Going to the Maker Faire

So, this is a post about the Maker Faire,
but can I just be a proud momma for a moment and
tell you that my son's team rocked the championship game
and are officially the PG Pony Mustang Champions!
A great group of boys and great coaches and parents made this year awesome.

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As I have mentioned, life has been nutso around here, but there are certain things (other than the kiddos) I stop for. Jenn from Rook No. 17 (who will probably have a more detailed post soon) has told me about the Maker Faire awhile back, and after checking out the website I HAD TO GO! And I decided this was going to be a family fun day.

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The Maker Faire is an amazing event filled with creative, inventive, think-outside-the-box people from all over. There was everything from crafts, to steampunk creations to tech innovations to sewing to a human/life-size Mousetrap Game to shopping at the Bizarre Bazaar. A little something for everyone!

As always happens with my family getting there was a long arduous process. It always is...my family does not travel well together (that is a post all its own!).
Parking was awful...and there was a ton of traffic to get to the event center
and the crazy offsite parking was less than ideal, but we survived.
(advantage, we saved $17 and it was only a 10 minute walk)

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Here are the highlights:

Don't you love our infrared photo (the only photo you may ever see of hubby). Thinking of using it as a Christmas Card. I think we look like monkeys!

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And made it to the Expo Hall around lunch time, and and purely by luck I found myself at the CRAFT: craftzine booth. And even luckier, discovered we were just in time for the demo by Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made. Yippeeee! I watched the demo of making a journal and expanding folder from an old book and she was awesome.
This led to the highlight of my day...

Later as we arrived at the Bizarre Bazaar, I happened upon Cathe Holden...and I normally "play it cool" (or so I think)...but just had to tell her how much I loved her demo and her creativity...and she did not think I was a freak (perhaps if I would have made and been wearing my shrinky dinky bracelet she designed for Country Living she would have thought so). Cathe is amazingly talented and beyond nice! If by some crazy chance you have not been to Just Something I Made...go now.

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Jules's highlight was getting her face - arm - painted at the Klutz booth.
We now own the Klutz face Painting book/Kit.

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Joe thought the R2-D2's were cool as well as the sing-a-long with Tesla coils

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Other highlights included having his name written with his DNA sequence and watching a dude play Rockband and simultaneously make fire.

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We also got lucky and saw the Coke Zero and Mentos
sensational soda geysers as we walked back to the car.

Both kids thought we were the coolest parents for buying the world's largest waffle cone for them (6 scoops of gelato in a huge waffle cone). We all shared it and it was cheaper than each of buying a separate one.

I sadly missed the Happy Girl Kitchen Co. Sauerkraut Canning and Adam from Mythbusters, and a few other demos. There was no way on earth we could have done everything in the time we had. We tried...we really tried.

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Apparently the attendance jumped from last year to this year and it was almost to crowded...that was my biggest disappointment. There was so much to see - I mean really incredible creations of all kinds and honestly just too many people (think Disneyland in the summer crowded)

I could have spent the entire weekend there. Next year, Just Joe and I are heading there. Joe loved it all, he took it all in...I knew he would be thrilled by what was happening at the Maker Faire. Jules was crabby and it was just too crowded to give her an inch of freedom.

Would I go back, yep...with a few changes to the itinerary.
The Maker Faire visits cities all over.
It is an event like no other I have ever seen.
If you are an artist, creator, inventor, or just love that innovative spirit,
this is an even not to be missed!
You can sign up for their newsletter and download the event program
for free to see what to is all about.
The website also has a good wrap up as does the facebook page.

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My Kids Teeth: Learning About Invisalign

The Post is brought to you by Invisalign. I have used some facts provided by Invisalign, but the story and opinions are 100% mine. 

 

The other day we had the talk with the dentist.

I knew it was coming and I was kind of dreading it.

It went a little something like this...

"So have you gone to the orthodontist yet?"

"No."

"You realize he is going to need braces?"

'Um, yes. OK, I will get on it."

I also said that 6 months ago.

BUT now it is time for action. Joe is getting older and it is time to start the process of braces and orthodontics. My kiddo is very sensitive to new things and I am thinking this transition is going to be a tough one - the feel of the braces, brackets, and wires, etc. is not something he is going to be comfortable with for a long time, if ever. Heck, it has been 25ish years since I had braces and I remember it all too vividly!

