Happy Birthday 2009!
With what the media is calling our "Arctic Blast" of 2008, the disarray of the stock market, and the disillusioning nightly news reports being pumped into homes across America day and night, it can be hard to keep focus on what's really important.
I was reminded of this when, on December 25th I found myself snowed in, with no chains on my car, a stack of unsent holiday cards sitting in my living room while I watched the skies dump a few more inches of snow onto my yard and wondered if I would ever be able to return to work. The first day it snowed I happily enjoyed a peaceful snow day, baking and listening to holiday tunes. The 2nd day it snowed I had eaten everything I baked, went sledding and fell asleep full and content. By the third day of snow I was itching to get outside, see a friend or even do some holiday shopping. After a week and a half of snow days and being confined to the house I was downright grumpy and had no idea what to do with myself except to sit around and indulge in self pity. I did make one ill fated attempt to shovel the snow out of my driveway for two hours only to get stuck again a block from my house which only served to worsen my mood.
So it was that I found myself on the morning of December 25th missing my family, thinking of past holidays as the big fat shining example of what this holiday wasn't and finding myself generally disgruntled. I laid in bed for as long as I could and then slowly made my way downstairs where I found my fiancée had put a pot of coffee on, had plugged in the lights to the Christmas tree, opened up the living room window to the picturesque white wonderland that our yard had become and was contentedly lying on the couch, watching television in a happy daze.
I expressed to him my feelings of discontent and he looked at me in disbelief. "What is there to be sad about?" He asked. "We are healthy, we are warm, we have food in the fridge, a roof over our heads and we have each other." Suddenly I realized just how silly I had been acting. While I had been indulging in self pity over being stuck in the house, I had never once thought about those that don't have a house to be stuck in, or the luxury of generated heat at the touch of a button, a refrigerator full of food or the gentle touch or soothing voice of a loved one. Throughout the day I spoke with my Grandma, my dad, my grandpa, my mom and various other family members. We expressed our love and thankfulness for one another. Johnny (my fiancé) and I went sledding in the snow after which I made chicken sour cream enchiladas for lunch and had Johnny take some extras to an elderly neighbor down the street. By that night some of the snow had melted off and we were able to make our way to a Trailblazers game. As I got ready for bed after the days festivities, I took a moment to take inventory of my life.
I have been blessed with a wealth of sincere, generous, loving family and friends and a phone that lets me keep in touch with them whenever I wish. I have a steady income that allows for me to have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and a kitchen stocked with food. I have a fiancée that I cherish, a home full of comforts and a healthy, happy heart. I could not ask for anything more.
There are certainly worse things than being stuck in your house or not being able to get to work and it is important to acknowledge these things and use whatever resources or blessings we have been given to help those that are not as fortunate. I have been lucky enough to be associated with an amazing organization called Hands on Greater Portland and through this organization, I have worked on clothes, food and toy drives, helped to paint and landscape non profit schools, handed out food to the homeless, worked at a battered women’s shelter and looked after animals at the SPCA. These acts have renewed my faith in human kindness, have confirmed just how blessed I really am and have enriched my life beyond measure. As the coming year progresses I hope to be able to share even more of my time, my resources and my energy to helping those less fortunate than I.
And on that note, cheers to the New Year! I hope that it brings each of you happiness, health, and gratitude.
Happy Birthday 2009!
Thalia
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Local Pumpkin Patches
Halloween is just around the corner,
do you know where your pumpkin is?
Below is a list of local pumpkin patches, hay rides and corn mazes. Premiere Events Portland wishes each and every one of you a happy and safe Halloween!
Krugers farm Market
17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd.
Portland, Or. 97231
503-621-3489
Plumper Pumpkin Patch
11435 NW Old Cornelius Rd.
portland, Or. 97231
503-645-9561
The Pumpkin Patch -Sauvie's Island
16511 NW Gillihan Rd.
Portland, Or.
