Coffee, Crafts & Cupcakes

need some color inspiration?

2012-03-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Check out the photo card boutique blog so many fun palettes.

Source: photocardboutique.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: blog.photocardboutique.com via Amy on Pinterest

it's friday- woot woot!

2012-03-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a long dizzy week with a sick munchkin home from school. Fun times!!

One of my favorite flowers ...so nice on a wet and dreary day. Bring on Spring!

Source: fairytalesaretrue.com via Amy on Pinterest

wanna see who is pinning your blog?

2012-02-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

I had no idea I had so many pins from my blog.

You can check out yours by typing the following...

Type in: http://pinterest.com/source/(YOUR BLOG URL HERE)

So mine is: http://pinterest.com/source/coffeecraftsandcupcakes.blogspot.com/

Ideas for St. Patrick's Day via Pinterest

2012-02-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

Source: bento-logy.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: lovefromtheoven.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: iammommy.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: thoughtfullysimple.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: lovefromtheoven.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: jchandmade.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

and it's raining...

2012-02-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

Today's weather matches my mood. I had my second physical therapy session today for my vertigo. It was tough and afterwards I was pretty nauseous. I had to sit for a bit and drink some ginger ale. Last week I thought she was crazy when she said dizzy patients compensate for their vertigo by becoming more rigid and stiff (example: not turning your head side to side loosely - like a normal person) in their day to day movements and activities...to prevent the vertigo. I didn't feel like I was doing that- until today. I could feel myself becoming rigid...especially when I was walking on a foam pad barefoot- with my eyes closed...and turning. Not a good feeling and I could totally see now what she was saying. This session was hard and I know I'm moving in the right direction but it's frustrating not being able to "function" like I used to.

Anyhow...on a lighter note- in a couple of weeks I'm headed to Chicago for a girls weekend with my oldest friend of 24 years. I've never been so I'm really looking forward to it. It's my birthday - I'm turning the big 36...and I'm feeling every one of those years right now! :)

And I had to share this because this masterpiece combines two of my favorite things...cake and cupcakes...Happy Friday!

Source: flickr.com via Amy on Pinterest

so true

2012-02-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

Source: ragan.com via Amy on Pinterest

Sorry for lack of posts...this week has been really busy and I have don't really have anything interesting to say. :)

yes please

2012-02-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

Source: wanelo.com via Amy on Pinterest

happy friday

getting married?

2012-02-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

Jessica over at Party Box Design is offering some ridiculously fabulous Save the Date Magnet designs. I wish I had these for my wedding!

This is my favorite design by far...go check them out- so cute!

wishing you a...

2012-02-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

love

2012-02-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day...Valentine's Day!

I showed my son some ideas for valentines for his classmates (on Pinterest of course) and he picked out these...

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

I found some bug rings so we used those instead. I just put a slit in the jar and slid the ring through. Super cute!

I'm also making these for his teachers...

Source: thirtyhandmadedays.com via Amy on Pinterest

Fred Meyers had red and white striped paper clips and then I'm going to use red hearts for the top.

And for my honey...

Source: weheartit.com via Amy on Pinterest

HAHA!!

happy friday.

2012-02-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Source: night-onthe-run.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

sunny in seattle

2012-02-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

We've had a ton of sunshine these past few days, which is unusual for us. I had time to get out for a walk today and it was SOOO nice!! I think my mood is just better when it's sunny, even if I'm having a dizzy day the sun is great.

This past weekend the hubs and I had a night away at a local resort and casino. I purchased a night when they were having a cyber monday sale so I was able to get the room for half off. I was skeptical on whether or not it would actually look like the picture. It exceeded my expectations, the room was amazing. The bathroom was awesome- the shower had three body sprayers. Crazy!

We had dinner at the "fancy" restaurant in the hotel, while it was pricey, we don't get to do things like that very much so it was a splurge. The casino was meh! I hate all the smoking, we did win a little bit on the slots and when I say little I mean little. :) We also had a drink in the lounge/bar hot spot in the casino, that only made me feel old and really glad that I'm happily married. It was fun to get away and have some quality couple time.

This week is full of a little blog designing, dinner with an old friend, the hubby's birthday and my photography class I just started last week. Next week is Valentine's Day and I've pinned so many cute ideas on Pinterest but I have no clue which one I want to do!

Anyhoo...have a great week!!

happy friday!

2012-02-03T10:05:00.001-08:00

a sweet pink treat...

Source: thesassyone.com via Amy on Pinterest

health update

2012-02-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

As I alluded to in a prior post I've been having some health issues. The vertigo is nothing new but it has taken a turn for the worse...every day - most of the day. It comes and goes leaving in its wake an anxiety ridden hopeless frustrated feeling. I made a trip to the eye doctor- they were bugging me too. She said I have dry eyes...okaaaaay. I've been using the fake tear drops and haven't noticed much of a change.

I then went to see my vertigo doctor in Seattle, I can't say enough good things about him. He wanted me to have another VNG , definitely not my idea of a good time. I had that done today. There are four steps to the process. They strap on these horrible goggles (think scuba mask) which kind of produces a claustrophobic feeling. The goggles are retro fitted with a camera that is hooked up to a computer where they track your eye movements during the testing. It's pretty genius but not fun at all. The worst part is the last-- here's a summary:

Caloric Testing
The technician will stimulate both of your inner ears (one at a time) with warm and then cold air. They will be monitoring the movements of your eyes using goggles to make sure that both of your ears can sense this stimulation. This test will confirm that your vestibular system for each ear is working and responding to stimulation. This test in the only test available that can decipher between a unilateral and bilateral loss.

