This past Tuesday was a beautiful day — if not a little chilly! Here in Florida, anything below 60° feels downright freezing, and we started the day in the 40s with a high barely reaching the low 50s. The silver lining? It was the perfect weather for Christmas decorating and baking cookies!
Nathan and I took on one of my holiday favorites — Gingerbread Men (recipe). I love these cookies, but they definitely require a little patience. The dough can be sticky and tricky to work with, but I’ve learned a few secrets over the years:
Always chill the dough before rolling it out.
Work with small batches so the dough stays cold.
Keep the rest in the refrigerator while you cut and bake.
And don’t be shy with the flour!
After a fun afternoon of baking and decorating, we ended up with 120 Gingerbread Men — all frosted and ready to spread some holiday cheer. Of course, we had to taste a few for quality control purposes 😉, and the rest went into the freezer to stay fresh for next month.
This batch marks the last of my make-ahead cookies for the season! I’ll be baking two more varieties the weekend I prep all the cookie boxes for delivery. The kitchen smells like Christmas, and I couldn’t be happier.
One of my favorite holiday prep tips? Create a dedicated wrapping station before the December hustle hits! Over the years, I’ve learned that setting up a wrapping center in November makes the season so much smoother. With everything organized and ready to go, you can wrap gifts as you buy them—no more late-night marathons surrounded by paper scraps and tangled ribbon!
What to Stock Your Wrapping Station With:
Make sure you have plenty of the basics:
Wrapping paper
Tissue paper
Boxes
Gift bags
Tape
Ribbon
Gift tags
If you followed along with my October checklist, you’re probably already stocked up. And if you’re crafting your own gift tags, now’s the perfect time to finish those up! (I’ll be posting my soon, so stay tuned.)
A Few Extra Essentials:
✂️ Scissors — Keep at least two pairs handy. Somehow mine always disappear mid-wrap!
🎀 Package toppers — I love adding a handmade touch that doubles as an ornament. I will be posting mine soon!
🐾 Optional “helpers” — If you have cats like I do, you already know they love to supervise the wrapping process! Just be prepared for a little extra “help” batting at ribbons and curling up on your freshly folded paper.
By setting up your wrapping center early and keeping it organized, you’ll be able to enjoy the creative side of gift wrapping without the chaos. So turn on some holiday music, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, and get wrapping!
The last weekend of October took us to Washington, D.C., where Nathan ran the 50th Marine Corps Marathon! It was such a special milestone year for the race.
On Saturday, we set out to explore parts of the course so I could plan my spectator route for race day. While we were out, we stopped by one of Nathan’s longtime favorites — Ching Ching CHA, his go-to tea house. It used to be in Georgetown, but the new location is just as charming and cozy.
Race day dawned absolutely beautiful — chilly in the low 40s to start, warming up to the high 50s under clear skies and calm winds. Perfect running weather! I managed to catch Nathan at five different spots along the course. He always manages to spot me in the crowd, and each time he stopped for a quick kiss before heading off again. ❤️
Nathan crossed the finish line in 4:37:27! He said the course was hillier than expected, but he still had a great run and enjoyed every mile of the Marine Corps spirit.
Before heading home, we spent our final day driving around D.C., visiting Nathan’s old house, schools, and some of his favorite childhood hangouts. It was such a fun trip down memory lane.
We wrapped up the weekend with a celebratory dinner at Chef Geoff’s, owned by one of Nathan’s friends. The meal was absolutely delicious — the perfect way to toast a successful race weekend!
Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here? The season of gratitude, cozy gatherings, and delicious food is right around the corner—and if you’re hosting this year, now’s the time to start planning!
Are you hosting Turkey Day this year? If so, now’s the perfect time to start planning! Get that headcount, pick your turkey before they “fly” off the shelves, and think about what kind of feast you want to create this year. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or trying something new, a little early prep will make your holiday smooth and stress-free.
At our house, Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it’s a gathering of hearts. We open our home to not only family but also friends and neighbors who might be spending the holiday away from their own loved ones. Sometimes there is just a few of us, sometimes there is a houseful!
We like to keep things fresh by changing up how we cook the turkey each year. One of my favorites is the Best Thanksgiving Turkey recipe from Our Best Bites—so flavorful and juicy! But we’ve also gone off-script and made a Turkey Porchetta-Style, which was a total showstopper. (You can find that recipe here.)
