Saturday Snapshot: Tree Arch

Life Lately

1) Donuts!  And lots of sweets, as usual
2) and 4) We've been working out a bunch lately!  I got a new medicine ball that has really changed up my workouts, and we also got a hangboard, which is great training for rock climbing.
4) Of course, I've been hanging out with this sweetheart too!

1) Valentine's Day started with a delicious living room picnic
2-4) and it continued with a terrific fire, marshmallow toasting, and delicious s'mores (we made them with fudge graham crackers!)
5) and 6) The beautiful bouquet John gave me.  I love flowers!

February has been a great month!  And I'm looking forward to next month even more- it's my birthday month!  I've got lots of DIYs, recipes, and fun birthday ideas lined up to share with you all :)  What have you been up to this month?

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Champagne Bud Vase

I had a vase of spider mums that were a little past their prime.  One lone flower, however, looked like it could be saved if I trimmed the stem down far enough.  If I did this, though, the flower wouldn't fit into the vase anymore. So, I decided to get creative and pop it in a champagne flute!  I also used a small shot glass when one of the carnations in my Valentine's bouquet broke off.

What sorts of things around the house do you use creatively?

Saturday Snapshot: Red Carnation

DIY Glitter Star Straws

The Oscars are this Sunday!  Are you planning on watching them?  I love watching the Oscars, but this year, we actually have tickets to see Pippin.  So I'm bummed to miss the awards show, but SO excited to see a live show!

If I were watching the Oscars, I would use these cute little straws for whatever beverage we served.  To make your own, you will need:

• Black and white paper straws
• Gold glitter paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Star stencil or cookie cutter

Trace the star on the back of the glitter paper.  Cut it out, and glue it to the paper straw an inch and a half or so from the top.

I displayed mine in a champagne flute.

Could this be any easier?  (The answer is no!)  What are you Oscar viewing plans?

Rosemary French Toast with Honey Goat Cheese

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day!  Ours was great, and involved lots and lots of eating.  It's been a while since I shared a recipe, though!  I've been on a bit of a DIY kick - any holiday tends to do that to me :)  But this is a super tasty dish- a French toast that's savory, so it's great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner!

You will need:

• Rosemary Olive Oil Bread Loaf (available at many specialty bakeries)
• Honey goat cheese (check your local grocer, Whole Foods, or specialty shop)
• Eggs
• Half and half

For two servings, I used two eggs beaten with about two tablespoons of half and half.  Cut off two thick slices of the bread.  Let the bread soak in the egg mixture on either side, then place on a non stick skillet over medium heat.  Cook until browned, flipping the bread to brown the other side.

Serve with honey goat cheese crumbled on top.

Easy and quick; perfect for a busy weekend!

Enjoy!

Saturday Snapshot: Ice Crystals II

Be Mine: DIY Bumblebee Bookmark

I can't help it, I think this little guy is so cute!!  And super easy to make, too, I promise!

You will need:

• Sculpey (or any other polymer clay) in black, bright yellow, white, and pale pink
• Large paperclip (I found one in pink that I thought was a perfect match to the pink clay)

First, roll out a ball of yellow for the bee's head.  Then, roll out 2 yellow disks (I made one more than I needed to!) of approximately equal size.  You'll also need a smaller, square pyramid of yellow clay.

Next, make two small pink balls for the bee's cheeks.  Press them gently into the yellow ball.  I know bees don't really blush... but he looks pretty cute with rosy cheeks!

Then, make two oval disks out of the white clay.

Now, take your black clay and make two disks about the same size as the yellow disks.  Then, roll out one long, thin snake of black.  Use this snake to outline the wings, add a smile to the bee, and give your bee eyes.

All that's left is the assembly!  Press the disks together, alternating black and yellow, and place the yellow pyramid on the end for the stinger.  Make a small divot at the end opposite the stinger to attach the head.

Press the wings on either side.

Now, stick your paper clip up into the belly of the bee.  If you're using a plain metal paper clip, I think this can stay in while you bake it.  But, if there is any plastic covering on the paperclip, remove it before baking, but keep the slot it makes intact.

Bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes for every quarter inch of thickness. I baked mine for about 19 minutes.  Finally, glue your paperclip in place.  Ta da!

Will you BEE mine?

Stuck On You: DIY Magnet Valentine

Valentine's Day is coming up soon!  If you still need a sweet little craft, try making a magnet for whoever you're "stuck" on :)  I think these are great teacher or co-worker gifts, too!

You will need:

• Sculpey (or other polymer clay) in white, light pink, and bright purple
• A slim stick of some sort (a toothpick could work, or a carving tool found at craft stores)
• Magnets (the bigger your clay heart, the stronger it should be)
• Hot glue gun

Start by rolling two smallish balls of the white clay.  I like to use the white clay as a filler and then cover it with colored clay- this way you use less of the colored clay :)

Next, roll the ball into a point on one side- it should look like a raindrop.  Join the two raindrops so their points touch, forming a heart.  Smooth the two pieces together with your fingers.

Roll out a piece of the pale pink clay next.  You can use any sort of rolling tool, but truthfully I used a Sharpie because it was nearby.  Hah!  Place the heart on top of the pale pink and cut away the excess.  Smooth the pale pink around the edges of the heart.  Then, repeat the process on the other side so that the heart is completely covered in pink.  Smooth out any bumps or ridges with your fingers.

Now, take your pointed tool and press it into the heart, creating ridge lines on a diagonal all the way across.  Repeat in the opposite direction, creating a quilted effect.

Finally, roll out tiny pieces of purple and place them into the corners of the quilting.

Bake the heart at 275 degrees for every quarter inch of thickness.  I always like to err on the side of under baking, however, or you run the risk of browning the clay.

Finally, hot glue a magnet to the back of your heart.  Use a glue dot to affix it to a card, and you're done!  So simple!