happy new year...a little gift and a wish!

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPY NEW YEAR to all of you!!!

I hope you rang in 2012 with a smile!

I for one am looking forward to the New Year and getting to know everyone a bit better...sharing in your creative spirits and talents...experiencing your lives through your fascinating story telling...being there for your ups and downs...lending a helping hand and a compassionate ear and heart...experimenting with new and fabulous foods...fun decorating tips...money saving ideas...fabulous thrifting finds (by Joe : ) parades of Pinterest creativity...digital creations...Charitable magic and so very much more! 2012 holds tons of surprises and wonderment...I am sure of it and the best part...we get to share the experience together!

I have a little wish for you below...I wish you even more...but I think you will understand what I mean!

I wanted to start your New Year off with a little creative gift...here are some tape strips that you use on your blogs...scrapping...banners or whatever your artistic mind desires...hope you enjoy them...

Click Here to DL Set 1

Click Here to DL Set 2

*Please note: Be Sure to download Original size*

Once you have click on the links  follow these steps:

1. Hover over the image with your cursor 

2. A tool bar will appear,  the first option to choose is FILE

3. Hover over File and Click Download Original file and  your done! :)

A little look back at 2011

Well my friends...I wish you a wonderful last day in the year 2011...A new year and I like to think a fresh start is about to happen but as we all know each day is what we make it...so make it a good one!

I am going to take a little peek at the past year.  I have met so many incredible friends in my short 6 months of blogging...I have learned so very much...my creativity has been sparked and my life enriched...didn't see that coming but so glad it did! I look forward to the year ahead and it is a journey that is not taken alone and isn't that special!

Thank you to everyone for your kindness, support, love and compassion...you are all very special to me!

Now let's take a little peek at what some of my friends were up to in 2011...I will share more with you throughout the New Year!

This is one of my most favorite creations of the year!  I think that everyone should have one of these in their studios...it would make wrapping a breeze and it is just so darn cute.  This was created by my dear friend Jessica from  

TwoShadesofPink 

hop on over and visit Jessica...she has incredible projects waiting for you to create and send her a hug...she just broke her arm and I think she could use some cheering up : ) You will love her!

A little glitter and glow...a tiny DIY

Good Morning Good Morning!!! It's Friday and the second to last day of 2011...make it a good one!

Whatever you do...ENJOY!  

Now I know you are busy but I just have a way simple little project...you see I got a little delivery from the postman and it had my Yummy 5 pack of Bakers Twine from TheBakersTwine.com and I had to use some right away...so I got out the delicious blue that compliments the kitchen and made a few little candles to celebrate the New Year...hoping that your flame burns brightly with a little glitter and glow!

(there are a few more ideas at the end for instant glow)

Here is what you need for this quick and cute votive

Thankful Thursday...a winner and a new GiveAway

A very good morning to all!  The New Year is approaching with rapid speed and I sure hope that it brings all good things to each and every one of you out there!  It is a time of reflection so take a moment and look into your big heart and just think about all of the incredible things in your life that you have to be thankful for...believe me there are more than you would ever think.  I know we might not feel that way when the tomato sauce over flows on the stove, when you go to make lunch for the kids and you forgot to buy snacks, or when much more serious things happen but there are truly things that are priceless in every single day.  

As always it is now The Cottage Market Tradition to celebrate Thankful for my Followers Thursday and today is no different!  Every Thursday a follower friend of TCM gets chosen randomly (I take all of the comments that are left through out the week and assign them a number and then I use the random counter and a winner is chosen...the more comments...the more chances to win! :) so easy!  I just wish everyone could win.  Sometimes the it is a surprise and sometimes I let you know : )  

Today's winner is

Katie from

Katies Nesting Spot

congrats...just send me your mailing address to thecottagemarket@gmail.com

I will fill you in on next weeks thankful giveaway...the first of the new year so a little special...

A royal cupcake plate with a Queen of course!

A little Anthropologie Knock off...SO EASY!

