Annual Cochon de Lait

Another overdue post...this was from our annual family reunion...which happens to be a Cochon de Lait.

It's about as southern as it gets. We roast a pig, listen to cajun music, watch LSU football, drink beer (well I don't...but everyone else does), eat cracklins, and dine on everything from Jamabalya to Alligator Sauce Piquante.
And PLENTY of family time. Which is the best of all.

We see some people that we otherwise wouldn't get to see aside from a wedding or funeral.

And some are more closely related like my aunts and uncle...pictured below with my dad.

It's so nice when we can all get together like this.

Granted this used to be a way bigger deal than it is now and I'm not sure when it really started to get so mellow but it's quite tame now compaired to the elaborate skits and costumes they used to put on!

For years we were unable to attend because October was the heart of the craft show season and since I've been doing craft shows since I was 13, we sort of just stopped going because we ALWAYS had a conflict with the date. Well last year we started going again since it was the first year I didn't have any craft shows scheduled.

And I couldn't do a post about the Cochon de Lait with a picture of the actual roast...

Well I'm gradually catching up with my posts...stay tuned!

Enjoying Life!

So sorry I've been slacking lately...
I've been enjoying this little guy and life in general. I have SO many amazing pics and stories of things my little man has been doing...as well as some jewelry updates and fun stuff to share. I'll post more this week. Promise!

Halloween...Dang this is Late!

Another WAY late post. This is my Halloween post. Zane did great with trick or treating. He wore his dinosour costume again and totally rocked it. he was the cutest little dino we saw all night!

He walked up to houses like a champ.

He even got the very shy Brode (a friend who shares the same birthday) to not only go up to houses to trick or treat but in this picture they didn't even wait for the person to open the door...they just walked on in! As soon as I snapped this picture I had to go get them and make sure they knocked and waited! The lady that answered the door thought it was hillarious.

They really did love trick or treating together. Then after we went back to Brode's parent's house for a family friendly Halloween party. It was so nice.

I have a feeling these two will be good friends...I also have a feeling my son will get him in a lot of trouble. LOL!

So after the family friendly party, my mom offered to keep Zane so we could go meet some friends for some adult time.

Since ut was sorta last minute we didn't really have costumes so we just had some fun with make up.

I was diggin' those eyelashes...although I had a couple fights with them trying to get them to stay on!

Well that's all folks!

I'll be posting a recap for THIS weekend soon...ish.

The Circus has come to MY town

Ok so I'm SO late posting these. Last friday we went to the Circus.
There was a sweet little one ring traveling tent circus that came to town and I just couldn't resist taking Zane. None of us had ever been to the circus so we didn't really know what to expect other than the normal stuff you think of when you think of a circus.

It was indeed tiny and not as grand as the money we paid to see it but still worth taking little man to see.

We didn't think he was paying that much attention really. He did a lot of squirming and cutting up so we though he wasn't that interested. But the next day, it's all he could talk about! He kept telling people about the clowns...so at least i know he isn't freaked out by them! LOL!

Doing some guest work...

Over at the PaperCut Blog...
Go play along!

(p.s. I'll be back later to do a post Halloween post!)

This is why...

This is why I love him...
Because he can see the beauty in something and will put in the time and hard work to bring it to life. He appreciates the history and character of a vintage piece and would rather spend the time to restore it rather than just buy it shiny and new. He is a one in a million. I guess i won the lottery when i met him.

*gush over* sorry.

Don't feel so hot

Nope I don't. This is a pic I took this weekend as I enjoyed my pumpkin spice latte. MMMmmmm. What I wouldn't give to soothe my sore throat with one of those right now.

Let the wild rumpus start

This weekend Zane had his first big screen experience.
This is just some moments I captured on film.

He really did great. He sat through the whole movie...and only had to pee four times. (insert sarcasm)

Did I mention I love the mist?

'Cause I totally do.
And since the last Masters Kit I got had TWO bottles of it, I haven't been holding back!

I posted a few tips on these layouts on the Masters blog if you want details.

Still have a bunch to update about the weekend but that deserves it's very own post and i still have to do some photo edits so patience my pretties! Laters!

Online Thrifting...

I've been doing some online thrifting...
and I'm waiting for these goodies to come my way! Oh the waiting it torture! I just love vintage stuff. Did you notice? I have a couple more goodies that I have my eye on so we shall see. I've decided that dresses, tunics and tights will all grace my fall/winter wardrobe and I'll be doing a lot of layering. And I'm seeing a lot of mustard colors in it as well. I really do love yellow these days. *sigh*

Fall Field Tripin'

Ahhh yes, the fall field trip.
Now that Zane is in preschool, we can look forward to fun stuf like field trips. And what good is fall if you can't get out and explore it? So Zane's class went on a field trip yesterday.

First stop was the bank were they sang songs, showed of their costumes and took pictures in front of the haunted house.

Well this is what Zane did while the other kids did all that. He just wanted to sit back and watch it all...which is totally his nature. I've learned to embrace it.

