i should be mopping the floor: November 2013
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Printable Holiday Recipe Card

These Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Printable Recipe Cards would make such a fun and easy gift for anyone on your list. And they're super fun for this time of the year.

I love a good hand-written recipe card. It's such a treat to receive...and I think about the giver every time I make the recipe written on it. These "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" recipe cards would make a fabulous hostess gift for all of those holiday parties. Print out a few, wrap in ribbon, pair with a cute dish towel and you've got a great, budget-friendly hostess gift. 


These print two to a page on a standard, letter-sized page. 
I strongly recommend cardstock for these.
Click on the below image to download.










Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:




Fabulous Sponsors' Shopping Guide

As a HUGE thank you to my sponsors this past year, I've put together a fun gift guide filled with their favorite products! There's some serious AWESOME in here!
And of course, don't forget the BIGGEST SILHOUETTE PROMOTION EVER!
Use code MOPPING at checkout to get these deals on the Silhouette Black Friday Sale.
Click HERE to access this sale.


FROM MY AMAZING ARBONNE SPONSOR, BLAKE HARRIS>>>
These are Blake's favorite deals for the holidays {and just FYI, I highly recommend the RE9 set...I've used it and it is amazing. And she's offering a very exclusive deal!}. there is a 45 day money back guarantee on all Arbonne purchases through Blake.

1. Pampermint® Foot Care Gift Set 
Twinkle their toes with the joyous gift of Pampermint, tingling with cool peppermint. Set includes FootWork Foot Scrub, SoleMate Foot Cream and a pair of super-plushy socks — presented in a special holiday-designed box that needs no wrapping.

Surprise loved ones on your list with this truly luxurious set of refreshing citrus and ginger spice favorites that contain natural essential oils of lemongrass, cardamom, and nutmeg. Includes Body Wash, Sugar Scrub, and Body Butter.

ON SALE FOR 50% OFF TODAY ONLY: email abharris29@gmail.com to get discount, use code "i should be mopping the floor" in the subject line.
Parties, shopping and wrapping can leave you feeling worn out, but your skin can still feel toned and youthful with RE9 Advanced. Wrapped in limited-edition holiday packaging, our comprehensive anti-aging skincare regimen for a youthful appearance offers six products for face, with Extra Moisture Restorative Day Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen.


FROM MY AWESOME SPONSOR, LAUREN AT WHITE LOFT>>>



These are Lauren's favorite deals for the holidays at her shop, White Loft. Everything in her shop is handmade and beautiful! I have one of the washer necklaces myself, and it's gorgeous...the black one is so glam!

This growth-chart ruler provides a tangible way to watch your little one grow on a classic and portable piece of decor. With a gender-neutral appearance, this piece can be proudly displayed anywhere in your home or given as a sentimental gift.

This unique necklace can be dressed up or worn casually, and is sure to attract many compliments. Made of zinc cut washers, this black satin ribbon can be tied at any length – up to 14".

This natural growth-chart provides a tangible way to watch your little one grow on a portable piece of decor. Ideal for a holiday gift, baby shower or addition to your home, 12 paper key tags and 12 safety pins are included to use as the height markers.


FROM MY FABULOUS SCENTSY SPONSOR, DIEDRA>>>

I can't tell you how much I LOVE my Scentsy. Diedra keeps me well stocked with this awesomeness. My home currently smells like Cider Mill...mmmm! Tomorrow, I'm breaking out my Christmas Cottage to celebrate the season. Check out these fabulous Scentsy sets that are perfect for gifts:

6 Scentsy Bars of your choice, plus 2 Plug-In Scentsy Warmers
3 Scentsy Bars, plus 1 Scentsy Premium Warmer
3 Scentsy Bars, plus 1 Plug-In Scentsy Warmer and 1 Premium Scentsy Warmer

FROM MY FANTASTIC DEBORAH'S COLLECTION SPONSOR, REBEKAH>>>

My friend, Rebekah, recently introduced me to Deborah's Collection...and I'm officially hooked. All of the products that I've tried have truly been wonderful! Here are Rebekah's top three picks:
Deborah’s Collection Ultra Firm Eye Crème is uniquely formulated with Tetrapeptide, Vitagen, and AMC (Advance Moisture Complex) to: diminish the appearance of fine lines, dramatically lighten age spots, eliminate dark circles & puffiness under the eyes, stimulate collagen production to firm & lift sagging skin and replenish & soften delicate areas.

