Tinsel Garland and Plaid Wreath: 15 Minute Wreath

I really needed some thing to add some sparkle - glitz and flair to our Christmas decor, but obviously there's not a lot of time left before the big day. BUT there is time for a 15 minute wreath!I decide to make this delightfully obnoxious, sparkly wreath. I bought a ton of tinsel garland at a thrift shop and was not quite sure what to do with it and suddenly it hit me - it need to be a wreath and have a big ole plaid bow...because I love mixing things that do not normally go together...and ya know what...I more than LOVE it...and I may use this as next years Christmas theme.

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How to Make a Bourbon Caramel Tea Latte

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FlavorSplash #CollectiveBias

I have never, ever made it a secret that I L-O-V-E coffee. For a very long time I was strictly a mocha drinker...but my tastes have changed...and I have discovered a whole new world of unique and amazing tea beverages! My hubby has been a BIG tea drinker for awhile and I have always enjoyed a cup...but now, I am all about creating new flavor combinations for my tea! Right now, I am loving the Tea Latte and have whipped up a hot beverage using Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup.

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No-Sew Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt

One of the easiest ways to change up the look of a Christmas tree is with a tree skirt. I have used tablecloths, blankets, ruffles, and yards of fabric. This year I wanted a new look...again. When I made my rustic scrap wood ornaments, I was inspired to try a more rough and rustic approach to my Christmas tree skirt and overall look. Well, and I just happen to LOVE buffalo plaid - any plaid actually. I surely wish I still had my double breasted royal blue and black buffalo plaid coat from Contempo Casuals!

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Unique Holiday Decor: How to Dye Beans

Once upon a time I dyed beans...and they looked so cool! It truly is one of my favorite DIY's every. As the beans absorbed the dye they puffed out, expanded and really turned out to look interesting and unusual. Well, this year I decided to try it again, using the color Marsala. The deep rich tones will also work well with my Christmas decor (bonus!). So go grab some beans and some dye and let's do this!

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Amazing Pasta Dishes Made for Sharing with Friends

This sop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #thetalkofthetable #CollectiveBias 

The following content is intended for readers who are 21 and older.

This year I am making a concerted effort to keep my holidays relaxed and casual, but festive. I really want to pass this feeling along to friends and neighbors too. While I was cooking for my family, I had an amazing idea! Why not make extra to share with friends and other local families who may need a meal due to illness, new babies, or just because they are super busy! A hearty, delicious pasta dish is the perfect way to share some holiday spirit. Can you only imagine the sheer delight on someones face when you tell them, "Don't worry, I got this. And then you deliver a beautiful meal - for the entire family." Of course, topping off the meal with a chilled bottle of Chardonnay will add to the festive spirit.

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Halloween Batty Pound Cake

You know what we love? Pound cake with little surprises baked inside! Yep - cute little edible finds, like hearts and shamrocks, can hide right inside your pound cake. It is fun and easy to do and the kiddos are always amazed - quite a few adults are impressed too. So, I decided to try my hand a quick Halloween version of the surprise inside pound cake. This time I used bats! 

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Black and White Halloween Wreath

It's not too late to create a beautiful Halloween wreath! The Halloween bug has JUST NOW bitten me. Yep, I know Halloween is days away, but I am compelled to spook this place up! OK, it may not be too spooky, as per a 9 year old little girls request, but how about eerie? I love this black and white Halloween wreath because it is elegant, sophisticated, eerie, and is vintage inspired. For this Halloween, it is perfection!

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Joyous Handmade Ornament

You know what time it is? (no silly, its not hammer time - did I just give away my age?). It's time to start making Handmade Christmas Ornaments  My absolute most favorite thing to do during the holidays is make ornaments with my kids. Some times they are very cool, clever and gorgeous and we keep them forever...and sometimes we just color or write on card stock - it depends on how the day is going...seriously this happens. Last year I made a ton of  Wood Scrap Ornaments (even some ornaments with my favorite photos!) and this year I have some sweet wood JOY ornaments as part of 31 Days of Handmade Christmas Ornaments series.

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Fall Pumpkin Sign and Porch Decor

Every.single.year. I say I am going to really decorate for Fall - really decorate...and I usually just fill the porch with pumpkins....BUT finally, I really do have a beautiful Fall porch! Partnering with Oriental Trading I created this pretty pumpkin sign and Fall display. I wanted a look that would "work" throughout Fall into Thanksgiving (until the Christmas decorations come out!), and this look will do just that.

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DIY Vintage Style Athletic Pennant

It's Homecoming time here in Texas (well, I guess all across the U.S. for that matter). Homecoming in Texas is a little different than Homecoming where I grew up in California. We had a football game and a semi-formal dance...BUT, here there are mums - do you know what I am talking about? If not, I just really cannot explain it fully...just read "12 Things Non-Texans Need To Know About Homecoming Mums". Then there are parades and of course the football game...because...it is TEXAS! Because I am trying to fit in here, we are going to the parade and I made these little pennants that sort of evoke a vintage feel to wave around like maniacs during the parade (because we will not be wearing mums and looking like maniacs, just kidding, I actually like the idea of mums).

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Produce Label Towels

I have a serious love affair with kitchen towels. I find it one of the easiest ways to show some personality in my kitchen. I have quite a large collection of California themed towels, and a ton of towels I have made, like the sweet vintage mason jar towel. Well, it is time to make some more towels...I thought about fruit...then vintage labels...then how much we loved going apple picking in the Fall...then POOF - it hit me, how about some produce label towels (and, I totally know that when you pick apple off the tree they do not come with labels...ok?). My kids thought I was being weird and then realized this was pretty appropriate because, while I do wash the fruit for their lunches...its early...I am NOT a morning person, and I always leave that produce sticker on.

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