Ginger Spice Cookies | Holiday Cookies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDArcRpK3133AX7F91Rhj6VTUNYbRFTHNFHhZalTV14V1T_2p-LsR3UnbEwZRP9oxRSVsATQYT9EBH7B-TJlU6djm8x07e4dbtzuXMARDHQQgxGlI3jlUOShm6ao0MyMWI2W0CIx2uMA/s1600/IMG_8726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDArcRpK3133AX7F91Rhj6VTUNYbRFTHNFHhZalTV14V1T_2p-LsR3UnbEwZRP9oxRSVsATQYT9EBH7B-TJlU6djm8x07e4dbtzuXMARDHQQgxGlI3jlUOShm6ao0MyMWI2W0CIx2uMA/s640/IMG_8726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Nothing smells better (or more like the holidays...) than Ginger Spice Cookies baking in the oven.  When we had friends over for dinner over Thanksgiving weekend, I served a couple of these mini cookies with Salted Caramel Gelato.  I like serving cookies and ice cream for a dinner party because it is casual, and not to mention easy.  It isn't an over the top, overly rich, dramatic dessert that sends everyone over the limit, but it is a sort of comfort food dessert that everyone loves.<br /><br />Our friends that came for dinner texted Mike last night for the recipe, so I thought I'd share this morning!  The recipe is based on the Barefoot Contessa's Ultimate Ginger Cookie recipe, but with a few adjustments.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZE4fX74q8vepxZOK_y_wo1u__taX5SDo9gSZpnN-TLPB9yVkZmXWcAyCzAClD0vBEyr0gvtsQlXnWNH3nI2DeIhbELFp5F-g2iI-DMSFLXDpCl54EgAAWphpyjxgHweuyufJv0GIuYc/s1600/ginger.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZE4fX74q8vepxZOK_y_wo1u__taX5SDo9gSZpnN-TLPB9yVkZmXWcAyCzAClD0vBEyr0gvtsQlXnWNH3nI2DeIhbELFp5F-g2iI-DMSFLXDpCl54EgAAWphpyjxgHweuyufJv0GIuYc/s640/ginger.jpg" width="425" /></a>Ginger Spice Cookies</span></i><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fginger-spice-cookies-holiday-cookies.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-PMaM1iJ4ICM%2FUL4ZBqS-K2I%2FAAAAAAAAOrk%2FP_6rpvhhdbA%2Fs640%2Fginger.jpg&description=Ginger%20Spice%20Cookies%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fginger-spice-cookies-holiday-cookies.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br />2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves<br />1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />1/2 teaspoon ground ginger<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 cup brown sugar<br />1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />1/3 cup unsulfured molasses<br />1 egg<br />sugar, for rolling the cookies <br /><br />In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the brown sugar, oil, and molasses on medium speed for 5 minutes. Add the egg, and beat for 1 minute.  With the mixer still on low, slowly add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.<br /><br />Make small balls (1 inch in diameter) with very small ice cream scoop or with a spoon. Roll them into a ball with your hands, then press both sides of each cookie in granulated sugar and place them on the sheet pans. Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.  They should look soft when they come out of the oven.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbflqAx3HoXJFTgTesyw_p25JkUmuS2Zhi5O5mQ1RfBeHUkJ-FP30w14hlArAheujkuIPDJ2m8oMxQekaJ29N1Nuejg-VtWttsnzH5iYvSBLMrJ2M5LgjzDkItO5nFG2_5pGRkA3E12M4/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbflqAx3HoXJFTgTesyw_p25JkUmuS2Zhi5O5mQ1RfBeHUkJ-FP30w14hlArAheujkuIPDJ2m8oMxQekaJ29N1Nuejg-VtWttsnzH5iYvSBLMrJ2M5LgjzDkItO5nFG2_5pGRkA3E12M4/s640/IMG_8729.JPG" width="640" /></a><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Ginger Spice Cookies | Holiday Cookies

Nothing smells better (or more like the holidays...) than Ginger Spice Cookies baking in the oven.  When we had friends over for dinner over...

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Story Time at Barefoot Books in Concord, Mass

