Crafts I Can't Wait to Make!

Hey everyone! I hope you're all having a wonderful week!

Lately I've been in a crafty mood and have been searching Pinterest for some easy and fun DIY craft ideas. Here are some things I hope to make in the near future!

1. Coasters using ceramic tiles and scrapbook paper

2. Wrapped Vases using a glass vase and rope

3. Vanity tray using an old picture frame and fabric

4. Burlap jewelry holder using a picture frame and some burlap

5. Seersucker Pouch

What are some crafts you're wanting to try out? Have you tried any of theses crafts?

xo Julia

Moms Christmas Gift

Hey y'all! I hope everyone had a wonderful week! 

On Tuesday morning, Neil and I headed up to Indy to visit my family for 2 days and got back last night. More to come about our trip in the next couple days, but for now, I wanted to share with you a gift I made my mom for Christmas! I made her a recipe book!  It took me about two months to finish it, but mom LOVED it!

I called it "Sugar Maples: A Collection of Family Recipes". My maiden name is Maples and my mom always wanted a bakery called Sugar Maples, so since I couldn't give her that, I decided to make her this!

I used a simple black binder and covered it with scrapbook paper. A Cricut would have come in really handy for cutting out the letters and leaves!

My dad past away last year, and he was the best Chef I knew. This was the little dedication page I put in there for him. The car at the top is a car that he had since he was 16 years old. It's been through everything with him, so how could I not include it!?

I typed out every single recipe, since the book was made up of all the special recipes Dad used to fix, as well as Neil's family recipes and of course some of Moms famous desserts!  I like the book so much, I think I'll make one for myself!

What do you think!?  Did you make any gifts for Christmas? 

xo Julia

Top 5 Tuesday: November Favorites

Today I'm linking up once again with miss Rachel from Just Peachy for Top 5 Tuesday: November Favorites Edition!  Let me just start off by saying that November really is one of my favorite months! This is why:

1. Birthdays

The 3 most important men in my life, Neil, Dad and Granddaddy's (mom's dad) birthdays are all in November. Even better, Neil and Dad share the same birthday! How weird is that!? There are so many similarities and coincidences in our combined family, that it's scary! For example:

-Neils sisters real first name is Julia (but she goes by Katy) and she was named after her great aunt Julia...so was I!

-My mom and Neil's grandmother share the same birthday (Feb. 3)

and the list goes on...and on...and on! Anyways, back to the subject!

2. Thanksgiving

I love spending Thanksgiving with our families! It's definitely one of my favorite holidays, and I look forward it! I also like having an excuse to stay up late and go shopping on black Friday!

3. Christmas Shopping

I start my Christmas shopping at the beginning of November, so to me, it counts as a November favorite! I absolutely love buying gifts for other people. To be honest, I could go with out gifts for myself before I would for my family and friends! It makes me happier to give than to receive! I like going into stores and smelling the Holiday scents they have placed through out. I also love all the peppermint flavored hot drinks! 

4. The Clothes

Of course I hate when I have to force myself to put up the flip-flops (ok, I admit that my flip-flops are still being worn, but I promise to put them up really soon!) dresses and shorts, but after I get over it, I realize how great fall fashion is! I love being able to just throw on some cute jeans, a sweater and a scarf and run out the door!

5. Crafts

November seems to be my "craft month". I craft all through the year, but November seems to be filled with all kinds of crafts!  Crafts for the house, crafts as gifts and making all my candles and soaps for work. My latest crafts have been hobo purses, driftwood trees, bow ties and recipe books.  I like to make my mom and sister at least one thing for Christmas to go along with their other gifts...I wont say what I made, but I think they'll love it!

What are your November Favorites?

xo Julia