Morning Morning!  Hope you are all well!  We are mid-week and approaching the NEW YEAR!  I have a feeling it holds some Magical Moments for everyone. 

I know you don't have a lot of time this week but I did wanted to give you a little project. Have to tell you that I was feeling pains of guilt and almost like I was doing something wrong!  A little crazy I know!  It is not a "Knock Off" but an extension of an idea : )

(mine)

Organizing Ideas for the New Year

Good Morning my friends!  How are you today.  Hope all is well and that you are all recouping from the festivities and gearing up for the next round!  I felt that I needed a little down time so what did I do? I went over to Pinterest and checked out some ideas that might help us get organized for the upcoming New Year and I am going to share them with you this morning. I like to call this activity "Pinning with a Purpose"  Some are only a dream...some are adorable...some are so efficient and some are just fun.  Whatever they are...there might be something that turns on the lightbulb in your creative mind and helps you organize a little.  Hope you enjoy and I truly hope these ideas might help!

(source)

I adore these tins...the look is fabulous and the purpose the serve is just wonderful!

Meatless Monday bringing you Spinach Bread

Good morning friends.  I sure hope that you and yours had a picture perfect day...filled with all things good!  Can you believe that that special day has all ready taken flight! Here's wishing that the rest of your holiday season is filed with tons of love and happiness.  

Today I have a little recipe that is on our holiday table EVERY year and is for sure a Cammarata tradition and yesterday was no different...hope you give this yummy loaf a try.  Don't be scared of it...you can always use prepared dough...it is in just about every grocery store.  Also you can stop by your local pizza parlor and purchase some of their dough...they are happy to sell it to you.  So don't let the thought of making your own dough prevent you from this yummy treat.  This would be a fabulous New Years morsel!

 A pinwheel of yum!

A Special Christmas gift for my friends...

Good morning my friends and a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas to You and yours.  My life has been touched by each and everyone of one and I am so very grateful.  I wanted to do something for everyone...so I came up with this : ) Hope you enjoy and know that you are all appreciated and loved...

(This donation provided 4 meals a day for one entire year for a child in need...thanks to all of you...another cup is filled...I hope that gives you all the warm and loving feeling you deserve because you are all such caring and loving people...love you all)

A few Doxie Hugs for you today

A very good morning to everyone...well it is almost SHOW TIME!  I sure hope you are all well on your way to having that special and wonderful day with your loved ones.  I have to admit I still have a ton of wrapping to do and baking but it will all be done in time!  I know you are busy busy...but I just thought I would share a few of my favorite ornaments...as you can see we are very much Dachshund Lovers in our home... I have had one in my life since the start and so have my kids...we work with various Dachshund Rescues and they just have a very special place in our hearts...just thought a few of these would make you smile this morning! 

I will be back for a quick second tomorrow with a little gift from the heart to all my friends here...so...have a great one and take a second to relax along the way!!! Here's a few Doxie Hugs for you!...

A warm and happy smile to you and yours!

A few favorite recipes for last minute appetizers

Good morning friends.  The big day is almost here and I am sure you are all doing last minute preps!  So I am not going to take out the glue -- paint and glitter and give you something new to create...there is just not enough time for that : )  I thought I would just go through some of my favorite on line appetizer recipes and share them with you...You just might find that they come in handy!  
Yes...they are all vegetarian just like always : )

Zucchini Wraps

don't these look Yummy!  

created by

Real Mom Kitchen

Thankful for my Followers Thursday

Well my friends...here's wishing you a fabulous and wonderful day!  The time is quickly passing and we are all a bit overwhelmed...take a moment to slow down a little...I read a little quote today that put everything into a healthy perspective..."Time is but a moment...cherish it always".

Today is Thankful for my followers Thursday and as always we have a winner of a surprise gift!  The winner was chosen by assigning a number to each comment and then put in the random number generator and here is who turned up this week...

MANDY 

The Project Queen

Mandy...please when you have a moment...send me your mailing address to TheCottageMarket@gmail.com and your surprise will be mailed out on Tuesday! CONGRATS!!!
For all of you that are new here...just click on the cutie button below and it will fill you in on our weekly giveaway to say thank you!

