March 2012Occasionally Crafty: March 2012

Friday, March 30

Hey Girl

I'm not sure how Ryan Gosling and crafts got hooked up, but I have to say, I quite enjoy reading through Handmade Ryan Gosling.   Here's some of my favorites- go check out the rest!


Submitted by @ThriveBlog

Submitted by ajawest23

Do you have a favorite?

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Monday, March 26

Lego Man Shirt and Birthday Traditions

Today is my son's 5th birthday.  I know every mother says this, but I really can't believe he's five already!
The days go slow, but the years zip by.....

He'll be having a very "Lego" birthday.  A lot of his presents are either Legos or have a Lego theme.  Right now he's especially into the Star Wars and Ninjago Legos.  

So, I thought this Lego Man Birthday Shirt by Liz on Made on Maple  (which, by the way, is a blog by my super-talented sister in law and her super-talented friend!) would be the perfect thing to wear for his birthday.  She thoughtfully provides a pattern for us to use.  The only alteration I made was keeping the pants and shoes together, as I am a lazy sewer.




There are so many great ways to celebrate a birthday.    We're still kind of establishing traditions, but this is what we do for our kids:
We decorate with a special birthday banner my sister in law made.


We open Mom and Dad's presents in the morning as soon as they wake up, then everyone else's presents later with cake.

We let them choose what kind of cake they want.  This year I'm making.....a Lego cake.  Of course.

Daddy takes the birthday child out for a one-on-one lunch.

Finally the birthday child gets to choose a restaurant for dinner.  Right now that's pretty much always Peter Piper Pizza (like Chuck E Cheese for those who don't have a Peter Piper nearby).  Hopefully someday  that will evolve into a more varied and delicious restaurant choice :).    We have cake and open the rest of the presents after dinner.

How do you celebrate your children's birthdays?

I'm sharing our birthday ideas at some linky parties this week- come along and join me!

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Thursday, March 22

Spring Roundup

After an uncharacteristically cold and rainy weekend here in Phoenix, the sun is shining, the weather is gorgeous, and, of course, it's SPRING!

I'm pulling out my spring decor, and also feeling the need to create some decorations for my home.  Here are some that have inspired me this week:

1.  I love this Spring Vignette from A Pumpkin and a Princess.  She's so nice to share where she got her lovely items.  Sometimes I see things at stores and can't quite figure out how to throw them together.  This got the wheels turning!  I especially love the yellow and blue together!



2.  I love this Easter Egg Banner from Creations by Kara!  I definitely need one of these.  She even offers a printable pattern for us.  How sweet of her!

easter craft-Easter egg banner


3.  This Easter Bunny Specimen Art from Quiver Full of Blessings is super cute!  I love the different patterned paper- it gives it that much more visual interest!


 4.  These Braided Yarn-Wrapped Easter Eggs from Mom on Timeout really turned cute!  I could see them in a cute bowl, filling up a spring lantern, or in a birdcage.  


5.   I love these elegant Floral Stuffed Eggs from The ArtsyGirl Connection!  Gorgeous!  I've never blown out eggs before, but this makes me want to give it a go.  


Thanks for the inspiration, ladies!  Feel free to grab a featured button if you like!

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Sunday, March 11

Pretend it's Summer- Strawberry Cream Pie

 I don't really have to pretend it's summer. Most people's summer is our spring here in Phoenix.  Today, it's sunny and 81 degrees!  I tend to get slightly panicky in March, because I know our RIDICULOUSLY HOT weather is just around the corner, and I haven't been taking full advantage of the beauty that is March in Phoenix!

I volunteered at our school's spring festival on Saturday, though, and even got a bit sunburned on my arms.  So, yeah, this Strawberry Cream Pie will hit the spot!

I love this recipe, because it tastes almost like cheescake, even though there is no cream cheese in it.  It's cool and refreshing, and I love the homemade glaze in the strawberries.

The original recipe is here at Lemonbasil.  Since I didn't come up with it myself or modify it in any way, I'm going to let you click over there and thank her for the recipe.  (Really, it's worth the extra click!)
I did cheat by using a refrigerated pie crust, but due to shrinkage I wouldn't recommend it for best results.


Enjoy your pie now, or save it for summer- it's sure to impress at your next gathering, or just for your sweet family!

Linking up to some fun parties:  join me if you dare!

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Thursday, March 8

The Glitter Academy

I was lucky to have a Girl's Night scheduled with my good friend when my husband got back from an out-of-town trip.  It was just in time, too, as I was about ready to pull out my hair from handling my three rowdies alone for a week.  We went to The Glitter Academy in Chandler and did some serious crafting all evening.

You can buy some of their craft kits, or bring your own stuff.  I decided to get busy on my "to make" list (that has tripled since Pinterest!).  I made some Birthday countdown blocks, a vinyl plate, some word blocks for my dad and his wife, and a "Spring" plaque that will someday have a mini-wreath hanging on the front.  (click on the links to find my inspiration).


Anissa made Spring blocks, some tile coasters, and has the vinyl for a plate too.

