"It's a High Tea" ~ Bridal Shower Game & Invites


"It's a High Tea"   
Bridal Shower Game & Invites

These game cards are very simple and make shower appear more elegant.  All you need is card stock, lace, a shaped stamp, a stamp pad, 2 colors of spray paint, hot glue and a base-object (our's are Victorian-Era Teapot, Traditional Teapot, and Teacup made from wood).  I was commissioned by one of my dear best friends early this summer to make 'game cards' for her twin sister's bridal shower.  It was a catered tea at the Fleur De Lys Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri.  Congratulations on your wedding Courtney!

Step 1:

Put down a plastic table-cover onto a flat surface, preferably outdoors.  Lay down the base-object that you will be using.  Spray paint the first color on one side of the object.  You may need to spray light and let dry, repeating for a few coats.


Step 2:

Over the dry base-objects, place a large piece of cut lace over the top. Holding down firmly, spray paint over the top of the lace.  Be careful not to blow the lace away with the spray can pressure or you will ruin your design.



Step 3:
Remove the lace before the paint dries.



Step 4:
Using pre-cut cardstock, position a piece of cut lace on top hot-gluing into place.  Then place the decorated base in the hot-glue puddle.



Step 5:
Stamp a pretty print beside the finished shape, slightly overlapping the lace.  Be sure to have a hard surface underneath or the stamped design will not be even.



Step 6:
Voila! Here you go.  Now if you are using as a game and wish to have them hidden from your guests, place them inside an envelope.  Depending on your guest number, select a few cards to have a special marking on the backside.  This could be a passive game for a door prize.  If your guest has picked a card with the special mark then they get a prize.

If you are using these as an invitation, write out the party information on the opposite side of the decorations.



xoxo,
Angela O'


The 30 Brief


President LBJ's Airforce One
I admit it, for once I just got way too busy for my own blog and I apologize.  Usually I can at least load text and then schedule a post once I set up the pictures.  Not this time!  The last month of my twenties was very intense, but it was fun.  In July, I got my last set of wisdom teeth taken out.  Yikes!!  Of course, I was sedated because I cannot handle anything where my body is the subject under examination without major panic or passing out.  I was told that I was a phenomenon as I woke up repeatedly throughout the event, even after the dentist knocked me back out as safely and effectively as possible.  I have the best dentist/dental surgeon in the world and I know they administered as much knockout drug as they legally could.  My body just decides to go through weird phases sometimes!

A week later, we headed to the Plain White T's concert at The Belmont.  I was quite pleased to see them but not sure I should have been allowed to play with my phone on the day of my dental surgery.  I somehow purchased concert tickets, enrolled in swim classes for 3 months, and held multiple phone conversations with random people.  Then I convinced John to take me to Target to do shopping less than 12 hours after my surgery.  The next day....I didn't really remember all of that.  Whoops!

John and I took a weekend trip to Fredericksburg.  Oh, to celebrate my German heritage.  Two absolutely favorite parts of the trip.  1. Grape Creek Winery, we were given a private tour.  2.  The Texas White House, home of former President Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson.
Tapping the Barrel

These grapes are absolutely delicious right off the vine


Then it was time to celebrate my birthday!  I headed to Florida to visit my closest friends and family.  It was a wonderful time and I am so thankful for the time spent with my favorite girls Rhonda, Aria, Allison, and Nannie.  We enjoyed ourselves with bit of a mustache party, touring Hogwarts at Universal Studios, sunning at Cocoa Beach, and eating delicious cupcakes made by Hollis Wilder the Cupcake Wars Trifecta champion. After a gorgeous week in Florida I came home to breakfast in bed and a delicious candlelight dinner made by my husband, then a fantastic party with my Austin friends.