Deborah’s Collection FacialTox Advanced is fortified with Malus Domestica, Swiss Apple Stem Cell, Argireline, Soluble Marine Collagen, and Advanced Moisture Complex. These cutting-edge ingredients come together to help combat signs of aging, reduce existing facial wrinkles, inhibit future development of wrinkles, contour and rejuvenate firmness to the skin’s matrix. Recommend for all skin types.

 Deborah’s Collection revolutionary Enzymatic Facial Peel is formulated with empowering antioxidants designed to remove dead and damaged skin cells as it resurfaces to a satin smooth finish. Recommended for all skin types. 

FROM MY VERY OWN SHOP, SARA BLAINE>>>

I've picked my three favorite jewelry pieces from my Sara Blaine shop to tell you about today...but truly, it's all gorgeous!

1. Cleo Bracelet

Queen of the Nile. Gleaming like gold bars, these delicately hammered brass petals clink softly with a rich, low resonance on intricate handmade chains. Emerald cut azure-blue agate baguette adorns with cool style. 

We're getting good vibrations from this flirty and fun southwestern inspired favorite. Featuring a bronze leaf pendant with carnelian cabochons, this beauty is earthy yet elegant.

Pearl, smoky quartz and lovely labradorite adorn this sterling silver trio.

Happy Shopping!






Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:




Silhouette Black Friday Promotion and Holiday Silhouette Projects


Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Have I got a deal for YOU!! I've teamed up with Silhouette America to bring you the most fabulous Silhouette deal EVERRRRRR!!


Access the biggest promotion that Silhouette has ever done by clicking HERE
Use code MOPPING at checkout to get the following deals:

>>> A Silhouette CAMEO®, Silhouette Studio® Designer Edition Software, a dust cover (the color is decided by Silhouette), a $25 download card, a hook, a scraper, a spatula, and a pick-me-up® tool for $229.99. Retail price for all of this would total $406.93 (over 40% savings!)

>>> A Silhouette Portrait®, Silhouette Studio® Designer Edition Software, a dust cover (the color is decided by Silhouette), a $25 download card, a hook, a scraper, a spatula, and a pick-me-up® tool for $129.99. Retail price for all of this would total $286.93 (over 40% savings!)

>>> A Silhouette CAMEO®, a Silhouette Portrait®, and two $25 download cards for $299.99. That’s right: If you buy a Silhouette CAMEO® at full price, you get two $25 download cards and a Silhouette Portrait® ABSOLUTELY FREE! Retail price for all of this would be $406.93 (over 40% savings!)

>>> 40% off consumable products at silhouetteamerica.com. This excludes machines, subscriptions, download and gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Rain checks not available.

>>> FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25.

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I've had my Silhouette Cameo for a couple of weeks now...and am 100% addicted to creating with it. Addicted. There are so many projects you can make with these machines...it's kind of mind-blowing. But, being the sign-junkie I am, you know where my mind went!

Butter Ball Cookie Recipe | Contributor Post from Julie

Happy Thanksgiving friends!
Tomorrow is the big day.
Is your turkey staring at you when you open your fridge like mine is?
I think ours said, "Get me out of here, Red!" this morning ;)
----
In the mean time...
lets talk cookies, because we all know baking doesn't end at Thanksgiving.I never had the privilege of meeting my Grandfather who passed away 3 years before I was born.

