My Favorite Things

Wedding Day Revisited

 

 

Hello there and happy March 1st to you!  I hope your week has gotten off to a great start.  With the first of the month, comes the Senior Design Team Challenge at Papertrey and this month, Nichole has challenged us to pull out our Wedding Day stamp sets and give them some love....ha...no pun intended!  :)

 

Our challenge was to create a wedding card with the Wedding Day stamp set, as well as a year-round card.  First up.....the wedding card.  I stamped the large oval image from Wedding Day on the fine linen card base using versamark ink and then I heat embossed the oval with clear embossing powder.  This served as the frame for my focal point and added a bit of additional texture with that slicky embossed look.  

To the center of the oval, I added a berry sorbet doily that was die cut with a Doily Details Die.  Next came a dark chocolate layer that was die cut with the Fillable Frames #11 die and then stamped with the coordinating frame image from the Fillable Frames #11 stamp set, also in versamark ink. The double-ended banner die was used to die cut a bit more fine linen card stock and then I stamped one of the little border images from Wedding Day down the center of the banner.  Topping things off is a bit of rustic cream card stock that was punched with a 1 3/4" circle punch and then stamped with a pretty circle border image from Wedding Day as well as two words from the set, "True" and "Love".  It was layered on a scalloped berry sorbet circle that was die cut with a limitless layers: 1 3/4" circle die.

Along the bottom of the card is a strip of Sweet Symphony patterned paper topped with a berry sorbet topnotch twill knot.  Rounding the bottom corners with a corner chomper finished things off.

 

Next up is a birthday card for a dear friend of mine.  I had a lot of fun with this color combo -- aqua mist, hawaiian shores and fine linen.  And if you'll notice, a lot of the focal point layers in this card use similar elements to the focal point layers on the first card, simply positioned at the bottom of the card instead of the top, however the cards manage to look VERY different from each other!

I started out with an aqua mist card base and stamped the small decorative image repeatedly over the entire card front with hawaiian shores ink, creating a gorgeous background pattern!  To create this pattern for yourself, simply start in the center of the bottom edge of the card and work your way out and up the card front, from there.

Another Doily Details Die was used on this one, this time with fine linen card stock.  I used the double-ended banner die again on more fine linen card stock, however this time I went with the longer banner that would stick out off the sides of the card just a bit.  Next came another Fillable Frames #11 die cut.  HERE'S A TIP FOR YOU: You may notice that I chose to leave the fillable frames and banner layers plain.  I did this because there was already so much pattern going on with the card between the background pattern, the busy doily and even the focal tag.  By keeping a couple layers completely plain, it provided a little balance for the rest of the "busy" going on.

Another limitless layers: 1 3/4" circle die was used on hawaiian shores card stock -- this time I went with the pinked edge circle.  The circle tag layer is similar to the one on the first card, however this time I went with the "A Very Happy Birthday" sentiment from the Faux Ribbon stamp set.  I topped off that little tag with a trio of fine linen buttons.....I love the shiny shimmer that they add to the project.....a bit of button bling.  :)

Well that's it for me today!  I hope that you've enjoyed your visit with me.  Be sure to pop over to see each of Papertrey's Senior Design Team girls, to check out their Wedding Day projects!

Nichole Heady

Heather Nichols
Mish Wooderson
Betsy Veldman
Lisa Johnson

Thanks so much for dropping by!  I hope your week is a great one!  

See you again soon,

 

 

{True Love supplies}
Paper: rustic cream, fine linen, dark chocolate, berry sorbet, Sweet Symphony
Stamps: Wedding Day, Fillable Frames #11
Ink: dark chocolate, berry sorbet, versamark
Other: doily details die, limitless layers: 1 3/4" circle die, fillable frames #11 die, double-ended banner die, 1 3/4" circle punch, berry sorbet topnotch twill ribbon, clear embossing powder, corner chomper

{A Very Happy Birthday supplies}
Paper: aqua mist, hawaiian shores, fine linen
Stamps: Wedding Day, Faux Ribbon
Ink: hawaiian shores
Other: doily details die, limitless layers: 1 3/4" circle die, fillable frames #11 die, double-ended banner die, 1 3/4" circle punch, fine linen buttons

London & Paris Anniversary Getaway....

(Photo credit)

Hello there, dearies....

Happy Oscars Sunday to you!  Ha.  I hope you're enjoying your day.  

