Ladies Luncheon

Today was a very fun day with (most of) the ladies from Mom's side of the family. I decided to host a "Ladies Luncheon" so we could all get together and hang out without the guys, and so everyone could see our new place. A couple people had prior engagements and weren't able to make it, and it ended up being the seven of us that took a trip in October 2006 to Amish Country in Pennsylvania for a long weekend. It was a wonderful trip. And we haven't done anything with just the women since! Here's our favorite group photo from the last trip (yes we're wearing matching shirts...) : 

And here's one from today: 

So much fun! We laughed, we cried, we planned our secret family winter project, and started talks for our next "Mothers and Daughters Gone Wild" trip. I made custom invitations for the lunch. The fronts were all different and the back had all the details for the day. Here's one: 

And then continuing the pink and black theme, I made food tags for everything! I love making these little tags. And the more I make the faster/easier it gets. 

Pink Champagne Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

I also made chicken salad, and decided to actually cook two whole chickens instead of buying prepared chicken breasts. I just don't think anything beats chicken that's cooked on the carcass in a big pot of water. I somehow had the foresight to make chicken stock as well. So now I have approximately 20+ cups of chicken stock that is cooling in the fridge so I can skim off some fat in preparation for freezing it. Killed two birds with one stone on this one (haha get it? Chickens are birds...) and now I'll have great organic chicken broth (that isn't $3+ a can) for chicken noodle soup, chicken and dumplings, etc. Not going to lie though-I cannot wait for the house to stop smelling like chicken. Here's my epic tower of chicken stock: 

I know this made me nervous, too. But don't worry, Brian was standing at the ready just to the left in case something went horribly awry. 

And finally, here's a photo of me and my mom from today. Without whom, it should be noted, this day would not have happened! My brain would have probably exploded trying to tie everything together in the last two hours before everyone arrived. Thanks Mom!! Best mom ever!!!

YOU Decide What I Make!

Hi Friends!


Nothing makes me realize how quickly time is passing like this blog. I'll think it's just been a day or so since the last post and before I know it it's been a week. 


A few weeks ago I found some really cute supplies. I immediately had no less than 10 random ideas for what I could do with them. I usually buy my supplies and embellishments with a specific use in mind to ensure I'm not purchasing something frivolous that I'll never actually use, so this was a little out of the ordinary for me. But once you see the inspiration for it all, I think you'll understand why I jumped in head first. Now here's the problem: I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE. I need your help. Below are the photos of the supplies. I also have TONS of stamps (check the Etsy store for examples-thank you, party invitations, "just because", friendship, etc. etc.) and other embellishments like sticker flowers and ribbon.

What you need to do: Leave me a comment below (or on the link through Facebook) with your idea(s) and I'll either pick one at random, or create the most popular idea. Once it's finished and listed on Etsy I'll let you all know and the person with the winning idea gets 20% off and free shipping if they decide to purchase! Let's begin: 

The inspiration for it all: teal, pool blue and lime green roses.

Six muted blue scalloped flat notes. (size = 5.5" square)

Six matching muted blue envelopes. (size = 5.75" square)

Various embellishments such as these blue and green pearls and gems.

SO, get those creative juices flowing! Share this post with your friends so they can join in on the fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with!