He loved to cook, and he loved to keep his home nice. I think him and I would have had a lot to talk about. Today, I'm sharing his "Butter Ball Cookie Recipe" with you.
Butter Ball Cookies
I grew up watching my Mom make these every Christmas.
She had his original recipe.

Balancing DIY Projects with a Busy Family

Ever wonder how to balance DIY projects within a busy family? I'm sharing some tips over at the What to Expect When You're Expecting Blog...just click here!








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Horsey Cranberry Sauce {The PERFECT Holiday Appetizer}

This Horsey Cranberry Sauce will take an ordinary block of cream cheese all the way to holiday appetizer perfection.  It really kicks up the flavor!

In Texas, we can pretty much take any block of cream cheese, pour something jelly-ish on it and have a crazy good appetizer in minutes {sounds weird. Trust me it's so not. At least not around these parts.}

Free Holiday Chalkboard Printable

This free holiday chalkboard printable
 is the perfect addition to your holiday decor. 
It can sit out from now until New Year's!


This 8x10 chalkboard printable is simple to print and frame.
It looks best without the glass in the frame, for that authentic chalkboard look.

Click on image below to download:










Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:




Elf Inspired Ornament | Guest Post from Being Bianca

What a treat today! Brett is here from Being Bianca to share the most ADORBS ornament! Loving it and super happy she's here today!

--
Hey y'all!  I'm pleased as punch to be joining Kristi and all of you today.  Eek ... ok, I'm actually really giddy!  Not only is this my first time sharing a project with all of you fab I Should Be Mopping the Floor followers (***squeal with delight ***), but it's also my first Christmas project unveiling of the season!  I just love festive decorating and am thrilled to share a really fun handmade ornament with you that is sure to be a great addition to your festive Christmas holiday décor this year. Tutorial for adorable Elf-Inspired Ornament 

Now, before I dive right in ... I do owe you the courtesy of a proper introduction, right?  I'm B from Being Bianca and (probably like many of you) when I'm not tending to the boys in my life or working the "day job"; you can always find me up to something crafty! I've already started unpacking my Christmas décor and poor Mr. Turkey is sharing space with his winter season friends at the moment (gasp ... I know).  Once Thanksgiving comes and goes, our next order of business is the much anticipated arrival of our tiny North Pole Helper, Elfie.  That's right folks, the Elf on the Shelf book series is all the rage and our family just wouldn't be miss out on this fun little tradition.  In fact, this year I have a really fun elf themed tree in the little guys honor planned and today I am sharing one of the featured ornaments on this presh little tree. 