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOmE_27873OXTVeYIACX8chH210zb7I0YPByuFWfJZ5oCVAYsoakIK5QecSOTRe9PTFOP14V2bA9-INxBMvn5R0eD_c2mp1WvE3qGmv3r7-zo7k8YL1k2_6LJZBPQPBU6fRig5iW8jgLR/s1600/IMG_7642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOmE_27873OXTVeYIACX8chH210zb7I0YPByuFWfJZ5oCVAYsoakIK5QecSOTRe9PTFOP14V2bA9-INxBMvn5R0eD_c2mp1WvE3qGmv3r7-zo7k8YL1k2_6LJZBPQPBU6fRig5iW8jgLR/s640/IMG_7642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This week when my Mom was in town we took Emma up to <a href="http://www.barefootbooks.com/" target="_blank">Barefoot Books</a> in Concord for Story Time.  As you can see... she was having a great time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-U-1bJwpSVqbWCPS6QHt7PwPqb3KrN1x0PWWORlC4T69Y7K1VSLMEDTHA_ccYVoWdzVAVoshOj2lme_UVb6CNhCspFt70rSKN0qxbJMoe3it6GAoCHNSyemYNXURahZHyjffncmXWwxO/s1600/IMG_7628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-U-1bJwpSVqbWCPS6QHt7PwPqb3KrN1x0PWWORlC4T69Y7K1VSLMEDTHA_ccYVoWdzVAVoshOj2lme_UVb6CNhCspFt70rSKN0qxbJMoe3it6GAoCHNSyemYNXURahZHyjffncmXWwxO/s640/IMG_7628.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />She listened and watched so intently. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GsS1_YDC-iBw8qvV_sB4zHI66XRIRQv2AEjZcotUuQT4lTRbrPwLd2JdFIWMMGwk2Sdsmo6cCTJn-zNO9Lmogn5DKJqRyRBjqa_AMPf1VJlO2b7GieNkgxJKWqINV5FkrEHu6uPJczCd/s1600/IMG_7629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GsS1_YDC-iBw8qvV_sB4zHI66XRIRQv2AEjZcotUuQT4lTRbrPwLd2JdFIWMMGwk2Sdsmo6cCTJn-zNO9Lmogn5DKJqRyRBjqa_AMPf1VJlO2b7GieNkgxJKWqINV5FkrEHu6uPJczCd/s640/IMG_7629.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't you love her strawberry romper?!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJj884P2RYvYZDb76VJBXhA3wf44sL7P7WYrAEE_cTrNVXJefOwWzaNGV4y8Ws4tpLUmS_zMujHp9iZ0-euJ940aXHfd6MmLm5lhtWJ8X0IWwc4dKticxqtnSrnkzicFwBl73-si2rnHB/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJj884P2RYvYZDb76VJBXhA3wf44sL7P7WYrAEE_cTrNVXJefOwWzaNGV4y8Ws4tpLUmS_zMujHp9iZ0-euJ940aXHfd6MmLm5lhtWJ8X0IWwc4dKticxqtnSrnkzicFwBl73-si2rnHB/s640/IMG_7643.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Squealing with excitement! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyba6kv2dQPXkFUJPkVMVLxdXnjtUg0x6EE_xrOW3t6xW7kbXc4OrmzwqRE7dP9-8Rq4dqlKCHe3MBEFS6_EehF-IV8V8daUUi9GbcevpacbWAj5g5wS5NsV8TA4AoDVEb2GrUL3w3GCY/s1600/IMG_7649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyba6kv2dQPXkFUJPkVMVLxdXnjtUg0x6EE_xrOW3t6xW7kbXc4OrmzwqRE7dP9-8Rq4dqlKCHe3MBEFS6_EehF-IV8V8daUUi9GbcevpacbWAj5g5wS5NsV8TA4AoDVEb2GrUL3w3GCY/s640/IMG_7649.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Such an exciting story! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuue5dvBltIGpc4cKTtSp-MVonxGQwvgTWKnmfrVBfWOWK349-p499G3PjgIO9uxIjmOcK2JZ4AOAgiIXou41bnNH7CZTNXFs_eLwPE08xi8jJbkFidGiuj0nn_2Yb6mh0wocBPzRh-xm/s1600/IMG_7651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuue5dvBltIGpc4cKTtSp-MVonxGQwvgTWKnmfrVBfWOWK349-p499G3PjgIO9uxIjmOcK2JZ4AOAgiIXou41bnNH7CZTNXFs_eLwPE08xi8jJbkFidGiuj0nn_2Yb6mh0wocBPzRh-xm/s640/IMG_7651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />She (obviously) had a great time! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kWFhW8bKMiXK9gaV6fgm-yxSErk2P548yAMhnWEYBea-3XIA8CE_g0KS_J-yQG2Eqn63rcgJiS0OMsllbYM4Cyv7J-AT_df6ikWqhyphenhyphenahhAGHolK3WCKfj15vCJFc2I6hpX6a5dKpFz-A/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kWFhW8bKMiXK9gaV6fgm-yxSErk2P548yAMhnWEYBea-3XIA8CE_g0KS_J-yQG2Eqn63rcgJiS0OMsllbYM4Cyv7J-AT_df6ikWqhyphenhyphenahhAGHolK3WCKfj15vCJFc2I6hpX6a5dKpFz-A/s640/IMG_7653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we got home...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YeNU04ug8FN4_c7QyvOe7XC-10GQMaVD2FvB8sY_K6WttXkC7S0OLc0rBc64cIW2H1kVLQi0B8sqcxFFh-CCKiFsdOWREiKX715rFrU5abSMCxwtMPHTNwh8WVZIhRZMb5PLn6-dUVXs/s1600/IMG_7711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YeNU04ug8FN4_c7QyvOe7XC-10GQMaVD2FvB8sY_K6WttXkC7S0OLc0rBc64cIW2H1kVLQi0B8sqcxFFh-CCKiFsdOWREiKX715rFrU5abSMCxwtMPHTNwh8WVZIhRZMb5PLn6-dUVXs/s640/IMG_7711.