tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68805852744227383032024-03-12T20:42:27.776-07:00All my little inspirations...A place for the things I love, and the things that inspire me...Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-49924663603880026592010-02-22T22:58:00.000-08:002010-02-22T22:58:33.021-08:00A Giraffe Party!I was so lucky to have my first "paying" party planning job just a couple of weeks ago, and I am pretty proud of the way it turned out! Our good friend's daughter just turned 6, and I was asked to put together a party for her. Ellette is quite the little girl... not nearly as interested in pink, fairies and ballet as other 6 year old girls, but far more interested in creatures of all sizes: insects, dinosaurs, penguins...and giraffe's. This is what we settled on for the theme of her party. <br />
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I found that it was very difficult to find giraffe items on their own... most everything "party" related came in a jungle theme with the giraffe playing second fiddle to the lion and the monkey. I wanted to keep this party as true to the giraffe theme as possible... and once I started looking, I started to find much more. It did take much more creativity however! The added challenge... everyone seems to have a very different idea of what colors a giraffe is!? Some giraffes were yellow and brown, some were tan and brown, some were yellow and orange! Ack! All these colors made it hard to stick with one color theme, so the only cohesive tie was the giraffe theme itself. Maybe I need to get over my matchy-matchy color obsession?<br />
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Anyhow, I hope you find some ideas, or at least some enjoyment in the details: <br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Birthday Girl:</span></strong> Did I mention this was a "surprise" party? Made the whole thing even <em>more</em> fun! I found the cute little felt giraffe cap at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home">Michael's</a> for $3!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NpkfsifhI/AAAAAAAABE0/NfLqmdJeYI8/s1600-h/Giraffe+Birthday+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NpkfsifhI/AAAAAAAABE0/NfLqmdJeYI8/s320/Giraffe+Birthday+Girl.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Invitations</strong></span>: Found the yellow and white cards, as well as the giraffe stamp and brown ink at "<a href="http://impressrubberstamps.com/">Impress</a>" </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4N8QZmgjxI/AAAAAAAABFc/i4I8adlaE-M/s1600-h/happy+birthday001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4N8QZmgjxI/AAAAAAAABFc/i4I8adlaE-M/s320/happy+birthday001.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Decor:</span></strong> We had tons of black, gold and yellow balloons all over! I hung several yellow, and brown and white tissue paper "poofs" amid the balloons. I used a "<a href="http://www.cricut.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1">cricut</a>" to cut out a sweet Happy Birthday banner from yellow and white papers that I found at my local scrapbooking store. Originally, I planned to buy a couple little rosemary topiaries and position some wooden giraffe's to appear as though they were eating from the little "tree"... but the topiary cost $20...and I was on a budget! So instead... I saw a flat of wheat grass for $2.50 in my grocer's produce section, and plugged it into some small terra cotta pots and, viola, giraffe's on the grassy plains! I found a few cute little wooden giraffe's to place around the party, including a little giraffe clip to hold the menu cards. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NrPLLA9uI/AAAAAAAABE8/57yaUxn0B-I/s1600-h/Giraffe+Part-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NrPLLA9uI/AAAAAAAABE8/57yaUxn0B-I/s400/Giraffe+Part-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Games and Activities:</span></strong> There were several activities for the kids: a wooden giraffe puzzle and markers for them to color and take home, some cute paper bag puppets to make, and "Pin the Tail on the Giraffe".</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NuXH1vw8I/AAAAAAAABFM/EL1iTR-gCcA/s1600-h/Giraffe+Party+Activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NuXH1vw8I/AAAAAAAABFM/EL1iTR-gCcA/s400/Giraffe+Party+Activities.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Favors:</span> </strong>I am having lots of fun with sugar cookie decorating... and this party would be no exception. I found a giraffe cookie cutter at "<a href="http://www.cookiesinseattle.com/">Cookies</a>" and decorated with royal icing. Instead of spending hours on the details, I applied wet royal icing brown spots to the wet yellow base and I was very pleased with the way it turned out. I was a little afraid it would not look like a giraffe... but I think it worked out well! This was a pretty small party, so only a few "goodie" bags for the kids. They included some candy, giraffe stickers and a little giraffe toy (that expands and grows in water!)</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NtXCVYw1I/AAAAAAAABFE/bpMqa_GkQGY/s1600-h/Giraffe+Favors-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4NtXCVYw1I/AAAAAAAABFE/bpMqa_GkQGY/s400/Giraffe+Favors-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Food:</span></strong> We had a great dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic cheese bread (recipe courtesy of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/garlic-cheese-bread/">Pioneer Woman</a>!), and appetizers of a veggie tray and cheese dip and crackers... but of course, none of that matter's to the kids (right?) All that really matters to the kids is BIRTHDAY CAKE! So, I found this fun Wilton "<a href="http://www.wilton.com/shapedpan/Animal-Crackers-Pan">Animal Crackers</a>" pan that can be made into all different kinds of animals, including of course, a giraffe!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4Nv3123QNI/AAAAAAAABFU/SF7ujEMo0Gw/s1600-h/Giraffe+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4Nv3123QNI/AAAAAAAABFU/SF7ujEMo0Gw/s320/Giraffe+Cake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a lot of fun, and I was very honored to have been asked to help in planning this party. I am up for more, anyone interested?! :) In the meantime... I am trying to resist the temptation to throw together a quickie spring party, just to enter the current contest going on a <a href="http://maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com/2010/02/easter-tablescapes-and-parties.html">Maddycakes Muses</a>, but oh boy, does it look like I would have some stiff competition. Maybe next year? </div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-31966755064399229372010-02-21T16:54:00.000-08:002010-02-21T16:55:58.948-08:00Yellow and White Wedding: Four Variations on a themeAs I mentioned in my post below, my father will be married soon, and I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to help (remotely at least...). So, I have come up with four "inspiration boards" on the yellow and white theme. <br />
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I tried as best as I could to link the photos (and give credit where credit was due), however... I have spent a lot of time pouring over photos, so I may not have been able to capture all of them. Please accept my apologies if I did not give proper credit for the photos displayed here. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wedding #1: A Classic Yellow and White Wedding</span></strong> <br />
I envision this wedding to be very simple, primarily white with a soft and subtle sprinkling of pale yellow's. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HK2gjc-3I/AAAAAAAABEM/XkQhiN4ARnY/s1600-h/Classic+Wedding+Inspiration+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HK2gjc-3I/AAAAAAAABEM/XkQhiN4ARnY/s320/Classic+Wedding+Inspiration+Board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Links: <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/product/3930/signature_white_textured_wedding_invitations_rose_stamp.html#color/03">Wedding Paper Divas</a> , <a href="http://www.bubblybride.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/jamies-cake.jpg">Bow Cake</a>, <a href="http://francoiseweeks.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/white-and-pale-yellow-bridal-bouquet-governor-hotel-francoise-weeks.jpg">Bouquet</a>; <a href="http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/images/yellow-rose-boutonniere-01.jpg">Boutonniere</a>; <a href="http://www.englishgardenraleigh.com/bmz_cache/2/241a75ee5068ba9b26b8832363324c82.image.400x469.JPG">Centerpiece</a></div><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wedding #2: Country Chic</span></strong> <br />
Truth be told, I think this is my favorite yellow and white wedding concept. I think it mostly comes from my love of gingham (which I would spatter around... not overboard of course!) I also love it's casual feeling, which is most appropriate for this informal springtime wedding. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HNr08-_sI/AAAAAAAABEU/wQMA6XgMKdw/s1600-h/Country+Chic+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HNr08-_sI/AAAAAAAABEU/wQMA6XgMKdw/s320/Country+Chic+Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://botanicafloraldesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IMG_1080-682x1024.jpg">Bouquet </a>; <a href="http://media.theknot.com/ImageStage/Objects/0003/0014287/large_image.jpg">Boutonniere</a>; <a href="http://www.elumdesigns.com/letterpress/suite/daisy-garden-letterpress-wedding-invitation/6/">Invitations</a>;<a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/yellow-dresses-and-bouquets?lpgStart=1&currentslide=6&currentChapter=2#ms-global-breadcrumbs"> Sunny Bouquet;</a> <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/yellow-dresses-and-bouquets?lpgStart=1&currentslide=12&currentChapter=2#ms-global-breadcrumbs">Felt Cuff Bouquet,</a> <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://stylisheventsblog.com/wp-content/gallery/garden-wedding/table-setting-brides.jpg&imgrefurl=http://stylisheventsblog.com/2009/03/17/garden-wedding-inspiration-red-yellow-and-green/&usg=__rR5vmnrqM4DP1m2mdCJ5fPlHsqQ=&h=340&w=287&sz=40&hl=en&start=72&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=BB3-PTB3yAQDUM:&tbnh=119&tbnw=100&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dyellow%2Band%2Bwhite%2Btablesetting%26start%3D54%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4ADBR_enUS310US310%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1">Casual Table Settings</a>; <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oZuFDni50Qs/Sa1dXtCEkGI/AAAAAAAAGr8/Q87DB0--Te4/s1600-h/8.jpg">Gingham Centerpieces</a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wedding #3: Modern Wedding</span></strong> <br />
Now that I have compiled all these photos... I am not sure "modern" is the right way to describe this wedding? Well... judge for yourself!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HRCCQx9UI/AAAAAAAABEc/vPnPcwmwTMk/s1600-h/Modern+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HRCCQx9UI/AAAAAAAABEc/vPnPcwmwTMk/s320/Modern+Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://bklynbrideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/yellow_cake.jpg">Ring Cake</a>, <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2458711327_eaeb5639e5.jpg">Invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.kensingtonflorist.com/images/Square%20Centerpiece%20with%20Gerbera%20and%20Beargrass%20072smCOPY.jpg">Centerpieces</a>, <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/yellow-dresses-and-bouquets?lpgStart=1&currentslide=10&currentChapter=2#ms-global-breadcrumbs">Bouquet</a>, <a href="http://dellables.com/images/big_images/BOUTONNIERES/best%20man/kulabm.jpg">Boutonniere</a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wedding #4: "Wildcard" Navy Blue and Yellow Wedding</span></strong><br />
