dream.design.create.

some ramblings on...

2012-01-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

i spent the better part of yesterday updating my blog.

i know that going back four months and backdating all my blog post is cheating...BUT
last year i started getting my blog printed. I get an entire year printed into a book, using the online co sharedbook. i didnt want to print out 2011 and it end in august...so i thought i better play catch up.

i wanted to at least finish out the year 2011 and see if i was still motivated to blog in 2012.

i have changed a lot in the last year when it comes to blogging and scrapbooking. i no longer have a desire to do either the way i used to.

i am all about simplifying my process.

with blogging, i am all about telling my story with pictures and not so many words.

with scrapbooking, i started using Becky Higgins Project Life in 2010 and loved it...but i also scrapped my usual way right along side of that and ended up with TOO MANY ALBUMS. since i am trying to simplify, i had to choose one way or the other.

in 2011 i created my own simplified scrapping where i used 12x12 layouts as the monthly dividers and then used all diff size page protectors throughout the month...but i still ended up with 2 fully packed albums!

for 2012 i ordered the Project Life Turquoise kit as well as all Design A page protectors. I am hoping to keep it to one album but think that for my family of five that will be impossible with all the ephemera coming home and being collected by three little ones. i am fine with 2 albums as long as it tell the story of us.

my goal for this year in my scrapbooking is to stay up to date through the year...i tend to journal so much more when i do this...my favorite pages of my scrapbooks are the ones with my handwriting on them (or typed out on my old vintage typewriter) i just re discovered.

hope to be around here more in 2012...guess we will have to see.

our "super hero" turns 5

2011-12-04T12:45:00.032-05:00

super hero chocolate dipped oreos

we had each child make a cape and a mask for the party.

brodys presents and balloon waiting for him when he woke up on his birthday

his mini pillow pet

a hot wheels wall track

one happy little boy...stitches and all

"sper hero" brody flying in and saving the day!

pumpkin whoopie pies, pumpkin bread, cupcakes and oreo cookie pops

superhero snack, cupcakes and fudge

super hero capes in action

Sherry did the face painting and it was a HIT!!!

charlotte our butterfly princess

more celebrating at pop pop and nanna's the next day...more love and more presents!

Brody was blessed to have been given so many wonderful gifts...he had a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Brody. We love you!

xoxo

stitches

2011-12-03T14:30:00.001-05:00

waiting in ER for the dr to come in and stitch up Brody's forehead after falling out of bed and hitting the tile floor

ouch!

still a smile on his face at 3 in morning

poor boy...the wait and lack of sleep is starting to set in...

big cat habitat

2011-11-26T08:37:00.001-05:00

in sarasota there is a place called the "big cat habitat". it is a refuge for unwanted large "cats", bears etc. we went with Colleen, David and Kayla. the kids said it was one of the "funnest" afternoons they had ever had. we got to see camels, monkeys, birds (of all kinds), tigers (both albino and normal), lions, bears. the place is a couple of miles from my parents house and at dusk you can hear the lions roar...so it was really cool to show the kids (and for us adults) the animals that are making that noise.

so much to be thankful for

2011-11-24T09:22:00.003-05:00

i found some great printables off pinterest for the table settings

the kitchen a midst the chaos of baking and cooking thanksgiving dinner

sean spent all night last night (till 1am) and all day till 3, re landscaping our front yard. it looks AMAZING...so thankful for a great husband that works so hard for us!

i have so much to be thankful for this year...sean, the kids, my parents, my brother and SIL, my in laws, my sister and brother in law, my niece....and thats only the beginning! this year we were joined by our neighbor ray white. he lost his wife of over 60 years just a few short months ago and we were not going to let him be alone for the day. he was so happy to be here with our family...esp since his own family does not live close by.

november 12, 2011

2011-11-12T08:32:00.001-05:00

november 12, 2011...we will remember that date for two reasons. one, its my brothers birthday and two, its the first day the kids jumped into pop pop and nanna's pool!

halloween festivities

2011-10-31T08:17:00.010-04:00

fall festival as Sarasota Baptist Church...the kids had so much fun between the petting zoo, the games, the bounce houses, the train ride and trunk or treat!

getting ready to trick or treat bubbles and patpat!

trick or treating with sophia, matteo and cha cha

spider man!

love the angle of the this shot.

opera

2011-10-28T19:46:00.001-04:00

someone had the crazy notion to get dressed up and go to the opera...thanks el, it will be a night i wont forget!

Now that looks like a group of refined women ready to go to the opera....hope they can handle us!!!

"clean" granola

2011-10-25T07:51:00.033-04:00

Ingredients:
5 cups old fashioned oats
2 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
2/3 cup molasses (once i used 1/2c molasses and filled to 2/3 with honey)
1/2 cup agave
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups homemade apple butter (unsweetened) and 1/2 cup almond butter (unsalted)

2/3 cup millet
2/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
2/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup dried cherries (unsweetened)
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped dated

Combine molasses, honey, agave, apple butter, almond butter and vanilla. Add in cinn, ginger, salt, nutmeg and cloves, stir till smooth. Mix in oats. Add the four cups of dried fruits, millet, nuts and seeds. Lightly spray a 9x13 pan with olive oil. Press the mixture into baking pan until tightly packed. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes or until edges turn a darker brown. Remove from oven and brush a thin layer or molasses over the top to give the granola a nice shine. Eat warm (It will be crumbly, but DELISH) or serve at room temp. Note: will store in freezer in air tight container for at least a month, thaw as needed.

