Cricut Imagine

For many of us, the Cricut is amazing. The follow-up Cricut Expression is fabulous. PC is really attempting to out-do themselves. They unveiled the Cricut Imagine -- a machine for cutting AND printing. It's a bit larger than the Cricut Expressions and comes with a larger price tag (talk about sticker shock!). You can see in these pictures that PC partnered up with HP for this newest addition to the Cricut line.

I was over at Creative Critters Cricut Club, and saw videos of the Cricut Imagine! She posted some videos from the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) conference she is currently attending. Thanks Tammy, for sharing this with us!!

I don't know how sold I am on the new machine -- simply based on the fact that I have the Cricut E and LOVE it!
Nevertheless, here are some of the details of the Cricut Imagine:
- HP makes the inkjet print element and then sends it to PC to install in the Imagine.
- Dual ink cartridges: Black ($34.99 MSRP) and Tricolor ($39.99 MSRP).
- Cartridges should print 150 full pages.
- Machine ships with full-size ink cartridges.
- Imagine uses the same blades as the current Cricuts.
- Available 9/14 on HSN.
- MSRP is $599
- Weighs 28lbs
- Gypsy update to be released on 9/13 that will let the Gypsy work with the Imagine.
- Works with current Cricut cartridges.
- They will be releasing cartridges if colors and textures that can be used as “fill” in existing shape cartridges.
- Blade and print head do not ride on same carriage like patent filing detailed.
**additional info found at Scrapbook Update

I think what pulls me FROM this is mostly the cost. With the current machines you have the cost of the cartridges already. This new machine, you have the additional cost of the ink cartridges. I feel that unless you are a crafting machine and that's pretty much all you do (make cards/tags/scrapbook/etc 24/7) sticking with the Cricut Personal or E will definitely fulfill your needs. Then again, some people adore having the latest and greatest! =) I would LOVE to hear from anyone who is going to purchase it or when it's released, your review of the product.

Recipe: Oreo Truffles

For anyone who knows me, you know that I LOVE a good Oreo. It's my after dinner/bed time snack. A couple double stuff oreos and a cold glass of milk and I'm one happy lady! =) So imagine my excitement when I find a DIY recipe for Oreo Truffles while perusing I am Ashley's Smirking Revenge!!!

RECIPE: Oreo Truffles (Makes 42 individual truffles!)
-1 pkg. (1 lb. 2 oz.) OREO Cookies, finely crushed, divided
-1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
-2 pkg. (8 squares each) BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted (Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate..Choose your fav!)
-Optional – Candy sprinkles

1. MIX 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and the cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 (1-inch) balls.
2. DIP balls in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover melted chocolate can be stored in tightly covered container at room temperature and saved for another use.) Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. (Here is where you can also add some of your candy sprinkles to add some color! You could also wait till after refrigerating and further decorate your truffles with different colored chocolate by piping pretty designs or swirls on top!)
3. REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

I have yet to try this recipe but when I look at the picture, I drool just a little bit! They look so yummy-licious!!! I will definitely post pictures when I make them.

**Photo credit: rockYOface on flickr.com
***credit: Kraft Foods

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Today is my Daddy's birthday -- he has been such an inspiration and always so supportive. We have been so blessed to have such a foundation in our family. He has been tough on us when we needed it and picked us up when we've fallen. As a family, we have all grown so much over the past 7 years since Jess and I have graduated from high school and become full-fledge adults. He has been an amazing husband to my mom, a wonderful father to Jess and I, and an amazing father-in-law to my husband. I hope his birthday is amazing!

Girl's Weekend -- Cocoa Beach

This past weekend, I had my first ever girl weekend! WOO!! It was SO MUCH fun!! We spent 2 nights at a beach condo, compliments of C's parents -- thanks! There were 10 of us girls, 9 on Friday night with our 10th showing up early on Saturday morning.

We went for a late night walk/sparkler fest on Friday night. Saturday was spent on the beach lounging and socializing. For dinner, we went to C's favorite eatery -- Taco City. It really is alittle hole in the wall, but the food was fabulous =) We attempted a karaoke bar but one was at the pool in the heat and the other looked way to shady to even get out of the car in the parking lot. The 10 of us ended up at Sandbar's Sports Bar & Grill in Cocoa (at least I think that's what it's called haha). We had some yummy drinks -- I had the lava flow: strawberry daquiri meets pina colada -- YUM!