I knew there was a problem when my left ear did not respond (as it had a year ago) like my right ear did. I had to wait two hours until I could meet with the doctor. Basically he said that there was deterioration in my left side due to my severe vertigo attacks (and this ear is probably where the virus started). There is no way to determine where I got this virus and most people usually only have one attack. I'm one of the 5% who have recurring episodes hence my official diagnoses of recurring vestibular neuritis. The attacks have caused damage to that balance nerve and has made life pretty much hell these past few months...well past year and half but like I said it's been extreme lately.

The good news is I will be starting vestibular physical therapy which retrains the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system in coordination with vision and proprioception. This often involves desensitizing the balance system to movements that provoke symptoms. I'm hoping it will work!

I don't mean to be a whiner but with anyone that deals with a chronic condition there is a feeling of hopelessness...can I really live like this for the rest of my life? I have a great doctor and my family and friends are very supportive- so thanks to all of you that kept me in your thoughts and prayers!! I'm hopefully on the road to recovery...even if it's a slow one.

shoes

2012-01-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

I saw these on pinterest...oh my so cute!!! I can't afford $258 shoes that I would probably never wear BUT super cute! Available at www.jcrew.com

happy friday

2012-01-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

So glad it's friday...a week full of doctor appointments and more next week. I'll fill you in when I find out some results. Stressville!

I'll leave you with a yummy and a funny...

Source: bakersroyale.com via Amy on Pinterest

I just can't get over how funny some of these are...the creators struck gold with this concept...

Source: handmaderyangosling.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Australia Day

2012-01-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

Australia Day-- Jan. 26th

Oh how I miss you Australia!! I was fortunate to spend three very short months in Australia when I was younger. I student taught in Noosa for 10 weeks and then traveled to Cairns, Adelaide and Sydney with my best friend for two weeks. We heard wonderful things about Australia before we went and they were certainly true. The people were absolutely lovely. There are so many wonderful memories of that trip...one day we hope to go back. I would TOTALLY recommend traveling there if it's on your list of places to visit!

I wish I could share of my personal pictures but they have all been scrapbooked! I might be able to have my bestie send some.

Here are a few of my favorite things... animals, food (of course!), and the music (yes Tara I will learn how to play my didge properly!)...they have a language all their own. They got some good laughs out of me! The scenery...the people...all of it amazing!

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: weddingchicks.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: swaussie.blogg.se via Amy on Pinterest

valentine day crafts and fun via Pinterest

2012-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

Source: ptskjohnson.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: nestofposies-blog.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: thebusybudgetingmama.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: craftomaniac.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: thedatingdivas.com via Amy on Pinterest

commercials

2012-01-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

My son stops whatever he's doing when these commercials come on...they are pretty funny except for those hamsters- creepy!

lego fun

2012-01-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned before my son is all about Legos right now. I can't really blame him, they are super cool and I played with them when I was a kid. His favorite series is the Ninjago...I could tell you more then you ever wanted to know about Cole, Kai, Zane and Jay. :) He's trying to decide between a Lego birthday party this year or dinosaurs. I know- tough decisions to make when you're five.

I like to keep my eye out for Lego inspired items. I purchased these lego soaps at Christmas, they were pretty fun.

I stumbled across these Lego inspired tees today from Made by Morgan, aren't they adorable?

They are available in red, yellow, green, blue and pink. Sizes range from infant to size 12. Retails for: $22.00

Made by Morgan has a lot of other fun items in her shop- you can check it out here: Made by Morgan

cupcakes

2012-01-22T13:13:00.001-08:00

love this picture...

Source: luxeandlillies.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

10 inches

2012-01-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

We have about 10 inches of snow in our yard- it's crazy! We do have an xterra that has chains so we've been getting out and about just fine.

I had to go to the eye doctor today because I've been having some vision problems. I didn't know if it was related to anxiety, my vertigo or a side effect of some medication I'm on. I swear if it's not one thing it's another...getting old sucks sometimes! The diagnosis was dry eyes so I get to use drops 3-4 times a day- yippee!!

I've had plenty of time to catch up on reading and I'm on the second book in the Millennium series. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was as intense as all the reviews I've heard. I read that once you made it past the first four chapters it's a bit easier to read, and I would agree with that. The book is pretty violent and I wasn't expecting that but I would have to say that the mystery/thriller part of it is really good. Once I've read through all of them I'll form a better opinion. If you've read one or all of them- I'm curious to hear your thoughts!

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks the Internet

2012-01-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

jane market bag

2012-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

My friend just had a birthday and now that she's received her present I can blog about it! I discovered this pattern via another friend's blog and thought I would try it out...the Jane Market Bag. Since I'm not the greatest seamstress I always stress and sweat my way through sewing projects. Fabric is so pricey and while I'm very well acquainted with my seam ripper I don't want to have to use it all the time or ruin the fabric!

Anyways...I think they turned out pretty cute. If you'd like to purchase the pattern you can find it here. The bags are much bigger then I expected and will hold a lot of items. I might have to make some for myself!

snow.

