Life Frosting

If you give a Mouse a Cookie Party

2012-01-30T00:18:00.001-05:00

When Luke was a tiny baby, he used to make the funniest little squeeks like a Mouse, so I thought it would be fun to have an "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" party.

Invitation:
Im going super simple now days!

Cake:

I knew we were having cookies...so I pretty much forgot about the cake! That afternoon I threw something together!

I was SO lucky when my mom offered to pain the backdrop! I think it really made the party, and now its hanging in his room!

Favors:

I gave the kids little felt cookies, and cute sugar cookies that looked like glasses of milk!

For dinner we had a big panini bar! That was perfect for the kids and the adults! We also served really yummy salad, and chips.

sweater wrapped wreaths

2011-12-18T10:42:00.001-05:00

Inspired by the anthropologie letters, I wrapped a wreath form in a goodwill sweater!

Then, I tried it with a gap scarf!

Elf Workshop Party

2011-12-14T17:22:00.001-05:00

We just had a great party for Elle's fifth birthday.
This year, I decided to use a Christmas theme, because her birthday is so close to the Holiday.

Invitation:
(they are supposed to be Elf hats...I know they kind of look like Christmas trees)

Banner:

I made a felt banner, welcoming the kids to the "Elf Workshop"

Activities:

When the kids got here, we divided them into groups by color of elf hat. We also gave them a name tag, so as not to confuse the 22 little elfs!

There were 4 little workshops:

Elf ornament workshop

Wrapping Present Workshop

(I gave them the bottom of a box at the beginning to collect all their crafts, and then when they got to this station, they wrapped the lid of the box, and put a tag on it.

Jingle Toy Station

(I played and played with ideas of how to make a simple jingle stick, and the best idea for their age, was just having them wrap twine (pre strung with bells) around a stick. It worked great and they turned out darling!

Cookies for Santa Workshop:

they decorated cookies, and then I had prelabeled the bags to say "Santa's Cookies"

Snacks and Cake:

(the Elf EATERY)

Cake:

We went with a simple Elf Hat, to go with the theme...It started out looking funny, but by the end, Rob and I were proud of our little cake!

crowd favorite...oh, and SO easy to make and look cute...3 good reasons to make chocolate and sprinkle dipped marshmallows on a stick.

Pirate booty...instead of cupcakes, as if they need more sugar!

Elle, in her elf outfit...proud to be the birthday girl!

I had a lot of great helpers...My Mom, sisters and friend Muranda all helped MAN the party!

Oh wait...then SANTA came! He was darling and they had a lot of fun sitting on his lap.

Elle was hesitant at first, because he reminded her of her poppa...hmmm

Santa gave them each a penguin shaped ring pop.

Then, after the festivities were over, they took their wrapped present with all their goodies home with them.

the tags say:
Thank you for helping at the elf workshop today.
My birthday party was wonderful because of friends like you.
Love, Elle, the Birthday Elf

Kate Middleton Costume

2011-11-15T00:18:00.000-05:00

This Costume was harder than it looks!

I researched hats for weeks...and finally settled on my great grandmothers hat and added peacock feathers
The dress was from SAVERS, but my mom took it in and added little black buttons.
The ring, that you cant see was ordered on etsy.

But the hair extensions...those were the hard parts.

I was trying to go cheap...so I bought these ghetto REAL hair 16 inch dark brown/platinum blonde CRIMPY extensions.
First, I dyed them brown.
Then I spent 2 hours straightening them
Then curled them
Next I had to cut them and hand sew clips to them!
Not to mention trying to put them on!

Anyway, my hair looked longer, but I did have one person ask me if Kate was known for frizzy hair!

I have to wait for pictures from the photog...so you can see William!

Ina's Apple Tart

2011-11-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

This was surprisingly easy...and delicious!
As long as you are up to peeling and slicing your apples (or using the apple corer-peeler) then get going, it really is great!
You can find the recipe here.

Autumn Leaf Baked Brie

2011-11-14T23:54:00.001-05:00

I tried to dress up my bries a little for a wedding reception.

I literally just cut off the top rind, making a little bit of a well.

Then a couple of them I layered pecans, pears and brown sugar before folding the pastry over. I also use various types of jam (my favorite is cranberry blood-orange cherry, but sometimes I just use raspberry.

(these are before they were cooked...I didnt get to see the final product!)

Halloween Costumes 2011

2011-10-31T00:50:00.001-04:00

This year we went Japanese.
I talked the girls into it by saying they were Japanese Princesses..which they were!
Their costumes were really fun to make, I love all the fun shiny fabrics.

(I didnt make Lukies costume...but had to search long and hard for a red dragon!)

Halloween Party 2011

2011-10-31T00:30:00.000-04:00

Bloody details.

Halloween lanterns

2011-10-25T00:22:00.001-04:00

I saw one of these in a local boutique, and decided to make my own.
I ordered a bunch of orange and black lanterns here. I only painted the one with an own, then painted polka dots on all the black ones. Made it easy to decorate the backyard!

bloody pumpkins

2011-10-25T00:08:00.000-04:00

These were SO easy...just red paint! But, they are a little creepy!

Fig salad

2011-10-13T10:07:00.001-04:00

This was one of the easiest tastiest salads I've had in a long time! I worry that figs are getting are getting harder to find...they dont have them at our costcos anymore. But if you can get them, try this yummy salad.

Figs (quartered)
goat cheese
toasted walnuts
arugula

(I just used a basic vinaigrette)

1/2 cup flavored vinegar (balsamic, pomegranite, acai, strawberry, etc.)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 red onion chopped in food processor
1 Tb dijon mustard
1 Tb brown sugar

salt & pepper to taste

B is for Bat

2011-10-12T16:23:00.000-04:00

This was a fun easy craft for the 2 year old playgroup kids!
Craft sticks and googly eyes make everything fun!

Paper Curl Wreath

2011-09-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

A Couple weeks ago I found This tutorial on a cute Website. I had been looking for a wreath, and thought it would be a great way to go (and cute for September) What I didnt realize..was how LONG IT WOULD TAKE!

First...I had to cut up 2 full books, a couple pages at a time in spirals. Then, roll them into flower curls and glue them on to the form...and if you cant tell by the picture, there are a lot of them!

after a couple very bad glue burns, I am proud to say I am done!
Just in time to take it down and put up my Halloween Wreath!

a Cake for Busy Izzy

2011-08-23T00:09:00.000-04:00

My cute little niece turned one and had a "Bee" Birthday.
They asked me to help with the cake, and I was so excited to try making a "beehive cake." I didnt have the Williams Sonoma cake pan, so I kind of had to make it up!

I used the top of the "giant cupcake" pan and then a couple of rounds.

Rob helped shape and carve it a little.

I thought I'd show an image of my kitchen during these cake making nights!

And Voila...here it is. Katie and her mom added the cute bees.
(The ribbon on the bottom is crooked in this picture and it is kind of driving me crazy. But let me tell you, it really did look cute!) And of cute Izzy was adorable. I'll post more pictures of her party because it was amazing!

The Hanging Moon Cake (semi-tutorial)

2011-08-04T15:22:00.000-04:00

Here are the instructions, though not super detailed.
I kind of made it up as I went…so I hope this makes sense:

I used the wilton ball pan. Then I went to home depot and got a really long threaded screw (it didn’t have a head on it) Then bought a washer that would fit that was 1 or 1.5 inches in diameter and flat, and a nut for the end. Then I put the screw through the cake, added the other stuff at the bottom, Put the fondant on it, and Froze it. I don’t know how much longer it would have lasted…4 hours was probably the max. You’ll have to play around with it a bit, because I am sure there is a better way!
The idea was to have a stick through it and either a plate, or cardboard or something to hold it at the bottom. The washer seemed to work the best, even thought it was small. I thought of using a bowl or something, but it didn’t stick with the round shape.

Easter Egg Dyeing

2011-04-23T09:37:00.001-04:00

I had high hopes of doing some really creative egg dyeing and decorating this year...but, as happens so often lately, we BARELY got around to doing it the most basic way. (you know, vinegar and food coloring!)

We made it into a fun activity with neighborhood friends and moms.

I wish you didnt have to refrigerate hard-boiled eggs, because they looked divine in my cupcake tree.

the bad news: I thought I was being so smart using my oilcloth tablecloth...ok, totally stained it!
Any ideas???