Just thought I'd pop in with a bit of fun news today.  Bartley and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in a couple weeks and to celebrate, we've booked a week-long getaway to London & Paris, for a couple months from now, when the weather's a bit warmer in Europe.  To say that I'm excited would be a slight understatement!  I have fallen head-over-heels in love with Europe over the years and to have the opportunity to go back again for a 4th time, is thrilling......and a complete blessing.  I'm so, so thankful.

We went to Europe for the first time back in 2005.  It was an 18-day bus tour and it was a BALL!  Granted, we were moving at break-neck speed in order to squeeze in 7 countries in that 18 days, but we saw a LOT on that trip.  We met some great friends that we still keep in touch with today and we really got a great overview of Europe on that trip.  It was a great opportunity to see a lot and decide what countries/cities we loved and really wanted to go back to.  For me, London & Paris were on that list.  London was the first stop on that trip 6 years ago.  We walked about a 4 mile radius one day, stopping at all of the sites along the Thames and counted 12 Starbucks on that 4 mile walk!  Hahaha.  Paris was the last stop on that trip, and by the time we got there, we'd traveled a lottttt of miles on that bus.  We were definitely starting to be tired and in both the cases of Paris and London, we wished that we had had more time to explore.

(Photo Credit)

This time around, we'll have a few days in each city and while that may not seem like enough time, it will be so nice to just take things at our own pace.  This time around, I'm looking forward to going back to so many of the places we visited, but taking our time at each stop.  

In London, we're looking forward to going back to Big Ben, St. Paul Cathedral, Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard, etc.  We didn't manage to get to Windsor Palace the first time around, and we didn't get to go in Harrod's to shop around, so those are on our list for this time.

(Photo Credit)

I've been reading my travel journal from that first Europe trip today.  It's been so fun to revisit all of those memories.....to see what our first impressions of London and Paris were.  It's making me so excited to go back!  I've gotten out the photo albums to look thru tonight too.   

(Photo Credit)

When it came to seeing the Eiffel Tower, it wasn't something I thought would be all that big of a deal.  Don't get me wrong....I thought it was pretty, but I had no idea just how MOVED I would feel, standing at the base of the Eiffel Tower for the first time.  And then, to see it twinkle with thousands of lights at night......magical.  That's all I can say.  I'm completely smitten now.

One of the things I'm most excited about for this trip, is photographing London and Paris with our Nikon.  The first time we were there, we just had our point and shoot and while it did great in day time shots, there were a lot of low-light shots that were pretty bad or didn't turn out at all.  In fact, someone took a picture of us standing in front of that twinkling Eiffel Tower at 10pm one night and the photo is completely blurry.  Completely.  So you can be sure that this time, I'll be packing the tripod in an effort to get that perfect romantic twinkle-light shot.  :)

I think we're pretty much going to photograph and eat our way thru London and Paris.  Haha.  Speaking of eating......

(Photo Credit)

I would like to eat proper French macaroons.....perhaps at Laduree??  This is another item we didn't get to the first time around, but I've seen so many pictures of these little beauties online that I really want to try them for ourselves.

Other Paris sites we're excited to go back to include the Eiffel Tower (all the way to the top this time - only went to level 2 the first time), the Louvre (to see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo -- got blurry pictures of both last time), the Arc de Triomphe (want to go up on it this time), shopping/walking along the Champs Elysees.

Places we didn't get to the first time but that are on the list for this time around: Notre Dame and Laduree.

We have a couple months until our trip, so we have plenty of time to research the best places to eat and visit.  However, I know that some of you probably have some suggestions too!  If you live in Paris or London or have been there and have recommendations for places that are not to be missed, we'd love to hear your suggestions!  When you're there, where do you love to eat?  What is quintessentially London or Paris?  This time especially, we're interested in all of those quaint little local cafe type places that have great food and a great atmosphere.  The type of place that really SAYS "London" or "Paris" right when you walk in.  It doesn't need to be expensive.....it just has to be GOOD!  :)

I'd love it if you'd leave a comment on this post and let us know what your favorite London & Paris sites and eateries are.  That way we can all refer to this list for future reference!  Thanks, Peeps!!  You're the best!

P.S.  We're watching the Oscars and Amazing Race over here tonight.  Having our own little Oscars private party for two.  (Riley's not really into the Oscars)  :)  Will you be watching too?  Can't wait to see all of the dresses!  

