friends who drink diet coke together, stay together!

good afternoon friends!  have you taken a minute to check out my new ETSY shop?  if not, please do!  i think you'll like it!  it's not to late for Christmas orders!

you've gotta know someone special that sips this junk with ya...  i know i do!

this funny little 3x5" tag is available as a 99¢ download in my etsy shop!  just print, cut & attach to your gifts!  
remove a few flowers from a pretty festive arrangement like i did and place in some cans for a unique twist on flowers!

or you can have a gift lickety-split for right around $2!  right now most stores have two liters on sale for 99¢!

happy holidays!

©2011 brightsides, all rights reserved.

the etsy shop is open!

yee haw!  it's about dang time!  holy mother of Abraham Lincoln, brightsides designs is finally up for business!  

oh yes it's business time!

i'm so excited for you to take a little gander!

i know i haven't given much time to place orders for Christmas, but it's still possible and oh so fun! 

These prices listed are all my grand opening sweet deals from now until the Christmas deadline (thursday, 12/16 at midnight MST).

fill your carts up because each additional item after the first is $0 to ship!

our favorite sugar cookies

the bright sun rays beaming through the windows warms my shivering body this morning.  it's been frigid!  

lol, annie is my default model around here.  i'm always asking her to pose for my posts.  hopefully these pictures were pretty easy peasy for her as she also adores these red & green sprinkled trees.

annie turns four this week!  she is sweeter than any cookie could ever hope to be! annie is our little Christmas Angel. from the time she arrived on a cold, snowy night and everyday thereafter (give or take a few) she has been the happiest, sweetest little thing ever!  she's my little sidekick, my snuggle buddy and big helper.

i love you more than you'll ever know little sis!

it's been a long time since we've rolled out dough and cut out cookies!  for the last few years i've tried to be good and not make them... knowing all too well that i'd be the one snarfing down most of them.

  this year i decided to heck with it!  i like to think my kids will have fond memories of making them with mom :) and they're also my favorite!

so, santa's in good chubby company, but we'll be jolly & filled with loads holiday cheer!

here's our favorite sugar cookie recipe:

Sugar Cookies

Preheat oven to 325º

2/3 C crisco

1 C sugar

2 eggs

Combine these first three ingredients well, then add the rest

3 C flour

2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

1/2 t vanilla

1/2 c sour cream

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden

Favorite Frosting

1/3 C butter, softened

4 C powdered sugar

1/4 C milk

1/2 t vanilla

pinch of salt

*1/2 t almond extract, optional (I usually don't add this)

Slowly blend butter and powdered sugar until incorporated.  Slowly add a steady stream of milk.  Add the vanilla, salt and *almond extract.  Blend well and add more milk if needed for frosting spreading consistency.

before you run off and start baking, shopping or cleaning, take a few minutes and check out this spirit of Christmas!  my heart loves!

©2011 brightsides, all rights reserved.

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

i want to share a sneak peek of a new print i've made and will be selling in my shop!  

inspired by my darling friend who raised 6 amazing children in a tiny house.  she believes small homes help create the closest relationships.  she explains, "there isn't room to hide from each other.  families are forced to interact, play & learn together!"  I LOVE THAT!

i'm planning for these be customizable- allowing an address below (as shown).

i've pretty much settled on these two colors (putty & slate) for neutrality. 

i'd love to hear any comments/critiques you may have!  i've been starring at these way too long and would love some feedback!  be totally honest!  i'm new at this!

we have glitter and gold all over the house.  

and, the Lord works in mysterious ways.  that's all i'll say about that.

we pulled out my favorite Christmas book,  i believe in santa claus.  it's beautiful.  it's simple.  it makes me cry.  i believe every family should own a copy.

yay!  the tree went up relatively pain-free yesterday... besides the fact that i fell down the stairs while on my way to put a big ornament bin away lol.  i landed on one of my ankles.  ouch!  not good.  the strange thing is, after shaking it off and putting weight on it, it felt fine the rest of the day.  but when i went to bed last night, it got very sore.  i crossed my fingers and prayed i could walk in the morning.  there's just too much to get done!  thankfully it feels much better today.  i'm walking :)

©2011 brightsides, all rights reserved.

estylicious

i hope all you fine americans had a sensational thanksgiving!  it was the BEST holiday weekend we've had in a long, long time!  ya know, some just don't go smoothly.  it seems like someone is always sick or the kids are driving us bonkers or something.  but we ate up every minute of this one! the kids all got along, the food and company were delicious, we got a lot done around here, i scored a few Christmas gifts, and no one threw up!  i couldn't ask for anything more!

how was your weekend?

i've been frantically working on our etsy shop while taking time to enjoy the festivities- i'm getting very close!  just working out the details! 

these beautiful pillows by pillowation caught my eye.  check them out!  the red origami pillow cover is one of my favorites. 

man, the more i "etsy" the more i love!  i'm obsessed!  there are so many incredible Christmas gifts to be found on here!

now back to all my monday stuff.  have a great day!