In my wild search for photos, I continued to come across a combination of Navy Blue and Yellow, and fell in love with it. So, I am including it as well... because I think it is amazingly fresh, while easily balancing both an elegance while remaining casual. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HT9teNDDI/AAAAAAAABEk/OGvcopGKDEc/s1600-h/Navy+and+Yellow+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HT9teNDDI/AAAAAAAABEk/OGvcopGKDEc/s320/Navy+and+Yellow+Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.instyleweddings.com/weddings/gallery/0,,20166709_20382368,00.html">Table Settings</a>, <a href="http://www.kellyoshiroevents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/frolic_yellow_table.jpg">Casual Table Setting</a>, <a href="http://joyfulheartdesign.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/lcbttrfls_invite_yllw_navy.jpg">Invitations</a>, <a href="http://canlasphotography.blogspot.com/2008/12/whitney-michael-10252008.html">Bridesmaids Dresses</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HVHjUzwHI/AAAAAAAABEs/ND9RUt_ORgw/s1600-h/Aurora-Amporio-Blue-Insp-Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S4HVHjUzwHI/AAAAAAAABEs/ND9RUt_ORgw/s320/Aurora-Amporio-Blue-Insp-Board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Photo Credits:<a href="http://www.sheandheplanweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Aurora-Amporio-Blue-Insp-Board.jpg"> She and He Plan Weddings</a>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-68021306189624259132010-01-12T22:54:00.000-08:002010-01-12T22:54:28.970-08:00Wedding Cakes!<div style="text-align: center;">As of only a few hours ago, I have officially begun Wilton Cake Decorating Course 3! This is THE class... the biggun! In this class we will lead up to our final challenge... a tiered wedding cake! Woopee! <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">For Christmas, Santa gave me one of my most favorite gifts: <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S01tUwdmcOI/AAAAAAAABC8/Kgh4Xik4RJA/s1600-h/wedding+cakes+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S01tUwdmcOI/AAAAAAAABC8/Kgh4Xik4RJA/s320/wedding+cakes+book.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this book! The only thing that I find tricky... all the cake recipes are scaled to make giant cakes!? I tried to cut the recipe in half. I do NOT recommend this! It just did not work out. So, I need to do some practice. I learned that my father will be married in April, so... of course, I have offered to make a cake. I have a few months to get some practice in beforehand.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Wish me luck! <br />
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</div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-26939469165262560032010-01-11T21:54:00.000-08:002010-01-11T21:54:20.885-08:00"Blast Off" A Rocket Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>After a few very hectic months... I have been able to return to my "inspirations" and I hope I can find the time to update this lil' ol' blog again, and more often!</em> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wE6H65q0I/AAAAAAAABCc/bAdwShxWooQ/s1600-h/2009+Q4+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wE6H65q0I/AAAAAAAABCc/bAdwShxWooQ/s320/2009+Q4+025.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could not allow a birthday to pass without doing something to celebrate. It's simply not in my nature. (Although, I did temper it just a bit...I will save the big stuff for later) <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, after several conversation's like this - <br />
<em>Me: What kind of birthday party do you want? <br />
Quincy: *Silence*</em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Me: Do you want a Lightening McQueen Party, or a Monster Truck Party, or a John Deere Party? </em><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>Quincy: YES!</em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I sorta gave up... and did what I wanted to do, which was a Rocket Party. I am sure in the years to come, he will have a very definite idea of what type of party he wants to have. So, for now, mommy had her fun!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Rocket Themed decor:</strong> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDbI11UDI/AAAAAAAABCE/qNSfe6UT8xk/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDbI11UDI/AAAAAAAABCE/qNSfe6UT8xk/s320/Rocket+Party+006.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Conveniently, we have tons of Rocket Stuff already because Quincy's bedroom is Retro-Rocket themed. I just strategically placed a few items from his room around the party area. I strung up some silvery stars from the ceiling (also, conveniently left over Christmas decorations I just didn't pack away) and hung some rockets (that will later be launched... a <em>HIGHLY</em> anticipated event for <em>ALL</em> the Williams' family men) to look like they were flying around space. Quincy helped me decorate by tossing some silver star confetti all over the kitchen island. He did great with it... although, eventually gave up on "scattering" them and left a substantial pile of stars on the table. <em>I think we will be finding stars in the oddest places for weeks. </em><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDPR-XYeI/AAAAAAAABBs/4CL33FcYeZA/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDPR-XYeI/AAAAAAAABBs/4CL33FcYeZA/s320/Rocket+Party+003.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wJyyTsBAI/AAAAAAAABC0/TO0LsRovbY8/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wJyyTsBAI/AAAAAAAABC0/TO0LsRovbY8/s320/Rocket+Party+009.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you know that very little "Rocket" themed party supplies exist? Why are mother's everywhere forced into throwing horribly boring, cartoon character parties. Not for me, no sireee. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I did however, find these adorable Straws, and that was the extent of it. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wEj-Tj10I/AAAAAAAABCU/e-gYORYqpqE/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wEj-Tj10I/AAAAAAAABCU/e-gYORYqpqE/s320/Rocket+Party+008.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Rocket Themed Games:</strong> <br />
</div><br />
Ok, This is where my party may have fallen short, but there were only 4 kids, and I just didn't get too creative with the games. I found some crayola space stickers that they could color, which actually did keep them quiet and entertained for about 10 minutes (which is like eternity). The put the stickers up on some poster board paper with a big moon on it. We then used this poster board to play "Pin the Rocket on the Moon". I realized that "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" is the worlds most versatile game. It can be re-created into just about ANYTHING! It was fun... and amused the kids for another 10 minutes. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDMzIvwyI/AAAAAAAABBk/xavqKY3_t44/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDMzIvwyI/AAAAAAAABBk/xavqKY3_t44/s320/Rocket+Party+002.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the "big" kids got into it too. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDJQILSqI/AAAAAAAABBc/m2Lag586N44/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDJQILSqI/AAAAAAAABBc/m2Lag586N44/s320/Rocket+Party+001.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Rocket Themed Food:</strong> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best part of a themed party for me, is coming up with creative foods to fit the theme. For this party, it was mostly coming up with fun names for everyday foods. Here was the menu: <br />
</div>Star Dippers and Caramel Sauce = Apples cut into star shapes (at least that was the idea) with dip<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Intergalactic Veggies = Veggie Platter<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moon Mac n' Cheese = Um... Mac n' Cheese<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cosmic Chili = Pioneer Woman's Chili! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Space Spuds = Baked Potatoes w/ all the fixin's<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alien Goo Sundaes = Blue Jello Cups<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tang! Of Course! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Had I been really adventurous, I had planned to make corn dogs and stick them into floral foam or something similar to prop them up as "Rocket Dogs"... but, not for this party. Life goes on... we hope. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDTtnA_sI/AAAAAAAABB0/6UuPRC9HEog/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDTtnA_sI/AAAAAAAABB0/6UuPRC9HEog/s320/Rocket+Party+004.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And the best part of a kids birthday party? <br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">THE CAKE!<br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There are so many Rocket Cakes out there... but this was one I found that I thought was cute and do-able:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDWGsbAFI/AAAAAAAABB8/xgn1XvCwGN8/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDWGsbAFI/AAAAAAAABB8/xgn1XvCwGN8/s320/Rocket+Party+005.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Find the tutorial <a href="http://www.parenting.com/recipes-article/Recipes/Birthday_Parties/How-to-make-a-rocket-ship-cake">here</a> (Theirs is a little bit prettier... please don't judge me too harshly). <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Rocket Party Favors:</strong> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, These were what I spent most of my weekend working on. It was fun, and something I had long wanted to do... but, man, it was time consuming! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">First you make the cookies... then the black outlines... then let them dry overnight. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, fill in the blue... let it dry 5-6 hours. Then, fill in the red... let it dry 5-6 Then write the "Q". Allow the entire cookie to dry at least 24 hours before placing into cellophane baggies. Phew. Add cute little "Rocket" Thank You Tags, and VIOLA! Done! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Fleets of Rockets drying before "launch"</em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDd8juTYI/AAAAAAAABCM/atbGsCV9NxM/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wDd8juTYI/AAAAAAAABCM/atbGsCV9NxM/s320/Rocket+Party+007.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wJeLU2ezI/AAAAAAAABCk/b5oHye3LzwU/s1600-h/Rocket+Party+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/S0wJeLU2ezI/AAAAAAAABCk/b5oHye3LzwU/s320/Rocket+Party+012.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I really liked the sugar cookie recipe I found <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/amandae28099s-amazing-sugar-cookies/">here</a>. But... royal icing is just not tasty. Pretty, but not tasty (and it was even a Martha recipe!). Any one have a better one? <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So, there you have it. During November and December I really had to stop with all the parties because I was so busy at work... what a bummer, that's the best time of year for parties, too. Now, I am hoping that I can get back in the swing of things, and have fun again! :)<br />