Papertrey February Blog Hop Challenge

 

Hey there!

It's the 25th of the month, which means it Papertrey Blog Hop day.  I couldn't resist playing along this month because the challenge is all about scallops and well....you may have noticed, but I'm a bit of a fan.  :)

So I whipped up this little ditty, starting out with a rustic cream card base that was stamped with Background Basics: Newsprint in berry sorbet ink.

 

Next, I cut a large strip of rustic cream card stock and stamped the "Hey There" sentiment as well as the large flourish from Big & Bold Wishes at the top of the strip in berry sorbet and scarlet jewel inks.

Next, I die cut 9 strips of rustic cream, berry sorbet and scarlet jewel card stock with the small scalloped border die and adhered them to my large cream strip using scor-tape.  I adhered the strips, starting at the bottom and working my way up, finishing them off by tying a berry sorbet twill bow around the panel.  I then pulled the scalloped "ruffles" forward a bit with my finger and adhered the entire panel to my card front with foam adhesive, to give the card a bit more dimension.  Lastly, I die cut a little bit of berry sorbet card stock with the jar label die and punched a little hole in it, creating a tiny tag, which I stamped with the "Just a note" sentiment from Friendship Jar Spring Fillers.  The tag was tied around the bow with a bit of button twine.

Have you had a chance to whip up a card for the blog hop yet?  It's not too late!  I can't wait to see all of your scalloped creations!  Think there might even be a few scalloped doooooilies among them??  :)  I think one of the best things about the blog hop is the way everyone has a chance to go and look at each other's cards and to offer encouragement to those playing along.  I think a lot of the participants would tell you that it feels pretty great to make a project and know that people are coming to look at it and sharing their positive feedback with them.  It's just a great feeling to get those happy comments and know that others are enjoying your work.  So that could be YOU today!  

Be sure to head over to Nichole's blog for the complete list of.....hoppers?  Hoppees?  Hip-hops?  Those that are playing along.  :)  We'd love to see you add your card to the list!  Even if you don't have time to create a card for the challenge, you'll still want to peruse the list of creations for yourself!  Tons of inspiration!  Plus, the newest podcast episode has been posted as well, so check that out while you're there!

Happy FRIIIIIIIIIIDAY, Crew!
Smooches! 

 

 

{Hey There supplies}
Paper: rustic cream, berry sorbet, scarlet jewel
Stamps: Background Basics: Newsprint, Big & Bold Wishes, Friendship Jar Spring Fillers
Ink: berry sorbet, scarlet jewel
Other: small scallop border die, jar label die, berry sorbet topnotch twill ribbon, rustic cream button twine 

Newsprint Banner Birthday...

Hello there!

It's Thursday evening and it's been raining, snowing and sleeting here all. day. long.  Our yard's turned into a giant sponge.  Plus, I've come to realize that hearing little balls of sleet tapping at my window has a much less relaxing and cozy feel than rain pitter-pattering at the window.  Ha.  Regardless though, my hottie hubs is home with me now, we've a warm and cozy fire burning in the fireplace and it's Taco Night at the McVey Ranch.  Wanna come over?  :)

I do have a little card to share with you before dinner.  I made this for a friend who's birthday is fast approaching.  I started out by stamping Background Basics: Newsprint in smokey shadow ink on rustic cream card stock, and inked the edges of the card base a bit with vintage touch tea dye ink.  I'm still loving using this basic "newsprint-looking" card base as a starting point for cards.  I showed you a couple of cards like this during the February countdown.  I love the character that the newsprint adds to the card.

 

Want to hear a little piece of design trivia about this set?  The date in the headline stamp just happens to be Bartley's and my anniversary.  One perk of being a stamp designer.....I needed a date, so I figured I might as well pick one that meant something to me.  The 1895 is completely random though.  :)  AND....if you can read the super fine print in the "newspaper articles", you just might recognize a few  of my family members' first names.  Of course, the articles are completely fictional, but it was fun to work their names into the stories.....and even more fun to read the fictional articles to my family, since they were all written as though it's 1895!  Haha.  I guess all of that historical fiction I love to read finally paid off......writing those little stories set in the late 1800's was so fun.   

Anyway, back to the card.  I pulled out the Banner Builder stamp set and stamped the banner string in true black ink directly on my newsprint pattern.  Then I die cut 4 banner flags with a Banner Builder Collection die, and then stamped them with 4 banners from Banner Builder using raspberry fizz and berry sorbet ink.  