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />We came home with a couple of books - I love the Barefoot Books.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3nAhjrGPsO-aYyl8ATFwkiFlHdqiFBzkYCcVKDPwWhFQF_4dfDvSgLZP1VqbYEVVXaH2VGL4uMZgnNAmhT1F8n1orhMjjx7XtR-B6TQ7By6HYKPApnUe4n6RqAt3ZoWs3r1ro9PvZR2h/s1600/IMG_7691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3nAhjrGPsO-aYyl8ATFwkiFlHdqiFBzkYCcVKDPwWhFQF_4dfDvSgLZP1VqbYEVVXaH2VGL4uMZgnNAmhT1F8n1orhMjjx7XtR-B6TQ7By6HYKPApnUe4n6RqAt3ZoWs3r1ro9PvZR2h/s640/IMG_7691.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />The ones we purchased are all 'sewed' illustrations that are photographed.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliu1jtstONeMGUKy7HlUD63CwlJ-yYnJfhKrEIU9-QGuAXCeOz67ABai_gXZ5Pae5GIE-F14jbhthD2Y1EgdhSNh48ajSGGRj0Z_GoKziML0psYgJMmQsoTe4aeo83v6c-myiWAXD1uQM/s1600/IMG_7688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliu1jtstONeMGUKy7HlUD63CwlJ-yYnJfhKrEIU9-QGuAXCeOz67ABai_gXZ5Pae5GIE-F14jbhthD2Y1EgdhSNh48ajSGGRj0Z_GoKziML0psYgJMmQsoTe4aeo83v6c-myiWAXD1uQM/s640/IMG_7688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /> So, the pictures in the book look like they are stitched and pieced together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkLXuwCob6uU48Pr4SZI_BREjZEca9oulTpJ1dNgbTe2XCPtrHyCb9lOafJ3ijpE6By-bJsPqqbdma3B4NbATn4rWdjUcJl1PfIPAv4zthMbXww7LWaCqjFnqJ9G6cq93GwBVQxhtdhdU/s1600/IMG_7697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkLXuwCob6uU48Pr4SZI_BREjZEca9oulTpJ1dNgbTe2XCPtrHyCb9lOafJ3ijpE6By-bJsPqqbdma3B4NbATn4rWdjUcJl1PfIPAv4zthMbXww7LWaCqjFnqJ9G6cq93GwBVQxhtdhdU/s640/IMG_7697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6vS3Ps4nbr75w5v4NayXFrBJUHqse9f9dbrwNFDrYCl4acmrWDyAqgiP9ReSpyKZZMl8HCbyZcDmqTCbwB9CfwnJ6z4YY0csRVg1dqamIXcoWPnJGgImbwiZoGlxwjRG-Mzc1y-q7f1c/s1600/IMG_7696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6vS3Ps4nbr75w5v4NayXFrBJUHqse9f9dbrwNFDrYCl4acmrWDyAqgiP9ReSpyKZZMl8HCbyZcDmqTCbwB9CfwnJ6z4YY0csRVg1dqamIXcoWPnJGgImbwiZoGlxwjRG-Mzc1y-q7f1c/s640/IMG_7696.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here are some of our favorite stories.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYoBeseOG0mE6_PNFpIL95RDXPZ5XWnhM2BisA7C3mzRyGgT2BnO1oDwat1WeKtUq4nI6HXfWZg2pe2-TZnXtavlK9ELERMnum0ToXryiVhd0HH-FF2HthJYDFuGK8y4sZz_hC_F_-EbI/s1600/IMG_7695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYoBeseOG0mE6_PNFpIL95RDXPZ5XWnhM2BisA7C3mzRyGgT2BnO1oDwat1WeKtUq4nI6HXfWZg2pe2-TZnXtavlK9ELERMnum0ToXryiVhd0HH-FF2HthJYDFuGK8y4sZz_hC_F_-EbI/s640/IMG_7695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXaaRukhNRD70beO7oThNtG5KQDSNoS_f6l5oK5ADwHrTr1LZLoTAzYY0ux80aye3aTx95mvUalBfSUupVmAM5LdH_l6DzzF6enZ963M7vGz154gkOyHN6oJhd0I3somoREPHl7Ha7LzR/s1600/IMG_7682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXaaRukhNRD70beO7oThNtG5KQDSNoS_f6l5oK5ADwHrTr1LZLoTAzYY0ux80aye3aTx95mvUalBfSUupVmAM5LdH_l6DzzF6enZ963M7vGz154gkOyHN6oJhd0I3somoREPHl7Ha7LzR/s640/IMG_7682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />They are such beautiful books- I appreciate being able to enjoy such beautiful pictures when we read.<br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fstory-time-at-barefoot-books-in-concord.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zUNHEo0qMMU%2FT9jpelY7wGI%2FAAAAAAAAK50%2F7dJiCvjQk8g%2Fs640%2FIMG_7682.JPG&description=The%20most%20beautiful%20Children%27s%20Books%20-%20Barefoot%20Books"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEa1Ydrz8O8L8ezcKdYCbL8OuzEgbVUkMM6eWYL6_kEu3dwtENrVC-s8-MRTTqM13_UQ9jzdpqDba4aq8nfkbmWDcE8iIPcL_OvBpSChrDH0FpMJwSakDi_t06HHzXy-_2FdqjJ0MdWScc/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEa1Ydrz8O8L8ezcKdYCbL8OuzEgbVUkMM6eWYL6_kEu3dwtENrVC-s8-MRTTqM13_UQ9jzdpqDba4aq8nfkbmWDcE8iIPcL_OvBpSChrDH0FpMJwSakDi_t06HHzXy-_2FdqjJ0MdWScc/s640/IMG_7708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Are there any other favorite books out there Emma needs?!

