tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58824692004652973562024-02-20T03:39:59.235-06:00With Spinkles on TopMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-89173685130271942652010-05-19T22:01:00.015-05:002010-05-19T23:06:09.972-05:00LOST Series Finale Party - InvitationsFor the LOST fanatics out there, this Sunday is a BIG day. The day the questions will all (hopefully) be answered. So, of course a party is needed to celebrate this wonderful occasion!<br /><br />Since the party hasn't happened yet, I can mainly pass along ideas and some helpful resources for preparing your own LOST party starting with the invitations.<br /><br />Of course the invitations had to be Boarding Passes from Flight 815! I have created my own versions of the boarding pass and jacket and am sharing it all with you...for free! So, feel free to <a href="http://download.ruthsnet.com/OceanicInvite.zip">download here</a> and use to your heart's content. Please give a little shout out to this site if you feel so inclined after using them. ;)<br /><br />The jacket is a PDF, so just print it out and you're ready to go. I used a glossy paper to give it some texture. It will print with a white edge all around it, so first cut that off. Then fold the paper into thirds where the blue and white backgrounds meet. For the inside flap, I would also recommend cutting part of it off so that the boarding pass is visible.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eXA7P_aVJTDVYCX1XiPGogXx9F-KJqxyEZWpq63PVl2c5l59uVlh3rlVpEkcaibcQgTgp2M8r5gSIUeXP3oggViezxYbPAXWvZy9bLo18HkZYUVV74NVLwYS0khxvcGc7cLt3x8__IfZ/s1600/JacketFlat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473192170327927458" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eXA7P_aVJTDVYCX1XiPGogXx9F-KJqxyEZWpq63PVl2c5l59uVlh3rlVpEkcaibcQgTgp2M8r5gSIUeXP3oggViezxYbPAXWvZy9bLo18HkZYUVV74NVLwYS0khxvcGc7cLt3x8__IfZ/s200/JacketFlat.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7m5P-6d2eamqo-vnmjVH4_RT4cwgowps412mt0v3WQI3fwAGD3b79Z48vrREfA4D-PGbCaVKB9aFgWtmThHjPHAf9oJBLMHag9kPwrPhKbGeIiF4RnQWzRt70I5AKcL3Mvz_P8zQTqy5/s1600/Jacket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473191167672782434" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7m5P-6d2eamqo-vnmjVH4_RT4cwgowps412mt0v3WQI3fwAGD3b79Z48vrREfA4D-PGbCaVKB9aFgWtmThHjPHAf9oJBLMHag9kPwrPhKbGeIiF4RnQWzRt70I5AKcL3Mvz_P8zQTqy5/s200/Jacket.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UjSTT_D7rLAiddWaGrSNKMstresHky1njnHXmxiptS5SDBp6vOA6qcqvy_EXIMQkycfAC6_FeXtxJVRZ-IJhhbuzo2i5lR2BQU5d49dEyfOk__i5jnowVONe9Kb4Ud0oKgv02ZOSk2JI/s1600/JacketOpen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473191176407980130" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UjSTT_D7rLAiddWaGrSNKMstresHky1njnHXmxiptS5SDBp6vOA6qcqvy_EXIMQkycfAC6_FeXtxJVRZ-IJhhbuzo2i5lR2BQU5d49dEyfOk__i5jnowVONe9Kb4Ud0oKgv02ZOSk2JI/s200/JacketOpen.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UjSTT_D7rLAiddWaGrSNKMstresHky1njnHXmxiptS5SDBp6vOA6qcqvy_EXIMQkycfAC6_FeXtxJVRZ-IJhhbuzo2i5lR2BQU5d49dEyfOk__i5jnowVONe9Kb4Ud0oKgv02ZOSk2JI/s1600/JacketOpen.jpg"></a><br />The boarding pass (designed by my fabulous husband) is available as a PSD file that can be modified in PhotoShop. It should be fully customizable and looks great, in my humble unbiased opinion. You can add the time of the party (departure time), the name on the ticket (for example, "Melissa's/House"), the seat number, etc. The boarding pass has two pieces that are meant to be stapled together (along the left side like a real boarding pass). The 2nd piece is for you to write any necessary party details (see my invitation below). In order to get this exact font, you may need to download it (it's called Harting and is a <a href="http://www.dafont.com/search.php?psize=m&q=Harting">free download</a>). Also, I recommend using a corner rounder on the corners and printing the passes on cardstock to increase the authentic appeal.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMtyaD5sSBi2TaJMIBsKmNxb4njOmFf9eu2DEW2rZoN3wCHFz5zmopwP0pRSVdeDuUmbT2N3XGFfug65tGVExIFwj_bU-te1PmOJV8v5cAgt4FKfEZwutO4Lqj6Ug2lYAlW8b3Cz1rA4/s1600/OceanicTicket_blank.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473193751658463058" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMtyaD5sSBi2TaJMIBsKmNxb4njOmFf9eu2DEW2rZoN3wCHFz5zmopwP0pRSVdeDuUmbT2N3XGFfug65tGVExIFwj_bU-te1PmOJV8v5cAgt4FKfEZwutO4Lqj6Ug2lYAlW8b3Cz1rA4/s200/OceanicTicket_blank.png" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGI2Ktspe2FhZgMxXpnJu5iiZUvJpbhTy2Fc8GhhWCMesDRBgixOILkrV8DhgbnHjwacO5s9_Ho3lJYyoYL0afpEr4n-DhAV9hwWnLEQLIzk2XYgmqxB8U8OLV1a6d7uRPU1q1hfjuxkV/s1600/OceanicTicket2.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473193757049447570" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGI2Ktspe2FhZgMxXpnJu5iiZUvJpbhTy2Fc8GhhWCMesDRBgixOILkrV8DhgbnHjwacO5s9_Ho3lJYyoYL0afpEr4n-DhAV9hwWnLEQLIzk2XYgmqxB8U8OLV1a6d7uRPU1q1hfjuxkV/s200/OceanicTicket2.png" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYRQJCIXeEhj9jpE4xGyRvYHqLtV8zvbWyVGjr2cFMCMRVEsZsYXQwTRt7GgoSVF183Dr0tU0B51TGrhjxExdqgRraKLhqSwvZZttJAXumPw7hRba6SjckVjvbJDvNQDIifoTmgMVVDoM/s1600/FullInvite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473193106962611394" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYRQJCIXeEhj9jpE4xGyRvYHqLtV8zvbWyVGjr2cFMCMRVEsZsYXQwTRt7GgoSVF183Dr0tU0B51TGrhjxExdqgRraKLhqSwvZZttJAXumPw7hRba6SjckVjvbJDvNQDIifoTmgMVVDoM/s200/FullInvite.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />They turned out great and everyone was amazed at how real they look. Now to brainstorm ideas for the rest of the party....Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-89477755059249265012010-03-28T20:06:00.010-05:002010-03-29T17:17:56.435-05:00Cute Hairbows!Growing up, my parents and grandmothers kept my hair well stocked with tons of hairbows, ribbons and scruntchies for every occasion. Now that my niece is getting more and more hair (she's only 8 months...) I decided to try making some hairbows for her!<br /><br />I found this great website with tutorials on all sorts of things including <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Your-Own-Hair-Bows-At-Home/">cute little hair bows</a> and a bigger <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Pinwheel-Hairbow/">pinwheel bow</a>.<br /><br />For the smaller bows, I pretty much followed the directions exactly, except that I used 3/8" ribbon for the entire bow. For the pinwheel bow, I also did as instructed but also lined the alligator clip as it shows for the little bows.<br /><br />Here are my final products!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UMlJeeH8VFiq-yb2w3O5q3RcLJ0K0AgEy7rcDvx5CyFO66W_6dqPunHlcKyqBrG8Uz-nW2YdXgJs0pi3sRqvxdTzWIVL4h78iyXd3Rue2SnU1wgiLudETHArGPdIBw9jmKin93rdXbl_/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453863131349871458" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UMlJeeH8VFiq-yb2w3O5q3RcLJ0K0AgEy7rcDvx5CyFO66W_6dqPunHlcKyqBrG8Uz-nW2YdXgJs0pi3sRqvxdTzWIVL4h78iyXd3Rue2SnU1wgiLudETHArGPdIBw9jmKin93rdXbl_/s200/IMG_0539.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGCze_lKmb-W2JnZAXgCn1VbCtOZ0MszhuZZW8wfCIeTqAllw1r7cyzy7RNh3mBVTaSb4W0d0cNmv960DnZSFUaaHYok4nlMOXeJnw9Lear99Qfko-ZymE7HE4UCMztDzmmECQ62NW4Gl/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453863139166655218" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGCze_lKmb-W2JnZAXgCn1VbCtOZ0MszhuZZW8wfCIeTqAllw1r7cyzy7RNh3mBVTaSb4W0d0cNmv960DnZSFUaaHYok4nlMOXeJnw9Lear99Qfko-ZymE7HE4UCMztDzmmECQ62NW4Gl/s200/IMG_0541.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-51332959331339440732010-03-28T18:04:00.022-05:002010-03-29T17:20:35.974-05:00A Tisket, A Tasket...a Handmade Easter BasketAs Easter is coming up, I started to brainstorm Easter basket ideas for my niece and goddaughter Sonya (the inspiration for many of my projects). I found this amazing <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/fabric-easter-basket.html">do-it-yourself Easter basket</a> and had to make it!<br /><br />The "Recipe" from Moda Bake Shop uses one of their "Jelly Rolls" of fabric, which is basically many strips of coordinating fabrics rolled up like a cinnamon roll. For this project, I used the "Swanky" Jelly Roll which has some great pinks, yellows and other very springy colors which I bought <a href="http://stores.burgundybuttons.com/-strse-PreCut-Fabric-by-Collection-dsh-Moda/Categories.bok">here</a>.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o3EYFLKaf7ZHtS3pC6vwg_cz7KW5JHFPaYstaZPVtFYEKmCKLh7t0sMShbSAmdqhd2v_YmcsjPz4YBJoOhvt24fNFNPOYu2L2Z7rAQcFh58tS83iu3VTvL1EwBN_1VVh2_6ZjBdRJihg/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453827768964604226" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o3EYFLKaf7ZHtS3pC6vwg_cz7KW5JHFPaYstaZPVtFYEKmCKLh7t0sMShbSAmdqhd2v_YmcsjPz4YBJoOhvt24fNFNPOYu2L2Z7rAQcFh58tS83iu3VTvL1EwBN_1VVh2_6ZjBdRJihg/s200/IMG_0533.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>As the "Recipe" recommends, I cut all of the stips in half before I used them so the colors are more spread out. The major change I made to the basket is that I made it much bigger. Moda's basket is about 6.5 inches in diameter, but I made mine with a diameter of about 12" and about 7" high. To do this I still followed the basic steps, but I bought 10 yards of a much thicker cotton cord to make both the basket bottom and handle (I believe it was 24/32...the 2nd largest size that Hobby Lobby sold by the yard). I also made the base 8 rings wide (as opposed to their 7) and then 8 rings tall. The size turned out great and I think is much more practical for an Easter basket to be used as Sonya grows up.<br /><br />I will say that the bigger cotton cord did make sewing the rings together more challenging and I should have invested in a longer needle. As you stack the rings, I highly advise sewing each ring to the one below from the outside. Sew up and down and criss-cross in order to securely sew the two rings together. If you try hard enough, you can make most of the exposed stitches close to the bottom of the ring so they don't show as much. It's ok to have your stiches show on the top of the ring you're adding b/c the next ring added will cover them up. However, for the top ring, I did try and make the stitches small and less noticable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fyvp987T4Uv25wRHBFHWuLdhEtfomJ10AQbVpruvMvf6seuT26n1jGvNZ_6z_cx22_Fdd2R6klsK_-fUtHtLtR5tS9ACxMWveExrQTGnCtnS4C0IXC5XRit7nqJ2vT-U_obBSpTf4Bop/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453839597607948914" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fyvp987T4Uv25wRHBFHWuLdhEtfomJ10AQbVpruvMvf6seuT26n1jGvNZ_6z_cx22_Fdd2R6klsK_-fUtHtLtR5tS9ACxMWveExrQTGnCtnS4C0IXC5XRit7nqJ2vT-U_obBSpTf4Bop/s200/IMG_0563.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzBr0yP-ouN8FVMYY4B_rH-iQiMDn2oj7k434Ltb9p4PJ4m6c0W-SjlBnCclp80jnziaMbPdyF7aVqRXXNqC_iC9YG8Ti1M8BYT7F0Ocg7E8bFnGBcWz6qams3X137itgGS7mxySk1tBS/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453839606067532274" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzBr0yP-ouN8FVMYY4B_rH-iQiMDn2oj7k434Ltb9p4PJ4m6c0W-SjlBnCclp80jnziaMbPdyF7aVqRXXNqC_iC9YG8Ti1M8BYT7F0Ocg7E8bFnGBcWz6qams3X137itgGS7mxySk1tBS/s200/IMG_0565.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSCQJs64aUMtyu_HkKk7IHZX-OOejHZw7JlBtAwMF21tCE_VumZRviNsX7PBiDUJgpHnoT33XrDdx6m9vBjg1WByB3x6sAXXn_oKQo9QY917nVbH3S9MWU8wYyonq6roGV5onlmajeISf/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453839611606107314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSCQJs64aUMtyu_HkKk7IHZX-OOejHZw7JlBtAwMF21tCE_VumZRviNsX7PBiDUJgpHnoT33XrDdx6m9vBjg1WByB3x6sAXXn_oKQo9QY917nVbH3S9MWU8wYyonq6roGV5onlmajeISf/s200/IMG_0571.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>For the handle, I only made it two ropes thick (instead of 3) since I used the thicker cord. Be sure and sew the handle on really well!<br /><br />Other thought: I wrapped the fabric more "cleanly" than the Moda folks....looks less "scrappy" and I think will wear better. To do this I just always left the folded over edge exposed and covered up the cut edge.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HbtM1kCAcqh5Om9jk4XCRFvp2sTQTjUHtrQ7y-aRFbThKJfs4ZmWugUCijwZeTRXAJ_EjdrgYMcgwz2jFB06MszhCd4IENfeuaa7V5Nox0wAGZCg_cA0QJnmCXpRvLCTknv0or5RXXHU/s1600/P3140017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453852839324009474" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HbtM1kCAcqh5Om9jk4XCRFvp2sTQTjUHtrQ7y-aRFbThKJfs4ZmWugUCijwZeTRXAJ_EjdrgYMcgwz2jFB06MszhCd4IENfeuaa7V5Nox0wAGZCg_cA0QJnmCXpRvLCTknv0or5RXXHU/s200/P3140017.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6jE2rTAYeWWktR0W9SCqY7t1yNSm4dQ5ZzdxS7hqFwLiY76CdJ80LHn7qI-oUQ5NMx8Xd2K6agVlBK0i53XK73_pyggI3Qt3wW-fdn0wtGNdCcN20Bxq-sAawvgbaWKJHR7mKDaOIWsE/s1600/P3140016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453852827226491618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6jE2rTAYeWWktR0W9SCqY7t1yNSm4dQ5ZzdxS7hqFwLiY76CdJ80LHn7qI-oUQ5NMx8Xd2K6agVlBK0i53XK73_pyggI3Qt3wW-fdn0wtGNdCcN20Bxq-sAawvgbaWKJHR7mKDaOIWsE/s200/P3140016.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>I love how the basket turned out (and hopefully Sonya will too!). This project is pretty easy and I did it all without a sewing machine. The sewing machine would make sewing the scraps together faster and easier, of course, but the bulk of time is spent wrapping the fabric and then handsewing the basket together, so a sewing machine isn't as necessary. Overall the basket took about 35-40 hours to make.