503-621-3874
Lee's Pumpkin Patch
21975 SW 65th Ave.
Tualitin, Or. 97062
503-638-1869
Old McDonald's Farm
1001 SE Evans Rd.
Corbett, Or. 97019
503-695-3316
Lake View Farms
32055 NW North Ave.
North Plains, Or. 97133
503-647-2336
Hoffmans Dairy Garden
6815 S Knightsbridge Road
Canby, Or. 97013
503-263-6815
Liepold Farms
14480 SE Richey Rd.
Boring, Or. 97009
503-663-5880
Baggenstos Farm
15801 SW Roy Rogers Rd.
Sherwood, 97140
503-590-4301
Heiser Farms
20900 Grand Island Loop
Dayton, Or. 97114
503-868-7512
Flower Farmer
2512 N Holly
Canby, Or. 97045
503-266-3581
Olson Farms
22255 SE Borges Road
Damascus, Or. 97089
503-658-2237
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Looking for something fun to do with the kids?
On Saturday, September 27th, 2008 between the hours of 11am and 3:30pm, farms across America will open their doors to visitors. Mountain Jewel Alpacas of Philomath Oregon (lovcated five miles west of Corvallis) is no exception. Located at 938 N 9th Street Philomath, OR 97370 this farm consists of 25 miles of rolling hills, white oaks and a herd of 15 alpacas. Alpacas are fiber animals that come in 22 natural colors. Learn about these amazing animals up close and personal, see their fiber and fiber products and get a chance to purchase your winter alpaca sock collection. Free ballons, refreshments and alpaca coloring books will be available for the kids. Farm store items iinclude scarves, hats, gloves, sweaters, blankets and more lovely items made of luxurious alpaca!!
For more information about thias event and to read more about Mountain Jewel Alpacas and the products they offer, please visit their website at http://www.mountainjewelalpacas.com
For more information about thias event and to read more about Mountain Jewel Alpacas and the products they offer, please visit their website at http://www.mountainjewelalpacas.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Premiere Events Portland Goes Green
Premiere Events Portland has gone Green! In an effort to bring you up to the minute ideas, tips, trends and information about trailblazing companies leading the way in green event and wedding planning, I pledge that I will faithfully post blogs about everything I can find to assist you in planning spectacular events and special days without leaving behind a pile of waste in the process!
Please check back often for valuable information and contact us if you have any questions or would like to see any additional information that is not listed here.
To get you started I have listed some companies that are more than deserving of your green. check them out and let me know what you think!
Earthlyaffair.com (earth friendly invitations):
At Earthly Affair, they will work with you to give you the most original and unique wedding invitations created in the most earth friendly way possible. With 100% recycled paper, earth friendly printing methods, an eco equipped studio, and carbon free shipping, they place just as much importance on environmental impact just as important as they do on your satisfaction. But that's just the tip of the iceberg click here for more information and to view these beautiful invitations: http://www.earthlyaffair.com
Terrapass (Reduce your carbon footprint)
Whether traveling for business, pleasure or event related purposes, now you can do something to help fight global warming! Before you travel, visit Terrapass. To date, they have eliminated over 1 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Curious? Want to be a part of a group that is driving change today? Then what are you still doing on this blog, get over to Terrapass now! :) http://www.terrapass.com
Register Locally Eco Registry (for Green Weddings and Gift Giving)
Here you can register for everything from hemp napkins, recycled materials tea sets to eco friendly baby supplies. There are a ton of items to choose from with prices that are comprable to any major department store. Whether you are in the idea phase or ready to tell the world where you are registered, you owe it to yourself to take a peek at what this website has to offer. http://www.registerlocally.com
Tip of the day: Green Wedding Favors- Instead of expensive favors like mint tins or tulle wrapped candy, why not opt for ebvironmentally friendly wedding favors that will give your family and friends something to treasure for years to come: Flower, Fruit or Vegetable Seed Packets!!!
Please check back often for valuable information and contact us if you have any questions or would like to see any additional information that is not listed here.
To get you started I have listed some companies that are more than deserving of your green. check them out and let me know what you think!