Story Time at Barefoot Books in Concord, Mass

This week when my Mom was in town we took Emma up to Barefoot Books in Concord for Story Time.  As you can see... she was having a great ti...

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Halloween Gifts in the Mail | Baby Gifts for Halloween | Samantha's Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVWvdoTC6WAdr0lYHr-xQaM4sGssmYYsTxfepStyPtCNBMrenKBBHaHQD2GnQ7H_1kP6OnbrEKos70Dfjk32bOILM5KXwVEq9VFyLt-WCctfwvWEur8ngz5-NKjBXxZ5PzAHgC8olOL0/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVWvdoTC6WAdr0lYHr-xQaM4sGssmYYsTxfepStyPtCNBMrenKBBHaHQD2GnQ7H_1kP6OnbrEKos70Dfjk32bOILM5KXwVEq9VFyLt-WCctfwvWEur8ngz5-NKjBXxZ5PzAHgC8olOL0/s640/IMG_7362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg0V0ujUCvRj9hBr7qBe2HCo8BRa82rsagwNkUsAjz7G3VRgB4R5x2EG9CHVVe2GCSsdCRqoR93oWP_BDlkUvIsxpGIqDUg2VyYvFADxiBgWxEe3bTyaq_gBsFStCwxNGOMqgz3VwA20/s1600/IMG_7356.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg0V0ujUCvRj9hBr7qBe2HCo8BRa82rsagwNkUsAjz7G3VRgB4R5x2EG9CHVVe2GCSsdCRqoR93oWP_BDlkUvIsxpGIqDUg2VyYvFADxiBgWxEe3bTyaq_gBsFStCwxNGOMqgz3VwA20/s320/IMG_7356.JPG" width="320" /></a> Babies aren't on just my mind these days, they are on the minds of a lot of my friends.  Last month, two of my college friends had babies - a girl, Mary Alice, and a boy, Patrick.  <br /><br />Since we're on the other side of the country, I put together these little Halloween Baby Gift Boxes to send them until I can meet them in person.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEau8-H_eo4Dn13ND9m7U6-_oMIuCIE1v-Ce8AfzuMH0TsHeAkg6QKfmCpmaWVTL83lvjdXak6VVv4aPSnJA3OTSizA9WVqjL6nhzSP3xmS95ow7xdlgeMVrCkK2pa-rePsycg6Wokz64/s1600/IMG_7354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEau8-H_eo4Dn13ND9m7U6-_oMIuCIE1v-Ce8AfzuMH0TsHeAkg6QKfmCpmaWVTL83lvjdXak6VVv4aPSnJA3OTSizA9WVqjL6nhzSP3xmS95ow7xdlgeMVrCkK2pa-rePsycg6Wokz64/s640/IMG_7354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIKQ-3cqkuKxJGr7bt31S9oqyD7c54CZjYJk8koQqD9IVtbM_1N6vhktjG5bQvvCcOLqK8WiXlbURjCXTNXl27fWwmmWyTb5tr2MkCtPToVS82X2EPMgjj3SMtkVahVQmuYoUPEVBh0c/s1600/img57b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIKQ-3cqkuKxJGr7bt31S9oqyD7c54CZjYJk8koQqD9IVtbM_1N6vhktjG5bQvvCcOLqK8WiXlbURjCXTNXl27fWwmmWyTb5tr2MkCtPToVS82X2EPMgjj3SMtkVahVQmuYoUPEVBh0c/s320/img57b.jpg" width="320" /></a>In each box I put a Halloween Onesie, Halloween Hat and bag of Fall sugar cookies that I made.  <br /><br />If you don't have time to make homemade cookies, <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000037216828&pubid=21000000000393866">these Halloween Treats from Williams-Sonoma</a> would do the trick.  I really like that they are made on a ginger-spice cookies.  Yum.<br /><br /><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000037216828&pubid=21000000000393866">Halloween Ginger Spice Cookies</a> $22.95</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt5JheL4LXu5j1pktcpZNn1dqjMVffLRBYLCEWSMswxTJkGKWf1nt3hhtf7dbyx4T5phCvsCLGb8pdjnrvtm-hCb0s4OadK7ky-F9zWeTTC0Szyyu9NdOh1XTXTaqup_fN0KbsR66tDY/s1600/IMG_7355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt5JheL4LXu5j1pktcpZNn1dqjMVffLRBYLCEWSMswxTJkGKWf1nt3hhtf7dbyx4T5phCvsCLGb8pdjnrvtm-hCb0s4OadK7ky-F9zWeTTC0Szyyu9NdOh1XTXTaqup_fN0KbsR66tDY/s640/IMG_7355.JPG" width="640" /></a>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of cute babies (well, hardly a baby any more) Samantha had her first pumpkin patch experience last weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjuXhR6PHPXO9oC0w7EeZSN9FKU5nX700mNjJf-gBpvftlAM2gw7U2WbtwJAwleEWemSPOuhXwjdcBVS6T70YS4XCUnssyjT9Wlj2Kplj9DBKq01ndrsS97sL8fFhbvkfN-zK8pe_l_c/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C7%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B42338nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjuXhR6PHPXO9oC0w7EeZSN9FKU5nX700mNjJf-gBpvftlAM2gw7U2WbtwJAwleEWemSPOuhXwjdcBVS6T70YS4XCUnssyjT9Wlj2Kplj9DBKq01ndrsS97sL8fFhbvkfN-zK8pe_l_c/s640/232323232%257Ffp-%253C7%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B42338nu0mrj.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I know I'm partial, but I think she might be the cutest kid I've ever seen.  Look at her shy little smile! