UK 2012

I flew over to UK again to visit my friend Andrea. This time we hit up the Lake District, Scotland, York and London. We pretty much had nothing planned in the way of maps, hotels and such. We just turned on our Sat Nav and hit the road. Thank goodness for the kindness of

strangers, prayer and Rick Steves.

LDS General Conference Paper Doll Packet for Kids

LDS General Conference is this weekend. Check out these fun General Conference doll sets inspired by Lifestyle Crafts' paper doll cutting dies. My sister is so excited to print these off for her son. Michelle, over at The Creativity Room, is offering the download on her site.

blessing day

My darling niece, Eliza, was blessed at church today. Mother made her gorgeous dress and Grandmother made the afghan before she passed away. I bought her bonnet and booties at a Belgian lace store in 2006, thinking I would one day use them for my daughters. I'm glad they are getting used in the meantime.

matchy, matchy

I was in So Cal over the weekend visiting my bf Becca. Until I get the trip post up, here's a pic Carolyn snapped. It may be my favorite photo from the weekend.

The Orrock Family

Mini Food

I'm obsessed with this book my friend Michelle gave me for Christmas. Who doesn't love mini food? I've got the party bug again...

Glass Etched Drinking Glasses

When the whole family gets together, my mother likes to keep track of individual glass owners by labeling each glass with name tags and rubber bands. For mother's Christmas gift this year, I decided to give her an updated version of her labeling system. With my Silhouette digital cutter, vinyl and glass etching cream, I etched everyone's names down the side of simple drinking glasses. I also added their initials near the lip for when certain beverages like milk make seeing the name down the side more difficult. I wrapped them in a storage bin that mother can keep in the pantry and simply pull out when we have family gatherings. It was fun to see everyone using their glasses throughout the holidays.

2012

This New Year's eve I...

roasted s'mores

enjoyed a Celtic music jam session

learned an Irish jig & French line dance

gained some much needed perspective

toasted in the new year with memories of '11 and hopes for a better '12

2

Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew, McKay.

Merry Christmas

New Year's Party in a Box

I have several newlywed friends so I decided to make them each a New Year's Party in a Box for two as a Christmas gift. I used the new Countdown New Year's cutting dies from Lifestyle Crafts, which I am so in love with. When I was working on this product release, I knew these shapes were going to be a hit with my fellow party planners out there. I hope you like them as much as I do!

I bought a square box in kraft and then die cut the "Happy New Year" using the Celebrate cutting die alphabet then pasted it on the top. Connect the letters with brads or twine.

I layered the bottom with metallic gold shred then added the following items on top:

-mini bottles of sparkling cider from my local market

-his and hers party hats from the Party Hat & Happy New Year cutting dies.

-two gray & white striped straws held together with the drink labels cutting die

-two drink picks cut out of tissue paper with the fringe piece of the Party Hat die

-two packs of confetti made from the Confetti cutting die & placed in mini clear envelopes.

It was so fun and quick to make. I hope my newlywed pals will ring in the new year with this little box of goodies. I made one for myself....now to find someone for when the clock strikes 12...