The weekend was a bit of a flurry but relaxing. We all had a great time bonding and laughing. I am already hoping we can get one in next year! I love these girls <3

Convertible Dress

For many many months now I have wanted a convertible dress from Victoria's Secret. You know the one; you can change the styles to achieve various looks. It's amazing but I wasn't going to pay $80 for one. I decided I could probably figure out how to make one. I'm so smart!!! I figured it out and made my very own Tuesday night -- it only took about an hour, but last night is when I finally got around to taking photos! I love that I can have various looks depending on the occasion and best of all, my wonderful husband LOVES it =)
I have already worn it to work -- in the first style. I got so many compliments!
The material is a 4-way stretchy material and super super comfy!
Here are a few pictures -- front and back -- of a couple different styles! ENJOY!

Here is a quick mini-tutorial. If you have any questions, ask away!! I hope you understand it lol!!
I didn't use directions -- I just measured from right under my bust to the length I wanted, cut two pieces of fabric (tapered to account for the waist line) and sewed those together. I cut the 2 long pieces for the straps/top :: I'm 5'6" (ish) and size 3 and made the straps 80" in length. I sewed the straps to the top of the skirt and viola! =) easy peasy! I had an overlap of the straps just because I think it's more flattering to my frame to have an overlap vs putting it all out there lol. I put seams on the straps but didn't hem the bottom of the skirt. HTH! =)

I'm Walkin' on Sunshine!

This past weekend I didn't get MUCH crafting in as we went with John's parents out to Longboat Key for the weekend. We got there Saturday in the early afternoon and left first thing Monday morning. It was quick trip but we were really happy we went. =)
Here are a few pictures from the trip...

<- I spilled my drink on him in the first picture and you can see it in the second haha!! We spent the first day at the beach and then roasted marshmallows for s'mores before AND after dinner. Day 2 -- we went to the 'circle' and shopped for a bit and got some AMAZING ice cream at Kilwin's. Then it was out on the boat for some fishing. I am the ONLY person who caught a keeper fish and I didn't even get a picture of it! =(

And finally, after a long day of shopping and fishing, we went to dinner at an Italian place where the portion sizes are RIDICULOUS! -- NOTE TO SELF: SHARE!!

On the way to the beach, I made a necklace, earrings and bracelet set! I wore it to work this week and received a ton of compliments =)

I'm Sew Excited!

This weekend I decided to take on a new project. SHIRT and SKIRT!!! EEEK!!! I didn't have a pattern because I didn't find any that I really liked. I DID, however, find some fun print fabric and a pretty pink fabric. I based my shirt off of tank tops that I already owned. I had absolutely NO pattern at all for either piece. I must say I'm pretty impressed with myself! =)

I had sent my mom a picture asking what she thought. She only commented on my skirt =( I found out later that she didn't realize I had MADE the shirt too! That made me happy =) I love making stuff without a pattern -- it gives me a little more creative design BUT because I'm still so new to the sewing world, I find myself limited in some ways because I am still learning how garments are put together. I really love this outfit -- in fact I'm wearing it today at work and have gotten LOTS of compliments =)

Breakfast at Tiffany's

So it's NOT Tiffany's -- actually it's at our house haha!! ok in all seriousness, John roped me into buying pre-made pancake mix in an aerosol can, kind of like whip cream. It's called ORGANIC (can you believe it?!) Batter Blaster. I was INCREDIBLY skeptical. I actually thought he was joking when we were in the store but hey he was excited about it so we bought it. He's like a kid sometimes -- we barely get in the door from grocery shopping and he wants to start up the stove.
I know what you're thinking -- this can't be good. That is exactly what I was thinking but what could I do, he was so excited about it. And if it WAS terrible, we would only be out $3.
So my wonderful husband cooks up 2 pancakes from this can. Shockingly, the house is filled with sweet homemade pancake aroma -- you know, the kind that use to wake you up on Saturday mornings while your parents were cooking breakfast.
I'm floored that they smell so delectable, let alone EDIBLE! I was expecting to have to fumigate the house once the cooking was over. My sweet, sweet husband fed me bites of these pancakes. SHOCK!!! They are SO YUMMY! and SO easy and so much less of a hassle. I am in the habit of making mine from scratch - so it's messy and a little time consuming and I haven't quite figured out how to not make enough batter to feed a small army. This thing is - well let's be honest - brilliant AND for you health nuts, it's organic! If you only want 2 pancakes, you make 2 and put the rest of the batter in the refrigerator. I am definitely a fan! So if you have kids or don't like the mess or hey aren't the best cook, try some of this. really I was shocked!
You can get more info at http://www.batterblaster.com/

Feature Presentation!

I had the honor of being featured on a blog for our March wedding. We didn't have a large budget for the wedding, which we didn't mind, however, in today's day and age, it's difficult to pull off a nice/elegant wedding on a budget...ESPECIALLY in a large city. We managed to pull it off with the help of friends and family and we had the beautiful wedding of my dreams! We are SO fortunate to have such amazing friends and especially family! In honor of our wedding, I thought I would post some pictures and the link to the blog that featured us =)

Bride on a Budget

::Pictures::