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    So glad you dropped by! There is always something brewing here at the painted apron, cooking, painting, party planning, gift making, organizing, tablescaping...I hope you will spend a few minutes here and find some inspiration for your next creation.

The Organized Life, December Paint Bucket

Tomorrow is December 1, are you ready for a month of Merriment and Celebrations? I have barely started my decorating, but I am enjoying anticipating the holiday fun to come… The flavor/theme of the month is Festive! Appetizers Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball from The Creative Bite Sweet and Savory Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists from … Continue reading

Take out Tuesday, Cheesy Sausage Bread

We spent a lovely week at the beach for Thanksgiving The highlight, or shall I say, the icing on the cake was the Iron Bowl game, the annual rivalry game between Alabama and Auburn~ It was a nail biter with Alabama throwing a hail Mary pass during the last minute of the game for the … Continue reading

Party Panache, Holiday Themed Party Food

Charcuterie boards, cheese balls and themed shaped appetizers are a fun and festive way to serve party food I’ve found some really creative ones to inspire your holiday entertaining Last year I made a kid friendly Festive Appetizer Wreath for our family party It’s made with rosemary and parsley and was filled with cheese cubes, … Continue reading

Fearless Friday, Artist Advent Calendar

I have always loved advent calendars, especially the traditional ones with a little door you open on the designated day and find a picture Some calendars have a toy or candy I have one that I put in the kitchen for my grandsons When they were little they each got a bag with a surprise … Continue reading

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Orange Beach Alabama! I am so thankful to be in this beautiful place with HHjr and his boys They are all about football and fishing Mother Nature has treated us to some fabulous sunsets and beautiful skies My daughter and her family will arrive this evening after lunching with my son-in-law’s family … Continue reading

Cranberry Recipes and National Eat a Cranberry Day

National Eat a Cranberry Day is celebrated on November 23 every year The 23rd is right in the middle of cranberry harvesting season It just happens to fall on Thanksgiving in the USA this year Last week I shared a recipe for Savory Holiday Bread Pudding with cranberries I learned that cranberries are really good … Continue reading

Sunday Supper, Ravioli Lasagna with Spinach & Sausage

My son, “the chef,” made this easy and amazing casserole the other night It was so good I couldn’t wait to have again later in the week It is perfect for this busy time of year, and a great change from turkey for your tastebuds This casserole is also referred to as Lazy Lasagna because … Continue reading

Fearless Friday, Christmas Painting Ideas

Ho Ho Ho, here we go! The holidays are upon us 🎄 I’ve rounded up some holiday painting ideas to help with your gifting, decorating, and entertaining Paint jars white and then paint a simple tree on them Fill with treats or a surprise for a friend, neighbor or hostess Do you need something different … Continue reading

Holiday Napkin Rings

It’s time for the November edition of the Creative Craft Hop Thank you Sara from Birdz of a Feather for being our wonderful hostess! Whether you are coming from Sara’s or you are a friend, reader, or visitor from My Thrift Store Addiction Welcome, we are so happy you are here! The holidays are upon … Continue reading

Take-out Tuesday, Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

This recipe is a blessing for busy days It preps in minutes and cooks low and slow all day long, filling your home with a mouthwatering aroma I heard a chorus of “What’s for dinner Gigi? It smells amazing!” Only 3 ingredients, Sweet Chili Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, and pork tenderloin Spray or line a 6 … Continue reading