To stay organized, grab your Holiday Menu Planner in the Celebrations section of your Christmas Planner. It’s the perfect place to jot down your guest list, activities, and menu ideas. And don’t forget to delegate! A potluck-style Thanksgiving not only lightens your workload but also adds a fun mix of flavors to the table.
So as you gear up for Thanksgiving, remember: a little planning goes a long way. Keep your traditions close, sprinkle in something new, and most of all—celebrate the joy of gathering together.
I originally purchased the Gingerbread Man Bundle thinking it would be perfect for making gift tags to go on the plates of cookies I deliver to friends and neighbors each year. But once I started creating with it, I couldn’t stop! One idea led to another, and before I knew it, I was making all sorts of projects.
Starting with Tags
I began with my original plan—tags. I die-cut the double Gingerbread Man and used Versamark and White Embossing Powder to create the “frosting” outline. After stamping the face, I had so much fun accessorizing! This set includes so many cute little dies, and you can easily mix and match papers and scraps to give each Gingerbread Man (or Woman!) their own personality.
Since the die cuts the Gingerbread pair connected at the hand, you can leave them together to create a fold-over tag—or snip them apart for two separate pieces.
And yes, I decided if there’s a Gingerbread Man, there must also be a Gingerbread Woman. Aren’t they the sweetest pair?
Banners and Boxes
I came across an idea where someone used the Gingerbread Man for baby-themed banners, and that inspired me to make a Christmas Banner. Apparently, this is my year for banners!
Then, I stumbled on a clever way to turn the Gingerbread Man into a treat box, perfect for holding small candies or gifts. Here’s how to make it:
To create the box base:
Cut Pecan Pie cardstock to 7-1/2″ x 3-1/4″.
Score lengthwise at 1″, 3-1/4″, 4-1/4″, and 6-1/2″.
Score widthwise at 1″.
Cut along the vertical score lines up to the 1″ horizontal line.
Add Tear & Tape to one short end and one long flap (on opposite sides).
Fold along all score lines and adhere the ends to form the box.
Fold in the small flaps, then the large ones, adhering the last flap to close the bottom.
Finally, use Tear & Tape to attach a Gingerbread Man to each side—lining up their feet so the box stands evenly.
Sweet and Simple Cards
And of course, I couldn’t resist making a few cards with this adorable set!
For the first card, I made the base a little shorter so I could add a strip of Designer Series Paper (DSP) on the inside edge for a fun layered look. I added a sentiment banner from the Nested Essentials Dies and finished it off with a sprinkle of Traditional Sparkling Sequins for a little extra shine.
On my second card, I used a standard-sized base with a full layer of DSP and switched things up by adding embossed buttons and faces to my Gingerbread Men. I also swapped out the sequins for colorful gumdrops for a different (and delicious-looking) touch!
This set turned out to be one of my unexpected favorites this season. Whether you’re making tags, cards, banners, or treat boxes, the Gingerbread Man Bundle is full of creative possibilities.
Cardstock Cuts for these Projects:
Gingerbread Man Tag/Box
Pecan Pie – 7-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ for Gingerbread man, 7-1/2″ x 3-1/4″ for box
Christmas Tags & More DSP – scrap for Hat and Bow dies
Real Red – scrap for Candy Cane and Scarf dies
Basic White – scrap for Candy Cane die
First Card
Crumb Cake – 7-3/4″ x 5-1/2″ card base scored at 4-1/4″
Pecan Pie – 7-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ for Gingerbread man (separate the two and use the other for the second card)
Christmas Tags & More DSP – 5-1/2″ x 3/4″ panel
Basic White – 5-1/2″ x 3-1/4″ inside panel, scrap for Hat, Candy Cane, and Banner die
Garden Green – scrap for Candy Cane die
Real Red – scrap for Hat and Scarf dies
Second Card
Basic White Thick – 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ card base scored at 4-1/4″
Pecan Pie – other Gingerbread man
Christmas Tags & More DSP – 5-1/4″ x 4″ panel
Real Red – scrap for Candy Cane and Lollipop dies
Basic White – scrap for Candy Cane, Lollipop, Gumdrop, and Banner dies
Stampin’ Up! products used to create this project:
Can you believe we’ve already turned the calendar to November? This month feels like the bridge between preparation and celebration — where all that planning we’ve been doing starts coming together.