Earthlyaffair.com (earth friendly invitations):
At Earthly Affair, they will work with you to give you the most original and unique wedding invitations created in the most earth friendly way possible. With 100% recycled paper, earth friendly printing methods, an eco equipped studio, and carbon free shipping, they place just as much importance on environmental impact just as important as they do on your satisfaction. But that's just the tip of the iceberg click here for more information and to view these beautiful invitations: http://www.earthlyaffair.com
Terrapass (Reduce your carbon footprint)
Whether traveling for business, pleasure or event related purposes, now you can do something to help fight global warming! Before you travel, visit Terrapass. To date, they have eliminated over 1 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Curious? Want to be a part of a group that is driving change today? Then what are you still doing on this blog, get over to Terrapass now! :) http://www.terrapass.com
Register Locally Eco Registry (for Green Weddings and Gift Giving)
Here you can register for everything from hemp napkins, recycled materials tea sets to eco friendly baby supplies. There are a ton of items to choose from with prices that are comprable to any major department store. Whether you are in the idea phase or ready to tell the world where you are registered, you owe it to yourself to take a peek at what this website has to offer. http://www.registerlocally.com
Tip of the day: Green Wedding Favors- Instead of expensive favors like mint tins or tulle wrapped candy, why not opt for ebvironmentally friendly wedding favors that will give your family and friends something to treasure for years to come: Flower, Fruit or Vegetable Seed Packets!!!
If you know your friends and family pretty well and know their basic skill level when it comes to planting then that should help you to know what kinds of seeds to purchase for your wedding favors.- If most of your family and friends love gardening, then you could choose a particular plant that is beautiful, but a bit harder to grow. If not many people in your family have a green thumb, then choose something easy where all they have to do is sprinkle the seeds in the grass and water the grass to get some beautiful wildflowers.
- To pack the seeds, buy some all natural fabric such as cotton or organic silk and you can make lots of little bags for your seeds with the material. Then, be sure to include a tag on each wedding favor that says what kinds of seeds are in the bag, and some basic care instructions for the seeds you are giving. Another thought is to give out some flower or plant bulbs, though that can get expensive with a lot of wedding guests.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Natural and Home Beauty secrets that WORK!!!
Greasy hair? Flushed complexion? Sudden breakout? Once upon a time these minor upsets could make or break your special day. Well, not anymore. Below are a ton of natural and home beauty secrets that actually work. So go ahead and bust out the baking soda, avacados and other common household items that we have listed below. Whatever the event, these tips will ensure that no beauty obstacle stands in your way!
1. Powder Your RootsIf your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip it into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove the excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn't shower.
2. Scent Strands with PerfumeSpray a light shot of fragrance into the bristles. Run it through strands from roots to ends and your hair will smell amazing throughout the day.
3. Cure Calluses with VaselineSlather on the petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight.
4. Spot-Treat SmudgesDip a cotton swab in eye-makeup remover, and trace it along your lids to erase any slipups or goofs when there's no time to redo your whole look.
5. Fix a Flushed FaceIf you turn red and stay that way after exercising (like seriously red for hours, even though you're healthy and hydrated), take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce redness.
6. Soften Your Bod with AvocadoTake a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be so soft — avocado is a natural moisturizer.
7. Super-Glue a NailInstead of tearing off your nail when it breaks, put a tiny dab of Super Glue over the split, and paint a generous layer of your favorite nailpolish shade over it. Go for an opaque option (like red, purple, or coral) to camouflage and seal the crack.
8. Use Makeup Remover on Stubborn LipstickDon't try to rub off red lipstick (which makes it smear across your mouth — not so sexy). Instead, take a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in makeup remover, and just dab to erase the dark stain fast.
9. Tame Brows with Eye CreamPat any kind of rich eye cream over brows to help keep them hydrated and banish those icky white specks that look like dandruff.
10. Buff with Baking SodaIf you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.
11. Brush on Hair SprayFor the final step of your blow-dry, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through strands from roots to tips. This way, your do isn't so plastered and stiff but still holds volume and shine.
12. Boost Body Lotion with Baby OilIf you're craving shiny legs that aren't greasy, blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.
13. Dab Essential Oil on a HangnailPut on apricot oil, the kind found in health-food stores, to protect cuticles from turning rough and raggedy.
14. Quell a Cold Sore with CreamWhen a cold sore is coming on, dab a bit of thick moisturizer, like Aquaphor, over it to prevent it from getting worse.