2012-01-17T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well if you haven't heard the Northwest has been under snow the past few days. No school and the hubby is working from home. We did manage to make it down to Hillsboro, OR for my Grandma's 90th birthday on Sunday. We had to chain up to get out of our town and there was some white knuckles for the drive down but it was well worth it. Even Munchkin Pants was really good in the car considering it was 9 hours round trip! My cousin put together a wonderful slide show full of memories of my grandma and the family. I had never seen this photo of my grandma but I thought it was pretty cool...she's in the front.

Have a great week!

mexican date night

2012-01-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Monday my hubby and I will celebrate our first date 7 years ago. I know we always say time flies...but *sigh* it really does. We went to this awesome Mexican restaurant in Seattle. In honor of our first date...here's a DIY Mexican date night via Pinterest. :)

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: creative-culinary.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: budgetbytes.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: smells-like-home.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: penniesonaplatter.com via Amy on Pinterest

2012-01-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

I found out about this brave woman via Pinterest. Everyone should know about her...

Source: aftenbladet.no via Ruby on Pinterest

Irena Sendler 1910-2008 A 98 year-old German woman named Irena Sendler recently died. During WWII, Irena worked in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumbing/sewer specialist. Irena smuggled Jewish children out; infants in the bottom of the tool box she carried and older children in a burlap sack she carried in the back of her truck. She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids’ and infants’ noises. Irena managed to smuggle out and save 2500 children. She eventually was caught, and the Nazis broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar buried under a tree in her backyard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and reunited some of the families. Most had been killed. She helped those children get placement into foster family homes or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected. Al Gore won- for a slide show on Global Warming.

You can find out more information here:
Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project Website

With every story there are true and untrue facts...these are corrections via Life in a Jar website...

"***SNOPES.COM has much incorrect information. She was not German, She didn't know the Nazi's plans, She was not a plumbing specialist (she was a social worker), Most of the children saved were not babies, She used a tool box several times at most,The truck wasn't hers, Her legs were fractured-not broken, Her arms were not broken, The dog was only used a few times, Her name was Irena not Iliana and there are several other mistakes. The Nobel Peace Prize is given for acheivement during the past several years, Irena knew this and asked not to be nominated. The Nobel Committee encouraged her nomination to give her more recognition. She was a big fan of Al Gore. Finally, snopes.com has ignored all manner of communication to correct these and other incorrect statements."

An inspiring story of courage none the less.

free valentine printables

2012-01-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

My friend has some fun valentine printables...they're free! Go check it out!

nickwilljack giveaway

2012-01-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Check out this super cute giveaway from nickwilljack!

Just click on the image...

totally.

2012-01-06T09:10:00.001-08:00

Source: burlapandblue.com via Amy on Pinterest

handmade ryan gosling

2012-01-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this site yet? So FUNNY!!

something to ruin your diet...

2012-01-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

Girl Scout cookie season is almost upon us...okay it's not an official season but it seems like it! They have a new cookie this year...

"Little Brownie Bakers is proud to pay tribute to the 100^th anniversary of Girl Scouting with a lemon cookie that reflects the heritage of past customer favorites. This lemon wedge cookie is cool and crisp, with just the right number of lemon chips to deliver tiny bursts of flavor."

They sound good but it's pretty hard to compete with the Somoas and Thin Mints!

Popsy Cakes

2012-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

I thought I had seen it all...but oh no!!

Check out Popsy Cakes... the world’s first cupcake on a pretzel! You can't beat the salty and sweet combo! Popsy Cakes Website

reading

2012-01-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished up the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. There were over twenty books in the series so it took me awhile. If you like vampires and paranormal-romance these books are for you! I pretty much enjoyed all the books, there were a few that lacked a bit in the storyline department...but all in all were entertaining.

wishing you a...

2011-12-30T20:48:00.001-08:00

fabulous new year!

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Amy on Pinterest

checking in

2011-12-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time at Great Wolf Lodge Christmas Eve Eve. The next day was full of family and presents and then Christmas Day was a nice quiet day at home. Our days have been filled with legos legos and more legos...did I mention legos? I don't mind...they are fun for me too!

Hope you all had a blessed Christmas! Taking it easy this week with the family.

2011-12-18T14:26:00.001-08:00

mamma's new ride

2011-12-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well I said the other post was my last...but I got a new car last night and I'm excited so I had to post about it!

I didn't want a sedan or a mini van and we all ready have a SUV- so what's a girl to choose? How about a Mazda 5!? It's not a van or a wagon...they call it a mini mini van or a mini wagon. There's really no name for it. It's a car but the back doors open like a mini van which is nice for getting things in and out- it also has a third row of seats.

This car is fully loaded...heated leather seats, AC (of course), sun roof, blue tooth enabled...you can even program your garage door opener so you just have to press a button on your rear view mirror and your garage door opens. AND it has an auto setting for your head lights and and wipers so you never have to turn them off or on- they turn on automatically. Cool huh?? The whole process was trying...as all car negotiations are but the hubsters was tough and he got them to what he wanted. Score for mamma!

The only thing that would be nice is more cubbies and storage space. I didn't realize how much stuff I had hidden away in our xterra until I had to clean it out. I had to downsize to get it to fit in the Mazda. We'll most likely do our traveling with the third row of seats tucked down so it creates a lot of space in the back for groceries, long trips, etc.

From the pics it totally looks like a mini van...you can see better ones at the Mazda site HERE.

last post of the year...maybe

2011-12-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

We're all through with Christmas programs for church and school, Munchkin Pants only has one more day of Pre-K left and then he's off for two weeks. We have lots of fun things planned: three p.j. parties, a night at the Great Wolf Lodge (so excited!!!), new car shopping (mamma's getting a new ride!), date night, a whole week together with the hubby/daddy on Christmas break, spending time with family OF COURSE on Christmas and then lots of relaxing.