This year, I’m breaking down our November checklist week by week and sharing it in two-week increments. (If you missed the full checklist, you can find it in my August Post!)
November is all about tying up loose ends — finishing our crafting, wrapping up plans, and getting everything in place so when Thanksgiving rolls around, we can fully enjoy the season and start soaking in the magic we’ve been preparing for!
Plan Your Christmas Dinner
If you’ve been following along, you might remember our Christmas Eve Dinner tradition from my Our Holiday Traditions post. Every year, we love to mix it up with a new theme — and this year, inspired by our trip to Japan, we’re planning a Japanese washoku-style meal.
Washoku meals follow the “ichi ju san sai” principle — one soup, three side dishes — all served alongside a bowl of steamed rice. I can’t wait to share our menu and table setup with you soon!
If you’re hosting a Christmas event, now’s the perfect time to start brainstorming. Think about what makes your gathering special — a signature dish, a festive cocktail, or maybe even themed place settings. And don’t forget to check your ingredient list early! Specialty meats and seasonal items often need to be pre-ordered, and a little planning now saves a lot of stress later.
Indoor Decorating
No surprise here — I start decorating on November 1st! 🎄
I organize my decorations by room and use photos from last year as a guide. If you haven’t built a decorating system yet, don’t worry — I’ll be sharing my “pack-up” method in January to help make next year even smoother.
When decorating, I focus on one room at a time: I pack away everyday décor, do a quick clean, and then start adding the festive touches. It’s such a fun ritual, transforming each space into something magical. My goal is to have everything — especially the main tree and outdoor lights — finished by the weekend after Thanksgiving. That way, December can be all about celebrating, not scrambling.
And yes, fun fact: there’s a Christmas tree in every room of our house — some rooms even have two!
Inventory and New Decorations
As you decorate, take a moment to do a quick inventory. What needs replacing? What’s on your wish list?
I keep a running note of ideas as I go — it makes post-Thanksgiving shopping so much easier. I actually start my list in January when packing everything away, so when stores start rolling out Christmas décor, I know exactly what to look for. (Pro tip: if you see something you love at a store — grab it early as things never lasts until Thanksgiving!)
Review and Test Recipes
Cookie season is officially here — and we’ve already started baking a few make-ahead favorites! Each year we choose five or six varieties, with one or two new additions just to keep things fresh.
Here’s what’s on our baking list this year:
Gingerbread Cookies – My go-to recipe from Our Best Bites. Find it here.
Cutout Sugar Cookies – Also from Our Best Bites, using their perfect glace icing that sets beautifully but still tastes amazing. Recipe here.
Gingerbread Latte Cookies – A new addition this year! Fresh ginger gives them a cozy little “kick.” Recipe here.
Cake-Like Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – A seasonal favorite that’s soft, fluffy, and full of fall flavor. Recipe here.
Christmas Kiss Cookies – A sprinkle-filled twist on the classic peanut butter version. Recipe here.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies – Another new one this year, bursting with bright, citrusy flavor. Recipe here.
And of course, cookies aren’t the only thing on the baking list. Don’t forget to plan ahead for Thanksgiving desserts, Christmas dinner sides, or any party treats you’ll be making. A little prep now will make December so much smoother (and much more fun!).
November is when the holidays start to feel real — the scents, the sparkle, the anticipation. So let’s enjoy every bit of it.
Light the candles, turn on the Christmas music, and let’s dive into this festive season together!
Thanksgiving might not be the first holiday you think of for sending cards—but why not? It’s the perfect time to let the people you love know just how thankful you are for them.
For this card, I used the Gathering Together Specialty DSP, Earth Toned Metallic, and Gold Foil to add that extra touch of shine and elegance. I love how the metallic accents catch the light—because who doesn’t love a little sparkle? ✨
To create depth, I added Dimensionals behind the pumpkins so they really pop off the card. The leaves and sentiment are attached with glue dots, making it easy to layer everything together neatly.
And don’t forget—tie your look together by decorating the inside of your card and envelope too! Those finishing touches make your handmade card feel even more special.