Last minute sweet creations that are NO WORK!!! Really!

Morning my friends...hope you are all doing fabulously!  Are the stockings hung on the chimney with care?  Are the cookies all baked? Is the smell of gingerbread through the air?  Whatever your favorite things are I hope you and your families lives are filled with them! 

The time is so near now I decided to keep my posts very easy and hopefully useful!

I have a favorite store and it is Trader Joe's (no affiliation AT ALL...just love the store)

It is filled with tons of goodies this time of year that are scrumptious and so reasonably priced. Plus their vegetarian selections are amazing!

If you have one near you...here is the easiest fast dessert you will ever prepare...it also can easily be breakfast...well with no further ado...check it out

Panetonne and Cookie Butter

 Look for these on the shelves...The Panettone is delicious...moist and fresh (this comes from someone that is Italian and does not particularly love Panettone...but this one is FABULOUS) The best thing also it is so incredibly affordable -- some exclusive shops sell it for $28.99 -- TJ's has it $4.99...seriously?

75% off ALL READY!!! had to make a little project!

A very good morning to ALL!!!  Today is Time is Ticking Tuesday!  So just slow down for a moment and relax...even for 5 minutes!

Well guess what...I was in CVS yesterday morning and saw that they had 75% off on a section of the Christmas items...so I had to take a peek.  Well they had these cute little Christmas Balls...Not my color scheme but cute so I had to snatch some up -- they came to $.99 a box!  When I got them home I had the urge to make something...so this is what I came up with and had it made in 15 minutes...it is actually very cute and could NOT be more simple a great project for next year...so if you see them...snatch some up!
I did find some silver ones also...maybe I will get to make something with those later!

Hope you enjoy this EASY little project and like I said...if you see some...grab them for next year!

Oh Christmas Tree

What you will need...

Meatless Monday "Sweetness" Pizzelles and fun ways to serve them

Morning everyone!  It is 22 degrees here in NJ...my tootsies are chilly so the dachshund socks have been put on and it is less than a week till Christmas!  I still have some things to get yet and all I can say is THANK GOD for Amazon Prime! lol!!!

I also want to Welcome The Shabby Creek Cottage readers!!!

I am doing a giveaway over at the Creek so my friends...you can hop over there and enter : )

I know it is Meatless Monday just like every day here in the Cammarata household... but I really think that the rest of the year should be filled with some sweetness!!! So once again...we have sweets!

The Italian Waffle Cookie (Pizzelles) is on the menu today...yes you need an iron to make them but don't worry...you can get them all ready made just about any where...Costco (the BEST deal in town...Let me tell you they are so fabulous I wonder why I took out the iron today!!!)

Sams Club...BJ's...your local Grocery Store...the bakery...they are just about every where now and let me tell you these are SOOOO great to have them on hand for an instant dessert during this Holiday Season! I have shown a few ways of serving them and I hope you enjoy...my family enjoyed this little picture taking time because they got to eat the goodies when I was finished! 

 The Many Faces of the

Pizzelle

 They make a picture perfect gift...stacked pretty...tied with bakers twine with just a little flower a top! Viola...the perfect little gift for anyone on that special list...

A little weekend review for those that need Last MINUTE gifts!!!

Good Morning!!!!! One week to the day!!!!!Can you believe it!!!!!!! ok -- calm down like I said we are never really ready but it all works out because it is a time that we spend with loved ones and those that know us best!

Today I am doing a little wrap-up of projects that would make perfect last minute gifts! The perfect little something to bring a smile and a WOW! Blog land is FILLED with them... I can't bring them all to you...but you will find a few below that you just might want to take out of your bag of tricks! I also have some cute ideas for little gifts in my last 2 weeks of blogging...so check out some back posts!

Also there are some suggestions for other kinds of special gifts or stocking stuffers that would be wonderful things to receive because they keep on giving to those that are just not as fortunate as we are...you will be amazed at what a $1 can buy...

