Cookie Pops

When it comes to cookies, the bigger the better!  Unfortunately, a bouquet of over-sized cookies expertly decorated are beautiful but typically taste like an arts and crafts project- paste and cardboard.  I wanted to create a large themed cookie to be used for a cookie pop for parties or gifts but it needed to be tasty.   Sugar cookies are the traditional cookies to decorate for this purpose, but I only like sugar cookies if they are soft.  So I began exploring the quandary.  A cookie that is soft enough to taste yummy and freshly baked, but firm enough hold up when attached to a stick and vertically displayed.  

Superhero Cake

This year, my boy had a Superhero birthday party.  He loves all superheroes is fascinated about the different super powers.  I knew I had to make him a cake that would encompass more than one character.  After my friend sent me a couple of pictures of some amazing superhero cakes, I knew I could tackle my own version.    

A couple years ago, my mom and my kids made a superman cake for my husband's birthday from a vintage Wilton character pan.

Superhero Party

 When my little boy turned 6 this year, we celebrated Superhero style!  He recently became aware of Spiderman, Superman, and Batman.  Since his favorite character kept changing every week, I needed to create a collective superhero party.  A Super Hero Academy type party would allow me to use general super hero decor with a mixture of known characters, and the kids can do some "superhero training" as part of the party entertainment.

Excited to use the Cricut, I made the invitations from my Paper Dolls Dress Up cartridge.   Some research on the Provo Craft website brought me to sample invitation that was perfect. Provo Craft has changed their forum and I can no longer find the invitation that I used as my template, but if someone has the link to the original creator, please let me know.  I would love to share it.

A treasure from the pond

This week my husband has been working hard on getting our pond cleaned out and water flowing.  He has discovered, well, it is a huge job.  In order to get the pond, which is our irrigation holding tank, functional again, he has had to drain it, scoop the muck out, and repair part of the bottom of the pond.  This is a job that unfortunately started last year, only to have it rain like crazy a week later and fill up our pond again.  When we drained our pond the first time, we moved all our fish, Bass and Blue gill, to a neighbor's pond to live a happy life.  With this week's pond drain, we found a ton of fish and a turtle!

My kid's are super excited about their new found pet.  My son has named the turtle, Tizzy Lynn.  The thing that confuses me, is where in the world did this little Red Eared Slider turtle come from?   I do not see a ton of turtles cruising up and down road looking for a pond to call home.  Regardless, little Tizzy Lynn will be ours to enjoy at least until the pond works. 

Our first eggs of the year

First 2 eggs- 2012

 After much chicken drama, we have finally collected our first eggs this year.  We started the season out in the spring with 22 baby chicks.  After an ambush by a band of racoons, we were down to 8 chickens.

 The thinning out of our flock with one big swoop had a couple of effects.  The first was that we now did not have to figure out what to do with our 3 roosters.  The second was that I was on a mission to protect the remaining members of the flock.  I was determined to get some EGGS!! 

Ombre Mini Tiered Cake

Happy Birthday to me!  Yes, I made myself a birthday cake, but it isn't as sad as it sounds.  I enjoy the process of making cakes.  It is delicious art!   It was a birthday treat to be able to experiment without the pressure.

Director's Chairs- Second Life

The Pair- AFTER

There is something inspiring about a good find.  Whether it be a garage sale, thrift store, or flea market, giving something a new life always gets my blood flowing.  It usually happens on an early weekend morning. I happen along a yard sale and suddenly I can envision someone's trash as my treasure (or at least latest project).




When I found the Director's Chairs, I knew the project was manageable.  With  a little paint and new fabric, Voila! New Chairs!

Bias Cut Ruffle Skirt

 I love ruffles and sewing projects that are easy! That is why I was so excited about finding ruffle material at Hobby Lobby last week.  Luckily, my best friend visited weekend.
Recently, she was bitten by the sewing bug and has been soaking up sewing how-to knowledge like a sponge.  She was happy to help me brainstorm.