As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was recently sent a Cricut Expression 2 by the nice folks at Cricut, and I've been busy.

I have to say, there is a learning curve to using your Cricut, so don't be surprised if it takes a little while to get the hang of it. That's what I discovered for myself, and is also why I recommend starting with some easy projects, like those found on the Tags, Bags, Boxes & More 2 cartridge. (Perfect cartridge for party people, btw.)

I got an email a few weeks ago asking me for tips on how to put together a dessert table. I thought this would make a perfect blog post. So here are my basic ideas (click on the photos to see what parties they're from)...

TIP 1

Today is my birthday! So in celebration, I thought this would a fun recipe to post.

How cute are these?! Ana of Love Party Printables designed the most adorable "Little Children" Mardi Gras printables just for us. I can't tell you how excited I am to give these away. Thank you, Ana!

The collection includes everything you'll need to throw a fantastic "Fat Tuesday" celebration: straw flags, cupcake toppers, napkin rings, a "Mardi Gras" banner, water bottle labels, tented cards, invitations, favor tags, labels, and mini cake bunting.

I found this tutorial on Inside My Hideaway and I just love the way the stripes look on the bottle. Isn't it cool how something so simple can be so pretty? And wouldn't this look great as part of a centerpiece or on a mantle?

Here it is filled with beaded flowers. Just lovely!

This cold sesame appetizer is our go-to recipe for any potluck that we're invited to. What's great about it, is it's simple to make, and can sit out for a while at a party and the flavors just keep getting better.  It got a great earthy flavor from the soba and sesame seeds, with a little bit of heat to make it interesting.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their free Valentine's Day printables for me to show off. There are some really cool items here and great designs. Take a look...

Valentine's Day treat boxes from Sweet Pop Studio

How cute for Valentine's Day!

Eileen Behar of Behar Party Designs created this tulle heart wreath tutorial for us to share. Thank you, Eileen!

Gretchen from Three Little Monkeys Studios took our original whoopie pie recipe and made it her own for Valentine's Day by adding cherries to the mix. How beautiful do these look?!

I've been asked to write a post by Quaker Oatmeal about how I reward myself everyday and maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle. As a mom, staring my own company, my days are pretty hectic.  I feel like I'm always switching gears and changing hats.