</div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-17318655185454037552009-10-19T23:08:00.000-07:002009-10-19T23:10:43.176-07:00A Perfect Fall OutfitI saw this jacket in my newest issue of Country Living Magazine. I have been pining for it for three days now. I can't stop thinking of it, and in my mind I have already created a perfect fall outfit using it in my head.The perfect outfit to go on a hike through a quiet wood enjoying the fall colors. Or maybe the perfect outfit to go to the Pumpkin Patch. Or maybe the perfect outfit to go pick apples from a local orchard. Or maybe the perfect outfit just to wander around the city doing some early Christmas shopping. <br />
<br />
Anyhow... I wish I had it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/St1TcweJZbI/AAAAAAAAA_A/CFYv74qkzL4/s1600-h/Fall+Outfit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/St1TcweJZbI/AAAAAAAAA_A/CFYv74qkzL4/s320/Fall+Outfit+.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacket: <a href="http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=5007&cat=298">Fred Flare</a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeans: Any ol' pair that feels good, really<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hat: Sweet little knit cap off <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32017328&ref=sr_gallery_10&&ga_search_query=red+felt+cap&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Etsy</a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wellies: Apple Print! Adorable!<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Red-Apples-Women-Garden-Rubber-Rain-Boots-Wellies-9_W0QQitemZ220392254579QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&itemid=220392254579"> From Ebay</a><br />
</div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-17519512581269939832009-10-18T23:00:00.000-07:002009-10-18T23:03:33.972-07:00Autumn Harvest Party<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv8bm9z0DI/AAAAAAAAA-A/VN5YZRqbjq0/s1600-h/Oct+322_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv8bm9z0DI/AAAAAAAAA-A/VN5YZRqbjq0/s320/Oct+322_2.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>How lucky am I to have a hubby with such photography talent?</em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week I left you with the teaser, tonight I am fulfilling my promise!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">It started with this invite: <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv3iwxmiQI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/46-qarZNTGw/s1600-h/item+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv3iwxmiQI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/46-qarZNTGw/s200/item+030.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The Decor:</em> I showed up early to my sister-in-law's lovely farm to help her get the place spruced up a bit. I had made the banner the day before to hang on the porch. We gussied up the front door and porch (a <em>perfect</em> farm porch by the way!) and got the dining room all ready for dinner after a visit to the pumpkin patch: <br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv4Jh-_GxI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/EWWR7PA7E1s/s1600-h/Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv4Jh-_GxI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/EWWR7PA7E1s/s320/Decor.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Favors and Goodies:</em> The day before I made mini pumpkin bread loaves (courtesy of Martha Stewart "Baking Handbook" cookbook) for everyone to take home as a favor, and some "goodie bags" for the kids. The goodie bags had some pumpkin candies, pumpkin patch Pop Rocks, Halloween Fruit Snacks and an Orange "Izze" soda, all tied up with a Pumpkin Patch Ribbon. I also created some awards to present to each child to go along with their goodie bags. Awards like : Biggest Pumpkin, Quickest Pumpkin Picker, Littlest Pumpkin, Most Perfectly Round Pumpkin, etc<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv5UegHmEI/AAAAAAAAA9g/DsbmQHCXpP8/s1600-h/Favors+and+Goodie+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv5UegHmEI/AAAAAAAAA9g/DsbmQHCXpP8/s320/Favors+and+Goodie+Bags.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv5a8oeczI/AAAAAAAAA9o/JbGeMkqjc9k/s1600-h/Pumpkin+Patch+Awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv5a8oeczI/AAAAAAAAA9o/JbGeMkqjc9k/s320/Pumpkin+Patch+Awards.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The Food:</em> After all the fun at the pumpkin patch, and running around the corn maze, we had homemade applesauce doughnuts and hot mulled apple cider! Yum! I found the recipe on the <a href="http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/2009/09/applesauce-donuts.html">"Farm Chicks"</a> blog, and they turned out great! We packed it all up in a perfectly autumnal picnic basket belonging to my sister in law. Dinner was just as delish... I created a potato soup from a hodgepodge of recipes and everyone topped the soup off with bacon bits, cheese and chives. To go with the Soup was a sausage and cheese biscuit recipe that was such a hit that I must share it with you! See recipe below. Salad was an easy mix of greens, dried cranberries, candied pecans and pear with a poppy-seed dressing.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv7k43wBfI/AAAAAAAAA9w/oUYXE2pRPzU/s1600-h/Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv7k43wBfI/AAAAAAAAA9w/oUYXE2pRPzU/s320/Dinner.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't resist this "Pumpkins in the Field" recipe when I saw it. It was too perfect to pass up considering the occasion. Another recipe I will share. And to make it even better? These adorable polka-dot cupcake liners from "<a href="http://www.confectioneryhouse.com/product.php?productid=9209&cat=0&page=1&featured">Confectionery House</a>" (fear not... I ordered them in every color)! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv76SJmfDI/AAAAAAAAA94/me_N20GqgOE/s1600-h/Pumpkins+in+the+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stv76SJmfDI/AAAAAAAAA94/me_N20GqgOE/s320/Pumpkins+in+the+field.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Recipes to share: <br />
</div><strong>Pumpkins in the field (from "Ghoulish Goodies" by Sharon Bowers)</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup butterscotch morsels <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups chow mien noodles<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup dry-roasted, salted peanuts<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">24 candy pumpkins (I used Brach's Mellow-creme Pumpkins)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Line baking sheets with wax paper (or drop them into cupcake liners like I did)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Put butterscotch morsels in a bowl, and melt them in microwave: Heat on high for 60 seconds, then stir well. Microwave and stir in 10 second bursts until just melted through.... don't overheat!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Stir in the chow mien noodles and peanuts and drop mixture by heaping tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets. While the haystacks are still warm, place a pumpkin on the top. Refrigerate to cool and harden. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Simple Sausage Ring (from Taste of Home)</strong><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 lb pork sausage (I used Jimmy Dean's Sage variety)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tubs (12 oz each) refrigerated biscuits<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups shredded cheese (Mine was a cheddar and jack cheese mix)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink; drain and set aside<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Flatten each biscuit to a 3-in diameter. Press half of the biscuits onto the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a greased 10 inch fluted tube pan. Spoon sausage over the dough; sprinkle with cheese. Top with remaining biscuits. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate and slicing. <br />
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</div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-78021644441664215712009-10-17T18:13:00.000-07:002009-10-17T18:14:50.973-07:00Wish List<div style="text-align: center;"><em>***Greedy Alert***</em> <br />
</div>It is exactly 1 month from my birthday. I have always liked that my birthday and Christmas come so close together, because I really only have to make one "wish list" for both. Whatever still remains on my list after my birthday moves over to my Christmas List. Hubby has been asking, so I happily have obliged by providing him my Birthday/Christmas wish list. Maybe you will find something here to add to your list as well?<br />
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With my birthday just before the holidays, it is a perfect time to get all my holiday hostessing needs taken care of!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stpi8P3bGAI/AAAAAAAAA9A/NyFCEMad9Xw/s1600-h/Birthday+Wish+List+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stpi8P3bGAI/AAAAAAAAA9A/NyFCEMad9Xw/s320/Birthday+Wish+List+1.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) A perfect Thanksgiving day apron from <a href="http://www.heavenlyhostess.com/our_products.html">Heavenly Hostess</a>. Really, I love almost all the aprons found on this website! You just can't go wrong!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) I have already blogged about the fabulous jackets found at <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Above-Knee-Dresses/WH159/Womens-Floaty-Hotchpotch-Dress.html">Boden</a>... but they have amazing dresses and skirts as well!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) I have so many lovely platters for Thanksgiving, but I have realized that so many things I bake are in a plain old Pyrex casserole dish! Solution: These beautiful pewter casserole holders from <a href="http://www.hollandboone.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_91&products_id=645">Holland Boone Home</a>... just place your casserole in this for instant beauty and presentation!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) One of my favorite bloggers, Pioneer Woman, has just come out with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Cooks-Recipes-Accidental/dp/0061658197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255809028&sr=1-1">cookbook</a> with her most deliciously tasty recipes! Yummy<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stpk8LArnuI/AAAAAAAAA9I/OsoWzGyecds/s1600-h/Wish+List+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Stpk8LArnuI/AAAAAAAAA9I/OsoWzGyecds/s320/Wish+List+2.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>1) Doesn't every girl want to dazzle at all the Christmas parties? How about Diamonds by the Yard at <a href="http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP02775&mcat=148204&cid=287465&search_params=s+5-p+12-c+287465-r+101323338-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+">Tiffany & Co</a>? I have been eyeing this beauty for at least a year now. <br />
2) And of course, you want to smell nice when you look nice? I loved "Daisy" by Marc Jacobs when I tested it out at the Nordstrom perfume counter. <br />