I found the original recipe from www.goodlifeeats.com
***edited Jan 2012: I have made these 2 more times since October and my family and clean eating friends can't get enough. If you are allowing your self a real treat you can crumble into lowfat frozen vanilla yogurt!***

date night

2011-10-21T07:53:00.000-04:00

sean took me to Euphemia Haye for my birthday. we had the MOST AMAZING dinner...then we went upstairs to the Haye Loft for dessert. it was the most perfect night!

mom and dads pool

2011-10-15T08:24:00.001-04:00

it's AMAZING to see a pool in mom and dads yard... we can hardly wait till its done!

random shots i don't want to forget

2011-10-10T07:56:00.000-04:00

just some random, adorable shots of charlotte and brody

girls weekend (part 2)

2011-09-30T07:40:00.000-04:00

i couldnt ask for better friends...18 years and counting

elena and i

ashley, sherry and i

sisters...sherry and robin

such goof balls...

bff's

learning how to paddleboard

getting the hang of paddle boarding...i loved it!

girls weekend 9-29 thru 10-2 (part one)

2011-09-29T07:29:00.000-04:00

worked really hard for this summers bikini season...did 3 rounds of Tosca Renos "stripped"

sherry had her friend make ashley, robin and i a birthday cake...it was amazing!

the olive oil outpost on AMI...the most delish blood orange EVOO i have had

all the diff balsamic vinegars...which were amazing too. i had to try a mixed berry vinegar

kim enjoying the florida sun

kim, ashley and sandy right before we walked into the greatest shop on the island. the owner served us a coctail while we shopped her adorable store.

all the girls ready for a night out country line dancing

gearing up for a FUN night!

seans 40th birthday

2011-09-12T07:22:00.000-04:00

i made a card for sean and inside i wrote 40 reasons its great to be 40! we also gave him 40 lollipops with the cute sign saying 40 doesnt such it rocks!!

the kids had so much fun helping me get ready for sean's birthday party. but we had more fun eating the lollipops and hot fudge cake!!

labor day project at moms

2011-09-03T19:03:00.000-04:00

free pallets and spindles i picked up from the electrical supply house sean goes too

painting my pallets to transform into a awesome coffee table i saw on pinterest

we also made tool boxes (lori's idea) and the handles are branches from the oak trees in mom and dads back yard... this pict was taken before i white washed and distressed it

moms tool box

my finished pallet on our back porch. i added 6" 4x4 legs in between the pallets to give my table some height. then sean helped me add the casters to make it very easy to move around. another absolutely FUN day with mom and lori making a project...i wonder what we will do next??!!

first day of school

2011-08-22T07:16:00.000-04:00

brody looking so grown up and ready to start VPK in Mrs Selitti's class

charlotte sending her brothers off to school (she starts PMO in two weeks)

Riley looking so handsome...he is very excited to start second grade

so cute!

bath time

2011-08-22T07:12:00.000-04:00

having fun in the bath tub

practicing her floating...just love that smile!

the end of summer

2011-08-20T06:16:00.000-04:00

Summertime...hanging out at Nanna...having fun!

play dough (home made)

2011-08-19T13:37:00.000-04:00

Recipe for home made play dough (makes 5-6 cups/colors):

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups salt

3 cups water

2 tbs canola oil

1 tbs cream of tartar

food coloring (I used gel)

Gather supplies.

Combine in pot (except for food coloring).

Heat ingredients on medium/low (#4 on my glass top stove). Stirring occasionally for approx 10 min.

Heat/Stir until your dough looks like this.

I took approx one cup out at a time, and kneaded gel food coloring in (WITH GLOVES ON!) till I got the color I wanted.

First off, let me say that I got this idea and recipe from Art Nest. I made a double batch so I could have closer to 6 cups/colors of dough...since my kids love playing with play dough. It was really fun and easy to make...I am sure this will not be the last batch I make.
xoxo

Roasted Peppers

2011-08-16T20:19:00.000-04:00

Place peppers on middle rack on low broil...turning often.

...till they look like this. Let cool, then peel and de seed.

This is what your scraps look like...

and you end up with this bowl of delicious!! (just add fresh garlic)

My dear friend Elena taught me how to make this dish while we were on vacation together last week (she also taught me how to make homemade sauce and chicken curry). It is delicious on my salads I eat every day as well as on grilled chicken...pretty much any meat or fish. Thank El.
xoxo

Meet the teacher

2011-08-16T18:01:00.000-04:00

Every year before school starts we get a home visit from Riley's teacher. He was so excited to meet Mrs Ramage. We had such a nice visit and Riley and I think second grade will be great!

Pillowcase purses

2011-08-16T16:05:00.001-04:00

Over the shoulder tie purse/bag.

Long Handle bag.

I saw some cute pillowcase purse/bag tutorials on pinterest and thought they would be fun to make for each of my girlfriends for our upcoming girls weekend in September/October. I swung by Goodwill on my way home last night and found out they sell pillowcases for .98 cents apiece. I bought two to experiment with. I found the adorable and easy tutorials here on Sweet Charli blog for the tie over the sholder bag and here on Spider Woman Knits blog for the long handled bag (she made hers with 2 handles, but I like one longer handle for over the shoulder). I was able to make each bag in about an hour... the over the shoulder tie bag is definately more finished looking bag...the other one is more plain (but still perfect as a reusable grocery tote or roomy beach bag).
xoxo

Orlando

2011-08-13T20:35:00.001-04:00

I just couldn't stop taking pictures of our two adorable girls...Elena, I hope they grow to love each other as much as we do!

