Black Friday: My Favorite Holiday!!

For those of you who know me, I get super excited for Black Friday!
I love the holiday time of year and all the good deals flying around. It just warms my heart and makes me feel like a kid again.

LOOK AT ALL THOSE HAPPY FACES!!

Many people are afraid of the Black Friday shopping experience...

MANY PEOPLE ONLY SEE THE CRAZY...

...however, it can be very pleasant if you want it to be. Just remember that the most important things are Being Prepared, Taking Friends who are just as excited as you are, and Don't Rush!! If you plan to make a plan and are able to have a few buds to help you accomplish all that everyone wants and expect there to be crazy people but vow not to be one, then you can have a GREAT TIME. :)

IT'S ALL ABOUT PREPARATION!

So, since it is not even Halloween yet and I am already blogging about this, you might understand the reality of this day as an observed holiday for me. Last year I signed up to get updates on when the major stores put out their holiday adds on Black Friday.net. They are totally awesome and I have already gotten about 5 emails!!!! This is why it has been at the forefront of my mind instead of Halloween....


I highly recommend getting the hook up and getting ready for this awesome World Holiday! ;)

It's Pumpkin Patch Time!

I love this time of year...the leaves change color, the air gets cooler and our hearts get a little warmer.
We all are ready to go out in search for the best pumpkin....which means, a local Pumpkin Patch!

TIPS FOR YOUR PUMPKIN PATCH OUTING:

1. Dress in layers. It can get colder out on the farm with the wind so be prepared by layering clothing and having hats, scarves and gloves handy.

2. Take a friend or family with you. Groups always have more fun. This is a great time to create traditions for your family and spend good times with close friends. Creating memories of perfect autumn days.

3.Don't forget the camera! If you are into still photography or video bring a camera...or two. If you have a few other adults with you it makes it easier to snap some great photos of the happenings of your outing without being worried about keeping a super close eye on the kids. But don't forget to get a few of photos of YOU too!! (take a large cross body bag that allows you to stash your things and gives you hands free fun)

4.Take your time. Although we didn't really have any other plans the day we went, it was so much more fun knowing that we were not rushed to "get in, have fun and get out". Especially if you have a larger group of people/kids, it will take more time for everyone to play and find that special pumpkin. So, enjoy the moment and just let go.

5. Pick the pumpkin that speaks to you. There are so many alternatives to pumpkin and gourd decorating these days. Spend some time walking the pumpkin patch and find the shape, color and size that really fits you and what you plan to use it for. You don't only have to carve your pumpkin...there are lots of stickers, draw on images, and add on products out there to help you express yourself perfectly. Below are some links to great ideas!

Pumpkin faces , Carving Patterns , Pumpkin Projects for Kids , Carving & Decorating Ideas



sample from Martha Stewart *zombie pumpkins*

Happy Pumpkin Picking!

and there it is...the perfect little white pumpkin.

A *homemade* Fall Bouquet

So, I have been looking through a lot of Martha Stewart Magazines and I keep seeing these awesome flower arrangements with the vase filled with apples, leaves, pine cones etc...

                      with apples                                 or heart candies (one for every occasion)

BUT...I don't have the money to buy a bunch of apples or other products to fill a vase, plus, I don't want to deal with the mess factor.

SO, I came up with a good solution! Use scrapbook paper!!

There are tons of realistic scrapbook papers out there with all kinds of items. And best of all they have one for every season and occasion for under $1.

Here is the tutorial for my version that is budget & time friendly:

First Collect: Your print of scrapbook paper

(approx. 1-2 sheets depending on the size of the vase)

A vase that you like

(I thought it would be easier to work with a more square shape than round)

Flowers that will fill your vase and hang over the top edge slightly

and scissors & scotch tape

Second: Cut the paper into two pieces that will wrap around the inside of your vase

(this makes it easier to make is fit more snug)

Third: Trim off the excess from the top of the vase

Fourth: Tape the two pieces to each other...

(make sure to overlap the print close to a corner or the "back" of the vase)

...then to the top of the vase to secure it.

(don't let the tape overlap too much on the outside of the vase,

but most of it will be covered by your flowers so don't panic)

Fifth and Final: Place your flowers inside the vase making sure that they sit low enough to hang over the top making the arrangement look full and beautiful!

Then, step back and look at your beautiful creation. :)

I am excited to switch out the paper for other holidays! I got more color neutral flowers so that they can carry me through more seasons.

I wanted to know how much this would all cost so here is my breakdown:

Vase: $7 (on sale at Hobby Lobby)

Paper: $1.18 (2 sheets at Hobby Lobby)

Flowers: $10 (I got 2 prearranged flower bunches on sale at Hobby Lobby)

---------------------------------

total: $18.18

For my next one I will only have to spend the $1.18 on paper since I have the flowers & vase!

You can just call me Charlotte Stewart now!