I was just starting to do research on braces and orthodontics when I remembered a family member who had used Invisalign. I thought this might be a good fit for my son...and better yet, discovered that Invisalign has introduced a new product specifically for teens, Invisalign Teen. You cannot imagine how happy I was to find this out.

So why am I so happy? Invisalign sums it up quite nicely:

"When it comes to a decision as important as straightening your child’s teeth, it’s good to know you now have options. Teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. No more wires and brackets required – Invisalign Teen, a series of removable and virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth over time to help your teen achieve a great smile and proper bite, is the clear alternative to metal braces. It was developed with leading orthodontists who understand the unique treatment and compliance needs of teens as well as their active lifestyles. Invisalign Teen treatment is ideal for busy parents because there are never any emergency appointments caused by broken wires or brackets. And you spend less time at the orthodontist’s office, with fewer appointments and less chair time for uncomfortable tightenings."

Although I was familiar with Invisalign, I really did not know how it worked, and thought if I am going to put it in my kids mouth, I better know a little more! Basically Invisalign works by using nearly invisible, removable appliances or “aligners.” The teeth are gradually straightened without metal or wires. Removable and no wires....Amazing, eh?

The process of Invisalign works like this:

"After detailed impressions are taken of the teeth, the company utilizes proprietary 3D computer imaging technology to map the patient’s complete treatment from start to finish. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks. During this time, the aligners gradually move their teeth until they achieve the prescribed final position. Patients typically visit their doctor once every six weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of aligners."

Straightening my child's teeth is important to me,not only for the aesthetic appeal but for his own comfort and good oral care. I had been putting it off for so many reasons but the time is now. I am enthusiastically looking into Invisalign Teen for the following reasons:

• Help provide a great smile to my child while boosting his confidence.
• The product is durable, and easy to use and implement into our busy lifestyle.
• The device can be removed for brushing and flossing (don't you remember how hard it was to keep up your teeth with traditional braces?)
• It is a more comfortable alternative: Invisalign Teen is a lightweight plastic, custom-fitted to my your child's teeth, and maybe best yet for my child personally, "There are no wires or uncomfortable metal brackets poking or tearing their mouths or gums." 

The introduction of Invisalign Teen is perfect timing for my family.
It is definitely an option as we consider which path to take in our orthodontic treatment.

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Coffee Table Woes Solved

Being the romantic that I am, I once gave my husband a coffee table for Christmas. Not because he was begging for one, but because I thought the townhouse needed one. That was years ago, many years ago. We have since outgrown that townhouse and that little coffee table has tagged along, but it is time for a change.

As soon as this book is done, I have a laundry list of things to accomplish, but high on that list is my (already very delayed) family room makeover. I typically tend to mix and match different furniture but this room already serves so many functions, I am looking for a Coffee Table Set. I think the rooms need some consistency and a set will provide a nice cohesive element.

However, have I mentioned the trouble I have selecting furniture. Mainly because knowing my hubby, I will have it FOREVER...which if I make the right decision is fine.

I have been looking around and found a few different sets - all quite different that appeal to me.

This Three Piece Occasional set is quite lovely and traditional. I like the clean lines, but is it too traditional for me? Will I be upset the first time a hot wheels car gets dragged across it?

This beautiful Kathy Ireland Home set would be high on the list...It has storage and I always need more storage! I love the slightly distressed finish too - that would make those scratches that I know are coming fit right in for sure!

Tables with glass insets are another option. I love the idea of the freshness of the glass - in spite of the fact that I would be cleaning little fingerprints constantly. I love the feeling the glass offers.

I wonder what I can talk hubby into?

Anyone have any advice on what they like or
do not like in their coffee and end tables?

This is a sponsored post from Cymax. See my full disclosure policy HERE

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Tickled Pink No. 49

Happy Almost-Weekend!
(a little early)

Time for Tickled Pink!
It is official - where did the school year go!
We are one week away for the last day of school!

I am 30ish days out from the book deadline,
and then everything will calm down, right?

And, surprise, surprise my son's baseball team is in the championship game this Saturday. I will definitely be taking a break for that.