Last Minute Ideas...

source

A little break from the craziness...let's travel a bit...

Morning my friends!  It is Saturday and wow the time is going by so quickly...I don't know about you...but I am a bit overloaded with everything!!!! So this morning...I am not going to give you something extra to do...I just want you to grab a cup of your favorite brew...and maybe one of those yummy cookies you have baked and take a little break and visit 4 of my favorite places in the world! Enjoy them in all their holiday glory.

After the new year I will get back to the week-end wrap-up!  Stay tuned to the years end though for some more holiday projects! recipes and some quick and easy tips that just might come in handy when unexpected guests ring the bell!!!  Now just sit back and pretend you have just arrived to your vacation spot this morning!

ITALIA!!!!! in all it's Christmas Glory!  I have to admit that this is one of my most favorite places in the world...I studied art in Florence during college and all I can say...Italy is a magical place and the home of my heritage...plus you can't beat the food!

Ah....Paris...what a beautiful site!  A place of beauty and romance...decked out in it's finest! Don't you just want a chocolate croissant...yum!!!

The UK just shines at Christmas time...a shoppers paradise for sure...I am not a fan of fruit cake but I can taste a nice warm scone dressed with lemon curd and potted creme with a cup of English Breakfast tea...can't you...maybe share a cup with the Queen!

Now for the city of lights and the city nearest and dearest to me...basically 25 minutes away from my home...a city that is full of surprises and one that just never sleeps.  New York has a heart of gold and offers you just about anything the mind can dream!   Some roasted chestnuts in a little paper bag from your favorite street vendor during the chilly holiday season just can't be beat...a glorious place to be!

Well we have arrived back home now...hope you enjoyed your little jaunt around the world...you don't even have jet lag!  

I just hope you take a moment in time to relax a bit and take away that feeling of being overwhelmed! Enjoy the moment that you are in and share the love with friends and family (oh don't forget the furbabies if you have them)

Thank you for coming into my home and sharing a cup of...with me each day...know how much you are loved and how much you are appreciated by me!

one more thank you...thank you Pinterest for giving us a world of images to share a story with...

Till tomorrow...tons of Holiday...

(HUGS)

Shining a little light a quick and easy 5 minute project tutorial!

It's Friday my friends!  A very good morning to everyone.  The last weekend before the festive celebrations is upon it...how are you going to spend this time...baking? decorating? wrapping? shopping? whatever is on your holiday plate ENJOY!!!  

If you are looking for a fun...inexpensive and easy project and decoration I have a little one for you this morning!  When I say easy...I really mean it!!!

Hope this sheds a Happy Light on your day!

 and the light burns brightly...

Here is what you need...ball jar or jars (one of my favorite things in the world) a candle...Epson Salts...a touch of glitter (you truly do not need it but it is still fun!) ribbon or cording...some pretty flowers or embellishments and glue...that's it!

Start with a sparkly clean ball jar...

Wrap the lid with your favorite ribbon or cording...

and do the same with the candle and then place your embellishment over the glue seam and viola...done and it looks gorgeous...

 Now simply pour your Epson salts into the jar...enough to secure your candle... now nestle your decorated candle into the pretty snow...screw the top on so it lines up with the decoration on the candle...

 Make as many as you like and they make a fabulous little gift for anyone...These would be a great wedding decoration and depending on how you decorate them...any occasion...or any time!  now...

Let the Light Shine...

 

Now how easy was that!  You can have tons of fun with different size candles...jars...place them at different levels with your prettiest of china...the possibilities are endless...how pretty would these look on the table...enjoy and have fun creating...your imagination will make the light shine brighter!

Till tomorrow...tons of Holiday

(((HUGS)))

 

Thankful for my Followers Thursday and more!

Morning to you my friends...I don't want to utter these words...but...10 more days!!!!  WOW it is truly around the corner and moving fast!  Hope you are enjoying the ride.  Today is Thankful for my followers Thursday!  It is something that I do every Thursday to let you know that you are sooooo very appreciated!  A little giveaway...sometimes a surprise and sometimes I give you the heads up!  The winner of the surprise giveaway this week is...