For the sentiment, I used the double-ended banner die and the coordinating banner image from Banner Builder, stamped in raspberry fizz ink.  Next, I stamped the "wishing you a happy birthday" sentiment from Mat Stack 1 Collection.  The raspberry fizz and berry sorbet card stock layers were die cut with the Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" circle dies.  I stamped a pretty circle image from Simply Stationary on the berry sorbet layer, using raspberry fizz ink.  I have to say that I L.O.V.E. the color combo on this card.  I totally need to use this one again soon!  What do you think.....could you see yourself trying this combo out?

I'll be back tomorrow with another card to show you......tomorrow's the Papertrey Blog Hop, you know!  You've still got time to whip up a card for the hop.  Click the link to get all the details on this month's challenge.....it's all about scallops.  Something I happen to be a fan of.  Ha.  I'll show you my card tomorrow.  

Have a great evening, Dearies.  Time to fix some tacos before American Idol comes on!  

Toodles,

{Wishing You a Happy Birthday supplies}
Paper: rustic cream, raspberry fizz, berry sorbet
Stamps: Background Basics: Newsprint, Banner Builder, Mat Stack 1 Collection, Simply Stationary
Ink: smokey shadow, true black, raspberry fizz, berry sorbet, vintage touch tea dye
Other: banner builder collection die, double-ended banner die, limitless layers: 1 3/4" circle dies 

hello, friend

Hello, Friend.  Yes, you.  The one sitting in front of your computer.  :)  Just popping in to say hello to you.  I hope you're having a great week so far.  

I've got a friendly little card to show you today.....it's a bit scrappy and layered and I've also made a fun little discovery that I can't wait to show you.  Let's get right to the details!

I started out with an aqua mist card base and added a piece of ledger patterned paper from the Library Ledger collection.  Next, I began laying out a variety of die cut bits and pieces as well as a few stamped items, as I was building the card....not sticking anything down yet, but just getting a feel for how I wanted to place everything.  You see, I wanted to use that little kraft bag (bought a bag of them at Michael's in their gift wrap section).  

To the bottom right corner of the kraft bag, I stamped the "hello, friend" sentiment from Mat Stack 4 Collection.  Behind the bag, I adhered a strip of dotted patterned paper from the Distressed Dots collection, as well as a bit of kraft card stock that was die cut using my Rick Rack Die.  

Next, I die cut some scarlet jewel card stock with the mat stack 3 die and stamped one of the images from the Mat Stack 3 Collection, using scarlet jewel ink and adhered that behind the kraft bag.

Then, I die cut a bit of aqua mist card stock with a Doily Details Die and a bit of rustic cream card stock with one of the Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" circle dies.  On that layer, I stamped a heart circle from the 2010 Love Tags stamp set in more scarlet jewel ink.  Some leaves from Turning a New Leaf were stamped with aqua mist and scarlet jewel inks and both were cut out with paper snips.  They were then adhered behind the doily and behind the flower. 

A bit of fine linen felt was die cut with one of the Beautiful Blooms II #2 dies and I stitched a scarlet jewel button to it's center with a bit of rustic cream button twine.  Behind the flower, I slid in a couple of pearl straight pins (from Michael's).

HERE'S A COLOR BALANCING TIP FOR YOU:  Scarlet Jewel is a pretty dark color and I didn't want it to overpower any of the other colors in my color combo.  I also wanted to maintain a really light, airy, springy feel to the card, so I simply used the dark color (scarlet jewel) in small snippets.......a skinny strip of patterned paper, a small button, small stamped hearts, a couple of leaves, and just a hint of a die cut mat stack 3 layer peeking out.  By keeping the scarlet jewel to a minimum, it doesn't darken the overall look of the card too much, but I still get the benefit of the great contrast it provides when used in conjunction with aqua mist.  It's almost like using it as a neutral, sort of like I would dark chocolate.  

Plus, by using each color in my color scheme several times each, it really showcases the color scheme.  Notice that I've used each of the 4 main colors at least 3 times each on this one card.  Scarlet Jewel: skinny strip of patterned paper, small button, small stamped hearts, a couple of leaves, mat stack 3 layer.  Aqua Mist: card base, doily, leaves.  Cream: ledger paper, scalloped circle, pins.  Kraft: sack, rick rack, felt flower.