3) Another dress from <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH165/Womens-Silk-Pinspot-Dress.html">Boden</a>! <br />
4) An adorable Vintage inspired Christmas apron, again, from <a href="http://www.heavenlyhostess.com/our_products.html">Heavenly Hostess</a>!<br />
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Just a <em>little</em> list to start with. <em>wink wink</em>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-23213194879184028802009-10-10T21:51:00.000-07:002009-10-11T00:06:52.243-07:00A Sneak Peek!Been busy, busy today preparing for tomorrow's "Fall Harvest" celebration! All the details to come quite soon! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But in the meantime... Take a Peek at the official invitation!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/StFUviiRe_I/AAAAAAAAA8g/haNmbACYFh8/s1600-h/item+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/StFUviiRe_I/AAAAAAAAA8g/haNmbACYFh8/s320/item+030.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Invitation Ingredients</em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orange Gingham Scrapbooking paper = Bo Bunny and Pink Paisley Papers<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pumpkin = Big Bazzill Brad in Apricot + green ribbon<br />
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</div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-15931512187563677462009-10-07T20:04:00.000-07:002009-10-07T20:04:21.332-07:00Announcing my first Giveaway winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ss1WoaASiFI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/CjpL5vHmJOY/s1600-h/CAPS62JKCA2TQ6L6CAHTRUEECA3LAB4YCACUDOHSCA3FG7EECAGD9OPJCAVHPW66CAUPR0MPCAWYX8X9CAUITEY3CAO9PJEPCAY6QUDHCAR2A3U4CAOBHCC7CAPNTRBGCAZQYDQICAZ8L9G1CANU6Q17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ss1WoaASiFI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/CjpL5vHmJOY/s400/CAPS62JKCA2TQ6L6CAHTRUEECA3LAB4YCACUDOHSCA3FG7EECAGD9OPJCAVHPW66CAUPR0MPCAWYX8X9CAUITEY3CAO9PJEPCAY6QUDHCAR2A3U4CAOBHCC7CAPNTRBGCAZQYDQICAZ8L9G1CANU6Q17.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>I must say, I really liked doing a giveaway. It felt like a <em>very</em> small scale Oprah "My Favorite Things" episode! I also got to see some your blogs too! Fun Stuff! Fear not readers... this shall not be my last giveaway, so stay tuned.... and considering the amount of applicants I would say your chances for a win are MIGHTY good! <br />
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So, using <a href="http://www.random.org/">http://www.random.org/</a> I randomly picked between 1-13 (4 comments + 9 followers) and came up with #5 <strong>Sarah Brown</strong>!<br />
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Please go check out Sarah's wonderful blog, <a href="http://sarahbrownsfavoritethings.blogspot.com/">Brown Paper Packages tied up with String.</a> If you like giveaways she has lots of them! Currently she has a really neat artwork giveaway, as well as DIY project giveaway! Ahem... maybe I shouldn't have opened my mouth, that means more competition and more difficult odds for ME to win! <br />
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Thanks to all who participated, and Sarah, be sure to email me soon (allmylittleinspirations@hotmail.com), so I can get your magazine to you <strong>ASAP</strong>! I hope you enjoy it, and please be sure to show us if you find something within it that inspires you too!Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-33129013656624891982009-10-05T21:13:00.000-07:002009-10-05T21:15:31.809-07:00My Very Own Magnetic Bulletin Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ssq1gk0a6LI/AAAAAAAAA7I/Gj-I7CI8nww/s1600-h/WC122_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ssq1gk0a6LI/AAAAAAAAA7I/Gj-I7CI8nww/s320/WC122_1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I do adore <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Bulletin-Boards/Large-Magnetic-Board/p/11629?path=1%2C2%2C1468%2C1537&iProductID=11629">Ballard Designs</a> and when I received a recent catalog I immediately loved these magnetic bulletin boards. As I looked at them I thought ... I can make that! So, with a few modifications, that is what my weekend was this past weekend and I am pleased with the end result. Mine ended up a bit more... ornate (nobody ever accused me of being a <em>simple</em> girl) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ssq2qdQmo4I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/7gGDksRZzq4/s320/October+Project+007.JPG" /><br />
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</div>First off, I started with a 12x18 piece of sheet metal from my neighborhood hardware store (approx $7). These pieces of sheet metal come in various "thicknesses", I made sure to pick one on the slightly sturdier side. I had some black and white toile already (free! after I have owned it for more than a year I count it as free! <em>heehee)</em> that patched my black and white bedroom perfectly, and I picked up some velvet ribbon to add as an accent ($3). The more expensive and surprisingly difficult item to find was a 12x18 sized frame ($30). I was hoping to find a more decorative, but you will see how I jazzed it up in my own way. <br />
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Using a hot glue gun, I affixed the fabric to the piece of sheet metal. I then criss-crossed the velvet ribbon over the top, attaching when the ribbons crossed. <em>*Note: I ran out of the velvet ribbon and had to go to three stores to find more. Really? Sheesh. Also, I think I would measure better next time. It just doesn't look as polished to me... but a good first try regardless.</em> <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The end product.... still maybe just a little bit too plain for my taste, and certainly, plain old refrigerator magnets simply wouldn't do. The magnets on this bulletin board need to be special. Another visit to my craft shop and I found these fun crystal and silver items in the jewelry making aisle, as well as some fun vintage-y medallions ($9) I used them to create some magnets, as well as a pretty little bow on the top corner of the frame. <br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ssq--kAAZaI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Wz1UBMnsDy4/s1600-h/Magnetic+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Ssq--kAAZaI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Wz1UBMnsDy4/s400/Magnetic+Board.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>So now, for roughly the same amount of money, I have a beautiful 12x18 magnetic board to coordinate perfectly in my bedroom, on the wall over my reading corner. I can easily hang pictures, magazine articles, wish lists and of course... inspirations. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsrAdeAR2RI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/fdz90MhfWfE/s1600-h/Copy+P1015215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsrAdeAR2RI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/fdz90MhfWfE/s320/Copy+P1015215.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Note: There is still time to enter for my Halloween giveaway! See post below... <br />
</div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-16974562038469347212009-10-01T21:50:00.000-07:002009-10-04T17:57:38.582-07:00An "Inspirations" Giveaway!About 4 weeks ago I had happened upon a magazine, "Celebrate" by Phyllis Hoffman, while waiting to check out at my local Michael's craft store. It was the fall edition, and I loved it. I immediately <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">subscribed</span> to the quarterly publication. I wasn't sure when the subscription would kick in, so when I saw the "Celebrate" Halloween edition a couple weeks ago I couldn't resist... see my blog entry on 9/10/09<em>, <span style="font-size: 85%;">it's a problem</span></em>. This Halloween focused magazine has fabulous articles featuring <a href="http://www.matthewmeadstyle.com/">Matthew Mead</a> and <a href="http://amyatlas.blogspot.com/2009/09/celebrate-magazine-feature.html">Amy Atlas</a>, along with loads of creative decorating and cooking ideas. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387863925050106754" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsWJsZbA44I/AAAAAAAAA64/kWHTqVYDxdE/s400/Celebrate.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 146px;" />Imagine my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">surprise</span> this week when I received another copy in the mail! Now I have two, and really... as much as I love Halloween magazines, I do not need two. So I now hope to make my over-abundance your Halloween inspiration!<br />
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So here it is folks! This is the time of year ghouls and goblins all come out of the shadows, so time for any mysterious blog lurkers to come out of the dark as well... otherwise, Corinne, my faithful reader... you're a shoe-in for my first ever blog giveaway!<br />
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There are two ways to enter (and if you do both, your name goes in <em>twice</em>!) Here is what you need to do:<br />
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1. Leave a comment no later than Tuesday, October 6th at midnight.<br />
2. Become a follower of "All my little inspirations" by Tuesday, October 6th at midnight (anyone already a "follower" will automatically be entered! Yay!<br />
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I will select at random and announce the winner Wednesday. You should have your brand new "Celebrate Halloween" magazine in the mail in a week!<br />
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Good Luck!Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-39085733614680464432009-09-30T22:57:00.000-07:002009-10-01T21:32:05.802-07:00Fall has arrived!The air has a definite crispness that has announced to me "fall has arrived" and along with it comes my overwhelming urge to want to purchase lots and lots of new fall coats! Since I moved to the Pacific Northwest from San Diego nearly 10 years ago, one of the things I continue to adore is the actual change of seasons that occurs here... and the excuse to change my wardrobe along with it! I was delighted to wear my coats then, and I continue to love my fashionable coats still today! My collection has grown, but that has not stopped my from wanting to add to it.<br /><br /><br />Earlier this week, some anonymous soul left a small women's catalog on a co-workers desk. I casually picked it up... and never gave it back. I am in love. I could buy oh too many items from this British based company, <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Default.aspx">Boden</a>. With the chill in the air, I am naturally drawn to the coat and jacket collections. How can a girl choose?<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387508315037559602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsRGRK5G6zI/AAAAAAAAA6I/fT-64HcBR4Y/s400/Coats.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">1. </span><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE245/Womens-Rainbow-Coat.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Rainbow Coat</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> caught my eye first. With all it's colors, it would go with just about everything!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">2. The </span><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE242/Womens-Effortless-Velvet-Coat.