STOCKED and READY TO GO!

This beautiful day started out with t-ball pictures and a game for this cutie!
  

Then Daddy took over duty of cheerleader while Krysten and I checked out:

Gary, the owner of Coaster Strength and Fitness, met us with the typical waiver form, just in case we drop to the floor in pain!  Haha!  He said he would call 911 though.  Then he showed us the proper technique for most of the exercises that we would endure - I mean complete - while working with him (HOLY LEG MUSCLES - they are SORE today!).  Krysten and I are looking forward to working hard and seeing results - Monday it begins!

After we got a little strength training, Krysten and I changed clothes, grabbed our dates, and hit the road!

One movie and we arrived at our destination, well - pit stop at the ol' Cheesecake Factory first (don't tell Gary - training starts MONDAY!). 

Then, we saw IT, peaking through the bushes and trees (angels were singing):

I am pretty sure that the cheesecake calories that we had just devoured were burned off while roaming the aisles of Hobby Lobby for 2.5 hours.  Shopping is definitely a cardio activity!  It is safe to say that we are STOCKED!  Check out our finds!

As we approached the cutting counter in the fabric section, the two employees eyed our cart filled to the max with fabric.  Fifteen - two yard cuts later, they were ready to call their manager for a break, and we were ready to move on to the next section!  Burlap ribbon, sequins, chevron, oh my!  

After checking out (that took a good 15 minutes due to the volume of supplies we purchased - poor cashier), we walked to the car and collapsed in our seats.  TIRING!  We plugged in a movie and we were on our way back home.  When we arrived home, we received another surprise!

Our SOTSS Crafts stamp came in!  Looks great!

This week, we have one party planned with some of our friends.  Stay tuned for a post about their party and pictures of their Hello Wreaths!  But, until then, I must tackle the house that has been neglected - EEK!

Happy Day - Have a great one!

"Patty's Party!"

Patty's party day finally arrived!  We have been waiting for this day since Patty said she was interested in throwing a burlap wreath party!  Krysten and I learned from last time and set out to pack up the car a little earlier.  We packed everything into my car (like a bad game of Jenga or Tetris), and were on our way.  We packed an extra passenger too - Mama Michele came along!

We stopped at Everything Vintage Co. in Toano, and they had some really cool stuff ranging from an old fashioned ticket counter to a hospital bed, old knobs, and soda crates (that's what we went looking for!).  The owner was super nice too!  

Next up - Artfully Yours.  We unpacked the car, I think in record time, and began setting up the room.  Patty and Alexis arrived soon after to set up the food and wine.

Everyone arrived and we began painting our 10 inch letters or hellos, and picking out ribbon and/or fabric to incorporate into our burlap wreaths.  As the paint was drying, we enjoyed snacking on salsa and chips, sandwich spirals, shrimp, cheese and crackers, banana pudding, and moist brownies.  DELICIOUS!  Then it was back to work.  Everyone began gathering their burlap and pinning it to their 18 inch straw wreaths.  After a while, our thumbs really felt like they were getting a workout!

 I must admit, I heard some people doubt their ability to create such beauty, but they all turned out so beautiful!  Every one was different and seemed to reflect a little of their personalities.  Take a look at their masterpieces!

Erin and Edith's wreaths

                                             Brie and Robin's wreath (mother - daughter duo)

                                                                 Maggie's wreath
             

                                     

                                                                    Janelle's wreath

Brie's wreath up close

                                                                Robin's wreath up close

Maggie's and Patty's wreaths

                                                                   Christina's wreath

                                                                   Stacey's wreath

Thank you, Patty, for hosting this craft party, and thank you for providing such delicious snacks!  Also, thank you Artfully Yours for accommodating us!  We hope that you had a great time - we sure did!  Until next time crafters!

                                                          Alexis and Patty's wreaths

P.S. Somehow we missed close ups of Jenny and Jessica's wreaths - If you get a chance, will you snap a picture of your wreath and post it?

"Hello" Wreath Craft Night

What a way to send Spring Break out with a BANG!  Krysten and I ventured up to Artfully Yours bright and early Saturday morning to support Chelsea and Ms. Suzanne for their Opening Day Ribbon Cutting ceremony.  They had great weather, a wonderful atmosphere, fun activities for the kids, samples of Shelbie's cupcakes and cookies from Shelbie's Flour Shop, samples of Ohelyeah 100% Natural Oat Bars, a blacksmith demonstration (I forgot to take pictures - sad!), and art created by local artists.  We had a great time!  Update: I forgot to mention that a bicyclist ran into a car right in front of Artfully Yours.  My Mom said, "Maybe he was looking at Artfully Yours, got distracted, and didn't see the car!  Needless to say, we got to hear and see the ambulance - everyone was okay, just for precautionary measures.

After the morning festivities, Krysten and I prepared our appetizers, packed the car and then hit the road.

(*Disclaimer - this picture was taken by Krysten at a stop light - hehe - no texting and/or taking pictures while driving for these girls!)

Once we arrived at Artfully Yours, the festivities were still going on, so I plucked "Handy Man" Justin away to help us unload.  Poor thing said that our car looked like a bad game of "Jenga!"  haha!  Then, we set up in the crafting rooms upstairs - looked pretty great!

After everyone arrived, brief instructions were given, the "hello's" were painted, then snack time.  We enjoyed cheese and crackers, sandwich spirals, spinach artichoke dip  (thank you Melissa for the recipe!), fruits and vegetables, sweet saltines, and delicious vanilla and lemon cupcakes compliments of Shelbie!  After snacking, we fired up the glue guns and went to work- I even made a wreath because Momma Michele needed a replacement for her Christmas wreath that was still hanging on her door (I'll give it to her - VA just thawed out a week ago - hehe)!

Ms. Suzanne after she glued her wreath to her shirt (sorry, I had to share!).

Everyone did a great job on their wreaths!  As always, our example is only a jumping off point.  Everyone is free to interpret the craft however they wish with the supplies that we have available to you.  Check out the finished products!

Ms. Suzanne's wreath - how did I miss a picture of you and your wreath?

 Shelbie of "Shelbie's Flour Shop"

Williamsburg, VA

 Mine - for my Momma

 Becky - Newport News, VA

                                                        Amy                        Megan (our younger sister)

                                                Norfolk, VA                      Fleming Island, FL            

         

 Dionne

Newport News, VA

 Kathy

Williamsburg, VA

Vanessa

Norfolk, VA

Ladies, thank you very much for coming and spending your Saturday evening crafting with us!  We had a great time and we look forward to crafting with you again soon!

Due to the popularity of this craft, we are planning to have "Hello" Wreath Take 2 on May 10th!  Stay Tuned for more information.