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82YBLQPuR3vhw2E9q-FZAto-G_3RE1LpaAT54C5LS3tu6tvYllEehaXK-LXCgWJSfCA_LbhxtqeGTJLpA2luk1-ZKu1jyj0pY9q-BG9SwM9uEC77xHybQWXSjnS5X0vA1PRCdAa1TLk5e/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453846763335884898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82YBLQPuR3vhw2E9q-FZAto-G_3RE1LpaAT54C5LS3tu6tvYllEehaXK-LXCgWJSfCA_LbhxtqeGTJLpA2luk1-ZKu1jyj0pY9q-BG9SwM9uEC77xHybQWXSjnS5X0vA1PRCdAa1TLk5e/s200/IMG_0567.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JdgiF2AEw3bGD4nBRj-7KrxRXGavEKkjxKCtQGGLX4Dn_4qlxoh-SSlhndTuvRbTTmggfRxMj0vks4q3nwXUDGg2E4eOfZ0C3zgXAv7sevX-SYaLS2Mz8isGOukAxjxdfMy5CfzwKdWe/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453846772828740498" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JdgiF2AEw3bGD4nBRj-7KrxRXGavEKkjxKCtQGGLX4Dn_4qlxoh-SSlhndTuvRbTTmggfRxMj0vks4q3nwXUDGg2E4eOfZ0C3zgXAv7sevX-SYaLS2Mz8isGOukAxjxdfMy5CfzwKdWe/s200/IMG_0566.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfp7HlD9x-8MkjIGcQd9xKI51Yl8_om4TWpCabFpQ8hep77SAQrJEXNPXJmJ83juH7eyNh-dprpBHn8B_QiSDSz_crytfug5T-764rsPB5giA5atB1XY_O7S9gARQqsxyng3OYcPi192x/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453848849640961058" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfp7HlD9x-8MkjIGcQd9xKI51Yl8_om4TWpCabFpQ8hep77SAQrJEXNPXJmJ83juH7eyNh-dprpBHn8B_QiSDSz_crytfug5T-764rsPB5giA5atB1XY_O7S9gARQqsxyng3OYcPi192x/s200/IMG_0581.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxX92Pt-8I0pADCAKtFwdxwwH49V80BIevA9oQiTqQ6AW3OZsvk4elJzIKW8tFGBmJBJYGAj3JQgX9SN8CYGLQrG9XWwQylsPCeP1NAUiwxeJUaoxAluWXXeps1LRS4hPYgzY4zjaCblu/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453848861089751154" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxX92Pt-8I0pADCAKtFwdxwwH49V80BIevA9oQiTqQ6AW3OZsvk4elJzIKW8tFGBmJBJYGAj3JQgX9SN8CYGLQrG9XWwQylsPCeP1NAUiwxeJUaoxAluWXXeps1LRS4hPYgzY4zjaCblu/s200/IMG_0576.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>I had tons of fun filling it with all sorts of goodies for Sonya. Some highlights: Homemade hair bows (see other post!), bunny ears (a must), Easter books, teething rings, Peeps (not sure if she can eat them...but I know her Daddy will!) and two cute outfits for the warmer weather. Happy Easter!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsspSjztMxF0sswKfLaYJlLZpZrTM9HTgkLHvGTm4Jj8O9RjDHF1Q15Xf3PPjsClIIXzSAjqBh3o-p4OlFK3YAbxFkdsMUn1yK_dP24CUF-0EC5SBHxWTn209AyH5LwztWzaVil8LoFmT/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453851164791864530" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsspSjztMxF0sswKfLaYJlLZpZrTM9HTgkLHvGTm4Jj8O9RjDHF1Q15Xf3PPjsClIIXzSAjqBh3o-p4OlFK3YAbxFkdsMUn1yK_dP24CUF-0EC5SBHxWTn209AyH5LwztWzaVil8LoFmT/s200/IMG_0582.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJiXvGNeelaqdpCMimUyYpq_4s2C1z8Bq3lAejDN-UNbd1cAs66JL9xv-1M1p56JLM8kGV3k9Ovhvou_kBfy52TOVAxG6dIjtI8I7hY1yRxd1miFrYoxUGNoFCTSfaQ3XsbdN0Pmz2VDy/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453851175042925074" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJiXvGNeelaqdpCMimUyYpq_4s2C1z8Bq3lAejDN-UNbd1cAs66JL9xv-1M1p56JLM8kGV3k9Ovhvou_kBfy52TOVAxG6dIjtI8I7hY1yRxd1miFrYoxUGNoFCTSfaQ3XsbdN0Pmz2VDy/s200/IMG_0583.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-8600413419123227142010-03-03T21:17:00.013-06:002010-03-04T09:55:33.993-06:00Tacky Christmas Sweater PartyI don't know about you, but I definitely have a small collection of oversized sweaters from my youth...complete with animals, bells and other sound effects. Naturally, I needed an occasion to bust out my all-time favorite and so my husband and I threw a Tacky Christmas Sweater Potluck. I decided to make the tacky theme not only apply to the apparel, but the decorations, table setting and everything else possible. I figured this would be extra festive and let's face it - it's a lot cheaper to decorate tacky than classy.<br /><br /><em>Invitations</em><br />I found a picture of a tacky Christmas sweater and printed it out on cardstock. I printed the invitation wording on the other side of the paper. Then once printed, I cut out the sweater and had a cute little invitation. And I went with the tagline "The Tackier the Sweater, the Better the Party."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmjAR8I4WCqUNVUG3IwTuGWuv9Nfz-wixBLX8npGxEgV97sZiWp5pln53VeQA4mvAluoGZmnpYXfqFvvgsJeg3Xgpd98_iMicPSo7jKB_yTsw9wl79FvOsImrLhBB2K0xUc_vBpKR-px9/s1600-h/TackySweater.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444626863189203762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmjAR8I4WCqUNVUG3IwTuGWuv9Nfz-wixBLX8npGxEgV97sZiWp5pln53VeQA4mvAluoGZmnpYXfqFvvgsJeg3Xgpd98_iMicPSo7jKB_yTsw9wl79FvOsImrLhBB2K0xUc_vBpKR-px9/s200/TackySweater.png" border="0" /></a> <em>Decor</em><br />I really wanted to have Christmas lights everywhere and envisioned them hanging from the ceiling all over the table. So, I bought some of the vintage style big bulb strands and held them up with masking tape (no need for fancy brackets or methods of disguise...masking tape falls right into the tacky party theme!). Crazily enough these lights were extremely difficult to find and I ended up finally finding them at Walgreens of all places. For other decorations, I hit up the Dollar Store and bought plastic bell and ornament garlands and paper cut outs which I taped around the apartment.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGblYeboz_tHS0n9CXqWrR3ENXIiIN1sPba2pp6MqKi9Vm5HKPGtdJE5Qaepep24OxFMYyZuuJCvVUPRza3jMKr50i7m_EZc_wGzZlFcb30APp7ScFDn6FpD2gqnIo1awVgx700Wun7x_l/s1600-h/IMG_9287.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444633056002865858" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGblYeboz_tHS0n9CXqWrR3ENXIiIN1sPba2pp6MqKi9Vm5HKPGtdJE5Qaepep24OxFMYyZuuJCvVUPRza3jMKr50i7m_EZc_wGzZlFcb30APp7ScFDn6FpD2gqnIo1awVgx700Wun7x_l/s200/IMG_9287.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvgMAXeuZ7oKeXjJx2KkMZIlMF7FlbpTOkXsmgNVYE6FUE5bEJWfDWPG2rBK_BhKbZqix-UrGUcvs8QAr3Ylq0dvW1n-oWT8-KScyQazydE5Gr3Dtdr7wNyj9Wyp0A6OxUiJE1jlFlcHP/s1600-h/IMG_9319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444634994085467378" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvgMAXeuZ7oKeXjJx2KkMZIlMF7FlbpTOkXsmgNVYE6FUE5bEJWfDWPG2rBK_BhKbZqix-UrGUcvs8QAr3Ylq0dvW1n-oWT8-KScyQazydE5Gr3Dtdr7wNyj9Wyp0A6OxUiJE1jlFlcHP/s200/IMG_9319.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CP67jjzQA3u_Fp4svIqfxsDy6HhCDgmBAOY-LUklWSdiCWJHCgRmUXurgu_dvx-MUV6wAHpir3wnP-WGzV5pp1P_txMfrXUL1JR-DmgydAmUoeh7XZOq8D0O0AhYmiAE9WfOOnYTggGx/s1600-h/IMG_9322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444635003939035730" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CP67jjzQA3u_Fp4svIqfxsDy6HhCDgmBAOY-LUklWSdiCWJHCgRmUXurgu_dvx-MUV6wAHpir3wnP-WGzV5pp1P_txMfrXUL1JR-DmgydAmUoeh7XZOq8D0O0AhYmiAE9WfOOnYTggGx/s200/IMG_9322.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMVHH3xH1B6WcfZE90cIF8zXKRquwjU7vXyl2RLQ1yNqtbuk047hPKesZvfXEbI5_0Ic9aHsoeK8kK0LvoSKJ0RWRpCPodiuSNmdIEKliEadPVo8zpt11dmjNpZYrIh9DIhbruJGbXwXq/s1600-h/PC170009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444634982011353650" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMVHH3xH1B6WcfZE90cIF8zXKRquwjU7vXyl2RLQ1yNqtbuk047hPKesZvfXEbI5_0Ic9aHsoeK8kK0LvoSKJ0RWRpCPodiuSNmdIEKliEadPVo8zpt11dmjNpZYrIh9DIhbruJGbXwXq/s200/PC170009.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vR-vXPgRkPKJw84T_e50zFYDUgVoO32lyzSr7lhTl23sZMcj0sNFu1aQ2IBkhJLUSkWbuKvqbEYlxb-YIYqbIZgopxwKXgIXnSSBTm8KAKTwMmprj3_p2LvN5Q6V7aTwUSNzhuTHMUaT/s1600-h/IMG_9288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444633061938728802" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vR-vXPgRkPKJw84T_e50zFYDUgVoO32lyzSr7lhTl23sZMcj0sNFu1aQ2IBkhJLUSkWbuKvqbEYlxb-YIYqbIZgopxwKXgIXnSSBTm8KAKTwMmprj3_p2LvN5Q6V7aTwUSNzhuTHMUaT/s200/IMG_9288.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><em>Table Setting</em><br />First of all, I wanted to have a sit down dinner for 13 which was going to be impossible with our dining room table which seats 6. So, we rented two long tables from a local party equipment rental place - we got both tables for only $10! Definitely worth it. For the table decorations, once again the Dollar Store came through with paper, Christmas print table cloths, garland and these little trees in crazy sparkly colors. When you put it all together...awesome. Now, I did slack in the tacky by using our actual plates, silverware, glasses, chargers, napkins and these adorable ornament napkin rings from Crate & Barrel. And for dessert, I got to bust out my new Pottery Barn reindeer dessert plates. But...I really wanted to use them, so I did! I did actually assign seats, which may have been slightly elementary school, but I've read that with groups that big, it lessens anxiety and allows for "conversation flow," or something like that. Who knows. :P<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVIx309iiHvuRjHlZHgOyf__yKmbjZiu19rWbx_rOrtU6mdiJ73MPss_VEtrV6OwwHYjUBhQ66p85_R2losg45dPavJlRv7wyHsNki1yh6VWPmP4YlRKS-Fs-B4BxjOhNfY0PeNWwWjYw/s1600-h/IMG_9302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444633771584157010" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVIx309iiHvuRjHlZHgOyf__yKmbjZiu19rWbx_rOrtU6mdiJ73MPss_VEtrV6OwwHYjUBhQ66p85_R2losg45dPavJlRv7wyHsNki1yh6VWPmP4YlRKS-Fs-B4BxjOhNfY0PeNWwWjYw/s200/IMG_9302.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2RnXAYEKe8gzSIvNhrCsCFRfiC6NZ8z7wf8lZm-Fvlp8AikIVMSMv0FUzMwOBFZq_FzXfaBBtSTjnFNTpnnlqD_e-D9lffqmehuEab8l690karC-3YAU5mgkWvOb46uGHQ9ENZ2ZAXz/s1600-h/IMG_9295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444633767302428418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2RnXAYEKe8gzSIvNhrCsCFRfiC6NZ8z7wf8lZm-Fvlp8AikIVMSMv0FUzMwOBFZq_FzXfaBBtSTjnFNTpnnlqD_e-D9lffqmehuEab8l690karC-3YAU5mgkWvOb46uGHQ9ENZ2ZAXz/s200/IMG_9295.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Dinner was great - the sweaters/outfits were AMAZING. Mary Ellen won the "Tackiest" award and Justin and his self-made snuggie were also great. It was so much fun and I think we just might have to repeat next year...<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfqpKZycAAdw8Z5c2X387WY4Tla8GUMoKgQN6a2psc5ioKF7uTCHoCbGiDv9OEh0VpHT1RWE2hczU8M3IypwVuJHbNgdmoYoAESZ6tKITdwbbznmVBk8Ca-ZWnAdkz-XtPMyISawH8nTP/s1600-h/PC170015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444634985353420994" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfqpKZycAAdw8Z5c2X387WY4Tla8GUMoKgQN6a2psc5ioKF7uTCHoCbGiDv9OEh0VpHT1RWE2hczU8M3IypwVuJHbNgdmoYoAESZ6tKITdwbbznmVBk8Ca-ZWnAdkz-XtPMyISawH8nTP/s200/PC170015.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3hkkMcu3j3VKrSknTwABnrK2UGEcGh0EKewtAOd9nNvRUyHg8Qo0d08aWPYuw0HIpKDQOuXHfbNbdscqTLQFCaAIrhsm6KCllodf6a0saUnkYQR9dJPYFVnUKaExQaSpt5gez90EVgkC/s1600-h/IMG_9309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444806820644724434" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3hkkMcu3j3VKrSknTwABnrK2UGEcGh0EKewtAOd9nNvRUyHg8Qo0d08aWPYuw0HIpKDQOuXHfbNbdscqTLQFCaAIrhsm6KCllodf6a0saUnkYQR9dJPYFVnUKaExQaSpt5gez90EVgkC/s200/IMG_9309.JPG" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz5NU9JErWOfb2e84iZ5R38UbQMHBms8zNjEC7zoc7zhksjVZgD3DBsFG0F1ePE1lE82IMZn71JBQ15Hl4gOQeytD1n-SseX09CUPockqPdGFJBZgIERNd2Q6y_KyRsDi0NAnBAyT7aJs/s1600-h/IMG_9281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444632362813758642" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz5NU9JErWOfb2e84iZ5R38UbQMHBms8zNjEC7zoc7zhksjVZgD3DBsFG0F1ePE1lE82IMZn71JBQ15Hl4gOQeytD1n-SseX09CUPockqPdGFJBZgIERNd2Q6y_KyRsDi0NAnBAyT7aJs/s200/IMG_9281.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9aIVYmDqkwAbj-KOyt4cst3r9aYy8Ih543sQ7vUNRkMF19Tmo99YSOKS5w_ojeIA0KY-e_XYIZ4lEGuHl3bE7BwNrXMnSnOcIjDhqQiJaNc1DB_51J2YdH-LmaTORT8FeLbwcCfgiO2-/s1600-h/IMG_9284.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444632371465690786" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9aIVYmDqkwAbj-KOyt4cst3r9aYy8Ih543sQ7vUNRkMF19Tmo99YSOKS5w_ojeIA0KY-e_XYIZ4lEGuHl3bE7BwNrXMnSnOcIjDhqQiJaNc1DB_51J2YdH-LmaTORT8FeLbwcCfgiO2-/s200/IMG_9284.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-82789880149983255442010-03-02T21:55:00.012-06:002010-03-03T20:52:34.273-06:00From the Kitchen....Yummy Homemade CandyGrowing up, my family would make Christmas candy every year that mainly consisted of millionaires (aka turtles), potato chip candy and my all-time favorite, fudge. :) So, this year I decided to make candy myself...branching out into several different family recipes. I (with the awesome help of my friends and husband) made TONS and packaged it up to give out to friends, family and coworkers. Everyone seemed to eat it, so I consider it a success. And I know I ate my fair share...so I think the recipes are worth trying. :)<br /><br /><strong>Millionaires<br /></strong><em>What you need:</em><br />Double boiler (I bought a cheap one (aka $20) at Bed, Bath & Beyond that worked fine<br />1 package Kraft Caramels 6 Plain Hershey bars<br />2 Tbsp. evaporated milk 2 cups whole pecans<br />1/3 bar paraffin wax (yes, wax....and yes, they do sell it at the grocery store)<br /><br /><em>What you do:</em><br />1.Spread out a large piece of heavy duty Aluminum foil on a countertop or table. Butter the foil.<br />2. Melt the caramels and evaporated milk in the top of the double boiler.<br />3. When melted, add pecans and quickly drop by spoonfuls onto the buttered aluminum foil (heavy duty).