Monday, April 30, 2012

B's Wedding Invitations

My BFF, B, is getting married this week!!! I am so excited for her and I can't wait for her big day.  She is glowing and is so happy, I just am bursting with excitement for her!

She is doing a ton of crafting for the wedding.  They made their own centerpieces, table numbers, place cards, favors, and a bunch of other things I am forgetting right now.  I thought I would share the wedding invitations she made.  They are awesome! She cut everything out with the cricut and I did the text for her. 
Update:She used the  "Fancy Frames" cartridge.  She said it is one of the cheaper cartridges.  She also did "a ton" of modifications to get the frame to look like this.  She said she resized it larger changed the center shape. It took about 2 weeks to get it right.  
This is what it looks like when you take it out of the envelope.  It is it's own little package.  I made the text for a little tag to go on the outside with their names and wedding date on there. the white and purple that goes around is ribbon.  

 This is the inside.  I did all the text in Illustrator.  She gave me the dimensions of everything and the wording and I gave her a few text options with different fonts and they picked the ones they liked the best.  I had so much fun doing the text and playing with the layout.  We went back and fourth a bunch of times until everything was perfect.  

The invitation is glued to the back of that purple piece and the white paper is glued on top.  We used glue dots and that double stick tape pen stuff from scotch.  It held really well.  

 The information page and R.S.V.P are in that pocket.  She bought the paper with the pocket already in it.  It really was one of the most beautiful invitations I have seen.  And I'm not just saying that because she is my best friend and I helped make them. They looked crazy expensive and I think when it was all done it cost less than $4 each with postage.  She did print them herself and just had to buy paper.  It took 4 of us a whole day to put them together.  We sat and talked and laughed and made a little assembly line.  It was so fun.  

I will share some shower stuff this week.  I threw her a surprise shower and boy she was surprised!! I will be sure to share the other things she made for the wedding next week after I recover :) 

Friday, April 27, 2012

New orange wallet

I have had the same wallet for I think 6 years.  It hasn't looked nice in 3 years.  I have been casually looking for a new one that whole time.  I had a clutch that had card holders and I liked that.  I found this at Kohls.  I had a gift card and 20% off coupon and I got some new running shoes too and picked up some Kohl's cash.  So I think this wallet was basically free :) I love that it has holders for individual cards and it looks like a clutch so I can just carry it.  It might not be as roomy as my last one, my emergency lip gloss doesn't fit. But I am much more organized.  It feels good to open my wallet and be able to see everything.  The bonus is PB has a hard time opening it so no more rummaging through and messing everything up when I am not looking :)

I have a great weekend planned.  I am going to get out of the house by myself!! I am going with a few friends to a MOM Prom.  Another MOMS Club is organizing it. I get to get dressed up and have a nice night out.  I am excited!! I am also doing a maternity photoshoot for a friend who is due in a few weeks.  I have a ton of ideas and I can't wait to start shooting! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!! Thanks so much for reading!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Fabric finds in Boston and quilt progress!

Remember how I told you all I went to Boston a few weeks ago? Well I went to 3 fabric stores and found some things at 2 of them.  Here is what I found at the first store:

This fabric is black and has these leafy things coming off of it.  I have to admit, I have no idea what I am going to use it for.  I was thinking of a throw pillow or something.  It was so fun and cheap that I couldn't pass it up.  In fact, I liked it so much....
I got it in white too.  I just couldn't help myself.  Sometimes I have no will power.  Especially when PB is ooohhhing over it and telling me to buy it :)

This I picked up at Gather Here.  I have to say I wanted to take the whole store home with me.  I found this in the remnant pile and it will go perfect with the quilt I am making PB, you know, the one I sewed the whole top in one day!  I bought 2 fabrics that I was thinking about using for the back, but they just weren't quite right.  I think this was totally meant to be.  There was exactly the right amount of fabric I needed and it was reduced, which was a huge bonus.
I am working on his quilt a little this week.  I got the back pieced yesterday and last night.  I am in love with how those i-spy blocks really pop off the grey!!