Before we left, I wanted to snap a couple of pictures of the condo...it really was nice!

I couldn't imagine a more fun week.... Elena and I with our six kids. It may sound a little crazy (and it was at times...ok, most of the time), but each night after the kids were in bed we got the chance to enjoy a glass or two of wine and play cards. And of course when the lights were out and we could hardly keep our eyes open, we would talk some more...gosh, I am definitely going to miss this.
xoxo

Orlando

2011-08-10T20:32:00.022-04:00

Charlotte and Cha Cha taking a break from swimming and eating a banana at one of the kiddy pools at the Grand Beach resort on Lake Bryan.

The whole crew in the pool.

On Wednesday we took the kiddos to Downtown Disney. They all had a blast. We went to the biggest Disney Store in the World, practically having to drag the kids through it...I can't imagine how much overload their little brains were on.

Lego Land was definitely a favorite with all the kids. We spent hours digging through all the legos and making new creations, then went inside where you could play lego computer games, or make 3 mini figures for 9.99, or purchase ANY miscellaneous piece that you may have lost...it was AMAZING.

The seven dwarfs all made from Legos.

After Lego Land we headed to T-Rex for an early dinner. I had called ahead and they assured me that they have a strict policy re: peanut allergies. When we arrived they sent a chef from their kitchen who came to the table and told us what was safe to order off the menu for Riley. Then he also said he would be the one preparing the meal from start to finish so it could not be cross contaminated by a nut(s). It was the FIRST time i ever felt fully relaxed eating out. I guess that is why we NEVER go out to eat with the kiddos.

Climbing the dinosaur leg outside of the T-Rex restaurant.

Sleeping Beauty getting love from Matteo, Brody, Cha Cha and Sophia.

This week has been so much fun so far. Elena and I have kept the kids and stayed around the resort swimming and taking advantage of the activities they have. We did ~~drag~~ take the kids to a flea market yesterday and scored on some great items (sunglasses, a ring, purses) . Of course we did bribe all the kids if they were good, we would get them one souvenir...and for the most part they were all great! Charlotte got a Hello Kitty stuffed animal, Brody got a Spiderman cup/notebook/pencils etc, Sophia and Matteo got little dog stuffed animals, ChaCha got a Sleeping Beauty stuffed doll and Riley decided to save his money and rather wait till I went to Wal-mart so he could get a Lego set (he ended up getting a great set that you can make 8 diff. Star Wars vehicles).
I was also blessed with the chance to run to the Ann Taylor Loft Outlet Store (thanks El). I found a few great button up tops (one for my mom too) at prices that were ridiculously cheap. So FUN!
xoxo

Face Painting

2011-08-07T20:47:00.000-04:00

Cha Cha as Hello Kitty.

Sophia as a butterfly.

Brody as Spiderman.

Riley in the process of getting his face painted as Spiderman too.

Matteo as a snake.

Charlotte with her pink and purple stars!

All six kids displaying their awesome faces.

The condo we stayed at offered free face painting a few of the evenings we were there and the kids just loved it! What a fun thing to do...the whole week was filled with some great memories.
xoxo

Pleated Beach Bag/Tote

2011-07-28T14:06:00.002-04:00

I was browsing pinterest (which seems to be my source of inspiration these days) last week and found the best tutorial for this bag on thimble. I just love the floral vintage fabric I used (given to me by my mom) for the bottom of the bag and I paired it with a red polka dot fabric for the top and handle. I also used the polka dot fabric to make 2 pockets for the inside of the bag too.
xoxo

Colored Pencil roll

2011-07-23T13:59:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to make one of these rolls for a while now. I dug through my fabric stash and found the two contrasting fabrics I wanted to use. It took me about 2 hours to make (I borrowed a friend of mines one to use as the pattern). It actually holds 2 colored pencils or one sharpee in each slot...in total it is holding about 80 pens/pencils. I have tons of binding that was given to me, so I added some on the inside in the teal, and used some bright pink for the tie. I also used teal and lime green threads to contrast against the muslin fabric. I dont know why i didn't make one sooner cause i love it. It stores right in my art box...so convenient!
xoxo

My Girl

2011-07-15T13:41:00.008-04:00

beautiful smile

Charlotte found this tutu in her closet and she immediately put it on...she loves anything girly and pink!

I think Charlotte will have the same love affair with hats her mommy has.

xoxo my sweet girl.

Tampa Childrens Museum

2011-07-12T13:50:00.020-04:00

Riley and Zach at the water feature.

Brody and Charlotte racing their boats.

Brody and Charlotte hard at work.

Brody, Riley and Charlotte.

Brody chillin...

Owen hanging out in the balls.

Charlotte having fun crawling through the tunnels.

Charlotte playing in the balls.

The kids playing virtual soccer.


Brody on the suspended climbing nets...it was very cool.

Boys will be boys

2011-07-11T13:48:00.011-04:00

Riley and Brody having so much fun playing in the rain. Then they found the hose and used it to make an even bigger mud puddle to play in at Nanna and PopPop's house. They were pretending to make discoveries in the mud... One of the sweetest things was a conversation I overheard. Riley was explaining to Brody "the rules" of friendship/brotherhood and it was really great to see them talk out how they wanted their relationship to work. It's times like these that you have to smile and know that all the things you are trying to instill in them are actually being heard...and applied.
xoxo

The simple things...

2011-07-11T13:45:00.001-04:00

Can you seen the deer and her fawn laying in the grass in front of the lake? The kids and I saw them after we left our swimming lesson in Laurel Oak. So sweet.
xoxo

Bowling with Kayla

2011-07-09T13:38:00.012-04:00

Kayla helping Charlotte bowl.