After all the kids were finished I snapped this picture of him just before we left.

Then it was off the fire station where he loosened up a little bit more.

He was SO into the big fire trucks and climbed in and out of this one three times.

And dispite his unimpressed face in the pictures, he loved that fire pup. He couldn't wait to tell his daddy all about the big fire trucks with the big ladders that went up and down and the fire pup...and on and on!

From there we went to a pumpkin patch that was set up at a local nursery.

He was thrilled to get to pick out his very own pumpkin.

He checked it out carefully.

And I even got him to pause for a quick (fake) smile with his teacher....who by the way taught me school in 6th grade!

So that was that. Now the little guy is under the weather and fighting asthma as he normally does when the weather changes. He is learning to handle it like a champ though. If you couldn't see the signs youself (coughing and wheezing) you would never know he wasn't feeling well.

Now we start the weekend. Looks like a somewhat less busy one than last but that is subject to change at the drop of a hat around here!

Midweek Tidbits

With fall comes yummy cooking...
And this year I have vowed to cook more fresh fall treats. Sunday I cooked this delish acorn squash. It was so super easy and turn out great! Just pierce the outside of it with a knife, place it on a paper towel and microwave for about 6-8 minutes. Then cut in half, place a pat of butter inside each half, sprinkle with salt and paper and a tad bit of cinnamon and brown sugar and presto...a side dish fit for a king! My husband even ate it up and he is not a big veggie eater.

What else? Hmmm...

Ahhhh yes, I've been digging through my stash of brass pieces from when I used to make broaches (light years ago) and also purchasing a few new items and having fun getting back into antiquing them and finishing them. I can remember staying up till two in the morning on summer nights at the kitchen table with my mom working on antiquing brass pieces and drilling holes and gluing pin backs and rummaging through vintage finds for the perfect button or watch part to add to a piece. It's so comforting to do something I've always done and still get such joy from it.

Speaking of jewels...

I made two new Halloween/Vampire themed necklaces that I'm just in love with...

The one above has a hand stamped pendant that says "bitten" and two little red fresh water pearls at the neckline where the "bite" would be.

Below is my favorite with the HUGE bat and little blood red glass drops at the neck. I love that it is so kitchy and pretty and tacky at the same time!

Playing with jewelry has got to be the funnest hobby around...it just has to be!

Crazy FUN weekend!

So Friday night we went to the Acadian Festival in my hometown. Although it has changed quite a bit since I used to come to it as a child, Zane thought it was magical.

He was all too thrilled to get to go see the sights and ride the rides

So we gladly bought our tickets and headed to the rides. We were cautious because we know how our child can be. So we didn't by the big value pack of tickets. We just bought enough for a two rides. Just to see what his reaction was.

Well he loved it. Didn't wanna get off!

We ended up having to go back and buy more tickets!

He could have rode and rode and rode!

He even got a corndog and enjoyed it in true festival spirit. Granted he made his father eat all the coating off so all he had was a plain 'ol wienner on a stick but whatever.

Then he insisted on riding the "snake train" as he refered to it.

It was a little dragon roller coaster and thought he would be scared to death when it got going! Although he wanted to go alone, we didn't think he would be too happy once it got going. So we spotted his big cousin Mya and she agreed to ride it with him and coach him on how to properly ride such a big boy ride.

Dispite his unimpressed look here, he loved it. I promise. It's all he could talk about. He wanted to ride it more but it was getting late and cold.

So on our walk out we desided to let him try his hand at one of the carnival games. The old 'ol pick a duck game. When he picked his three ducks the carnival guy pointed at the row of prizes he could pick from. But he wanted a spiderman (the next level of prizes). I tried to explain to him that he could not get the spiderman and that the dinosaur looked just as cool but no....he insisted, he wanted the spiderman. So...being the nice carnie he was, the guy working the booth kindly reach for the spiderman.

He was one happy child after that. Who said carnies aren't nice? He was so pleased with his spider man that he slept with him in his bed that night and every night this weekend actually!

Then Sunday was the parade.

It started off in grand style with the traditional ROTC marching with flags...

Had a number of wonderful Mardi Gras style floats that dished out tons of beads and candy...

The traditional apperance of the Evangaline (the queen of the fair)...

Zane had a blast picking up candy and beads and cups and toys and even a football was given to him by a cute little girl on one of the floats...

He had to stop every 45 seconds to ask us to open another piece of candy for him...

*NOTE the spiderman in the wagon behind him. Total obsession I tell you*

All in all he loved it but was disappointed in how short it was.

Guess parades aren't what they used to be either.

Then we scooped him up and brought him to boo at the zoo for some trick or treating.

While there he got to meet "Monti" the Python. Pretty funny huh? Although he doesn't look very impressed, you don't understand my child. He doesn't like for us to see his excitement. He was quite intrequed by the snake. And I knew this so I kept snapping pictures until he broke.

And then I caught the moment on film...

