fun: Pampered Chef Party

*We won't close the show until the end of January.  IF you decide to order that is when your CC will be charged.

I know what all of you who are far away are thinking, BUT this is a catalog party and you can order online and have it shipped to you!  How great is that?!  Here is a link to my super cool consultant's page.  All you have to do is enter my name and SHOP!

I wanted to share some of my favorite, affordable, can't live without, Pampered Chef products.

  

Can Strainer $5.00

It is great for all kinds of foods.  I need a second one because it is ALWAYS in my dishwasher.  I use it most on olives, tuna, and beans.  If you get only ONE item I'd recommend this one.

Mix and Chop $10.50

This is great for mashed potatoes, ground meat, making guacamole... anything really!  I just got this at my last pampered chef party and I AM IN LOVE!  How did I live so long without it?

Mini Spatula $5.50

This little spatula is just the right size for getting brownies out of the pan and cookies off the cookie sheet.   It is the ultimate dessert spatula.

Microplane $27.00

I really love this microplane.  It has a guard on it and it folds up small for my TINY kitchen.  I love that it can stand on it's own so I can grate hard cheeses like Parm.  It's also great for ginger, garlic and zesting fruits. 

Small Spreader $5.50 and Large Spreader $9.50

This is something I use anytime I need something smooth.  I uses this for frosting cakes and cup cakes and  this makes 7 layer bean dip a breeze to make (shhhhh).

Small $14.50 Medium $15.50 Large $16.50 Scoops

I have all three.  I use them all the time for cookies, muffins, chicken salad sandwiches, and pancakes.

And if you made it to the end of this post I'll tell you a secret.  Order with a friend and split the shipping!!  

Craft: Christmas Ornaments

I have done so much Christmas crafting this season, but by far my favorite are these bird ornaments. I was inspired by two sites. First Charcoal and Crayons post about Scrappy Sparrows (download and use the template), and Second Sister's Little Cher Ami post.

I found sheet music for "I Know My Redeemer Lives"  at the thrift store and used it to create these birdies.  I loved finding my favorite phrases and showcasing them on my tree.

Just a little catch up.   Things for us are pretty mellow.  

IVF

Our December cycle was also canceled.  Although not the news we were hoping for, it is not devistating.  I've been focusing on having the healthiest body I can so, hopefully, we can have a healthy pregnancy.  This cycle, some of my numbers were high, and that brought adoption back into the picture.  We'll have to see what happens.  Surprisingly, I'm  not stressing over this.  It has been a long, hard road and I know that there are blessings in store, no matter which way we go.  

Other News

Ok there really isn't other news.  I've been keeping busy watching friends' children and Christmas crafting.  We had a quiet Thanksgiving with Holy, Grace, and Garrison (aka G and Little G's family).  We are so blessed with their friendship and love.  The twins turned 2 this month and sadly we missed them on their birthday.  

Christmas shopping is DONE and all our presents have been mailed.  YAY!  I'm just enjoying my time with friends this Christmas season.  J is busy: work is stressful, church and other meetings take up a couple of nights a week, and the scouts have monthly trips.   I feel like we have 3 good evenings a week and I'm happy with it.  

To our family and friends, I hope this Christmas season finds you well and happy!