It's Christmas Time...

The perfect Christmas tree is here somewhere...

Geers Family Tree Farm, Griswold, CT

Found it!

All decorated with antique and handmade glass ornaments.

DIY reindeer art

Looks so pretty!

Making wreaths with Mom

An annual tradition

My finished wreath hanging on the door

Pumpkin Caramel Kiss Cookies
Recipe by Something Swanky

Best Friends at the Cookie Swap

With our mason jar mugs!

Wishing you all joyful holidays!

Holiday Ornament Swap

Today is Sally's 3rd Annual Holiday Ornament Swap reveal! I was partnered with the talented Jeanette and we swapped ornaments. Jeanette soldered and hand stamped a cute snowman into being, just for me! I love his fuzzy red scarf and the hat bead by Jennifer Jangles. Thank you, Jeanette, Mr. Snowman is the perfect addition to my tree!

This is the ornament that I sent to Jeanette. I created the square polymer clay bead and also the "joy" charm. I also incorporated blue Swarovski crystals and a large vintage crystal for some sparkle!

List of Holiday Ornament Swappers

Sally Russick and Beth and Evie McCord

Erin Prais-Hintz and Melissa Trudinger

Karen Williams and Shirley Moore

Lori Finney and Alicia Marinache

D Lynne Bowland and Paula Kramer

Kim Bender Hora and Jenny Davies Reazor

Becky Pancake and Lori Anderson

Veralynne Malone and Therese Frank

Tanya Goodwin and Sandi Volpe

Jeanette Ryan and Rochelle Brisson

Patti Vanderbloemen and Susan Kennedy

Cyber Monday SALE!

Save 25% off all jewelry from the Sea Chelles Design etsy shop!

Just use coupon code CYBERMON at checkout!

Click here to Shop!

Autumn Sausage Bake

Ingredients:

1 lb Chicken Sausage

1 Apple (I used a Gala)

1 Yellow Onion

1 lb Butternut Squash (peeled)

1 lb Red Potatoes

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Italian Seasoning

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut apple, onion, squash and potatoes into roughly one inch sized chunks. Place into large bowl and add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, olive oil and salt and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and place sausage links on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, stirring halfway through, until everything is tender.

Pretty Pearls

Two new pearl necklaces have been added to the shop! The first features a handmade clay pendant, by Humble Beads, of a bird's nest and eggs, Swarovski crystals and beautiful pearls in brown, green and gold tones. The second necklace is created with purple iris pearls and purple Czech glass. It features an upcycled, beautiful antique key. Stop by the Etsy shop and grab a one-of-a-kind pearl necklace for the perfect holiday gift!

Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) Pure Pumpkin
1 can (12 fl oz) Evaporated Milk
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
Whipped cream (optional)


Directions:
Mix pumpkin, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice in large bowl. Beat eggs and add to bowl. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour mixture into pie shell. Add pie crust shields.

Bake in preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Top with whipped cream before serving.

A trip to Salem, Massachusetts: Part II

From my last post, you'll remember that I recently visited Salem, Massachusetts. While exploring the area, we stumbled upon the Boston Bead Company shop and I just couldn't control my excitement, I hadn't expected to include bead shopping during this awesome day!

The shop has some adorable Halloween themed beads, so I told my friends to pick out a few and I'd make us all earrings to remember our trip! Here's what I came up with:

A trip to Salem, Massachusetts: Part I

Some friends and I recently took a day trip to Salem, Massachusetts. It was a beautiful day and there is so much to do in this small New England town! First we visited the the Salem Witch Trials memorial and took a guided walking tour of the historical spots and museums. 

Aside from the historical significance of Salem, it is a cute, quirky place full of friendly and equally quirky locals, which means we fit in just perfectly.

AND... For my fellow Harry Potter fans, there is even a real wand shop called Wynotts Wands! This was by far my favorite :)

(Photo credit 1 | 2)

We really worked up an appetite with all that exploring, so we enjoyed some locally brewed pumpkin ale and ate at a pizza place with an alien cat on their sign!

There is nothing better than a day spent with your friends and this will be a day I'll always remember!

Hello, October!

Hello and Happy October! I absolutely love this time of year for its beauty and the inspiration it brings, to the indulgence of pumpkin-flavored everything! I have some great posts planned for this month and a special offer for my new e-newsletter subscribers! Be sure to sign up below (or click here) so you don't miss all the fun!

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Artists Night

Earlier this month I participated in Artists Night at my favorite local Farmers Market. It was a beautiful evening filled with delicious food, good music and many talented artists of all mediums.

Bozrah Farmers Market, Sept 2013

 My booth.

Horse and carriage rides!

The super talented, Eight Mile River Band

Little Sister's Grilled Cheese Truck! I had a "Steak Bomb" sandwich. Yum!

Something a little different

I have been feeling very crafty lately and with the season change I decided to create some home-decor for Fall. Here are the projects I've been working on:

Painting acorns. These looked so cute in an old mason jar until they started sprouting and growing mold. Apparently, you should bake them before painting.. Whoops!

I found this wooden jack-o-lantern in the basement of my mom's house. I took him home, gave him a paint make over, and added a candle. Viola!

I just love typography, so I knew I wanted a sign. I used scrap wood and letter stickers to create this cute "Fall in love" sign.

Top of the entertainment center, all decorated. This cost me $0!

Painting mason jars. These candle holders were made by my friend Beth and I. They aren't as easy as some tutorials would lead you to believe, but we had such a fun craft day!

Clay mini pumpkins! I haven't touched polymer clay in years, but these turned out so cute that I will explore this medium more.

What fun DIY projects have you tried lately? Did you have any mistakes like my moldy acorns? I'd love to hear your story!