Birthday Wishes

A friend had her birthday in March and due to my poor planning her present was a bit delayed, so we celebrated in early April and I wanted to give her a card she would love. Serena has loved the melon mambo color since we first got a sneak peek when the current catalog was sent to demonstrators. I couldn't think of a better card for her than one made with Melon Mambo!

As I was putting the card together in my head, I realized that I had only a few days before I had to send my April swap cards on their way, so to be efficient I combined the two efforts. Needing to incorporate designer series paper for the April swap theme, I pulled out the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper and got to work. It was a pretty simple design that enabled me to spend some time to create the flower focal point.

I used a technique I learned at a previous class I attended called Faux Suede. The point of the technique is to work the cardstock in many directions and break down the fibers within. This softens the cardstock to give it that worn, veiny look. I punched out my shapes using three punches: the Extra Large Fancy Flower, the Scalloped Circle Punch, and a 1-inch Scalloped Circle Punch. Using my fingers, I worked the cardstock in multiple directions. When the cardstock had softened a bit, I rolled it in a tight ball. I unfolded it and repeated in different directions multiple times. The layers of paper that make up the cardstock eventually start to split along the edges. When this happened, I carefully pulled the cardstock apart to form 2 pieces of my punched shape. I also used Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper as two layers of the flower and used my fingers to gently work the paper to give it the worn look, but did not split it. I layered my flower and used a Summer Sun corduroy brad to secure the layers together. I made the leaves in Old Olive cardstock using the wings from the Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch. I used my bonefolder to make veins in the leaves.

Also, there are four things I learned while making this card:

1. When Steve offers to help because I looked stressed (because the kitties were running away with my balls of paper), he really doesn't want to 1. run around catching the kitties or 2. roll 15 flowers into balls until they start to fall apart while I run around catching the kitties.

2. This technique is not best for large number replication, as your hand will cramp after 3 cards.

3. I really really love the Rich Razzleberry color and I'm SO glad it's becoming permanent (more on this to come).

4. And lastly crushed curry is starting to grow on me...hopefully I use up my stash by June 30th.

Thanks for stopping by!

All supplies by Stampin' Up! ® unless otherwise noted:

Stamps: Heard from the Heart

Paper: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon (I used the back side), Extra Large Fancy Flower punch, Scalloped Circle punch, 1-inch Scalloped Circle punch (EK Success), Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch, Summer Sun Corduroy Brad, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, bone folder

52 in 2010 Quarterly Update

I can't believe we are almost to the middle of in the middle of April already (I started prepping this post 2 weeks ago). I thought I'd do a quarterly post to update my progress on my 52 things. I wish I was a little farther along, and I can see a few things maybe not happening, but I feel I've gotten more done so far this year compared to all of last year.

So, on to the progress.

Hair Cut

I finally did the post wedding chop, about 1 1/2 years after the wedding. It had been a long time coming but I wanted to do something good with this opportunity, so it took a bit longer to grow out for donation. With the warm temperatures rolling in, it was only a matter of time until I was cursing it sticking to my neck (I was already cursing at it every time I ended up getting it stuck between my back and a chair) and despite not having an end style in mind, I took a leap of faith and trusted my stylist.

Before:

After:

It ended up being a bit shorter than I normally would like and it actually requires a little work in the morning (compared to air drying) but I'm getting used to and enjoying it quite a bit.

Passport

I just got it in the mail this week, just in time since Steve and I are planning a vacation to England for this summer. So excited to have this finally completed...now just on to updating the credit cards and we'll be all set with this name change thing.

Craft Fair

As you've seen in my previous post, I participated in a craft fair at work and it seemed to go very well. I'm quite excited and it was great motivation to making new cards and getting all my ideas out of my head.

Garden

The garden is in the ground. I didn't start from seed this year, but I found a local garden center that has some great looking plants. Last year, Steve and I built a planter that fits over the railing to our deck and it's become a great herb garden. It's 5 steps from the kitchen and it's so convenient for fresh herbs all summer long. The oregano carried over from last year, but we need to plant more basil, rosemary and parsley.