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4jRLf41f1xqEQR5XZG9Bph9ZagM2XfudlWKbf2IwIqjdo5UCL1WZq3IqKBgR1DhuNf73l4gB2pOnEXWcXe0zqYiOuRNqQuFuEaRhzmYhCCymBNkGVrFRZ5ELhHvZskk7S3YmqS8NikPl/s1600-h/IMG_9234.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444257815739864066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4jRLf41f1xqEQR5XZG9Bph9ZagM2XfudlWKbf2IwIqjdo5UCL1WZq3IqKBgR1DhuNf73l4gB2pOnEXWcXe0zqYiOuRNqQuFuEaRhzmYhCCymBNkGVrFRZ5ELhHvZskk7S3YmqS8NikPl/s320/IMG_9234.JPG" border="0" /></a> 4. Let the caramels pieces completely cool. I suggest letting them sit for 24 hours.<br />5. Melt choclate bars and parafiin in the double boiler.<br />6. Spear caramel/pecans (from the day before) with a toothpick or better yet, the metal things you use to truss a turkey.<br />7. Dip the caramel/pecan piece into the chocolate and place back on the foil in a clean spot to cool.<br />Makes about 30 millionaires.<br /><br /><strong>Potato Chip Candy (huge crowd pleaser and super easy)</strong><br /><em>What you need:<br /></em>4 cups crushed waffle chips (Ruffles or the equivalent)<br />1 package almond bark (the white one...I have used the chocolate brown one and I think the white chocolate is better)<br /><br /><em>What you do:</em><br />1.Spread out a large piece of heavy duty Aluminum foil on a countertop or table. Butter the foil.<br />2. Melt the bark in a microwave (follow the melting directions on the bark package).<br />3. Stir in the crushed chips.<br />4. Spread the mixture out on the Al foil so that it is about 1/2 inch thick.<br />5. Let cool and then break it out into bite size pieces.<br /><br /><strong>Haystacks (another popular one)</strong><br /><em>What you need:<br /></em>1 (6oz) package of Butterscotch flavored morsels (chips)<br />1/3 cup creamy peanut butter<br />2 cups Chow Mein noodles<br />1 cup dry roasted peanuts<br /><br /><em>What you do:<br /></em>1.Spread out a large piece of heavy duty Aluminum foil on a countertop or table. Butter the foil.<br />2. In a saucepan, melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter over low heat. When completely melted, remove from heat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLhDEw5KLyfORnSR6SVv6UqKWRmL4X5QKywoVbq-nB7s7TAbRKEh_JSDhripw5k63Fx0EMcaX12AVkTOuYYp759Nnx1nGPhKyhRmTKpnRab_YRxrY1KavwLIPNdDUGa9KJCgBxfm-nfg3/s1600-h/IMG_9258.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444261702626410930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLhDEw5KLyfORnSR6SVv6UqKWRmL4X5QKywoVbq-nB7s7TAbRKEh_JSDhripw5k63Fx0EMcaX12AVkTOuYYp759Nnx1nGPhKyhRmTKpnRab_YRxrY1KavwLIPNdDUGa9KJCgBxfm-nfg3/s200/IMG_9258.JPG" border="0" /></a> 3. Stir in noodles and peanuts until all pieces are coated.<br />4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper.<br />5. Let sit until hardened.<br /><br />Makes about 30 haystacks.<br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444261719352241218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipIIympwvJLI8fygfawl76CtxsqHcEPZxF1WinDzGp2TsMA0tpXCw6KTJzTskzmxfTrSx440SXfrZTQwHeQp5_3efHCZFzyBUWuSC3lGe6pheXFvsfkYKqkXhMBPs8CwzvldN5M7b_-1V/s200/IMG_9264.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444261711296232610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32MjCqF-155IujMwF9nKDz262CM5Jw9F56jSrH4mbxH9jiG_OD201U73BqcjMchj-z8KuC5g7X-EQd_O-ISu0OoViepgtYnPW44lWvHQ_mFOUiBDpyBEYJlri7guB8EQ2-RFxgDq1mqy6/s200/IMG_9262.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70Ek8vEjl_RdBbLb7RJtRGc7w0UWH5zkH1EqbboYKHhLEX-Fy4k1LUoaGDmt68MDEqAu5g3cGJFDb-ACGy6uX5XKQiZjDBdtRK8G7Q15MwvEW_HAapFp6YvVo8X53Tx9TxTVmdnqV_kTP/s1600-h/IMG_9253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444261697979362754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70Ek8vEjl_RdBbLb7RJtRGc7w0UWH5zkH1EqbboYKHhLEX-Fy4k1LUoaGDmt68MDEqAu5g3cGJFDb-ACGy6uX5XKQiZjDBdtRK8G7Q15MwvEW_HAapFp6YvVo8X53Tx9TxTVmdnqV_kTP/s200/IMG_9253.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Chocolate Fudge - I use the recipe on the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar - delicious</strong><br /><em>What you need:</em><br />3 cups sugar<br />3/4 cups (1.5 sticks) butter<br />1 small can (5oz) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cups)<br />1.5 packages (12 squares) Baker's Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate<br />1 jar (7oz) Marshmallow Creme<br />1 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans...the recipe says walnuts)<br />1 tsp vanilla<br /><br /><em>What you do:</em><br />1. Line 9 inch square pan with foil (extending to the sides of the pan)<br />2. Place sugar, butter and evaporated milk in large heavy saucepan<br />3. Bring to a full roiling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly (very important - you don't want it to burn)<br />4. Boil 4 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees F stirring constantly to prevent scorching (seriously)<br />5. Remove from heat and add chocolate and marshmallow creme stirring until completely melted.<br />6. Add nuts and vanilla. Mix well.<br />7. Immediately pour into the foil lined pan, spread to form an even layer (about 1" thick).<br />8. Let it cool at room temp at least 4 hours.<br /><br />Makes a lot...I cut my squares pretty small (about .75"x.75") and get over 50 pieces.<br /><br /><strong>Apricot-Coconut Balls</strong><br /><em>What you need:</em><br />2 (6oz) packages dried apricots, ground<br />2 cups shredded coconut<br />2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk<br />Powdered sugar<br /><br /><em>What you do:</em><br />1. Combine apricots and coconut; stir to mix.<br />2. Add condensed milk and mix well.<br />3. Shape into 1" balls and coat with powdered sugar.<br /><br />Makes about 50.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444597689956234210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcx_Se4DPdbjRUPoxaAXa1yYA1OnNDDaTwHKanBnhsch4lF6WVGmGLsG35GWnrxjkHxg7nD1Bzfod8dn0-lCaEPwELjWbhxJX1JI_sw4uOUj_o96fdVsC34ur0i_MLEIiaO_-PTYujKBn/s200/IMG_9243.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444597704562564146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGPEA93XltH-tuB45DKWVPyyItknK0pzy20wDETr9uuxI5Pwis5kfafMvrAiaJdyTg2dy9bk2C0jdSLEB0QrOZuFokceIfdT51LITWdyxB7wuxzJIV0tn032-8W9pTyledpwJA6lw5I4Z/s200/IMG_9245.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Peppermint Bark</strong><br /><em>What you need:</em><br />1 pound white chocolate (use the white almond bark like in the Potato Chip Candy)<br />1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy (I took a hammer to some candy canes)<br />4 to 7 drops of red food coloring<br /><br /><em>What you do:</em><br />1.Spread out a large piece of heavy duty Aluminum foil on a countertop or table. Butter the foil.<br />2. Melt the bark in a microwave (follow the melting directions on the bark package).<br />3. Stir in the crushed peppermint and food coloring.<br />4. Spread the mixture out on the Al foil so that it is about 1/2 inch thick.<br />5. Let cool and then break it out into bite size pieces.<br /><br />To package the candy, I went to the dollar store and bought tons of cute Christmas tins for....you guessed it, $1. After cleaning them out, I lined them with green seran wrap. I recommend putting in enough seran wrap to come up the sides of the tin and hang over the edge a bit - this provides a great seal for the lid. For some of the tins, I tied ribbons around them and slid a Christmas card in, which looked extra cute. They were a big hit (I hope!) and a nice gift if you want to give to a lot of people (I ended up making around 60 tins). By far the biggest expense is the pecans in the fudge and millionaires. If possible, I recommend buying in bulk from a local farm as they can be quite pricey in the grocery store. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hoeBrXVkH_ulj9KyhEx-wuFCUMBLMPiurjZlM3jJ8gk5P-pKwPO3iDzAlI9iC__5WzQ5qzn32HsRaSJJKCxPqadhjhLryKkgO1fEtTxHa1MjBBjoLvLrvbyHgrj4_rA8Q96JWfnNY6De/s1600-h/Candy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444605013753053714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hoeBrXVkH_ulj9KyhEx-wuFCUMBLMPiurjZlM3jJ8gk5P-pKwPO3iDzAlI9iC__5WzQ5qzn32HsRaSJJKCxPqadhjhLryKkgO1fEtTxHa1MjBBjoLvLrvbyHgrj4_rA8Q96JWfnNY6De/s320/Candy.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQgyYwElbkaLWYVvaGguRNQ_DA0hgecRcfYTrY2dDCrhDG4USj2895UjNxIM88h7sI14RNmG6lMcXgtZe7w-3trCe8mNMiEi5j1CdFss8XYm-TykRqcX7THkzQWeWKQuAjnQIaUpcmlaZ/s1600-h/IMG_9272.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444602117911471330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQgyYwElbkaLWYVvaGguRNQ_DA0hgecRcfYTrY2dDCrhDG4USj2895UjNxIM88h7sI14RNmG6lMcXgtZe7w-3trCe8mNMiEi5j1CdFss8XYm-TykRqcX7THkzQWeWKQuAjnQIaUpcmlaZ/s200/IMG_9272.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444602125100802274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1d7CFGoOqCRD0fVuIVrX0zNho4jOmYJc68wHOqgPDdYA1PYDQZ4_c14sRo0aYXPsV0TA9v1y3B-5oP8GiS8PYYDj0qU7cJwSlcGhqvDaM8E-LeSkQvzTn34WhUKtjtDZYFjBLSacvC0u/s200/PC210001.JPG" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-45700611118754650852010-02-20T15:11:00.011-06:002010-02-21T15:02:08.299-06:00Will You Be Mine?As you can probably imagine, I really love Valentine's Day b/c it's another card giving holiday (along with Christmas....and if you're me....Halloween or any other holiday). I found this really <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/valentines-day-cards#slide_6">cute idea from Martha Stewart</a> and decided to make something similar with paper that I already have.<br /><br />You can really do any color combinations - I went two different combos: red cardstock with pink accents and pink cardstock with green/teal accents. Then for the little hearts I just used scraps of all different colors.<br /><br /><strong>How to Make:<br /></strong>1. Cut one piece of your cardstock in half to make two pieces with dimensions of 5.5"x8.5".<br />2. Fold each piece over to make a basic looking, top folding card measuring 5.5"x4.25".<br />3. Cut two strips of your accent paper - this can be transparent paper, construction paper - anything! I went with that papyrus feathery looking paper (I don't know the name of it). Instead of cutting it with scissors, I tore the paper into the strips to give it a featherly border look. The strips should be 4" long and about 1" wide.<br />4. Glue with two strips onto the front of your card, one above the other.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAZIJBoR6CyLUvW65wWj8FgpzOJXlR7kxUMYScR3gZ9zEe26tJCpQj_r8i7czkaUoMtyJgMPBg39rTV0qD5xFteooYa4grNjbFcCVdew1ZKC66lHH-mu7W8plBdVabKfXWUAVX6QpxC_I/s1600-h/IMG_0507.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440442855425597970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAZIJBoR6CyLUvW65wWj8FgpzOJXlR7kxUMYScR3gZ9zEe26tJCpQj_r8i7czkaUoMtyJgMPBg39rTV0qD5xFteooYa4grNjbFcCVdew1ZKC66lHH-mu7W8plBdVabKfXWUAVX6QpxC_I/s320/IMG_0507.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />5. Measure the distance between the fold of your card to the center of each strip. We will use these measurements to give us a guide for the upcoming sewing.<br />6. Turn the card over so that you are writing on the inside top flap of the card.<br />7. Measure from the flap and make a line for each of your strip measurements. Basically, you should be drawing a line directly on the flip side of the paper from your glued on strip.<br />8. Still on the back flip side, mark the center of your card. You will want to space each of the sewed on hearts one inch apart and centered. So, measure 1/2" from your center mark on each side. Then from each of those marks, measure 1" over. You should now have made 4 marks on your line (in addition to the center mark). You will be sewing one heart at each mark.<br />9. Repeat the marking on the second line for the second strip. I would also recommend making the marks 1 cm long and centered on the strip line.<br />10. Taking your heart punch, punch out 8 different colored hearts. Fold each heart in half.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLshUz5xpnPyD2SXntP-fPHNsqChZQx7CKO5waPi3VdLuKiF23llcOkC38X5G9V8biI0zkuQejKnN08PsdwDxg7Isoylyr-q_F01unO2HDzor4rrfQhdgumq8Cmu1SG4Gc0tHIR4IgEpI/s1600-h/IMG_0511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440442857818463010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLshUz5xpnPyD2SXntP-fPHNsqChZQx7CKO5waPi3VdLuKiF23llcOkC38X5G9V8biI0zkuQejKnN08PsdwDxg7Isoylyr-q_F01unO2HDzor4rrfQhdgumq8Cmu1SG4Gc0tHIR4IgEpI/s320/IMG_0511.JPG" border="0" /></a> 11. Take your first heart and sew it in the top right position. Put the needle through the back of the card at the top of the 1cm line, go through the heart towards the top of the fold, back through the heart about 1 cm down, and back through the card.<br /><br />12. Repeat the process sewing all 8 hearts in place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhli1D7hSzcoCALSMo6SHftH7UkMKCtA7TqmqEiLgsxxuToHPEIHfnZJPmzy3h_uD213lfDvrfkv7R3jsZYAlwYdyD_eNYPdnby90eKjiSUgOaKELtTlYIxemD_q3dzoO2jrC7k6BpH9UDt/s1600-h/IMG_0513.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440443968313261506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhli1D7hSzcoCALSMo6SHftH7UkMKCtA7TqmqEiLgsxxuToHPEIHfnZJPmzy3h_uD213lfDvrfkv7R3jsZYAlwYdyD_eNYPdnby90eKjiSUgOaKELtTlYIxemD_q3dzoO2jrC7k6BpH9UDt/s320/IMG_0513.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dMutLks8Rdl4Be-h008WWi0B0PgOfwF6pzdxIkYgA-VNMWMOWNmrL3AtBm06GhQOCGBkLqkq56spVyGdbazVARV5UpMfqViANJ2gHwIrfx-PNL83dhzei00e3YKEdPebogwLoLCCYxk/s1600-h/IMG_0516.