I also made my quilt sandwich last night and I am ready to quilt!!! YAY!!!
Hubby is going to be doing a ton of traveling so it looks like I am going to get plenty of sewing time in.  Good timing too because B's wedding is next week and it is almost time to start working on teacher gifts!! 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Card swap

I went to another card swap last night! So much fun!! Here is the card I made:

I chose sympathy again.  I think the cards I made last time for sympathy turned out a little better.  I was on a time crunch and waited until the last minute to make them.  This is the first time I used paper on my cards.  Might be the start of something new :) I always make fabric cards.  I don't really have the interest to cut and glue little pieces of paper.  But the other ladies do and their cards are fantastic!!! They were so good this time.  It almost makes me want to try something new.  Maybe for the next swap :)

Here are some missed you, thank you, blank and a sympathy card.

Here are some thank you, blank, congrats, birthday, and Mother's Day cards.

The other ladies did a great job and I had such a great time last night!! Thanks ladies!!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Orange colander

Happy Orange Friday!!! I am so glad this week is finally over and it is Friday!!! This is my orange colander.  I use if for fruit.  I have had it for many years, I can't remember where I got it.  I feel like someone probably got this for me but I don't know who.  Maybe my Mom? Anyway.  I love that is is small, perfect for a bunch of grapes, and it makes eating fruit a little easier.  I can wash everything and keep it right in here in the fridge.  Definitely makes it more appealing when I am hungry for a snack. 

This was such a long week and I didn't get to do anything crafty :( PB is over his stomach bug and I finished the display for our MOMS Club conference this weekend.  PHEW!! This weekend I have to make cards for another card swap!! At least I will be forced to get a little crafty this weekend :)  Happy Weekend!!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Off Week

This weekend was supposed to start out great... then I got a stomach bug 24 hours before my BFF's Bachelorette party.  Luckily I was better in time and we had a blast.
Here is me and B.  I made her veil tiara. it was very purpley and sparkley, just like B.  

It turns out that I don't recover after a night out as quickly as I did in college :) haahaa So when we got home from shopping, I took an epic nap while PB was playing with Hubby.  I was feeling great Monday morning, just a little tired.  Nothing a taco date couldn't fix.  Then we picked up PB at school...
He was so tired, he fell asleep right on me.  He hasn't done that since he was a baby.  It was sweet and nice and I loved every second of it.  But it turns out he caught my stomach bug.  

So this week is not turning into the productive week I had hoped it would be.  But I do get to cuddle with this sweet guy and I have to get the house back together and a display done for my MOMS Club.  I'll see you later in the week for orange friday and hopefully I get somethings together to post next week!!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Surprise orange bag and a trip

I got a surprise in the mail this week!!!! I love when that happens :)
My Auntie L and Cousin D saw this bag and thought I would love it.  They were right, I do love it!!! oh and that is my surprise face :) The inside is lined with vinyl and it has a small zip pouch on the front.  This is going to be perfect for my travel stuff.  And perfect timing too because it is Bachelorette Party weekend for me and my BFF B!!!

PB and I went on an adventure this week...
We tagged along on Hubby business trip to Boston! It was a really good time.  I walked the whole city until my legs were about to fall off.  
I took PB to some fun places like the Aquarium and Science Museum.  We ate a ton of really great food.  PB even ate chicken satay for dinner at a Thai restaurant one night.  I am so happy he loves different kinds of food and is willing to try new things.  Also when you call it special chicken with yummy peanut dippy sauce, i think that helps :)

PB and I were on our own all day until dinner which we got to enjoy with Hubby.  We even went on a few adventures to some fabric stores.  I went to one that made me wish I lived right above it.  It is called Gather Here.  When I walked in the store I was drooling over all the fabric and beautiful yarn.  They had a class going on of young tween age girls learning to make a skirt.  It was the most inspiring thing I have ever seen at a store.  Some were focused on their machines and some were cutting fabric.  A few were picking fabrics out for their next project and their conversation was hilarious.  It just seemed like just the most fun place to be. I really want to get finished on PB's quilt after seeing those girls sewing.  I also picked up new fabric for the back... i'll share later.  I had a crazy week last week, now a crazy fun weekend and an even crazier week next week.  Hopefully I will be here to share some things next week :) happy weekend!!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Southwest Chopped Salad

I have been dreaming of this salad.  I have been eating a ton of salads lately and most of them have been caesar salad.  My grocery store makes yogurt caesar dressing they even make a yogurt ranch. I love them because they have significantly less calories and fat. I have been craving something a little different than caesar salad. Something spicy and packed full of fun veggies and this salad was perfect. 

