Royal Wedding Inspiration

I couldn't help myself in posting about the upcoming royal wedding. While browsing Etsy, I saw that many others have been inspired by the historical wedding as well.

( Number's 14, Marchesa, JanineBasil, HelenaCarrington, GlynWestDesign, HotPinkChick, Novachix )

I am dying to see what the fabulous Kate Middleton will wear, and I can't wait to watch and celebrate with friends. A toast to the happy royal couple!

Baby Boy Announcements

When I am not at school teaching my kiddos, my other passion is graphic design work. That is what I went to school to do. My favorite pieces to design are invitations and announcements. The print medium is what really excites me.

My cousin Trinity recently found out that her and her husband Sven would be welcoming a new baby boy in June, and they honored me with the task of making baby announcements. She requested that they be very simple and "boyish," and I think they turned out really great.

My one indulgence to her request of simple announcements, was lining the kelly green envelopes with patterned paper to give it an extra pop! Here is how you can do it yourself.

The supplies you need are: A2 Envelopes, Invitations, Mini Deck 6" by 6" Paper, Glue Stick, Ruler, Scissors, Xacto Knife and a Self-Healing Mat.

First step is the select the paper to use for the liner, and cut it in half with the Xacto knife. Then fold the two pieces in half. You then want to trim the edges of the top half of the liner to be just about parallel to the edges of the envelope.

Then put a line of glue the bottom half of the liner, you don't need a lot. Slide the liner into the envelope so that the fold matches up with the envelope fold. Press the bottom half so that it sticks, then glue the top half of the liner and fold the envelope and press so the top part of the liner adheres.

Let the envelopes dry completely and start assembling the invites! These add the perfect touch to a simple invite, and are cheap and easy to do yourself.

If you don't want to make your own liners, Paper Source sells pre-cut liners that can be used for their envelopes as well. I can always talk myself into getting fun stuff from them.

A big congratulations to Trinity and her growing family, and thank you for the privilege of being a part of this new and exciting time!

My new precious niece!

I just have to share my beautiful new niece. She is practically perfect in every way, and I had no idea how much I would fall in love with her. She is so sweet and wonderful, and holding her somehow makes everything that weighs me down just lift and disappear.

Kari from Kari A Memory Photography did a beautiful job.

 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart..."

Jeremiah 1:5

Wisconsin Film Festival

Film happens to be one of my favorite forms of art. I love catching a foreign or independent film any time. In my recent trip to Madison, I had to opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Film Festival for their 13th year. Attending this year's film festival happens to be one of the coolest things I have been able to do. The films were being played all over the city, but we decided to stick with viewing our movies at the classic Orpheum Theatre.

This classic location was so beautiful, located on State Street that heads right into Capitol Square. Not only is the theater itself a gem, but the location and the wonderful shops and restaurants that surround it make it an absolute must-see if you're visiting Madison.

Beneath Hill 60

Mine Vaganti

My Dog Tulip

The three films that we saw during the 5-day film festival were Beneath Hill 60 a WWI film that highlights brilliant minds and engineering, and of course the heartache that comes with all war. Mine Vaganti
was a light-hearted Italian film showing the true bonds of family and accepting one another just the way they are. And the wonderful animation My Dog Tulip told the story of and English man falling in love with his dog companion, a very cute story with one of the most unique animation styles I've seen.

Another fantastic addition to the films was the wonderful atmosphere and ambiance that the theater creates. The concessions had a variety of treats, and we decided on the pop corn and the Ale Asylum's Ambergeddon Brew (possibly a new favorite for me). There is also a restaurant in the theater that had me rudely eyeing people's food as we entered, and the smells were amazing.

The Wisconsin Film Festival overall was a huge success, and a wonderful new experience that has again opened my eyes to the beauty in artful opportunities that surround us.

Irish cuisine in the heart of Madison

This weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of spending my entire spring break in Madison Wisconsin. One of the perks of teaching, I get a whole week of relaxing and unwinding. Whenever I get a chance to travel, one of the most important things I like to do is eat! Going to a new place with new flavors is something that  really excites me! This trip, we spent our Saturday touring the Irish cuisine in Wisconsin. We made a stop at the restaurant Brocach, which is located right in Capitol Square. Our table was a perfect window seat looking straight out to Madison's beautiful capitol building.

The restaurant was tucked between two contemporary buildings, making the rustic Irish pub striking! Did I mention that this cool restaurant and pub has live Irish music every Sunday!

 

Mark of course went with his ole Irish favorite, Murphy's. I, however, stuck to my Italian roots in the Irish joint and went with a favorite of mine, Peroni. 

It was a beautiful Saturday, in a wonderful city with a colorful dining experience! ( I just had to add the Murphy's glass, I love the logo design and it just looks so classic)