Fun in the Snow

As many others have been doing on the East Coast we have spent alot of time sledding and playing in the snow.  About 6 inches fell in the area and that is quite a good snow cover for North Carolina.

Computer Back Up

If there is one thing I have learned in the last year it is to ALWAYS back up your computer.  In this year alone my computer has been infected with a virus so badly that it had to be wiped clean and start again and then about a month ago my mother board fried so I had to rush to get a new computer.  It was such a relief that I had my files back up on an external harddrive. 

I keep an external harddrive connected at all times and do a back up every day after I lost so much info once before when I was not running a business from my computer.  Just yesterday my external quit working so I was in a panic to get another one.  Instead I ended up getting a SanDisk USB Flash Drive 16GB.  I wanted to share the great deal because it is so important to get your files and photos backed up...even if you aren't running a business.  Just think how devastating it would be to lose everything that you have on your computer.  Take it from me it is awful to lose every photo and every file.

This is the Flash Drive I purchased at Costco and got a great deal on it!

It was $39.00 originally but right now they are doing a $10.00 instant rebate so it is a 16GB for $29.00.  I was looking at another retailer and their 8GB was $35.00 so this is an awesome deal.

Car Decal

I'm so excited that my car decal is here and we just put it on today.  I wanted something very simple and to the point and I am very pleased with how it turned out!  I used Stephen Edward Graphics on Etsy and he did a fantastic job!  It's of course in Hot Pink--my favorite color.

Melting Snowman Cookies

I have been very busy making Melting Snowman Cookies for my son's 2nd grade class.  I always make a special treat for him to give his classmates at the holidays and this year I couldn't resist these adorable cookies.  I love how they turned out. 

To Make these cookies:

Make a basic cut out cookie recipe or even purchase a mix and make them as instructed.  Cut them in circles by using a cirlce cutter or use a glass to create the circle.  Bake as recipe calls for.

To Frost:

Let the cookies cool.  Make a batch of royal frosting: 4 Cups of Powdered Sugar, 3 Egg whites, 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar--mix well with electric mixer.  Frost your cookies so that the icing appears to be "running" over the edges of the cookies.  Do about 6 at a time and while you frost them microwave 6 large marshmallows on a cooking spray covered plate for 25 seconds.  Once the marshmallows are finished spray your hands with cooking spray and place the melted marshmallow on the cookie.  Add brown or black sprinkles to make eyes and the buttons and use an orange sprinkle for the nose.  I used tweezers to place them to make it easier.  Let dry out and then package.

Give to your friends and family and listen to the ooos and ahhs!

Teacher Gifts

I love having a productive day!  I got quite a few orders printed and shipped, gifts wrapped and under the tree and now I am working on packaging teacher gifts.  I loved how the hang tags turned out for the teacher gifts and wanted to share.

Peace•Love•Happiness

I designed these fun cards for a wonderful customer.  She has an aunt that loves Peace signs so I created this fun card for a gift for her.

Holiday Eating Tips

This was too funny not to share!  I feel like I've been on and off diets all my life but the one time I love to indulge is the Holidays so this struck me as being absolutely hilarious!

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a great Holiday Season!!

Shipping Schedule

Make sure you get your orders placed.

 I look forward to working with you!

Christmas Eve Invitations

Christmas Eve is always held at my house and I look forward to it all year.  I love having all the family and friends over and getting to share some good recipes and fun times!  Here is the invitation and envelopes I designed around this years get together:

Custom Notes

I am working with a Fabulous Customer right now on custom notes.  She travels alot and carries a "stuffy" with her named Dinworth.  She requested a set of notes done with her image and her "stuffy".  I referred her to Peach Pops Clipart to have them do a custom image for her and then I would print her stationery.  This is the design I came up with and wanted to share.  I am really pleased with how cute it turned out.

Anytime you want something custom designed for you please let me know!

New Year's Greeting Card

I created this card for a fantastic customer and I wanted to share.

8th Birthday Party

The party was a Success!  Everyone, both adults and children, had a great time.  Here is a small selection of photos to show the fun we had.

Pantone

Pantone just released the Color of the Year 2011.  Drumroll please....Honeysuckle 18-2120.

Pantone's website says:
"Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it."

I am L♥ving this color!

Christmas Card Guide

Amanda Fuller over at Calico & Co. has an amazing Blog and today she did a great feature of Holiday Cards and was kind enough to include one of my designs.

Take a minute to check out her Blog, you'll be happy you did.

Calico & Co Blog

Birthday Party

This week I'm overwhelmed with orders, my son's Birthday Party preperations and getting my holiday cards and invitations mailed out.  Today I'm focusing on cupcakes for the Birthday Party coming up this weekend.  I just made cupcake toppers for some of the cupcakes.  I also have the movie themed fondant toppers too.  I hope they turn out cute!

Cupcake Toppers

•••••

I also have been busy shopping for the party treats for the kids.  I have been running around finding "mini" movie theater candy to fill up the popcorn containers.  I finally got everything I needed and completed the containers last night.  Each favor includes: Raisinets, Sour Patch Kids, Gummi Bears, M&Ms, Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, Dots, Junior Mints and Twizzlers.  The tag says "Thanks for Coming".  Hope the kids enjoy the yummies!

Favors

Favor Tags



First Snow

On Saturday the weatherman predicted Snow for North Carolina and I laughed about it and said "I'm sure it's just going to be flurries".  Instead, we got a nice dusting--enough to sled ride.  It was so pretty and my husband and I were Christmas shopping while it was coming down so it really put us in the Holiday Spirit!

Polka Dot Treasury

I am a big fan of Polka Dots and this Treasury on Etsy is adorable! 

Advent Calendar

The Countdown has begun! 

My son is beyond excited with his early Birthday Gift from his Mimi and Papa Rod...an advent calendar filled with lots of goodies.  He is taking it very seriously and has to check it each morning and he knows if he peaks ahead he gets coal for Christmas.  That is enough to make him not cheat.

Advent Calendar from Pottery Barn Kids

Birthday Party Invitations

Next week my son turns 8, which I can't believe!  I have been busy planning his Movie Themed Birthday party and now that the invitations have been mailed I thought I'd share them.

Party Invitation

Cupcake Toppers by Edible Details

It should be a fun party!