My buddies and a very happy staff member

The 30 Brief:  One, first and foremost:  NO Children before 30!!  I live by this philosophy.  And the majority of people I know agree, including medical professionals.  Nobody in today's society should be having children before 30.  We are way to young mentally, physically, and socially for this. It is a different world than it used to be. Until 30, we are still children and we need to figure out our own lives and enjoy it so that when children come we can commit all of our love and knowledge to them. Now of course, I think it is absolutely rude and completely insensitive when individuals inquire about child-bearing to a couple, including family members.  However, I had to share such great 30 news that I couldn't withhold.  Secondly, John and I are finally passport holders!  Woohoo!!  Third, we made our very first and second big household purchases. A brand new bed mattress and a complete refurbishment of our linen closet with a new towels.  It feels great!  Now to work on project number three and four for the home.  New dishware and new drink-ware.  Must be plain white dishware and must be tastefully clear drink-ware   Must be universal so that we can easily replace when one piece is broken or when we need to grow our set.  No junk, I hate hording and random shit.  It drives me up a wall.  I hate little knick-knacky things and anything that does not belong in it's place.  Goodbye CRAP!

hugs & quiches,
xoxo 
~Angela O'




Bank Deposits On-The-Go

In a hurry and hate sitting in the motor bank drive-thru?? Have these handy-dandy deposit slips made up ahead of time and they will save on your patience.   Store them in your vehicle console or glove box and they will be ready to grab before you pull up in the drive-thru.  


Need another reason??  The reality is that you never have enough of your bank pre-printed deposit slips in the back of your checkbook.  Usually there are three to five in the back of the check book.  Thirdly, you rarely carry your checkbook in the car or on your body.  So go for it and take or ask for a handful of deposit slips from the bank.  Grab your address labels and slap them on.  And please spare me the ridiculous worry about your physical home address being left in your car for thieves.  Your address is plastered on your insurance card which you are required to leave with your vehicle and in many states you are required to leave the registration in your vehicle. 

~Angela O'



Don't Mix the Kisses with the $3 Chocolate Bar

This is for my fellow kitchen ladies and gentlemen.  The ones who stand by my side in their love for the kitchen and entertaining.  The ones who put all their heart and soul into something that they have created. The ones who have decided to make that extra special treat with a $3 chocolate bar.  Those who have molded and spun that $3 chocolate bar into a spectacular confection of mousse, gourmet cupcakes, or what have you.

And when you know it is complete. In your heart you know there is no extra action needed, no added fluff, no ridiculous decoration, and certainly no outsider walking up and adding cheap-ass Hershey Kisses to the top because THEY had a vision.

~hugs & quiches,
angela o'

Why Didn't I Become a Teacher?

Sometimes I think, "Why didn't I become a teacher?" 

Truth be told I only think this to myself and it's only about once or twice a year.  This is the first time I have ever uttered it allowed.  The two weeks that this thought gnaws at me the most are the beginning of June and its because teachers get a full summer vacation!  That is unless you opt to teach summer courses or tutor.  

But then, I remind myself I wanted to have more freedom of creativity and expression.

Is it a coincidence that congress has chosen to pass a bill to protect teachers who wish to celebrate holidays in school??

I certainly can't be the only individual who has the same pinging feeling followed by the exact same answer from time to time.


My favorite, absolutely favorite past time was crafts in elementary school.  I loved that St.Patrick's Day Potato Man with slinking construction paper legs, gold buckle and black top hat that we made in Mrs. Albracht's class.  My first grade best friend was Gina White and we definitely radiated our craft time together.   Building mailboxes every year during valentine's day week was a happy, consistent treat.  You might not like some of classmates who you had to give a valentine too but you sure did enjoy the fun day together passing treats and playing games.  No one was off-putting that day. (Well, unless your parent sent you to 4th grade with a leftover box of unopened valentine's that had Barbie & Ken...that was me!)

My dear friends, Whitney Reynolds and Allison Lemp I always think of you and all of the hard work you do.  I know there really is no "summer vacation" it is a constant job in your mind.  You too are very admirable.  Thank you.


Violet, Angela, Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Me and Denise Nickerson, a.k.a Violet Beauregarde


 This was a never-forget moment meeting Denise Nickerson "Violet".  Normally when at a convention agents attempt to sell you every moment that you want to have with the celebrity.  Well, it was the same in this case too but "Violet" didn't see it that way.  I simply asked if it was okay to take a picture of her and she went above and beyond.  In front of everyone we sang the golden ticket song together and then she presented me with my very own golden ticket.  How sweet it is...