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440443977172446034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dMutLks8Rdl4Be-h008WWi0B0PgOfwF6pzdxIkYgA-VNMWMOWNmrL3AtBm06GhQOCGBkLqkq56spVyGdbazVARV5UpMfqViANJ2gHwIrfx-PNL83dhzei00e3YKEdPebogwLoLCCYxk/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" border="0" /></a> 13. "Fluff" the hearts by folding them together.<br />14. Using another piece of cardstock (preferrably another color), cut a piece that is 5"x8". Center it on the inside of the card, gluing it to the first piece of cardstock. This will give you an inner lining which will hide your sewing and give you a nice place to write your inside message.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvXFREZuGpMeV6xOaW4yFQqSVmqn-Dw4cgl_ATzOhswH5AJRCCs4p6vAy7J-Z3GVfLW-fwTfZNr14CWcpsJn8a1bKqLmjp2t7acRg_gBtiU8MdNALmfitDhx607JPdcy9MzVvWE7NZ1tb/s1600-h/IMG_0527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440447645122689458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvXFREZuGpMeV6xOaW4yFQqSVmqn-Dw4cgl_ATzOhswH5AJRCCs4p6vAy7J-Z3GVfLW-fwTfZNr14CWcpsJn8a1bKqLmjp2t7acRg_gBtiU8MdNALmfitDhx607JPdcy9MzVvWE7NZ1tb/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" border="0" /></a> 15. Write your message and deliver it to your Valentine!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Awk4RX1Qj-HF7rCQgBqmY6zNWug57nqMMNPeqMmedUJbFEUUYSTDvNGFQUOJCdiNs0LhayX3oi4hpUK7dRGLUBbxujJp3g8ZPOMgW7axK49xn03mIHjWaz_eV7GcT6fIblJlDBLeHhY8/s1600-h/IMG_0518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440443977480758018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Awk4RX1Qj-HF7rCQgBqmY6zNWug57nqMMNPeqMmedUJbFEUUYSTDvNGFQUOJCdiNs0LhayX3oi4hpUK7dRGLUBbxujJp3g8ZPOMgW7axK49xn03mIHjWaz_eV7GcT6fIblJlDBLeHhY8/s320/IMG_0518.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6FeuOejaQdnDJ6jylZcFMvhmA-mBTH14q1pxc8kHcUiEuzZ_z2o7KFI_-MWuDYb2ZtpYi8wt_akVcUi-2a-8MKjg26Xfr0gDJd6EPlztk8lgxPw3J6N3IQ5mNrLvex3dE4AsU_nlffqr/s1600-h/IMG_0524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440447632698769314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6FeuOejaQdnDJ6jylZcFMvhmA-mBTH14q1pxc8kHcUiEuzZ_z2o7KFI_-MWuDYb2ZtpYi8wt_akVcUi-2a-8MKjg26Xfr0gDJd6EPlztk8lgxPw3J6N3IQ5mNrLvex3dE4AsU_nlffqr/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" border="0" /></a>I got a GREAT book for Christmas from my <a href="http://www.montrealzen.com/">brother and sister-in-laws and niece Sonya</a> - it's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Ideas-Cards-Envelopes-CD-ROM/dp/9057681285">book of card making ideas</a> with awesome templates. I'm really excited to try it out for my next batch of cards....St. Patrick's Day perhaps?Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-9139802452653107082009-12-05T00:40:00.009-06:002009-12-07T21:26:20.961-06:00From the Kitchen....Cute Sugar CookiesJust a couple of cute ideas for some yummy and pretty sugar cookies, for Game Day and Every Day.<br /><br />I found the ultimate cookie cutter website, <a href="http://cookiecutter.com/cookiecutters.aspx">Off the Beaten Path</a>. Seriously, this online store is amazing. They have all kinds of cookie cutters from stilettos to poinsettias to states, their selection is incredible. And they're only about $1.50 a piece. So, when I was looking for a hot air balloon cookie cutter (for the St. Louis Balloon Race pre-party, of course) this site had it. And by the time you pay for shipping, I figured I might as well order every cookie cutter that I could imagine wanting in the next year at the same time. So, I also found these very cute girly ones (purse, lips, XO, sunglasses, engagement ring), football ones (football and helmet) and many others. It's very difficult to pick out just a couple.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412695571340264338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DZybi1i04BExsqTtu2uUattJM3wl6Qd1GwFp8Xwsk-jaDtu_L8cY0GOlLy5_xIEIyi7cwlLOFCdBQkYrQoNws_L5-DdQedGJ-ujMXHTalVGQLrihd0DzQmsgDwBDPmB6P-HdtX968vdN/s320/Lobster.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412695577405469890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpj6FSsdTsCkJX_AsHmLnNcElnaGGTlz8ze06btdI13MQ2pb1bUGkvFVZC2WlDmNpCl1w3Xy-ovVAcFamBU9RTp_kI1nKSeIgCedo_8E8JXf3fEogTaybh9CIUyhJNnpGs_3LNPygG_cA/s320/Purse.jpg" border="0" /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewKjwvhdtQoLc4nyXHxPlP9gyOMQNFGXyPSs7kgS8lfqjjen_gQghH_qErODwk9TujuRKLtQuo8L372yAZ7WMYMacmmEjIp-kgix8DGMD00vUaRBY35HqsLxcPUQhsJdqSrur96HwioZF/s1600-h/Reindeer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412695566893796482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewKjwvhdtQoLc4nyXHxPlP9gyOMQNFGXyPSs7kgS8lfqjjen_gQghH_qErODwk9TujuRKLtQuo8L372yAZ7WMYMacmmEjIp-kgix8DGMD00vUaRBY35HqsLxcPUQhsJdqSrur96HwioZF/s320/Reindeer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I use a very simple recipe for the cookies and icing. I usually use homemade icing to coat the cookie and then Betty Crocker or another store bought brand for the details. I find the store icing to be thicker and easier to work with on the accents.<br /><br /><strong>Sugar Cookie Recipe:</strong><br />1 cup butter<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />2 tsp baking powder<br />3 cups flour<br /><br />Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cream the butter and sugar with a mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla. By hand, blend the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Then add the baking powder and flour mixture to your creamy mixture 1 cup at a time. Roll out the dough on a bed of flour (not included in the 3 cups) and cut out your favorite cookie! Bake 6-10 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. I highly recommend lining the cookie sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don't burn or stick.<br /><br /><strong>Icing Recipe:</strong><br />3 egg whites<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />3 cups icing sugar<br /><br />Mix all together with a mixer. Divide into small bowls and add food coloring.<br /><br />To make the icing details, I also recommend using a Mechanical Pastry Bag, like <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/6692123/?cm_src=RCP">this one</a> from Williams-Sonoma. It makes it easy to control the icing and add fun details like a <a href="http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/misc/lessons/basketw.htm">basketweave</a> which I used for the basket of my hot air balloon cookies.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412697916317577538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn4a6xoSj4fqF3zp1YkiC_hxbdXp5xpogTU6OTK8g5jlK4Z1brCZO6t27Lo6HQr55-HEMTgg8Iw0YqCbJg0cY6lM2oJdrwtdM4ZCQcW23UYIijzwSBJhP2XoTK7Y59sNEFJ3fM4cIZwms/s320/DSC03104.JPG" border="0" /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrDXpKZ2WXGVb76NL3hPSP1M0xwEAA2iMKIDVFBKhQcPSUzbO_llljwvXM8S0bOmrycuj1AihUCf_X0zbOlH77MVHNdLVZYEuns0x9sLkSEqU0kqa7XY6S710F0oTCBzNbufWYFpFaa9S/s1600-h/P9190050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412697923459492274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrDXpKZ2WXGVb76NL3hPSP1M0xwEAA2iMKIDVFBKhQcPSUzbO_llljwvXM8S0bOmrycuj1AihUCf_X0zbOlH77MVHNdLVZYEuns0x9sLkSEqU0kqa7XY6S710F0oTCBzNbufWYFpFaa9S/s320/P9190050.JPG" border="0" /></a> Girly Cookies that I made when my college roomie came to visit:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VKS41JIsDC6FWh0aGdaeKSvuGkV0z0U0uQFy5gtm56NDmaADMi6QGFgtkam_3zQf9WjBi7mWMrf_7hLp1zt5Rrs6vEz44wit_TJN26HMluzTdVX1NopD2pTNpwPC-ktyQxUt6vIlxq2u/s1600-h/IMG_4786.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412699384842841346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VKS41JIsDC6FWh0aGdaeKSvuGkV0z0U0uQFy5gtm56NDmaADMi6QGFgtkam_3zQf9WjBi7mWMrf_7hLp1zt5Rrs6vEz44wit_TJN26HMluzTdVX1NopD2pTNpwPC-ktyQxUt6vIlxq2u/s320/IMG_4786.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6z1LQND8QMs49INhCE1IhCBSGxi5zY4foCdvKIHOzGBMawtIZpzxxAxcJlStkdozr_xGhEGeEzcNYMQ1sWCnu67xGTkWShiOx5gCdhMjyRaYmvUXojCceL3329yES1Gs3RFnA6d5ib3_/s1600-h/IMG_4791.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412699375064236898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6z1LQND8QMs49INhCE1IhCBSGxi5zY4foCdvKIHOzGBMawtIZpzxxAxcJlStkdozr_xGhEGeEzcNYMQ1sWCnu67xGTkWShiOx5gCdhMjyRaYmvUXojCceL3329yES1Gs3RFnA6d5ib3_/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cookies for the big OU TX football game (Go Sooners!):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC91_UycyQ4eCqVTzdPzZmaDq96INdfI7LxYgH_wH3OacvpNCTgwwnHM2ypkyHVD7wYBn6bOkakIf6sMDrmawZZjMsDuPvUNptGwFF9Yv6Q7M-01g85TOX6jHzKpdFnAUvzhNe5_esQZo/s1600-h/IMG_8822.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412700572689033682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC91_UycyQ4eCqVTzdPzZmaDq96INdfI7LxYgH_wH3OacvpNCTgwwnHM2ypkyHVD7wYBn6bOkakIf6sMDrmawZZjMsDuPvUNptGwFF9Yv6Q7M-01g85TOX6jHzKpdFnAUvzhNe5_esQZo/s320/IMG_8822.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEfLeCQxt3zCFmjk1bLHcLwzdlMV-rmp6GrZ-hUrxrvUBUtMpoV5iUV2wypNQ2gGuni5bl-ZxYkqsEQpcvf3iELG-_vsxNwRzYGz5yRd5aslisqrCJwxsOsnYg7mlDiCf6qNEamXupOd_/s1600-h/IMG_8820.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412700566192667522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEfLeCQxt3zCFmjk1bLHcLwzdlMV-rmp6GrZ-hUrxrvUBUtMpoV5iUV2wypNQ2gGuni5bl-ZxYkqsEQpcvf3iELG-_vsxNwRzYGz5yRd5aslisqrCJwxsOsnYg7mlDiCf6qNEamXupOd_/s320/IMG_8820.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ_WN9bnUd2sWC8YoQDjS66MUo4HgJY2fCjBnY6eWCPtsvy_gk8_TuuXrU0ztIqq7LLbNaaKDEtRhpEj5RP1a3UJ8iXypEDEhqfMLvFg_O8WejxJvv-Uh1VADW786kRnYChysOW-46QQR/s1600-h/IMG_8818.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412700560567989202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ_WN9bnUd2sWC8YoQDjS66MUo4HgJY2fCjBnY6eWCPtsvy_gk8_TuuXrU0ztIqq7LLbNaaKDEtRhpEj5RP1a3UJ8iXypEDEhqfMLvFg_O8WejxJvv-Uh1VADW786kRnYChysOW-46QQR/s320/IMG_8818.JPG" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-62636016542570545892009-11-12T19:09:00.015-06:002009-11-12T22:49:25.279-06:00A Magical Evening With Harry PotterLike many people in the Muggle world, I was extremely excited about the release of the newest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price – the 6th movie in the Harry Potter series. Opening weekend happened to be near my birthday, so my co-worker Rachel , my husband Justin and I all planned an amazing Harry Potter Birthday Party. Some of our great ideas:<br /><br /><strong>Decorations - Snitches<br /></strong>We wanted to create a Harry Potter environment without actually buying “Harry Potter” party supplies….so after much brainstorming we created a lot of great decorations. We made golden snitches by putting two fake feathers in a Styrofoam ball and then spray painting the entire thing with gold spray paint and then gold glitter spray. We made about 20 and displayed them around the apartment – some hung from the air with silver string and others perched around.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5yMnvZF9QmbqhlIs-QfkrEiMMF-1xVc5TNcqgA10ewIDkzwToA-8pKWfV2WwvZuzoCujuuZGQ_VEp53snQse_oZVPOejET7i5vajr7M6sWFROjAHO6ZKPLx31lFyiyBL7lRauEz3lVnx/s1600-h/Snitch.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403389526271795090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5yMnvZF9QmbqhlIs-QfkrEiMMF-1xVc5TNcqgA10ewIDkzwToA-8pKWfV2WwvZuzoCujuuZGQ_VEp53snQse_oZVPOejET7i5vajr7M6sWFROjAHO6ZKPLx31lFyiyBL7lRauEz3lVnx/s320/Snitch.bmp" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4qsbSb672SnwqBl69pM4wv5FsmwBq0tCjrKO8uJOnMVaBqBmqfVGGlmHfdWhQIopLyUqkgWmukMiuk55HR_kx_Eh8xpN8VNBLfOuT1y5az249ETEHPxgyyuqZ6uMaEqc7uY_a4k417sO/s1600-h/Making+Snitch.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403389521174782370" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4qsbSb672SnwqBl69pM4wv5FsmwBq0tCjrKO8uJOnMVaBqBmqfVGGlmHfdWhQIopLyUqkgWmukMiuk55HR_kx_Eh8xpN8VNBLfOuT1y5az249ETEHPxgyyuqZ6uMaEqc7uY_a4k417sO/s320/Making+Snitch.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><strong>Decorations – Hogwarts</strong><br />I made several signs out of black and gold poster board and gold paint with gold glitter. I put one on the front door of my apartment building that said “Platform 9 ¾” and another on the front door of my apartment that said “Welcome to Hogwarts.” Also, outside by the door, I posted a sign saying “Please Leave Your Brooms At the Door” and positioned a little witch’s broom next to the sign. Inside the apartment, we displayed a sign “Beware of Moaning Myrtle” on the bathroom door.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96r_jA3jJ-zOMrpe69PPKMw3FUQ3t7NmM5YwEgpp_0hr-pZSqQb_sa4QX-v_wHpFjdifxPL9e7EYVTSMUTnkOwAvh2YigmQ5Cs9LP-7hKbHhvBJwcJgB83t2c3hqzNP7P2M_Q_7BRcO2x/s1600-h/Platform+Sigh.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403390236418006562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96r_jA3jJ-zOMrpe69PPKMw3FUQ3t7NmM5YwEgpp_0hr-pZSqQb_sa4QX-v_wHpFjdifxPL9e7EYVTSMUTnkOwAvh2YigmQ5Cs9LP-7hKbHhvBJwcJgB83t2c3hqzNP7P2M_Q_7BRcO2x/s320/Platform+Sigh.bmp" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ6HfhHuaV77Xpf3tDBKtRAg9-Mgs59zzhkV0NOKJvlL6gxWTOcJrAC44ha1RG7lVhymq7gEaEn7DJ_rB9mI4LtKWhbEcEw6jfIT7mu2n2gJdGAIBI2i0c2CspcRCU74w_uG1N4v02BOB/s1600-h/Hogwarts.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403390241038656898" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ6HfhHuaV77Xpf3tDBKtRAg9-Mgs59zzhkV0NOKJvlL6gxWTOcJrAC44ha1RG7lVhymq7gEaEn7DJ_rB9mI4LtKWhbEcEw6jfIT7mu2n2gJdGAIBI2i0c2CspcRCU74w_uG1N4v02BOB/s320/Hogwarts.