Try to look for ways to use the colors you're working with at least 3 times each, to provide balance and to really showcase your color combo.

Now, check out the top of the kraft bag.  There's a little something peeking out the top!  

The button card die was used to die cut a bit of rustic cream card stock and that little button card die cut is a perfect fit inside the kraft bag!!!  SO cute!  I stamped 2 different button images from Button Boutique as well as one of the button card images.  Then, along the bottom of the button card, I stamped the "just thinking of you" sentiment from Mat Stack 2 Collection.  Again, a perfect fit!  To finish things off, I punched a small hole in the button card and tied a bit of new leaf button twine in a bow, which makes a handy little "handle" for sliding the card out of the bag.  It will also tip off the recipient that there's a little something inside the bag, that she might want to check out.

I can't wait to send this card off to a friend.  I hope she likes it!

Hope you're having a great evening.  I'm planning to spend a bit more time in the studio tonight......right after I have a bit of dinner.  :)

Thanks for stopping by!  

 

{hello, friend supplies}
Paper: aqua mist, scarlet jewel, kraft, rustic cream, Distressed Dots, Library Ledger
Stamps: Mat Stack 4 Collection, Mat Stack 2 Collection, Mat Stack 3 Collection, Turning a New Leaf, 2010 Love Tags, Button Boutique
Ink: scarlet jewel, aqua mist
Other: rick rack die, button card die, doily details die, mat stack 3 die, limitless layers: 1 3/4" circle die, beautiful blooms II #2 die, fine linen felt, rustic cream button twine, new leaf baker's twine, scarlet jewel button, small hole punch, Dritz pearlized straight pins (Michael's), small kraft bag (Michael's) 

 

Favorite Things

 

Hello there!  Happy Tuesday!  I'm back today with another edition of my Favorite Things.  Today, I thought we should just get this one out of the way right off the bat.  If we're talking about my Favorite Things, I'm sure it won't surprise you that my iPhone 4  is right at the top of my list.  It's just so darn handy.  It goes with me everywhere and I use it for so many things now.  Really, how did we function before iPhones came along?  Ha.  

I'm so happy for all of you Verizon people out there, who have finally been able to get an iPhone for yourself.  Life-changing, right?  *smile*

For those of you that were wondering, I finally settled on a name for dear little iPhone.  She shall now be referred to as iRis, the iPhone.  Catchy, no?  Plus, I love the movie, The Holiday, and the name iRis always makes me think of Iris in the movie.....and that just makes me smile.  

Above is a shot of iRis with her newest lock screen photo (love that I can change that all the time!) which has me thinking spring.....a photo I took of some pink tulips Bartley brought home to me the other day.  They're similar to the tulips I carried in our wedding.  Love that.  I took the photo with the Instagram app (free!).  Fun, fun.

Another Favorite Thing....

iRis, the iPhone, is now sporting this new iPhone cover that we found yesterday at Best Buy for $25.  (Sorry, I couldn't find a link on this one.)  It's a "soft gel" case, which I'm guessing should protect it well since it should "bounce" a little if dropped.  The good thing about it though, is that it still maintains a really slim profile (it's not bulky) and it easily slides into my jeans pocket.  I'm always carrying my phone with me from room to room, whether it be in my back pocket, my apron pocket or even my purse pocket, so it was important to me to find a cover that would protect my phone well (and not be flimsy hard plastic that would crack and break), but that would also slide in and out of pockets easily without "grabbing" at the fabric on the pockets.  And of course, it had to be cute.  :) 

I couldn't find any online photos of this purple version (it was the only color they had at our Best Buy), so I took a few different piccies to share with you because it looks like it's got this great pattern/texture on the case.  The fact is, it's a bit of an optical illusion because the pattern is really on the inside of the case.  The outside of the case is completely flat.  But it's got this great "diamond" pattern that shows thru the case when the light hits it.  It's really quite pretty in the light.

 

See how it even looks a bit quilted in this photo?  But it's not.  Perfectly smooth and sleek.  Love!  Not too shabby for $25.

Funny thing is, it just so happens to sort of match my next Favorite Thing, which was totally not planned, but makes me smile none-the-less......