Look closely...he is looking at me out of the corner of his eye and slowly reaching to touch the snake with his right hand. Sneeky huh? This is how he works. He ended up petting it but it took him a while to warm up to admitting to himself that he wanted to interact with it. Typical Zane.

He really did make a cute little dinosaur...

from the spikey points on his head to the tip of his green boots!

And finally...the big smile as he reviewed his candy he had gathered & put a sucker in his mouth!

So now that you have the run down on how my child works, you would think he would be freaked out by a dark haunted house (granted it was a kiddy one but still...it was dark)

I really didn't think he would even walk in. But he did and loved it so much that we had to go back through it a second time! He even wanted to feed the bat lights candy! Go figure.

Just another example of how different my sweet little boy is. He tests our patients A LOT...but then he amazes us. How can you not fall in love with him over and over again?!

Our night out

Ok so date night turned out to be fun night with friends.
Which is way better if you ask me.

That way we get to spend time together AND get to socialize with friends.

what could be better? We had sushi and habatchi and drinks and talked and laughed and people watched. It was nice. I got to hang out with my girl Nicole...I think we both needed a good night out. So much fun. SO many laughs. I love nights like that!

Ahhhh the scrappies...

Just when you thought I had given up on scrappin'...
Here are the scrappies I did with my "Autumn Comfort" Masters Kit. Since you already saw my spooky haunted house mini I did for the scrapjacked challange, I thought I pop in and share the rest of my projects I made with this kit.

These projects are posted on the Masters blog along with some tips and closer up pics if you wanna try some of these techniques. Check'em out...and leave some love over there so we know you liked it!

I still have a couple other projects in the works with this kit so you never know when I'll post more goodies. Just have to battle time to make it happen. Man there REALLY isn't enough time in the day!

Spookiness on the Scrapjacked Site

This month over on scrapjacked we are celebrating the spookiness of Halloween!
The target jack was an altered wooden house that was cute as can be! For my version, I created this mini book with my September Master's Kit. It hinges from the bottom with a big spiral binding. The cover is made with patterned paper bound to a Hambly ultra thick overlay with eyelets and the inner pages are just square sheets of coordinating patterned paper. The cover is emblelished with cut outs from coordnating patterened papers and a cute little looped border I punched out with a Martha Steward border punch. I'll share more once I get it filled up with fall pics! Until then, head on over to Scrapjacked and participate for a chance to win TWO fabulous prizes!

It's Festival Time...

This is our heritage. This is what we are all about.
Growing up in south Louisiana I have been exposed to some amazing culture. Traditions. Cuisine. Heritage. This weekend we get to celebrate a little bit of that Heritage.

With the International Acadian Festival. Every year since as long as I can remember I have gone to this fair. I was in the pageant as a baby. By daddy entered the cooking contests. I got to pet the animals at the 4-H exhibits. We rode rides till we were sick. Walked hand in hand with childhood crushes. Threw darts at balloons to win glass plaques with cheesy 80's bands on them. Bought sunglasses with our names engraved on them and air brushed shirts professing our BFF statuses. Covertly walked around with Sonic cups filled with Hurricanes. I even walked in the parade a number of times as a child. Such memories. But what was it all about really? Well it was about the culture and heritage that our area was based on.

In 1969 the Knights of Columbus began the Acadian Festival as a way to bring some publicity to our city, instill pride in our citizens and preserve and enhance our rich heritage.Legend has it that Emmeline LaBiche (Evangeline) traveled through Plaquemine on the waters of Bayou Plaquemine on her journey to the Teche Country in search of her lover Louis Arceneaux (Gabriel). As the story goes, she and her Indian guide spent the night on the banks of the bayou in what is now the City of Plaquemine.

Thus, the basis of the festival was formed.The first festival was held during the Thanksgiving holidays of 1969 and was named the "Cajun Festival." In keeping with the reason and basis of the festival, the queen was named "Evangeline" and arrived by canoe on the waters of Bayou Plaquemine.

Activities included a parade, games and rides, a Cajun cooking contest and a cochon-de-lait. The first festival was so well received that it was decided to continue the event each year.

And this year we will bring Zane to it as well. We went last year but he was still too little to get into it. I hope this year he will enjoy it and we can relive some of the magic I felt at the fair when I was a kid.

Whole lotta jewelry goin' on...

This weekend was pretty uneventful and drab. I did manage to get some jewelry done though.
The picture above is a custom bracelet I did and port of a new line i'm calling "reMINDers". They are meant to remind you of things you need in your life. Sort of like inspirational little pieces of jewelry. My friend that requested this one calls it her "mental health bracelet"! LOL! I put the words she wanted on the charms and added a vintage date wheel from an old watch to remind her to slow down. I think I may have to make me one of these!

Here are a few more pretties from my fall collection...

And one more of my reMINDer pieces...

Well we did have one sort of eventful thing in our house this weekend...we got a new pet. Meet Zoe the hampster.