Wishing you and your family a...

you're only as old as you feel

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

An elderly couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup and spotted a piano. They've been married for 62 years and he'll be 90 this year. Check out this impromptu performance. We are only as old as we feel, it's all attitude. Enjoy! They certainly do!

what's the most annoying kind of facebook update?

2011-12-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not on facebook anymore but I thought this list from Real Simple magazine was spot on!

24 percent: Intentionally vague posts meant to generate concern and attention, a.k.a. vaguebooking. “Jennifer wonders whether it’s all been worth it.” **Oh man this always drove me crazy! ** Or when people talk smack about other people and you know who they are talking about--yea not vague at all!

20 percent: Chronic complaining. “Ugh, who ordered this RAIN? It’s making my carpal tunnel act up again.”

19 percent: Meaningless calls to action. “If you want to fight world hunger, put the color of your socks as your status update for the next half hour. I want to see who is brave enough to take a stand.”

14 percent: Oversharing. “Note to self: Next time, wear a thong with that wrap dress.”

13 percent: Miscellaneous posts—including polarizing religious or political statements, indecipherable txt spk, and game updates.

10 percent: Posting too frequently. “12:03: Chicken salad or tuna? 12:12: Chicken! Thanks for the responses.”

Now I'll admit I'm probably guilty of all those things mentioned that's why I found it so funny.

Here's the full article if you're curious to read more.

what do you do when...

2011-12-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

you need thirty presents for your co-workers? My mother in law asked me to bake cookies for all her co-workers and while I love baking and icing cookies I wasn't too gung ho for that since I just baked a bunch for the cookie exchange.

So...I thought what could be easier and quicker? Chocolate covered pretzels! They turned out really cute! A brown and white one in each bag with a Merry Christmas tag from Shindig Parties to Go (they're free!). I made it even easier on myself and bought the lollipop bags that all ready have the ribbon laced through them at Michael's- those were awesome and saved a lot of time.

They are really so easy...messy but easy!

holiday cookie exchange

2011-12-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I held my first ever holiday cookie exchange. It went really well! It was a small group of friends and family.

There was a lot of appetizers, drinks, cupcakes and cookies! We even had a special door prize...a holiday cupcake bath bomb set.

burlap bags

2011-12-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

A friend of a friend makes bags out of coffee bean sacks when I saw one I knew I had to have one!! I asked her to make me two one for a friend and one for myself (of course). Pink for me (of course) and red for my friend.

Here they are-- pretty clever eh?

If you'd like to order a bag please leave a comment and I'll email you the information.

Color of the Year

2011-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

I love it!

oy vey

2011-12-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weeks! My son is sick ... well not sick sick- drippy nose and cough but can't send him to school like that sooooo we've been hanging out. The hubby has been working really loooong hours. Makes the days drag on but we'll have a nice break during Christmas.

I found some fun things for the holidays on Pinterest. By the way...I made the gingerbread play dough- it's awesome!

Source: sweetsugarbelle.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: thepurplepug.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: theidearoom.net via Amy on Pinterest

Source: glorioustreats.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: sunset.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: theidearoom.net via Amy on Pinterest

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

milk fly {holiday gift guide #10}

2011-12-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

Felt Food from Milk Fly

Milkfly encourages the kid in you to come out and play! Fun gifts for yourself and friends.

Each item is hand made to order using Eco-Friendly felt .

$14-$40.00

Visit Milk Fly

Bungalow Bath and Body {holiday gift guide #9}

2011-12-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

Whipped Sugar Scrub Peppermint Mocha Cream - 8oz Jar - Paraben Free - Limited

Sugar Scrub whipped soap in Peppermint mocha cream.

Vanilla Sugar, Pure Peppermint, Marshmallow Fluff, Creme de Mint with a touch of Mocha make a delicious smelling body scrub with sugar and jojoba beads. A moisturizing and cleansing whipped soap with added sweet almond oil, lightweight and non greasy. Our whipped soaps are Paraben-Free, Propylene Glycol Free and contain no SLS/SLES.

$10.00

Visit Bungalow Bath and Body

advent calendar

2011-12-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

This year I made a simple advent calendar for my son...I'm sure he would have loved the super cool lego advent calendar but I wasn't paying $39.00 for a calendar! Lisa over at House Full of Moxie provided some fun printable numbers so I used those on some little bags. Yea I know you can see through the bags but my son doesn't care and they were the only ones I had. He's all about the candy and counting anyway.

Candle Confection {holiday gift guide #8}

2011-12-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Candles and Bakery Tarts from Candle Confections

The PERFECT gift for teachers, friends, hostess gifts, you name it!

$6.49-$14.99

Visit Candle Confections

Little Punkin Munkie {holiday gift guide #7}

2011-12-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Ornaments from Little Punkin Munkie

"These sweet little ornaments look like the real thing! Hang this adorable treat on your own Christmas tree or give as a gift. They are made of non-breakable materials and are very light so they won't weigh down your tree branches. Each measures aprox 3"H x 2.5"W. "

Make great gifts for ....
~ Teachers
~ Secret Santa
~ Grab Bags

$4.50-$27.00

Visit Little Punkin Munkie

Holiday Collection at Party Box Design

2011-12-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

I mailed out my cookie exchange party invitations, you can see them pictured above. They turned out so cute and I love the pink and turquoise colors!