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC-ss3hbMKguTdobweMrLSC4z-jsvJs0Z_ku9h9UfCpiyRXrZ3qYtPNNGzP11b6yG5oM8DniwCPPKE-avS9akdePbKfit2kWQomaY8PBwCGfn-emZf2aD8nmEr_VhE7aKoJdvDSQMj2o/s1600/232323232%257Ffp%253B39%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-%253B%253B37338nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC-ss3hbMKguTdobweMrLSC4z-jsvJs0Z_ku9h9UfCpiyRXrZ3qYtPNNGzP11b6yG5oM8DniwCPPKE-avS9akdePbKfit2kWQomaY8PBwCGfn-emZf2aD8nmEr_VhE7aKoJdvDSQMj2o/s640/232323232%257Ffp%253B39%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-%253B%253B37338nu0mrj.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUxN0JAumgwVXTcW0jF5NN1uMgosg82fMIl9fVBLdVZUpVAkDnk0T-7BA_KC4Y_dpgCJV0nJKSOLCt-jn6ED9OQbIR86JQ7SKDfxTnfZDdWpf3dWwImKEfo3RMjmXqEzbdb7rUBVOdCI/s1600/232323232%257Ffp%253B38%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-%253B%253B84338nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUxN0JAumgwVXTcW0jF5NN1uMgosg82fMIl9fVBLdVZUpVAkDnk0T-7BA_KC4Y_dpgCJV0nJKSOLCt-jn6ED9OQbIR86JQ7SKDfxTnfZDdWpf3dWwImKEfo3RMjmXqEzbdb7rUBVOdCI/s640/232323232%257Ffp%253B38%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-%253B%253B84338nu0mrj.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>  <br /> She loves her pink sparkle shoes that her Moo-Moo gave her.  And yes, those are jeggings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrfJmigA-T5nl6LEl_4yAM8x0zQiRE0WNE3jd40-etXWOpuVacdLUkOHjD6szPK5cA2CJrUn8RquuYkymzP3O3W15wruvdwrzw7ZyALOYm7pOKjxdwY9U9rV6zmPd77ipYq2h5-hPAV4/s1600/232323232%257Ffp%253B39%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B63338nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrfJmigA-T5nl6LEl_4yAM8x0zQiRE0WNE3jd40-etXWOpuVacdLUkOHjD6szPK5cA2CJrUn8RquuYkymzP3O3W15wruvdwrzw7ZyALOYm7pOKjxdwY9U9rV6zmPd77ipYq2h5-hPAV4/s640/232323232%257Ffp%253B39%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B63338nu0mrj.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><br />She's in charge... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MOnj8P5qieELj2rwyRSOEQ_zH8Uo-KA9DQZwLK-pjx1EFrb1ne6bEkyCx41yqn45pJrUF7-XLoNSVdbBGypQFSJ2ji-ZM25r-dOJTLm8u-vC75nfoYDQHtBCIZUFvv1-MUlZlfgW6sY/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C%253B%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B49338nu0mrj.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MOnj8P5qieELj2rwyRSOEQ_zH8Uo-KA9DQZwLK-pjx1EFrb1ne6bEkyCx41yqn45pJrUF7-XLoNSVdbBGypQFSJ2ji-ZM25r-dOJTLm8u-vC75nfoYDQHtBCIZUFvv1-MUlZlfgW6sY/s640/232323232%257Ffp-%253C%253B%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B49338nu0mrj.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Wouldn't you die for those eyelashes?!   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrj2AkOQhdI0GBWny8319mP5KsxTJAArcRoQoHnCIK5WCrkDduTsH9E72qsgSVP3N6jC_kSb162emcbjDYrEZDj1fMDsrQBUHWJRevCp2zckx_VTmIaF5KhibiZEOVzWxuUhGh3ds-iw/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C2%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B4%253B338nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrj2AkOQhdI0GBWny8319mP5KsxTJAArcRoQoHnCIK5WCrkDduTsH9E72qsgSVP3N6jC_kSb162emcbjDYrEZDj1fMDsrQBUHWJRevCp2zckx_VTmIaF5KhibiZEOVzWxuUhGh3ds-iw/s640/232323232%257Ffp-%253C2%253Enu%253D323-%253E-%253C5%253E2%253B8%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B58-9%253B4%253B338nu0mrj.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT25cWC3jlw0wCY1SHMTK_6gb1qHSZ3FnBOOgw6K2Z1rFIzIAaccD5QG3onB5C0yHANO3s_7GwVOChg9hvdp_LExAwcbAJ3aZRJnLQT8qaGFKD9oPVhnbB0il5x6Fl28_ah1pW1QB5GM/s1600/img53b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT25cWC3jlw0wCY1SHMTK_6gb1qHSZ3FnBOOgw6K2Z1rFIzIAaccD5QG3onB5C0yHANO3s_7GwVOChg9hvdp_LExAwcbAJ3aZRJnLQT8qaGFKD9oPVhnbB0il5x6Fl28_ah1pW1QB5GM/s320/img53b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm planning to send <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000037216822&pubid=21000000000393866">this Pumpkin Trick-or-Treating bag</a> to Samantha for Halloween.  My sister and I had similar ones that my Mom made when we were younger... they went along with homemade Jack-O-Lantern costumes that were stuffed with pillows.  I love that these are personalized - and only $16!