Sean in action.

Riley in action.

Brody using "the force" on the ball.

I can not believe Kayla (my cousins 13 year old daughter) was here for a whole week and I didn't take out my camera till the last day. She came to Florida to spend time with my family. She loves, no let me take that back... LOVES kids. She wanted to spend time with Charlotte and the boys, which was a HUGE help to me. She is welcome back ANYTIME! Love you Kayla.
xoxo

Gray Accents

2011-07-06T13:36:00.004-04:00

I love gray. I wanted to change up the bedroom a little...so I added 3, 26" square pillows across the back of the bed, a smaller rectangle for the front and a gray throw (all from Ikea). I love the way the pink and gray look together.
xoxo

4th of July

2011-07-04T13:33:00.003-04:00

We were given the opportunity to watch a house on the water (with a pool) for the summer. So for the fourth of July, we invited my parents, the Sommer family and Greg. We had so much fun swimming, cooking out and watching both the Venice and the Siesta Key fire works from their balcony.
God Bless America.

Anniversary Weekend part 2

2011-07-01T13:29:00.018-04:00

Sean and I getting ready to go explore the little shops and restaurants around the hotel.

There were all these great little patio areas surrounding the property...i love all the pavers.

This was the COOLEST tic tac toe game. I want one!

Beautiful vases lining the table when you first enter the lobby of the Vinoy.

Vintage postcards of the Vinoy and the surrounding area.

This was the cutest french bakery...love how they display their biscotti and cookies.

Thanks Sean for a beautiful weekend. I had so much fun with you. This is definitely a time I will not forget. I didnt take a picture of it, but we had a private hot tub right on our balcony too... so romantic.
I love you.
xoxo

The Vinoy...11th Anniversary Celebration

2011-07-01T13:23:00.016-04:00

Free cocktail when we arrived since they didn't have our room ready for us.

Relaxing on the front porch of the Vinoy.

One of the fun lounging areas.

the Bell Tower

Savory was this fantastic little store we went into with thousands of different spices.

After dinner we walked out to the pier and watched a storm come in...this was one of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Bella Brava is where we had the most delicious dinner...would recommend it to anyone going to the St.Pete area.

The Vinoy park on our walk back towards the hotel. It was so beautifully lit up.


These beautiful lanterns were lit on every table on the big front porch of the Vinoy.

Zipline and Pinata (brthday celebration cont)

2011-06-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

After cookie decorating, marshmallow shooter making, ziplining, breaking open the pinata, the kids all came in and had Star Wars shaped grilled cheese sandwiches...then my mom, Sean and I took all the kids to the movie Cars 2. It was a long day, but it was a blast! We love you Riley. Happy Birthday my boy!
xoxo

Cookie Decorating

2011-06-25T12:55:00.009-04:00

One of the things we had planned for Riley's birthday party was decorating Star Wars cookies. We had lots left over so later that night Charlotte and Brody and I had so much fun making our own creations.
xoxo

Riley's 7th Birthday Weekend Celebration

2011-06-23T13:15:00.019-04:00

Riley learning he was going on a scavenger hunt to find money that Nanna and PopPop hid all over their house and outside.

Our family celebration.

Riley's cookie take home bags for his party.

All the yummy food for the party.

Riley, Cooper, Neveah, Sophia, Noah and Sabre each made a customized marshmallow shooter to take home. Before they could take them home they had to go out back and take target practice shooting at all the Star Wars bad guys.

To be continued...

Riley and Brody

2011-06-11T13:05:00.007-04:00

I created these in photoshop using a template that I got from www.jessicasprague.com. They were the final "special" touch I made for the boys room.
xoxo

The boys bedroom redo

2011-06-11T13:03:00.015-04:00

I found these ugly brass headboard on Craigs List and spray painted them black.

I finally got all their artwork framed as well as some of their favorite posters,

Brody and I found some pirate decals that I let him decorate his wall with.

The 2 frames above the dresser personalizing their side of the room.

The boys were done with the bunk beds and to be honest so was I. It was nearly impossible to properly say goodnight to the boys each night without killing yourself climbing up to the top bunk or bending over so low for the bottom bunk. I went on a search for 2 metal headboards and found them on Craig's List, then I finally hung all their artwork above the rail and hung the posters below. I ended up using the bed risers so we could put rolling drawers underneath holding each of their favorite toys. I painted the wood letters and hung their names above their beds too. I think we are all much happier with the transformation.
xoxo

Cousin Fun

2011-06-08T13:09:00.019-04:00

Not sure what the headband was about...but when Brody wants to wear something he is determined.

goofballs

My serious bowler.

Climbing the dinosaur at the park.

Kayla having fun with her cousins.

The first week of summer vacation Kayla did not have camp. So Colleen and David decided to send her over to Bubbles and PatPats for the week. We had so much fun...we spent every day with her doing something different...swimming, movies, bowling, the park. We decided we want her to come EVERY summer for a week.
xoxo

Owen's Baptism

2011-06-05T13:11:00.007-04:00

My friend Ashley asked me if I could come to the church and take the photographs of her third baby Owen's baptism. I was happy too. If only the priest didnt block some of the really important shots. I guess it is was it is...
xoxo

Katie and Eric's Wedding

2011-05-28T18:48:00.021-04:00

Kinden singing a special song during the ceremony.

The kiss.

The beautiful couple.

Tyler and I.

Mom, Dan and I.

Darlene, Dianne, Dan and Donna

First Dance.