I am also (fingers crossed I have enough work done) going to the Maker Faire on Sunday. I am not even going to explain it - just go check it out and if it comes to your town go!

I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
so THANK YOU all for coming by!

I LOVE the ease of sharing links on Facebook and for now, while I am working toward my deadline this is how I will make my way through Tickled Pink links.
So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!
Don't miss a thing. If you have a Blog Page, just let me know
by leaving a comment on the 504 Main Wall!

If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a  poem...
a  fashion find...a  favorite product...your favorite  post...
whatever makes  your blog  fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}
Click right HERE to Grab a button!

What are you doing this weekend?

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link  up...whatever makes  your blog  fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!! 
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need  to know what the heck they are doing!}. 
4.  I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not  adhere  to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least the 3 links in front of you!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Read, Write, Share
posts you love, stories, favorite things, ideas to share

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DIY! Textured Leaf Patio Pots

My outdoor area needs some serious sprucing up. There is a lot of space but I am starting little...like with the deck area...I am so ready for some evenings sitting on the deck, listening to the waves crash, and just relaxing!

The first step is the outdoor transformation is to get out all of those clay pots that I have done nothing with for 2 years now and giving them a facelift.

I had an idea for the pots, a little something more than just painting them...and it worked! I love when my ideas work!

Supplies

Decoart Patio Paint, Sweet Pea

DecoartPatio Paint, Vintage Rose

Decoart Glazing Medium

Decoart, Snow-Tex

Cutting Edge Stencils, Fern Leaves Small

Foam Brush, Rockler

Painters Tape

Scissors (optional)

Clay Pots - medium size for these stencils

DIY IT!

Go check out The DIY Club 
for all the details on how to make this!

It's simple to do!

1.  Paint the pot, all over in a solid color (NOTE: I did not do this - I wish I had...I applied my Snow-Tex first...painting it all over would make it easier to fill in those little spaces created when yo add the Snow-Tex)
2.  Let dry.
3.  Position the stencil on the pot and secure with painters tape. Shh...don;t tell I cut around my stencil to make it lay flatter on the pot. If you have a larger pot, you would not need too.

4.  Apply the Snow-Tex either with your fingers (like me)...or with a palette knife or old credit card, making sure to fill in all of the spaces...It does not have to be perfect!

 5.  Let dry completely!!!! Important, so that you do not smear the Snow-tex when painting.

6.  Once dry, paint all over with base color, Sweet Pea. I applied 2-3 coats.

7.  Once dry, I want a slightly subdued effect, so I mixed some of the Vintage Rose with the Glazing medium in a 1:1 ratio and applied it to the pots. Totally optional!

Ta-da done! And I think it looks amazing and expensive!

For the saucer, I used the same process...when I applied the Snow-Tex, I positioned the leaves, then removed one leaf and applied the Snow-Tex to one leaf and let dry, then came back and did the same for the other leaf and finished it off like the pot. Imagine how cut this is with a DISChanger as a plaque (just saying you may see a themed set here soon!).

What are you doing to spruce up you outdoor space?

Linking up at!

Get Your Craft On and Today's Creative Blog!

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I Dream of a FAB Workspace

There are two areas of my house that are extremely neglected

(OK, I am not counting the garage!).

The first is my master bedroom (so sad!) and

the second is my office or creative space.

I actually have a hard time calling it a creative space....

there is no space...and it does not inspire creativity!

When I was a wedding planner one of my first purchases was a gorgeous

computer desk. It was big and lovely and there was plenty of room for me to write and plan and organize everyone's weddings.

We moved to a new home and I had a great office space - right in the middle of the house, fabulous skylight, easy access - I painted it and fancied it up just a bit. I was not crafting at this point, so a true creative "I-can-make-a-mess" space was not necessary. Then...I got pregnant and this needed to be the baby's room.

I moved the true office upstairs into the guest area of the house, but it was not as easily accessible as the other locale. Slowly but surely part of the office made it's way to the family room. I currently have my laptop, my organizer and some (too many) files, idea books, and magazines on a table in there. It is convenient, but I cannot turn off blog brain/computer brain/writer brain...I am always looking at it....and if I can see it, it haunts me...and it does not look that pretty either.