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T13:51:00.001-05:00

from Mrs. Predictable!!!

We kind of stick to the same things sometimes...

Robbies V-day box

class valentines

Just so you know, the caramel bits (unwrapped) have completely saved my life. If I had to unwrap the squares...I would never take on these kind of numbers!

White Chocolate Popcorn

2011-02-12T16:39:00.000-05:00

We tried something new for Teachers' Valentine Presents this year. I had never made white chocolate popcorn before, and thought I'd give it a whirl! So easy...I suggest you try it soon.

You will need:

2 bags white choc. chips
2 large bags of m&m's (I did 1 peanut & 1 plain)
15 cups of popcorn (that is about 2.5 bags...low fat, buttered)
LARGE bowl

After popping popcorn, shake the bag so the seeds go to the bottom...then scoop the popcorn from the top. Melt the chocolate chips, then pour over popcorn in bowl. If you want, you can alternate pouring popcorn then chocolate in bowl to make it easier to mix. (some of the popcorn will crunch as you do this...I dont see a way around it) Add m&m's and stir. Spread popcorn mix out on parchment paper (on cookie sheets) and wait for it to set. Break it up and put it in a bag. (You can be creative with what you add to it...cranberries, raisins, nuts...I love the m&m's because of the cute colors)

VOILA!

Robbie's Comic Superhero Party!

2011-02-10T00:58:00.001-05:00

Robbie's birthday marks the end of "Birthday Season" for me...phew!!! Now I have until the end of the year for it all to start again!

We had SO much fun planning and having Robbie's party. The idea took hold last fall in a flea market in San Francisco, where I grabbed a dozen vintage comic books.
It was a bit crazy doing this party, with my 3 week old baby...but it had to be done before our lives get even more hectic. SO...here it is!!!

The Invitation:

I really wanted to find a comic book artist to draw Robbie into the cartoon, but after trying a couple...I realized it wasn't as easy as I had hoped. So My mom and I started searching comics in our nights hanging out with new baby, and found this old comic...perfect for my plan! (Read Carefully!)

Decorations and Activities:

my front door welcome sign...of course

This little number made decorating really easy! It was a life saver, the kids loved the bounce-house/slide combo...and it really wasnt too bad to rent! (The colors were great for the party!)

We really wanted the kids to just run around and play, but we knew we needed a couple of organized activities...like a pinata! I contemplated making one because i couldnt find any shapes that i liked...but in the end we just bought a star and glued the villains on it!

As if my Mom didnt have enough to do while she was taking care of my 3 older kids, helping me with the baby and cleaning...I gave her a little project! She painted this queen size sheet to be a backdrop for the kids!

Villain balloons. We staked villain balloons all over the yard for the kids to aim their nerf guns at. Just one more little thing to keep kids busy.

FOOD TABLE:

We tried to keep the food simple. Cheetohs, Jello, Hot Dogs, PB & J's and gatorade!

I punched out comic book pictures for jello toppers.

More comic book strips for drink labels.

OK...In a bored moment, i printed off pages of comic books and cut out hot dog bun holders. Then I hand folded the corners! I know, I could have bought the normal red and white ones...but, sometimes when I have an idea...there is no stopping me!

I had seen these cones around, and thought it would be a fun way to serve their cheetohs.

Comic book sandwich wrappers...those vintage comic books sure came in handy!

The Cake:

As you probably know by now, Rob and I kind of have a tradition to make the cake together the night before the party. I was thinking simple...but he had other plans. As soon as he saw a similar superhero layer cake online, he was sold. So...4 hours later, our cake emerged looking like this:

Favors:

During the party, we made sure each of the kids got their picture taken in front of the backdrop.

I made foam-core signs to hold in the pictures...BAM! KA-ZAM! POW!
We let the kids pick the sign they wanted.

During the party, I printed out the pictures of the kids and put them in these frames.

I found unfinished frames at Michaels. Painted them black, decoupaged pages from the comic books on each one and finished them by inking the edges and putting a varnish over the whole thing. I am kind of in love with the frames myself. It was fun to pick out pages that would look cool from the comic book.

Overall, SO MUCH FUN!!! Robbie LOVED it! We had fun...and like I said, my birthday season is at an end.

So of course tonight I stayed up all night doing Valentines for the kids...on to the next thing i guess!!!

The Giving Tree Birthday Party (Jane's 2nd)

2011-01-10T00:24:00.000-05:00

We just celebrated Jane's second birthday with a "Giving Tree Openhouse."
I knew being 8.5 months pregnant, I would have to keep it simple...but even that was a little bit of work!

THE INVITATION:
This was so fun. It was so simple, but I loved the little boy turned into a little girl!

DECORATIONS:
ok...so there weren't a lot of decorations!
A big happy birthday banner, made of the pictures in the book, with big pink letters...

I sewed a ribbon across the top of the paper to hook them together...it worked really well!

I did fill a couple large jars with apples and branches...to go with the theme.

THE CAKE:

I actually ordered a plain cake white rectangle cake from the grocery store. I just wanted a clean slate to work with. The night before, Rob drew the little girl and the apple on some fondant, and then used drew the tree with melted chocolate on parchment paper. I know it isnt the typical birthday cake, but I loved it! I thought it looked kind of artsy...and being mostly black and white reminded me of a page of the book.

THE FOOD:

Since it was a later openhouse, we just had some munchies that went with our Leaves, Apples & Branches theme.

Branches: soft pretzels

apples: apple slices with a yummy dip (cream cheese, brown sugar and heath bar...YUM!)

Leaves: Lime sugar cookies (these usually are white with little specks of green from the lime zest, but I added food coloring to make really green.

Apples: apple juice & sprite

Leaves: Spinach Strawberry salad (with sugared almonds, feta cheese & poppyseed dressing)

Branches: Barefoot Contessa's cheese straws

ACTIVITY:

I knew most of the time the kids would be upstairs running around playing, but I did want a small activity just in case... Coloring pages of the book...how simple!

FAVORS:

I found these cute pillows at Pottery Barn Teen. For every one purchased, a tree was planted! Every family took one...most of them had at least one little girl that was excited about it!

Because I didnt make the caramel chocolate dipped pretzels for the Holidays, I thought I would make them for favors...and they went with the "branches" theme.

JANE'S SHIRT:

Of course at the last minute I decided to make Jane a shirt for her birthday party.
I printed the little girl and the apple (with a 2 on it) onto iron-on paper, and ironed it on! I love that stuff!

She was pretty proud of it...showing it to everyone!

Too Bad I couldnt get a perfect picture...thats how it goes I guess!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

The Cookie Exchange

2010-12-30T23:39:00.000-05:00

I know it feels like a lot of work in the middle of December,
but this year's Christmas Cookie exchange saved me!

The idea (though it may never work like this)
12 friends
12 DOZEN cookies EACH, pre packaged for you to take home

You take home 144 cookies (12 different types) and make plates for your neighbors!

How fun is that!

This year I made

Orange Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
½ cup butter (1 cube)
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ tsp. vanilla
3 tsp. grated orange rind
½ package semisweet chocolate chips
½ tsp soda
2/3 cup flour
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cup whole oats
½ cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in order. Spoon into 1 inch dough balls onto an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes. *Remember these are not your normal cake-like cookie, they are a lacey looking cookie that will be pretty flat.

Makes around 2 dozen.

Elle was inspired by her party!

2010-12-07T00:07:00.000-05:00

Elle can be found in her own mini beauty parlor doing her sisters hair and makeup!

Elle's Beauty Party (Makeup!!!)

2010-12-06T22:51:00.003-05:00

We knew a Makeup party was in store for Elle at some point...who knew it would be at 4 years old!
This was such a fun party for me to plan, but also for the little girls who attended!

INVITATIONS:

Each envelope was tied with this cute ribbon, and inside could be found...

...the invitation (my sister Miranda turned Elle's picture into this 50's beauty queen...it became the theme of the party!) and...

a beauty mask!

boy did I have fun sewing 10 of these! At first they seemed easy, but I used a stripe fabric, then the batting, the lace and minkie...I think I sewed around each one 3-4 times!

DECORATIONS:

Ok, so decorations were quite simple! I made a couple different fabric buntings to hang various places, and then signs with Elle's picture. The makeup and nail polish helped me decorate!