The centerpieces.

Aunt Shirley and I.

This wedding was SOOO much fun. We helped out any way we could and then just had a great time visiting with family and dancing.
xoxo

Wisconsin Dells

2011-05-28T08:52:00.018-04:00

Upon arriving in Wisconsin for Katie and Eric wedding Kim picked me up at Milwaukee airport and drove to me to the Dells where they were staying for the weekend. When we got up the next morning all of us explored the resort where we were staying...it was amazing. It had indoor water parks, wave pools, huge water slides, splash area for the kids. The Dells is created for year round water fun. Even though I was only there a couple of hours...it was fun. Thanks Kim!
xoxo

Sibling love

2011-05-22T12:39:00.007-04:00

These two simply adore each other. The play together all the time and I just happened to catch them reading a book in the rocking chair...it was really sweet.
xoxo

Cubscout Campfire

2011-05-20T12:43:00.024-04:00

Riley with his den leader Chad (on left) and their pack 911 leader Trip.

The family all together to support Riley.

Riley crossing over from a Tiger to a Wolf.

Riley's pack had an end of the year campfire and crossover ceremony. It was for the whole family and it was alot of fun. I didn't get to attend any other cubscout activities this year, so I was glad I could go.
xoxo

Birthday Journal

2011-05-13T12:34:00.011-04:00

This is a really cute journal I made for my friend Jen for her birthday. I found an unlined kraft paged journal and I embellished it with ephemera, ribbons, twine, stamps, a pencil, a feather, vintage buttons.
xoxo

Riley hard at work

2011-05-13T12:33:00.012-04:00

Before the year was over, I wanted to get some "action" pictures of Riley at school. I had the perfect opportunity on his "un birthday" (his teacher gave the kids with summer birthdays a special day during the school year). They were in computer lab when I first got there and then we went back to their classroom where he got to share some special things about himself that most of his friends did not know. It was a fun afternoon.
xoxo

Brody and Miss Donna

2011-05-03T12:37:00.005-04:00

Brody refusing to sing during a performance for parents at school.

Brody and Miss Donna, his teacher this year in his 3 yr old class at Sarasota Baptist.

Crib to toddler bed

2011-04-29T12:27:00.009-04:00

I can't believe that our "baby" just moved out of her crib and into a toddler bed. We were waking up at 5am to Charlotte standing in the living room crying. She had crawled out of her crib and then didn't know what to do next. We knew it was time to take the rail off...we didn't want an accident of her falling out of her crib.
xoxo

My Princess Cowgirl and Cowboy

2011-04-27T12:24:00.007-04:00

Princess Charlotte wearing my shoes, and Riley's cowboy hat. Her and Brody LOVE playing dress up.

Havin fun.

Yee Haa!

Doesn't that smile just melt your heart!

DEARS review of "Being A Great Mom and Raising Great Kids"

2011-04-25T14:23:00.020-04:00

I came up with the idea of us DEARS buying a matching bag that we could bring to each club meeting. I ordered them and I stamped mine to show as an example at the following meeting. The girls all loved the idea of decorating the bags, so we planned on doing that at next meeting.

Kim and I hosted the meeting this time. We wanted to have it at the beach. I brought table clothes and lanterns...so much fun.

My completed bag. Kim and I made each of the members a fabric flower to add to their bag as well.

So relaxing and fun.

Some of the girls.

Craft Night

2011-04-25T12:17:00.029-04:00

I made special bags for each of my girlfriends to take home with them. The reusable bags were filled with pin cushions, threads, decorative pins, tulle and personalized tags! It was so much fun.

Close up of goodie bags,

The centerpiece for the dining room table.

The food.

I decided to invite my girlfriends over for a "craft night". We had so much fun crafting and drinking wine that I didn't take any action shots of the night. I had one friend Julie scrapbooking, Elena crocheting, Sherry sewing, Ashley making a canvas wall art and Racquel made some seasonal napkin rings.
xoxo

Easter Basket Fun!

2011-04-24T12:21:00.011-04:00

Charlotte found her "lipstick" in her easter basket.

Riley when he found his basket with some candy and a lego set.

Brody showing Charlotte his basket filled with some candy and a "How to Train Your Dragon" sword.

My mom got each of the kids a Book by Eric Carle and the matching stuffed animal...it was a hit for each of them!

The empty eggs...waiting to be filled next year.

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-23T12:19:00.010-04:00

Daddy and Riley

Charlotte finding her first egg...all she wanted to do was to open it...she really could have cared less about getting more eggs.

Charlotte having so much fun.

Bubbles. I loved the fact there was no candy in any of the eggs. It was all little goodies the kids loved.

Sean showing the kids a baby chick...they thought it was so cool.

My finished snowball quilt

2011-04-19T13:50:00.000-04:00

Love the ruffle...its just adds a touch of fun!

I am so proud and happy with the finished quilt. I saw the adorable idea of adding a random square of fabric to the backside of the quilt and it just finished it off perfectly...along with the ruffle...i love it!

The starting of my first quilt

2011-04-19T13:47:00.000-04:00

Cutting out the quilt...35 large squares and 140 small ones.

The three threads I found that match my fabrics perfectly.

Sewing each small square to the corners of the large ones...

Ironing, ironing and more ironing...

Laying out the quilt in the order I wanted each square.

What a fun and crazy first attempt at a quilt. I am loving the colors of fabrics I found (which by the way, were all from Wal-Mart).

