Weekend Projects

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break!  I can't believe it's been a whole week since my last post.  To those of you who are dedicated readers of my blog, sorry for the delay... I figured everyone would be traveling, decorating, shopping or all three!
Logically my post today should be about the house projects I accomplished over the weekend, the great deals I found on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and a few snap shots of the fabulous Christmas decorations I put up.

 None of those things happened.

Instead, Adam put me to work finishing up a few projects that needed to be done before the snow arrives. Our "to do" list included putting up 100 feet of snow fence, building a ladder to get up into our hayloft and this...

....finishing the windbreak for the cows.

(Yes, I helped with the whole project... setting poles, hanging boards and hanging the tin!)

Fortunately, in return for my help around the farm, Adam helped me with my little project which was cleaning out the basement.  I am getting the basement painted this week so I can finally have my own design and office space!  Wooohoooo!!

It definietly looks like a dungeon right now but once the walls are painted and I do a little decorating I am going to have an awesome space!  You will definitley see more on this basement transformation project!

Even though I didn't take part in the traditional holiday happenings beyond Thanksgiving dinner I had a pretty fulfilling weekend.  There is something so rewarding about hard work, seeing what you accomplished in a day and working side by side with someone you love and admire.

Have a great week!

BETH 

Thanksgiving Table and Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is Thursday - Yikes!  Fortunately, I am not hosting a Thanksgiving celebration, but if I was I thought I would share with you what my Thanksgiving table might look  like. :)  I'll also let you know where I found some of the items I used, just in case you like them.

Standard white plates go with anything!

Plates: Walmart - Better Homes & Gardens Brand

Glasses: Pottery Barn (they are actually plastic!)

The place holder is such an easy DIY project! Just use a binder clip and a little flair to the paper with a seasonal rubber stamp.

Napkins & Napkin Rings: Pier 1 Imports

The centerpiece has been on my table throughout the fall.  I just added two more vases that I filled with fresh cranberries to add a little more color.

It's so fun to decorate and "wow" your guests with the meal you make and the decorations but what about truly celebrating this holiday by coming together as family and friends to share what you are thankful for.  This seems to be something that can be easily forgotten this day and age.  Below are a couple of ideas that I came across in the November 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

Thankful Leaves



Cut out leaf shapes and have your guests write something they are thankful for.  Then have them post the leaves on a cork board for an additional fall decoration.  This can also lead to an awesome conversation piece.

Conversation Cards

Use small squares of cardstock decorated for fall to write a quote or a question on.  Put one next to each place setting and during or after dinner go around the room and have everyone read their card.

For more ideas visit the Better Homes & Gardens website.

Enjoy  your Thanksgiving my friends.  I hope this post gives you some inspiration for preparing your celebration and remembering the importance of this holiday!

Beth

Blue Ribbon Fudge Winners

Good morning! Today is the day I announce the two winners of Diane's Blue Ribbon Fudge!  But first, thanks to everyone for your comments on my blog, "Likes" on Facebook and welcome to the new Design Your Dwelling followers -  you gals are awesome!  The winners were drawn radomly.

The winners of Blue Ribbon Fudge are:

Tara Ryks

Melissa T.

Congrats ladies - you are in for a treat! :)

Tara and Melissa - please send your mailing address to designyourdwellingblog@gmail.com so we can get your fudge sent to you.  Thanks!

Also, remember you can order Blue Ribbon Fudge by emailing Diane at diane_mussell@hotmail.com.

The holiday season is about here so once I get into my DIY gift-giving ideas there will be quite a few give-aways

Happy Monday....

Beth



{Giveaway} Blue Ribbon Fudge

I am excited for our giveaway today!  My friend and co-worker, Diane, has agreed to give away 6 oz of her Blue Ribbon Fudge to two lucky Design Your Dwelling readers! 

This fudge has won the Iowa State Fair fudge contest every time Diane has entered it into the contest since 2009. (She is 3 for 3!)  Since then, she has developed quite the fan base ranging from her family and friends to her co-workers and it has resulted in a small fudge business over the holidays complete with beautiful packaging and shipping.

Check out how yummy this looks! :)

Judges Comments: "Creamy, Smooth and Excellent Flavor!"

The finished product!
Judges Comments: "Lots of nuts"

Beautiful Holiday Packaging!

This fudge is so good!  (She already let me try some)

If you are looking for a great holiday gift, or a sweet treat for yourself, Diane will take orders via email (diane_mussell@hotmail.com).  The fudge is $1/ounce - What a SWEET deal! :)

Here is how you get entered for a chance to win the fudge:

1. Become a follower of Design Your Dwelling - post a comment letting me know you did (+1 entry)

2. "Like" Design Your Dwelling on Facebook - post a comment letting me know (+1 entry)

3. Leave a comment to tell us what your favorite kind of fudge is! (+1 entry)

The winners will be chosen radomly and announced on Monday November 21!

P.S. She doesn't give out this recipe to anyone... :)