Zane calls her his animal. He also refers to her as the black mouse. Gotta love that. Right? I'm sure he went to daycare Monday morning telling everyone he had a black mouse at his house.

Mildly Obsessed...

With handmade felt creations...
These are just a few of the beautiful things I've been eyeing over on Etsy. Some I plan on purchasing and some I plan on trying to make. Such beautiful things! *swoon*

Getting Creative

Starting with what may be my absolute favorite jewelry creation...

Now for some scrappies...

I made these two sets of cards...on national card making day no less!

I really like the second set.

And I made a couple scrapbook pages as well. All of this with what was left of last month's Masters kit.

That's all I got for now. I'll be back to post more weekend pics soon!

Sunday is said and done...

... and I had a happy weekend.
Today we ate at my favorite Bavarian restaurant. Ok, so it's the only Bavarian restaurant I've ever eaten at but It's pretty darn good. They have the best breads and pastries and their restaurant menu is wonderful! My parents used to take me there when I was growing up and I have such wonderful memories of this place. It was so nice to get to take Zane there. It's funny how live comes full circle with our kids.

Speaking of kids...guess what Zane wants to be for Halloween? he he! We are thrilled! Now I have to get to sewing I guess! IF he doesn't change his mind before then!

And yesterday we spent the afternoon at the zoo.

The weather was amazing! We ate snow cones and rode the train and milled around as we usually do. I tell you that membership pass we bought has paid for itself over and over again. Every time we go Z sees an animal that he is just now realizing existed. He is learning so much right now. I love this age!

Oh and I took a 365 today...granted I haven't really taken one everyday...I'll have to come up with a different name for them.

Since I was modeling my vintage blouse and belt I guess this could be considered a wardrobe remix pic! LOL!

Well I've been busy with scrapping and jewelry this weekend too and a honey do shower for some friends where I took tons of pics. Guess I'll post those in the coming days.

Starting the weekend off right...

Starting the weekend right...
a beautiful sunrise...

wonderful vintage trim...

thrifted vintage dishes...

very sweet vintage letter holder...

Breakfast cooked by the hubs and actually eatten at the table by the entire family at the same time! (that is huge for us)

The brand new Masters Kit...

Do you see that Maya Mist?! *swoon*

And a hair cut for our little guy...

Needless to say he was not happy AT ALL!

And we still have the WHOLE weekend left! Lots planned!

Obsessed with motorized vehicles...

He gets it from his daddy.
I personally could care less about cars, bikes, four wheelers, etc. I mean I like a good 4 wheeler ride in the woods a couple times a year when we visit the cabin for Thanksgiving or New Years but over all...vehicles to me are just a mode of transportation.

To them, it's a sport.

It's a feeling. An emotion. A thrill.

Boy am I in trouble with this little boy! I think I rather the power wheels! LOL!

Pirates & Power Wheels

As promised (although very late)...
Here are some of the pics from Zane's trip to his friend's birthday party.

As you can see he was in a much better mood for this party than he was for his own.

He even wanted to dress up and everything.

And when he saw this John Deer power wheels...well he was just in heaven.

Guess we will have to do some investing in one of these.

And while all the other kids where singing happy birthday and eatting cake, Zane was in the sandbox. Such a rebel.

And last but not least, David took a few of the kids for a spin on the golf cart.

They thought he was the coolest! LOL!

Another weekend recap...

Man have I been busy! I've scrapped...
Made jewelry...

made reworked commission pieces with folks personal stash...

Brought Zane to a friend's birthday party (also pirate themed)

Wewwwhhhh! I have a TON of pics to share...but no time! LOL! Promise...I'll space it out this week!

Weekend Nut Shell...

Fall in south Louisiana means LSU football...
And we were lucky enough to score some tickets to the game this weekend.

Since I didn't bring my camera in the stadium, all these shots are taken with my trusty 'ol iphone.

We were so happy my aunt and uncle were willing to part with their tickets, enabling us to have four seat together for us and the Oliviers to be. It's just so much more fun when you sit with some folks you know and can cut up with during the game.

And you know we had to have all my favorite game treats (similar to my fair food favs), nachos, popcorn, ice cream, etc.)

The stadium was pretty full with almost 93,000 people in attendance.

And we saw many, many sights...like this girl...riding an ice chest...with a shirt that read "Feaux Sheaux". And tons more sights that I was just not quick enough to snap with my phone.

Oh and in the picture above you can see our custom crafted tiger jewelry we created just for the game! I love being able to do that!

Sunday was pretty chill. My dear Elizabeth asked us to come out to her new house to take the grand tour, have lunch, let the kiddos play and get the hubs to assist in some swing set building. All good stuff!

Well that's my weekend in a nut shell...tailgating, LSU football, socializing, post game hooters trip, Sunday lunch with friends, etc. I now return you to this week...all ready in progress!

Randoms...

Just a few randoms I've snapped this past week...
A couple of morning sunrises...