15. Freeze Your EyelinerIf the tip of your eyeliner pencil crumbles and smears on your lids, store the liner in the freezer for 15 minutes before use so the tip is firm and goes across your skin smoothly.
16. Use Toothpaste on a ZitUse just a pea-size amount. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil so the pimple won't get more clogged, then wash off.
17. Heat Up Your CurlerIf you have stick-straight lashes, try blasting your metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a couple seconds to heat it up so your lashes bend more easily. And use a waterproof mascara. The formula dries faster than other mascaras, so it sets the curl more effectively.
18. Use Soap Without WaterYou know those fancy bars that are actually too pretty to use? Toss them in your underwear or tee-shirt drawers to make your skin smell delicious.
19. Groom Brows with a ToothbrushMist an (unused!) toothbrush or eyebrow comb with hair spray to help flatten and tame unruly brows.
20. Put Diaper-Rash Cream on Dry SpotsSlather on a thick layer of diaper-rash cream to heal cracked elbows and feet.
21. Lubricate Your LashesAn easy way to draw attention to your eyes without putting on a pile of makeup is to comb petroleum jelly lightly through the tips of eyelashes to get a sexy, subtle sparkle.
22. Spike Lotion with BronzerIf you don't have time to book a self-tanning session, mix a few pumps of body bronzer with regular hand lotion and pat it on your legs for a gradual dose of sexy, beachy color.
23. Air-Dry Your CurlsLet your hair dry indoors before going out in the cold. The curls will be really bouncy and piecey-perfect.
24. Press a Tea Bag on SplotchesIf your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for some reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.
25. Shave with ConditionerRan out of shaving cream? Do double duty by coating your stems with a thick hair conditioner. It softens the hair so it's easier to shave off and makes legs feel amazingly silky.
26. Amp Shine with VinegarMix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water, and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.
27. Exfoliate Your PitsIf your underarms start to look dry and flaky, an easy trick is to exfoliate them with a gentle face scrub to keep that skin pretty when going sleeveless.
28. Customize Your Body LotionInstead of shelling out for an expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on-the scent will last for hours.
29. "Brush" with MouthwashIf you're too wiped out after a late night of partying to clean your teeth, rinse with water and mouthwash, then use a dry toothbrush on the area where your teeth hit your gums.
30. Make an Egg-White MaskTo revive tired, dull skin without hitting the spa table, try this: Crack open an egg in a bowl, separate the yolk, and use the egg whites to make a face mask. The proteins help to heal and restore skin's moisture. Leave it on for five minutes, and rinse off.
1. Powder Your RootsIf your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip it into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove the excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn't shower.
2. Scent Strands with PerfumeSpray a light shot of fragrance into the bristles. Run it through strands from roots to ends and your hair will smell amazing throughout the day.
3. Cure Calluses with VaselineSlather on the petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight.
4. Spot-Treat SmudgesDip a cotton swab in eye-makeup remover, and trace it along your lids to erase any slipups or goofs when there's no time to redo your whole look.
5. Fix a Flushed FaceIf you turn red and stay that way after exercising (like seriously red for hours, even though you're healthy and hydrated), take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce redness.
6. Soften Your Bod with AvocadoTake a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be so soft — avocado is a natural moisturizer.
7. Super-Glue a NailInstead of tearing off your nail when it breaks, put a tiny dab of Super Glue over the split, and paint a generous layer of your favorite nailpolish shade over it. Go for an opaque option (like red, purple, or coral) to camouflage and seal the crack.
8. Use Makeup Remover on Stubborn LipstickDon't try to rub off red lipstick (which makes it smear across your mouth — not so sexy). Instead, take a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in makeup remover, and just dab to erase the dark stain fast.
9. Tame Brows with Eye CreamPat any kind of rich eye cream over brows to help keep them hydrated and banish those icky white specks that look like dandruff.
10. Buff with Baking SodaIf you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.
11. Brush on Hair SprayFor the final step of your blow-dry, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through strands from roots to tips. This way, your do isn't so plastered and stiff but still holds volume and shine.
12. Boost Body Lotion with Baby OilIf you're craving shiny legs that aren't greasy, blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.