ACTIVITIES:

I made a little schedule up, to make sure we had time for everything...it looked a little something like this:
10-10:15 coloring make up on faces
10:15-10:45 brunch
10:45-11:00 makeup/hair (divide group in 2)
11:00-11:15 hair/makeup (divide group in 2)
11:15-11:45 manicure/pedicure (altogether)
11:45-12:00 presents & cake and icecream
So they started by coloring until they all arrived:

Brunch was SUPER simple...fresh fruit cups, mini quiches, raspberry lemonade & pastries.

Then they went to their stations.

Hair Salon
(I made them each a cute fabric headband, so doing their hair wouldnt be too hard!)

MAKE UP

NAILS

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Then of course we took pictures of the little Beauties!

CAKE:

I decided to make all the makeup out of fondant, but use real mirrors! So, after a couple hours of work...Voila!

FAVORS:

Each little girl went home with her own set of "Elle" beauty products!

I ordered the bottles online, and filled them with bath and body works lotion, bubble bath, shampoo and conditioner (in pink colors) Then I made labels to match the theme.

Inspiration for Elle's 4th Birthday

2010-12-06T22:38:00.000-05:00

On our recent trip to San Francisco, my Mom, sisters and I came across the cutest little beauty boutique called the "benefit brow bar." This lovely lady is there advertisement and became my inspiration for Elle's makeup party...

Super Girl Costumes...

2010-11-01T21:09:00.000-04:00

I definitely have not been doing a lot of projects (as you've probably noticed) over the past 7 months...being pregnant, sick, with 3 kids at home has finally done me in! So, here and there I try to do something a little fun...or of course, necessary. This time it was the girls halloween costumes.

I had the skirts, and Elle's shoes...so I had to make their shirts, capes, accessories, and Jane's boot covers.

It was fun picking out fabric, for this project and I think they came together nicely! I found the symbols online, enlarged and printed them and then used them as a pattern for their super symbols (and Jane's hairclip) I made the capes button on, so they could be reversible.

They looked cute and had fun wearing them on Halloween...did I mention I am glad that Halloween is over?

Halloween Party...why change a good thing?

2010-10-24T21:16:00.000-04:00

Well, this year we had another fun Halloween Party...and seriously didnt change much!

Changed invites and fonts etc...

But serving a lot of the same food and drinks made it very easy to plan this year (which is what very pregnant people need!)

We had some Hot Pop icons stop in...Katie Perry, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, shnookie...

bobbing for apples, doughnuts on a string, dancing, prizes for best costume...
oldies but goodies!

Baby Cowboy Quilt

2010-08-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

Paying tribute to Texas (and trying to match this little boy's bedding)

I never thought Id like fabric with characters on it...but I love this lil cowboy print

Back Yard Art Projects for Summer!

2010-07-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

My friend/photographer, Allison of English Photography, is doing the COOLEST backyard art projects this summer with her kids and friends. I have loved reading about it...and hope to get the energy to do some of the projects with my own kids soon. She has been doing them all at her house each week...maybe you could get together with some friends, and take turns hosting.

Click here for more information & more detailed instructions.

MARBLED PAPER ICE CREAM COLLAGE

They discussed how Eric Carle makes pictures...and then learned how to marble paper. After it was dry, they used it to make ice cream collages.

BACKYARD AQUARIUMS

They used all different colors and patterns of tissue paper between wax paper to make beautiful aquariums.

SAND ART

They used glue and colored sand to make these flags.

VEGGIE PICTURES!

These were the tools they used:

Then they used a faster drying ink instead of paint to make fun faces!

I think this is such a fun way to add creativity to our little ones lives!!!

Furniture for the Forest Friends

2010-06-28T21:00:00.001-04:00

My Mother in Law came up with this idea for the kids to do at the cabin. On cold days, or at night, we would build little furniture out of popsicle sticks and hot glue (the mattresses and pillows out of felt and cotton balls), and then at night we would leave them out for our forest friends.

we also made some little people out of pinecones.

the kids would leave nuts and raisins out for the little creatures...

and in return, they would leave surprises for the kids! My kids loved waking up to surprises!!!

(Rob and I got a little competetive with the furniture building...I one-upped him with the a bunk bed after his single bed...then he had to build the king cabin!

Changing Pad-the smaller version

2010-05-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

OK, so if you are loving the quilts...but want to make 2 for the same amount of fabric...try the changing pads!
I did mine 18X25 and then sewed in some grosgrain ribbon.

EASY, BREEZY, BEAUTIFUL!

Your First Quilt-tutorial

2010-05-15T22:33:00.001-04:00

You will need:

8 coordinating fabrics in the following sizes:

1 yard of the back of the quilt fabric

1/4 yard each of the 6 stripe fabrics

1/4 yard binding fabric

1 yard muslin

1 yard batting (or a 35X35 inch piece)

Decide which order you want your stripes. Cut them out in different widths:

STRIPES:

3X35

5X35

4X35

6X35

3X35

4X35

sometimes I change the size or order a little if I like one fabric more than another. It is easiest to cut the widths first and then cut the length all at the same time. (I cut mine on the folded at 17.5)

cut your binding fabrics

3 pieces of: 2 inches X the length of the fabric (cut one more piece if you arent putting inserts: see quilt below to see insert)

2 pieces of 2 X 9 (for the inserts if you want to do them)

Main fabric, Muslin & Batting
35X35 of each.
(it is easiest for me to lay out one of my fabrics on the batting and cut around it to make sure it is the right size)

Iron your pieces (ESPECIALLY your main fabric and muslin)

layer your main fabric on the bottom, then your batting, then your muslin and try to smooth out all the wrinkles

lay out all your stripes. If you still have a little fold line left over after ironing, it will help you line them up. just eyeball the distance between each one. Make sure to leave a little extra room at the top and bottom because your binding will take an inch of the white space.

Pin them down through all 4 layers

Now you can sew your stripes leaving a quarter inch seam allowance. NOTE: I was advised to buy a "walking foot" to make this quilt. It did help...but I believe you may make this quilt with your normal foot as long as your batting isnt really really thick.

cut your binding into the right size. 2 inches X 37 inches on all 4 sides
(if using the inserts, cut 37 inches on 2 of your strips. Then use the left over 7 inches and sew it to the inserts, and then cut the last strip in half and sew those pieces to the other side of the insert. You should have enough to make 4-37" long pieces.

Iron your binding fabrics in half. (if using inserts, first iron the seams down, then iron in half)

Pin your binding around the quilt by folding it around the quilt.

If you use the inserts, you can decide where to put those ones. I have done it so that the inserts are along the stripe sides and one is high on one side and low on the other side.

FOR THE CORNERS: every strip that you pin down should go under on one end and over at the other end. Where it goes under the binding, you can sew it straight down, where it goes over the following binding, fold the raw edge under. I hope you are not too confused...look at the quilt corners to understand.

sew the binding down using 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Now, go wash your quilt normally in the wash and then dry. Then trim all of the millions of long strings.

WA LA...Your FIRST QUILT! You should be so proud and one little muffin is going to be So excited!

embellished tee

2010-05-14T22:33:00.000-04:00

sometimes you just have to embellish your own tees (this one was from the dirty clothes pile...hence the wrinkles!)

I picked up a shirt at JCREW (for 49.00) just like this and thought...why dont I just put black flowers on a shirt and save 45.00?

Then...I decided to add letter beads to make it my own

Scrappy Apron

2010-05-07T14:27:00.000-04:00

After I made the quilts, I had LOTS of little scraps left over. I was about to put them in the scrap fabric box...when it occured to me. I could try to make an APRON! I know I know, you have been making them for years...but these are my very first aprons. I started with the little girl one (bottom left & far right) and then made one for myself. I did NOT have a lot of large pieces to work with, so as you can see I just kept sewing pieces together to make it work.

Hooray...no tiny scraps and a NEW apron!

If you want a tutorial...let me know, Ill make one.
I just kind of made up the design, but turned out cute if you ask me!

May I suggest for your first quilt...

2010-05-07T13:41:00.002-04:00

When I had baby Jane, my friend Kathy sent me this beautiful quilt.

I loved it so much, and I thought it was the most thoughtful thing in the world that she would take the time to make me a quilt! I wanted to make one...but have NEVER attempted to QUILT before..so I just left it hanging on Jane's wall...dreaming of becoming a quilter one day.

The other day I decided to stop dreaming and to start quilting. So, I went to the fabric store...picked out 8 coordinating fabrics....and DID IT! So...below are the 2 quilts I made:

I think for me, the hardest part was finding 8 coordinating fabrics. It is easy if you buy online and can stick with one designer's collection, but our quilt shop only carries a couple from each.

