Christmas in July Gift Exchange

I have already showed you what I made to send to my Christmas Exchange partner.  Now, I get to show off the cool stuff that I got.  I participated in the U.S. and International gift exchange...it was a TON of fun!!  I can't wait to do this again.  I would venture to say it is better than Christmas.

Okay,

I got this cool lunch box full of goodies from Cheryl...

I love the saying on the lunch box...very true!

The little birdy with long legs is too cute!

She also sent me these cool necklaces.  I love them both and have had fun wearing them already.

The last thing she sent was this sweet hair bow and head band...how sweet of her to thing of Missy Priss.  I have always attributed watermelons to summer and the 4 th of July, so it will be perfect in Missy Priss's hair...that is if I can get her to leave it alone.  (oh, if anyone has any advice on how to keep hair bows in my daughter's hair, besides duck taping her hands to her sides....please let me know)

The next gift is from the talented Becky at Crazy Sense of Smell...

She is from Canada, and when this package came in the mail I immediately knew it was my Christmas present.  I have never received mail that had a description of the contents before...but that is customs for ya. 
Anyway, she made this georgous hemp necklace.

I ran to the bathroom to put in on the second I opened the package.  I love it.  I wore it to a birthday part that night and got several complements.

I hope all the other crafts enjoy all their Christmas in July gifts...I know I did!!

Happy Crafting!!!

Things to Try Thursday- Cozy Car Caddy

We had a birthday party that we went to a couple of days ago for one of the little boys we go to church with.  I knew that this little car caddy from Homemade by Jill was the perfect gift....my little man is already asking me for one for himself!! 

I think this is the neatest little boy toy...or toy holder as it may be.  If you have a little boy in your life i am sure that he has a ton of match box cars...well at least my little boy does and he can't seem to get enough of them. 

This caddy is complete with road...and parking garage.  Wouldn't the be great for church or restaurants?

It rolls up to a nice convenient size that makes it great for keeping in your purse for quiet moments. 

I also made a small coloring portfolio...this one was 4x6 with 3 crayons and 1 pencil.  Once again a nice small size. 

I think it turned out to be a great gift. I hope he enjoys it!!

Go check out this great tutorial over at Homemade by Jill!!

Happy sewing.

What I Wore

I have seen several of the bloggers I follow linking up what they have been wearing each week.  Well, I thought I would give it a try this week...only three days, I got a late start. 

I will admit that knowing I would be putting my outfits on line has made me more conscious of what I am wearing.  I admit that I haven't done this sooner because I spend way too much time in my pj's.  I don't think ya'll really want to see that...so here is what I have been wearing.

Monday

Top: Express (from way too long ago)

Jeans: Guess (from TJMaxx)

Flip Flops: Target

My Mom had the kiddos so I had some free time (not really) to run some errands.  I am in the process of finishing a summer online class and I had to run to the library to look up some sources.  And, no this is not the fun library...this is the campus library full of old must books, and where the temperature is cooler outside than inside.  I really do feel sorry for those librarians, they should let them wear tank tops in the summer.

Tuesday

Top: Banana Republic

Shorts: Reebok

Flip Flops: Target

We went to the HH Gregg to pick up our new washing machine and then hung out at the house.  The kiddos played while I continued to work on my final paper. 

Wednesday

Top and Shorts:  Old Navy

Flip Flops:  Target

We went to the last free movie of the summer at our local movie theatre with some friends.  We say "Hotel for Dogs".  We have seen it before, but the kids really seemed to enjoy it...and the grown ups too.

I guess that is it for this episode of what I wore...hopefully next week I can keep up the habit of photographing myself. 

Happy Wednesday!!

What's for Dinner Wednesday-Chicken, Apple, and Pasta Salad

This is such a good recipe...it was even better at my house because the hubby made it...well about half of it.  Almost, anything is better if you don't have to cook it!!!

Anyway, here is what you need:
1/2 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1tbsp maple syrup
3 cups cooked whole grain penne pasta
1 1/2 cups diced chicken
1/4 cups chopped pecans
2 cups diced red delicious apples
1 bag chopped lettuce

Whisk the orange juice, vinegar, mustard, and syrup together in a large bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients, except the lettuce, and toss to coat with the dressing.  Divide the lettuce into portions on your plate, then top with the chicken and pasta. 

This was REALLY good.  I was afraid that the balsamic vinegar would be over powering, but it wasn't at all.  The dish turned out to be suprisingly sweet, but not too sweet.  This is a great summer meal that everyone will love.  It would be more colorful if I hadn't peeled the apples, but the skin is hard for my little ones to eat. 

Happy Cooking!!