13. Dab Essential Oil on a HangnailPut on apricot oil, the kind found in health-food stores, to protect cuticles from turning rough and raggedy.
14. Quell a Cold Sore with CreamWhen a cold sore is coming on, dab a bit of thick moisturizer, like Aquaphor, over it to prevent it from getting worse.
15. Freeze Your EyelinerIf the tip of your eyeliner pencil crumbles and smears on your lids, store the liner in the freezer for 15 minutes before use so the tip is firm and goes across your skin smoothly.
16. Use Toothpaste on a ZitUse just a pea-size amount. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil so the pimple won't get more clogged, then wash off.
17. Heat Up Your CurlerIf you have stick-straight lashes, try blasting your metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a couple seconds to heat it up so your lashes bend more easily. And use a waterproof mascara. The formula dries faster than other mascaras, so it sets the curl more effectively.
18. Use Soap Without WaterYou know those fancy bars that are actually too pretty to use? Toss them in your underwear or tee-shirt drawers to make your skin smell delicious.
19. Groom Brows with a ToothbrushMist an (unused!) toothbrush or eyebrow comb with hair spray to help flatten and tame unruly brows.
20. Put Diaper-Rash Cream on Dry SpotsSlather on a thick layer of diaper-rash cream to heal cracked elbows and feet.
21. Lubricate Your LashesAn easy way to draw attention to your eyes without putting on a pile of makeup is to comb petroleum jelly lightly through the tips of eyelashes to get a sexy, subtle sparkle.
22. Spike Lotion with BronzerIf you don't have time to book a self-tanning session, mix a few pumps of body bronzer with regular hand lotion and pat it on your legs for a gradual dose of sexy, beachy color.
23. Air-Dry Your CurlsLet your hair dry indoors before going out in the cold. The curls will be really bouncy and piecey-perfect.
24. Press a Tea Bag on SplotchesIf your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for some reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.
25. Shave with ConditionerRan out of shaving cream? Do double duty by coating your stems with a thick hair conditioner. It softens the hair so it's easier to shave off and makes legs feel amazingly silky.
26. Amp Shine with VinegarMix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water, and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.
27. Exfoliate Your PitsIf your underarms start to look dry and flaky, an easy trick is to exfoliate them with a gentle face scrub to keep that skin pretty when going sleeveless.
28. Customize Your Body LotionInstead of shelling out for an expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on-the scent will last for hours.
29. "Brush" with MouthwashIf you're too wiped out after a late night of partying to clean your teeth, rinse with water and mouthwash, then use a dry toothbrush on the area where your teeth hit your gums.
30. Make an Egg-White MaskTo revive tired, dull skin without hitting the spa table, try this: Crack open an egg in a bowl, separate the yolk, and use the egg whites to make a face mask. The proteins help to heal and restore skin's moisture. Leave it on for five minutes, and rinse off.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Make your own RECYCLED PAPER
For anyone that is interested in making their own hand made recycled paper (and let me just give you my utmost admiration in advance!!!). I would love to take full kudos for this recipe and process but I found it on a wonderful website that is chalk full of great information regarding green weddings and other special events. The website is called Green Weddings wirth Carol Reed Jones: www.ecolivingcenter.com/greenweddings Check it out when you get a chance. It is an amazing site. OK my happy green people. Here goes...
PS...let me know how it turns out. I would love to hear from you :)
Making Recycled PaperEquipment:
Mixed scrap paper
Dishpan or tub
Water
Kitchen blender
Sponge
Newspaper or cardboard
Old towels
Framed screen smaller than the dimensions of the tub. *
Old empty frame smaller than the screen (will be the size of the finished paper).
Lightweight to medium fabric with an interesting texture (will give texture to the paper; use finely woven fabric if you don't want a conspicuous texture)
* Instead of a picture frame, you can use a large, open cookie cutterfor a unique shape such as a heart, tree, etc.