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ6HfhHuaV77Xpf3tDBKtRAg9-Mgs59zzhkV0NOKJvlL6gxWTOcJrAC44ha1RG7lVhymq7gEaEn7DJ_rB9mI4LtKWhbEcEw6jfIT7mu2n2gJdGAIBI2i0c2CspcRCU74w_uG1N4v02BOB/s1600-h/Hogwarts.bmp"></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBme0_mgGH_VCGrBQVCmSeYiMADMhoWJUfyFk-LCSy6UebmIwFg3uTPOHI8RRTAtEs7kT7QWC_FoeA4O18pKY1-ufXCzGfIjXSqBAJ6ptlF-FU6SW57PN80d_zb0cLQBgOH47YZVfmcT0O/s1600-h/Myrtle.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403390250411352690" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBme0_mgGH_VCGrBQVCmSeYiMADMhoWJUfyFk-LCSy6UebmIwFg3uTPOHI8RRTAtEs7kT7QWC_FoeA4O18pKY1-ufXCzGfIjXSqBAJ6ptlF-FU6SW57PN80d_zb0cLQBgOH47YZVfmcT0O/s320/Myrtle.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><strong>Decorations – Potions</strong><br />Hobby Lobby had a sale on glassware and so we picked up several cute, small glass containers to serve as bottles for our potions (food coloring + water). We displayed them on a shelf and accented them with candles.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBB3zHadfTukAYYZm8iPw_JFsI3ib1wi-zEqO6El-jmq6ls4g4P-FgQKhwsxr5mbybOsxqoDKA4My7io2fUB_obrs64KEW6riBpOg-_vH677h1tyEqDw_ueWprjV_KNM2KUezGISCx8bz/s1600-h/Potions.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403391231661080066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBB3zHadfTukAYYZm8iPw_JFsI3ib1wi-zEqO6El-jmq6ls4g4P-FgQKhwsxr5mbybOsxqoDKA4My7io2fUB_obrs64KEW6riBpOg-_vH677h1tyEqDw_ueWprjV_KNM2KUezGISCx8bz/s320/Potions.bmp" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1joCrirEMN13qZ_j7B6ankQvRRCUrVs1r90gLN_cbv6pyLA-F5SDT2RRCwakbDXq2XCqR6_M5qSoMzbk_8wvx6qWG2KKKHmi0epbwIOe5qv4AU9g_Ibjjjmj7C1P56f3tVMMqNtAUDapR/s1600-h/Bookcase.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403391224888461954" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1joCrirEMN13qZ_j7B6ankQvRRCUrVs1r90gLN_cbv6pyLA-F5SDT2RRCwakbDXq2XCqR6_M5qSoMzbk_8wvx6qWG2KKKHmi0epbwIOe5qv4AU9g_Ibjjjmj7C1P56f3tVMMqNtAUDapR/s320/Bookcase.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><strong>Decorations - Yule Ball and Candles Everywhere!<br /></strong>Final accents included some glittery silver snowflakes descending from our dining room light to give the party a little "Yule Ball" flavor. And we turned out the lights and put candles everywhere that we could - including some great floating candles in a nice glass bowl. Definitely gave it a nice Great Hall feel. I also found some cheap quills at Hobby Lobby and stuffed them in a vase with a snitch.<br /><strong></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong></strong><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa-oIXUlW8dKnfWHTK2ksZjsaOxbK15iioLqX3-GkWSMsj_7px_EEF2eQ4LNSMmbssaGG-k7oUEBaMyVGsRC3MPz56Z-pVat52j2vEkkEd_HKiyvDzjnos6jynNYGDqygh2YFFsPT646f/s1600-h/Snowflakes.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403442437771882418" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa-oIXUlW8dKnfWHTK2ksZjsaOxbK15iioLqX3-GkWSMsj_7px_EEF2eQ4LNSMmbssaGG-k7oUEBaMyVGsRC3MPz56Z-pVat52j2vEkkEd_HKiyvDzjnos6jynNYGDqygh2YFFsPT646f/s320/Snowflakes.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmMCSJDSouVFsUpU6v0M4cf_SWV30dxepgRtcKht_4j3Qn1ZWbfckm0ajCkOm-yitkplwLik00sG3jivaxIvjzrzq58DHmxQtzYlvyCLpekfqwLK6_7bcOqRLftXKb8lrnnUs1sFy5L_Z/s1600-h/Candles+Window.bmp"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403442450958252754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmMCSJDSouVFsUpU6v0M4cf_SWV30dxepgRtcKht_4j3Qn1ZWbfckm0ajCkOm-yitkplwLik00sG3jivaxIvjzrzq58DHmxQtzYlvyCLpekfqwLK6_7bcOqRLftXKb8lrnnUs1sFy5L_Z/s320/Candles+Window.bmp" border="0" /></strong></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdyu1KS7hJ9SyoH27dUyYsTQm5zWH9YHtWyqdQr4K6NnLnGkhodQIgPQ_d9Lw9zCzV5eFcfG01vGcIOdMkEfEr4EOs5TWAga85Fm-X-UWznKBd6JOa7vfoG5AeN-hoTQTjvSVBSER6zOJ/s1600-h/Quills.bmp"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403442447653610946" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdyu1KS7hJ9SyoH27dUyYsTQm5zWH9YHtWyqdQr4K6NnLnGkhodQIgPQ_d9Lw9zCzV5eFcfG01vGcIOdMkEfEr4EOs5TWAga85Fm-X-UWznKBd6JOa7vfoG5AeN-hoTQTjvSVBSER6zOJ/s320/Quills.bmp" border="0" /></strong></a></p><strong></strong><strong>Food – Honeydukes</strong><br />The food serving area was labeled with a sign saying “Honeydukes” where we had a Chocolate fondue station, drinks and other snacks for our guests. We printed little place cards to showcase our creative food names:<br /><br />Mead = beer<br />Pumpkin juice = orange cream soda<br />Butter beer = mix one shot of Buttershot with a cream soda in a mug<br />Broomstick salad = Vermicelli (noodle) salad<br />Dragon tenders = chicken tenders<br />Peppermint humbugs = peppermint candies<br />And more that I can't remember....<br /><br />For the birthday cake, my husband made the most amazing "Harry Birthday" cake out of two giant chocolate chip cookies with ice cream in the middle. He made the ice cream filling half mint chocolate chip and half chocolate chip cookie dough. To mold the ice cream, he used our cheesecake pan. After making the giant cookie sandwich he decorated it beautifully with yummy icing.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn36W7srH7K50oyyCnpPJIGucdR5aswxUoQZdLQsK20hADHdIlH3AyEeBlvpOo6zygU6MWlIGW2zJ-0IHb432ORLfW6NsUwoBbXsm7rUkgh959TYfOPgwzxCFZxJGzALMqYzKJa0zkdCE/s1600-h/Honeydukes3.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403390242428296722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn36W7srH7K50oyyCnpPJIGucdR5aswxUoQZdLQsK20hADHdIlH3AyEeBlvpOo6zygU6MWlIGW2zJ-0IHb432ORLfW6NsUwoBbXsm7rUkgh959TYfOPgwzxCFZxJGzALMqYzKJa0zkdCE/s320/Honeydukes3.bmp" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403439917951257746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVx9dGtZTa5aJ2Rv8pEUn0R839rY5H0URV3A6VVazxicrv-wIcu3CnRliX_lUzcoURjRaRmUDbE1ez_mOWbBukmE5K4pQSTAR23SPYVII3RTXy-R_xhIc1JoiAqyU-OnSRp5a1G62DjqS/s320/Honeydukes.bmp" border="0" /></p></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403438983596747106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgip8sq3wye5BYBU4eixeo7taQ5tSag8CvGL2qWWua5XX36w8uKrYOXg8iv-PlzAG772a4vaxqaakiNHA9qKv46bX4cSKGUJL0apBZQPlOyWDCTrvRYw8Gv4eAgYYJlCiKY8KELZj49qz/s320/Cookie+Cake.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403438988653704194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0CVnfOJ7yYyRXQhAxZp9p9zLGfmC9iYRRvwy0LfBsyc-VZA5D205gHlq7hPmykgxqTuDFZEJtFYjo6-6ib6urmHrvRgb-GfAgyKgFmUkmi881tYbVUNTTtpsq9QAMrdVAUo2rPgL2R-_/s320/Cookie+Cake+Finished.bmp" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9loe3QQ9gW5IP8L9h50dGavJL7OLfztc7Rs9w1dEiXLZN_nknWjrlBdZ39ZqnYIOteqqW3zzcPTPzZZ7jK9u12nEhnafujuZZPfsUIUoieMqMDJ51snOLAFobrpDzsLT22Ff7ZR93V5zR/s1600-h/Table.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403438981010829986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9loe3QQ9gW5IP8L9h50dGavJL7OLfztc7Rs9w1dEiXLZN_nknWjrlBdZ39ZqnYIOteqqW3zzcPTPzZZ7jK9u12nEhnafujuZZPfsUIUoieMqMDJ51snOLAFobrpDzsLT22Ff7ZR93V5zR/s320/Table.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Party Favors - Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and Wands</strong><br />I bought two giant bags of Jelly Belly jelly beans and put them in individual clear bags tied with maroon and gold ribbons (for Griffydor, or course). Then I found a logo of Bertie Bott's online and made little circle sticker labels to go on the bags. I put them all in a bowl for guests to grab and take with them to the movie.<br /><br />We had a couple kids coming to the festivities...and other guests who act like kids...and so we decided to make our own magical wands. We bought a floral arrangement of sticks (basically...) from Hobby Lobby and cut them to a nice wand length (about a foot and a half). We then sprayed them with gold glitter spray to give them a nice sparkle. I displayed them in a vase and let each guest pick their wand.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD80ZxqdWTybjdsvTsNvLuUKQds2za0CQXSMCq2s2LvctHgSPm0sy364yplkIcnSZZaTBUnhoapPq8O3gSTmaD-_pw4t17gecRzNFq5lcypg0jgWvymoSJqEJrrxSi-SVQGYCpjplYnH2/s1600-h/Beans.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403438573834033154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD80ZxqdWTybjdsvTsNvLuUKQds2za0CQXSMCq2s2LvctHgSPm0sy364yplkIcnSZZaTBUnhoapPq8O3gSTmaD-_pw4t17gecRzNFq5lcypg0jgWvymoSJqEJrrxSi-SVQGYCpjplYnH2/s320/Beans.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NQ5-ABcMK-uWzWz_XUKPrCkEqx5ULT3mPr42jCheN-3pSplJdKQNu-hFvMRLjfSq0wapyz1wjW33WUfoDSwFKH9Twh88umdiKXxHwiuXvJzR8bj93zlhbzTfFPOMu7tiHx_5zxmmMpQE/s1600-h/Bakers+Rack.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403438570628862098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NQ5-ABcMK-uWzWz_XUKPrCkEqx5ULT3mPr42jCheN-3pSplJdKQNu-hFvMRLjfSq0wapyz1wjW33WUfoDSwFKH9Twh88umdiKXxHwiuXvJzR8bj93zlhbzTfFPOMu7tiHx_5zxmmMpQE/s320/Bakers+Rack.bmp" border="0" /></a></p> <br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt4lVrAEc1EsMJ94EPBpcdDxTBRPunfvOj_vlj1NiRhQwZDLs8H1bA0eQPTAa1QfIo56lZolnEBXqUCo-0Qf5SXfoj_wDJM8YLd6Y4ttV96osUcEMg5xGgeA6Jgu0Sb9vegDS1JIbnfDy/s1600-h/Wands.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403442440344224594" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt4lVrAEc1EsMJ94EPBpcdDxTBRPunfvOj_vlj1NiRhQwZDLs8H1bA0eQPTAa1QfIo56lZolnEBXqUCo-0Qf5SXfoj_wDJM8YLd6Y4ttV96osUcEMg5xGgeA6Jgu0Sb9vegDS1JIbnfDy/s320/Wands.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><br />The party was great - lots of people came for the celebration and we enjoyed the movie - can't wait for the 7th one!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPXxfPFZdJU8Qz7pDuoZKj5qqO4wUlvUMQkSj-XqLxejtanIlUSsqWOp0h4HQhbWtYehRd28t7iwXvyZUKgt5kWzq4t4OyIZSO74vyD6ISk5MY6znP-Ko66OQaHK7bV2zgsw_wNcEYXzL/s1600-h/Welcome.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403443127843177218" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPXxfPFZdJU8Qz7pDuoZKj5qqO4wUlvUMQkSj-XqLxejtanIlUSsqWOp0h4HQhbWtYehRd28t7iwXvyZUKgt5kWzq4t4OyIZSO74vyD6ISk5MY6znP-Ko66OQaHK7bV2zgsw_wNcEYXzL/s320/Welcome.bmp" border="0" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-52145167600221420032009-10-10T15:14:00.006-05:002009-10-10T15:48:49.539-05:00Spooktacular Halloween Cards<div>If there's one thing I have learned about myself in recent years, it's that I love greeting cards. Seriously, LOVE them. Giving them, receiving them - it doesn't matter. I think it just sends the outward signal that a person took the time to think about you, pick something out just for you, write a little something and put it in the mail. I know we're only talking maybe 5 minutes and $5 here...but it's just so much fun to get that little something in the mail. So...needless to say, I spend a lot of time in the card aisle at Target....or when I can, <a href="http://www.papyrusonline.com/">Papyrus</a> (their cards are AMAZING! Like little works of art). However, it was decided by both my husband and I that maybe I should try to save a little money and expand my creativity by my making my own cards - so here goes - Halloween cards made by me!<br /><br />Well....with a little help from <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home">Michael's</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/halloween-invitations-show-and-tell">Martha</a>. :) I found this amazing spider web punch at Michael's that I wanted to incorporate somehow. If you want to use it as a border, you'll want to buy the <a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/ms-m284123w.html">straight edge web punch</a> and the <a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/ms-m284315.html">corner punch</a>.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUot8QGEMlkdmBKtSxJKxSx5FWwwIZKKzS36K9jll6bnW25Lwz4SEytTfMVheVYyp3BKA-T1C6a1uuzrHRb8RjEdexweqdsLPD2cIUBIMJZcReWMOFREyRZMcNdVzpi5vbwKdqhtoqHxyf/s1600-h/Web3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391074002288999746" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUot8QGEMlkdmBKtSxJKxSx5FWwwIZKKzS36K9jll6bnW25Lwz4SEytTfMVheVYyp3BKA-T1C6a1uuzrHRb8RjEdexweqdsLPD2cIUBIMJZcReWMOFREyRZMcNdVzpi5vbwKdqhtoqHxyf/s200/Web3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiOvkpirzGvduMreUVtXckEemrxIoQFNdXKznKggqb7zi4wjlrme1jv_tuTu20BkocNcf1KESZSkPTElUtvXI_vVCd2o_n645XvbNVaT-zhy5Bevk6od31-xfifRWNhCDpooGqL48StNT/s1600-h/Web2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391072577989639442" style="WIDTH: 96px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiOvkpirzGvduMreUVtXckEemrxIoQFNdXKznKggqb7zi4wjlrme1jv_tuTu20BkocNcf1KESZSkPTElUtvXI_vVCd2o_n645XvbNVaT-zhy5Bevk6od31-xfifRWNhCDpooGqL48StNT/s200/Web2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Also, at Michael's I bought white glittery card stock, shimmery purple cardstock, black greeting cards with envelopes, foam adhesives to add depth and a pack of assorted cardstock colors.<br /><br />First I cut the white paper into squares about 3.5"x3.5" and used the punch around the edges. Next I cut the purple paper into 2"x2" squares and glued the purple paper on top of the white. I decided to make the center of the card one of three characters: pumpkin, candy corn or ghost. For each of them I made a template and then made multiples and glued them all together. Below you can see the candy corn pieces ready for assembly.<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwmV6lFbL-ZkBQqHyHPHl33PkpzNNDvO7EiRjqKrEDpYPnePReyfYq6mp5Nj53sL72moPv9cwCEfO-RLm8LXz9BNawsLHXinhM9AIQYsQEB3Jzmh-J3eVg4DXE4Ndpe6uhxFmXrpGc2H9/s1600-h/IMG_8642.