IKEA

My shopping buddy Kim and I ready for a fun day at IKEA!!! We were so ready, that we arrived an hour before the store even opened! They did tell Kim though, that after the new year they will be opening at 10 instead of 11!
Kim, with her blanket she took off one of the couches in IKEA...it was so cold in there and we left our jackets in the car, not wanting to lug them around all day...it was really funny!
These are .99 cent frames from there...I just printed out the "be merry and bright" off Becky Higgins blog and then filled the other two frames with some Basic Grey Christmas papers. Too cute... and what a great gift for 2.97!!!
Our carts filled with goodies! I found a fabulous rug to go in my bedroom too...for only 19.99!
I just love these little lanterns...I bought 5 of them to go on the bookshelf in my bedroom.
Kim and I took a trip to IKEA today...we had so much fun. We each had some specific things we wanted...but we were also looking to be inspired. I already have a wish list for next time.....
xoxo

Cookie Exchange

Dorothy made this beautiful Pumpkin roll.

Butterscotch, marshmallow nests...mmmmm

Gingerbread cookies Karen ordered...just beautiful.

Ridiculously rich and delicious Oreo balls covered in milk and white chocolate!

Can you say sugar coma! Wow, what a fun time with my girlfriends. My friend Kim and her co-host Rita hosted the second annual cookie exchange. We each had to bring 8 dozen cookies to exchange and then more to share at the party. I must have tried at least six or seven different cookies/bars/balls/nests/fudge/cobbler... they were ALL delicious! Here are just a few of the pictures...Kim took so many more and I hope to post more when she gets the chance to share! Thanks Kim for this wonderful idea of a cookie exchange, and thanks Rita for hosting it at your house... what gracious hostesses!

xoxo

Lasik

Self portrait of me wearing glasses for the last day!!!!
My eyes getting prepped with Beta dyne.
Me under the laser.
The computer showing my eye!
My right eye getting aligned for the procedure.
Dr. Friedberg ready to get started.
Right after the procedure.
My safety goggles...to prevent me from rubbing or touching my eyes by accident. I know, real cute, huh. LOL
Dr. Friedberg and me with my 20/20 vision! (the next morning after sx)
I had an amazing experience with Dr. Friedberg at the Sarasota Manatee Eye Clinic. I had an initial consult to determine if I was a candidate about 4 months ago. Then I went back to work one day a week to save up for my big day! I had the sx on Friday afternoon December 10, 2010. By Saturday morning at 8am, I had perfect 20/20 vision.

D.E.A.R.S.

Drinks, Eats And Reads Sometimes.... a new book club my friend Kim started!
Patricia hosted the first meeting at her house...such a fun time.
xoxo

Reusable Fabric Gift Bags

Over Thanksgiving weekend, my sister n law Lori and I made reusable gift bags. I found this great 45" wide fabric in my mom's stash of fabrics. I folded it in half, measured and cut 16" wide bags...stitched them up the sides. I used my making memories foam stamps to add the words along the bottom. I closed the bag with twine and hung a tag to personalize them. I look forward to using these year after year for both Christmas and other occasions.
xoxo

Blurb Book

Untitled by Cleary Family 2010 | Make Your Own Book

I just created a new Blurb book for Sean and both sets of Grandparents for Christmas... Take a peek. I just love their quality and they are the most reasonable i have EVER found. The above picture is on the cover of my book. Courtesy of Kim Bolyard Photography.
xoxo

Just Beautiful

This is one of my favorite photos I have taken all year... I even had it made into a canvas at winkflash...if you "like" them on facebook they will give you a coupon for a free 8x10 canvas to see if you like their canvas'. I love mine, the clarity and colors on the canvas are beautiful! By the way, winkflash is where I order all my photos...only 6 cents/print.
xoxo

Flower Hair Clip

I have been having fun making these flower hair clips...when I don't wear them in my hair, I clip them on my purse or jacket. Too cute!
xoxo

Brody's 4th Birthday

Pumpkin whoopie pies...ooohhh and they were delicious too!

Chocolate Chip cupcakes...the kids loved them, but especially Brody!

Brody took 2 friends to Build a Bear where they each created a special animal to take home with them...we had such a nice time.

Brody's birthday party turned out so nice. We had family over in the morning where the kids played games, hit the pinata, opened presents and ate cupcakes. Then we took Brody, his cousin Kayla and his friend Matteo to Build a Bear where they could pick out any animal and a special outfit. It was so special with just 3 kids...they each had a really great time. Smaller is definately better when the kids are young.
xoxo