the camera purse update

So THIS is definitely one of the more popular posts that gets visited on this space of mine everyday. And I suppose for good reason, this camera purse has been a lifesaver for a year now! I've had quite a few people email me and ask for help in making theirs.. and most of the confusion seemed to come from not seeing the inserts out of the purse. So i thought i should make it a little more thorough and add a few new pictures to the post.

To see the full instructions, head on over to the original post.

p.s. This has held up surprisingly well.. i've been using it for exactly a year now. I use it daily and have also taken it on MANY trips and its still in great condition.. no wear on the padding, no tears or anything. easily one of the most useful and fun projects i've done!

one last advent date..

We put a starbucks giftcard to good use and decided on one last advent calendar date for the season. I had already had coffee so I got a peppermint hot chocolate which pretty much tastes like a melted peppermint patty.. not bad! I was also hoping for a cakepop but they were sold out!

Farewell advent calendar activities.. till next year!

--Merry Christmas eve!--

peanut butter kiss cookies

I'm pretty sure you don't need another baked good recipe at this point in the season but these are one of my favorite sweets in the entire world and they happen to be easier than the rest too. So I'm giving it you to anyway.

There has been no shortage of sweets in our house these days.. and cinnamon rolls, cake pops, marshmallows, toffee and dulce de leche are still on the agenda before the weekend. Maybe it'll all balance out with the amount of brussel sprouts we're eating! (maybe?)

Peanut butter kiss cookies

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar (i used half brown, half white)

1 egg

about 18 kisses

Combine peanut butter, sugar and egg.

Shape into 1" balls and place on cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Press a kiss into the center of each cookie until edges crinkle.

I told you! So ridiculously easy..

p.s. josh decided to join the cookie photo shoot. nice pose!

christmas everywhere.

And we're less than a week away now! I hope your days are full of tons of christmasy activities this week.. I know ours is packed to the brim.
p.s. isn't peacock lane magical?

Library totes now available!

I've added a tote bag to my shop! These babies are adorable and heavy duty. Definitely my new favorite carry-all! I currently have the 4 prints you see above listed and more colors will be added in the near future. I've been obsessed over chevron prints so it was only a matter of time before something chevron made it to the shop.

Check them out here

p.s. I'm working on adding a few more accessories, and a few new dress designs to the shop before the new year.

DIY Terrarium ornaments

Hello! I just want to pop in real quick to let you know that I'm guest posting over on the lovely Sunshine and Carousels blog. I was so happy to be able to contribute to the Making Christmas series. I made the easiest ever terrarium ornament. Last minute gift idea? I think so! Take a peek!

DIY Terrarium ornament

sunny winter days

We've been pretty spoiled for the past couple weeks with perfect weather. Blue skies, sun and freezing cold temperatures. It makes for some amazing walks around the neighborhood with this cute husband of mine.

We've been trying to take plenty of pictures this season, since it seems to fly by so quickly. But somehow they quickly turn into floating jump pictures..

p.s. these shoes are my favorite thrift find this year. sometimes goodwill has a gem!

hope you're weekend is relaxing!

crazy week ahead!

Hello! It's been a whirl wind of fabric and post office trips around here trying to get all of the Christmas orders out. I thought these dresses looked pretty hanging next to each other so I snapped some photos before I finished and sent them on their way. I'm aiming to be completely caught up by Thursday then it's a (much needed) 3 day weekend for me..!

Hope you're week is lovely!

a favorite tradition: advent calendar

Yesterday was December 1st which meant putting up and starting our advent calendar. It's easily one of our favorite christmas traditions, i almost wish we could keep it up all year. We take turns each day filling the envelope with a special christmasy date or activity, and the occasional small gift. I made a new one this year and I love it.. Simple and easy! It's definitely not too late to make one, even a 20 day calendar is better than none. i cannot stress enough how fun it is.. do it!







December, please go by slowly.

ordering for christmas?

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last day to order a dress from the shop if you're wanting it before Christmas!
If you have any questions, be sure to email me: vanillaandlace@gmail.com

E

birthday

My birthday was Monday and a few years ago we started a new birthday/Christmas tradition where we get out our tree and officially begin the Christmas season by decorating the house, drinking hot cocoa and blasting the Christmas music! Its always only a couple days before Thanksgiving, and I like getting a head start on it! This year we have a white tree (thank you christmas clearance!) and decorated it with all vintage glass balls. After decorating we took a walk around our (still very fall-ish) neighborhood.. and later went out to dinner with the whole family. It was perfect!