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391073440948590722" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwmV6lFbL-ZkBQqHyHPHl33PkpzNNDvO7EiRjqKrEDpYPnePReyfYq6mp5Nj53sL72moPv9cwCEfO-RLm8LXz9BNawsLHXinhM9AIQYsQEB3Jzmh-J3eVg4DXE4Ndpe6uhxFmXrpGc2H9/s200/IMG_8642.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div>To attach the character to the purple paper I used the little foam adhesives to give the cards some depth. Finally, I simply glued the spider web/character assembly to the front of the card and I had myself a cute little Halloween card! I made 12 cards and with the expensive punches I'm not sure if I saved any money vs. buying cards....but I'm sure I'll use the materials again and so in the long run.... :) And they were fun to make!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCwamTcqg6cYu-InJmzGpYXHnkvAjlkGhvFjW7Z-9gUvziCkKdn2umUaxl82p-ymMTJmApKIu_T385YOY-NSoMsg4xkgsRNDmhWlJZw39qnTXYnlmj__lXybRhE85vabhQAKalLz3yvB6/s1600-h/IMG_8646.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391075458320868946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCwamTcqg6cYu-InJmzGpYXHnkvAjlkGhvFjW7Z-9gUvziCkKdn2umUaxl82p-ymMTJmApKIu_T385YOY-NSoMsg4xkgsRNDmhWlJZw39qnTXYnlmj__lXybRhE85vabhQAKalLz3yvB6/s320/IMG_8646.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb36XkvdRPbW8fYTCtJh1snMyj_7jaj_MtOZgDV8GuXaPSy_Phc5ctWLwCyEVHEwE1v6Rhj6TR38GqNwVMS_kw-r3tPEkNPzZ2fiWlHg5TEbRMXqNq934JOS1f6TrzhaHDzda3xa2bRF0/s1600-h/IMG_8664.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391075464103466098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb36XkvdRPbW8fYTCtJh1snMyj_7jaj_MtOZgDV8GuXaPSy_Phc5ctWLwCyEVHEwE1v6Rhj6TR38GqNwVMS_kw-r3tPEkNPzZ2fiWlHg5TEbRMXqNq934JOS1f6TrzhaHDzda3xa2bRF0/s320/IMG_8664.JPG" border="0" /></a></p></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-62938607368431960952009-09-27T13:50:00.007-05:002009-09-27T14:29:13.879-05:00From the Kitchen....Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & ChickenAll summer long I had this craving for grilled shrimp. My husband doesn't like shrimp, unfortunately, but when his younger brother Weston came to visit, I jumped on the opportunity! I mean, how can anything wrapped in bacon be bad? I found this great <a href="http://www.savoryreviews.com/2009/08/01/grilled-bacon-wrapped-shrimp/">marinade recipe</a> and mostly followed it:<br /><br />What You Need:<br />-11-12 strips of bacon<br />-1 lb 22-24 ct shrimp or 1 lb chicken breast tenders<br />-1/2 cup soy sauce<br />-1/2 cup olive oil<br />-1/4 cup Soy Vay Island Teriaki Sauce<br />-zest and juice of two limes (or you can add in some lemon juice instead)<br />-1 tbs brown sugar<br />-4 cloves garlic (or use garlic salt instead of regular salt)<br />-1 tbs minced ginger (we used ground ginger)<br />-salt and pepper<br /><br />What You Need to Do:<br />1. I bought peeled and deveined shrimp, but if you don't...first step is to peel and devein.<br />2. Mix the marinade in a giant zip lock bag and add in the shrimp or chicken.<br />3. Let the marinade and meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.<br />4. While the marinade is sitting, partially cook the bacon (I microwaved it for half of necessary time)<br />5. After at least 20 minutes, take the marinade bag out and begin to skewer the meat. For the shimp, we wrapped half a piece of bacon around each shrimp. For the chicken tender, we folded it in half or thirds and wrapped an entire piece of bacon around it.<br />6. When you place the meat on the skewer, I recommend using two skewers for the same piece of chicken or shrimp so the bacon stays on the meat and also so the meat doesn't rotate on the skewer.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k20c1-ac4lL8iN_1PbRaZQp8FPMYeVziWSHcG24AFVpNGUp-PLDqHKFAvzQcO4mpii3NYALs0BsIZ5mH3x5Eh7iS0KpG8jexUYPdGUkBHJ154SA4UGlJZbChypaqhNcoj4b0YMOuAmjz/s1600-h/IMG_7720.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386228201710283906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k20c1-ac4lL8iN_1PbRaZQp8FPMYeVziWSHcG24AFVpNGUp-PLDqHKFAvzQcO4mpii3NYALs0BsIZ5mH3x5Eh7iS0KpG8jexUYPdGUkBHJ154SA4UGlJZbChypaqhNcoj4b0YMOuAmjz/s200/IMG_7720.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0c7UiCQvCiDPozNJ_uaEGMztvKLQlCR4r51LpdJabuk28NBoXLV_gcNGfh9V5b6oozFJfuHhZqZ_zFgmVTKZIgAR-bwyUo6Zv4rc1Z10-QO8_Dl6UvIYWfQzn__WUtIFAIuBtLeKZIbh/s1600-h/IMG_8648.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386228211538124210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0c7UiCQvCiDPozNJ_uaEGMztvKLQlCR4r51LpdJabuk28NBoXLV_gcNGfh9V5b6oozFJfuHhZqZ_zFgmVTKZIgAR-bwyUo6Zv4rc1Z10-QO8_Dl6UvIYWfQzn__WUtIFAIuBtLeKZIbh/s200/IMG_8648.JPG" /></a></p>7. Warm up the grill and then place the skewers on the grill.<br />8. Brush additional marinade onto the meat after you put it on the grill and again when you turn the skewers over. When we made chicken we also skewered some pineapple and brushed the marinade on it too - it was very tasty!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsYxKX1c7cBJO7FLdlQ3rplcJ9PzZM-qoaG2iulJqJ11BRidGFIH_uwYBVA0WktKAYiDTlxvd23EW2K29_Ww4NCfpV3n0XY25vwv0JMEhWClIjH8O_ozuPimJSvwyN7CHwwlNOQiYeDue/s1600-h/IMG_7730.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386230195424094466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsYxKX1c7cBJO7FLdlQ3rplcJ9PzZM-qoaG2iulJqJ11BRidGFIH_uwYBVA0WktKAYiDTlxvd23EW2K29_Ww4NCfpV3n0XY25vwv0JMEhWClIjH8O_ozuPimJSvwyN7CHwwlNOQiYeDue/s200/IMG_7730.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaKEVYxL11GlL4Z3csS4voUE6A2pCR3GGuhyjaWS-pkun4OQ_cAXgQeN_wzw54yYrTglivAj0eYKhkD9zzEjkxfWbZEyWjE8rOMq5NgsVCFmwEy2IZ4pyR3eoLKrXhj5avUysjWnc6OU8/s1600-h/IMG_8655.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386228221293701650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaKEVYxL11GlL4Z3csS4voUE6A2pCR3GGuhyjaWS-pkun4OQ_cAXgQeN_wzw54yYrTglivAj0eYKhkD9zzEjkxfWbZEyWjE8rOMq5NgsVCFmwEy2IZ4pyR3eoLKrXhj5avUysjWnc6OU8/s200/IMG_8655.JPG" /></a></p>9. Cook until done (the bacon should be crispy and the meat obviously cooked through).<br />10. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLEK23b8V7gol7PH4pLDPV3NUnLsXarw0cAAxrCqJjcYShndETrtDI5l3U5YjEXGSv5aX8M-lnq3SY01pMBWwKZnXTBzsNjHpAALMefjLLSMYGLcibCjny4xjfW3z2oKDn0y_AQEpYwcB/s1600-h/IMG_7736.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386230204657565954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLEK23b8V7gol7PH4pLDPV3NUnLsXarw0cAAxrCqJjcYShndETrtDI5l3U5YjEXGSv5aX8M-lnq3SY01pMBWwKZnXTBzsNjHpAALMefjLLSMYGLcibCjny4xjfW3z2oKDn0y_AQEpYwcB/s200/IMG_7736.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRpSwdkr9kBjwWCUNWJYNbhnTSzicHXy95qWxAnUe5XV2n4-mWm-O1eA2lA7S_-Bo6SdVLIjHXpcT0kbmyLxMlzzSsWed29TKm8z4uozXJ3YsGfxJQUXdhq5iSuwhBEOqGeQ6IBdP0bjL/s1600-h/IMG_7737.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386230210445056290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRpSwdkr9kBjwWCUNWJYNbhnTSzicHXy95qWxAnUe5XV2n4-mWm-O1eA2lA7S_-Bo6SdVLIjHXpcT0kbmyLxMlzzSsWed29TKm8z4uozXJ3YsGfxJQUXdhq5iSuwhBEOqGeQ6IBdP0bjL/s200/IMG_7737.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiAmLacV1BnO0AxNTC4WfG5iE_9ZtEY18aLhxJBqNL2gKG4wx6FCwa2zkNJILhLh25UHH2AqWtb0ftiPbYJW_EyxbNyAVpXfOW_ht2Rw1jO7dUOWqNt43zfknsUHhXXGc1z2tE8GQJYdT/s1600-h/IMG_8659.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386230713132549746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiAmLacV1BnO0AxNTC4WfG5iE_9ZtEY18aLhxJBqNL2gKG4wx6FCwa2zkNJILhLh25UHH2AqWtb0ftiPbYJW_EyxbNyAVpXfOW_ht2Rw1jO7dUOWqNt43zfknsUHhXXGc1z2tE8GQJYdT/s200/IMG_8659.JPG" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-44205385342796892542009-09-25T22:18:00.006-05:002009-09-25T23:18:20.509-05:00From the Kitchen....MacaroonsThe day I discovered coconut macaroons from <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/flash/index.html">Trader Joe's</a> was a great day. Actually, I believe my business school roommate Bethany introduced the wonders of them to me - 100 macaroons and 1 million calories all for about $4. Could life be better? Then I loved to St. Louis and for some reason Trader Joe's stopped carrying them. So, my husband suggested I make my own. (Genius!) They were super easy and crazy delicious.<br /><br />What You Need:<br /><br />4 Large Egg Whites at Room Temperature<br />1 Cup White Sugar<br />1/4 Teaspoon Salt<br />1 Teaspoon Vanilla<br />1/2 Cup Cake Flour, Sifted<br />3 Cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut<br /><br />What You Need to Do:<br /><br />In a stainless steel bowl, placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt. When this mixture is warm to the touch, and nice and creamy, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, flour, and coconut. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour, or until firm.<br /><br />Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper (not to be confused with wax paper...believe me you only need to make that mistake once as you take out the burning piece of paper and the smoke alarm is blaring.)<br /><br />Place small mounds (about 1 tablespoon) of the batter on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing several inches apart. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes and then place on a wire rack to cool.<br /><br />Makes about 2 dozen Macaroons.<br /><br />*Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/CoconutMacaroons.html">Joy of Baking</a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqS7IRidbkNFJj_Fpn15YRRcWhdnlPYkpawrqdh2joe6HlIr0Wrl54qKK7TNDlQZAksaGbd3b1r67kR7TVyprm-gK4bIDbpAUrbcaGLiRrxSo5F34RjRH-yWY4s_w4MHWQihaDqOG26k1/s1600-h/IMG_8456.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385620162411944530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqS7IRidbkNFJj_Fpn15YRRcWhdnlPYkpawrqdh2joe6HlIr0Wrl54qKK7TNDlQZAksaGbd3b1r67kR7TVyprm-gK4bIDbpAUrbcaGLiRrxSo5F34RjRH-yWY4s_w4MHWQihaDqOG26k1/s200/IMG_8456.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3Ys5YLJ53Q4w8tXObivdUK9GU8fTOfqwDKsNrFvhhV4j8EvAFgOdKBTRfw5f-ADfNmm6cL1frq5Mhm9L-VcduUHjoAINr7cx1oXG8yn3Ik1EFc6-V9RyDYB0M_2uJJLQKCHvPgChZvIn/s1600-h/IMG_8464.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385620167292372146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3Ys5YLJ53Q4w8tXObivdUK9GU8fTOfqwDKsNrFvhhV4j8EvAFgOdKBTRfw5f-ADfNmm6cL1frq5Mhm9L-VcduUHjoAINr7cx1oXG8yn3Ik1EFc6-V9RyDYB0M_2uJJLQKCHvPgChZvIn/s200/IMG_8464.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYFpPddunr1ZZWo2pdF1qwYCFznsQLTMf0lqPtOv-RXoXgRfGnpxX0h_QqdLk-mQ4t8yIGNfycBQhsxN-s-0odBxjYphzWbw0_4VsY_HuBgp8_hdlZ5ZFEy_EcQwfpFeOLa5V_lVeADth/s1600-h/IMG_8470.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385620177656326178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYFpPddunr1ZZWo2pdF1qwYCFznsQLTMf0lqPtOv-RXoXgRfGnpxX0h_QqdLk-mQ4t8yIGNfycBQhsxN-s-0odBxjYphzWbw0_4VsY_HuBgp8_hdlZ5ZFEy_EcQwfpFeOLa5V_lVeADth/s200/IMG_8470.JPG" /></a></p>To make my macaroons a little more <a href="http://www.aubonpain.com/menu/food.aspx?s=cafe_bakery&f=64">"Au Bon Pain"ish</a> I dipped some of them in chocolate half way. I melted a mixture of baking chocolate and milk chocolate in the microwave and dipped away.<br /><br />For an added touch, I melted some white baking chocolate and drizzled it on top of the milk. I made a mess doing this...but they turned out quite pretty and very delicious. My one comment about the entire order is the chocolate did not harden very well. I stuck them in the fridge and that helped, but honestly I think I should have used a mixture of chocolate and paraffin wax like they do in candy making....definitely going to look more into this.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cvc0k2ZdyiWM32Vd34I-wgQw3lD7HKcHwTgv16TdPsdxdtkXaDFu6AxbP19l29DlFk58quwSefnvrYqwpgEIkWQ7ICObiICaUFnXLWbzMARhXQmwLftTU62ZZvkqpD4RlIAMozy15Hb_/s1600-h/IMG_8478.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385620823611210098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cvc0k2ZdyiWM32Vd34I-wgQw3lD7HKcHwTgv16TdPsdxdtkXaDFu6AxbP19l29DlFk58quwSefnvrYqwpgEIkWQ7ICObiICaUFnXLWbzMARhXQmwLftTU62ZZvkqpD4RlIAMozy15Hb_/s200/IMG_8478.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzOxGQUORaDAoRwcrjBIMfSnBmFxvOazZMShR8wblS1Zb_QhjsSA_o6mWQhxynn9q3upLlQCkv82mWx51HmcQF03k_gCRVQ5krCkv4bDMI5qTu-zvh6CfwOE-IGibRXkLr71fFLxRMR9B/s1600-h/IMG_8489.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385620831247771554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzOxGQUORaDAoRwcrjBIMfSnBmFxvOazZMShR8wblS1Zb_QhjsSA_o6mWQhxynn9q3upLlQCkv82mWx51HmcQF03k_gCRVQ5krCkv4bDMI5qTu-zvh6CfwOE-IGibRXkLr71fFLxRMR9B/s200/IMG_8489.JPG" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-74903229154774612942009-09-23T20:53:00.014-05:002009-09-23T22:40:26.866-05:00Lucky in LoveOne of my <a href="http://www.montrealzen.com/">readers</a> (and I realize there's only like 3 of you out there) has requested a posting on being a bridesmaid, as she is about to be one herself! I was extremely honored to be a bridesmaid recently for my best friend from high school, Sheila. I had amazingly wonderful bridemaids (including Sheila!) so now I was so glad to have the opportunity to return the favor. One of my fabulous responsibilities included planning and hosting the bachelorette party! Now Sheila is as Irish as can be (complete with red hair, an Irish first, middle and last name, and a graduate and obcessive fan of Notre Dame) so I chose the theme "Lucky in Love." I planned on incorporating shamrocks wherever possible which led to this cute little invitation.