DEARS- The Dogs of Proud Spirit

2011-03-29T13:42:00.011-04:00

Karen McCurio was our hostess this evening. She made us all a delicious dinner as well as handmade DEARS tags.

Laura, Tricia and Kim.

Karen and Em.

This was a FABULOUS book! If you are an animal lover of any kind you will feel so blessed that there are people like this around to rescue little lost souls, give them love and a wonderful home. I would highly recommend this book. 5 stars.
xo

The best catch ever...

2011-03-27T15:56:00.002-04:00

My "not so little" Brody with his first catch of the year out of our lake...he was so proud!

Mariann's 66th Birthday

2011-03-27T15:55:00.001-04:00

This is the month of birthdays in our family...Lori is on the 11th, Charlotte on the 16th, Pat on the 17th and Mariann ends the month on the 27th...It is so much fun celebrating. We decided to go all out this year for Mariann and Sean went out and bought 4, 2 1/2 lb lobsters...the kids had a ball helping us crack open the claws. What a fun memory for all of us!

Brody's Bike a Thon

2011-03-23T13:48:00.000-04:00

Brody getting ready to ride.

Chuggin along.

Stopping to pose.

Tristen on the move.

Brody getting his metal for finishing.

Brody's 3 year old class at SBC.

Brighton and Brody.

I was so glad that Charlotte and I could come and cheer Brody on. He was so proud to be in the Bike a Thon and on top of that to earn a medal just make his day. It was fun to see Tristen and Brighton riding their bikes too.
xoxo

Pillowcase Dresses

2011-03-22T14:20:00.009-04:00

I made this one for Charlotte to wear on Easter...the top fabric is all little bunnys.

Charlotte modeling the second dress I made...a fun bright one!

Sherry and I got together today to sew these adorable pillowcase dresses for the girls. The first ones took us about 3 hours and then the second one only took about an hour. Like anything...the first one is a trial run, working out the kinks and the second one is a breeze. I loved sewing with my girlfriend...its always more fun to do a project like this with someone. I found the free pattern on the internet... I just googled "free pillowcase dress pattern".
xoxo

Charlotte turns 2, St Pattys Day, Pat's birthday celebration

2011-03-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Charlotte listening to us singing Happy Birthday to her.

Testing the frosting.

Mmmm

Charlotte's 2nd Birthday Cake.

March 16th and 17th are busy days in the Cleary household. Charlotte turned 2 on the 16th and on the 17th is St. Patty's Day and Pat's birthday. We invited everyone over for a celebration dinner of corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, irish soda bread and birthday cake!
xoxo

Spring Break- AMI con't

2011-03-07T16:57:00.001-05:00

Riley and Jimbo makings castles on the beach.

Beautiful Sophia.

Handsome Riley.

Sophia with her swollen lip after falling off the hammock.

xoxo

Spring Break on AMI

2011-03-07T14:19:00.000-05:00

For spring break this year we thought it would be fun if a bunch of us rented a house on Anna Maria Island for the week. Sherry, Ashley, Elena, Tomi, Carmen, Anita, Sandy and I and ALL our kids spent a crazy and FUN filled week of swimming, Wii tournaments, movie nights, arts and crafts, magazine reading during the day, and adult time at night! Most of the time it was just the moms and the kids, but certain days/nights husbands joined us as well. The 20 kids ranged in age from 6 months to 13 years old. Some of the families stayed the whole week (Sherry, Elena, Carmen and I) and two families were there for the beginning of the week (Sandy and Anita) and two familes came for the end of the week (Tomi and Ashley). The week was chaotic fun for the best choice of words!
xoxo

Sherry's Birthday on AMI

2011-02-16T15:52:00.000-05:00

Somehow out of all the pictures I took that day/night... I did NOT get even one of Sherry...How the heck did I let that happen is beyond me.
We did get to stay in a fantastic NEW house (never been rented out before) of Tommy's...it was great especially the pool area. Too bad it was too cold to go in!

Cosmos...in chilled wine glasses...yummy!

Goofy pictures of me with one eye done and the other without makeup.

Elle's gorgeous eyes after Sherry did them in greens...rather than her normal browns.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sher...even though I dont have a picture of any of us together...what a bummer... But to remember the moment... Robin was down from Rhode Island, Ash came down from Tampa, El and I drove up from Sarasota....all to meet Sherry and celebrate her 38th birthday with her! (Sher even had her two girls with her and Ash brought baby Owen with her too!)

Red Velvet Cake Balls/Pops

2011-02-11T14:01:00.004-05:00

Bake cake according to directions in a 9x13 pan. Cool.

Crumble cake into a large mixing bowl.

Add can of cream cheese frosting.

Mix well. Chill in fridge for a couple of hours.

Roll into balls and chill in fridge for at least 3 or 4 hours.

Stick in lollipop stick and dip in white chocolate.

My tray of cake pops..didnt have any styrofoam to stick them in to dry (which would prevent the flat side mine will have).

My finished cake balls. Some dipped in white chocolate, some in semi-sweet chocolate and then both drizzled with more white chocolate.

I must preface this by saying...this is NOT my idea, but who cares I just LOVE it anyway! I want to give credit, where credit is due... Bakerella is where I first saw these cake ball/pops and she has PERFECTED the way to make them. If you want this exact recipe from her site, click here. On the other hand, me... not so much. I was good until the rolling of the "red" balls into the "white" chocolate...I ended up with quite a mess...but I figured out that I did not chill them long enough. Thankfully I only did 15 and stopped. After chilling for a couple more hours and deciding that maybe I should try semi- sweet chocolate, it worked much better. I left the pops in the fridge for even longer because I really did want to make those with white chocolate. That was the trick! If your balls are not chilled enough they will fall apart in the melted chocolate.Once chilled they dip beautifully! Thanks Bakerella for making my girlfriends birthday as well as my hubby's Valentines Day.
xoxo

Preparing for Valentines Day!