Our herb planter and the bell pepper plants.

Although I'm the only one that likes peppers in the house, I couldn't decide between red and yellow, so I got both! I'm hoping these will bear many peppers for daily snacks to help try to lose those 20 pounds. In addition to these, we planted 4 tomato plants (a Roma, an orange heirloom, and a good slicing tomato called Champion. We also planted a Patio tomato which is suppose to be great for container gardening.

Two of our tomato plants.

We also planted two zucchini plants, a yellowneck squash plant, and 2 cucumber plants, along with some romaine lettuce and spinach. I can't wait to see what comes of this year's garden.

Steve's T-shirt Quilt

I spent some time last weekend working on planning the pattern and I'm hoping to have some pictures soon. After that, it's the point of no return and I'll be cutting the t-shirts. I'm not sure if my marriage will survive if I screw this up since these t-shirts are so beloved...wish me luck.

Baking

Well, the baking isn't going so hot. Everything is turning out great, but I am so behind. I get on a roll but then something comes up and I just get forced out of my kitchen. But every time I look at the list I get so excited about it that I want to take a week off and bake 24 hours a day. If only our bank account would allow that. Look for a new post on the baking blog soon.

And a few more things...

Not necessarily on MY list of things to do this year, but we took our tax return and purchased a new large flat screen TV and a new (nice) console for it. We actually shopped around a bit and still have about $1000 left to invest in the house. We're hoping to make it stretch a bit, but there are so many little projects that are adding up. I'm hoping to use the extra funds for the new closet organization system and maybe paint my craft room, which will knock off a few more things on my list, but we also want new hardware for the front door and the blinds in the dining room are officially kaput.

So, on to the official list.

A key to understand my progress:

Strike through = completed

Blue = partially completed

Italics = in progress

Normal = not started

Red = didn't complete

For me

1. Make a list of 52 desserts to make and blog about in 2010. Attempt to bake/blog once a week. (4/52)

Mint Chocolate Truffle Tart Grand Marnier Souffle Beignets Citrus Chiffon Pie Crepes Caramels Strawberry Tart with Orange Cream Butter Pecan Ice Cream Olive Oil Gelato with Balsamic Strawberries Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Sugar Plum Candies Cheesecake with Stout Sauce Pecan Pumpkin Butter Triffle Raspberry Rose Vanilla Cream Cake Choux with Grand Marnier Mousseline Marshmallows Raspberry Mousse Tartelettes

Apple Cider Pound Cake Peach Creme Caramel Lemon Crumb Cake Tea Glazed Biscuit Cookies Lemon Cream Cookies Lemon Pistachio Shortbread Rice Pudding Poached Pears Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcakes French Silk Pie Macaroons Chai Cupcakes Plum tart Madelines Vanilla Zabaglione Peanut Chocolate Tart Chocolate Souffle Gooey Butter Cake

Bananas Foster Cakes Lemon Basil Lemon Tartlettes Strawberry Thyme Shortbread Citrus & White Tea Jelly Pistachio & Vanilla Bean Cheesecakes Yougurt & Brown Sugar Cake Pate de Fruit Rhubarb Cheese Bars Roasted Apples & Vanilla Bean Souffle Pomegranate White Tea & Honey Ginger Yogurt Verrines Cinnamon Caramel Mousse Roasted Glazed Peaches Vanilla Brown Butter & Almond Cake w/custard filling Panna cotta Pot de creme Spiced Plum Compote w/Plum Pit Cream Bread Pudding

