Project: Gifting Baby Plants

I have this one plant that has been going crazy. I am not sure what it is, some kind of succulent. It doesn't need rooting hormone, any piece that breaks off and is placed in the soil will grow like the dickens.



I was trying to figure out what to do with all of these plantlings (that's a word) that seem to be taking over and realized that I should curse gift my friends who show even the slightest hint of a green thumb (don't worry Sarah, you will not get one. wink).

To make this aggressive grower a bit more adorable I decided to up the ante with packaging (I totally thought this was a semi-original idea and just found it on Pinterest, whatever). You can do this too.

You will need

• 1 jar
• spray paint
• rocks and pebbles
• soil
• plant
• twine

Here is what you do.

1. Spray paint the jar, takes like 1 minutes
2. When the jar is dry place a couple of rocks in the bottom for drainage.
3. Cover with soil and add plant.
4. Add some tiny decorative pebbles and twine. You can add a tag or instructions. Good to go!

Today we are making a delivery to a friend I haven't been able to touch base with recently, just a little gesture of friendliness.

Christmas Eve, Eve

I awoke to the sweet sound of toddler voice this morning. Cordelia called to me from her room, "Momma, wanna snuggle in your bed?" How could I resist? We spent some time snuggling, Eric was oblivious as he was in a very deep sleep. Cordelia did some counting, told me a few notions that happened to be passing through her mind. Then we decided to get up as the sun was beginning to rise over the mountains, illuminating the horizon and shedding light on this important day of Christmas Eve, Eve.



Today is all about wrapping things up. I mean this in a literal sense as there are a few gifts to still be wrapped, but I also have some gifts to deliver, some Kindness Bandit activities to attend to, I need to spend some more time with Ben and Sara (they have to leave tomorrow), and we have a party to attend as well. I am going to hit the ground running today with a happy heart.

What do you still have to do to prep for Christmas?
I will be back here tomorrow as usual!

Vegan Chocolate Bark

Yesterday I spent most of the day with my family, but I did sneak off for a couple of hours to complete some holiday food/gift prep. I decided to make my own version of chocolate bark it was super easy and quite tasty as well.

If you want to make your own you can simply follow these directions:

• Microwave safe bowl for chocolate melting
• Spatula
  
• A small container, I used an 8 x 8 baking dish, but you just need something of a comparable size.
• 8 oz vegan semi-sweet 60%-70% chocolate (I found this with surprising ease)
• Wax or parchment paper
• Toppings: I used pecans and cranberries but you could do so many things...nuts, peppermints, sea salt, pretzels, etc. You are only limited by things that go well with chocolate.

Directions
First, prepare your baking dish. Put wax or parchment paper on the bottom and up over the sides, double layer if necessary (see my pic, you'll want some overhang to grab onto). Next, melt the chocolate according to the directions on the packages and then stir it up. Pour the chocolate into the dish, using your spatula to get it all out of the bowl. Make sure that the chocolate is spread in an even layer that is about 1/4 inch thick. While the chocolate is still liquid-y add your toppings, just letting them settle into the soft chocolate.

I tapped the container on the counter a few times to ensure that the chocolate settled evenly. Put the whole thing into the fridge and let it cool for a bit, the chocolate will harden. Do something else to distract yourself from pulling it out too soon.

I made vegan chocolate chip cookies while I waited. These are gifts people, I'm not just a crazy chocolate freak.

Once the chocolate has cooled and hardened you can take it from the fridge. Next, use the overhand of the wax or parchment paper to lift the whole thing from the baking dish.

Break off any super thin pieces that may have dried on the side. Cordelia was more than willing to help with those bits...along with cookie dough.

Break the chocolate into chunks, you can choose the size; I went for a size that was a few bites. Wrap it up and gift away.

Tea Party, Jackpot, Idea for Us: Three Part Post

Part I Tea Party
Yesterday Cordelia and I went to a dress up tea party at our friend's house. I used it as an opportunity to have Cordelia wear this over-the-top dress she had been given (lace, bows, beads, etc,). I dressed up too! We had peach tea and blueberry muffins. Fun was had by all!









Part II Jackpot!!!
One thing I LOVE about blogging is meeting so many wonderful new and interesting people. I have made lifelong friendships. I have been moved by so many of you. I have been inspired by you as well.

Recently I was contacted by Elissa from On My Way Home. She said she had some fabric scraps that she thought I might enjoy. I was caught off guard by such a thoughtful gesture and accepted her generous offer.


The box

Well the box arrived this week and it was, as the title of this blog implies, a jackpot! Elissa was so thoughtful, but also very intuitive! I was incredibly excited about every little item I pulled out. I took a good hour just to unload the box as I kept getting sidetracked with ideas and inspirations!

There was a package filled with paper, photos and vintage postcards.


Paper. She must have remembered that I do a lot of art with paper. I am completely excited to use this!


I loved the hilarious collection of postcards of Lawrence Welk's home! Look at that carpet!


Stickers for Cordelia.


An adorable journal. I think I will use it for my gardening notes!


A Japanese newspaper. I can think of a zillion ways to use this. Elissa said she uses it for wrapping paper!


Also in the box were a ton of awesome vintage patterns! Right up my alley.


And of course there was fabric.


Lots of fabric!!!
I can't wait to dig in! Thanks Elissa!!

Part III Idea for Us
Elissa's awesome gift box got me thinking. I have tons of crafting and sewing bits that I love, but can't seem to use and I am sure you do too. Wouldn't it be great to get a little mutual inspiration going? My idea is that I could gather the names and addresses of those interested in a little swap (fabric, notions, craft items, etc.) and pair everyone up. I think we could all agree upon a standard size box and then fill it up! Then we could all exchange and find new inspiration...what do you think? If you are interested please email me---my email address can be found on my profile page.