Stacey from...

A Sort of Fairy Tale

 please send me your mailing address to TheCottageMarket@gmail.com

Next weeks winner will be receiving a SURPRISE gift also...remember entering is EASY...just leave comments throughout the week...each comment is an entry!  Hope next weeks winner is you!!!

(make sure to scan all the way down to see hubbies latest thrift find!)

Speaking of followers and I truly mean friends...check out what came in the mail from one of my first friends in the blogosphere Angelina from the incredible blog...

Ruby Jean

Tell me...is this the sweetest necklace...so personal and filled with meaning...my initial and my most favorite thing in the world (shhhhhh...don't tell my hubby or kids) my dachshunds! lol!!!  I thank Miss Ruby Jean for her thoughtfulness...friendship and amazing talents!  If you want to make one of these fabulous pendants...you can find a full tutorial on her blog...please go check it out...it is fun and fabulous! Hugs to you my friend (HUGS)

Charm Necklace Tutorial

Now here was a BIG SMILE for me!  One of my newest followers

Alecia from

Chickenscratchny

sent me a comment and told me that she had made one of the pull toys from one of my tutorials for her new puppy Alfie...well I went and checked it out on her blog...if this doesn't make you smile...nothing will...

 is he not adorable!!!! Have fun playing Alfie...I think Mommy is going to have to make a new MUCH bigger one when you hit your teens...look at those paws...I just want to hug him! Once again thanks for the smile and once again I can't be more thankful than I am for my followers...aka...my friends...you are all just so special to me and I am sending you all tons of

(((((HUGS)))))

Well guess what...hubby stopped by the Thrift Shop again on Saturday...he was so hoping to find something special and those tea cups were special and get the high praises : ) 

He walked in with a little bag and he seemed a bit bummed...I opened it and here is what I found...

a vintage cut crystal bowl...

 a zip lock bag filled with tiny vintage mini Christmas balls (about 1/2 inch)

a beautiful vintage crystal bowl...filled with mini vintage Christmas balls and an apology...sorry I didn't do so good this time lol!!!!! Now here's the best part...bowl and glass ornaments...$.99 he asks...was it worth it! Hope that made you laugh!

(((HUGS)))

and I will see you tomorrow!

ps...know that you are appreciated!

A little tutorial for SnowFlake Cork Coasters

Morning to ALL!!!!!  Is everyone out there making leaps and bounds of progress!!!  I sure hope so because the day is almost upon us! Remember to enjoy!

Well today I have a very easy project for you and they make great gifts also!  Hope you give them a try.

 

Hand stenciled/painted Cork Coasters

Here is what you are going to need...

Guest Blogger Dondi and a last minute gift idea!

Good Morning my friends!  How are you today...hope you are busy and happy getting ready for the holidays!  My wish for you is to be happy! enjoy! and of course stay healthy and safe (it's the mother in me what can I say : )  Today we have a guest blogger...my first since I started my blog 4 months ago...Dondi has a lot to share she is such a talented lady.  She is giving us "bloggers" some tips on stacking and centering...check it out and bookmark the post for future references

For my readers that do not have a blog...I popped a few ideas for last minute gift buying at the bottom of the post so you have something to look at too : )  Thank you so much Dondi for expanding our horizons : ) 

Also check out her other blog...Dondalee's

for fun projects and eye candy!

Cheese Cake Brownies this Meatless Monday

Good morning one and all.  How was your weekends? Hope they were FABULOUS! Here in NJ our temperatures finally dropped...we went from 68 degrees on Thursday to 29 degrees this morning...a chill in the air and less then 2 weeks to Christmas! Being a part of a blogging event like Creating Christmas was wonderful and I made so many new wonderful friends...but today...back to regular programming (well almost)  I decided to turn Meatless Monday into sweets for the next 2 weeks!

 I had company yesterday and I decided to serve the brownies with a little flair...the table looked great...I used a different tea cup and saucer at each place setting...they just took the brownie plate and then we poured the tea! This would look great on any Holiday table!