Coriander is Cilantro?

Holy Crap!  Did you know that Coriander is the exact same thing as Cilantro?!!

Bet you learned something new.

xoxo
hugs & quiches

~Angela O'


Here is a brief from http://www.squidoo.com/coriander-cilantro: 

Coriander or Cilantro?

What do you call it?

The Latin name for the herb in question is Coriandrum sativum, from which it can easily be seen where the word "coriander" is ultimately derived. The word "cilantro" is from the Spanish translation of this word.

In the United Kingdom, we would refer to the leaves and stalks of the plant as "coriander" and to the seeds as "coriander seeds": the word "cilantro" does not exist. In the United States, I now know that the leaves and stalks of the plant are referred to as "cilantro," while the seeds are referred to as "coriander."

In India, where the herb is extremely popular in cooking, it is referred to as "dhania" (just to further confuse the issue!)

Smash Cake



My friend and former Drill Team co-member made a beautiful smash cake that I want to share with you.  What is a Smash Cake, you ask?  It is a 1st birthday cake that a one-year-old baby will truly get to enjoy.  How do they enjoy it?  They SMASH it!!

What a faboulous idea.  It can even be a smaller version of the cake that you serve at the birthday party.  Your choice.

Kristi you did a great job making this gorgeous cake!!
Post Smash ~ Photo Credit by Carrie Carpunky Photography



Post Smash




Easy Italian Chicken with Potatoes



This is a delicious recipe to make when you are in a time crunch.  You know that I do not like using pre-made sauces and mixes but I'll make an exception with this recipe.   It is perfect for a whipping something up quick that requires a comforting balance.   The night before I will cut up the potatoes, put them in a bowl of water and then place them in the fridge to reduce my morning preparation.   Before work that next morning, I will just dump everything in the crock pot for 8 hours and voila...yummy potatoes with chicken so tender it shreds on its own.


Ingredients:

 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup Ken's Italian Dressing with Garlic and Asiago Cheese (It's Gluten Free!!)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder to equal)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges

 Instructions:
Place chicken in bottom of crockpot.  Sprinkle with half of the Italian dressing, spices, and the grated cheese.  Put the potatoes on top and around the chicken.  Sprinkle with the remaining dressing, spices, and cheese.

 Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, till chicken is done and potatoes are tender.

Pie Challenge #1: Strawberry Pie



This summer I have challenged myself to become a Pie Connoisseur, like my Gramma.  Gramma has always made the best pies in the world.  It is because of my Gramma that I am so picky and hold food to very high standards.  She has magic hands and wrists that make everything so delicious.

One of my favorite past times is making pies with Gramma.  She always let me cut the edge of the pie dough and make cinnamon rolls with the excess dough.  A.K.A. rugelachs which we didn't know what they were until 25 years later!  However, the last time I must have made a pie with Gramma was while I was in high school, I cannot remember for sure.  In two months I will be 30 and yet have never made a pie on my own. So hence my challenge.  I want to be like Gramma! So I am going to make tons and tons of pies this summer.  Starting with my very favorite pie, a midwestern favorite: Strawberry Pie.

A true Strawberry Pie does not have odd things in it like pudding or cake, it is a real fruit pie.  No pre-made gels are added to it.  It uses only fresh, handmade piecrust not store-purchased crust.  And for all of the Texans out there we are going to set the record straight...the crap that HEB call's strawberry pie at Mother's Day is NOT Strawberry Pie!!

I made this yesterday on the Summer Solstice.  A perfect remembrance to all those Junes that Gramma, Paw-Paw, and I would sit eating Strawberry Pie at the kitchen table in Illinois.



Gramma got me my first rolling pin

Gramma always let me poke the holes in the pie dough.  My favorite task.



Getting ready to spread the cool whip


xoxo hugs and quiches,

~ Angela O'

A sneak peak at our pie dough cinnamon rolls


Dear Diary

This was an email forward that I sent out to some of my closest friends back in August 2011.  Since the summer has already hit the 100's here for 2013, I thought I would share....  

