Finally

I finally broke out my Cricut for a round of practice yesterday. And while I love everything it can do, I can't wait for my Design Studio to get here! It's going to be so much easier and so much faster to do projects with it (a huge thanks to those who recommended it!)

So, on to my first project!

I bought come Con-Tact paper at WalMart the other day to do some glass etching (love), so that is what I did my practice cutting with. I used my Storybook cartridge and did different sized things to get a feel for the pressure/blade/speed combo.

Now that I started, I'm hooked. I wanted to etch everything in sight. But, I contained myself and went for a lonely old wine glass. I think it might have turned out better if it was on a thicker glass, or if my Armour Etch was newer (it was feeling a little grainy in the bottle). But it was still a fun little project to get a feel for my cricut without just sitting there cutting out a bunch of G's in different sizes.

I am the worst when I get excited, I forget all about taking pictures... do i feel a New Years Resolution in the making?

PS-Etched glass is the hardest thing I have had to photograph to date.




If you can't read it clearly it says "HOW MERLOT CAN YOU GO". Again, sorry for the terrible pictures. I was in a hurry and I took a bunch but there was an overhead light so the glare was B-A-D.

I'm linking up of at The Shabby Chic Cottage for Transformation Thursday!
Linked over at BNOTP for Met Monday!
Linked over at ASPTL for DIY Day and Todays Creative Blog for get Your Craft On

Do-it-Herself

I don't know if any of you have ever taken part in or even heard of the FREE program that Home Depot offers called "Do-it-herself Workshops". Basically it's a workshop where women get to learn how to do a bunch of awesome home repairs and updates without a man's help.

The first workshop of 2010 is on Thursday January 14th from 7pm-8:30pm. It will cover BATHROOM UPDATES! I won't be able to attend this event (boo) but I really hope some of you get the chance to.

Here is a couple things on the adgenda:
Installing a faucet
Replacing a showerhead
Installing a toilet

You can click here to register, again it's FREE! This page will give you all the info about the things you need to bring to be able to do each task.

Please let me know if you go, I would love to hear how it went!!

$5 Health/Fitness Magazine Subscriptions

I am totally one of those people that gets excited about new years resolutions. And every year getting back in shape (not that I am out of shape, but after a month of cookies and mashed potatoes, I could use a few rounds on the treadmill) is one that I am most excited about. Me and the BF have started our "diet", and I use the "" because I like to think of it as a lifestyle change, but after only a week, I can hardly consider it that.
So my goal by 5/1 (just in time to slip into a bathing suit and head to the new beach house) is to lose 10 pounds. In the first week I have lost 4, and I think the mere change in eating has really helped, but the trips to the gym couldn't have hurt!

ANYWAY... enough about my personal issues, on to the point of the post...
If you also have a resolution to trim down this year, there are some fitness and health magazines on sale for $5/year on Amazon to get you on your way!
Click the magazine you want, to be redirected to the order page.
Fitness Magazine (one of my personal favorites)
Eating Well
Vegetarian Times
Yoga Journal

Have my fingers crossed that I reach my goal, and to those of you who are resolution faithful, GOOD LUCK in whatever you set to accomplish in 2010!

Toast Life

I can't even believe I am writing a post about 2009 ending. When I was little and I used to say "this year went by so fast", people always responded with "the older you get the faster they go." Never has a truer statement been spoken.

So many wonderful things have happened this year in spite of what a terrible year 2009 has been for our country. I moved in with my wonderful boyfriend in April, and while there was an adjustment period (I am stubborn as an ox and as messy as a 6 year old. He is stubborn as an ox, and wants the house swept everyday... you get where I'm going with this?) I can't imagine my life taking place anywhere but this little old town. I started blogging in October and can't believe that anyone reads it, and stunned that 46 people (the greatest 46 people EVER) have chosen to come back and read again! This has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Not only are there so many of you out there that have inspired me with your talent, many of you have inspired me with the kindness of your words. I can hardly wait to get started on my to do list for 2010, but I am spending my last few days of vacation, relaxing, decompressing, and getting ready for what I know is going to be wonderful year!


I feel extremely lucky to not have cracked under the economic pressure and that I am still contributing to my savings account every pay check. I am thankful to have my own car, a roof over my head, and a feeling of security. My heart goes out to those who don't, and hope that the new year brings fortune to those who have been hit the hardest this year.

I hope you come back to see me in 2010, and I look forward to meeting those who I am not had the pleasure of doing so just yet. Each and every one of you has had an impact on my life, and for that I thank you!!

PS: keep the great project ideas coming :)

Enjoying vacation

I'm still on vacation from work (will go back 1/4/10) and I am loving it! I just got back from MD yesterday and have spent most of my time back shopping, organizing and unpacking. It will take me a little while to get back into my routine but I am itching to start some new projects with all of the goodies I got for Christmas. If you didn't know my hobbies before, this should about sum it up!