Our semi homemade chicken veggie soup I made for David because he was sick...

And boy was I glad I made a BIG pot of it because the next night...I felt horrible too! So I was all to happy to have some yummy homemade soup to help! Speaking of sickies...David and I are both on the mend but last week we both felt like total poo! Then this week I learned that there is an outbreak of swine flu in my office building! WTH?! But David and I did go to the doctor and ours is just a respiratory infection. So a couple shots later and some over the counter cold meds and we are doing much better.

Oh and my MOO cards came in. If you are not familiar with MOO, you MUST get familiar with them! They are the cutest little calling cards you will ever see! I adore mine. Obviously mine are to promote my jewelry but they are just perfect for handing out your name and email address or get some printed up for gift tags or whatever. I totally plan on getting some printed for Christmas to attach to all our gifts this year! So much fun!

Stay tuned...a weekend update is up next!

The V Jack!

Ok, you may remember this page...
I was inspired by the super talented Vanessa as soon as she posted her "babies" layout to her SIS gallery. Well this month over at scrapjacked we jacked that same layout. Since my last couple of weeks have been kinda crazy maybe it's a good thing because I haven't really had a chance to scrap! So go check out her beautiful page and the work of all the other jackers! We also had the pleasure of Ms. Mandi as our guest jacker or September. So much wonderfulness going on over at scrapjacked!

He's Crafty...

We got messy today...

at his request...

he wanted to paint...

and paint he did...

He was so proud of his little lizzard. He wanted me to take a picture of it!

Yep, this is certainly MY kid. LOL

FULL weekend...

Life is good. Well work still sucks but life is still good despite that.
So Friday night we went out

With these great folks *note my sweet (and dorky) husband and friend Corey in the background. That had me cracking up!*

We saw this awesome coverband! The Molly Ringwalds!

They NEVER disappoint.

Always a rocking 80's tribute complete with all our favs!

How can you not get into a concert where they dress up in character?! *le sigh*

We really did have a great time!

Then Saturday was Zane's official 3rd birthday party!
Everyone thought I was crazy for going out the night before a big party at our house but I figured it was better to go out and enjoy ourselves than to sit at home and worry over every little detail!

The pirate themed party was a success.

Cake, cupcakes, nachos, veggies and punch!

I loved the look of the green (lime sherbet) punch in the big black bucket with the skull and cross bones cups. The little burlap bag is the little sneak peek I posted last week of the goodie bags I made. I made the burlap drawstring bags and cut out a foam stamp in the shape of the skull and stamped them on the bags. That was my favorite part of the party I think.

We had a treasure hunt
and a pirate ship cake
Zane really got into his presents this time which made me very happy! I was so worried after last week! I think it's because a lot of the guest had already left by the time we started opening gifts.

Oh and we even had a pirate ship! Ok so it was an inflatable one but Zane loved it none the less!

And as for my favorite shot of the day...

I think this is his "why is the cake gone" face! LOL!

It was a good weekend. And despite the looming rain (it rained up until 20 min before the party) we all had a great time!

Charmed, I'm sure

Ok so this horrible week is almost over.
BUT I have to say that despite the emotional and draining week, I did manage to make some cool jewelry pieces and put some of the finishing touches on Zane's birthday party. PLEASE pray the rain stays away!

As for the picture of the piece above, it's my new "charm school" necklace. I finally put my metal stamping supplies to use after having them for over a year! I love the "Tiffany" style simplicity of it. This one has my son's monogram on it and his birthstone, but I can do them with any three letters or characters and any type of other charm or drop. I have a gold on in the works...can't wait to share.

We are going out with friends tonight to have a couple drinks and listen to some music. I know...the night before the party...I'm crazy. But it's better than sitting at home stressing over all the little details. SOOOOOO....pics to come I'm sure!

I leave you with the thought of 9/11. Keep it in your thoughts. All day. Remember it. Reflect on it. Honor it. Never forget.

Big Day

Today was indeed a big day...
Zane's very first day of preschool. He was so excited! With his backpack and his little folder...he weas so proud!

I mean look at that face...so excited!

He is growing up so fast!

So today was very emotional. Perhaps it started with my hour & 20 min drive to work (damn traffic), or maybe it was the fact that all I wanted when I got to work over an hour late was a cup of coffee and they were out of sugar. That combined with the fact that this short week has been hell on my schedule at work. Well it all came to a head on my way home from work. On the drive home I suddenly was overcome with emotion as the thought of my grandmother poped into my head. For no reason. With no warning. I just thought of her. I missed her. I broke down and cried the entire drive home. Had it not been pouring down raining I would have stopped at her grave and cried more. That's just like me...months after and I finally let the emotion hit me. I finally give in and let it overcome me. I was truely overwhelmed. And I have a feeling this emotion is not over yet. I hate when i get like this. So what do I do? I craft...

I worked on this...part of the pirate party. Can't give away too much but it turned out SO cute! Can't wait to share it in all it's glory!!!

