Although I would dearly love a Silhouette/Die Cut/Letterpress type machine, alas, I have not gotten around to purchasing one yet.  But sometimes I need those kinds of cut-out shapes, like for the lettering on the feis bucket (tutorial from yesterday).

My Kia Sedona minivan had plenty of capacity (I loved the space), but it died a horrible, complete death 2,000 miles after it was out of warrantee. Two months after it had been at the dealer for regular maintenence and an inspection. Have not had a response back from Kia.

Vinegar shrub is a sweet and tangy syrup made with fresh fruit, vinegar, and sugar.  It was invented as a way to preserve summer fruits for later use, and was popular in the colonial era in the United States, but it's having a bit of a comeback in trendy cocktail bars.  This type of shrub is often called Drinking Vinegar, because it's used to create flavorful, fruity, vibrant beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).  

I just love those great big round balloons that are so much easier to find these days.  And I love that they have so much helium and loft that you can do all sorts of cool things to embellish them that you just can't do with regular balloons.

Bunting is really magnificent stuff.   The way the flags flutter in the wind catches the eye, and makes any setting look like a party.  

For adults, I prefer to use real glasses at parties.  For kids, there's nothing that can beat a good old paper cup.  But while I can find every color in the rainbow at my local party store, most of the time, the themes I plan around most definitely are not mass marketed.  So if I have the time, I like to customize my own cups.

Make these DIY One Ring napkin rings for your Hobbit or Lord of the Rings party.  These LOTR ring napkin rings are inexpensive and make a great finishing touch for any Hobbit party.

When it's peach season, I can't help myself.  I buy large crates, and practically live on the fruit, delighted by the tantalizing aroma, the sweet and tangy bite, the sticky juices dripping down my chin.  But as much as I love to eat them straight, sometimes I end up buying too many.  

Some of my favorite memories are of stretching out on a picnic blanket, under a dark summer sky, and watching the 4th of July fireworks.  That's what inspired these cupcakes for the 4th of July party.

Want to know how to make an ice cream waffle cone bowl?   They're a cinch to whip up and are so delicious!  These edible waffle cone bowls are the perfect summer dessert, whether filled with ice cream or even just fresh fruit.