings their A-Game.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 275 & Fall Colors

Hello friends. I’m back. I was away last week on a business trip and I barely had a chance to catch my breath and get these amazing features up. And since I’m still unpacking and getting caught up, I’ll need to be brief. So we’ll jump right into it this week. As soon as I’m caught up, I have some fun things to share and of course, a What I Wore post from my business trip.

HOMEWORK: Reading | Becoming Me

I have such a fun and creative book review for you today. Becoming Me by Andrea Pippins and You is a coloring book, journal and inspirational to help you find your creative way.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 275 | Yarn Scrap Nest

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Yarn Scrap Nest

Happy Tuesday friends. Are you in full fall mode or desperately trying to hang onto the last days of summer? I think I’m ready for fall so inspire me with your ideas!

Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, welcome! If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. For those of you who stop by each week, I’m so grateful you choose homework to share your talent over and over again.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 274 & A Dog’s Life

Today is Labor Day in the United States. A day where we celebrate the achievements of workers and  the contributions that workers have made for our country. In the past, school used to start right after Labor Day so it unofficially marked the end of summer. Now schools are starting much earlier but in my mind, Labor Day still means the end of summer. If you’re in the U.S. I hope you’re enjoying the 3-day weekend. I’m actually flying out today for a week of business travel. So while I finish packing and head to the airport, sit back and enjoy the projects featured from The Inspiration Board.

GOOD TASTE: Easy Pasta with Pink Sauce Recipe

It’s back to school time in a lot of households and that means the schedule starts to get jam packed with activities, homework, and earlier bed times. It also means less time for meal prep. Pasta is always a winner in our house and this Pasta with Pink Sauce is easy to make and delicious. I can whip this up in a half hour and when the schedule is tight, every minute counts.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 273 | Printable Birch Tags

FROM MY ARCHIVES :  Free Printable Birch Tags

We’re in the season transition friends. I’m looking forward to fall – crisp cool air, pie, orange leaves and the holidays. But on the other hand, I’m still hanging on to the last days of summer. How about you?

Whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, welcome! If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. For those of you who stop by each week, I’m so grateful you choose homework to share your talent over and over again.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Spotlight 273 and Paint Pros

Fall is definitely in the air or at least on The Inspiration Board. I’m loving all the beautiful fall inspiration and still enjoying the end of summer projects as well. It’s that transition time between seasons. Personally, I’m excited for fall but still trying to hang on to the summer weather for as long as possible. Thank you for sharing your amazing projects and talent here at homework. Now let’s get to the features but first, here’s a little recap of what I’ve been sharing.

FRIDAY: High Five

High Five friends – it’s Friday! We crafted, sewed, cooked, baked, decorated and created through another week. I hope you had a great week and I’m wishing you a wonderful weekend. As with every Friday High Five post, I wanted to share a few things that I’m high-fiving about lately.

THE DIRT: DIY Butterfly Bath and Feeder

I’ve been so inspired by all the bee and butterfly baths I’ve seen on Pinterest I decided to make one for my garden. These are so simple to put together and you may already have everything you need on hand.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: Creative Party 273 | Twine Vase

FROM MY ARCHIVES  :  Twine Vase

Welcome everyone. Summer is winding down and I’m so excited to see your fall projects. If you’re new to homework and The Inspiration Board, I host a link up party where people can share their amazing projects and inspiration. So whether you’re here to be inspired or to inspire, welcome! For those of you who stop by each week, I’m so grateful you choose homework to share your talent over and over again.