Halloween Gifts in the Mail | Baby Gifts for Halloween | Samantha's Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Babies aren't on just my mind these days, they are on the minds of a lot of my friends.  Last month, two of my college friends had babi...

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Shower Hostess Gifts | Baby Shower Paper-Source Hostess Gift | Personalized Stationery & Labels

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2MiWgAOGtB9Sc2z8e_G2Hf07ep_atZdqzWkb7Ok4UfwQlrWX6nlqGyBUs2bmyoWFghjBYC4ymMrik6eViySU7eOwMCUD5hELsjnf_NWusnZZcn58AU-Oac46qttNSktXeJxZG8YjOX5S/s1600/IMG_5822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2MiWgAOGtB9Sc2z8e_G2Hf07ep_atZdqzWkb7Ok4UfwQlrWX6nlqGyBUs2bmyoWFghjBYC4ymMrik6eViySU7eOwMCUD5hELsjnf_NWusnZZcn58AU-Oac46qttNSktXeJxZG8YjOX5S/s640/IMG_5822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaGYA6P8r1sjmERxA7xwMb2_qeihYpPf-PLUV7FqWQgXA_6DXjzR1Qb0Gd4LEN_9Go3lV_1qo2MMoeEI1B13AXKyu00HdZRySYjFGHPx_iQqJtQXfMRI3W893yGAxLMuAAZWeGY7mgl8t/s1600/IMG_5811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaGYA6P8r1sjmERxA7xwMb2_qeihYpPf-PLUV7FqWQgXA_6DXjzR1Qb0Gd4LEN_9Go3lV_1qo2MMoeEI1B13AXKyu00HdZRySYjFGHPx_iQqJtQXfMRI3W893yGAxLMuAAZWeGY7mgl8t/s400/IMG_5811.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Last weekend my Sister and Aunts hosted a Baby Shower for me.  I wanted to do something special for them as a Thank You/Hostess Gift.  It's always a challenge to think of a small gift that is special, personal and something that they'll actually use.  <br /><br />I wanted it to be something that I made... at least part of it.  Since we were traveling back to KC for the shower, baked goods weren't really an option (we aren't bag checkers).  <br /><br />I made a stop to my favorite spot for homemade goods supplies that don't look homemade - <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-5427492-10765879">Paper Source</a>.  My plan was to make personalized stationery sets and personalized "From the Kitchen Of..." labels.  When I found these <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=RfqGUgqYSig&offerid=251735.10000508&type=3&subid=0">Vera Bradley</a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=RfqGUgqYSig&bids=251735.10000508&type=3&subid=0" width="1" /> lunchboxes, I thought they'd be the perfect 'package' and useful, too.<br /><br />Baby Shower Hostess Gift :<br />- Stationery Set<br />- From the Kitchen Of Labels<br />- Lunch Bag<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_nTPyA-EA73hKtJK65vZTV1f_Te4b-X5Zl6hHXIE2bxJnMVk7BofHaOkYWdJISi_HL2pSvrH6S3x7EPp2a4Lxe_sNq7Q6mHZNuSj3EFW_IUBnTEKAdKVND1ED_7fFue36BRUNJAo1rc3/s1600/IMG_5769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_nTPyA-EA73hKtJK65vZTV1f_Te4b-X5Zl6hHXIE2bxJnMVk7BofHaOkYWdJISi_HL2pSvrH6S3x7EPp2a4Lxe_sNq7Q6mHZNuSj3EFW_IUBnTEKAdKVND1ED_7fFue36BRUNJAo1rc3/s640/IMG_5769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For 4 sets of 10 Personalized Stationery (card & envelopes), you'll need :<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-5427492-10765879">1 pack of Lux Cream Cover (contains 10 sheets of cardstock) from Paper-Source</a><br />- <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-5427492-10765879">4 packs of A2 envelopes (contains 10 envelopes each) from Paper-Source</a><br />- Printer <br />- <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5427492-10765874">Paper cutter from Paper-Source</a><br />- <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5427492-10765029">Thin Satin Ribbon from Paper-Source</a> (for wrapping)<br /><br />To create the Stationery Template, use a graphics design program (I use InDesign), Word or PowerPoint document divided into 4 equal sections (each being 5.5"w x 4.25"t fit on one 8.5"x11" page).<br /><a name="more"></a>Put the initials or name of each person on the top margin (about 1/2 inch from top) of each card.  Print onto Lux Cream Cover and cut using a paper cutter to 5.5" x 4.25".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg1En2Q9eWum00AYULUKC9cWtcp24NhZkmVduIy4YWEUJTqUPpcyqcj_I6WGB1X1aFKSUc1RDuDpic20gmz3dbKcjCLhgXaMEhURMGdFYkzIap24l7sneYpxcp5xcWDrODx12UXGQ2GWB/s1600/IMG_5776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg1En2Q9eWum00AYULUKC9cWtcp24NhZkmVduIy4YWEUJTqUPpcyqcj_I6WGB1X1aFKSUc1RDuDpic20gmz3dbKcjCLhgXaMEhURMGdFYkzIap24l7sneYpxcp5xcWDrODx12UXGQ2GWB/s640/IMG_5776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5427492-10765874">straight edge paper cutter ($19.50) from Paper-Source</a> has been my saving grace for so so so many projects.  