To make this quilt, You will need:

1 yard pretty fabric, 1 yard batting, 1 yard white muslin or white kona cotton, a quarter yard binding fabric (for the edge) and then 6 quarter yard pieces for the stripes. (NOT fat quarters. regular old quarter yards)

You pretty much just layer the cute fabric, batting, & muslin. lay out the stripes. Pin like crazy. sew. pin on the binding. sew. then wash to get frayed edges, and trim long strings.

If you want an ACTUAL TUTORIAL...

PLEASE post a comment below and I will do one in the next week or 2.

A sweet baby gift. and if you find cute an enough fabrics...maybe a cute YOU gift!

Question:

2010-04-18T17:59:00.000-04:00

Does the post office still mail
brown paper packages tied up with string?

Answer: yes

An Evening of "Cookery-Bookery"

2010-04-14T20:59:00.000-04:00

This month our bookclub read "My Life in France" by Julia Child. Everytime I picked it up I escaped into a such a fun place. Her positive enthusiastic writing about such wonderful experiences in France.
So, for our book club we all brought a french dish to share.

I set the table with my finest...

and cut sprigs of rosemary from my backyard for the place cards

Wild flowers are so beautiful right now here in TX. The kids and I went and cut flowers for the table.

I spent the evening before following Juila's very famous "BEEF BOURGUIGNON" recipe, and also her "Pate Choux" (eclairs)

Other Ladies brought Quiche Lorraine, French Bread, Gruyere Puffs, French Fries, creme puffs, a sorbet mold and Ratatouille! Needless to say, we sat chatting at the table for nearly 3.5 hours!!!

Cheese Straws

2010-04-14T20:48:00.000-04:00

My favorite little SL bakery is Normandy Cafe. One of the yummiest things there are these cheesy breadsticks.
I was flipping through "Barefoot in Paris" (Ina Garten) and found a recipe that is SO easy and SO yummy.
So, here it is...puff pastry, my best friend, and cheese!

2 sheets puff pastry
1 egg (beaten with a tablespoon of water)
1 cup grated gruyere cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced thyme leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
ground pepper

preheat oven to 375

1. roll out your pastry to 10X12
2. brush with egg mixture
3. sprinkle cheeses, thyme, s & p
4. use pizza cutter to cut into 12 strips

5. twist strips onto parchment lined pan
6. bake 10-15 minutes until brown (turn and bake 2 more minutes...I didnt, but it says to)

WA LA!!! Yummy with salad or actually with anything at all!

*You can make these and spread basil, or tapenade, or tomatoe sauce on them instead of cheese mixture.

Easter Kid Table: my Lollipop tree!

2010-04-06T20:30:00.000-04:00

So using that lollipop tree tutorial, I made a couple lollipop trees for the girl and boy tables.
It was easy to find the styrofoam cones at the craft store...and they were fun to make!

This year I went with really simple little favors, and just personalized them to make them a little cuter!

Lollipop Tree

2010-03-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

So...a minute ago I had an idea for the centerpiece for the kids table...after a couple different google searches, Here is a good how-to on lolipop trees. I have the cute fruit lolipops from Williams Sonoma and was trying to think of ideas of how to incorporate them. I think I'll give this a try...but I will have to use cones from a local craft store...so lets hope they have them!

Time to plan your Easter Table

2010-03-28T21:55:00.001-04:00

Well here it is one week to the day...so its time to plan your table.

I found a couple great ideas here and step by step instructions here.

I just love to do the same things over and over, so my table might look something like this again!

here is a fun one from gather and nest

and the winner is....(Vintage Bloom Giveaway winner)

2010-03-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to

"BRINTONS"

who said: "So, I'm a new reader on your blog (found you from Elise). This is my first comment, but who can resist this give-away? I'd go for a three bloom headband...so spring!"

Hooray for you! Ok, leave a comment here with a way to contact you...and in the meantime start browsing the Vintage Bloom Shop for your gift!

THANK YOU everyone who participated!!!

Done with the "Flinging" do I have to start the cleaning?

2010-03-22T22:13:00.000-04:00

I am feeling so LIBERATED! Even though I didnt even get to the "big" stuff, I lived this past month with new eyes. "why do I keep that around, this is gross, why do I have 6 of these, I will never read that, nobody would ever read that..." So mostly books, games, and storage...but stuff that I keep Packing everytime we move just to store again. So...Adios stuff!

(I just hope I can keep these new eyes!!!)

making a shirt dress...

2010-03-20T14:03:00.000-04:00

I have been staring at this tutorial for a year and finally made a couple dresses!
Just go through your husbands closet...and snatch a couple shirts he may not wear anymore...and in a couple hours, you will have a couple new dresses for your little one!

My favorite part was using the basic idea and then doing my own variations.

Check out the tutorial at MADE.

Vintage Bloom GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-03-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

Ok, just when you thought life couldn't get any better...you find out that YOU could win one of the adorable products from the Vintage Bloom Etsy Shop.

So, to enter...visit the shop and leave a comment here letting me know which item you want to win!

The giveaway will end in 5 days...Tuesday March 23, 2010 at...oh, lets say, at midnight.

GOOD LUCK!!!

will you choose a spring headband for Easter Sunday?

or a clip for your little girl...maybe a versatile pin for cardigans and handbags?

How are you going to choose?

Visit Vintage Bloom and start browsing!

Palmiers...(elephant ear cookies!)

2010-03-15T17:09:00.000-04:00

I finally bought "Barefoot in Paris," my last Ina Garten cookbook. I was So excited to try it out and I found this sparkly gem of a recipe inside: BEWARE: THIS IS SUPER SUPER EASY!!!

Palmiers

1 pack pepperidge farm puff pastry (2 sheets)
2 cups of sugar
1/8 tsp. kosher salt

Thaw your puff pastry.
( she suggests overnight in the fridge...that works, but it also works 40 minutes on the counter)
preheat oven to 450
First mix the salt and sugar together.
put 1 C. of the mixture onto your board,
then put one of your sheets down
pour 1/2 cup mixture on top.
roll it out to a 14 inch square making sure the sheet is coated front and back with sugar.
Fold like this:

cut into 3/8 inch strips and put on a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or silpat)
bake at 450 for 5 minutes
they should look like this:

Then flip them all over and bake for another 4-6 minutes. Just til the sugar is all caramelized or there is slight browning.

WA LA!!!

ok..so for St. Patricks day I tried tinting them GREEN by adding a couple of drops of food coloring to the sugar. (mixing it in a ziploc)

Happy St. Patty's DAY!

Miranda's flower tutorial

2010-03-11T16:31:00.000-05:00

My sister has been working on making felt flowers for an upcoming shower. I love them...Im so glad she teaches how to make them here.

Take the Challenge SPRING FLING 2010

2010-02-25T15:55:00.002-05:00

The other night I couldnt sleep...I was thinking about all of the stuff in my house. So, I decided to get rid of some things, not just "some" things, 100 things. In the morning I called my sister and told her about my plan...so we decided to make it a challenge for anyone who wants to participate.

Before Spring Cleaning, this year, comes SPRING FLINGING!!

The challenge:

FLING 100 ITEMS BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING, MARCH 21ST

Definition of "FLING":

ebay, re-gift, donate, craigslist, give away, freecycle, recycle, trash...just about anything you can think of, but on March 21st, 2010 100 items must be GONE.

If you're up for the challenge

1.Leave a comment on this post, and let us know you are participating

2. Create a list on your sidebar and start tracking as you fling

3.Feel free to post a button as well to let your readers know what you're up to!!

Enjoy, and happy flinging!

bath salts...in 2 seconds!

2010-02-19T13:23:00.000-05:00

Last night at our RS meeting, we learned how to make BATH SALTS.

ok..brace yourself, this is easy...

1. ziploc bag

2. 1/3 cup sea salt

3. 1 cup epsom salt

4. a couple drops of essential oil or fragrance

5. a couple drops of food coloring (optional)

6. mix.

Isnt that fun. I love baths and usually just stick in crystals, bubbles or anything else I have close. I think these make cute little gifts though...for someone who needs to RELAX a little!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T23:59:00.001-05:00

My Valentine cut out brownies & icecream worked!
Add caramel, raspberries, macademia nuts and whipcream...and it was yummy!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART WINNERS!