Directions:
Fill the blender about two thirds full of water. Tear up two 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of scrap paper into pieces the size of postage stamps. Add a handful to the blender and blend until cloudy , about 20 seconds. Put this in the tub and add water until tub is half full; the resultantmixture is called slurry. Blend the rest of the scraps with water in this same manner, and add to the slurry in the tub. The thicker the slurry, the thicker the paper will be, and vice versa. To incorporate dried leaf pieces or flower petals the easy way, just add them to the slurry at this point. But they won't be visible if your paper is too thick.Place the empty frame on top of the screen, and hold securely with yourhands. Have someone stir up the slurry so that all the paper fibers do not sink to the bottom of the tub. Dip the screen and frame down into the slurry with a scooping motion, and quickly lift it out of the tub, keeping it level. Hold it over the tub to allow water to drain. Brush or peel away excess paper fibers outside the empty frame, and return them to the slurry. Remove the frame, lifting straight up, and you should have a fairly decent square of homemade paper. Place a newspaper or piece of cardboard on it, and flip everything over--frame, new paper, screen, cardboard. Leaving the screen in place, blot the paper with a sponge, pressing each area once and wringing it out. Lift screen off of paper, tapping it gently if it sticks. If desired, you can add confetti, glitter, dried flowers or small leaves at this stage. Place them exactly where you want them on the paper, and pour a miniscule amount of slurry on them to cement in place. Japanese maple leaves look nice, especially if the slurry has tiny twigs and bits of leaf. Now cover the paper with your textured fabric, and continue to sponge water out of the paper until it is as dry as possible. To give your paper texture, iron it between two pieces of textured fabric. The paper will pick up the weave pattern. If you're making your own invitations, keep in mind that the smallest size of postcard or envelope the post office will take is 3 1/2" x 5".
So, the basic steps are: Blend, scoop, peel off extra, blot and iron.
PS...let me know how it turns out. I would love to hear from you :)
Making Recycled PaperEquipment:
Mixed scrap paper
Dishpan or tub
Water
Kitchen blender
Sponge
Newspaper or cardboard
Old towels
Framed screen smaller than the dimensions of the tub. *
Old empty frame smaller than the screen (will be the size of the finished paper).
Lightweight to medium fabric with an interesting texture (will give texture to the paper; use finely woven fabric if you don't want a conspicuous texture)
* Instead of a picture frame, you can use a large, open cookie cutterfor a unique shape such as a heart, tree, etc.
Directions:
Fill the blender about two thirds full of water. Tear up two 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of scrap paper into pieces the size of postage stamps. Add a handful to the blender and blend until cloudy , about 20 seconds. Put this in the tub and add water until tub is half full; the resultantmixture is called slurry. Blend the rest of the scraps with water in this same manner, and add to the slurry in the tub. The thicker the slurry, the thicker the paper will be, and vice versa. To incorporate dried leaf pieces or flower petals the easy way, just add them to the slurry at this point. But they won't be visible if your paper is too thick.Place the empty frame on top of the screen, and hold securely with yourhands. Have someone stir up the slurry so that all the paper fibers do not sink to the bottom of the tub. Dip the screen and frame down into the slurry with a scooping motion, and quickly lift it out of the tub, keeping it level. Hold it over the tub to allow water to drain. Brush or peel away excess paper fibers outside the empty frame, and return them to the slurry. Remove the frame, lifting straight up, and you should have a fairly decent square of homemade paper. Place a newspaper or piece of cardboard on it, and flip everything over--frame, new paper, screen, cardboard. Leaving the screen in place, blot the paper with a sponge, pressing each area once and wringing it out. Lift screen off of paper, tapping it gently if it sticks. If desired, you can add confetti, glitter, dried flowers or small leaves at this stage. Place them exactly where you want them on the paper, and pour a miniscule amount of slurry on them to cement in place. Japanese maple leaves look nice, especially if the slurry has tiny twigs and bits of leaf. Now cover the paper with your textured fabric, and continue to sponge water out of the paper until it is as dry as possible. To give your paper texture, iron it between two pieces of textured fabric. The paper will pick up the weave pattern. If you're making your own invitations, keep in mind that the smallest size of postcard or envelope the post office will take is 3 1/2" x 5".