Straight cuts really help to make professional looking paper crafts.  It is definitely worth the $20 investment!<br /><br />Cut it length-wise in half...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMXrqR0nrZ1L4Cnj5VPCUej1basGv9zqjYEOnPSC_Mw4-N_2zooKM96YFKt3SxgShObF6KM08oGGFQ1g82ilN1xMTe9Uu_yuEX7n76EKIFFOoatAuePKLl38HVZKpOlkdq1HonxZ1mCu1/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMXrqR0nrZ1L4Cnj5VPCUej1basGv9zqjYEOnPSC_Mw4-N_2zooKM96YFKt3SxgShObF6KM08oGGFQ1g82ilN1xMTe9Uu_yuEX7n76EKIFFOoatAuePKLl38HVZKpOlkdq1HonxZ1mCu1/s640/IMG_5778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then in half again. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIqgHN0mQbK1fUV8MYPdhF5P_lwEHHAgv4vU6Hcs6GCCAVcNfndfPUguoyn2zA9NDEZbIgy3A9Gd15q4gHNHA-K-ddU5nmiImMibmbsoW3UQfxuZPl8hoJwGYRvdt9K8vFFQA6b9U1TJW/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIqgHN0mQbK1fUV8MYPdhF5P_lwEHHAgv4vU6Hcs6GCCAVcNfndfPUguoyn2zA9NDEZbIgy3A9Gd15q4gHNHA-K-ddU5nmiImMibmbsoW3UQfxuZPl8hoJwGYRvdt9K8vFFQA6b9U1TJW/s640/IMG_5782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I use this <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5427492-10765029">thin satin ribbon</a> from Paper-Source to wrap each set of cards and envelops. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP7KccBfLbpwEAz2mf-638H6yMPLTJ_NKhRQRxOqrgUH_Ae6NJxcdXGvanG3VsYVOkuqhxS3fNxM7-nXzC2KduDcbizL8dExdGSjOCVYIktoTTuxkIrYOH9zSr0UIVrLJLmQGBG2GSIer/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP7KccBfLbpwEAz2mf-638H6yMPLTJ_NKhRQRxOqrgUH_Ae6NJxcdXGvanG3VsYVOkuqhxS3fNxM7-nXzC2KduDcbizL8dExdGSjOCVYIktoTTuxkIrYOH9zSr0UIVrLJLmQGBG2GSIer/s640/IMG_5783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Flip it over and twist, bringing the sides up over the top and bottom... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxyIewfJHxVGIuRPfx4JTNFUPUmYwZeVvZfObBl8sPMGmKl0ZdiVVrqdN_owIG2lFfL3fUfNnAr64bVNckclmvOeuEBKZM2D_WuXZi1vtZ1Xo9O0uErCzTrqQC1yUqauSsU4M4oUh33Xd/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxyIewfJHxVGIuRPfx4JTNFUPUmYwZeVvZfObBl8sPMGmKl0ZdiVVrqdN_owIG2lFfL3fUfNnAr64bVNckclmvOeuEBKZM2D_WuXZi1vtZ1Xo9O0uErCzTrqQC1yUqauSsU4M4oUh33Xd/s640/IMG_5788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Flip over again and tie a bow.  I really like how the thick textured paper looks - it gives it a professional quality. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnZdSr9HiRbLwMgckPqCBceqmvtUSX6FjLNDJEbgdPHmjA5lDcTrZJGFKqhUAMtDrL-vmnM8VIQ9A-JG2VicuUGKCUL3GFWaY0M8_OHgVktaVg1q7QpGlvX0NT9rl-R-r2P_eIWcPGcp3/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnZdSr9HiRbLwMgckPqCBceqmvtUSX6FjLNDJEbgdPHmjA5lDcTrZJGFKqhUAMtDrL-vmnM8VIQ9A-JG2VicuUGKCUL3GFWaY0M8_OHgVktaVg1q7QpGlvX0NT9rl-R-r2P_eIWcPGcp3/s640/IMG_5793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Coming Soon : how I made the "From the Kitchen Of..." Labels here using Paper-Source adhesive labels. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKglA7G3pmrfZtornnoLe2_Wvmuxf43w3-kplNMz1e9Omg041hdaHthNAMfNDdmC6gyi-hg9TNz-z0QKXvwuwmtFK8-iiurvADw2bVXQ85vYNxU5O-qRot3WEqykIO1M5AyLVIQOIyxYy/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKglA7G3pmrfZtornnoLe2_Wvmuxf43w3-kplNMz1e9Omg041hdaHthNAMfNDdmC6gyi-hg9TNz-z0QKXvwuwmtFK8-iiurvADw2bVXQ85vYNxU5O-qRot3WEqykIO1M5AyLVIQOIyxYy/s640/IMG_5810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is all of my gift supplies ready to be assembled. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DJago9kjciYCb1ti6xFB-jjxLdfDE4hysj3xa_nPMD5X8ye1FzSdH7-7729CyIo7TeTNLG8cjFRSSCyQWeC8gmvCYxozpZFP6HVJpWbF5PQCmD-j8NhM3_vLHOsR1oQWmJZV9oIo-EYE/s1600/IMG_5812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DJago9kjciYCb1ti6xFB-jjxLdfDE4hysj3xa_nPMD5X8ye1FzSdH7-7729CyIo7TeTNLG8cjFRSSCyQWeC8gmvCYxozpZFP6HVJpWbF5PQCmD-j8NhM3_vLHOsR1oQWmJZV9oIo-EYE/s640/IMG_5812.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I am really pleased how they turned out!  Have I inspired you?  If you have a hostess gift to put together, click below to all of the items on sale at Paper-Source!<br /><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-5427492-10763941" target="_top"><br /><img alt="Up to 50% Off" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-5427492-10763941" width="468" /></a>