To make your own elf inspired ornaments you will need:
  • Burlap
  • Mod Podge
  • Acrylic craft paint  (I used red and green)
  • Scissors
  • Paint brush(es)
  • Permanent marker (black)
  • Hot glue
  • Glitter (optional)
Once you collect your supplies, you simply:
  1. Begin by creating a pattern of your design.  I found a darling pair of elf legs online in the Silhouette store and used that as my featured shape.  I made my design about 5 inches in length so that they would be really visible on the tree.  Really ... just print the picture on your printer and use that - no fancy transfer papers and such required.
  2. Trace the shape of your design outline onto the burlap using your marker.
  3. Cut around the outline of the shape you just traced.
  4. Using your hot glue gun glue two of the shapes together.  You are basically creating a "two ply" version of your shape.  Use caution because the hot glue CAN and will be felt by your sweet little fingers through the burlap (note that warning is given with a big giant blister bandage on my left thumb ... a war wound from my last battle with the glue gun).
  5. Once glue dries, coat the entire shape with the Mod Podge.  Don't be stingy now ... go on ... slap a good coat on it.
  6. Let the Mod Podge dry and repeat on the other side.
  7. Now, at this point .... you will wonder what you have done.  It won't look all that fab but perk up ... there's hope starting with this step.  :)  Go ahead and trim off any frayed edges or any pieces that just don't look right.
  8. It's time to paint your design.  I started with the green and painted my little pointy toe shoes and the green zig zag skirt (I guess it's a skirt?) first.  Use a fine tip paint brush to get the edges right and then simply fill in with the solid color.
  9. Once dry, add a contasting color for the tights.  Candy cane stripes are absolutely darling, but I will warn you that it takes precision.  Let's just say I started that way and went solid red after not being all too pleased with the result.
  10. Once your entire ornament is dry, you can use a fine tip paint brush or a paint pen to outline the shape for better contrast.  I did that and would recommend it.
  11. Then, repeat the same design on the back side of the ornament - or if you prefer ... just paint it a solid color (hey ... it's the back, right?)
  12. I added a final layer of glitter mixed with the remaining Mod Podge to give a really awesome shine effect to the finished product.  Would totally recommend it if you have any spare glitter or diamond fabric glue on hand.
  13. For one final embellishment, add jingle bells to the toes of the shoes. It's darling :)
And with that ... voila ... a tiny little elf for your very tree.
Tutorial for adorable Elf-Inspired Ornament
We kick off elf season around these parts the weekend after Thanksgiving with a big arrival celebratory breakfast for our sweet Elfie.  That's right, the little guy gets a big breakfast party in his honor and we pull out all the "little" stops for it.  In addition to (going crazy) thinking up funny little shenanigans for Elfie to entertain us with each day, our little guy is getting a tree in his honor.  These little elf legs will be joining a series of monogrammed ornaments, some fun polka dot and crazy stripe ribbon as well as a few other elf like touches on their very own special tree.  I know Lil B will get a huge kick out of it this year and think the special tree in our little pint sized guest's honor is just the bee's knees!

Tutorial for adorable Elf-Inspired Ornament
I'll be sharing the full tree unveiling and our special breakfast party over at Being Bianca lickity split after Thanksgiving.  In the mean time, pop on over, say hello and catch some the other crafty antics!  Here's wishing y'all a very safe, spirited and absolutely fabulous holiday season full of memories ripe for the making!
bianca
About Brett: 

Brett is a sophisticated southern belle who shares her musings, crafting and decorating at Being Bianca.  She and her beloved husband, toddler son and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel call Atlanta home.  In addition to sharing her creations at Being Bianca, Brett is a technology executive by day and loves to travel.
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Thanks so much for being here today, Brett! What a PRESH ornament...I love me some curly toed-elf feet! Such a pleasure to have you here at ISBMTF!









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Hosting Holiday Guests with Ease | Contributor Post from Heather

Ho, ho, ho. Happy Holidays y'all! 
Heather here from Southern State of Mind
I am so happy to be guest hosting here today! 

Speaking of hosting... 'tis the season for hosting holiday guests! 
Today I am sharing a few of my simple tips to help you get prepared for your upcoming overnight guests. I believe that with just a few simple touches, your friends and family will think Santa made a special early trip just for them! 



Layered Turtle Ice Cream Pie

This Layered Turtle Ice Cream Pie is the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. This no-bake beauty is simple to create, yet impressive for your guests.

Layered Turtle Ice Cream Pie: a no-bake pie that tastes like you've been in the kitchen all day.
The inspiration recipe for this came from the Christmas with Southern Living 2006 book. I have tweaked it over the years to make it my own. I pretty much live in those books this time of year...not sure there are any I don't have. Obsessed. For years.

Brown Butter Pecan Pancakes


I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and its client.


These Brown Butter Pecan Pancakes make the perfect addition to your holiday cooking...a delightful breakfast for everyone. They're chocked full of cinnamon, pecans, browned butter and awesome.

My lips first met brown butter pancakes at an adorable little restaurant in Temple, Texas called Megg's Cafe. They were a holiday menu special and I couldn't get enough of them. I worked like crazy to combine a few of my favorite pancake recipes, along with brown butter to come up with my own version.

Free Printable Thanksgiving Kids' Activity Pages

These free printable Thanksgiving Kids' Activity Pages are the perfect way to keep little hands busy while they wait on the turkey to finish cooking.