2011-02-10T13:48:00.005-05:00

Pink confetti cupcakes for Brody's Valentine party.

Charlotte peeking around my display of candies I was trying to photograph. LOL

Playing with me and the camera!

Her precious smile.

Brody's Valentine's

My cute display of sweethearts, stawberry marshmallows and my cupcake sprinkle holder!

I love Valentines's Day. It makes me so happy.
xoxo

Mason Jars.

2011-02-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

I just love the graphic design on these 3 jars...there are actually 2 more that had a larger graph design that I didn't photograph.

This was just some of the jars...I gave 6 to my sister in law Lori and 2 to my mom.

In the mix were 9 blue jars, 3 clear quart size ones, a couple of specialtly jars along with a canning tool (all dating back to 1920-1930). There were at least 20 other misc jars or bottles too.

This little one is my favorite...cause of the glass clear lid... a true antique

My mom, Brody, Charlotte and I were coming back from the farmers market on Saturday when I saw a sign for a Garage Sale. Of course I had to drive by and see if it was worth getting out of the car... I jumped out at did a quick scan and almost missed the big Rubbermaid container under one of the tables. I saw that it was stacked with mason jars...and being a collector of many little items that I love to display...jars are the first choice! I held one up in my hand (one of the jars in the top picture with the graph like design on it) and asked the lady how much she wanted for her jars. I thought maybe I would pick through and take one or two of them. Suprisingly, she said to me "Well, If you take the entire container, I will sell it to you for 5 bucks". I practically ran back to the car to get the money cause after lifting the first layer of newspaper up, I saw a blue mason jar (unchipped) and I know that they sell for 10-15 dollars each.
I was so excited to get home and unpack the entire container (3 layers deep) of jars and bottles. I jumped on e-bay to check prices on some of the jars... and just checking on a few of them, I realized I had over 200 dollars in jars...that I had just scored for 5 dollars. WooHoo! Yipeeee!

xoxo

sometimes its the little things...

2011-02-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

I have been on the hunt for a cute little clutch... I found this yesterday and just love it. It is even made with oil cloth so it has that vintage feel to it..plus it has the benefit of wiping clean (a real plus with 3 kids dirty fingers)! The huge bonus was that it was only 10 dollars! Score.
xoxo

"On the Go" Cruise

2011-02-07T19:43:00.007-05:00

Julie, Jennifer, Tricia, Heidi, Linda, Me and Kerry...our toes on the beach of the Bahamas.
Pina Colada...in a real coconut that they just chopped the top off and poured out the milk. It was delicious.
Bateman's Coconut Daiquiri Shack
The ship.
Our rooms.
The "On the Go" girls
Little treats I made for each of my co workers/friends.
The essentials....

Julie F and me
Kerry, Julie B and me
Thanks Julie B. for the best time. You are the BEST boss EVER!
xoxo

DEARS Oscar Party

2011-01-31T16:08:00.000-05:00

The Venice DEARS (which is the bookclub I belong to) was invited by the original Sarasota DEARS group to come and celebrate with them for their yearly Oscar Party. You had to make and wear a hat that represented one of the films that got nominated for best picture. 5 of us got the chance to go and we really had fun. The original DEARS provided us with all the drinks and snack you could imagine... we are looking forward to starting our own tradition next year!!

Joann "Toy Story" and Kimmy's "Black Swan" themed hats at the DEARS Oscar Party

Me and my "True Grit" themed hat/costume

The gorgeous view from the Lido Beach Resort restaurant.

Kimmy and I foolin around...

The "saggy boobs" we all tried on and got some hilarious pictures...

DEARS- Wuthering Heights

2011-01-29T18:55:00.001-05:00

Anne, Em, Tricia, Kim, Jeanne, Roxanne, Jane, Karen, Jenny, Patty and me (not in picture cause I am taking it) were able to make it this meeting.

Em was our hostess this evening and we had a wonderful time. She opened up her home to us, as well as made the most delicious dinner and dessert for all of us! I have to be honest I did not read the book Wuthering Heights. I started it and I absolutely couldn't get past the first couple pages...i re read and re read and it just didn't make sense to me so I gave up. I found out at the meeting that only two women actually read it, so that made me feel better. I guess you can't love them all!
xoxo

Just for fun

2011-01-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

A cute hair clip I made the other day...to wear when I am feeling girly.
A couple of LO's I made just because...
Having fun playing with old papers and embellishments and new photos.
I made one of these for each of the women going on the "On The Go" cruise that Julie is taking all of her employees on. Each one is filled with m&m's.
The last week I have been feeling creative and wanted to get my hands dirty. I made 14 of the the little party favors (the picture does not do them justice...they are really adorable), the 4 LO's and some hair clips. Speaking of hair clips...I am going to take enough supplies with me that I can teach each of the girls (going on the cruise) how to make one. We have a 3 hour drive over to Palm Beach, so I thought it would be a fun way to kill some time!
xoxo

From toothless to vampire...