 

Swarovski Nirvana Tanzanite Ring

This is the ring I wore in this week's Make It Monday video.  Bartley got it for me for Christmas this past year and I LOVE it.  We had seen it in the store the first time, a year earlier and he remembered it.....partly, I'm sure, because every time we'd be in a Swarovski store, I'd drool over it a little more.  So Christmastime rolled around and he went to get it and they didn't have any more.  So he described it to the sales girl and eventually they figured out which ring he was looking for, and they found one in St. Louis and sent it to the store here.  Sweet, right?  Is it any wonder why I love this guy?  He totally pays attention and he remembers everything!  Both, very good attributes in anyone (I could take a lesson from him), but especially nice in a husband.  ;)

It does also come in a few other colors, however none are quite as sparkly and colorful as this purple one.

(Photos from Swarovski website)

Also, I received quite a few comments/questions about both the ring and my nails this week.  For those of you that were asking what color of nail polish I wore in this week's Make It Monday video, the color is Chinchilly by Essie, which I showed you in my last Favorite Things post.  :)  Yes, I know that the polish in the bottle in the photo I showed you (click the link) looks much lighter than it did on my nails in the video, but I think it was just the lighting.  It's a great color though, that works so well with lots of colors that you might wear from day to day.  It's still a bit of a neutral, while being a little chic & trendy too.  I really like it.  

One more Favorite Thing for today.....I just got this White Shoe Spinner from Target.  It holds 18 pairs of shoes!!  Granted, depending on how wide the shoes are, some of them may need to be squished in there a little to get them to fit, but for 20 bucks, I think this is a pretty decent shoe rack that holds a lot of shoes!  It's definitely taller than I thought it'd be (which isn't a bad thing), but you'll want to consider the space you're going to put it in before you buy it.  I thought I might get two of them and put them side by side in our closet, however it would block the bottom half of our floor to ceiling mirror, effectively blocking the bottom half of my view in the mirror!  Ha.  Not good.  So, one of these will have to do for me.  But it still got a lot of shoes up off the floor, which I love.

(Photo from Target)

Well that's it for me today.  I hope you've enjoyed this edition of my Favorite Things!  I'm hoping to get a little crafty in the studio this afternoon, since we ran around on our day off yesterday.  We had such a great day, just walking around, shopping, breakfasting out, even light-lunching out....I love time with my hubs.  Anyway, I'd like to check a few crafty projects off the list tonight, so we'll see how it goes.  I'm also happy to report that I made another pot of pea soup the other day and it turned out perfectly thick and sludgy, while the potatoes added a bit of chunkiness.  I must say, leftovers never looked so good!  I'm quite looking forward to split pea soup leftovers for dinner.  :)  

OH, and THANK YOU for all of the info you shared with me on spaghetti squash in the comments section of my Valentine Dinner post!  I just love you guys.....always so helpful!  And thanks for the video love too.  :)

Have a great evening, "sweet peas"....

Make It Monday Video!

 

Hello there!  Happiest of Mondays to you!  

I don't know if you saw it yet or not, but the next installment of the Make It Monday video series has been posted on Nichole's blog this morning and this week, it's a little video I whipped up for you.  I hope you enjoy and I hope you'll play along with this week's Make It Monday challenge!  I'd love to see your projects!  Be sure to head over to Nichole's blog for all of the challenge details!

All of the info about the card including step by step instructions and a complete supply list can be found in the video, so settle in, get comfy, perhaps grab a cuppa and put your feet up.  Happy watching!  

 

I hope you enjoy your day.  It's President's Day here in the US.  My handsome hubby has the day off work for the holiday, so we're off to have a little fun ourselves.  

Happy Monday holiday, Friends,

Valentine Recap - The Dinner

Happy Sunday, Dearies....

Today is the last post in my Valentine Recap series.  Thought I'd finish things off with a little weekend post about our Valentine dinner out.  This was the third year in a row that we've gone to Lidia's for dinner on Valetine's Day.  They serve top-notch Italian food and they have a special fixed menu on Valentine's Day and it's always oh-so-good!

It's such a pretty restaurant, housed in what used to be the old freight house in Kansas City.  I absolutely love the exposed brick walls and the gorgeous wood beamed ceiling.  Goodness, just check out the amazing light fixtures.....

Pretty, no?  

So, there are 3 courses served for their Valentine's Dinner.  There are a few different options to choose from and for the appetizer course, I couldn't resist this Scampi alla Felidia-Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spaghetti Squash and Pinenuts.  Goodness, is that a mouthful, or what?  (Pun intended.  Ha!)