Every year that I host Thanksgiving, I always wish I would have created some table activities for the kiddos. Super excited that I'm ahead of the game this year {at least in this area...the menu has yet to be planned}.

Free Printable Thanksgiving Kids' Activity Pages


This set includes a coloring page for your little pumpkins, a word search for the older turkeys and a thankful list for everyone {even the grown ups may need like this one, too}. Set out a cute ribbon-tied bundle of crayons or colored pencils and you're good to go.

Each printable is letter-sized and is available below for instant download.

The Grand Gobbler | Contributor Post from T'onna

Hello Again "I Should Be Mopping the Floor" readers! It's T'onna (aka Navy Wifey Peters) from USS Crafty, and this week, I'm sharing a Thanksgiving sewing project with you all.


I found this felt turkey project and free sewing pattern and instructions at Sewing.org. This was a quick, easy, and fun project that is perfect for Thanksgiving.  I plan on adding my gobbler to a Thanksgiving wreath. 

Christmas Recipes: Marshmallow Snowman Treats


I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and its client.


These Marshmallow Snowman Treats were easy to put together for a quick party with friends. 
Is there anything better than fun Christmas recipes?
#KraftEssentials 


My youngest has been invited to a holiday movie party at a friend's house to kick off the holiday season. They get to wear their jammies, have a {just-for-fun} pillow fight and watch a fun holiday flick together! Each child was asked to bring a holiday treat to share with friends. After chatting about it, we thought creating a marshmallow kabob would be cute...then we kept thinking and came up with marshmallow snowmen! Aren't they so fun? I just love easy dessert recipes.

Parker House Style Herbed Pull Apart Loaf

This Parker House Style Herbed Pull Apart Loaf starts from simple frozen yeast rolls. It will be a show-stopper at any dinner table, especially during the holidays
I've been so excited to share this one with you. After tweaking a recipe from an old Christmas cookbook, I think we may have the perfect combination of impressive, yet easy and delicious. It would be the perfect addition to your holiday table.

Colourful Letters Giveaway

Happy weekend, friends!

Today, I'm teaming up with several other bloggers to bring you a fabulous giveaway to Colourful Letters, an online shop where you can customize and create the most beautiful letters for your home!

Stop by their website here to check out all they have to offer.


Southern Ambrosia Recipe

Today, I'm sharing an updated version of my mom's Southern Ambrosia recipe...a staple on our holiday table. It's truly the best kind of "salad" there is. And we all need a salad at the holiday meal, right? See this Southern Ambrosia recipe below.

The word Ambrosia comes from Greek mythology...loosely translated: food of the gods. I couldn't agree more. While I've made this version a bit simpler with store-bought marshmallows and canned fruit, you can also create homemade marshmallows and use fresh fruit if you prefer. With the holidays, I feel like I don't know whether I'm coming or going...so shortcuts for me, man.

Printable Thanksgiving Placecards

These free printable Thanksgiving Placecards are a great addition to your holiday table.

It's time to put everyone in their place. Well, logistically speaking, anyway {wink}. These printable coordinating Thanksgiving placecards are the perfect way to do that!

How to Create a Vintage Thanksgiving Sign

This DIY Vintage Sign was very simple to put together...
and will now be a life-long holiday treasure!

Huge Thanksgiving fan here. I know a lot of friends already have their Christmas decor up, but I'm just a huge sucker for Turkey day. I love decorating for this fall holiday.

THIS POST IS JUST GETTING STARTED>>>

Free Faux Burlap Thanksgiving Printables

These burlap Thanksgiving printables are the perfect touch to your fall decor.

Free Printables: Vintage Thanksgiving images print onto a faux-burlap background: looks just like real burlap (8x10 size). 4 styles.
These print out on a letter sized page, to be trimmed for an 8x10 frame. 

THIS POST IS JUST GETTING STARTED!
PLEASE CLICK THROUGH TO READ IT ALL AND DOWNLOAD YOUR PRINTABLES>>>