Check out Party Box Design and order your Holiday Invitations and Photo Cards!

Super cute Holiday Tags just added too!

My Treehouse Treasures {holiday gift guide #6}

2011-11-29T09:12:00.001-08:00

primitive looking (Family Rules Subway Art w/ custom family name)

teal with cream vinyl lettering pine wood sign

from My Treehouse Treasures

This sign measures approximately 9.5" wide x 24" tall x 3/4" thick. It is made from hand selected pine wood which has been painted TEAL and has CREAM vinyl lettering.

-It has been distressed and stained to make it appear like a primitive sign. It is not uncommon (and is to be expected) for there to be cracks, knots, slight warping and imperfections in the finished sign

Comes ready to display with a sawtooth hanger on the back

$40.00

Visit My Treehouse Treasures

North Pole Breakfast

2011-11-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a lovely time at my in laws. The hubs is off hunting so I had him bring in all the Christmas decorations from the garage yesterday. Well they were just sitting there staring at me...what else was I supposed to do?!? Decorate of course! Yes I decorated for Christmas on Thanksgiving, don't hold it against me. I LOVE Christmas!

This morning my son woke up to a special North Pole Breakfast and his special guest of honor, Elfie. They feasted on donuts, chocolate and three candy canes. Yes three! We even decorated a gingerbread house- it's no Williams-Sonoma house but hey it's made with love and a 5 year old!

hmmm...something is off in this picture...

2011-11-25T10:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:16:00.001-08:00

May your day be filled with family, friends and love!

free christmas printables

2011-11-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

back and busy!

2011-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

I had a blast in Arizona! The sun was out and it was in the upper 70's, I all ready miss it. Nothing but cold and rain here in the Seattle area. Joy joy! We saw Breaking Dawn, well we actually saw all of them in a row thursday night. It's definitely better to see it with true Twilight fans. We went again on Sunday and there was no woot wooting, clapping or anything...they hardly laughed at the funny parts. When we saw it the first time there was clapping- cheering and lots of awwwws. Much better!

Breaking Dawn was good- probably the best yet. What totally baffles me is moms who bring their little kids...what's the deal with that? The movie is PG-13 for a reason- I don't want to watch it with a noisy 2 year old behind me...or a 8 year old sitting next to me. And yes that happened the second time we saw it. Talk about awkward and inappropriate. Come on moms!

Speaking of movies...Snow White looks likes it's going to be awesome! A new Underworld movie is coming out too! Oh...The Hunger Games- read it or don't read it?? Give me your thoughts.

Anyways...moving right along. I just can't believe Thanksgiving is in two days, it snuck up on me! We'll be spending it with my hubby's parents. I'm in charge of dessert and everyone is requesting cake balls so I guess I'll be making those along with pies. Today I volunteered at my son's school during their Thanksgiving Feast. I used to be a preschool teacher so I had to reign myself in a bit. I don't remember the kids being quite so squirrely or maybe I just don't have as much tolerance or energy? It was fun and I enjoyed seeing my son interact with his classmates.

I have a lot to do so signing off for the week! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

sun here I come!

2011-11-16T14:10:00.001-08:00

Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest

over the top but so cute...

2011-11-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

your own personalized gingerbread house from Williams-Sonoma...

chloe in style {holiday gift guide #5}

2011-11-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

Scarf on a Spool from Chloe In Style

Made from 100% cotton, these lovely scarves are extremely soft and will keep you warm. Wrapped neatly around spools perfect for gifts!

Dimensions: 227 x 11cm

$49.00

Visit Chloe in Style

bubbipop {holiday gift guide #4}

2011-11-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Girl Christmas Clippie from Bubbipop

No Slip Felt Hair Clip Boutique Gingerbread Girl Christmas Clippie (light brown)
$3.49

Visit Bubbipop

busy busy

2011-11-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the hubs and I were able to get away for a date afternoon. We went to see Tower Heist which was pretty funny. Did a little shopping at Bath and Body Works and Claire's. I even picked up some of that Girl Scout lip balm I blogged about a few days ago. It's always nice to have some alone time with your significant other--adult conversation and a meal where you're not having to watch your little ones like a hawk so nothing gets spilled.

In a couple of days I'll be headed to sunny Arizona to spend a girls weekend with my best friend. We're going to see ...wait for it... wait for it...

Oh snap...Breaking Dawn part 1...well we're going to see all of them. That should be fun...a lot of sitting but lots of laughing at the cheesy acting too.

What else is new?? Working on things for my first cookie party in December. Seeing lots of cool ideas online and in the stores- especially Target! I can never get out of that store with just my list items. I always find something I just have to have. Oh -- I found this neat idea from the Little Pumpkin Grace blog, a Northpole Breakfast. I'm going to have one with my son so of course I bought some items for that. DANG YOU TARGET!

Have a fabulous week...leaving you with something to drool over!

Source: bakersroyale.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

baby shower gifts

2011-11-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

Remember this post? Well I put some of that fabric to good use. I friend of mine just had a baby boy and the theme for the nursery is cowboy with colors teal, red and brown.

First off... I made some burp cloths. I then took a store bought flannel blanket and added a soft side to it to make it a two sided blanket. I used that nubby super soft fabric that you find a lot on baby blankets-- you know the kind I'm talking about right? Well it's the hardest fabric I've ever sewn in my life! It's stretchy so I sewed around one side trying to keep the sides lined up and I'd get around to the other side and those sides would be completely off! It was soooo hard!!! They turned out okay just don't look too close at the stitching.