2. Organize and maintain tags in Google Reader and Delicious.

3. Plant a garden.

4. Make and can tomato sauce (hopefully with tomatoes from my garden).

5. Lose 20 pounds.

6. Walk 2 times per week. (1/52)

7. Lift weights 1 time per week.

8. Start an etsy shop.

9. Sign up for at least one craft fair.

10. Participate in a Photography Project365. (0/365)

11. Get a new hair style/cut.

12. Rent 10 movies you've wanted to see.

13. Complete name changing process.

14. Get new passport with new last name.

15. Make and start using reusable shopping bags everywhere, not just grocery shopping.

16. Read 5 books. (0/5)

17. Take a crocheting/knitting class.

18. Make Ireland scrapbook.

19. Finish decorating my craft room.

For Steve and me

20. Complete Tshirt quilt for Steve.

21. Go to 5 new non-chain restaurants.

22. Go see 5 movies in the theater.

Valentine's Day

23. Go camping.

24. Go to a Capitals hockey game.

25. Go to a DC United soccer game.

26. Take a long weekend vacation.

27. Take a picture of Steve and myself (and the kitties) once a month.

28. Save 3 months of expenses.

29. Schedule a financial planning consultation.

For the house

30. Clean out front hall closet.

31. Sew couch covers.

32. Make picture collage for stairwell.

33. Buy/make new curtains for living room.

34. Purchase and hang new blinds for the dinning room.

35. Purchase/make new curtains for dining room and kitchen.

36. Design/build/assemble closet organization system for master bedroom.

37. Repaint master bathroom.

38. Paint/decorate guest bedroom.

39. Repaint and change hardware on front door.

40. Hang Christmas lights.

41. Schedule and set up a yard sale. Conveniently our HOA holds a community yard sale and I was able to secure a space, so I have little over a month to go through the house and make some tough decisions!

42. Get broken window fixed.

43. Install new thermostat.

44. Fix leak in front door.

45. Purchase nut for yellow vacuum.

46. Purchase case for and organize misc screws, nuts, etc.

47. Set up coupon organization system.

For others

48. Complete Tshirt quilt for Lauren.

49. Host a holiday party.

50. Host a cookout/dinner party.

51. Send random cards to 5 people.

52. Send a birthday card to everyone on my birthday calender.

Craft Fair - Complete!

Well, I did it and it turned out pretty successful. I'm actually quite happy and proud of myself for not chickening out. I made a profit, even after the table fee, so that's got to count for something. At least it was successful enough that I plan on doing the next one in October, which I think will be more fun for me because I LOVE making Christmas cards. I have so many plans...now I just need to find the time to actually execute them.

I thought I'd share some pictures of my set up.

My table.

I wrapped a few empty boxes with kraft paper and wrapped them with some spare ribbon to make the cards more visible and to add some height to the table.

I'm currently putting together some posts of my favorite cards, so stay tuned! This was also one of my things to do this year, so I will be posting my quarterly progress soon and this makes for a great check mark.

A Special Birthday Cake for a Special Boy

During my time in Maryland, I have developed great friendships with only a handful of people. Two of these are people I work with and to some our friendship could seem unorthodox (we have laughed many times that either could be my father) but they are truly my best friends and I can't imagine them not in my life or involving them in my lunch plans ;). And with these two friends, come wonderful families that I love like my own.

A few weeks ago I had the honor of joining one of these families for a birthday celebration as Michael celebrated his 5th birthday and had the opportunity to met their newest addition, Ryan. I also had the great honor of making Michael's birthday cake.

The birthday boy on the way to dinner.
Michael loves all things trains, including Thomas and this year he requested a Percy train and who was I to object to buying another cake pan. Given my model, off I went. I even had Percy help with the baking process.

Making sure I matched the right color green

The cake turned out pretty good and I think Michael was quite surprised. However, I think we started to take too many pictures because it didn't look like he could resist much longer. Honestly, I think he's just wise beyond his years and knows what's really important...eating cake!

Really, this is like the 100 bajillionth picture...

I want to eat!

I had a wonderful time spent with laughter and smiles. I hope this year is Michael's best.

Michael, Ray (their Dad), and Ryan.

Michael and his mom, Kerry.