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjwrozC8osTfnCjDYC485RJOmXOp65sOKI9hwSttcoJFxuI019MlQWkNZpBFZvr3p8LMEmN1of_HZnD2YnaBGNH01BMjoxOpd7LEQehAwYN-I6Pq0SH6dBFg3ReMXzFx3Gw4tUEWtGkDN/s1600-h/Invitation.png"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384865025149301906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjwrozC8osTfnCjDYC485RJOmXOp65sOKI9hwSttcoJFxuI019MlQWkNZpBFZvr3p8LMEmN1of_HZnD2YnaBGNH01BMjoxOpd7LEQehAwYN-I6Pq0SH6dBFg3ReMXzFx3Gw4tUEWtGkDN/s200/Invitation.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5efaOoXhhE-GwukjouZmx04Z0f2eWXNdxkZHADQImFjIU4RjVtQPGLG3hRL5Pc7cPH7lMO7AWBaJZJfNs44W5EQBx51Fv6feLjD4cyN2gPP7kM_D_c9kqjBLyVFclLj_5Z8oeCxTIXNDw/s1600-h/SheilaBridalShowerInviteSticker.png"><img style="WIDTH: 147px; HEIGHT: 147px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384871304103461346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5efaOoXhhE-GwukjouZmx04Z0f2eWXNdxkZHADQImFjIU4RjVtQPGLG3hRL5Pc7cPH7lMO7AWBaJZJfNs44W5EQBx51Fv6feLjD4cyN2gPP7kM_D_c9kqjBLyVFclLj_5Z8oeCxTIXNDw/s200/SheilaBridalShowerInviteSticker.png" /></a></p><div>I used a shamrock punch to let the green paper show through plus a little jewel for some bachelorette bling. I stuffed them in pink envelopes and sealed them with the sticker shown above. For decorations I stuck with the pink and green theme including the cake, flowers, napkins, plates, tableclothes and you guessed it....Japanese laterns (I'm a bit obcessed). The cake was beautiful but as you can see describing the pink I was going for to the cake person on the phone hundreds of miles away is more difficult than I thought. So....it was more of a purple. Still cute and delicious though!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMJgriGtgF-PMmFsvAL1roR9lOv9_feEnQcoe9YHrPktDLpivmBf8xji8rI5T0nElv52PBn_NGNnYqdhVVt7YoWfDa-CWqoVtKH7Fu6gmJjGxiAo9iK1_CGPUQnEMBzEE7u11xPxi011x/s1600-h/IMG_7949.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 269px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384860412182019858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMJgriGtgF-PMmFsvAL1roR9lOv9_feEnQcoe9YHrPktDLpivmBf8xji8rI5T0nElv52PBn_NGNnYqdhVVt7YoWfDa-CWqoVtKH7Fu6gmJjGxiAo9iK1_CGPUQnEMBzEE7u11xPxi011x/s320/IMG_7949.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR_DDtJG9ldlpk4PBdVIQ2AsbJOgbFYnpoN81UOzEV2i_a6_8Pls7h2ziulXSBasIoh3xU_DjMryEF0LTLCvJrIyEETW6PeUP9UXTxEWaihDikbKOd48ppo7cQYjzw0U0yU0XAfAPN_fL/s1600-h/IMG_7951.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJVSknrJgdZYDR5OcXq8NcJKcTp9SYjyBmGVgym9tBpk7MR-Rqa1Nte0yOln7SsM3Y822Bv2_UEpc3q65sCPOj6vj1qq88f2gj5ddSHWqTNZXzm2hX-c_YbtrvVzCdHjo-JkoB_NUG9LC/s1600-h/IMG_7951.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384865883592210018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJVSknrJgdZYDR5OcXq8NcJKcTp9SYjyBmGVgym9tBpk7MR-Rqa1Nte0yOln7SsM3Y822Bv2_UEpc3q65sCPOj6vj1qq88f2gj5ddSHWqTNZXzm2hX-c_YbtrvVzCdHjo-JkoB_NUG9LC/s200/IMG_7951.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fzvqHc19A8J3rKTIG1MeQG0TxX2wEIGiNbyDLSmZLVBZqr3fgw_LeeSee0N_oHvqxwYqvZkmSWpLeaADxDQBcoH4zqqmXVS7EWsY0LjbNu8AQetWebnCFbVNOLF_zOstZnGnarnPddfY/s1600-h/IMG_7955.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384861129678264930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fzvqHc19A8J3rKTIG1MeQG0TxX2wEIGiNbyDLSmZLVBZqr3fgw_LeeSee0N_oHvqxwYqvZkmSWpLeaADxDQBcoH4zqqmXVS7EWsY0LjbNu8AQetWebnCFbVNOLF_zOstZnGnarnPddfY/s200/IMG_7955.JPG" /></a><br /><br />For the lingerie party we first played a quiz game where all of the ladies tried to answer questions about the groom. We sent a list of questions to the groom (without Sheila knowing) and played the game with his responses. For those of you planning a party in the future....some of my favorite questions are:<br /><br /></div><div>1. Where were you (the groom) born?</div><div>2. What is your favorite color?</div><div>3. What was your first pet?</div><div>4. If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be?</div><div>5. What was your favorite class in undergrad?</div><div>6. What was your nickname as a kid?</div><div>7. What is your favorite color for (Bride's name) to wear?</div><div>8. What is your favorite part of (Bride's) body?</div><div>9. What are you looking forward most to about married life?</div><div>10. What was the name of your first girlfriend?</div><div>11. When did you know that Sheila was the one?</div><div>12. Where was your first kiss with (Bride)?</div><div>13. What was your first impression of (Bride) when you met her?</div><div>14. If you could have a dream car ($ is no object) what would it be?</div><div>15. Do you want pets? What kind of animal?</div><div>16. How many kids do you want to have?</div><div>17. What is your favorite food?</div><div>18. What is your favorite song?</div><div>19. What is your pet name for (Bride)?</div><div>20. What is (Bride's) pet name for you?</div><div>21. What is your idea of the perfect date?<br /><br />After the quiz, was the grand gift opening! I bought some clothesline (pink, of course) and hung it up in the living room so as Sheila opened each gift, she could hang it up for display! Ooo, la la!</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4GnDSobVYcOTaLe1JFskh1tw65UAJJORb7xS2H5LxMhf45SSpx5W1-bKW7b7slQu4mSe2bHoegIxi9egZSiQNiupoKtiIyTuLSf7AKNcaAWTy7m3b5MEcWhd6-CRNwdCrOo_82Gh8Ffq/s1600-h/IMG_7977.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384868018652365234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4GnDSobVYcOTaLe1JFskh1tw65UAJJORb7xS2H5LxMhf45SSpx5W1-bKW7b7slQu4mSe2bHoegIxi9egZSiQNiupoKtiIyTuLSf7AKNcaAWTy7m3b5MEcWhd6-CRNwdCrOo_82Gh8Ffq/s200/IMG_7977.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoKBnfMhtu2ceZM5MazrundgXDLoCsESCYzoxpEjWHTERx9x8kT4LGWs7JNqmUZJg9cbzWkSu_9EYeNo3cIm_UvAqRocwaNKk7mE8IivmooHGILVKLfxoIen12dATojJ8zAoGSrRlYn-v/s1600-h/IMG_8022.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384868013563514754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoKBnfMhtu2ceZM5MazrundgXDLoCsESCYzoxpEjWHTERx9x8kT4LGWs7JNqmUZJg9cbzWkSu_9EYeNo3cIm_UvAqRocwaNKk7mE8IivmooHGILVKLfxoIen12dATojJ8zAoGSrRlYn-v/s200/IMG_8022.JPG" /></a></p><div>Also, I stole a very cute idea from my sister-in-law's shower, and we made the Groom a "Honeymoon Menu." After each gift was opened, we thought of a food that described each "outfit" and so on the honeymoon, the groom could pick his dessert. :)<br /></div><div><div><div>Later in the planning stages, I found out that the Bride-to-Be wanted to celebrate her last days of single-dom by going to a western dancing club about one mile from my house. Despite the very close proximity, we had never been here....probably b/c we left Tulsa before we were 21. So....I decided to make this a multi-themed event. :P Shamrocks for the lingerie party with a swift transition to Cowgirls Night Out. Eh, why not! Two themes for the price of one. To properly outfit the attendees, I went to Party City, where I must say, I was shocked to find an entire line of Cowgirl themed <a href="http://www.partycity.com/product/special+occasions/bachelorette+party/bachelorette+party+dessert+plates+8ct.do?sortby=bestSellers">bachelorette gear</a>. I got sheriff badges, bandanas that said "Party Crew," a "Most Wanted" garter and the most amazing hat, modeled below by the bride herself. Hott.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLbkMPYt4XdaCvalBJCA3qxNw3goapG4vLhn-Co0Iht8G0s6CMc9QeGolQx2VKbguq-vgpoCRjhFCSJq79Q8ec0wHMYCQDPZPZth2-vgv1FTD0xGW9JD-ExsYAcm79RkpwykUHlPMuqMZ/s1600-h/IMG_8031.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384870318423724882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLbkMPYt4XdaCvalBJCA3qxNw3goapG4vLhn-Co0Iht8G0s6CMc9QeGolQx2VKbguq-vgpoCRjhFCSJq79Q8ec0wHMYCQDPZPZth2-vgv1FTD0xGW9JD-ExsYAcm79RkpwykUHlPMuqMZ/s200/IMG_8031.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfIFUwoazjVxaiHjYpuzyuA-mXNJ7xUPwxH5tO6zBKoeuH4Zn8I3czjv9l4ryPF5GdS6t9ft21RXcFX1XAzgwXG1BQ9Mj5xa7Lvw8gH7QmP3WbdDUCOGOPc3UDiLponvlaSw891-qe0CE/s1600-h/Badges.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384865871682599522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfIFUwoazjVxaiHjYpuzyuA-mXNJ7xUPwxH5tO6zBKoeuH4Zn8I3czjv9l4ryPF5GdS6t9ft21RXcFX1XAzgwXG1BQ9Mj5xa7Lvw8gH7QmP3WbdDUCOGOPc3UDiLponvlaSw891-qe0CE/s200/Badges.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHKZnm0ATlAD-mp9V3ohv0kekSbxgelTjrLG5KN21Qpi04E2EVXsxGCO4s3NDZcGT7KHgpCE2lyLnrsMuy8N1NjpFXPqCovDahd4GPzfwe3buq6w6aLbKXkS8EoijrBgzKPBD_njXklls/s1600-h/Garter.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384865874159366706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHKZnm0ATlAD-mp9V3ohv0kekSbxgelTjrLG5KN21Qpi04E2EVXsxGCO4s3NDZcGT7KHgpCE2lyLnrsMuy8N1NjpFXPqCovDahd4GPzfwe3buq6w6aLbKXkS8EoijrBgzKPBD_njXklls/s200/Garter.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHKZnm0ATlAD-mp9V3ohv0kekSbxgelTjrLG5KN21Qpi04E2EVXsxGCO4s3NDZcGT7KHgpCE2lyLnrsMuy8N1NjpFXPqCovDahd4GPzfwe3buq6w6aLbKXkS8EoijrBgzKPBD_njXklls/s1600-h/Garter.jpg"></a> </div><div>Everyone got cowgirl and we looked amazing. Yee haw. From there we headed off for a night of dancing (ladies night!) at Caravan Cattle Co.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tI8RBpNhXpC824r-3D0XPKbVfdGjyopyo7ZqGEtU6nUAexaekUkLVj-KIkTc181dmE3a5KHr7QiWY2GPQFRmbBaFo7BV4D5JYlkZJqPboaZd0d5iL0bGhGDJW2cMcL4CnERIdoVUDle1/s1600-h/IMG_8027.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384868024071105954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tI8RBpNhXpC824r-3D0XPKbVfdGjyopyo7ZqGEtU6nUAexaekUkLVj-KIkTc181dmE3a5KHr7QiWY2GPQFRmbBaFo7BV4D5JYlkZJqPboaZd0d5iL0bGhGDJW2cMcL4CnERIdoVUDle1/s200/IMG_8027.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-otFf3fUnXWmCfF7-TrseXx1TtEMU2EMhKc6FdcPwdszVG4K_HvNn6YpMjU6SCUx32qL1Z90ksa4T5QVRhM0ZQ7WYxSNyGwCLL1IQELlcXtwAipWWlF5LS3sx4CYZc6kLoS8-KqzX4LBV/s1600-h/P8200024.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384871312174649570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-otFf3fUnXWmCfF7-TrseXx1TtEMU2EMhKc6FdcPwdszVG4K_HvNn6YpMjU6SCUx32qL1Z90ksa4T5QVRhM0ZQ7WYxSNyGwCLL1IQELlcXtwAipWWlF5LS3sx4CYZc6kLoS8-KqzX4LBV/s200/P8200024.JPG" /></a></p><div>Other than that, as a bridesmaid, I assembled and delivered adorable welcome gift bags (Notre Dame and wedding colors) complete with Advil, a CD of songs about Oklahoma and yummy goodies, set up a photobooth at the wedding reception, took tons of photos of every possible moment, arranged the video taping of the ceremony (thanks to my great husband!), attended bridal showers and an amazing 80s themed bachelorette party in Chicago, gave <a href="http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/product/KSM150PSER/">fabulous presents</a> and cried as Sheila walked down the aisle. :) She was absolutely beautiful. Now that I have been both a bridesmaid and a bride....I think the most important duty as a bridesmaid is to make sure the bride knows you are there for her - call often, send cards and ask questions. She'll want to talk about everything - it is her big day afterall! :D And it is sooooo much fun.</div></div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbv519E1YpvLYzXWiUu7L03BrqtSO0ONnZXa2aykB6hel690vLJcORjzpRDmvv1SPM0emgg3Z3QYVAbcLs2wnMvE_PFnh2Ng5Q-nLVIA0zSEK0s2uMo9CUh3157zVsuGOMVKK0N3QFHRV/s1600-h/IMG_8227.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384870330208269410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbv519E1YpvLYzXWiUu7L03BrqtSO0ONnZXa2aykB6hel690vLJcORjzpRDmvv1SPM0emgg3Z3QYVAbcLs2wnMvE_PFnh2Ng5Q-nLVIA0zSEK0s2uMo9CUh3157zVsuGOMVKK0N3QFHRV/s200/IMG_8227.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWs8S0DL7vkwgbjST2kLRAn2xxkK_ySisoco52b-ybC_vGDF__w9QcEyQKhuz1lsr73JGN2a1pbk4onQtIyfdVjbQ9ab35B688t-JOdKsEaJi56VV4ThB94eDzHrNtZRz0npMJyAKX9kV/s1600-h/IMG_8275.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384870336586398658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWs8S0DL7vkwgbjST2kLRAn2xxkK_ySisoco52b-ybC_vGDF__w9QcEyQKhuz1lsr73JGN2a1pbk4onQtIyfdVjbQ9ab35B688t-JOdKsEaJi56VV4ThB94eDzHrNtZRz0npMJyAKX9kV/s200/IMG_8275.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqBq7joBL6kKhFziy7kJ5aR61kV7W689yZdUpkU89NtywaU0unTh-GjpEr-NzWwV-K91Ijw6w3YaJuzU6gHyZIvt3kdqjJPrG04yX92VjAaQ3t8O4CpDMMkKnGpSZG9d4qSHM-RfOBvnY/s1600-h/IMG_8201.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384870314523400994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqBq7joBL6kKhFziy7kJ5aR61kV7W689yZdUpkU89NtywaU0unTh-GjpEr-NzWwV-K91Ijw6w3YaJuzU6gHyZIvt3kdqjJPrG04yX92VjAaQ3t8O4CpDMMkKnGpSZG9d4qSHM-RfOBvnY/s200/IMG_8201.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /> </div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-16158118115229276892009-08-15T01:11:00.001-05:002009-09-07T00:08:20.568-05:00The Baby Bump - Dr. Seuss Baby ShowerAs I mentioned in my quilt post, I became an aunt this year! So I decided to host a baby shower with my mother-in-law in Houston for the expecting parents. I wanted a fun, colorful theme and toyed around with lots of ideas...until one day at work I clicked on the Google homepage and there it was! Google celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss, and I thought, what a great idea for a baby shower theme! So, the brainstorming began. I scoured the internet and blogging world for others who have had the same idea...and borrowed a lot of great ideas from their creativity...with my own flair. So, in case someone out there would also like to use this great theme, I give you a couple of ideas: Overall I went for a red, white and light blue theme, like Cat in the Hat. I used these colors in the primary decorations, invitations and cake. However, I wanted to include all Dr. Seuss material and so any bright colors fit in very nicely. And as a minor theme, I incorporated polka dots.