homemade notepads

The kids wanted to make their teachers a little gift this year.  So I searched online for something that was practical, affordable and meaningful....homemade personalized notepads

I'm not sure what's been going through my mind lately, but I've gotten some really cool ideas from other blogs and have completely forgotten to jot down the actual site...so please if you've seen this around, let me know so that I can give credit where credit is due!

And I also realize this is coming to you AFTER school is out for the holidays...but the kids now want to make some for their friends too...BEST FRIENDS A & L etc....get creative and personalize it how you'd like! 

Here we go:

1. Find a font {for the teachers...mine is Life Lessons from DaFont}.

2. In WordPerfect, I typed "A note from Mrs. Teacher" and fit it 4 times to one sheet of regular printer paper.  I printed this out 5 times all together to make the notepad 20 pages. 

3. Fold the paper perfectly in half one way, open and fold in half the other way.  I made tiny pencil marks on the end of each fold to line up on my cutter. 

4. Place folded sheet on top of all your pages and carefully use your cutter to divide the paper into 4 equal pieces that will make up the notepad.                      

   



5. I had pretty cardstock from my "wannabe scrapbooking" days, so I also cut a front and back to make the notepad a little sturdier.

6. Next, assemble your notepad together. Use butterfly clips to keep everything together for glueing...oh and VERY IMPORTANT...be sure to use a piece of scrap paper {mine are old recipe cards} on either side so as not to get glue on your finished booklet.

7. Once your booklet is secured, apply Rubber Cement {Michaels $5}  across the top.  The scrap paper will allow you to not worry about any overglueing mess.  Apply a few coats, allowing for drying time in between.

8. Lastly, the kids were each given a white piece of cardstock cut out slightly smaller than the front cover to make their title page.  Use mounting adhesives, or double sided tape to stick title page onto finished notepad.  

I thought they turned out really sweet!  and I was very surprised how easy it was to use the rubber cement.  I just hope they hold up and don't fall apart! : )

I was just thinking...maybe I should make one up for my husband to take to work and have it read "Stacey rocks my world" hahhaha! 

enjoy your holidays



christmas around the vG Huis

Good Grief Linus!  My indoor camera skills are definately lacking!  Alas my Christmas home tour is a little on the sad side, hmmm and fairly late as well.  Nonetheless, I wish you a very Merry Christmas from Our House to Yours.

On Christmas Eve, these minature stockings are home to the kids' letters to Santa.

photo: vG House Winter 2009

HELP!!  I've got a favour to ask....this spring we are replacing the woodwork on the front of the house.  I'm thinking about changing from the terra cotta colour....any suggestions???  and garage, front door and pillar colours too?!!  I know it's early to think about this...but I flip flop sooo much with colour choices, I need ample time to really make a decision I won't regret and I would really appreciate your thoughts.

I've added this post to the Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes.

Keep Warm &Cozy over the Holidays

Enjoy your families... squeeze 'em, kiss 'em and luv 'em up!

thimble cookies + candy cane martinis = mmmmmm

The most magical day of the year is fast approaching.  I've been busy taste testing many yummy mommy drinks...that was meant to read yummy drinks that are mommy drinks...but yummy mommy works for me too ; )  and while I'm boozing it up...I'm sneaking in a HO lotta cookie tasting too.  Today I'm sharing my favourite family Christmas tradition Thimble cookie recipe, as well as a newly adopted martini recipe...Candy Cane!  YUM!

This recipe is foolproof and seriously couldn't be any easier to make.  My kids aged 4, 7 and 8 actually baked the ones in the above photo.

Thimble Cookie Recipe
1 cup butter (room temp)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 egg yolks
2 cups flour
strawberry jam {my husband, Martin Stewart, makes our homemade strawberry jam}
{for those of you who don't like jam, substitute chocolate chips, hershey's kiss, or m&m's}


Cream first 3 ingredients.  Using a mixer, gradually mix in flour, this will give you a crumbly dough. Then by hand, knead dough until a playdough consistency.  Roll into small balls {about half the size of a regular cookie ball}.  Press centre with thumb and spoon in homemade strawberry jam.


Bake at 350 for about 10-15 min depending on your oven and the size of your cookie.

Candy Cane Martini

I found this recipe {of course I can't remember where from} while in search for a new drinky poo for my cougars girlfriends at my recently passed annual Girls Christmas Party.  I'm pretty sure it was a yummy success!

Candy Cane Martini Recipe

1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liquer
3/4 ounce Vodka
1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps

What to do with left over party alcohol...

Why put it in your coffee of course!  I was actually trying to remake a version of Starbucks Christmas coffee and it was perfect.

Coffee as per usual fixings {I'm a double double kinda gal}
1 ounce of peppermint schnapps
top with real whipped cream, chocolate shavings optional
garnish with candy cane

I'm telling you this is definately good to the last drop! Yum Yum and Yum!

Merry Christmas to All