Crafty Link-Up: Snowmen

It's hard to believe that it's almost December, and it has snowed ONCE in our lovely little Minnesotan town. Not that I'm complaining...Here are some snowmen to tide you over until the real thing comes around.

I remember making one of these sock snowmen as a craft project in grade school, and my mom still gets it out every year.

Or, if you can't bear to part with a sock (or yours are too full of holes), how about a water bottle snowman?

These simple drawn on snowmen faces make me smile.

If you have (or thrift) an old muffin tin that's not being used, how about painting it with snowmen?

You can use the little plastic containers from quarter toys or nylons to make a snowman ornament or garland, or Advent calendar with a little treat in each one.

And it wouldn't be the holiday season without some yummy cookies! Simple decorated snowmen cookies, or...

...white chocolate covered Nutter Butters. Yum!

And there are plenty more where those came from. Go look at my Christmas board for more wintry fun!

Coffee Creamer Snowman: A Naptime Project

Naptime projects are quick, easy projects that can be done in less than an hour while the little one(s) sleep.

I saw this guy on Pinterest (of course!) the other day, and I just happened to have a nearly empty bottle of creamer. This is a project that can take as little or as much time as you want. It took me about a minute to cut off the label and Sharpie on some features. And then I spent about 30 minutes knitting a little scarf for this guy. But you could just wrap a few strands of yarn around him for about the same effect.

As winter progresses, I expect more of these guys will make an appearance in my house. And then at the end of the season, I'll probably recycle them, but keep any decorative elements in a baggie for next year.

Menu Plan Monday

Who's tired of turkey? I am, kind of. We ate some for leftovers, and portioned the rest out to freeze. We'll be using it in place of chicken in some of our upcoming meals, so you can basically assume that chicken means turkey.

Monday: Chicken Alfredo Pizza (we have some alfredo sauce left over from last week's lasagna)
Tuesday/Wednesday: Burritos with Chicken, Black Beans, Rice, Corn, and Black Olives
Thursday: Dollar Dinner at the Beacon (last one of the semester!)
Friday: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Saturday: Black Bean Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries
Sunday: Leftover Mashed Potato Soup (from extra Thanksgiving mashed potatoes from the freezer)

Monday: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Tuesday: SW Potato Corn Chowder
Wednesday/Thursday: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Friday: Breakfast Sandwiches with eggs like this
Saturday: English Muffin Pizzas
Sunday: Stir Fry

What I'm Reading...

Saving Pennies or Dollars? Light Bulbs. Jesse and I were discussing switching all of our light bulbs that we haven't already switched to energy-efficient ones, but I was skeptical about how much money that would save and said we should just switch them as they burn out. I was wrong. I haven't told him yet though... (The Simple Dollar)

Becoming a Thankful Mom. I've been trying this this week, and there have been times it has helped. There have also been moments when it didn't. (Life Your Way)\

Self-Help Advice from a 2-Year-Old. (Jason Good)

Handmade Christmas: Duck and Goose Ornaments

I made this little duck and goose ornament set for my father-in-law. He is a hunter, and we have enjoyed both duck and goose during visits to his house! These little guys were pretty simple to make, and I finished them both within a day.

Handmade Christmas: Mickey Mouse Ornament

Over the next month or so I'll be posting some of the Christmas presents I'm making. I'm going to start out with those for people who I know don't look at this blog, but the rest of you family members should probably take a break from reading until after Christmas once we get to about mid-December. Unless you hate surprises. But I warned you, so it's not my fault...

I made this simple Mickey ornament from some wire and yarn. The wire I had gotten when our JoAnn's was moving and had their big clearance sale. It was pretty easy to twist into a Mickey shape. The yarn is wrapped a little more thickly around the ends of the wire so no one gets poked. Easy peasy!

Crafty Link-Up: Turkeys

In honor of Thanksgiving, here are some turkeys!

Who says you can't have dessert first? There are several variations of this edible turkey.

Or, for a healthier version, choose this fruit and veggie gobbler.

These egg carton turkeys would be easy table decor.

And last, but not least, these cookie turkey pieces look like so much fun!

For more turkeys and fall fun, check out my Thanksgiving board!