2010-02-14T23:27:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce the winners for the

SWEET ROSIE CLIPS:

(drumroll please)

Sharon from SharDonexclusives

Kristin Neal

Betty Boogie from Betty Boogie's Oddventures

Congratulations you guys...Ill send you your clips this week!

Thank you everyone for participating! This was FUN!

So you need a Valentines Idea...by tomorrow!

2010-02-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

OK, here is what I can offer you if you are up to it. All you need for tomorrow is a special invitation for your hubby...and the date can be Next weekend. See, I have just given you one more week to plan. The invititation could be for one of the following things (all of them could be with the 2 of you or with another couple or two to share the fun):

1. Did you see Modern Family this week? Yes, you can invite him to meet you in a hotel lobby next week (with or without the role playing) Then, go out to eat, eat there...whatever you want.

2. Bachelor style. What is the one thing they do on the bachelor for dates? Did I hear HELICOPTER? Give him an invitation (bachelor style wording) to soar above the town with you next week. I looked into rides here and they range from 35-100 dollars per person...so do the 35 and then eat at home!

3. My new favorite, but would be super fun with another couple, give him an invitation to a special live dinner. Then decorate one of your homes or dining rooms, and next week have all the sides put together except for the main dish...LOBSTER. Pull out the live lobsters and all figure out how to make them! There are so many sources for figuring it out...I think this would be so fun!

4. An invitation to your favorite country themed night...next week, go all french with fondue and a french movie, italian, mexican, japanese and watch memoirs of a geisha...anything.

5. Romantic picnic

It doesnt matter what you decide...just get out of your comfort zone a little and tomorrow, surprise him with the invitation. Then work on the planning!

Have fun!

Elle's Valentines

2010-02-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

Elle's Valentines my way.

Elle's valentines the right way...with her special touch.
We spent an hour looking at princesses online...and this was the winner. (I think its because of her beautiful long hair)

Cookies on a Stick Valentines

2010-02-11T23:19:00.001-05:00

Well, because I am on the cookie on a stick kick...I thought Id tell you how to do them.

First, I searched the internet for a good sturdy recipe, and this is the best I found. They are SO yummy, but they taste a little more like a butter cookie, or shortbread than a sugar cookie...but I really love them.

Michelle Bommarito’s Sugar Cookies For Sticks

3 c. all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks butter, unsalted, softened (8 oz)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg 1/2 t. kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of almond extract

Sift together the flour and baking powder. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the egg, salt and both extracts.
Slowly add flour mixture (1 cup at a time) and stir until incorporated
Form the dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface to approximately 5/8″ thick. Cut the cookies into shapes and place the cut cookie shape on a parchment lined cookie; Poke a stick into cookies.
Bake the cookies for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown in color. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

Royal Icing
1 pound confectioner’s sugar
5 T meringue powder or 1/4 cup pasteurized egg whites
Ice cold water according to desired consistency and 1 teaspoon vanilla
Stir together, using as much water as needed for desired consistency

So, once my cookies while my cookies were baking...Miranda gave me the most brilliant idea. Make my design on parchment paper first...so I wouldnt have to freehand the batman symbol.

So, I melted chocolate chips...and piped the chocolate onto the parchment. You could use royal icing in colors if you wanted a different color. I happened to need dark. I put mine in the fridge to harden.

Then, I first piped around each cookie, filled them in with yellow icing and stuck my symbol right in the middle.

Wa La...Robbie's batman Valentines. Then of course I googled "batman valentine" and found this vintage picture. He loved it!

So, here are 2 dozen batmans on a stick!

and with the left over dough I did some of my own valentines! These were fun...but, I have no idea how to do polkadots. They kept making stringy points.

Happy Valentines Day!

One World One Heart...GIVEAWAY!

2010-02-07T23:44:00.002-05:00

Its time for the One World One Heart GIVEAWAY!
Right now, bloggers around the world will be doing giveaways...so keep your eye out for the Magic Carpet Ride symbol! My sister just told me about it and I am really excited to participate this year...( if you want to host a giveaway on your blog click on the link below for information...)

MY GIVEAWAY:

I am going to give away 3 SWEET ROSIE CLIPS from ELLE & JANE.
if you want to enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment on this post before February 13th
2. make sure you leave your email or a way to contact you
3. specify the color you want (white, pink, lavender, red...Im out of yellow)
Thats all!
Three winners will be announced on February 15th!

Take a magic carpet ride through blogs around the world! What a wonderful way to connect with people!

Astronaut Training Party

2010-02-07T20:58:00.002-05:00

OK...the last of the 3 birthdays in a row is done! Robbie's 5th birthday party was an astronaut space party...so here is your photo journey!

INVITATIONS:

the boys each received a box instead of just a card (boxes courtesy of USPS priority)

Here was the invitation folder...

and invitation. (I used the font "neuropol." Looked so spacey!)

Under their invitations, they received their official uniform (I told you I was going to love printable iron-ons)
they also got a little "preflight energy food" (starburst)

DECORATIONS:

Of course I couldnt have had a party without a birthday banner...thanks again cricut!

Chinese Lanterns! I had to order more after Jane's party. I kept trying to figure out what would look like planets, and beside paper maiche, silver lanterns were the easy way to go! So, I kept the red ones up, added a ton of silver ones in different sizes and 5 small blue ones with NASA on them.

This may have messed up the look of the party, but I really wanted cute cookies on a stick. I will be the first to admit that I am NOT a cookie decorator. So, these were everywhere...maybe not super professional looking...but YUMMY!!! Ill post the recipes I used soon.

ACTIVITIES:

LEVEL 0: Shuttle Orientation
As the kids arrived, I had them color space shuttles that had all the parts labeled.

LEVEL 1: Rocket Launch

If you have kids, and dont have one of these, I would order one RIGHT NOW! They are So fun, and work really well. The boys at the party loved it, and my daughter played with it the whole next day!
(its called the ultra stomp rocket)

LEVEL 2: Shuttle Repair
The boys wore kitchen gloves and had to screw big nuts and bolts together underwater to give them the feel of big gloves in space!

LEVEL 3: Collect Moon Rocks

I scattered moon rocks all around the yard (kind of like an egg hunt) and let them search for them and add them to their official moon rock pouch.

again, loving iron ons and canvas bags from the craft store.

The rocks were quite a process. We started by spraying them green, but they were too transparent, so then we primed them and then put 2 more coats of green. In the end, they were EXACTLY what I was going for and the boys LOVED them!

LEVEL 4: Tranquilize Aliens

OK, we had to throw this in for the boys. We put these laminated cutouts of aliens on the wall and let the boys use a variety of nerf shooters to get them. (aliens thanks to the cricut...again)

LEVEL 5: Antigravity Balance
it wouldnt be a space party without a little balancing (jumping) on an air mattress. We let them balance a bouncy ball on a plate as they walked across. And then they basically just played on it!

UNIFORMS:

Rob wore painters coveralls that worked out great...dont try to iron directly on to it, because it melts! So I ironed the nasa symbol and the "trainer rex" label on to paper and pinned them on.

I think the boys loved their shirts. I used the nasa symbol and then added the "astronaut training part" to it.

the part they loved the best was their names on the back! Space Ranger ROBBIE!

FOOD:

Well, what can I say...Nasa waters, Mars Mud, Jupiter Jello, and PLANET PIZZA! I went kind of easy on food!

CAKE:

I couldnt get the idea out of my head...a hanging moon cake! So, I went to home depot, got some hardware, and then Rob and I worked on it the night before...so here it is!

The boys thought it was pretty cool that the CAKE was hanging over the table!

We let Robbie blow out the candles while it was still hanging...

and Rob even cut all the pieces for the boys while it was still hanging!

FAVORS:
More iron ons! I personalized the bags just like their shirts.

They started with Astronaut Ice Cream, Moon Sand, and water...

but by the time the boys left they were stuffed full with moon rock bags, kitchen gloves, nuts and bolts, extra food (for the boys who didnt finish) and of course a space ship cookie.

We also presented them with their Certificates of Completion, that told them thank you for coming and being part of our launch crew!

Birthday headband

2010-02-05T22:47:00.002-05:00

Here is my b-day gift for my sister Em. I hope it goes with her rock style!

My cute cousin Caroline has a business selling these headbands, clips and other things called "Vintage Blooms" and she is going to do a give away here in a week or so...so stay tuned!