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Effortless Velvet Coat </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">comes in 6 fabulous colors! I can pciture wearing this to all my holiday parties!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">3. I don't need this </span><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE241/Womens-Jazzy-Trench-Coat.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jazzy Trenchcoat </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">but my love of gingham makes it hard to resist</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">4. Truth be told.... I already have a jacket nearly the exact same as this </span><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE247/Womens-Marylebone-Coat.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Marylebone Coat</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, but mine is black and white and this one is <span style="color:#009900;">green</span>! They also have it in navy with fabulous red buttons!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">5. The </span><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE244/Womens-Uptown-Coat.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Uptown Coat.</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> So simple, so perfect. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">6. The </span><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE246/Womens-British-Tweed-Coat.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">British Tweed Coat</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">? Doesn't everyone need an aqua jacket? What else would you wear with your red scarf? To make matters worse.... they have it in a stunning plaid too. </span><br /></p>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-9891368770266696732009-09-28T23:57:00.000-07:002009-10-01T21:49:59.467-07:00Gooseberry PatchI love cookbooks. I read them like other people read novels. I pick them up wherever I can find them... and often times I have to find new and creative places to store them.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsLwFHDntII/AAAAAAAAA5A/6M0UA2w1stU/s1600-h/gooseberry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132074872779906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsLwFHDntII/AAAAAAAAA5A/6M0UA2w1stU/s400/gooseberry.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsLwMOHZvkI/AAAAAAAAA5I/WszA_mhSS7U/s1600-h/gooseberry2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132197026774594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsLwMOHZvkI/AAAAAAAAA5I/WszA_mhSS7U/s400/gooseberry2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My most reliable, and most oft used cookbooks (because, let's face it... sometimes we are tempted to buy cookbooks that we will never, ever actually cook from!) are those from the "<a href="http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/">Gooseberry Patch</a>". At nearly every dinner party and holiday, you can bet that at least one dish will be made from one of the many gooseberry patch cookbooks I own.<br /><br />Why? Because they are no-frills, fuss-free and just plain old, good down home style cookin'. The added perk, nearly all of them come with other ideas for decorating, gift giving, crafting and celebrating.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387134164886076610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsLx-w9nvMI/AAAAAAAAA5o/qEFR6mVG8T0/s400/Cookbook+trio.jpg" border="0" /><br />This weekend, I made a wonderful Sunday brunch... with nearly everything coming from, or at least inspired by, a recipe from one of these wonderful cookbooks.</p><p><br />I think the favorite was <span style="color:#990000;">"Oven-Baked Maple Pancakes"</span> from the "Merry Christmas" book. The syrup was almost like carmel, and drizzled over the top, it was divine! </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387136320117906258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SsLz8N07m1I/AAAAAAAAA6A/OqcyWl7AsOI/s320/P1015165.JPG" border="0" />Oven-Baked Maple Pancakes</p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">No need for syrup... it's baked right in!</span></em></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">3/4 cup of brown sugar, packed and divided </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1/2 cup of butter</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1/2 cup maple syrup</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1 1/2 cup biscuit baking mix</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1 cup milk</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">2 eggs</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Heat 1/2 cup of brown sugar, butter and syrup in a small saucepan over low heat; stir until melted.<em> (I actually skipped the step of melting in a saucepan, and just used soft butter, then spreading the mixture in the bottom of the pan...worked great, and one less pan to clean!)</em> Pour syrup mixture into a lightly greased 13' x 9'' baking pan. Combine remaining ingredients and beat with a whisk or fork until well blended; pour over syrup mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until top springs back when touched in the center. Cut into squares; invert onto a serving plate and serve immediately. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Serves 6-8<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></p>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-85248493266647668172009-09-23T22:14:00.000-07:002009-09-23T22:34:05.812-07:00A New Cake Stand<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrsELgyMBwI/AAAAAAAAA4w/CGTKWcoJOrQ/s1600-h/Cake+Stand.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384902375277070082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrsELgyMBwI/AAAAAAAAA4w/CGTKWcoJOrQ/s400/Cake+Stand.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>I went to the farmer's market on Saturday, as there are only a few more left before we must wait until next year rolls around. While wandering about, I <em>happened</em> to end up in the "craft" section, honest mistake, really. I came across a booth full of lovely little cake stands, all different sizes, heights and types. </div><br /><div>Upon further inspection and discussion with the crafter, it turned out that these adorable and wide variety of cake stands are simply plates adhered to a glass candlestick.... some new, some vintage.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384899047341286482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrsBJzQd5FI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/cgUjRf5BSjI/s400/P1014965.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Um... stinking cute, and I had cash burning a hole in my pocket... so, after MUCH review, here is what I went home with: </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384899040896726962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrsBJbP9t7I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/KL253fhMjd0/s400/P1014964.JPG" border="0" /><br />Now. If you are somebody who typically receives a plate or tin or basket of Christmas goodies from me... don't be too surprised if this is what it is delivered on this year. I can't wait to go "plate hunting" for the makings of my perfect cake stand gifts. I think the biggest challenge will be figuring out what adhesive to use. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, how in the world can I improve upon this already clever design? Hmmmm... let me think. How, oh how, can I make this cake stand even more perfect? OH! I know!.....</div><br /><div align="center">chocolate, caramel, ooey, gooey brownie goodness<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384899071656071506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrsBLN1kEVI/AAAAAAAAA4o/QMZRZ0dQots/s400/P1014974.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-63812395477666810982009-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:002009-09-20T20:12:04.652-07:00Sunflower Soiree<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrWc5I8Nm5I/AAAAAAAAA4I/2ihpDbXh6I8/s1600-h/item+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383381435057806226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrWc5I8Nm5I/AAAAAAAAA4I/2ihpDbXh6I8/s400/item+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mother Nature has graced us with a few very nice, warm late summer days. I decided to take advantage of these last warm days before fall officially debuts and host a small, impromptu dinner party. I had previously been inspired by the Sunflower Soiree featured on <a href="http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=2521">"The Party Dress"</a>, and threw together my own version. I did it in one day, mostly with items I already had around. If I had spent more time planning in advance, I could have done more, but it still turned out pretty cute.<br /><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div>I confess, I made the invitation <em>after</em> the party. My friends are content with verbal/email invitations, but had I sent invitations this is what they would have looked like... </div><br /><div>Outside: simple and elegant, folded and tied with a pretty ribbon </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383374392321489154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrWWfMtBuQI/AAAAAAAAA3g/KNrQBeAMwIw/s320/item+028.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Inside: I sewed a button on a paper flower from my local scrapbooking store to create a sunflower. Black and white gingham paper shows once the flaps of the invitation open. Cute and easy!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383381427956722354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrWc4ufLqrI/AAAAAAAAA4A/4vdrFacI3TA/s400/item+029.jpg" border="0" /><br />A party is not a party if there are not fabulous favors to take home. That's my theory. Many years ago... when I turned 18 years old, and had a love of sunflowers, my creative aunt made a super cute sunflower cookie. Her's was as big as a plate and I remember loving it. So, what's a girl to do when throwing a sunflower themed party? Well call her dear auntie at 10pm asking if she remembers how she made it! Thanks for your help Aunt Rolayne! </div></div></div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><p>So here is what we could remember, and how I attempted to re-create that beloved sunflower cookie (some trial and error involved, for sure).<br /></p><ul><li>I used a heart cookie cutter to cut out the "petals" and a wide glass to cut out large circles. I cooked them separately (learned that <em>after</em> baking them together first, didn't work)</li><li>Yellow icing and sanding sugar on the petals first ...allow it to set and dry well</li><li>Chocolate icing on the circle centers</li><li>Gently lay the heart "petals" around the chocolate circles, the icing acting as a "glue"</li><li>Scatter mini Chocolate Chips over the chocolate icing while still wet</li></ul><div>I realized that my versions were too big for the cellophane bags I had, so in this case, good ol' saran wrap had to do. Placed all the cookies in a pretty basket for my guests. </div><div><br /><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383375052996700194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrWXFp6RaCI/AAAAAAAAA3w/gkJcxH7yWD8/s400/Sunflower+Cookies.jpg" border="0" /></p><div><br />Before the rain and chill arrives, I wanted one last evening on my lovely back deck, and it was an especially nice and warm evening. We turned on the globe lights (courtesy of Target, and oh the lighting they create is P.E.R.F.E.C.T) and had all the food on a table with a huge bouquet of sunflowers. I picked up a dozen at my local farmers market for $9. They were huge, and I had enough for two very large bouquets. