Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 18

something I am afraid of

I am so afraid of death. Not just me dying, but anyone close to me. I can't imagine not being with my family and friends. I'm most scared of losing my Bug. There are people in my life who have lost their children (some right after birth) and I don't know how they got through it. I believe that when you die, you are blessed & go to heaven...but it still scares me!

I love this poem...it always helps me feel better about it:

I feel like the world is a scary place these days and you never know what could happen. I try to keep that in mind and not take anything for granted. I call my Nanny almost every day, I visit my parents every Saturday, and I am so lucky to be with my Bug all day, every day! And I always say I love you!

Rember this?

remember this?

A while back I posted a preview of a baby blanket I was working on and alas...I have finished it! I have crochet ADD so it takes me a while to finish a blanket (unless I have a custom order for one) because I always switch between it to crochet hats and other things.

I am so happy with the blanket! I love this pattern that I got from Lion Brand's website. It is smaller than I though it would be, but it is a good size (36"x28")! I have it up for sale on my Etsy shop and it is ready to ship! It would be a great welcome home blanket, baby shower gift, and is light and airy for springtime babies!

I'd love to know what you think:

you can use code FEATURE10 for 10% off!

do you crochet?

I'm happy to let you know that I have shared my crochet mug cozy pattern here on this blog...for free! If you make one I'd love to see your finished work! Email me at totshop728@yahoo.com (subject Mug Cozy Pic)

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 17

am I named after anyone?

Hmm, I don't think so. If I recall correctly my parents were looking at the credits for a show or movie on TV and saw the name and liked it. I'm pretty sure that's how I got my name.

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 16

my least favorite chore 

There are lots of chores I would rather not do but the one I absolutely hate is dusting! We have an entertainment center with 12 shelves...12! They get so dusty so quickly! I use the orange glow on it and it is so annoying to take everything off each shelf to make sure I get all the dust. Not to mention I have a bazillion frames on those 12 shelves that collect just as much dust in just as little time! Ugh, I am hating just thinking about it!

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

 

Yummy Carrot Sticks

I found this recipe on the Weelicious website and gave it a try. It was so easy and they are so delish! These are great for kids (and grown ups) of all ages! I have to say I ate a lot of these!

Ingredients:

1 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Carrot, finely shredded and thin
2 Tbsp Canola or Vegetable Oil

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the first four ingredients and stir to combine.

Using your hands, add the carrots to the flour mixture coating the carrot pieces with flour.

Add the oil and work with your hands to bring the dough together.
(You really have to work the dough for 3-5 minutes...get your hands in there...so that the oil soaks in. Just when you think it's not going to get doughy, it does!)

Form the carrot parmesan dough into a flat rectangular disk and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes then roll out 1/2 inch thick on parchment paper or a dry clean surface.

Using a knife, cut the dough into sticks, 2 inches long by 1/4 inch wide.

Bake on a Silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet for 15-17 minutes.

Cool and serve.

Bug ate about 5 of them right away (and so did I...they are delish!) After that she didn't really eat much, but I might just make some more for myself!

I'd love to know if you make them and how they came out!

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 15

something that bugs me

There are a few things that bug me such as my husband mistaking the floor as the hamper, leaving the toilet seat up, people who don't say thank you when you hold a door open for them...but there is one thing that really, really bugs me...chewing and clinging noises...or annoying noises of any kind.

My ears are bugging out right now just thinking about it! I know my sister is reading this (hi sis) and thinking...yup, and her being annoyed is annoying!

I have this thing with my ears where they literally bug out when I hear noises of people chewing loudly, clinging ice or silverware, or scraping noises. I wish it didn't bug me so much but I can't help it.

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 14

something I want to do before I die

 

 

I would love to go skydiving but so far I am too chicken to do it! My friend goes about once a year and absolutely loves it. She keeps asking if I want to go with her and I say yes...but then change that answer to a no in 5 seconds. Maybe one day soon I will get the courage to do this but just the fact that I typed in "skydive" on Google to get a picture and it came up with a menu of search options...the net one being "skydive deaths" didn't help.

 

I went to Disney with my family and did fake skydiving! It was pretty awesome. They put you in this tube with a big fan that blows air and you get to fly up!

I'm not too sure who that is...possibly my sister, not me...but you get the picture

 There are some other things I want to do before I die such as:

• go to Italy or Greece
• Take a road trip
• Go to Disney with the kids
• Have many more kids (but unfortunately I need to win the lotto for that one)

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

GrayStitchStudio Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to all who entered the graystitchstudio Giveaway! 

The winner was chosen using random dot org.

The winning comment is #22 - Nicolette May Capuano! 

[I am a fan of Gray Stitch Studio on FB]

Congratulations Nicolette! 

Look out for an email from totshop728@yahoo.com

Want a chance at winning another item?
Here are some more giveaways to enter:

DemossDesigns Giveaway - Custom Bib

 BagLadyStuff Giveaway - 37x37 custom rag quilt

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 13

how I relax

Relax, what's that? 


I'm having a little trouble answering this because I get bored doing normal relaxing things such as taking baths or getting a mani/pedi. I would say reading a book but I don't get the chance to do that often so if I do get a chance to read...I'd never get past the first few chapters.


