Salt Dough Ornaments

The kids and I made salt dough ornaments today. FUN!
So here is the oh so fun and simple directions.

Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Cookie cutters
Toothpick
Acrylic paint
Ribbon

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.

Mix together, salt, flour, and water until dough is formed.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until the mixture is elastic and smooth. If dough is too sticky, sprinkle with flour, continue to do so until stickiness is gone. Do not add too much flour, this will dry out the dough and will cause it to crack before you get a chance to bake it.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 in thick with a rolling pin that has been dusted with flour.

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

Use a toothpick to make a hole toward the top of the shape. Poke the toothpick into the shape, then holding toothpick straight up and down, make a circular motion as if you were stirring something. Keep circling until the hole is the size you want.

Place all shapes onto an ungreased cookie sheet and place into the preheated oven.

Bake for 2 hours.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Paint!

What's in a name?

I am opening my own event planning business.
Rachel had approached me a week ago about opening my own business to do the parties at Pinwheel Kids. So after lots of thinking, we are!
I will still do all the parties at Pinwheel Kids, they just won't have to worry about it anymore.
We will start at the first of the year, as long as I can think of a name. Suggestions? Seriously, suggestions??? I can't find anything I really like and it's driving me nuts. I like "Setting the Mood" (already taken), Creative Connections, the word Soiree (not thinking everyone will understand that one though). I want something fun, but serious, and that will open us up to doing many different kinds of events in the future. Plus nothing cheesy like Dream Events or anything like that. Could I make this more complicated?
We are also putting brainstorming different kinds of parties. Right now we offer Painting and Tea parties, and have done a super hero party. We've thought of a Mad Scientist and Slumber (they are not staying the night) party.

I'll have a Dr. Pepper please!

I earned a Dr. Pepper yesterday.
I HATE talking to people when there is a possiblity they will say no to me. For one of my classes I have to interview someone for each assignment. Well, I have been putting off interviewing, as in 6 months of putting it off. I have e-mailed someone for my first essay (a manager of a tv or radio station), but no response. So yesterday with lots of constructive encouragement from my husband, I did it! I called 3 different tv stations before I finally found someone who would talk to me. So, as I drink my DP right now I know I earned it and do not feel guilty about the sugar and calories in it.

Party like a rockstar!

Ok maybe like a Veggie Tales rockstar.
I am starting to believe that Pinwheel Kids is some sort of dream come true maker. Rachel's dream was to open a baby and children's store and TA DA! My dream is to be an event coordinator and TA DA!
Rachel has officially made me the go to girl for Pinwheel Kids' parties, Sandra Blanchard EC, event coordinator. Ahhh!!! It's the beginning to what I hope will be a wonderful career for me. I love hosting, decorating, and seeing the smile on the guest of honor's face. Rachel and I are both hoping to make Pinwheel Kids THE party place. I am starting to brainstorm party themes and am super excited about the potential of planning a hot pink and zebra party.
Super gitty!

Crazy!!!

We just had a CRAZY few days! Well it could have been crazier I'm sure.

Friday~
We started out with a busy painting time at Pinwheel Kids. Then spent the afternoon shoppping for last minute costume stuff, shoes, and other goodies. We picked up dinner, to rush eating at the house and getting ready for Riecher Homecoming. Then we headed to Waco for the game. Reicher won and it was a REALLY good game.

Saturday~
I can't even remember the details. But it was party day at Pinwheel Kids. Oh wait I do remember!!! We went to Hobby Lobby to grab some ribbon and stickers, when leaving we got back into by a truck. My right, rear down has a big dent in it. It will be getting fixed tomorrow. After Pinwheel we went grocery shopping and then watched movies.

Sunday~
Can you say "procrastinate?" I had to finish Christian and Matt's costumes. NOT FUN! Matt got our last minute tickets to the Zoo Boo. We headed to the Zoo Boo after kid baths and showers, which had perfect timing, because right after them we discovered the water turned off. Hmm??? When we drove down our street we found a very wet and working fire hydrant. We then headed to Zoo Boo and met up with Allison and her clan. We had a fun time and got lots of candy.

Monday~ Sick mommy!

I DO NOT LIKE CHEESE!

Please don't panic, I still like cheese. It's just that it doesn't like Christian.
We went to Christian's one year appointment on Monday. He is in the 50th for weight and height, but his head continues to be ENORMOUS (90th). We talked to the doc about some issues he has been having and she suggested taking dairy out of his diet, just a few hours into the no dairy lifestyle and you could see a change. He is now drinking almond milk and to make it easier we all are.
I need to look into other dairy alternatives, she suggests no soy because of the estrogen it contains. Some of my amazing friends have offered suggestions on what to do. Thanks!
Maybe one day my sweet son and I can share a love of cheese, but for now we will just have to wait.

Ah, life...

We are pretty boring and routine in the Blanchard house.
My sweet little boy is one, YAY! We had a party for him and were surronded by the most wonderful people.
Friday I had a GREAT time with Allison and Rachel. We saw Eat, Pray, Love and the headed to Salty Dog for a drink and then to On the Border for chips and dip. Mmmmm....
Speaking of food. Matt and I have seriously started the low-glycemic diet. I lost 5 lbs just this weekend. We won't discuss the disgusting amount Matt is quickly lossing. I HATE BOYS!
I am spending 3 days a week doing craft and story time at Pinwheel Kids. The kids are both adjusting great to it. Christian is finally taking naps.
Ummm.... I really can't think of too much more. Plus I really need to do some homework. Peace!