a couple of quick things

First of all.

One of my favorite bloggers/scrapbookers/photographers, Becky Higgins, has been doing a  photo challenge for the past few weeks.  This week was minimalist shots, using white space.  I immediately thought of a photo I took of Reganne this past winter (for a photo class no less).

So I sent it in.  And it *won*!!  Check it out here.  Yeah for me!  

Second of all.

Crop Chocolate.  Ever heard of them?  If you're a scrapbooker or crafter, this is a great site.  Deep discounted products, offered one a time.  And the deal changes throughout the day.

Anyhow.  Awhile ago they had a call for *chocolatiers*.  So I signed up.  No real talent was really required;).   And today, I finally posted my project (deadline is tomorrow).  Used a super cute kit from Echo Park called A Walk in the Park.  [Pictures are from Chuck E. Cheese.]  

You can also check it (and others) out in the gallery.

an enchanting tea party

the invites

the decorations

the cupcakes

the treats

the little sisters

the party

We had so much fun with this party!!  I just wish I had started planning it a little earlier...

Found 11 matching teacups and saucers, the *creamer* and *sugar jar* at the Salvation Army, 1/2 off.

Found a coordinating teapot (no lid though) at Goodwill.

Little sister's tea set, clearance toys from Target a while back.

Made the tissue pom poms myself from tissue paper and floral wire from the Dollar Store.

Had the Happy Birthday banner (a Pottery Barn clearance a couple years ago).

Pink plates, cups, poka-dot napkins and table clothes from Target.  

Had pink lemonade with fresh sliced lemons and flower shaped ice cubes (Dollar Store).

Served PB&J *tea sandwiches*, strawberries, grapes, pretzels, cheese cubes and olives.

Cherry chip cupcakes with cherry frosting and pearl beads (Wilson).

The black poka-dot paper cups from Michaels.

Party gifts were cotton candy, bubble gum, more candy and bubbles, later all packaged in a clear little bag.

15 girls total (11 big, 4 little).

Made bracelets and played outside.

Enjoyed the decorating and planning...didn't do so hot with the hosting...;) 

Good thing some moms volunteered to help.

And didn't get all the photos I wanted.

In fact, ran out of time to even take the table photos, so I set it all up a couple days later to get them.  That's why my flowers are a little wilted.

And thanks to Grandma Jean, who took Christian for the whole day.

gettin' my craft on

I love to scrapbook.

I just never actually do it.

But after getting this incredible book, I was ready to go!

And this is what I have created.

  [Sorry, but these are not the best pictures...]

Soon to come, some projects I've been working on around the house...I just have to finish them...;)

all hallows eve

No, I'm not as creative as I wish. Made the garland, but from a kit. Purchased it at a scrapbook store last year from Making Memories (and copied it to a T...). The cobwebs I found at Wal-mart, and they're not the typical ones. They might not have even been cobwebs... Then the crows are paper cutouts from Martha Stewart. The girls have them stuck all over the house;) Found the SPOOKY blocks at Marshalls and the skeleton and pumpkin candle holders are from Michaels-bought last year at their Halloween clearance. I love it and even Joey noticed and complimented it when he walked in the door that night!

Thanks for all your compliments as well!

a go at digital

I was in charge of the invitations and programs for our Young Women's In Excellence program. So I gave it a go at doing it digitally. I had some brushes and frames from a *free* creative photo editing class I took (sorry, the class isn't always free...I got lucky;), so I played around a bit and came up with this! I am just so excited at how great they look (well, according to myself) and how inexpensive (ah, FREE) and quick they were to put together.