These are fun...

2010-01-28T23:40:00.000-05:00

When I was in UT, I kept spotting these on people...and loved them. My friend Jody sat down and showed me the trick of the trade and now Im on fire. They are kind of addicting, so dont be surprised to see a couple more posts about them...especially because I couldnt figure out how to take a picture of myself to get headband!

A new use for the birthday banner...

2010-01-28T23:34:00.001-05:00

I was putting this banner away in a ziploc bag, carefully storing if for the next time I throw a tea party for elle (what?) when I realized...It might be okay to hang it in her room! I wouldnt have thought that the cardstock would loo cute, but guess what...I LOVE IT! I dont think her room would look right without it anymore!

I think it is cute to characterize a corner of a room. Especially in this case, because as soon as she grows out of tea parties (which she never will if she is like me) I can take it down and replace it with hannah montana posters. jk

roasted chicken...or should we say, easy chicken

2010-01-28T23:28:00.000-05:00

My sister Mir, was on a roasting chicken kick. So I decided to give it a try...my little no-chef self doesnt normally do stuff like this, but hey...she said it was easy.

Can we say: chicken, salt and pepper? 450 for an hour? what is hard about that!
Yes I garnished with a couple potatoes, carrots and onions, but seriously the hardest part was getting the neck and the other thing out...so I tried to pawn that job off on my kids...who didnt take the bait and I had to do it myself. But seriously, give this a try...here is the recipe (if you need one)

Japanese Cherry Blossom Party

2010-01-17T01:29:00.007-05:00

This was one of the quickest parties I've ever put together and also probably the most fun! When I was in the hospital after I had Jane, I wondered what I would do for her first birthday and came up with this idea. So, a year later...here it is!

Invitations:

I probably could have been more creative but I was in a time crunch! So pink cardstock, oriental font and cherry blossom cut outs attached with brads was the answer. (I just inked the edges)

Decorations:

so easy and so fun!

I went with chinese lanterns (one for the door at the last minute)

After searching stores and online for faux cherry blossom branches, I resorted to cricut cutouts of flowers on my own branches. I think it turned out better than the real thing! (and I am going to keep them up for Valentines!)

I was lucky to have sticks with little stubby branches so I just slid the flowers on...no glueing or anything!

I wish I would have had more chinese lanterns for clustering. They look so cute clustered!

I found chinese lanterns on justartifacts.com for about a dollar a piece (without the battery pack) shipping doubled the price but it was worth it. I am tempted to order them in more colors because they are SO fun!

Table:

I was tempted to buy square plates because I didnt think I had anything that worked...but luckily it turns out that I had enough rectangles to make it work.

(Here is Jane...hanging out on the table!)

I got square paper goods at walmart, and blossom napkins a long time ago at IKEA.

We used white platters for the dessert side and dark for the authentic side

here is an arial view...(can you tell I am a little proud of this table, lots of pictures...I know!)

we found chopsticks at central market...then I just wrapped them with ribbon

FOOD:

Dessert Sushi

swedish fish, fruit by the foot and rice krispies!

(do not look for green fbf...it doesnt exist, I used some disney kind in a turqoise that worked great)

fbf, rice krispie treats and half a "raspberry" candy (the kind in the bulk section that comes in black and red)

twinkies, fbf, cherry twizzler or mini gummy bears. you can get 5 slices out of one twinkie!

definitely a filler..are these called ho hos?

then of course Rob made the real stuff, rainbow rolls, tuna and salmon sashimi and the a selection of california &philadelphia rolls

Cake:

janes cake...easiest cake in the world and turned out perfect. note to self: keep fondant thick and circle cakes are WAY easier than square!

Cherry Blossom Cake

My friend Shanda came over and made this cake with me. I made the layers, and frosted them together and froze them. when she came over we spent a lot of time making the flowers, laying the fondant and decorating. It took us about 4 hours...but guess what...this cake was UNDER 10 dollars to make!

We thought we'd make it really unique so we looke us what "JANE" is in Japanese...and here is the closest translation in characters! (we would have done a one but it looked like a dash)

showing the layers (strawberry and red velvet)

Favors:

red take out boxes (from Michaels) filled with fortune cookies...

ok, and I couldnt resist throwing a little bath and body works "Japanese Cherry Blossom" sanitizer in too!

The day of the party I threw together this little shirt for the birthday girl.

I was stitching around the flowers at traffic lights, during naptime, etc!

on the back I stitched a little "1"

then made a little clippy to match...small enough that she wouldnt pull it out!

wa la...now, do you feel like you were there?

Displaying my collection

2010-01-11T01:15:00.000-05:00

I keep collecting these baby shoes from around the world and sticking them in a drawer...so finally I tried to display them.
It is fun to have them to look at...but I feel like Im doing something wrong. Does anyone have any advice?

Elle's Mother-Daughter Tea Party

2009-12-22T11:59:00.005-05:00

I have had so much fun planning Elle's third birthday party. My mom and I spent a month looking for tea cups and saucers at goodwills and homegoods. I collected little details and ideas...and finally got to set up, decorate and throw the party.

INVITATIONS:
I went pretty simple. I used cream cardstock and used and eyelet paper punch around the edges. I used a simple drawing of a teapot in hotpink and then used clear sprinkles over it. It read:
"to celebrate Elle turning three
you are invited to a mother-daughter tea"
then ended with
"wear your loveliest dress and a pair of pearls
and we will enjoy high tea as beautiful girls"

CAKE:
I was so excited to make my first fondant cake. I started with the wilton ball pan, and shaped a handle, spout, and knob. Then, rolled out the fondant placed it over the ball and smoothed. Im sure you can see how I did the rest..but if you are making a similar cake, let me know and I will tell you how I did it!

DECORATIONS:
I set each place setting with a tea cup and saucer, fan folded napkin, little teapot place card, and a doilly on the plate. I used 10 colored tissue balls hanging from the ceiling. I put teapots and tea cups in my buffet and around. I found beautiful scarf print table cloths at WS outlet. I used the cricut for some really cool tea pot cut outs and to make a big banner. I also had the books "Tea for Ruby" and Fancy Nancy's tea parties on display" (they also helped me in the planning)

ACTIVITIES:

As soon as the girls and their moms got to my house, they started to decorate little hats and purses with flowers and ribbon. Then they came over to the living room and I started to tell them a little bit abou tea parties. As I did, Elle handed them white satin gloves and a pair of pearls so they would be really fancy for the pictures. Then the moms and daughters got their pictures taken in the little booth. (a hung up flowery sheet and another one on the floor with a white chair)

After we took all the pictures, it was time for our tea party. I opened the doors to the room for a grand entrance. The big banner said "ELLE's TEA ROOM"

FOOD:

(most everything was cut in flower shapes and topped with a fancy toothpick-with a paper butterfly of flower at the top) I made different cakeplates to hold the food using a china plate glued to an upside down dessert cup. They were all different heights.

sandwiches : chicken salad for moms, peanutbutter-marshmallow cream for girls, watermelon & blueberries, apples and half grapes, cheddar & mozz. cheese, swiss cheese & raspberry, scones, raspberry tarts, tea cakes, pink marshmallows, and Raspberry Lemonade with sprite as our tea.

We enjoyed tea for a long time and then ate cake and peppermint icecream. Then Elle gave the girls a small copy of Tea for Ruby (which I found in cereal boxes...so I have a ton of cheerios at my house) and said goodbye to her little friends.

FAVORS:

The girls had a little tea party collection to take home: hats, purses, their tea cup and saucer, pearls, gloves and their little books. The mom's could pick a cake plate to take home with them!

TEA PARTY ATTIRE: I found a dress by Betsey Johnson called "the tea party dress" so I knew that was a must, Miranda my sister made my headband and found my actual tea party calfskin cream gloves at goodwill in DC. A lot of the girls found their little skirts made by popatu at Nordstrom...a good alternative to pettiskirts because the price was good and they werent so HUGE.

homemade cinnamon rolls

2009-12-11T08:41:00.001-05:00

I made these for a couple families on thanksgiving, and I think there may be no greater act of love than waking up early to roll them out, let them rise, bake & frost then deliver. I felt so good doing it, but I wouldnt mind trying the kind you can make ahead. My friend has a recipe for that kind...so Ill let you know!

still making homemade Christmas Cards

2009-12-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

I wonder when I will switch...next year the next? When will I finally give in to the digital revolution?
This year, I tried to think of a "simple card." Making 125 of anything doesnt end up being simple.
I stamped and embossed the little saying "Merry Christmas Dear Friend" then punched it out, stuck it to the picture that was stuck to the cardstock. Then "inked" or distressed the edges, cut slits inside to put another picture, printed, folded, addressed...It is so worth it (I think) but it does take quite a few late nights!