I also created a hanging bunting for the nursery. I started off with the colors brown (with the horses), teal and the red handkerchief fabric but I was really looking for some vintage cowboy fabric and couldn't find it anywhere. Well low and behold a new Hobby Lobby just opened up nearby (we finally got one!) and they had some of the fabric. I took out the teal and just kept it with the brown, red and cowboy print. It was my first time making one of these. I used a wool felt as the backing. It turned out pretty cute I think.

happy friday

2011-11-11T14:07:00.001-08:00

Source: mochatini.org via Amy on Pinterest

cornucopia cookies

2011-11-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Decorated Cookie is one of my favorite cookie sites. Meaghan's royal icing and sugar cookie recipe are the ones I always use. I've gotten so many compliments on my cookies and how good they taste...really the cookie recipe is delicious. The almond extract gives the cookies the best taste. Are you convinced yet??-- try it, you'll love it! They are highly addictive.

Moving on...such a fun idea posted on the blog today. I'm going to try this...

Check out the post HERE

lip balm addict

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm a lip balm addict. I used to have this really weird habit/obsession of picking my lips. I know it's weird...so weird. I used and still use lip balm all the time...but I am over my weird habit so no worries. Looking back it probably started as a stress thing and then became a habit. Okay moving on- the real reason for this post is lip balm.

Check it out- Girl Scout cookie lip balm. SWEET!

uh...yes please!

2011-11-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Starbucks oh how I love thee...minus the price!

The red cups are back and this year they are offering a skinny peppermint mocha...great for those of us watching the waist line! Yummers!

StuffedNonsense {holiday gift guide #3}

2011-11-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Felt Moustache Christmas Decoration from StuffedNonsense

£3.00 GBP

"At StuffedNonsense we have a firm appreciation for all things related to facial hair. Which is why we came up with these rather natty moustache shaped Christmas Decorations...although we think it would be perfectly acceptable to have them hanging about your house long after Christmas is over.
They are made from acrylic brown felt and measure 14.5cm long by 4 cm wide, and they have a red and white ribbon loop to hang them from."

Visit StuffedNonsense

crazy rumors {holiday gift guide #2}

2011-11-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Festive Collection from Crazy Rumors

Includes

Peppermint Twist, Pear & Peppermint, Pineapple & Peppermint, Plum & Peppermint Lip Balms

{all natural & vegan}
size: 4 x .15 oz tubes | total: .6 oz

$13.49

Visit Crazy Rumors...Naturally Fun Products

want an iPad?

2011-11-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

How about an 8 million dollar iPad? I know I always wanted a gadget with dinosaur bone shaved into it. So odd...

"Undoubtably the world’s most unique gadget is the Ipad 2 Gold History Edition. Encrusted with 12.5 cts of ‘I'F' Flawless diamonds, a magnificent total of 53 individually set sparkling gems dwell beautifully in solid 24ct Apple logo with rear section formed again in 24ct gold weighing an immense 2,000 grams. The unrivalled imagination towards the craftmanship of the iapd is down to its main front frame which is made from the oldest rock the world has to offer in the form of Ammolite , sourced from Canada this stone is over 75 million years old. However to make this masterpiece even more individual, sections of a 65 million year old T-REX Dinosaur’s thigh bone was splintered and then shaved into the Ammolite , then finished off with ultimate jewel , as single cut 8.5ct flawless diamond inlaid in its own platinum surround with 12 outer flawless diamonds. A magnificent combination of top of the industry technology and unique thought were involved in creating this piece of History !. Material spec, 16.5 ct diamonds & 8.5ct single diamond, 57 grams of T-REX bone, 750 grams of Ammolite stone and 2000 grams of solid 24ct Gold. This item is of a limited edition of only 2 units to be made."

write with moxie {holiday gift guide #1}

2011-11-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Red & Green EcoFriendly Recycled Paper Pencils from Write With Moxie

Includes two pencils with gift tag nestled in a recycled kraft pocket for $3.25

"Our recycled paper pencils are made with rolled layers of 100% recycled colored paper so as you sharpen it, the color changes around the lead. Each paper pencil has WRITE WITH MOXIE and a little recycle symbol stamped on one side in black ink.

Because the pencils are made of paper, they have a matte finish and rest in your hand much easier than standard wooden ones. The black barrels and erasers are completely free from any harmful chemicals."

Visit Write With Moxie

holiday gift guide

2011-11-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

coming soon...

I'll be featuring fun holiday finds for Christmas...it's not too early to start shopping!

{these items are not tested by me in anyway...just sharing with you some items I think are cool!

oh and I wasn't compensated or paid in anyway for the items I selected. }

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

Munchkin Pants was sick pretty much all last week and this past weekend. He's finally getting better and is excited to go trick or treating today. We're in the process of switching his preschools to a 5 day pre-k morning class from a 3 day afternoon class. It hasn't been easy- new forms, new fees, leaving old friends and teachers. I didn't really expect it to go as badly as it did but hopefully when he officially starts it'll be fine. I know in the long run it's a better choice but that doesn't ease the guilt as mentioned in the last blog post.