<br /><div><div><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>Invitations </em></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhVc2Ov8HuKsCiVKBj0hzTKuuDbbfyQc5Iptb5w03dzH1nd7Ap0vXcNLqMMTy5P9PbrdIIgWVsDV_iqA2MMafOpv-CjaS_Sa2WawSO6SoKyHnUU1T9x3MK3CLNUGm1ZEUJrHpaJQ7hCBC/s1600-h/IMG_6236.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378539696768269330" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhVc2Ov8HuKsCiVKBj0hzTKuuDbbfyQc5Iptb5w03dzH1nd7Ap0vXcNLqMMTy5P9PbrdIIgWVsDV_iqA2MMafOpv-CjaS_Sa2WawSO6SoKyHnUU1T9x3MK3CLNUGm1ZEUJrHpaJQ7hCBC/s200/IMG_6236.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEk9FVHEqt1qcoBPQ9I5yiX7owPJjSFSaIZx_DBIZ4o6qk4Jehzv550cSockluz8lbv_LquZ8hbIlCFu4P-t-v-fQuoPC9CxvJig10brtZ4iR8tB0wp5GAe19sQIU8TFevRsUXstqUYO3n/s1600-h/Invite2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378540044791742178" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEk9FVHEqt1qcoBPQ9I5yiX7owPJjSFSaIZx_DBIZ4o6qk4Jehzv550cSockluz8lbv_LquZ8hbIlCFu4P-t-v-fQuoPC9CxvJig10brtZ4iR8tB0wp5GAe19sQIU8TFevRsUXstqUYO3n/s200/Invite2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><p align="left">These will probably be my paper pride and joy for many years to come. I created an invitation to resemble a Dr. Seuss book with a red cover and then four pages (2 front and back) on the inside with the actual invitation information on the back cover. I titled it "The Baby Bump By Drs. Ruths" (who knew that Ruths would actually rhyme with something useful!). I espeically enjoyed this b/c both parents are doctors. The four pages of the book each used the rhyming scheme, keywords and overall rhythm of a different book. My husband and I camped out in the children's area of a Barnes and Nobles to write the following:<br /><br />Page 1 (Cat in the Hat):<br />"We would like you to know,<br />Baby 1 is on the way,<br />And Oh! What a bump!<br />Mitali has today."<br /><br />Page 2 (Green Eggs and Ham):<br />"Would you, could you, come to play?<br />Would you, could you, on the 9th of May?<br />Will you, won't you come to talk,<br />Will you, won't you at 4 o'clock?"<br /><br />Page 3 (Sneetches):<br />"When you come to this Happity Hop,<br />Go stop at a local thneed shop.<br />Instead of a card, pick out a story to read,<br />For a growing book nook is needed indeed!"<br /><br />Page 4 (One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish):<br />"It started out slow,<br />But the glow is starting to show,<br />So go get in tow,<br />For this slow grow glow show."<br /><br />As you can hopefully tell from the invitation, we asked guests to bring a book instead of a card. Granted, it took a small lifetime to make 80 of these...but they turned out so cute, it was worth it. I mailed them in red envelopes with stickers labeled "Baby 1" (mimicing Thing 1). And I bought some Dr. Seuss stamps on eBay for a 15 cent premium (for the whole sheet...not per stamp) so 25 special people got an even bigger Dr. Seuss experience.<br /><br /><em>Decorations</em><br />I bought a collection of Dr. Seuss stuffed animals on eBay for pretty cheap. These were great decorations and also served as a special present for the baby.<br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZd6P38pk3qJzwdK7hPSubBt5nwwTeW6QHcCtTh_epg27ANCo7LJTRcX3glEesh9s4ni1dXZ9KZqwDIViCTEfhRpXR9OcRAhCd6F6RTO9ztwIZrHebR_ArA4NUCiv-1Szd7608iYObPv27/s1600-h/IMG_5989.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378540820334188898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZd6P38pk3qJzwdK7hPSubBt5nwwTeW6QHcCtTh_epg27ANCo7LJTRcX3glEesh9s4ni1dXZ9KZqwDIViCTEfhRpXR9OcRAhCd6F6RTO9ztwIZrHebR_ArA4NUCiv-1Szd7608iYObPv27/s200/IMG_5989.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvXEdMF2l9Mk_5yNDpGA-Tlf2umawv659V5VETLMmZmWBiUSGbIb420q_z9HDGEsJE77KY2rc1y6feCkCLEsPIQf0BvtVoptxFTMbAG5O4khiFC9nktAxM2xT78M2N4tpjNM_00oVfEbx/s1600-h/IMG_5996.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378541630903520978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvXEdMF2l9Mk_5yNDpGA-Tlf2umawv659V5VETLMmZmWBiUSGbIb420q_z9HDGEsJE77KY2rc1y6feCkCLEsPIQf0BvtVoptxFTMbAG5O4khiFC9nktAxM2xT78M2N4tpjNM_00oVfEbx/s200/IMG_5996.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><div>I acquired/borrowed/found Dr. Seuss books (my mother-in-law had a bunch and used book stores were good too!) and put them all around the house as decorations, pairing them with the appropriate stuffed animal if possible.<br /><br />To give some height, I bought red and white paper laterns at Hobby Lobby and then online for about $1.50/each. We hung 16 of them around the house. They were great b/c they spread the color and polka dot theme.</div><div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><em>Flowers</em></div><div>For the flower arrangements, we took red and white gerber daises and put them in fish bowls (think Cat in the Hat) and glued blue boa from Hobby Lobby around the tops (like Thing 1 and Thing 2's hair). Very inexpensive and super cute. </div><p><em>Cake</em><br /><a href="http://ivyjanitza.blogspot.com/">Ivy</a> (the other Ruths aunt to baby Sonya!) has a cousin in Houston who makes GORGEOUS cakes. So, we snatched up the <a href="http://www.satinslices.com/">amazing Edet </a>to make our "Cat in the Hat" cake creation. He did a fabulous job, but I don't need to explain - you can see for yourself.<br /></p><div><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370078245665066242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W4n5JT3JFYjVnvh29Dfw3eJT9Otepi5fVzkZabiolbIWT7xosZAWRnXa96CGqffze_29TYsbZbcxYoz7v-pMON5b4oIzA3o0qoRcEv8mP8w0gW0mUawafltVAo9EKRKr2O2FgTQ1pNdZ/s320/IMG_6005.JPG" border="0" /><em></em></p><p><em>Food</em><br />Since the party was at 4 o'clock, we just served light foods and tried to make them as Dr. Seuss themed as possible. So a couple of things we served:</p><p>-Oreo <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/chocolatedesserts/r/bl30618m.htm">"mud pudding"</a> - we served it in individual terracotta flower pots with "Truffala Trees" (The Lorax) made out of green pipe cleaners and tissue paper</p><div>-Deviled green eggs with ham</div><div><br /></div><p>-Sneetch Starfruit salad</p><p>-Sandwiches with "Who Roast Beast"</p><div>-"Pink Ink" pink lemonade punch</div><div><br /></div><p>-Chocolate fountain (I couldn't think of anything Dr. Seuss to go with that - sorry!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhry9dc7k5OPkqvOfKowv02-PXi_ib9Ioq0LMcV3imaGdNOuhSbN7E07tPBACv7ICVrWcSz73MqdJJSeAl1sIWYMNauaStYbJa933JeR1-mcYVMzc3KEJggybplZwoKgocdrGcSyF-erhSI/s1600-h/IMG_6177.JPG"></a></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamPV76DAMWssNa_lZ4tCwHVGxKqo1rqKY5lnjVHCQ5aaBVy76Sd7yyPVT_MCAIl0_jEzd8smuaQN2sHEsL10DRsRtQqnayLyxSD21Z1AFSJ2b8wPMYGGrRC8KuF4BQVhdqOKkvfhkW3w1/s1600-h/IMG_6014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378543669286638514" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamPV76DAMWssNa_lZ4tCwHVGxKqo1rqKY5lnjVHCQ5aaBVy76Sd7yyPVT_MCAIl0_jEzd8smuaQN2sHEsL10DRsRtQqnayLyxSD21Z1AFSJ2b8wPMYGGrRC8KuF4BQVhdqOKkvfhkW3w1/s200/IMG_6014.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsNS2nSwaoIHU-hYz1wjE71C7SX8Rfxu7F-0toXstjNtJhnyLiKKVfF5Y1fmyWLyFHlNnw5sldArqvsr8NB6qa-1cc-HVvNeQHyj4GlosJz3tiCPTLMiO9dUdtNWOcjEQM2Qk-AWwMH0q/s1600-h/IMG_6015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374100912060709858" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsNS2nSwaoIHU-hYz1wjE71C7SX8Rfxu7F-0toXstjNtJhnyLiKKVfF5Y1fmyWLyFHlNnw5sldArqvsr8NB6qa-1cc-HVvNeQHyj4GlosJz3tiCPTLMiO9dUdtNWOcjEQM2Qk-AWwMH0q/s200/IMG_6015.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDTYufqvbjVvQaX1rYYxkH_dOTZvcajPe_jWKU5hJzaJLWE7PtdnhVsbekewMAVKwqAv7V-XIXf-BjstC-HCHTikZ_QjPIGSka1TceJFzwibXMnpePDCW6fojRKsVJE0nF4ySYJrT5UBu/s1600-h/IMG_6016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378543681132771650" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDTYufqvbjVvQaX1rYYxkH_dOTZvcajPe_jWKU5hJzaJLWE7PtdnhVsbekewMAVKwqAv7V-XIXf-BjstC-HCHTikZ_QjPIGSka1TceJFzwibXMnpePDCW6fojRKsVJE0nF4ySYJrT5UBu/s200/IMG_6016.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div><em>Other fun ideas to incorporate</em></div><div>-I made a small red and white felt hat for the family black and white cat....get it? :)</div><div>-Baby Bingo with red and white M&Ms as markers</div><div>-Red and white tableclothes with red, white and blue dots made from felt</div><div>-The pink fish from "Cat and the Hat" was placed in a white teapot</div><div>-"One Fish Two Fish How Many Fish Are in This Dish?" - have guests guess how many Swedish fish candies are in a container. Winner gets the fish.</div><div><br /></div><p align="left">Below is a small collage I showing other parts of the shower - it was tons of fun and I loved experimenting with this great theme!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4F-4wO4WFGXZaYxM6SohOHLOSohigqd19DJaaZ_FKOqUHsoFBtwKda02axf2uQRiIuM7154hSVZfvasD-jhqOCqLGIehGF6hngmDToBlOR9PLMobEfiHJrp_Cqhb0HucAX97dvBxpZix/s1600-h/CHCollage+copy.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378584745203481794" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4F-4wO4WFGXZaYxM6SohOHLOSohigqd19DJaaZ_FKOqUHsoFBtwKda02axf2uQRiIuM7154hSVZfvasD-jhqOCqLGIehGF6hngmDToBlOR9PLMobEfiHJrp_Cqhb0HucAX97dvBxpZix/s400/CHCollage+copy.png" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-36117053855994898892009-06-30T21:44:00.000-05:002009-09-07T00:12:06.357-05:00First Sewing Project<div align="center"></div><div align="left">I have always looked forward to being an aunt - to have the responsibility to spoil, pamper and love a little baby is something I think I can handle quite well. So, you can imagine my excitement when I learned that my <a href="http://sonya.worldhoppers.org/">first niece </a>was on her way! I wanted to make something special for her and decided on a baby blanket. I figured baby blankets are pretty small so it shouldn't take too much time or be too expensive....and sewing isn't too hard....I did sew a quilt square in 3rd grade afterall. I found a <a href="http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/baby-quilt.html">little website </a>about making a baby quilt and followed it to a certain degree. However, they had one key ingrediant that I did not - a sewing machine! So I made it by hand using a rocking stitch (I think it was it's called). I made the squares 7"x7" and chose to do 9 squares long and 7 wide. I used a very thin batting and a nice bright yellow fabric for the back. I chose a blue, green and yellow color scheme as I didn't know the gender of the baby yet, and I figured that would work nicely either way. It turned out to be quite a nice size and took me a couple months to make...should have started a little earlier as I definitely finished it at 4am the night before the baby shower. The blue binding around the edges was quite tricky to sew and so I would highly recommend getting your hands on a sewing machine for that part. Overall, I think it's a great little project to learn how to sew and a cute present for a new baby. :)</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFuggVD7UXdAmH0IMV-tIpJbP2EiY4ne-y636Xk5wMxSCBFWRlqpKo6VuDkb9qyJM4IR2x5TF8lImLw98w_tV7rjcc7J6gPLO-kStdq6LC_qupGgrni9GJ61zUKJHdXKdIiUnAfOIlcvd/s1600-h/IMG_4979.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363314198405051234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFuggVD7UXdAmH0IMV-tIpJbP2EiY4ne-y636Xk5wMxSCBFWRlqpKo6VuDkb9qyJM4IR2x5TF8lImLw98w_tV7rjcc7J6gPLO-kStdq6LC_qupGgrni9GJ61zUKJHdXKdIiUnAfOIlcvd/s320/IMG_4979.JPG" border="0" /></a> Assembling the cut out squares into the desired pattern</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363315188741900434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihiyePHw_b0Tod8KZ5rdDpY-CkBkwZhxz0PeShp5T4KZpjGh1LygzNemAxHhdj8u4wzRhM1pc96Hmk6-nqpaZ8ygaX44aME_ANudPAZ_SqEIiap4uA0Xghsp7RtjXQTUZoFIITgfUaKQP/s320/IMG_5637.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Sewing all of the squares into rows and then sewing the rows together<br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363317215942951474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs3bfHenTq8LxVRrR7JCUaPQG7Brj45WCGeAUfXKbKpOIo_lDL7FbotX8AlclEw7BQar9VoyrkNjrAiHj3fXSTGjarFIa9I-vquLGWd-uHCxlGpyqtK58G7PyAGM2qTp55ktGDBP-d2gj/s320/IMG_6110.JPG" border="0" />Opening of the quilt! Ooo, ahh!</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363321632222199202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy95uTMqfuL-y90EFqG4y-xQQzDHnxmyfQjfAz8nBevNr_m_0cG69uPA-RQtJJKk06Ya1paSzF7U4QnxIxvJ6bPBSdn3uYiIPpF4BNQv0z8MtnY4ETqf3Z-J3iX9WJnc9XS9XcbHuMywsw/s320/IMG_6268.JPG" border="0" />Showing off the finished product - hope Sonya likes it!!<br /></p><br /><div align="center"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882469200465297356.post-41515894446136221962009-06-30T21:36:00.000-05:002009-06-30T21:42:31.158-05:00Welcome!Thanks for visiting my first personal blog! I have never envisioned myself as much of a blogger, but as I have been planning baby showers, bridal showers and parties of all kinds, I was amazed at helpful blogs were for sharing ideas. And so, you could say, I am now inspired. I hope to display my craftier side for others that enjoy these adventures and activities as much as I do.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16405910724246863044noreply@blogger.com0