Put a Feather in Your Cap ~ or Your Hair!

How about if my week began with a FIRST!  

Well, as you know the Lenten season has begun, and I endeavored to make....for the first time in 40+ years of marriage....a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty....FASNACHTS!    These doughnut delites are made and eaten on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday.  Sort of like a "last hurrah" before your sacrifice(s) of choice begins.  Mine are to give up all things chocolate and to be a kinder, gentler spirit to all. 


So where did I learn about fasnachts?  Most of you know that my lovey hubby, Ron, is from Reading, PA and is 50% PA Dutch and 50% Italian by ethnicity.  So, we have the best of both worlds in our cusine!  I have to tell you, they are work and took most of Monday to prepare - start to finish.  Mandy and I fried them on the patio for obvious reasons....didn't want the tempting aroma in the house for 40 days!!

the deep fryer

And boy, they were worth the effort!  Sadly to say, a week later all 30 are gone...but did share with daughters and neighbors.

the real deal - Fasnachts

Tuesday began with my 8 week haircut, which was fabulous as always, but it was memorable this time because I asked my talented and beautiful stylist, Lauri, to put a FEATHER EXTENTION in my hair!!!  Can you believe it?!! C'mon...had to have a little excitement!  

looks dark, but there are two - a light green and a natural

Later that morning, I had the most exciting time when I met with Katie Hughes, owner of Making Memories Unforgettable - our FAVORITE scrapbook store!  Katie is now consigning my original paper art at MMU! http://makingmemoriesunforgettable.com  

What fun to share with fellow scrappers in my home town!  Katie, you're the best!

vintage labels

rosette with tea-stained vintage crepe paper

gift tags

I hate to admit this, but I spent the rest of the week doing what I love best - my art.  I've got some new designs on the table and will be putting them in the shop this week.  Look for more beeswax encaustic and scrapping supplies.

In the meantime, I'm sharing a project with you from one of the cutest blogs I follow from my friend Ashley, at http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com.  When I saw this on her blog I just knew my fashionista friends would love, love, love this...and sew easy too!! Tons of thanks, Ashley!   

How to Make a Lace Tie Bracelet

{using scrap fabric}

You can make this no-sew bracelet in 5 minutes, no joke.

Bust out your fabric and lace scraps and glue gun,

and that's all you need.

First you need to make a 2 x 20 inch strip of fabric for your base.  I used basic muslin fabric for my base.  First, I cut a little slit {about 1/2 an inch} and then I ripped it the rest of the way so that the edges fray.

Then I laid out the scraps I decided to use.

Take the scrap lace you want to use first and measure it around your wrist.

Trim all the lace scraps to be this length.

Apply glue on the top edge of the lace scrap

and then place on bottom of the strip of muslin.

Glue down the next strip just above the other.

Then glue down the final scrap.

You don't need to use very much glue.

Then tie it in a casual bow around your wrist, and flaunt it.

How cute is this with Spring right around the corner? Can't you just see yourself wearing this and one of those adorable cute sundresses?  Let me know how your's turns out!  Better yet...let Ashley know too!

I really love attending Mass at this time of year... partly because the linens and vestments are purple and very imposing in their solemn aura, but mostly because the good Fathers remind me what this season is REALLY about...  giving to others, taking care of one another, doing without to benefit the good of someone else.  How especially important now in light of the devastation in the East this past weekend.  

Today I'll be stopping at our local Red Cross to drop off "extras" of shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. that we've squirreled away this year - dare we should run out!   Just a reminder to me that someone on the other side of the world needs these things, maybe a little more than I do, and not just because it's Lent...but just because.

A great BIG feather in their caps for our Arizona Wildcats - PAC 10 Champs 2011 & on their way to the Big Dance!!  Way to Bear Down Arizona!!

Momo Jones lets everyone know we're #1

Have you bought your corned beef, cabbage, and carrots yet?  Afterall, we're ALL Irish for at least one day!  Celebrate on Thursday in grand green style!  We will in the Hess home... Mandy is cooking the corned beef dinner as is her tradition, and we will be dining at the daughters' home - Hurrah!

Have a wonderful, SAFE, and happy week my dear friends...and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

xoxo

Karen