I'm going to say I enjoy sitting on the couch, maybe watching a good old movie or romantic comedy, and crocheting while I watch. It's not often I get to sit and watch a movie without being interrupted at some point during it.

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

Fan/Follower Giveaway Winner

and the winner is...

Christie Cottage!



Yay!



Congratulations Christie! Please look out for an email from totshop728@yahoo.com.

Thank you all for being a fan/follower of Tutus & Tea Parties!

New in my shop!

New Spring Hats!

I try not to post about my shop too much here so I don't annoy anyone but I just have to share my new hats I have been adding to my shop! I am so excited about them! I'd love to know what you think of them! 
(I think the duck hat is my fave so far!)

My very talented mom also knitted a couple of these bunny loveys for my shop:

 These are available in pink, dark purple and light blue so far!

Thank you all for taking a look! Oh, and I am also having a Spring sale-

buy two beanies of any style for $27

email your orders to totshop728@yahoo.com (subject - spring sale)

You can keep updated on my sales by clicking the "Coupon Codes & Sales" tab on this blog.

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 12

something I do every day

• pray and give thanks for each day
• stress (If you stress too, read this)
• say "I love you" to my daughter & hubby (and whoever else I speak to in my family)

My hubby calls me a worry wart because I am always thinking too much about everything! I make non-stressful situations stressful. I don't know why and I can't help it! I get so worked up sometimes that I give myself panic attacks. I am trying to work on not stressing about what I have no control over. I just pray about it and that always makes me feel better! 




I always say "I love you" to my family...no matter what! Even when my hubby and I get into a fight we never go to bed without saying it...even if it is with a little hint of an attitude. 

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 11

 a photo that makes me laugh

Oh, there are so many pictures that make me laugh but this one has to be one of my favorites! We were outside playing in the snow (which Bug is afraid of) and I was trying to get her to eat it. I put some in her mouth and she stayed there with her mouth open...just like this:

 I literally had to take the snow out of her mouth before she would close it! It was a very funny moment and I'm glad I snapped a picture to remember it!

 

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 10

my favorite room in the house apartment

This one is a little hard for me because we just moved and it is all so new! I love every room in this place! It's a tie between the kitchen and the living room but I think I'd have to claim the living room as my favorite! It contains our brand new couches (thanks mom & dad) and all Bug's toys and books. It is where we spend the most time as a family, where Bug and I sit and read stories, play with toys, where I do my crocheting at night and relax. 

If you would like to take part in this challenge click the button below.

 

Photo & Prompt Challenge: Day 9

my most treasured item

This is a tough one. I really had to think about it!

I'd have to say that my most treasured item is my blackberry! I can do pretty much anything from it! (except for when it decided not to work!) I even went on a family trip to NJ and forgot my pocketbook but realized I had my phone and said "well, that's all that matters". I can email, surf the web, update my Facebook status, look through hundreds of pictures, watch videos, make phone calls, listen to music...you name it, I can probably do it from my blackberry!

 

Come check out this BNR...please.

I'd love for you all to check out this BNR I am featured in along with other awesome shops! You do not have to purchase the item featured so browse the shops and see if there is anything you like! 

*~Use coupon code BNR10 for 10% off anything from my shop!~*

PREVIEW Wednesday All Day BNR - Opens at 10 a.m. ET' by createdbylaurie

NO MINIMUM LIMIT!!!1. Just shout out the name of the shop you wish to shop from 2. After ok purchase anything you want from that shop not just from the treasury3. Post the transaction link4. Your link will be replaced with a listing from your shop5. Purchase from 2 different featured shops and replace both slots. Max 2 spots!6. Promote and invite your friends!!! 7. Those who are left when closing will be carried to my next BNRI will be starting at 10 A.M. EST and open all day.

Polymer Clay Earrings: ... TheMaKuCollect... $12.00	Monochromatic Magnetic ... ByTheBookPaper $10.00	MY CUDDLE BUDDY - Sma... createdbylauri... $15.00
Circle Time Out Mat, Si... amysewsit $11.00	The Moss Collection- Mo... OliverWave $15.00	Rainbow Tutu You Choose... LindsaysWhimsi... $20.00
New ... Fuschia hydrang... KatieBelleDesi... $5.00	GRAY - Ribbed fingerle... Irishknitz $30.00	Yellow Pansy on White C... createdbylauri... $3.00
Monkey Animal Hat With ... amysewsit $21.00	Vintage Anchor Hocking ... TheBargainBabe $15.00	Coupon Organizer Purse... CountryCraftin... $8.50
Flower note card set sandyssentimen... $10.00	Sweet Pea Bunny - Easte... WhirlyBirds $20.00	Handpainted Green Neckl... crocheting4bab... $15.00
POLICE OFFICER Tooth Fa... createdbylauri... $12.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Fun with Jello!

art that's alright to eat

I love Jello! It makes a fun sensory/art medium too! I taped a piece of paper to Bug's highchair and scooped some Jello on. She was a little skeptical at first to touch it, but once she did there was no stopping her! She smooshed and smooshed the Jello to make a great smelling picture! After quite some drying time the Jello became hard and stuck to the paper so I was able to hang it! 

As another activity you can just have your child play with it on their tray or give them a set of tongs. They can use their motor skills to try and pick up the Jello clumps. Bug was occupied for a while doing this!