Onto Halloween costumes...we had it all set up- friday night he would go to his new school's harvest festival as Bumble Bee the transformer (yea I know really appropriate), then to our gym's PJ Party saturday night as a Ninja and today trick or treating as Gnomeo. Well with the sickness and cough from hell it put a wrench in everything. No harvest festival or pj party. Guess what he picked to go trick or treating? Not the totally cute gnome outfit put together by mom...oh noooooo... he picked the cheesy target Ninja outfit! I guess it's my fault because I bought it but that's a whole other story. So he'll be happy as a clam and I'll be silently sulking...lol just kidding...sort of.

Let's talk caramel apples! I don't think I've ever made them at least I can't remember ever making them so I thought we'd give it a whirl. I melted a package of caramels with 2 tablespoons of water and it worked out perfectly. We had some m&m's hanging around so we rolled them in those. I think when we were done each apple weighed a pound. Not lying! We got a little carried away with the m&m's. They were delicious, you can't really go wrong with caramel and chocolate.

Happy Halloween!

it's been...

2011-10-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

one of those annoying weeks. You know the one I'm talking about? Where nothing goes right? You have mom guilt over everything? You're tired and coffee doesn't help? Yea it's been one of those...

Here's to hoping next week is better!

just in case you need a bike bell...

2011-10-25T14:12:00.001-07:00

they make one shaped like a cupcake. awesome.

source

halloween cards & treats

2011-10-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

My son picked out his favorite Party Box Design Halloween invite and Jess converted it to a Halloween card for his classmates. We also included some googly eyed treats!

gettin' crafty

2011-10-22T12:54:00.001-07:00

Any guesses on what I'm going to make?

catch of the day

2011-10-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

The hubster left this morning in the pouring rain while it was still dark to go fishing (crazy). He came home with three silvers...looks like we're having salmon for dinner!

the popcorn factory

2011-10-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out The Popcorn Factory? I received their catalog last week and OH MY GOODNESS everything looks so tasty!!

You can check out there site HERE

awww....love

2011-10-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Click for story...

halloween cookies

2011-10-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make some cookies for a playdate on friday...so the inspiration came from The Decorated Cookie and I put my own spin on them.

2nd trip- Double Coupons

2011-10-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

I was able to sneak away tonight to Albertson's once more.

Stocked up with 4 tubes of toothpaste/ 4 shampoos and one hairspray for a retail value of $38.31 (without tax) with my coupons it came to $6.25 with tax.

Nice!

Double Coupons

2011-10-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Double coupons in the Albertson's ad this week. I actually got two in one paper for a total of six (18 double coupons)- lucky me! Our local store only lets you do 3 transactions at one time, so I'll head back tomorrow and cash in on the rest.

Pardon the poor cell phone picture- but I bought 4 boxes of cookies/ 3 bottles of shampoo and 2 tubes of toothpaste for a retail total of $34.31 (not including tax). They were on sale and I used my coupons so my grand total with tax was $7.15.

perfect

2011-10-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Source: beeperbebe.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

you can't deny it...

2011-10-16T15:24:00.001-07:00

it's annoying but catchy!

the farm

2011-10-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

We headed to the pumpkin patch today...it was a great day- cold and cloudy! There was lots of pumpkins to be had, mud, animals, yummy treats and TONS OF PEOPLE!! We came home with three *perfect* pumpkins!

2011-10-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

Source: None via Amy on Pinterest

scary movies

2011-10-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

I went for a walk today and started thinking about scary movies...is that weird? Well maybe it was because I was by myself, and we live out in the country so there's no sidewalks or that many people driving by...perfect storm for thinking about all the bad things that could happen to you right? HA! I used to love scary movies when I was younger, but not anymore. The problem with seeing all of them is now they're in my memory banks.

So my top 3 scary movies of all time-- just in time for Halloween I suppose. Now you might not think these are scary but I can be a total wienie...

The Strangers

The bad guys harass a couple (out in the country) for no reason and wear masks...really creepy masks. It's supposedly loosely based on a true story- that makes it worse in my opinion.

The Ring

After seeing this movie how can you ever get the image of the gross lady crawling out of the tv out of your mind? You can't! And that scene where she comes out of the well thing? UGH!

The Grudge

Eck...the little hissing boy...the thing coming down the stairs? oh boy...wish I never saw this one.

Notice all the movie titles are two namers? Weird- I guess any movie that starts with "the" is bound to be scary! What movies give you the heeby jeebies??

free halloween party printables

2011-10-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Check out these super cute Halloween Party Printables for Party Box Design...and they're FREEEEEEE!

Just click on image to download!

cookie exchange party

2011-10-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I'm not a huge halloween fan. I think there are a lot of great party ideas out there as well as crafts but I'm more of a Christmas gal. I love everything about Christmas and have all ready been working on Christmas lists. This year I've decided to host a holiday cookie exchange. I've never done one before-- I think I've been to one but I was young and I don't count that since my mom did the baking.

I'm definitely going to be getting my invitations from Party Box Design, Jess has a cute invitation up on her site that would be perfect...

I love the colors, not only do they incorporate the traditional red & green but I love the pink and turquoise. Perfect!

Since I've never hosted one I did a little online research because I wasn't sure what the do's and don'ts were. I just googled "cookie exchange rules", this site came up Cookie Exchange. I think there are a lot of great tips on it, especially the rules or guidelines. I'll be including these with my invitations. If you have any other tips, feel free to share especially if you have first hand experience.

I thought it would be also fun to host a Party Lite party during the cookie exchange, so that's all set up. Girls afternoon with wine, cookies, appetizers and shopping- what could be better?

funny!