 P.S. I will admit that it has been a very cool summer & spring this year.  The past few years it was 90 by March 1st!

 ~Angela O'


The is so true.  In fact below read Aug 4th and compare the true temp yesterday August 4th.  I did my SoCo market yesterday and my Iphone started to freak out and say temperature alert and refused to let me use it.  I looked at the current temp at 6:30 p.m. and it was 117 degrees.  Yes that is right 117 degrees…..
angela

Dear Diary,

 Just moved to TEXAS!   Now this is a state that knows how to live!!
Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings.   It is beautiful.   I've
finally found my home.   I love it here.

June 14th:

 Really heating up.   Got to 100 today.   Not a problem.   Live in an
air-conditioned home,  drive an air-conditioned car.   What a pleasure to
see the sun everyday like this.   I'm turning into a sun worshipper.

June 30th:

 Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today.   Lots of cactus
and  rocks.  What a breeze to maintain.   No more mowing the lawn for me.
Another scorcher today, but I love it here.

July 10th:

 The temperature hasn't been below 100 all week.   How do people get used
to this kind of heat?   At least, it's kind of windy though.   But getting
used to the heat is taking longer than I expected.

July 15th:

 Fell asleep by the community pool.   Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my
body.   Missed 3 days of work.   What a dumb thing to do.   I learned my
lesson though. Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this.

July 20th:

 I missed Lomita (my cat) sneaking into the car when I left this
morning.   By the time I got to the hot car at noon,  Lomita had died and swollen
up to the size of a shopping bag,  then popped like a water balloon.   The
car now smells like Kibbles and Shits.   I learned my lesson though.   No more
pets in this heat.   Good ol' Mr. Sun strikes again.

July 25th:

 The wind sucks. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer!!   And it's
hot as hell.   The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman
charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts.

July 30th:

 Been sleeping outside on the patio for 3 nights now, $225,000 house and
I  can't even go inside.   Lomita is the lucky one.   Why did I ever come
here?
Aug. 4th:

 Its 115 degrees.   Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today.   It cost
$500 and gets the temperature down to 85.   I hate this stupid state.

Aug. 8th:

 If another wise ass cracks, 'Hot enough for you today?'   I'm going to
strangle him.   Damn heat.   By the time I get to work, the radiator is
boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet,  and I smell like baked cat!!

Aug. 9th:

 Tried to run some errands after work.  Wore shorts, and when I sat on
the seats in the car,  I thought my ass was on fire.   My skin melted to the
seat.   I lost 2 layers of flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs and ass . . .
Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried ass, and baked cat.

Aug 10th:

 The weather report might as well be a damn recording.   Hot and sunny.
Hot and sunny.   Hot and sunny.   It's been too hot to do shit for 2 damn months
and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week.  Doesn't it
ever rain in this damn state?   Water rationing will be next, so my $1700
worth of cactus will just dry up and blow over.   Even the cactus can't live in
this damn heat.

Aug. 14th:

 Welcome to HELL! Temperature got to 115 today.   Cactus are dead. Forgot
to crack the window and blew the damn windshield out of the car. The
Installer came to fix it and guess what he asked me??? "Hot enough for
you today?" My sister had to spend $1,500 to bail me out of jail. Freaking
TEXAS. What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live here??
Will write later to let you know how the trial goes.


Beach Boys in Concert ?!?!!

My very first beach boys concert t-shirt

Gosh it was this time last year that I got to see my favorite band of all time in concert.  From as early as I could remember the sound of music, I loved the Beach Boys with all of my heart.  Many times I should have been able to see them but by some chance it never was possible.  After I moved to Texas, I was sure I would never get to go to a live performance because they were getting old, I wasn't getting younger and well it was Texas...not the preferred coast of choice.  However, one night I got this sudden feeling that I needed to check their website to see if they might be putting on any summer beach performances nearby.  HAH!  They sure were!!  I flew out of bed to find my husband in the living room on the computer and blurted out that the Beach Boys were going to be in Houston in exactly two and a half days from then.  We were going to have to make a road trip!  We were approximately 4 hours from the Houston area, which included moderate traffic and we were going to have to drive back that same night.  We made it there successfully and even had some fresh Blue Bell ice cream on the way.  Somehow in a state that never rains it chose to rain that night but no one cared.  In our minds it was very sunny, very sandy, and very surf worthy.