I had to share this recipe with you...it is an adaptation from the incredible BAKED cookbook written by the famed bakers Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito. They also have an incredible Bakery called of course BAKED in Brooklyn NY!  There creations are so sensational your have to give them a try...The Test Kitchen voted them their number 1 and they are even on Oprah's list of favorite things!  The book was on my wish list forever and now...a few pound later it is used for so much!  I am not known for leaving things alone so this is slightly altered (my family is half dark chocolate...half milk) so instead of using 11 ounces of dark -- I used 6 ounces of dark and 6 ounces of milk chocolate for a blend that is not too sweet but still has the creamy touch of milk chocolate.  I also added my own cheesecake concoction that I swirled on the top...all I can say is you have to try this recipe...you do!  It cuts so easily that you can actually cut tiny squares and use them at a party on a platter with pretty picks!  Hope you give it a try...you won't be sorry!

The cheese cake topping looks so pretty and tastes even better!

Linky Party and a touch of pink eye candy!

Morning everyone!  2 WEEKS and counting!!!! Can you believe it!!!!!

Hope you enjoy the week of Creating Christmas here at The Cottage Market and all the other FABULOUS and WONDERFUL blogs that participated in The Creative Girls spectacular event! There are tons of ideas and recipes and I hope you get the chance to use many of them during your Holiday Season...The LINKY party is still open for another 2 days so please share some of your incredible creations...with one post here you share with 17 other blogs instantly plus mine : ) 

So hop on over to yesterdays LINKY POST and join in and take a look around!

I just wanted to send you a touch of pretty this morning!

Next week I will be back with the Weekend Wrap-up!

Here's a little eye candy for you and then hop over to the LINKY PARTY

A Shabby Chic ChristmasTree

photos are courtesy of pinterest

Day 7 of Creating Christmas and a BIG LINKY party...join in!

Good Morning to all my friends!  Today we have something special as we wrap up the week of Creating Christmas with The Girl Creative...I am co-hosting a linky party and I am so excited about it...I would love for all of you to link up with the party to celebrate and when you read the note from Diane (the girl creative) you will find out how much exposure you will get...it's really amazing!
I want to personally thank Diane for all the hard work and love she put into this project!!!

I will see you all tomorrow again with regular programming : ) lol!!!! till then...link up...have fun...enjoy your weekend and I am sending you all tons of

(((((HUGS)))))

Here's a little note from Diane...

Day 6 of Creating Christmas and Coffee Lover Christmas Ornament Tutorial

Morning!!! It's Friday all ready...can you believe it!  It seems as though this time of the year gets crazier all the time so it is really nice to sit here in the early am...with a cup of yummy coffee and visit with my friends!  Today is Day 6 of...

Hosted by 

The Girl Creative

and a band of other fabulous bloggers!  

check it out and enjoy!

Today's little project is for all of you

Coffee LOVERS...I am in that count for sure and a bunch of my friends share the same addiction!!!

So here is my little 

Java Ornament Tutorial!

Day 5 of Creating Christmas A pretty candle tutorial sooooo easy!

Morning my friend!  How are all of you this morning!  Hope all of you are having fun preparing for the upcoming holiday season...are any of you close to being finished!  I just thought I would ask : ) lol!!!  Well today is Day 5 of Creating Christmas with 

 The Girl Creative

and a band of other fabulous bloggers!  

check it out and enjoy!

Oh yes...the winner of the memory game is AIMEE from...  
It's Over Flowing
please send me your mailing address to thecottagemarket@gmail.com
wishing all of my followers a wonderful THANKFUL for my Followers Thursday!  Next week...a surprise!  Remember...all you have to do to enter is leave a comment throughout the week!

Today we have a very simple but elegant project for you...

Pretty Candles 
Perfect for the Holiday season...
share the light

Let's start with the supplies...pretty taper candles of your choice...any color...any size...any shape...some pretty card stock or vintage pages...pretty ribbon or cording...some lovely embellishments and glue.