Cardstock Cuts for this project:
Early Espresso – 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4
Crumb Cake – 5-1/4″ x 4″ panel
Basic White – 5-1/4″” x 4″ inside panel, 4-1/4″ x 2″ for Pumpkin dies
Gathering Together DSP – 5-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ panel
Earthen Toned Metallic – 3″ x 2″ for Words and Stems dies
Gold Foil – 3″ x 2″ for Leaves and Vines dies
Stampin’ Up! products used to create this project:
The countdown to creativity has officially begun! Our brand-new 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar is here—and it’s unlike anything we’ve ever offered before.
Inside, you’ll find 12 days of surprises packed with never-before-seen crafting goodies: exclusive dies, gorgeous papers, sparkling embellishments, and other delightful treasures you won’t find in any catalog or online store. Each day reveals something new to inspire your creativity—not just for the holidays, but all year long!
And here’s the best part—this Advent Calendar also includes an exclusive stamp set that coordinates perfectly with the products inside! That means you can mix, match, and craft with confidence knowing everything works beautifully together.
Whether you treat yourself or surprise a crafty friend, this calendar makes the perfect gift. Imagine the excitement of opening a new creative surprise every day!
✨ Limited quantities are available, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. So don’t wait—grab your 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar today and make this season the most creative one yet!
🎥 Take a peek inside!
🎄 Take the Journey With Me!
Starting December 1st, I’ll be sharing daily posts as I open my Advent Calendar—revealing what’s inside and showing you what I’m creating with each surprise. I’d love for you to craft right along with me!
So grab your calendar today, follow along, and let’s make the countdown to Christmas full of creativity and joy!
True confession time—I wasn’t immediately inspired when I first saw this stamp set. It just didn’t grab me. But then I started seeing other creators use it, and that’s when it began to grow on me. The turning point? Realizing that the jar is a punch, not a die! Once I saw that, it went straight into my cart and was on its way to my craft room.
The Table Look
I spotted someone using the Country Woods Designer Series Paper (DSP) to mimic a tabletop, and it looked so sharp that I had to try it myself. For the angled piece, I started with a strip cut to 4-5/8″ x 1-3/4″. Then, using my trimmer, I lined up one corner on the cutting track and the opposite corner at the 1″ mark to get that perfect angled edge. Just make sure you’re cutting in the direction you want the slope to appear on your card!
Punching Out the Jar
Before stamping, I punched the jar and lid out of scrap paper. Then, I placed the jar and lid stamps inside the outline of the punch to then put them on my block. This trick let me perfectly line up both stamps, so when I stamped them on my cardstock, they fit the punch exactly and I could punch them out together—quick, easy, and perfectly aligned every time.
Cookies in the Jar
The cookie jar image uses two-step stamping—such a fun and simple technique. I first stamped the solid cookie image in Pecan Pie, then added the outline in Early Espresso. I’ve also seen it done with Crumb Cake instead of Pecan Pie, and that gives it a slightly softer look that’s just as nice.
Ribbon Tip
Here’s a little trick I use whenever I want my ribbon to wrap on an angle—and it works every time:
Cut two ribbon pieces slightly longer than your cardstock layer.
Tape the ends of each ribbon to the back of the cardstock using Scotch tape on one side.
Pull them across the front at your desired angle and tape the other ends to the back.
Tie a separate bow and adhere it to the front with a glue dot.
It’s a simple technique that keeps the ribbon neat, flat, and perfectly positioned every time.
Finishing Touches
I couldn’t resist using the ornaments from this set—they’re just too cute not to include! They added the perfect festive detail to tie everything together.
I think this set has officially won me over. I already have a few more design ideas swirling in my head, so I’m sure you’ll be seeing more projects with it soon!
Cardstock Cuts for this project:
Real Red – 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4
Early Espresso – 4-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ panel
Basic White – 4-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ inside panel, 4-5/8″ x 3-3/8″ panel, 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ for Jar punch
Country Woods DSP – 4-5/8″ x 1-3/4″ panel
Stampin’ Up! products used to create this project:
I am a project manager by day and a crafter by night. I love Christmas and want to do it all every year. I will share with you how I do it and enjoy it too!