2011-01-28T12:13:00.001-05:00

Riley...who just lost his two front teeth.
Brody...who's new favorite toy is his vampire teeth!
Too funny.
xoxo

Another use for your pillow pet...LOL

2011-01-28T11:39:00.002-05:00

I was at Target the other day and found a section of toys marked 75% off. They had a pair of roller skates in Brody's size. I thought that he would have so much fun...little did I know that I would have one of the best laugh's I have had it a long time. Tears were rolling down my face as I watched my little one attempt to skate in the house. It ended up being much more dangerous than anticipated...hence the pillow pet down the pants to prevent breaking his sacrum. Not sure if we are going to take the skates back, cause it is almost a guaranteed trip to the ER! Oh well, it was fun while it lasted...
xoxo

Coconuts!

2011-01-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

My friend Elena, her son, was turning 5 and his birthday party was at Coconuts. The kids (all 4 of them) :) had so much fun. Sean played old video games, Riley wanted to win as many tickets as he could, Brody just wanted to play as many different games as he could, and Charlotte wanted to play in the indoor playgound. It was a bit chaotic trying to keep an eye on each of them...but they all had a blast. I was playing around in Picassa and they have this new editing software that allows you to create pictures to look like an old polaroid and I thought it looked fun.
xoxo
nikki

A few layouts

2011-01-25T19:20:00.001-05:00

I have not been inspired to scrapbook till I ran across these photos from last summer when I spent the day in Door County with my cousin Kim. We started the day at The Pink Bakery with a huge filled cookie for me and a enormous sticky bun for her. We had a great day spending time together so I wanted to remember that...
xoxo

Baby Owen...take two

2011-01-09T13:02:00.004-05:00

Having some fun editing more of the picts I took of Owen...
xoxo

Baby Owen

2011-01-07T20:52:00.004-05:00

My dear friend Ashley just had her third little boy, Owen. He is so precious. She brought him down so we could take some pictures of him...I think they turned out so sweet.

Flat Lexi visits Florida...

2011-01-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

Flat Lexi and Flat Riley ziplining from the fort to the tree across our back yard!

Riley's cousin Lexi (from Wisconsin) is learning all about Flat Stanley in school this year...crazy enough Riley learned about him this year in school too! The teachers want you to send Flat Stanley to someone far away to learn all about the city they live in. Lexi wanted to send her Flat Stanley to Riley and so in response we are going to send Riley's Flat Stanley to Lexi... we cant wait to see what Riley's Flat Stanley is going to do in Wisconsin...hopefully something where snow is involved! :)
xoxo

IKEA

2010-12-14T20:32:00.003-05:00

My shopping buddy Kim and I ready for a fun day at IKEA!!! We were so ready, that we arrived an hour before the store even opened! They did tell Kim though, that after the new year they will be opening at 10 instead of 11!
Kim, with her blanket she took off one of the couches in IKEA...it was so cold in there and we left our jackets in the car, not wanting to lug them around all day...it was really funny!
These are .99 cent frames from there...I just printed out the "be merry and bright" off Becky Higgins blog and then filled the other two frames with some Basic Grey Christmas papers. Too cute... and what a great gift for 2.97!!!
Our carts filled with goodies! I found a fabulous rug to go in my bedroom too...for only 19.99!
I just love these little lanterns...I bought 5 of them to go on the bookshelf in my bedroom.
Kim and I took a trip to IKEA today...we had so much fun. We each had some specific things we wanted...but we were also looking to be inspired. I already have a wish list for next time.....
xoxo

Cookie Exchange

2010-12-14T19:32:00.000-05:00

Dorothy made this beautiful Pumpkin roll.

Butterscotch, marshmallow nests...mmmmm

Gingerbread cookies Karen ordered...just beautiful.

Ridiculously rich and delicious Oreo balls covered in milk and white chocolate!

Can you say sugar coma! Wow, what a fun time with my girlfriends. My friend Kim and her co-host Rita hosted the second annual cookie exchange. We each had to bring 8 dozen cookies to exchange and then more to share at the party. I must have tried at least six or seven different cookies/bars/balls/nests/fudge/cobbler... they were ALL delicious! Here are just a few of the pictures...Kim took so many more and I hope to post more when she gets the chance to share! Thanks Kim for this wonderful idea of a cookie exchange, and thanks Rita for hosting it at your house... what gracious hostesses!

xoxo

Lasik

2010-12-13T09:36:00.001-05:00

Self portrait of me wearing glasses for the last day!!!!
My eyes getting prepped with Beta dyne.
Me under the laser.
The computer showing my eye!
My right eye getting aligned for the procedure.
Dr. Friedberg ready to get started.
Right after the procedure.
My safety goggles...to prevent me from rubbing or touching my eyes by accident. I know, real cute, huh. LOL
Dr. Friedberg and me with my 20/20 vision! (the next morning after sx)
I had an amazing experience with Dr. Friedberg at the Sarasota Manatee Eye Clinic. I had an initial consult to determine if I was a candidate about 4 months ago. Then I went back to work one day a week to save up for my big day! I had the sx on Friday afternoon December 10, 2010. By Saturday morning at 8am, I had perfect 20/20 vision.

D.E.A.R.S.

2010-12-12T21:24:00.004-05:00

Drinks, Eats And Reads Sometimes.... a new book club my friend Kim started!
Patricia hosted the first meeting at her house...such a fun time.
xoxo

Reusable Fabric Gift Bags

2010-12-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

Over Thanksgiving weekend, my sister n law Lori and I made reusable gift bags. I found this great 45" wide fabric in my mom's stash of fabrics. I folded it in half, measured and cut 16" wide bags...stitched them up the sides. I used my making memories foam stamps to add the words along the bottom. I closed the bag with twine and hung a tag to personalize them. I look forward to using these year after year for both Christmas and other occasions.
xoxo