2011-10-06T13:39:00.001-07:00

Source: twitter.com via Carrie ~ A Sweet Spot: Home on Pinterest

need a little boost today

2011-10-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

this message says it all...

Source: jess517.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Bye Bye Facebook

2011-10-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

I decided to deactivate my Facebook account- personal and the page for this blog. Of course Facebook doesn't make it very easy so I guess it takes up to 14 days to delete permanently and that's only if you don't click on anything related to Facebook. We'll see if it works I guess. There were many reasons why the main one being it doesn't enhance my life in any way! I may go back eventually but not anytime soon. Just wanted to let you know. That being said you can still find me here, Twitter and Pinterest.

Have a great weekend!

National Coffee Day!

2011-09-29T12:15:00.001-07:00

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

juicy reading

2011-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Have you met the Black Dagger Brothers? If not- you must! I was introduced by one of my besties Candy. I liked the series so much I introduced them to my mom and some friends. These are not you namby pamby Twilight-ish books...they are R rated. :)

The problem with reading an entire series is you usually have to wait a year for the next book to come out! *sigh* They are written by JR Ward who is a genius. She also writes another series- The Fallen Angels- they are good but the brothers...oh my! A must read!

Halloween Fun via Pinterest

2011-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Source: onecharmingparty.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: sassysanctuary.blogspot.com via Katherine on Pinterest

Source: twigandthistle.com via Katherine on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Katherine on Pinterest

Source: countryliving.com via Sallie on Pinterest

Source: craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Bring On Fall

2011-09-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

While we didn't have much of a summer here in the pacific northwest I'm ready for fall!

This past weekend I spent an AMAZING weekend in the outdoors with about 150 other women. I participated in women's outdoor retreat up in the woods where you learned all kinds of outdoor skills such as fly fishing, dutch oven cooking, archery, tracking, map and compass...you name it, they offered it. I wasn't raised in an "outdoorsy" family but I married into it! My husband is an avid fisherman and hunter so I thought it was time for me to expand my skills with this weekend workshop. I took top 10 medicinals, survival skills and big game hunting as well as an emergency preparedness class. The instructors were all so nice and supportive as well as all the participants. Not only do you gain a plethora of knowledge but you meet a lot of wonderful women. My next step is to pass my basic hunting skills class that you have to take through the state of Washington and then possibly next year a hunting trip with the hubsters!! We're thinking about an archery season but who knows- I'm not convinced I can aim at what I'm pointing at so we'll see. I encourage any woman to see if there is a program like this in your area- maybe check your state's Fish and Wildlife website because they are a lot of fun!!

National Cupcake Week

2011-09-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

Source: ohcupcakes.net via Amy on Pinterest

Cake Vintage {feature}

2011-09-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was at our local pharmacy. It's not just a pharmacy, they have tons of gifts, wine and kitchen gifts. It's pretty upscale and I usually just do a lot of "looking". I was on my way out the door with these papers caught my eye from Cake Vintage.

I loved these Cheese Serving Papers - instead of displaying your cheese on an actual tray you display your items on paper. Pretty cool eh? I thought it was a brilliant idea. I had to check out the Cake Vintage website and they have quite a few clever items.

Check out this Table Wrap...100% eco friendly and comes in a 50 foot roll.

And fun placemats...comes in a pad with 50 placemats. Just think no more stains on your cloth placemats, you can just throw these away after your dinner party!

Check out Cake Vintage for more fun ideas, you must take a look at the spoondelier!

Cake Vintage Web Site

Coffee, Crafts & Cupcakes

need some color inspiration?

it's friday- woot woot!

wanna see who is pinning your blog?

Ideas for St. Patrick's Day via Pinterest

and it's raining...

so true

yes please

getting married?

wishing you a...

**love**

happy friday.

sunny in seattle

happy friday!

health update

shoes

happy friday

Australia Day

valentine day crafts and fun via Pinterest

commercials

lego fun

cupcakes

10 inches

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks the Internet

jane market bag

snow.

mexican date night

free valentine printables

nickwilljack giveaway

totally.

handmade ryan gosling

something to ruin your diet...

Popsy Cakes

reading

wishing you a...

checking in

mamma's new ride

last post of the year...maybe

you're only as old as you feel

what's the most annoying kind of facebook update?

what do you do when...

holiday cookie exchange

burlap bags

Color of the Year

oy vey

milk fly {holiday gift guide #10}

Bungalow Bath and Body {holiday gift guide #9}

advent calendar

Candle Confection {holiday gift guide #8}

Little Punkin Munkie {holiday gift guide #7}

Holiday Collection at Party Box Design

My Treehouse Treasures {holiday gift guide #6}

North Pole Breakfast

hmmm...something is off in this picture...

Happy Thanksgiving!

free christmas printables

back and busy!

sun here I come!

over the top but so cute...

chloe in style {holiday gift guide #5}

bubbipop {holiday gift guide #4}

busy busy

baby shower gifts

happy friday

cornucopia cookies

lip balm addict

uh...yes please!

StuffedNonsense {holiday gift guide #3}

crazy rumors {holiday gift guide #2}

want an iPad?

write with moxie {holiday gift guide #1}

holiday gift guide

Happy Halloween

it's been...

just in case you need a bike bell...

halloween cards & treats

gettin' crafty

catch of the day

the popcorn factory

awww....love

love

perfect

free halloween party printables