Baked Brie

2009-11-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

I know I posted something like this last year, but can I tell you how much I love making baked brie! EASIEST THING EVER!

you need:
puff pastry
brie
egg whites
raspberry jam OR pear, brown sugar and pecans

roll out puff pastry, cut off the top rind of brie, spread either topping, fold corners over brie to wrap it, brush egg whites and bake at 400 for 30 minutes.

Yeah and Yum!

Thank You Nordstrom for my gift tags

2009-11-17T17:04:00.000-05:00

In last month's Nordstrom catalogue, I was so excited to find a whole page full of adorable gift tags! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the artwork!
I wont be making gift tags this year!

More shirts...

2009-11-17T16:59:00.000-05:00

Halloween Party Food & Drinks

2009-11-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

Ok, here is the table with food...similar to last year...ok, pretty much exactly the same as last year!

The drink bar was similar to last year, but I added one new one...
(that is nacho libre in the back!)

Hot Chocolate & rootbeer with dry ice. Water of course, and...

"shrilly temples!" It was fun to fill the punch bowl with gingerale and dry ice! That was a new one for me. then I had a little bottle of "Sweet Joint Juice" (grenadine) next to it, and a bowl of "Bloody Eyeballs" (maraschino cherries). The Shirleys were a huge hit!

Death by Sweetness-Halloween Party Dessert

2009-11-02T17:27:00.000-05:00

Last year...pumpkin pies were a huge disappointment! So this year I went with the more contemporary dessert: CUPCAKES! My friend Annilee is a serious baker and baked one hundred cupcakes for me FROM SCRATCH. (fresh strawberry, smore, white-chocolate raspberry on chocolate & pumpkin with cream cheese frosting.) They turned out amazing and the table was so fun!

She had decorated each one using fondant figurines. I LOVE TALENTED PEOPLE!

This was the moment of delivery. I was almost in tears I was so excited!

Halloween Party set up & Details

2009-11-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

Ok...why change a good thing. EXACT table setting as last year. I just redid the signs in the new font.

These little haunted houses are from target....I thought they were so cute! They had 3-4 styles.

Im not a "web person" but I did like my little webbed fireplace area. I used glittered pumpkins in the urns to tie it in a bit.

Costume prizes were these cute black glasses from PB, etched with skulls and filled with purple hersheys kisses.

Halloween Party Set Up & Details

2009-11-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

I tried to keep everything black and white. I filled my dish-shelf with Black Glitter Skulls & tealights in black buckets.

I used pictures of some of last year's winners...Including a scary vampire couple.
I also tried to keep all my signs the same as the font/format as the invitations.

This year we eliminated the "scariest costume" and went for "very best."

This was a fun sign to make...I cut out that bat and then glittered it to match in invitations.

Iron on-printable paper!

2009-11-02T12:31:00.000-05:00

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING ALL MY LIFE?
I just discovered this hidden gem at office depot and I think my life is about to change. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

For my costume, I just googled an image, typed some text and PRINTED. After some high pressure ironing...I had a new shirt.
Stay tuned for some cute personalized kids shirts. I saw some in Chasing Fireflies...and I will be making some shortly!

Halloween teacher treats!

2009-11-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

More Sillhouette Shirts

2009-10-09T23:02:00.000-04:00

I actually used the CRICUT on these...how amazing is that?
(I will need to get a new blade if I end up doing this more often)

Life as a Room Mom

2009-10-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

probably not much different than life as a "not" room mom. But, I got to make a cool poster for our class both at the school carnival...and to make it...I had to get a CRICUT, so...life is good! I am not sure what to do with the cricut except for cut out letters and shapes...but just think of all the cutting I can do now!

A first attempt at a "petal-type" top

2009-10-09T22:57:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to try something like this for a long time. Crewcuts are the cutest clothes on the planet earth, and every once in awhile I like to try to imitate them in some small way.

I think it would be cuter with the same color shirt and petals..but I worked with what I found, and Ill keep searching for new colors of both.

F is For:

2009-10-06T22:22:00.000-04:00

Fabric Flowers

Friends in a Frame

and Fondue!

(and family, face & FUN!) They also got to put make up on a printed face.

Sneak Preview:

2009-10-06T22:17:00.000-04:00

Yummy Food for a great get together

2009-09-29T11:33:00.001-04:00

Mango Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken (marinated in balsamic)
Mangoes-cubed
Provolone cheese (shredded or in small slices)
Spring Mix salad

dressing:
1 clove minced garlic
3TB spicy brown mustard
3TB honey
3 TB balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
1 cup olive oil
Whisk all ingredients together except olive oil. Add olive oil and whisk. toss in salad.

My Cute friend Emily gave me this recipe at Outerbanks one year...and now it is a favorite for book clubs, showers, and small dinner parties! YUM!

Did you know that rolls arent scary? Yes you have to think about them the night before, and then again 4 hours before...and you never want them to burn in the oven after all the work...but you know what. If I can make rolls, you can make rolls!
I use the junior league out of this world rolls or lately "feather overnight rolls" out of the mormon cookbook.

Please get your baking apron on and make these IMMEDIATELY! Pumpkin cupcakes with cream chees frosting and shaved milk chocolate. Im kind of in heaven. really, I want 12 more!

There were some other great dishes that I dont have pictured...but get started with these!

I know, I know...IZZE is the new cool drink for showers mostly because of the packaging probably. BUT amazingly, they really are SO good and pretty good for you, so what a WIN WIN!

Book Club favors...book marks

2009-09-29T07:58:00.002-04:00

I thought it would be fun to make book marks for the book club meeting.

I used double sided cardstock so that they would be pretty on both sides.

I think they turned out cute...and I have been using mine! So much better than lying the book on it's front with pages open...or worse, folding corners!

appliques...a reminder!

2009-09-28T15:51:00.003-04:00

I have been posting a lot of appliques lately, and wanted to post a link to my tutorial. So here it is. The only thing Ive done different and better is I iron the fabric to the pelon FIRST so I dont have to cut out the shape twice! Hope this helps!

Apple Art

2009-09-28T15:47:00.001-04:00

Needing a play group idea? Here was one of the things we did on "A" day.

The letters have been really fun this year:
A-apple art, art boxes, etc
B-blue butterflies
C-cookies, cupcakes
D-dancing, doughnuts
E-Elmos b-day
This week is F and I can hardly stand it. F: fancy nancy, funny face, friends in a frame, flowers, fairies, family...the possibilities are ENDLESS!

New details for boys

2009-09-12T09:03:00.001-04:00

This year Mini Boden did not disappoint with the applique ideas.
Their Monsters are SO cute...

Extreme sports...I did a snowboarder for Robbie. Maybe he'll see snow this Christmas in Utah!

The numbers on Rugby shirts. I actually LOVE their number 12 the best, but the boy wanted an 8!

Babies & College Football

2009-09-12T08:57:00.001-04:00

For a twins baby shower...who's parents LOVE Y football.
I better make some for my own kids with U's soon!

Scroll Saw...must have

2009-09-12T08:53:00.001-04:00

If you like wooden wall letters...in ANY font you want, you need a scoll saw. I was going to buy 4 letters for Elle at $18.00 a piece so Rob said he we might as well buy the saw for $80.00. So, when we just cut out jane's letters, I consider them free!

I just had to sand and paint...and pick out ribbon.

I went with the same usual font, "girls are weird"

Rob even found some other uses for it...a new sword for Robbie. Also, a U of U drum & feather for his room.

Sweet 30 package

2009-09-12T08:43:00.001-04:00

Have a friend turning 30?
Bright colored candy counted out into "30's" make a pretty cute package. But make sure to include a card and maybe 30 things you love about them.