Well I'm going rest my sad eyes. Tomorrow is ineed a brighter day.

Creativity...I married into it.

So today was labor day. Besides the lasting reminder that three years ago I was in labor on labor day weekend...today reminds us to stop...and rest.
So naturally, we didn't listen to that thought process at all. I made jewelry. Above piece was made for and co-designed by my cousin Courtland. She is getting quite the good eye for putting
things together.

As for the hubs...

Well he was out in the yard putting the finishing touches on the arbor but installing the metal work. He also hung the pirate flag out today so Zane could take a look at before his party next weekend.

All this after a big BBQ lunch at my aunts house! Full day! So now we rest (at least for the night) before a short but hellish week ahead at work!

What makes you happy today?

For me, it's this...
Fresh Zinnias from my mom's garden. They were my grandmother's favorite so after she just before she passed my mom and I planted some. Mom's took and came in beautifully. Mine...not so much. So during a little Sunday morning visit yesterday I gathered some from her beautiful garden.

Planning my fall jewelry pieces...

Lots of nature inspiration. Can't wait to play with some of my new lovelies.

Oh and B surprised me with this pretty...

She knows my love for houndstooth and my new obsession with yellow. *swoon*

As I was posting this I realized that a year ago today we were seven days into the Gustav aftermath...still with out power and till out of work. That was such a miserable time. So glad that is behind us and so thankful we didn't not have any major storms this hurricane season.

Interstate photoshoot & friday randoms...

Finally I have some interstate photo shoot pics to share!

I love how they all turned out! We took tons more but between my horribly ugly laugh and our excessive blinking, these were the only usable shots! LOL! Boy did we have a blast. Nicole did an awesome job shotting these and doing the edits too!

The picture above is my favorite shot. Perhaps one of my favorite pictures to date.

Now some with the beautiful Ms. Batts

Ok, I offically offer custom bridal jewelry...

I did these pieces for a sweet friend of mine that is getting married this fall. Rita contacted me showed me a pricey department store necklace and I made this custom piece based on that but with fresh water pearls instead of faux pearls. I was really pleased with how nice it turned out.

And now for some Friday randomness...

My traditional Friday morning sunrise shot.

Fried pickles ...this one was for April who turned me on to them...

And finally...my crazy jeep lady hat...

My dad gave me this great thrifted safari style hat to wear in the jeep. I put it to good use this afternoon when I took the jeep to pick up the boy from daycare.

yo yos & trees...

How stunning is the yo yo necklace?!
I just love it!

And this one? Purple and Gold? *sigh* Yes my package from B came in and I finally got a chance to snap some pics of me wearing my loverlies. I want to get a better one of the purple and gold one but this will have to do for now. I've been harassing Beth to make more since she can't seem to keep her etsy shop stocked but I guess her little sewing fingers can only work so fast! LOL

And now for the trees...

That is what Zane was calling his "creation". While his daddy was cleaning up the yard Monday, this is what Zane was doing. Shoving sticks into this pot of dirt and calling them his "trees". All boy I tell ya! He kept asking me to make him more sticks (breaking up big twigs). So we sat in the yard all afternoon and broke up twigs to make sticks so he could make his "trees".

This baby...

Is no longer a baby.
He came into this world three years ago today. So tiny. So alert. So full of potential.

Even at his first birthday you could see some of that little personality coming out...

And now he is growing by leaps and bounds!

Tons of personality (and many moods)!

This boy is our heart. Our joy.

So we celebrated his 3rd birthday with some extended family, cake & ice cream.

To our complete shock, he was just not into his cake.

Well not at first at least. Once we brought it in the kitchen to cut it and plate it up he warmed up to it and "helped" us cut it (with his plastic fork).

He wasn't even that into opening presents. We basically had to open them for him! I say it was stage fright.

What you can't see in these pictures was the room full of family watching him! LOL

Hopefully he is more into the cake and presents thing for his party!

Today I...

Hung out under the interstate.
Yeah. You heard me right. This super talented chick (Nicole) took some cool shots of me and Alissa.

I can't wait to see how they came out. I'll share more on that soon!

I tried on my new Brad Pitt for Mayor shirt. LOVE IT!
Taught the boy how to use the remote for the camera.

He totally loved that!

Next lesson is to teach momma how to make sure the zoom is not on...

I still totally love that pic though.

And a few scrappies I did last night dispite my funk.

Ok, off to bed now. Later gators~

The Bug Bit Last Night...

I got bit by the crafty bug last night! 7 necklaces and 2 pairs of earrings!
Above is one of my favs. And yes It's purple and gold!

As are these

and this one too. Can't you tell LSU football is about to start?

I made the "Mother" necklace for me with a Sapphire quartz drop for Zane's birthday...but I can easily reproduce this one.

This one was named "Strawberry Fields Forever". It sold within seconds of posting it on facebook. Like literally seconds! I could have sold two if I would have had them! I love the design of it and I will definitely be making some similar.