This was my first time eating Spaghetti Squash.  I loved it!  I totally need to find out where/when to buy this veggie and how to prepare it at home.  I don't think I even know what the vegetable looks like, to know if I've ever even seen it at the store.  And even if I had one, I wouldn't have a clue as to how to prepare it.  I wonder if I could steam it?  If you have any tips, feel free to share them with us all in the comments section!  Anyway, it felt like I was eating pasta except that it's a veggie!  Very cool.  Oh, and that shrimp......perfection. 

Lidia Bastianich (the owner of Lidia's) is a famous chef with her own cooking show, food product line, winery, and restaurants in several cities including four restaurants in New York City.  One thing that Lidia's restaurant is known for, is the Pasta Trio entree.  I must admit that I can't resist it.  The pastas in the Pasta Trio change from time to time.....they're not always the exact same pastas, but they're ALWAYS good.  And if you choose the Pasta Trio, you are served all the pasta you can eat.  Men carrying skillets with hot and fresh pastas, come around all evening long and serve the pasta with a large spoon and a fork....very fancy.  They'll keep offering you more pasta until you beg them to quit, which is what I had to do this time around.  

For those of you that might be curious, below is a photo of my Pasta Trio.  The pasta on the left is Housemade Pappardelle with Duck Guazzetto, the top pasta is Imported Spaghetti with Herb Pesto, and the pasta on the right is Risotto with Lobster and Tomato.  For the record, the risotto was the big winner of the evening......just look at those chunks of lobster!  And those weren't even the biggest pieces I was served!  I can't begin to tell you how fantastic the flavor of that risotto was.  And the herb pesto spaghetti was a close second.  It seems like it might be pretty plain, but it was spaghetti perfection.  The duck pasta was my least favorite, and even that was pretty tasty.  

 

We really should go to Lidia's more often than our current once-a-year schedule.  Oh, the pasta.....

All right, moving on.  Wanna see what Bartley ordered?

That's a one pound Veal Rib Chop with Parsnip Mashed Potatoes.  Good, certainly, but it couldn't possibly compare to my pastas.  :)

For dessert, they brought us "A selection of bite-sized confections to share including Blood Orange-Mascarpone Tartlets, Dark Chocolate-Mint Semi-Freddo, and Hazelnut-Caramel Biscotti."  Tiny little bites of a variety of treats.....it's a good thing they weren't bigger because Bartley had to roll me home from the restaurant as it was!

You know, there's just something about a meal that takes an hour and half or two, to eat.  Taking your time in between each course, savoring each bite, relaxing, talking, laughing, enjoying time together.....no tv, no distractions.  I just love meals like that.  It's not just about the food....it's about the quality time spent with a loved one.  Of course, it doesn't hurt if the food's so good it makes you want to swipe the pasta man's skillet full of pasta when he isn't looking, and run for the door.  :) 

Enjoy your Sunday, Friends.

Valentine Recap - Hubby Treats

Hey there,

Happy Saturday to you!  Thought I'd share a few little ditties I made for Bartley this Valentine's Day.  Of course, you may recognize the card on the right -- I made that last month.  I wanted to give it to him for Valentine's Day, but I wanted to package it up extra special, so I decided to decorate the outside of the kraft envelope with a few goodies.

I stamped a bit of Background Basics: Newsprint in versamark ink on the envie and then stamped one of my sentiments from Signature Series: Flower in dark chocolate ink.  

Of course, all of those layers are a few more of my favorite goodies these days. I used the Parisian Lace Doily die for the largest die, a Doily Details Die on the hawaiian shores doily, the large Heart Prints Die for the heart and the Button Card Die for the dotty button card layer.  I stamped a heart from the Heart Prints stamp set on the die cut heart and topped it all off with a dark chocolate button.  (Love that button!)

I tied a bow of pure poppy swiss dot ribbon around the gift box and simply slid the envelope under the ribbon.

Wondering what to get for the guy who has everything?  Why, sweet treats, of course.  A whole box of them all for himself.  (Except when giving sweet treats to your husband, he'll probably want to share the treats with you, or so I've heard....)

Want to see some pictures of the treats?  They came from Andre's....I've mentioned them before in a post or two.  They were just the ticket for this Valentine's Day.  Bart's been sampling one or two treats each day.  Definitely a fun little splurge in honor of such a lovey-dovey holiday.  