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383375059722631938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SrWXGC92-wI/AAAAAAAAA34/fheHKUyJ8lY/s400/Sunflower+Partycopy.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p></p><div>The dinner? It disappeared before it could be photographed, but I will try to describe it in juicy detail. We had cheese and crackers and olives as an appetizer, tri-tip roast, baked potatoes with all the fixin's. I picked up some amazing heirloom tomatoes at the same farmers market I purchased the sunflowers at. I found a recipe for homemade blue cheese dressing to drizzle over the tomatoes with some fresh basil. For dessert, a berry cobbler and ice cream. Yummy. </div><div><br />Now sharing the tasty <span style="color:#000099;">blue cheese dressing recipe</span>. Because, I am not a huge fan of blue cheese dressing normally... but this one changed my mind. </div><ul><li>4oz Roquefort, or another good crumbly blue cheese</li><li>1 cup good mayonnaise </li><li>1/3 cup heavy cream</li><li>2 tsp tarragon wine vinegar</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper</li></ul><div>Mix in a food processor until combined but still chunky. Easy? Yes! Delicious? Yes!</div><div><br /><br /></div><p></p>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-50421765347699689492009-09-10T21:32:00.001-07:002009-09-11T07:34:31.708-07:00Feeling Seasonally ConflictedI am not ready for the summer to end. I don't think I had enough days to soak in the suns rays, the warmth of the days nor the cool water our little Rattlesnake Lake provides. I didn't get enough grilled dinners, and not nearly enough time on our deck on a hot nights drinking a chilled beverage with friends under the glow of our outdoor globe lights. Not enough nights falling asleep to the sound of the whirring fan. Not enough opportunities to wear my cool and comfy sundresses. But alas, whether I like it or not... the summer's end is near. This is where my aforementioned confliction comes into play. I am not ready for summer to end... but I am oh so looking forward to the many wonderful things fall brings. Halloween, fall leaves, cozy sweaters, stormy days and nights, comfort foods and baking marathons, Thanksgiving, and my <em>birthday</em>! All that being said... I have given in to the overpowering temptation to feed my desire to surround myself in all the Halloween glory! <div><div>It innocently began with this... <span style="color:#ff9900;">Mathew Mead's Halloween Magazine</span>. Sitting there in checkout lane at my local grocery store, it drew me in and captured my little Halloween loving heart.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqnTA-3ST0I/AAAAAAAAA3A/UPtUbX82Kw8/s1600-h/Mathew+Mead%27s+Halloween+2009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380063243699113794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqnTA-3ST0I/AAAAAAAAA3A/UPtUbX82Kw8/s400/Mathew+Mead%27s+Halloween+2009.jpg" /></a> Then, to my sheer delight... this arrived in my mailbox. The whole issue is Halloween related. <em>All of it.</em> I have never seen such a thing. Typically, and I know this from having subscribed to <span style="color:#ff9900;">Country Living Magazine</span> for years, they only have some of the issue focused on Halloween items... never all of it?! Heaven.<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqnTApikp1I/AAAAAAAAA24/DbZP_W_o0ts/s1600-h/Country+Living+October+Issue.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380063237975091026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqnTApikp1I/AAAAAAAAA24/DbZP_W_o0ts/s400/Country+Living+October+Issue.jpg" /></a> </div><div>Then it all becomes a blur, as I am not eactly sure when this <span style="color:#ff9900;">BHG Special Halloween</span> issue entered my life... but I do know it was the rhinstone covered pumpkin on the cover that sealed the deal and won me over, and I never looked back.<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380216918238177746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqpeyBIiKdI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/Adgxi6X0SZg/s200/item008_1.jpg" />Last weekend, this <span style="color:#ff9900;">Martha Stewart Halloween Magazine</span> almost made it into my basket. But hubby was with me... so I was strong. For both of us. But I confess to you dear readers, I don't know how much longer I can hold off. I feel myself weakening even while typing this. </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 111px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 136px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380063252545099410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqnTBf0VVpI/AAAAAAAAA3I/1rpxzUtgFu8/s400/Martha+Halloween.jpg" /> So, there you have it. I am conflicted between two loves. It is a love triangle, if you will. Truth be told... I love all seasons, and this is just something I have to work through at the end of every season and the beginning of every new one. Well... except the transition from winter to spring. Usually... I am glad to see those little tulips pop their heads out and the cold to subside... but, well, that is another blog, isn't it? </div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-13688572182196617222009-09-06T09:18:00.000-07:002009-09-06T10:00:01.782-07:00Party-rific!I have parties on the brain! Since throwing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">babyshower</span> for my friend last month, I am starting to think that party planning may be a fun thing to do much, much more often. Who knows, perhaps someday there will be somebody who wants to pay me to do it? Keep checking in for future parties...<br /><div><br />In the meantime, I went to my most favorite place, the Library, to find some <em>free</em> inspiration. Here is what I left with (You can see a few pages of all of these at Amazon as well!): </div><br /><div><br /><strong>1. Essentially Lilly, A Guide to Colorful Holidays</strong> <em>by Lilly Pulitzer and Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mulvaney</span></em><strong>:<br /></strong>By designer Lilly Pulitzer, this book was mostly personal accounts a various holidays and celebrations in Lilly's life. While the bright colors and illustrations were fun, for the most part I will take away a couple new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">recipes</span>. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378391928462280210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqPi9obShhI/AAAAAAAAA1o/ppfo5MyGaYY/s320/Essentially+Lilly.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>2. Nell Hill's Entertaining in Style </strong><em>by Mary Carol <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Garrity</span>:</em><br />This book was not nearly as food focused (and let's face it, I have a million cookbooks...so more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">recipes</span> are not what I need!). This book included much more about the decor of the table and home for various themed (and seasonal) parties.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378391935620401554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqPi-DF6yZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/pYV5QM2rl_s/s320/Nell+Hill%27s+entertaining+in+Style.jpg" border="0" /><strong>3. The Part Planner</strong> <em>by David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tutera</span></em>:<br />I think this book balanced the aspects of party throwing quite well, David included fun <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">recipes</span> to suit the party theme, as well as examples of fun party decor and for each party he also includes a list of tips to use. My favorite part of this book however, is seeing a cheesy photo of himself on every other page.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378391956471322706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqPi_QxKmFI/AAAAAAAAA2I/A7Y9l0T4GaM/s320/The+Party+Planner.jpg" border="0" /><strong>4. Shabby Chic: <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sumptuous</span> Settings & Other Lovely Things</strong> <em>by Rachel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ashwell</span></em>:<br /><br />How I adore all things Rachel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ashwell</span>...always have. This book provides some very budget friendly ideas for not just party decor, but home decor as well. I have a new appreciation for plain old "Nit" dye's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">because</span> of this book.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378396076703946450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqPmvF1LFtI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/YXPnl-9xpaI/s320/Shabby+Chic+bigger.jpg" border="0" /><strong>5. Styling for Entertaining</strong> <em>by Susie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Coelho</span>:<br /></em>The main focus of this book is upon re-configuring your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">existing</span> homes decor to create a more party-like atmosphere. I really like seeing the before and after photos. The only downfall is... my home is not nearly as "plain" as the before photos, so I don't know how well the ideas would work for me. There are some nice <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">recipes</span> in this book as well. Like David, Susie also enjoys super cheesy pictures of herself scattered throughout her book.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378396079610086866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SqPmvQqDRdI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/OaugL9rNXFc/s320/Styling+for+Entertaining.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>All in all, some pretty good books... especially for free! Thank you King County Library System. I think I will see what I can get on an inter-library loan, not just those found at my own local library. </p><p>Now, I need to stop <em>reading</em> about parties... and start <em>planning</em> some!</p>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-73336846725770054152009-08-30T18:49:00.000-07:002009-09-01T19:44:44.076-07:00Sugar and Spice! A Babyshower<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SpstHipZpnI/AAAAAAAAA0o/vPnoxSl9HSM/s1600-h/SP_Blossom_Flowers_Rosie.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375940187779606130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SpstHipZpnI/AAAAAAAAA0o/vPnoxSl9HSM/s200/SP_Blossom_Flowers_Rosie.png" border="0" /></a>Sorry for my summer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hiatus</span>! I was so excited to be the hostess to my friend's recent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">baby shower</span> and had to share! I had been seeing some lovely ideas for a "Sugar and Spice" theme on both <a href="http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2009/06/sugar-sweet-spice-party.html">Kara's Party Ideas </a>as well as Kara's inspiration <a href="http://moderneve.blogspot.com/2009/03/and-everything-nice.html">"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ModernEve</span>"... </a>and used the ideas to create my own. I fashioned the invitations from scrapbook paper I found, and went with a bright pink and tangerine color combination. The invitations turned out adorable!