Hopefully I get a few more nights like last night before the end of the week! Man that felt good!

Any special requests?

Overdue Post...

Dang, it's Wednesday and I haven't posted my weekend review!
Better late than never I always say! Above is the beautiful sunrise I got to see as I was crossing the Mississippi river Friday morning. It really is the best thing about having to get up so early on a Friday morning.

We really just did a lot of house work, cleaning and organizing on Saturday so nothing to see there. But Sunday we made a trip to the zoo.

As usual, Zane loved it. He is getting more and more "into it" as he grows and learns.
He loved seeing the fish this go round.

And was curious about the snakes but didn't wanna get too close (which is fine by me!)

And what zoo trip would be complete without a train ride...

So yes we rode the train.

I even stole a little kiss during our ride.

Sunday afternoon the inlaws came to visit on their still fairly new motorcycle. I have pictures but belive it or not I didn't download them yet! I'll post those later I'm sure. Also got a chance to have some much needed coffee talk with a great old friend. When I say old I mean since kindergarden old. We don't do that near enough by the way.

Now for some pretties, even though I haven't been making anything in the last few days, that doesn't mean I'm not supporting other crafty folks...

These beautiful yo yo necklaces are on their way to my freakishly small neck as I type! Made by the super talented Beth Perry! She just opened up an etsy shop so go show her some love!

Speaking of etsy shops, my good friend Jill has decided to embark on a business venture of her own! She has been making jewelry for a while and has had her "Jillry" etsy shop but after getting laid off from her job a couple weeks ago, she has decided to give her jewelry business a go as her full time gig! So proud of her! Congrats Jillybean!

Ok, all for now. I hope to be playing with some jewelry myself later this week. Got some beautiful items in for my new fall "collection"! Can't wait to share!

Ohhhhhh Scrap!

Sorry...couldn't think of a title.
I did manage to get my scrap on the last couple days. Above is a page I did about "the look" my son gives me now when I try to get his attention to take his picture. Annoyed much? LOL

Below are pages I did using up the last of my Masters kit...Seriously...I have one sheet of card stock left people. I created till there was nothing left to create with!

Still misting. Still sewing. Still ADORE this hobby. *le sigh* Tomorrow...jewelry making...maybe.

A quickie thrift trip

This afternoon on my way home from work I made a couple thrifty stops.
I didn't get a lot, but I did manage to get some wonderful old cross stitching & embroidery items and vintage velvet ribbon. As well as some great old belts and a couple of purses. One cool old velvet clutch and another handmade piece that I couldn't resist.

Not bad for a quick Friday afternoon of thrifting. The bad thing is that it just wet my appetite...now I want to do some major thrifting this weekend!

I didn't know I could cook that

Chicken Enchiladas that is...

And they were delish. I really wanted cheese enchiladas but knowing how my husband loves meat I decided to do some chicken ones too. And I'm so glad I did. They turned out great. I never made them before so I had no idea how they would come out but here is how I did it...

Ingredients:
1 large chicken breast (I used frozen)
cumin
chili powder
salt/pepper or grill seasoning blend
two pats of butter
olive oil
corn tortillas
taco/fiesta shredded cheese mix
1 can of enchilada sauce (the red sauce kind)

Place chicken breast in microwave safe dish and season with two pats of butter, liberal dash of cumin, chili powder and grill seasoning blend then drizzle with olive oil, cover and microwave for 6 minutes. Flip and microwave for another 4-6 minutes. You may have to cut it in half to get make sure it is cooking all the way through. Then cut up and mix it around in it's own juices till it's all soaked up.

Drizzle a little of your enchilada sauce in the bottom of your baking dish that you will be using for your enchiladas. Place your tortilla on your prep surface and spread a little of the enchilada sauce over it then heap you chicken in a line towards the middle of your tortilla. Roll up nicely and place in your baking dish seam side down. Repeat till you have your dish full. Then pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top to coat it. Top with shredded cheese and microwave for about 5 minutes then bake in a preheated toaster over (or regular oven) for another 6-8 minutes.

Serve with some Mexican style rice and refried beans and you have yourself a Mexican Fiesta.

*photo credit goes to Vita Arina on Flickr...I didn't get to photograph mine before they were all gone!*

sushi, drinks, downtown and scrappies

I had a pretty good weekend

We got to hang out with some friends we don't spend near enough time with.

We hung out downtown and just enjoyed.

We wend to a little martini place under the interstate. Talk about a great little swanky hole in the wall kinda place.

They had just about any kind of martini you could possibly want. I got the lemon drop martini but I'm sure most of the are fab.

See...I told you we were under the interstate...lol

Before we went out downtown, we met Rita & Miach at one of our favorite sushi places (Koto).

these were the yummy pork dumplings! mmmmMAMMMAnd just a few drinks. Yumm

As for the scrappies...I made this little mini for Rita to carry around and update with all her last minute wedding stuff. The page at the top of the post was crazy inspired by the wonderful Vanessa...I love her page and I'm pretty happy with how mine turned out.