So, the basic steps are: Blend, scoop, peel off extra, blot and iron.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Green Wedding tips
One of my recent undertakings has been to get the word out and see what kind of interest I can generate in having a "Green Wedding Showcase" here in Portland. Think the "Green Brides Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding" or something similiar. In my quest to find affordable, fun solutions that will assist in planning a sustainable wedding, I have included some basic tips below:
For gorgeous cakes with no waste try "Edible Flowers":
If you can't pick the flowers the day of the wedding, store them, exceptfor chicory, on plates in your fridge with a bit of water.ChicoryThese pale lavender-blue daisy-like flowers have very fragile petals,and grow almost directly off of the main stems.
You can pick entire stems a day in advance if needed, and store them in water. Pick them off the main stem carefully just before placing on the cake. They open around noon. Spicy bitter taste.
Lavender: Even if the lavender blooms aren't opened, the un-bloomed bud clusterslook like purple-blue braid, making an attractive edging or accent. Perfumed taste.
Nasturtium: These come in all warm colors from cream to burgundy, the most commonbeing orange and yellow. Peppery taste.
Oregano: Clusters of tiny pink flowers clusters on burgundy stems.
Marjoram: is the same, only less pink. Spicy taste.
Pansy: has a wide range of colors, from purple and yellow; to pink, darkrose and purple; to midnight blue. Fragile petals, so don't pick them and dump them in a bag, or they'll get crushed. Semi-sweet taste.
Rose: Wide range of colors, mostly in the warm spectrum; use buds for atraditional look, and watch for aphids. Mildly sweet taste.
* When using edible flowers, use only flowers that have been organically grown, unsprayed and not growing by a roadside.
Green Ways to cut wedding costs:
* Select a venue where you can have both the ceremony and the reception.
* Choose only in season flowers and, if possible, grow some or all of the flowers yourself or have friends and/or family plant flowers for you. In order to save even more money, you can buy flowerd wholesale and rent a book from the library on flower arranging in order to do the arrangements yourself.
*Save on wedding attire by renting, wearing heirloom wedding clothes, buying secondhand or buying clothes at sales at bridal fairs (Check newspapers).
*For wedding favors, give each guest a Haiku or special message hand printed on a piece of recycled paper. Structurally, a haiku poem usually consists of three lines of five,seven, and five syllables respectively. It can describe a moment in nature or capture the feeling of your special day.
For gorgeous cakes with no waste try "Edible Flowers":
If you can't pick the flowers the day of the wedding, store them, exceptfor chicory, on plates in your fridge with a bit of water.ChicoryThese pale lavender-blue daisy-like flowers have very fragile petals,and grow almost directly off of the main stems.
You can pick entire stems a day in advance if needed, and store them in water. Pick them off the main stem carefully just before placing on the cake. They open around noon. Spicy bitter taste.
Lavender: Even if the lavender blooms aren't opened, the un-bloomed bud clusterslook like purple-blue braid, making an attractive edging or accent. Perfumed taste.
Nasturtium: These come in all warm colors from cream to burgundy, the most commonbeing orange and yellow. Peppery taste.
Oregano: Clusters of tiny pink flowers clusters on burgundy stems.
Marjoram: is the same, only less pink. Spicy taste.
Pansy: has a wide range of colors, from purple and yellow; to pink, darkrose and purple; to midnight blue. Fragile petals, so don't pick them and dump them in a bag, or they'll get crushed. Semi-sweet taste.
Rose: Wide range of colors, mostly in the warm spectrum; use buds for atraditional look, and watch for aphids. Mildly sweet taste.
* When using edible flowers, use only flowers that have been organically grown, unsprayed and not growing by a roadside.
Green Ways to cut wedding costs:
* Select a venue where you can have both the ceremony and the reception.
* Choose only in season flowers and, if possible, grow some or all of the flowers yourself or have friends and/or family plant flowers for you. In order to save even more money, you can buy flowerd wholesale and rent a book from the library on flower arranging in order to do the arrangements yourself.
*Save on wedding attire by renting, wearing heirloom wedding clothes, buying secondhand or buying clothes at sales at bridal fairs (Check newspapers).
*For wedding favors, give each guest a Haiku or special message hand printed on a piece of recycled paper. Structurally, a haiku poem usually consists of three lines of five,seven, and five syllables respectively. It can describe a moment in nature or capture the feeling of your special day.
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