In addition to eating, we got to do some shopping at the booths,
headwrap
jewelry and ribbon flower
eat yummy treats styled by the TomKat Studio, sit through a Q&A with Kim from TomKat Studio, and gab with a bunch of other crafters.

Anissa also won a raffle prize.  Cute apron!


It was a fun night out- just what I needed!


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Sunday, March 4

11 Questions, 11 Answers

One of my favorite  bloggers is Rachel at Maybe Matilda.  I pretty much just stalk her there.  She's always a good read- I love her writing style, not to mention her cute projects.

Anyway, last week she answered 11 Questions on her blog- then challenged anyone up for it to do the same.  It's supposed to be a "tagging" game.  I'm notoriously bad at re-tagging people, so I'm just going to do this for fun- to give you a little more insight into this little crafter.....


1.Who is your favorite celebrity crush, past or present?
Well, I could make a very long list.  Heaven knows there have been a few in my dreams  past:  Jared Leto.  Christian Bale.  Johnny Depp.  Joey from NKOTB (hello, 6th grade!).   

Jared

2. What’s your favorite book?

This is the part where you realize what a nerd I am.  My favorite book is a toss-up between The Lord of the Rings and Les Miserables- the unabridged version.  

source
I've read both at least a dozen times.  Now that I think of it, it's been awhile since I've read either one, and that makes me itchy to pick one up again.   Truth be told, I'm pretty much always in the middle of a book.  I love the classics, but I read a lot of free e-books on my Kindle that are somewhat light reading.  If I'm not reading a book, I'm reading a magazine, a newspaper, or even the back of a cereal box.

3. What are your 5 favorite TV shows?


If we're talking all time here, then I must include Lost as my number one!  I loved every minute of it, even when it disappointed (if that makes sense).  I mourn the day the last trombone slide played on my TV.  Thank goodness for DVD's!  I also currently love Fringe, The Good Wife, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Person of Interest.
4. Guilty pleasure?


I have to admit I love reading Young Adult books, like The Hunger Games, Twilight, Harry Potter, and more.  I know they're for teenagers, but they're so much fun and so addicting!  And yes, I have seen all the Twilight movies (even though they're terrible, they're terribly fun!) and intend on hitting the Hunger Games movie at midnight on March 23rd!

5. Any goals you’re currently working on?


Well, if you're a regular reader you notice my blog posts have decreased, and I've even talked a little about trying to achieve a better balance in my life.  My children are growing up- my "baby" is two and a half, and I'm really feeling the speed of their childhood passing by.   Right now I am trying to be more "in the moment" and enjoy the time I have with them while they are little.  I'm working on priorities and trying to find the direction I want to go towards in my blogging.
But, if you're looking for something measurable, I'm reading the Book of Mormon in 40 days with my women's group at church.  That means 20-30 minutes of focused scripture study a day in addition to what I was already doing!  I'm a week into the challenge and right on schedule, so I'm proud of that!


Book of Mormon
source

6. A trend or style you’ve wanted to try, but been scared to?


Skinny jeans and cute boots.  I tried on some skinny jeans, but I just looked so.....not cute.  But maybe I'm just insecure.   I'm kind of short (5'4") and pretty medium build.  I'm just not sure I can pull it off.


Date Night. Smoky eyes, skinny jeans, boots = Hot!
source

7. A skill you’d love to learn?


Sewing (I pretty much stick to the basics).  Quilting (ditto).  Crocheting.  Digital Photography (figuring it out....).  I know that's four skills, but I could probably list ten!

8. If you had a day to yourself with unlimited money to spend and no obligations, what would you do?

I'd start off with some shopping to update my wardrobe.  I'd meet my best friend for lunch and a spa pedicure.  I'd spend the afternoon outdoors (preferably in Phoenix winter weather- 70's and sunny!), reading a book on a blanket in the park.  I'd meet my husband for a romantic dinner at Fleming's steakhouse, then tuck my kids into bed, relax with a bubble bath, and go to bed at a decent hour.  That would pretty much be heaven.

9. A person (living or dead) you’d love to meet?


Jesus.  I'm religious.  Being in His presence someday is my ultimate goal.



10. If you weren’t doing the career you’re doing now (being a stay-at-home mom counts as a career), what would you want to be doing instead?


Right now, I am a SAHM.  I used to teach band.  I can't wait to go back to it- because I know I'll be so much better at it this time.  Someday I'll be an elementary band teacher again, and it will be awesome!

11. What are the names you want/wanted to give your kids until your meanie-pants spouse vetoed them?


We both are on the same page for girl's names, but for boys' names, we have a tough time agreeing.  My husband likes the traditional names, like Henry, George, etc.  I like more popular names- Tyler, Colin, etc.  We ended up with Kyle and Drew- somewhere in the middle, I guess.


Well, that's it- 11 questions about little old me.  I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into me and my life!  I challenge you to do the same!  Answer one in the comments!  Or, if you do this on your blog, leave me the link and I'll hop on over to check it out!

Have a great week!
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