Shower Hostess Gifts | Baby Shower Paper-Source Hostess Gift | Personalized Stationery & Labels

Last weekend my Sister and Aunts hosted a Baby Shower for me.  I wanted to do something special for them as a Thank You/Hostess Gift.  It...

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Baby Gifts | Soft, Embroidered Nursery Bedding, Baby Bath & Onsies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK3wPc3UzrKbdJY3ltpxHCES55ki5Kzhb3O3TttoBf9ngHxMBiFvQ93ERmnGrkNMO1ORI1_Y1FBqSmhPWn3-YH20BGSyfIY8orrR38X5CCHsDS0BI9ZB4B6ww4muuRpOwf9fNkk81Ir13/s1600/baby_hooded_towels_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-FqaNcS4J8F6-IJc5udRlyMIbQXaZewks3NFrneU0APffn7Gj0x1bAHhsBHJt5zoMD3wuq-NK8wU0yxJc31i1-VfNCdcUHGlB8Fh01XXxCXaLFUn2oCiOY2hZaLqXht1Z8CokfWY5YqN/s1600/thor_george_jumpers_p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-FqaNcS4J8F6-IJc5udRlyMIbQXaZewks3NFrneU0APffn7Gj0x1bAHhsBHJt5zoMD3wuq-NK8wU0yxJc31i1-VfNCdcUHGlB8Fh01XXxCXaLFUn2oCiOY2hZaLqXht1Z8CokfWY5YqN/s1600/thor_george_jumpers_p.jpg" /></a></div><br />We've been working on the nursery for the past couple of weeks... (photos coming soon!) trying to get everything ready for the little *girl* we're expecting in December.  There is so, so much out there for babies.  Of course, my <a href="http://pinterest.com/jennysteffens/">Pinterest</a> account (hey- you should <a href="http://pinterest.com/jennysteffens/">follow me</a>!) has been flooded with "Baby" favorites.  <br /><br /><br />Mike and I about fell over when we saw the list of things we'll "need" for the baby.  I'm not a huge "stuff" person.  In fact, I start to panic when I think about my little house filling with tacky, brightly colored baby gear and equipment.  There is a lot of good, and there is a lot of ugly...  <br /><br /><br />Speaking of the good, I just love when I come across sweet little baby things that make me swoon.  I did just that when I stumbled upon the Baby collection from <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035620205&pubid=21000000000393866">Coyuchi</a>.  You might recall how I also swooned over their <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/08/bedroom-linens-cozy-wool-blankets.html">striped wool blankets</a> (that will soon adorn my bed...).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXaPqWzAGN5r4LS8Qomh_JlkTcT3c91dlbDBBy9lIId_9zpkH9BC0x6Q-jhd_Uj0xqXQi9EdnitmyO933iQBHcCGfl_S3IDN6ZWxzyRC8xTJJL6ClY4u4rd5RiR8-aGlDFSDfaoi-8JJ9/s1600/george_bedding_collection_lion_monkey_subH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXaPqWzAGN5r4LS8Qomh_JlkTcT3c91dlbDBBy9lIId_9zpkH9BC0x6Q-jhd_Uj0xqXQi9EdnitmyO933iQBHcCGfl_S3IDN6ZWxzyRC8xTJJL6ClY4u4rd5RiR8-aGlDFSDfaoi-8JJ9/s1600/george_bedding_collection_lion_monkey_subH.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035620205&pubid=21000000000393866">vintage embroidered tea-towel</a> look they have to them.  Vintage without being 'vintage'.  Aren't they so sweet?  And so, so soft.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK3wPc3UzrKbdJY3ltpxHCES55ki5Kzhb3O3TttoBf9ngHxMBiFvQ93ERmnGrkNMO1ORI1_Y1FBqSmhPWn3-YH20BGSyfIY8orrR38X5CCHsDS0BI9ZB4B6ww4muuRpOwf9fNkk81Ir13/s1600/baby_hooded_towels_p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK3wPc3UzrKbdJY3ltpxHCES55ki5Kzhb3O3TttoBf9ngHxMBiFvQ93ERmnGrkNMO1ORI1_Y1FBqSmhPWn3-YH20BGSyfIY8orrR38X5CCHsDS0BI9ZB4B6ww4muuRpOwf9fNkk81Ir13/s1600/baby_hooded_towels_p.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What little baby doesn't need <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035620205&pubid=21000000000393866">baby bird hooded bath towels</a>? </div><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3g_G0FWh25Rop1kF8O8NDl_4NkqH5sWx1inQDHmoxYxFyTyFbOgqb5oLhmaWZa5WFBsdDIkbNulqfcb0t7Ya4obQO0Klx8OUJa9YwUWI8u_PNZPJvLpjTglxrNnIZM61nmom2jbl08ul/s1600/jingo_blanket_monkey_giraffe_tree_p_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3g_G0FWh25Rop1kF8O8NDl_4NkqH5sWx1inQDHmoxYxFyTyFbOgqb5oLhmaWZa5WFBsdDIkbNulqfcb0t7Ya4obQO0Klx8OUJa9YwUWI8u_PNZPJvLpjTglxrNnIZM61nmom2jbl08ul/s1600/jingo_blanket_monkey_giraffe_tree_p_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I mentioned, we are having a girl, but aren't all of these a <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035620205&pubid=21000000000393866">perfect baby shower gift</a> for someone that doesn't plan to find out boy/girl? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKSlcGU02a9hFGqDhL5qnYnvbQwsbJnd__AfMOp6iVgedEU2w2APo-Qgao14W4hDnb9dEfSLMOder-gLQBmDk2bUw5FzURrPc-X6XqtxoRng5F19GLVClZtKTD3DyS6mDY4McVj13piVC/s1600/thor_sham_butterfly_p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKSlcGU02a9hFGqDhL5qnYnvbQwsbJnd__AfMOp6iVgedEU2w2APo-Qgao14W4hDnb9dEfSLMOder-gLQBmDk2bUw5FzURrPc-X6XqtxoRng5F19GLVClZtKTD3DyS6mDY4McVj13piVC/s1600/thor_sham_butterfly_p.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdd3Rtuve1d_oNfN7zSPogoBvLS4pSNRn8PPOn1M1Z0SQfFTI5mhM_ly6UMalvMDOuYtn_x5AjvzgpSrspBrPc5rvaEVS4NcJgmr9hka096q0o-v_SrMYpQ5wrDWNQ5dRenR7Cj1Di9WQ/s1600/jingo_sham_giraffe_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUp2GrU-ZkxzfZEtDhTw-wew9sBr6vDvUVt50kWs6g5MARDpoPKmX_A0M48IDmdoAOck4q-qjRqJvhBfbaDYySqRWOrfQntKehb5BfXqw-CJT_WoEaHisxOleDb3SNszfsSAe9MwRfq3P/s1600/jingo_receiving_blanket_hippo_p_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUp2GrU-ZkxzfZEtDhTw-wew9sBr6vDvUVt50kWs6g5MARDpoPKmX_A0M48IDmdoAOck4q-qjRqJvhBfbaDYySqRWOrfQntKehb5BfXqw-CJT_WoEaHisxOleDb3SNszfsSAe9MwRfq3P/s1600/jingo_receiving_blanket_hippo_p_1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />They just couldn't be sweeter.  I think I'll get this <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035620205&pubid=21000000000393866">little embroidered pillow</a> for our rocker. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrb4bB2aCAn_Ar327Xi_67FTrqo3EA3Sm9wEpQ78jjjkH15lNz_-8Ou7-H8OYD9fpBhSgOh_fpN4KOvkOVnujMf0tPDZi3-5HGeHblfaLj5vbsTWNMcTmxMB3EiCUJZpHHVrNAL0CkVqy/s1600/pintuck_percale_crib_skirt_p_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrb4bB2aCAn_Ar327Xi_67FTrqo3EA3Sm9wEpQ78jjjkH15lNz_-8Ou7-H8OYD9fpBhSgOh_fpN4KOvkOVnujMf0tPDZi3-5HGeHblfaLj5vbsTWNMcTmxMB3EiCUJZpHHVrNAL0CkVqy/s1600/pintuck_percale_crib_skirt_p_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I like the cozy quilted-ness of the skirt.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d4yIZoMleD1aRzCpGr6t2gA33-Chi4ZjOVnUypMq_8gFxribyNzONB7IvxEBIBpTCP9-Y_VIBZFUigd1Ke7YfAb9l_7Mkk2O2R5etNeeqZeDTRc7UAY6DbDpoofN96p-LZ40lWROJmHu/s1600/thor_crib_blanket_bunny_deer_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d4yIZoMleD1aRzCpGr6t2gA33-Chi4ZjOVnUypMq_8gFxribyNzONB7IvxEBIBpTCP9-Y_VIBZFUigd1Ke7YfAb9l_7Mkk2O2R5etNeeqZeDTRc7UAY6DbDpoofN96p-LZ40lWROJmHu/s1600/thor_crib_blanket_bunny_deer_p.jpg" /></a></div><br />Reminds me of vintage illustration for a children's book. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVY1CCkbPQ7kqy0jPpmD_YFRfSIK-li56Ot0F4VcfJCxZfFlwwAgSt_efDrrJNuc-qenIiDcieH-UvJ-Mih-f_2di6sTcTt0wlYRVYk34X-0jocMHrEK2vHEE1F_6oBxU_73obMn3wAms/s1600/baby_linen_pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVY1CCkbPQ7kqy0jPpmD_YFRfSIK-li56Ot0F4VcfJCxZfFlwwAgSt_efDrrJNuc-qenIiDcieH-UvJ-Mih-f_2di6sTcTt0wlYRVYk34X-0jocMHrEK2vHEE1F_6oBxU_73obMn3wAms/s1600/baby_linen_pants.jpg" /></a></div><br />How chic are these?  Linen PJ pants...<br /><br />You must stop by <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035620205&pubid=21000000000393866">Coyuchi</a> to see for yourself - and shop for yourself - don't forget about the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/08/bedroom-linens-cozy-wool-blankets.html">striped wool blankets that are one of my Everyday Essentials for the Home</a>.<br /><br />

Baby Gifts | Soft, Embroidered Nursery Bedding, Baby Bath & Onsies

We've been working on the nursery for the past couple of weeks... (photos coming soon!) trying to get everything ready for the little ...

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