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375947578748474338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Spsz1wJsk-I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/3Jh3yXEb7bU/s400/item006generalcopy.jpg" border="0" /><br />Decor: I had a lot of fun creating this "Sugar and Spice" banner that displayed over the buffet. Also displayed on the buffet is the afternoon's "menu", something I have noticed done by catering company's. Of course, mine was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">completely</span> in theme! I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Photoshop</span> and<a href="http://www.shabbyprincess.com/">"Shabby Princess" </a>papers from the "Blossom" Collection. Everything was perfectly coordinated (I couldn't allow anything less!) I found lots of cute <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fuchsia</span> and orange ribbons (I am a ribbon junkie!) and of course, fresh flowers abound. I also had an assortment of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Izze's</span> Sparkling Juices... in coordinating shades of orange, pink and deep red!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375940355377282978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SpstRS_zP6I/AAAAAAAAA0w/TxYVFy_X3bE/s400/Babyshower+Dessert+Table.jpg" border="0" /> Food and Favors: I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">originally</span> going to use shakers full of cinnamon sugar as the invitations for the shower... but that later transformed into party favors. I ordered them about 1 1/2 weeks in advance from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">fooddirect</span>.com.... and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">received</span> an email the day before the Saturday shower, Friday, that they would arrive on Monday. Nice. I had to scramble... quickly finding some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">itty</span> bitty personal sized shakers at a kitchen store nearby my house. Not quite what I had in mind, but it worked.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375940364553940578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SpstR1Lr7mI/AAAAAAAAA04/gTnSZh-n8Tw/s400/Babyshower+food+and+favors.jpg" border="0" /> Games: We had a lot of fun with the games. Along with the invitation I also included a little insert on the same scrapbook paper announcing the mother-to-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">be's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">registry</span> information as well as "Pampers for Prizes". For every pack of diapers brought, they were entered in a raffle for a gift certificate. She ended up with enough diapers to last her months! We also played this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Baby Shower</span> guessing game that I saw <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/2007/08/baby-shower-bag-game.html">here.</a> We had B-Barrettes/Bows, A-Applesauce, B-Bib, Y-Yellow Rubber Duck, S-Socks, H-Hat, O-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Onesie</span>, W-Washcloth, E-Electric Outlet Plugs, R-Rattle. Some of them were really stumped! I was afraid it would be too easy, however we did end up with two winners...we had to ask the secret tie-breaking question, "How many times did mommy-to-be have to get up last night for a bathroom visit?"<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375940374334823970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SpstSZnoXiI/AAAAAAAAA1A/3dIu-tF6Pnw/s400/Babyshower+Guessing+Game.jpg" border="0" /><br />I loved the little trivia idea that "Modern Eve" did at her Sugar and Spice Party, so I made one of my own. It was pretty funny and I tried to make some of the answers a little bit silly for fun.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375940671187750914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Spstjre4kAI/AAAAAAAAA1I/WsEihWcUSp4/s400/Harer+Family+Trivia_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /> At my best friend's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">baby shower</span> years ago I made up a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">madlib</span>, this time I found one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">pre</span>-made <a href="http://www.diva-girl-parties-and-stuff.com/baby-shower-mad-lib.html">here</a>. It ended up pretty darned funny, and I made sure to print it on pretty paper for the baby-book.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375941621192509026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Spsua-hqxmI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Q-AcID-wzsw/s400/Babyshower+Madlib.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>All in all, I think it was a success! My dear hubby helped me so much! Our entire SUV was filled to the brim with items I had to transport. I can't wait until the next excuse for a party! </p>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-79806179000804838692009-07-26T15:42:00.001-07:002009-07-31T22:07:32.167-07:00PIE!Over the last couple weeks I have been on a bit of a pie kick. The first pie I made was for our annual get away with friends, "Nate Fest". I was slow to choose a meal to make for the gang, and everyone volunteered before me. I decided to bring beverages and desserts, which is honestly the two things I love most in this world!<br /><br />I found this delicious and easy recipe on the blog <a href="http://huckleberryprairie.blogspot.com/">Huckleberry Prairie</a>. It is a blueberry cherry pie... and one pie was NOT enough for our large queue. Note to self....make twice as much as next year!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Blueberry Cherry Pie</strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Crust ingredients needed:<br />1 1/2 cup flour<br />1 tsp sugar<br />1 tsp salt<br />3 tbsp milk<br />2/3 cup vegetable oil<br />Mix together until ball of dough forms. Pat out into pan. Make additional crust for pie top.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>I cheated and used ready-made pie crust! Shhhhh.....</em><br /><br />Pie Filling:</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1/2 cup sugar2 tbsp cornstarch</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1/4 tsp cinnamon</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 1/2 cup frozen blueberries</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon.Add cherry pie filling and blueberries. Mix.Pour into prepared crust.Roll out second crust on floured wax paper.Cut out star shapes with small star cookie cutter.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Egg white mixture:</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 egg white</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 tsp of water</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">2 tsp sugar</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Mix egg white and water. Brush on stars and sprinkle with sugar.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Cover pie crust edges with foil and bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 35 minutes WITHOUT star crust top.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">After 35 minutes, remove foil edges and add stars in any pattern you desire.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until stars and crust are golden brown.</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362903874135973986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SmzcqN5w4GI/AAAAAAAAAwY/ayJ3iCWFuKM/s320/Nate+Fest+II+054+Berry+Pie.jpg" border="0" /> The next Pie was made for a very pregnant co-worker who craves banana <em>flavored</em> foods... <em>not</em> <em>bananas</em>! For this reason, I had to make some slight modifications to the recipe. Link to the original recipe listed below. This time I wised up and made TWO! It received rave reviews, several declaring it the best banana cream pie they have every had. It came to me courtesy of Country Living Magazine (May 2009 issue).<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SmzcpsXLw4I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/nKcsohtDfrQ/s1600-h/pie001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362903865132565378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SmzcpsXLw4I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/nKcsohtDfrQ/s320/pie001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffcc00;"><strong>Banana Pudding Pie</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The original recipe can be found </span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/banana-pudding-pie-recipe"><span style="color:#3333ff;">here.</span></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Here were my modifications: </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Crust: </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">2 c Vanilla wafers, crushed</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">2 Tbsp dark brown sugar</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">2 Tbsp sugar</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1/4 tsp salt</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">5 Tbsp butter, melted</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1/4 tsp vanilla extract</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and press mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Filling: </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 Large box Instant Banana Pudding, prepared according to box directions</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 cup fresh whipped cream</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">5 Tbsp of Caramel Sauce/ice cream topping, plus extra for garnish</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">2-3 Bananas, sliced</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gently fold whip cream into prepared and cooled banana pudding, set aside. Layer sliced bananas over cooled crust. Drizzle the caramel over the bananas and top with pudding mixture. Chill for 2 hours, or overnight. Decorate with remaining banana slices and caramel (and maybe some chopped pecans!). </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-35943975927460176042009-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:002009-09-10T22:07:39.126-07:00The 4th of July<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk_AEnPtZ3I/AAAAAAAAAvg/H1bL56horaQ/s1600-h/4th+of+July.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354709667453691762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk_AEnPtZ3I/AAAAAAAAAvg/H1bL56horaQ/s400/4th+of+July.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy Fourth of July! We have had a great one so far! We have the rare treat of high temperatures and clear skies for this glorious 3 day weekend. I am trying to relax and enjoy as much of it as I can. We had friends over last night, and excuse to make some <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/03/onion-strings-oh-yeah-baby/">onion straws </a>to top burgers...they have been demanded for all future gatherings to follow! I found some perfectly red, white and blue ribbons for some roses in my little antique milk jars. I wanted to mix some little flags in with the roses, but ran out of time to hunt some down! Next year, maybe.<br /><br /><br /><br />I also was able to finally use my newly hung homemade chalkboard! It is looking a little bare on our kitchen wall, but no fear... I have some ideas for friends to keep him company. Just a matter of time...