Thanks to John who drove me the entire way and back with hardly any sleep


Stopping for Blue Bell at the factory in Brenham


Newborn Date Night kit

When you have great friends that have become brand new parents, it is common to feel a little helpless in the first few months as they are adjusting to a new routine.  One way to help them feel a little bit in the norm is to provide them with a stay-at-home-date-night kit.  Recently, a pair of our Austinite friends had a baby and the poor little guy was so fussy that we didn't see them after leaving the hospital again till the first six weeks went by.  So we dropped off a little surprise basket at their doorstep to wish them well.  Try it sometime, it's fun!  




Black Heart Postage Stamps

Look at this coolness. I just went to the post office to mail a package using the automated postal center. I decided to buy some first class stamps in addition. I assumed that like many times in the past it would print out a jagged-edged, thin paper-like version of the standard first class stamps. Surprise! The screen popped up with like 8 or so graphics for me to choose from. How fun!


Chemically, These Eggs Are Fit to Eat!!

I just found this very old email in my inbox!  It will probably gross you out.  But remember it is your choice to eat eggs that are purchased in a retail store and chemically altered in a plant!!  Haha regardless of where you obtain them you should always inspect the egg in a separate small bowl prior to mixing it into the rest of your ingredients.  That my friend, is a farm egg rule.

Your Name
Angela O'Mahony
Email Address *
XXxxxxxx@Gmail.com
Questions or Comments *
I am a very regular egg buyer with your company at my local Wal-mart and have never had a problem. However the last 1 pack carton of eggs has had quite a bit of problems. I have already thrown away at least half a dozen of the eggs because there have been medium blood spots on the inside.
What Product Did You Purchase?
18 Large Grade A eggs
Where Did You Purchase the Product? (Store/City/State)
Super Walmart Roanoke, TX 76262
Your Contact Information
  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Northlake , TX 76262
United States
Your Telephone Number
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


RE: Contact CCF Brands [#2873]

Van Sullins <xxxxxxxxxxx@ccfbrands.com>
3/22/10

to me
 from xxxxxxxxx@ccfbrands.com
Ms. O’Mahony,

Thank you for contacting CCF Brands! Blood spots also are called meat spots. Occasionally found an egg yolk. They are caused by ruptured blood vessel on the yolk surface during formation of the egg or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Less than 1% of all eggs have blood spots. Mass candling methods reveal most eggs with blood spots and those eggs are removed, but even with electronic spotting it is impossible to catch all of them. As an egg ages, the yolk takes up water from the albumen to dilute the blood spot so, in actuality, a blood spot indicates that the egg is fresh. Both chemically and nutritionally, these eggs are fit to eat.

Thank you for your time and concern and business!

Sincerely,
Van Sullins
Customer Service



Angela O'Mahony <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
3/22/10

to Van
Sir,

 I grew up on a chicken farm so I know what blood spots are regardless of what commercial companies may call them.  I simply was letting you know that there has been a numerous amount in a dozen rather than here or there which could be a sign of a problem.  Regardless of being raised on a chicken farm, I would never feed my family or friends these eggs as they should not be ate.  Unfortunately with this response I will rethink buying eggs again from your company, before the response I was not bothered by them but thought I should make your company aware of it.

 Sincerely,

 Mrs. O'Mahony

Hmmmm......no response after that.....

 xoxo, hugs and quiches
~Angela O'

Elsie, The Cow


 Meet Elsie, The official Borden Cow.  John and I met her 3 years ago this month when we first moved to Texas.  It was in Fort Worth, the land of the cattle.  Her horns really are that shiny, they are gorgeous in person!  They must have someone polish them daily.




I have heard but not confirmed it's truth that Elsie's husband, Elmer The Bull is actually the Elmer's Glue mascot.