Here are a few close-ups, in case you haven't been tempted enough already.....

Hungry yet?  Mmmm, mmm, mmm.......  :)

So, after all of those sweets, I thought I'd throw in a few salty snacks too -- just a few bags of goodies that he can take with him when he's (reffing) traveling to a game and doesn't have time for a proper dinner.  (Although to be honest, I'm not sure they're gonna last long enough to be eaten on the road somewhere.  Ha.)

Anyway, I found a great chocolate brown gift bag at Wal-mart and created a gift tag to dress it up a bit.  

Yes, there are doilies and hearts on this gift tag for a guy, however I think Valentine's Day allows for a few typically "girly" touches.  :)

I used the same basic layout for the tag, that was used on the outside of the envelope above.  The love birds tag was created with images and sentiments from my Love Birds stamp set.  I also stamped the "Happy Valentine's Day" sentiment from Love Birds on the dotty tag.

Well, I guess that's it for me today.  I've got a fun foodie post about our Valentine dinner planned for you tomorrow.  Won't you join me?

Happy weekend,

{I'll Love You... Envelope supplies}
Paper: stamper's select white, hawaiian shores, Simple Valentine
Stamps: Background Basics: Newsprint, Signature Series: Flower, Heart Prints
Ink: dark chocolate, hawaiian shores, versamark
Other: Parisian Lace Doily Die, Doily Details Die, Button Card Die, Heart Prints die, dark chocolate button, chocolate baker's twine, rustic cream button twine, kraft envelope  

{Love Birds Tag supplies}
Paper: pure poppy, dark chocolate, kraft, rustic cream, distressed dots
Stamps: Love Birds
Ink: dark chocolate
Other: Parisian Lace Doily Die, Doily Details Die, Button Card Die, Heart Prints die, Eyelet Lace Border Die, 1 3/4" circle punch, dark chocolate topnotch twill, pure poppy baker's twine, dark chocolate button

Valentine Recap - Sister Treats

Hi-ya,

So I've told you on several different occasions that my youngest sister is just shy of 20 years younger than me.  In fact, she's now 16 years old, so look out world, she's driving now.  Don't say I didn't warn you.  (Hi, Glory!)  

Anyway, I moved out of my parents' house when Glory was just 4 years old.  I still lived close by, but I did feel like I missed out on being really close to her during her childhood.  She'd come stay with me for overnights and such, but it wasn't quite the same as growing up in the same house together.  KWIM?  

Because of all that, I still kind of like to do special little things for Glory every now and then, that I don't do for my other siblings.  Such was the case with this little Valentine treat I whipped up for her the other day.  

 

I decorated the outside of a medium glassine bag....it was the perfect size to hold a Reese's Peanut Butter Heart because it just wouldn't be Valentine's Day without a Reese's Peanut Butter Heart, right?

I used several dies to die cut the pieces I layered on this treat bag, which made it fast and easy to put together.  The large pure poppy doily was die cut with the Parisian Lace Doily Die and the dotty patterned paper from the Simple Valentine collection was die cut using the new Button Card die.  I tied a bit of poppy baker's twine around the top of the button card.  I love that little hang tag die, that comes in the Button Card Die Collection!

A Doily Details Die was used to cut out the white doily and two of the Heart Prints dies were used to cut out the raspberry fizz and pure poppy hearts.  The hibiscus burst button was tied up with a bit more poppy baker's twine and a snippet of hibiscus burst classic grosgrain ribbon was tucked behind the small doily.  The "XOXO" sentiment is from the Heart Prints stamp set.

It certainly wasn't anything fancy, but it was fun to put together a special little treat for my sister.  And again, I know Valentine's Day has passed, but you could easily change the colors, sentiment, etc. to create similar little treat bags for other occasions.

Well, I hope you have a fabulous weekend!  I'll be back tomorrow with another Valentine Recap post.....a few things I made for Bartley are up next.

See you soon,

{XOXO Treat Bag supplies}
Paper: stamper's select white, pure poppy, raspberry fizz, Simple Valentine
Stamps: Heart Prints
Ink: pure poppy
Other: medium glassine bag, Parisian Lace Doily Die, Doily Details Die, Button Card Die, Heart Prints Dies, hibiscus burst button, poppy baker's twine, hibiscus burst classic grosgrain ribbon