My favorite thing about a chopped salad is that everything is the same size and you get so many different tastes in each bite.  The avocado and rajas are delicious sneaky surprises.  The corn is so sweet and the beans... oh man I am going to have to eat this right now!!

Here's what you need:
Romaine, Black Beans, Avocado, Poblano Pepper, Frozen Corn, Limes, Cheese, Tomato, Ranch Dressing, and Chicken

Here's how to make it:
1.  Chop up tomato, romaine lettuce, and cheese.  Toss into big bowl.
2. Cook the frozen corn in the microwave and season with salt and pepper.  Cool slightly before adding to bowl.  
3.  Rinse and drain black beans very well. Toss in a little garlic powder and chili powder and stir.  Add to bowl.
4.  Make poblano peppers into rajas and chop. Add to bowl 
5. Toss salad with a few tablespoons of ranch dressing.  You just want enough for flavor, don't coat the salad in dressing.
6.  Grill Chicken.  Coat with garlic powder, chipotle powder, onion poder, salt and pepper, olive oil.  let sit 20 minutes before grilling. chop chicken into cubes.
7.  Cube avocado.  Squeeze half of a lime over to prevent browning.  
8.  Serve with lime slices for a flavor boost.

Make some extra because the leftovers are AWESOME!!!

This salad is seriously amazing.  The best part is you can customize it for size and ingredients.  Next time I think I am going to try some queso fresca instead of cheddar.  I think some black olives would be yummy too! Maybe some jalapenos.  Oh the possibilities!!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Orange enameled cast iron dutch oven

Happy Birthday MOM!!!! 

I went into Ollie's Bargain Outlet on Wednesday looking to see if they had any calendars left.  If you don't have an Ollie's or know what one is we like to describe it as the store that sells the stuff that fell off the back of the truck.  I know that isn't true, but it's funny :) Anyway I was hoping they would have a calendar but they didn't and I came across this Rachel Ray enameled cast iron dutch oven.  It was clearly an old package with an old pic of her on it.  I have been wanting to get one of these for a while but their are either too expensive or not orange enough.  This hit the mark perfectly.  It was only 40 bucks!! whoohooo!!! find of the week.  Also the cashier that checked me out said that she loves orange too :) i love when that happens!
Hubby shared a how to make potato chips in the microwave recipe from The Kitchn a while back.  I finally had the chance to make them and the verdict is awesome. I can't believe it worked!  I would say that they don't taste better than the best potato chip I have ever had but they are way better than a baked potato chip.  These actually taste like a potato.  I recommend trying it.  Have a great weekend!!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Quick shoe makeover

These are the shoes I found to wear for my BFF's wedding...
I had the hardest time finding silver flats.  There were gold shoes everywhere, I guess silver isn't in this year.  Luckily I found these at Kohl's. The dress I am wearing is a dark purple and is 1 inch off the floor with no shoes on.  One of the times my height has paid off! No dress alterations, SWEEET!  But that also meant I had to find some flats.  That works for me because I am very clumsy in heels :)  I love these shoes but I didn't love that nude binding around the edge.  It just looks off with my skin color.  So I thought why not paint it...

Here is the comparison.  I have to say, I am so glad I painted them.  I used one of those fabric paint markers. It was really quick to do too.  It only took about 6 minutes total! I love a good, quick project :)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Mobile makeover and baby gift

A friend of mine is having a baby girl in May and she asked me to makeover the mobile her son used and make it more girly.  
Here is the before, it is cute sailboats.  Her little guy's nursery was adorable and nautical themed.  I removed the strings by untying them. Then I used the colors in her bedding to inspire a new mobile. 

I used this tutorial by Sister Diane to make the flowers.  I found it through a search on Pinterest.  It is so handy searching there and having all the images come up!! Her flowers in the tutorial are one sided and she uses a button to finish it off.  I made mind 2 sided and just finished them off with a felt circle.  I think it turned out pretty great!!

I also made her a little something quick...
I made a skirt using Dana's Simple skirt tutorial, a few burp cloths and a taggie toy.  I picked up some leggings and a onesie to go with the skirt.  Sewing some pink was pretty fun :)
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