Lily's Ladybug Party

Here's some of the things I've made for Lily's upcoming birthday party!

Expo Washable Markers House Party

Have you heard of House Party? I hadn't either until someone told me about it. :) I can't seem to think of the best way to describe it-but basically it seems to be parties for companies with new products that they want to spread the word about. Anyway, I went to their website and applied to have a House Party sponsored by Expo Washable Markers and I was chosen to be a host! I have to admit when the huge box of free supplies came to the door, I was thrilled!

They sent me wipe boards, erasers, fine point markers and broad markers for everyone! But my excitement soon turned to worry when I wasn't getting very many RSVP's. Through this process I've learned that the website is a little hard to navigate and somewhat difficult to RSVP and, I think people thought I was selling something. Well, now I know that if I were to be chosen again, I would be more clear-no selling, only free fun stuff! The kids were over the moon excited about their party! We didn't have a whole lot of people, but we had a good time.
The kids played Jr. Pictionary with the markers, it was pretty fun to see the little ones trying to draw. And the bigger kids were so good with being patient with them.


We had some yummy food and then everyone got to take home their bag of treasures. I look forward to more opportunities to host again!

Brownie Covered Oreos

Yup, that's right. Brownie. Oreo. yum-o
I found this recipe here and her pictures are waay better than mine, so go take a peek!
Start with a brownie mix-homemade or boxed. Mix it up then dunk the Oreos. I would suggest tapping a bit of the excess off, but making sure there's still some on the bottom. (I found that the ones I tapped too much off of were a little bit crunchy) I followed her advice and they came out perfectly. I think the key is to run around the edges with a knife right out of the oven. They come out looking like this, but after you do the knife thing they look more like a cookie.

Lion House Rolls

♫Oh the weather outside is frightful...♫ Actually it really isn't all that frightful, but bad enough for be to make some soup and yummy rolls! Lion House Rolls is my favorite yeast recipe to make-they turn out so pretty and tasty every time. I recently watched this video to try and perfect their method of making them so lovely. I'm a ways off perfect, but closer than I once was.
I love this dough!

Before 2nd rise:

After rise, ready for the oven:

Yummmy! Don't forget to brush with butter when they're hot!

Playing with my Cricut and some vinyl

Christiann and I are teaching a class this week on how to use the Cricut. Well, turns out upon researching that I didn't know half of what that machine can do! hahaha. Needless to say for the last couple of days I've been having a good ole time cutting stuff out! Here are a couple of things for our display table:
Santa plate-this one I'm not sure I'm loving. I may have to redo it later

Be tile

Coaster tiles? Not sure what I would use these for, but I had some tiles laying around just asking to have some vinyl slapped on them

I've also been making tags by the dozen (thanks to the "fill page" feature that I didn't know about and now do...I will post pictures soon.

Christmas "Muffin Tin" Advent

My friend Jeni made the cutest advent using a mini muffin tin! I love it! Here's my attempt at one.


I used little magnets to keep the paper circles on, but I think I may add some double stick tape once I put the treats inside. Speaking of the treats, I plan on putting a little piece of candy and a slip of paper with an activity we can do that day- Gavin and Lily love doing little projects and going places so hopefully I can come up with 24 ideas! So far I'm thinking of things like making cookies and watching a holiday movie. If you have some ideas, I'd love 'em!
*Now looking at the pictures I'm thinking that as we get closer to Christmas, the tin is going to look pretty plain-I might punch out some more circles for the bottom of the cups.

Lily's 3rd Birthday Pictures

It's a miracle and a 1st! We actually got some really cute shots of her today. Every other time we have gone to get some taken, it's been a nightmare at best. So, today I went with low expectations and came out very pleasantly surprised!