Merry Christmas

I probably won't be back on a computer for a few days since Christmas Eve at my house is bigger than Christmas Day. My mom's entire side of the family is here in MD with us, and it should be a wonderful day. Everyone have a fantasitic Christmas and I will be back in a few days!!

The Blizzard and the Wedding

I have not been doing much but traveling here the last couple of days but now that I am at my parents house through Christmas I have a few mintues to post. I don't have any fun and exciting crafts (sigh) but I did help my mom with a wedding she had to do today (yes, a Tuesday wedding, I'm as confused as you are).

First, I wanted to share what I came home to.... pictures are courtesy of my mom.
Some were taking during the snow, and some after... you should be able to tell which is which!






Because of this wonderful blizzard my 6 hour drive turned into close to 8, but I'm here safe, what more can I ask for!

Now, on to the wedding. My mom owns a florist so "luckily" I was home to help set up this wedding. It was taking place at a hotel, the wedding and the recepetion both. Here are some pics of the goods









I will be short on posts through Christmas but if anything fun happens I will be sure to post!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Secret Project Revealed

I'm at the beach for the weekend! Probably won't stir up as much jealousy since they are calling for snow and all, but still :)

I am visiting my boyfriends mom since I will be heading home to Maryland for Christmas with my family next week. The reason that is important to you, is now I can reveal my "secret project" because I will have given her the gift by the time I post this- (yes I am writing ahead because I will be away, you're welcome haha!) It's not a big thing, just something I thought she might like!

It only cost me about $5 all together, and here is what I needed:
-A frame from the thrift store- no need for a back or glass, just needed the wood
-Piece of scrap wood, cut into a rectangle
-Paint
-Wire
-Fishing net
-Star Fish
-Stamp Set

I get really excited about projects and ALWAYS seem to forget to take pictures of the steps and supplies. I am still new to this, but I will try very hard to remember next time.

Without further ado-(side note, its not hung on the wall because it was a gift for someone else, so don't mind that its just sitting on the floor)





Stella knew something fishy was going on....chirp chirp...no? :)


It was really simple since It wasn't supposed to be perfect. But I did have to make sure it was not perfect, perfectly. I can't help it.
All I did was paint the frame the with the green paint I got from this post, and I just dipped the tip of my paint brush in water first as to kind of thin it out because I still wanted to be able to see the grain of the wood.

Then just painted the rectangle a white I used for other projects, roughed it up with some sand paper, and added a dab of stain to darken some of the corners. Then I stamped my phrase with a Typewriter Stamp Set.

Glued some fish net to the back.

Drilled holes and ran wire through both the plaque and the frame.

Glued on a star fish. And that's it!

Hope it was worth the wait :)

I WISH I had this much time on my hands

You're kidding right...

Christmas Lights + Guitar Hero= Annoyed neighbors? Awesomeness?

Take a look for yourself... would you be happy if this display was next door to you?

(I hate to admit it, but I would be first in line to play!)

Hot Chocolate on a Stick and Mini Pies

I was in such a huge hurry last night that I took ZERO pictures of these. I wasn't even going to post them because of that reason, but I thought, "who I am to deprive these wonderful people?"

First, Hot Chocolate on a Stick. Who knew?
I will post a few pictures from AmberLee's website "Givers Log". It is where I have been spending A LOT of time lately! Here is the link so you can head over to check out the details. They are super, great, little, inexpensive, (adjective overload) gifts, I hope you give them a try!

Ingredients:
8 oz. REAL chocolate-bittersweet, semisweet, milk, and white chocolate all work (she goes into greater detail about the type of chocolate to us that I suggest reading before trying this)
1/4 cup cocoa, sifted
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
pinch of salt

Nutshell Directions:
-Melt chocolate in a double broiler
-When almost completely melted, take off heat and continue stirring until fully melted
-pour in dry ingredients; mix well
-put in a Ziploc bag and pipe into ice cube trays
-put your stick/spoon/candy cane/etc in the top
-let sit
-enjoy
Again, she is a WAY better tutorial-er than I, so I will let you read more about that over at her place.


Next up- Mini pies in short, fat jars. Sara over at Our Best Bites had this genius idea to bake single serving pies in tiny mason jars. If I got the jars just by themselves I would be happy. If they had cheeks, I would pinch them. Cuties.
Same deal- My short condensed version here. Her amazing awesome tutorial there.

This was very simple. I have never made a crust before and I was able to do it!

These are the little studs


When you make your crust you don't have to roll it out or anything, just press the crumbles around the jar


Fill it with fruit of choice (I actually used canned because I was in a major pinch)

You need a top crust but it also needs to vent. I did all of mine with the lattice because it majorly increases the cutest factor.


Ta-Dah

Now, since I explained nothing at all really to you, please go pay these gals a visit and check out their amazing tutorials for 2 fabulous and creative gifts!