Pantry Makeover

2009-09-04T17:40:00.001-04:00

I hope you all have really talented sisters who will drop everything in your time of need.
I have been stressing about my pantry for months now (because I couldnt figure out how to organize it) and then I became desperate when we had a "wheat beetle" problem. We had to throw everything out, so it kind of forced me to decide how to organize. My sister Mir came to my rescue and emailed me this pantry organization chart. (above) emailed her a picture of our empty pantry and this is what she came up with!
I printed out my new guide and took it to multiple containter stores. I am not completely finished, and my version does vary from the original (because Mir has never actually even seen my pantry in person) but here is what I have so far:

These containers are the "POP" containers by OXO. You can find them at William Sonoma, the container store, and BB &Beyond. They have changed my life. Ok, maybe not, but I feel like they have. This is my favorite little section (though the cous cous is a little out of place right now) I am hoping to add marshmallows and coconut...but Rob told me I have to slow down with the containter buying.

WA LA...happy happy!

Leif Flowers

2009-08-25T22:07:00.003-04:00

Girls are doing the coolest things these days. My cute friends Chelsea & Amanda (twins) just started the most fabulous flower shop in SL. I love how people are taking their creativity to the next level. Inspiring. Check them out here

introducing "Elle and Jane" etsy shoppe

2009-08-15T16:23:00.002-04:00

I couldnt hold out any longer...I joined the Etsy Revolution.

My little shoppe is now open for business, stocked full of

"Sweet Rosie Clips."

Ill add new products as I think of them...kind of like I do with my posts...I have lots of ideas!

Anyway, if you get a chance...visit me at ELLE & JANE

Saturday Luncheon

2009-08-03T00:12:00.002-04:00

I hosted a little luncheon on saturday for a friend and her family. Nothing big, just yummy food and friends.

For this kind of occasion, you cant go wrong with chicken salad croissants.
(lite mayo, LOTS of chicken, grape halves, celery, green onions, whole cashews & salt & pepper)

Do you know how much I love fruit in the bottom of flower arrangements. I dont know how to do it very well...but I love when people do. Im going to study up on it a little, and then Ill let you know.

The favors were brownie bites (she is famous for brownies) in jewelry bags. How cool those little jewelry zip-locs were the perfect size.

Flower Clips

2009-08-02T23:59:00.001-04:00

I've never been a really big fake flower girl, but since I've been loving the flower headbands for women...it got me on a kick to make clips for the girls. Yes they may be big, but I think they are cute. They can clip in a girls hair or onto a headband. Its just a little change from bows.
I just used a little felt circle, put two holes in it to put the clip through...and then glued the flower too it. I think Ill probably make a lot more to experiment with different flowers and colors.

This one is my favorite...just a cluster of tiny roses.

any Pettiskirt experts?

2009-07-29T00:05:00.006-04:00

I have been waiting and waiting until I felt like my girls were big enought to make this kind of a purchase worth it...but now, I dont know which to buy?

ok...you have Kaiya Eve, Belle Ame, Ally Girl, and Oopsy Daisy...and then a whole bunch of "pagaent" petties for super cheap.

Does anyone know which is the best? What are the differences by the way?

I'm just getting excited for my girly girls to sport these skirts around town!

I LOVE this picture...and Allison has more of this session here

July Bridal Shower

2009-07-27T15:14:00.003-04:00

I have been missing in action this summer...its time that I start getting creative again! I think the Texas heat gets to me!

Miranda did the CUTEST shower for her cousin in law.

Here are some of the ideas and more can be found on on simp-lea

I loved how they used Sparklers as their theme

What a fun favor!

She used that game that I made up where you fill the jar with candy to the line of how well the bride and groom know each other...I love how she divided the skittles by color, and her jar is cute!

The food looked delicious, an array of little sliders, cupcakes, berries, and these cones full of veggie chips.

Silhouette appliques...my new fave!

2009-05-18T23:55:00.002-04:00

I was making black and white skirts for the girls, and needed an idea for a shirt...somehow I came up with the silhoutte idea and I think I'm in love! I just googled "silhoutte of little girl" and then put a paper up to my computer screen and traced. I love the little girl blowing bubbles and just shortened her hair to look like Elle's. I am not sure how the sewing part is going to go to keep all the details, but Ill do my best!

Spring Bridal Shower with flower "undertones"

2009-05-18T00:03:00.002-04:00

I didnt know what to do for the invitations, but I remember a conversation I had with the Bride about how she was including orchids in her arrangements...so, I google "drawing of an orchid" and found this beautiful drawing. Perfect!

Since it is flower planting season (something I know nothing about), I picked up these adorable pots at target to double as favors and decorations. The day before the shower, we planted little flower in them and topped the soil with green moss.

The bride loves cheese, so I had cheese and crackers on the table for guests to munch on. I also had a barefoot contessa cookbook for guests to write advice in (I used some recipes out of the cookbook for the shower)

I love pastry-wrapped brie, more than many things...it is so easy too! Buy puff pastry sheet, let it thaw, cut off the top rine of the brie, spread raspberry jam all over it (or sliced pears, brown sugar, nuts...pretty much anything yummy) place brie in the middle of the pastry sheet and fold corner over the brie. Brush with milk if you want a shiny glaze...bake at 400 for 25 minutes!

The other cheese is a goat cheese rolled in cinnamon and cranberries. I will never be the same after discovering this at costco...it is amazing!

So here is the spread...since it was 2-4 in the afternoon, we kept it light and simple.

My signature salad that I make for everything (see recipes at the side) and rolls that I am just learning to perfect...I have made them successfully twice now!

raspberry lemonade and water with lime

Annilee made these cupcakes...chocolate cupcakes with, get this:

white chocolate raspberry cream cheese frosting! AMAZING! Ill get the recipe and try it and share!

She also made the chocolate dipped strawberries. She said she just used the Godiva milk chocolate chips, they were divine!

So, my sister gave me this idea as a shower activity. We made drink glass charms! I found a selection of different pewter charms that reminded me of the bride and groom (golf clubs, church, dog bone, flip flops, etc) When people were through eating they came and picked out colors of beads to string on the wire and the charm they wanted to add. So the bride had a little set of 10 drink charms to take home with her!

There are tutorials online as to how to make them. I bought "memory wire" in the ring size and cut loops that were 1 and a half loop in length. Then made a little loop on one end and after the guests strung the beads, made a little hook on the other end.

The of course we had to play the traditional "how well do you know eachother game" I had asked the groom all the questions before hand and wrote them on tags with the answers on the back. I tied them to little bags of candy so the guests could take turns asking the questions.

I had an empty vase that I used for a "meter" with different levels marked by ribbons.

(level one "did you even ask his name before you said yes?" etc.) If she got the question right the guest poured the candy in the vase, if she got it wrong they kept their bag!

Then for the shower favor I sent each guest home with a potted flower. The tag read "bloom in the shelter of eachother"

Changing up the packaging

2009-05-09T01:56:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I feel like cellophane bags are too cliche, especially when I use them ALL of the time. This was a fun way to branch out. To celebrate Teacher Appreciation week, I used these colored chinese take-out boxes from Michaels. Sometimes I just need to think outside the box!

Easter Adult Table

2009-04-13T23:40:00.001-04:00

My friend Kathy always decorated the table with a big bowl of strawberries...I had to continue the tradition this year.

I fretted and fretted over "favors" or something cute for each place setting...and in the end decided to really keep it simple.

My new trick to make a quick bowl stand is to turn one bowl upside down and set the other bowl on top of it. I have been doing that more and more lately and it worked perfectly for the sour cream in the strawberry bowl.

and, this year I lined up my strawberries and bananas in the trifle! It is so much cooler looking this way! (and probably takes 2 minutes longer!)

Easter Kids table

2009-04-13T23:31:00.001-04:00

When you make the kids table fun, they stay there longer so YOU can relax at the adult table.

Nest Cupcakes!

2009-04-05T22:40:00.001-04:00

I have been dreaming of these for weeks! We finally made them for Jane's blessing...and I think Ill make a couple batches more this week.

These ones are
-lemon cake mix
-sprinkles recipe cream cheese frosting
-toasted coconut
-cadbury mini eggs

the cream cheese frosting is:
1/2 cup butter
8 oz cream cheese
3 3/4 cup powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla

I always double the recipe...but then I have leftovers for weeks!

Easter in Europe...

2009-03-23T00:05:00.001-04:00

No, there really is nothing better. I think I've ended up there twice in March..once in London and York, and once in Paris and Brugge...and the chocolate shops are MAGICAL! Anyone have any cool easter ideas this year, besides nest cupcakes? I love the enchanted egg at William Sonoma.