Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Happy Spring time!

Lovely weather here today in Baltimore.

Birds are chirping, flowers blooming, candied sweet potatoes are baking.

Have a lovely day!

The Neighborhood Trees are Blooming

Here are a few pictures I took around my neighborhood the other day.

A sea of pink flowers

Martha Easter Flower Arrangements

Had to share this photo from MarthaStewart.com.

I love the look of small flowers arranged together in interesting and magical ways.

"Unless they're down on hands and knees for an outdoor egg hunt, people tend to overlook the exquisite shapes and tones of minuscule spring flowers. Give these plants the close-up they deserve by using eggcups as vases, which can hold pink lilies of the valley, species tulips, grape hyacinths, narcissus, violets, pansies, bleeding-heart leaves, and other small wonders. Try several cups on a tray for an Easter centerpiece or a single one to cheer up a desk or a bureau." - www.MarthaStewart.com

Kate's Bridal Shower

I have wanted to post about this for a while.

One of my dearest friends Kate got married in October of 2010 and I got to be Co-Maid of Honor with another lovely lady Val. Val and I were in charge of throwing the bridal shower, which is something I have not done before but was excited for the challenge in putting my Martha knowledge to the test.

We came up with a traditional British tea Theme for the party, which I found out later is a popular theme for bridal showers. I thought this theme was fitting since Kate and I had gone on a Harry Potter tour in England together back in 2002 and very much enjoy remising about out time here. So it would be tying great memories in with a causal classy look for the party.

When I first thought of this theme I visualized the table looking thick with flowers, food, drink and treats. I wanted to bring out that old time english style that blends patterned china and linen without going overboard or getting the look too mashed up.

Let me just say that Val was a great person to have as a partner for this event.

I was in charge of making tea sandwiches, tea bulb party favors, and arranging flowers. Val made scones, truffles, and rice crispy treat Snitch cake! Val is amazing at baking and candy making! The scones where flaky and delicious and her Snitch cake looked amazing!

Other responsibilities where gathering plates, vases, and pitchers that fit the theme. We also made red and white sangria and assorted ice teas.

We worked hard on this party and I think that we achieved the look and taste of a traditional British tea!

I think Martha would approve.

Party Favors

Val's delicious scones with clotted cream and berry compote.

Chicken Salad on bread crackers topped with watercress.

Table set up and Val's Snitch cake atop a pedestal of every flavor jelly beans!

Assorted flowers in tea pots.

Val and I

Koji and Coffee

A little picture of my cat Koji sniffing coffee out of a teacup I recovered from my parents attic.

Making hand drawn cards

Trying my hand at drawing some cards for people.

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What do you think?

Do you like to make cards?

Hello All!

I have been bad with blogging! Martha would not approve!

Anyway, even though I have not written in a long while I still have been up to "Martha like" projects!

First thing would be that I have been spending time helping my parents de-clutter their house. I have wanted to do this for a long time. For many years the clutter has gotten worse and has become a weight that is hard for my parents to cope with. My mother has back problems and so does my dad (the keeper of most of the clutter) so it is hard for them to take on any big cleaning projects. The house isn't too bad, but there are about 4 rooms and the basement that need major attention.

Without getting too personal, my dad has a hoarding mentality. He buys multiples of one thing, holds on to items for the memories (even though the item has been in a box for over a decade), and thinks that many items would be useful if the apocalypse comes. Basically all this stuff its just making life harder to live, and it frustrates my mom to no end.

I have a few photos of the clutter, but I neglected to take a before photo of the room we are working on at the moment.

SO first some clutter photos!

Dad's Office

Part of the basement

The Laundry room

My mom and I have been working on my old bedroom. We de-cluttered it, cleared it out, and painted the walls and wood work. It is almost done. I will be her sewing and crafting room

Mom, painting her future crafting room

So all of this clearing out has been helping lift spirits around the house. Some days are harder to get going then others, but I think we will get a lot done.

I will keep updating as we go on.

Cheers!