Oh and since I had a killer Hob Lob trip...be expecting some pics of new creations that will be hitting my etsy shop soon!

~m

Shrooms & Scraps

So I've been busy this week. Doing scrappin' & cooking...all between everyday stuff.
Last night I made these wonderful stuffed mushrooms.

I had everything I needed in the fridge but ground meat....what's a girl to do? Well I did have frozen meatballs. Soooooo, I figured I would heat them up and give a quick chop and use them instead of the ground meat. So quick and so easy. So here's what I did...

baby portobella mushrooms

handful of frozen onion season mix

seasoned bread crumbs

grated Parmesan cheese

salt & pepper or season blend

butter

olive oil

microwave frozen meatballs

pull the stems off the mushrooms and cut them up

also cut up the meatballs & place meat and stems in a mixing bowl

add onion season mix & salt/pepper or season blend

mix in bread crumbs and cheese with a drizzle of olive oil

until your mixture is just sticky enough to stick together when you grab a scoop of it

Next fill your mushroom caps with the mixture...mound it up (pack it tightly)

Place in a baking dish and top with remaining Parmesan cheese and a few pats of butter
bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Now for the scrappies...

These were made with my July Masters Kit...

Well that's all for now...I have my August Scrapjack page completed but I'm gonna wait to post it until after the post on the scrapjacked blog is made. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. We broke a few rules again this time...but that's half the fun...right?! LOL

Thriftin', Rainin' Posin' & Pics!

Perhaps Alissa and I had too much fun today...perhaps.
Well we got a bit of a late start but once we got rollin'...whoa...tons of fun!

We went to the big monthly sale at our favorite vintage clothing shop (Time Warp for all you locals that are wondering) and LOADED up on great thrifted finds to add to our collections.
Then we set out for a photo shoot...vintage style! These are just few of my favorite shots of the afternoon.

That white tulle dress...oh my word! That thing was amazing! I'm so glad Alissa surprised me with that little piece of heaven! I totally LOVE traipsing around in it! Can you bring it over again so we can play another day? LOL

I have tons more pics from our photo shoot loaded on my facebook page. You can go over there and take a peek. If you are not my friend on facebook...whatcha waitin' for? Shoot me a request so we can make this friendship official!

Saturday Anyone?

Despite some canceled plans...Saturday was fun...and productive even.
I did some scrapbooking...

All these pages made with my July Masters Kit.

I also made a few pieces of jewelry...I'll have to photograph those for another post. Which by the way I'm still crazy inspired to make jewerly lately. I don't know where all this creativity is coming from and I certainly don't question it...I just go with the flow and make stuff!

And while I was busy creating away, the hubs was outside doing some work on the house! Our french doors for our new addition are just about complete! So excited!

Then Saturday night, we got invited to play poker with some friends...

Even though we TOTALLY sucked, we still managed to have a great time.

Once we were out of the game, we amused ourselves with You Tube clips, Thriller dancing and Rock Band performances. Good times. Believe it or not, this is the only pictures I managed to take. LOL

Well that about sums up our Saturday. Stay tuned for our Sunday recap!

Friday was nice...real nice

Yes nice it was. We went out to the Pennington Center grounds and enjoyed the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival.

We went last year but they didn't have many balloons because there wasn't enough wind for them to fly and we didn't get to see them glow. This year, after a stop off at the food booths, we were ready to see some glowing balloons!Did I mention I adore fair foods? Really I do.
As does Zane. He is CERTAINLY my kid...he loves nachos just as much as I do!

So on to the balloons...

The were stunning. Zane was just mazmarized by it all.

By the end of the evening we were exhaused and very hot!

Poor little guy was knocked out before we made it to the interstate on the way home! (granted that is not unusual...but still.) LOL!

Jewelry, Scrappies, Rainbows & Cupcakes

How's that for a happy post?
Here are my jewelry pieces I made yesterday...well some of them. I made 11 pieces and uploaded them to facebook. 6 of the have already sold! And I have some special orders! I'm thilled. The ones I have here are not sold or can be duplicated. I'll be listing them in my etsy shop soon.

Little Miss Sunshine Necklace & Earrings

Prismatic Dangle Necklace

Scarlet Rose Earrings

Triple Envy Earrings

I also finished up some scrappy pages this weekend...

And as we were entering the hospital to see my cousin Holly's new baby boy, we saw this wonderful rainbow.

Now that is all Zane can talk about...the rainbow that is. It was his very first rainbow sighting.

And finally, the cupcakes...

I call these peace, love and cupcakes! These were for our friends Marley & Jeremy who were both celebrating birthdays.

Well that's all for our weekend. Lots of down time which was nice.

Just 'a bloggin'

Quicky post to share a page I made last night and a wish list...
As you can tell the Maya mist still has my heart right now...as does the sewing.

And below is my stamp wish list from Purple Onion Stamps.

Tell me again why I can't be rich?