December and January Goals (13-2014)

Part of my intent for this new site, is to keep a journal of what's going on, what went on, and how it all happened.  And to perhaps add a wee bit of motivation to keep things moving forward, and as always to get hints of wisdom from others as well.

So without further jabber, here's my list of basic goals for this month and the next:

• Finish up Christmas presents.  (One day I'll learn to make this stuff months in advance.)
• Photograph more.  I love photography, but tend to forget to take pictures.
• Finish organizing the recipe binder.  The thing is massive.  And lacking organization.  On top of all that, I still have to pull a few of my favorite recipes up on the computer each time I need them.  
• Set up a business plan for late winter/early spring.
• Finish the overhaul on my "Martha Cave", aka the craft studio/closet.
• Begin work on the basement overhaul.  I need a seed growing area, a play room, organized storage, and eventually the Martha Cave will be moved down there.
• Get the oven working.  Ugh.

And we'll leave it at that for now, as I'm not even going to try to include my actual "to-do" list, I don't want to scare ya all.  ;)

What are you're goals for the next few months?

~Emily

Easy DIY Burlap Table Runner

First thing first, I have small kids, two of them.  They do crazy things like tape huge pictures of "chompy" Christmas trees to my dining room wall (okay so that was my idea to keep them busy the other night), and they crumple up my pretty burlap table runner when it's time to eat and toss it on the floor (that might have been me again).  Today I'm running around cleaning up ash finger paintings from my toddler (don't ask), and stuffing the goat hut with fresh hay, so I'm not even pretending my photo of my dining room is Better Homes and Garden ready.  ;)

The good news is that this project might be one of the simplest, and most successful (meaning it's lasted two years and I still love it, and would do it again in a split second) crafts there are.

And you only need three supplies.

1. A roll of burlap in your favorite width.  Yes, you want the rolls that are with the ribbon, or Christmas supplies.  (Michael's even Walmart has them right now)  They come with the seams sewn up for you, worth that 3 dollars extra to buy a roll instead of off the bolt.
2. Glue Gun, low temp, and glue sticks.
3. Pretty ribbon or lace.  Buy enough to match your length of burlap x 2.

Rush home and plug in your glue gun.  While you're waiting for that to heat up, line your work space with wax paper, or the shiny side of butcher's paper, so you don't glue your runner to the table.  ;)  Now here's the tricky part... carefully glue your ribbon or lace to your burlap runner.  Then enjoy a cup of coffee with whipped cream, and enjoy your hard work.  (oh, and unplug your glue gun!!!)  

Seriously anything goes here.  You can use a stencil and paint on a design, use thicker ribbon down the middle, make place mats... I'm in love with these burlap rolls!  Now to get rid of that old wallpaper in my dining room...

~Emily

Ps I would love to hear your Christmas projects too!  Please feel free to share!

Deadlines

Today is your last day to order over at http://www.whitegoatranch.etsy.com for before Christmas delivery!  After today I can make no guarantees.  ;(

Stay safe out there!

~Emily

SALE!!!!

Snow day today in our neck of the woods.  I love not having to rush the boy out to the bus in the morning, and I love him being home to play with his sister.  But it also means hyped up kids, and cranky animals.  Which all equals a semi-stressed mom.  ;)  And with a broken oven I can't even pump out my Christmas cookies or toss a quick pizza in the oven.

What do you do to keep your kids/grand kids happy on a snow day???  I'd love to hear your ideas!

And as I posted yesterday on Facebook, I'm having the last sale of the year starting today and ending on 12/11/13!!!  (You'll want to buy before the 10th to guarantee delivery before Christmas!!!!)  Head on over to my shop and use the code "FRIENDS" for 10% off of your entire purchase!!!!

Thank you again for being the best customers and friends ever!!!

~Emily

~A Few of My Favorite Things~ Dec 2013

Here's a quick round-up of what's new, what's getting the most attention, or of what I'm most excited about from my shop this month!  {Click on the photos to be taken straight to the listing for each item!}

Tiny bow hair clips, an entire set of Christmas colors to match any Christmas outfit!

One of my favorite scarves.  This keyhole scarf secures itself around your neck with no knots to fuss with!  And by request you can have it made in your favorite colors!

Want to pretend it's not winter?  This set features bright, refreshing, tropical colors in a hand knit, 100% cotton washcloth, and is topped off with a remilled bar of soap straight from the herb garden.  On CLEARANCE.

All of these items and more can be found at my shop at http://www.whitegoatranch.etsy.com  I'd love to see you there!!!

~Emily

If you have an online shop, and want to link a similar post here, please feel free to!  I just ask that in return you link back to me!  Thank you!