<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354709982129528178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk_AW7gRnXI/AAAAAAAAAvo/akniztalvrY/s400/June+projects+024.JPG" border="0" /> I had seen similar chalkboards in boutiques for $200+ dollars (it is a <em>large</em> one!) and decided to just make one myself. It has been a slow project, but with hubby's help we finally got it done! We picked out a frame (16x24) and a piece of sheet metal from the hardware store. I primed it, and painted it with chalkboard paint... we plugged it into the frame, and backed it with some foamcore board to keep it steady. Then viola! I love it. It makes me happy! I will be sure to take pics once the wall is more "done".Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-80866298935468490082009-07-04T12:07:00.000-07:002009-09-10T22:08:52.788-07:00Independence Day Party<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-trFIgU4I/AAAAAAAAAvY/3gYM3LiADT0/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354689437590639490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-trFIgU4I/AAAAAAAAAvY/3gYM3LiADT0/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I have been aching to make <a href="http://deardaisycottage.typepad.com/daisy_cottage/2009/06/so-strawberrylicious.html">this </a>mouthwatering Strawberry Coconut Cake I saw on the Daisy Cottage blog. I tried to convince hubby we should have a birthday party, just so I could make it... but he wasn't interested! So... we had an impomptu "3rd of July" BBQ with a few friends who were <em>quite</em> happy to help me enjoy it!</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Look at those babies! Freshly picked and washed... almost worth crying tears of <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">joy</span> over. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354689435055998306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-tq7sMxWI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/8AnRc_VdZUY/s400/June+projects+002.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>This is what happiness is... for me at least. Let it also be known, this three layer cake was so tall, I wasn't able to put the lid of my cake stand on!</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354686924729937314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-rYz_07aI/AAAAAAAAAvI/_m2TzC_5urc/s400/June+projects+031.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Oh divinity.</span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354686918950246354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-rYed119I/AAAAAAAAAvA/rQ4iNzylqKY/s400/June+projects+040.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-17276072958928143732009-07-04T11:30:00.000-07:002009-07-06T19:39:25.274-07:00Project: Dining Chairs<div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-l8I55rPI/AAAAAAAAAuo/A3Yjxg7tJe8/s1600-h/June+projects+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354680934567881970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-l8I55rPI/AAAAAAAAAuo/A3Yjxg7tJe8/s400/June+projects+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I recently decided that what I <em>really</em> needed was some new adorable dining chairs. I knew I could find some chairs easily and cheaply someplace. I wanted some that could be painted white, and have the seat cushions re-covered with my favorite <a href="http://www.heatherbaileystore.com/?Click=25">Heather Bailey </a>fabrics. Within a few weeks of deciding this... on a drive home, I found some. Right in my own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">neighborhood</span>! As we drove by I saw them with a box sitting atop shouting at me "FREE". It was a nice evening, so after dinner I buckled the 2 year old into his stroller, and away we walked... time to check out the chairs. As I got to the chairs, I realized the box atop declaring "FREE" actually contained lots of mason jars. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmmm</span>. Is it the chairs or the mason jars that are free? Well, I could see somebody sitting in the living room and decided, instead of just assuming and taking items from my neighbors, I would just inquire. I knocked at the door and could almost immediately see the mistake I made. A man's voice gruffly yelled from inside "Get back, get back" while a little dog barking could be heard. Oh. He opened the door, and no sooner did I begin to ask him then a little dog snuck between his legs and ran past me into the yard. "Oh goddammit" he yelled. Oops. Several minutes of chaos ensued, causing his wife to emerge and assist. Finally the dog was corralled and calm again.<br />"So sorry... just wondering about the chairs" I asked. </div><br /><div>"Honey, do you want the chairs?" the woman asked me, slightly exasperated.</div><br /><div>"Yes, Please" I reply. </div><br /><div>"Go ahead and take the chairs". </div><br /><div>"OK"</div><br /><div>I get back home and hubby asks, "So, how were they". Great... then I tell him the story. </div><br /><div>"I don't think I can go back for them, I am SO embarrassed"</div><br /><div>"You had BETTER go get them!"</div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So I did... and I am glad I did because I think they turned out pretty nice. I sanded them down, primed them, painted them white and every so slightly "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shabbied</span>" them with some sanding paper, then covered them with some new fabric. I can't convince hubby that we should paint the dining table white to match (opposites attract... I love painted wood, he loves natural wood) so, instead I invested in a white tablecloth (Shabby Chic line from Target).<br /></div><div align="center"><em>Before:</em> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354681567967308306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-mhAgF6hI/AAAAAAAAAuw/McvEtWaSpUM/s400/June+projects+008.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><em>In Progress:</em></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354681574871022514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-mhaOEO7I/AAAAAAAAAu4/jZjqyvbDtbo/s400/June+projects+011.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354680927999968322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-l7wb_REI/AAAAAAAAAug/TH3m0GUIRAE/s400/June+projects+009.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354680926308967138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sk-l7qI0ouI/AAAAAAAAAuY/YeTlOx70UoE/s400/June+projects+008.JPG" border="0" />Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-41101492161574884912009-06-27T20:49:00.001-07:002009-06-27T20:58:02.844-07:00Old Chippy Scale #2<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Skbox3UPv_I/AAAAAAAAAso/hdvijaYmnHg/s1600-h/scale%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352221150536515570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Skbox3UPv_I/AAAAAAAAAso/hdvijaYmnHg/s400/scale%232.jpg" border="0" /></a> My dear sister-in-law is entertaining the two year old on the farm this weekend, so that I can get our guestroom, well... guestroom-able again. On a trip to Lowe's for some shelving units I convinced hubby it <em>was</em> a good idea to stop at the local antique store since we didn't have the monster of destruction with us. I found this little beauty and couldn't resist! Since I bought the last old chippy scale, I have craved another... don't they look so <em>happy</em> together? I even gave scale #2 some berries (don't worry....faux berries here) to keep him company. Hmmm.... can I fit a third scale up there? Collections ARE better in three's, right?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352221155389488194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SkboyJZSPEI/AAAAAAAAAsw/GQPFfCmv8PI/s400/June+projects+002.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352221157933727682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SkboyS34P8I/AAAAAAAAAs4/__F9NqFQEkE/s400/June+projects+010.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-86439432250273587952009-06-20T17:31:00.001-07:002009-06-20T17:56:27.670-07:00Project: Stained Glass Window<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sj2C8Gj-xxI/AAAAAAAAArw/YF2DYncgSKI/s1600-h/Stainedglass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349575901451306770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sj2C8Gj-xxI/AAAAAAAAArw/YF2DYncgSKI/s400/Stainedglass.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>An old "found treasure" was re-invented in our home this week. When we lived in our old house this hung in our kitchen window. I loved it to pieces... but in our new home, there just wasn't a place for it. All our windows had blinds installed making it hard to find a spot to hang nicely , and it really needed to be hung in a window so the light could shine through it and display it at its very best. </div><div></div><div>About a year ago we had all new windows installed and the blinds went back up everywhere, but the kitchen, but still the stained glass sat in a lonely corner. I had other plans to hang it in our bedroom when just a couple weeks ago, while trying to fall asleep (isn't that when all the best ideas come to us?)... DUH! I can hang it in my kitchen window again, and even better... the colors of the window are nearly exactly the colors in my kitchen! Reds and greens! Brilliant!</div><div></div><div>So finally... my antique stained glass window has a home again!</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349572674973006914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sj2AAS_m_EI/AAAAAAAAAro/vQbQcQLT6nY/s400/June+projects+005.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349572666406780626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/Sj1__zFQvtI/AAAAAAAAArg/9XIbw60Z4fI/s400/June+projects+001.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880585274422738303.post-11146156544103673892009-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:002009-06-19T19:30:05.897-07:00Wishes for a Weekend GetawayOK Corinne... even if you are my only reader, I will keep posting!<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">received</span> my new issue of <a href="http://www.victoriamag.com/">Victoria Magazine </a>(my magazine obsession will have to be a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">separate</span>, future post) and featured in it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MaryJane's</span> Farm, and Bed and Breakfast. This is no ordinary B&B however... this was a perfect summer, roughing it... but not really roughing... B&B. I think it would be a perfect place to go, and do nothing but lounge about in the warm, summer breeze. It's only over in Idaho... so, hubby of mine... if your reading this...pay close attention. On top of it all... she has a shop with the most glorious, organic linens! Yum!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349230251450757858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SjxIkn9-8uI/AAAAAAAAArY/uqAw9xeuce0/s400/779ecdf6-5953-44f3-9ff8-dbc1a8395201.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div align="center">How would you like to relax here a few days?</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349230246533275090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SjxIkVpkHdI/AAAAAAAAArQ/bzf7rosyGE8/s400/slide-10.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349230241797628834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AWf8u5Wux2A/SjxIkEAf46I/AAAAAAAAArI/g2AJCJuRwog/s400/slide-08.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Cicelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15522457744242939241noreply@blogger.com0