I am in the process of revamping the family room

and would love to include a gorgeous home organization center -

if I call it that I feel like I can justify how much we need this -

"See honey, it says HOME...not just HOLLY!"

(think hubby will go for it?)

I also really love this ebony computer armoire is gorgeous too.

I tend to be drawn to ebony right now.

(if all goes well, ebony will be the accent color in the new room)

I will have to say, and bear with me, because I am now going in a completely different direction that this drop lid workstation in worn white is also pretty darn gorgeous!

All so different eh?

Wonder why it takes me so long to pull everything together - oh my brain!

I would be over the moon with any of these computer armoires.

It would make my work space look so tidy and put together...

and I could pack it all up, shut the doors, and concentrate on the crafting and the creativity that often gets sidetracked by my love of the computer!

Anyone have any tips on creating a great workspace?

I am going full force with all of these plans as soon as

my book is finished and sent to the publisher.

this post is sponsored by cymax. View my disclousre policy here

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A Girl and her Cars

So, I thought I was unscathed yesterday by Blogger...my post was up, I had comments...guess what it disappeared last night...so I am posting my writers workshop submission again. Bummer too...you all had great comments about these cars!

Posted: 11 May 2011 11:22 PM PDT

I come from a car obsessed family. My parents, mainly my dad, have a habit of buying cars "just because." They are always buying or talking about buying a "new" car. At one point, with four drivers in the house, we had 7 cars. When it comes to cars, my Dad has a plan and a purpose. Did you know some cars cannot be driven on rainy days?...Or even when it is foggy outside? And some cars cannot be driven outside the city limits? Go figure! Anyway, here is the tale of my first car...or cars as the case may be.

Around 14 my Mom and Dad began preparing for the glorious day I turned 16 and I could haul my friends around and also haul my brother to ice hockey practice at 5 am. My Dad began talking about the Volkswagen we could "build" and how we could "trick it out." Then he bought a VW Baja Bug...he was going to teach me how to drive it and keep it for me...for two years. It was red...I was happy. I was fourteen I had a car waiting for me...I was happy. Two months later he got an offer he couldn't refuse...he sold it.

photo: Kassander der Minoer from de.wikipedia.org [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Now, repeat that same story about 5 more times...the cars were not always red, in fact one was the color of vomit...but it was "the factory paint job," meaning it would remain the color of vomit. The cars were not always going to be "tricked out." Some were going to remain as is. They were all stick shifts. I learned how to drive on a stick and I love a stick shift and when hubby and I bought our first car together (a Mercedes) I asked if it was available with a stick shift, and no they did not throw me out.

Photo: By Sven Darfschlag(Sondermodelle) (privat) [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons

In between all of this, as all appreciative children do, I begged for a different car.
The cute girls drove Karman Ghias in aqua, orange , or white.
And, if I could not have a Karmann Ghia,
at least a convertible bug painted aqua, pretty please.
Didn't happen.

Photo: By User:Petropoxy (Lithoderm Proxy) (Own photo by uploader) [GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The last car we bought (or so I thought), was about one month before I turned 16. It was the vomit colored, mint condition, factory paint job - you-ain't-touching-this-baby-VW Bug. I protested...the color was so ugly, and
I could tell that I could not convince my Dad to paint it.

I finally accepted it - oh the horror!

One day my friend and I were at a high school baseball game, when it was time to go home, I went to the pay phone and called my parents. I said,
"Hey, can you drive my car over so we can go for a ride?"
We walked out to the street to wait for them and
around the corner came a really cute car...
the kind I would D-I-E for.
It got closer and closer and I saw my parents in it.
They stopped and I asked
"What the heck are you doing?"
To which they replied, you said
"To bring your car."

photo: By Legoguy at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

Wholly C-R-A-P!

Um, yeah they went and bought me a Volkswagen Cabriolet.

Now I was almost 16 and had a new convertible beach mobile.
With the personalized license plate of FEVRISH.
I was so cool (or so I thought).

On my 16th birthday, I had an appointment for 9 am at the DMV.

I took my test.
I took my mom back home
I picked up 4 friends and was gone until 9 pm that night.

Just in case you are wondering,
I actually kept that car through high school,
then moved on to a Jetta,
then drove my Mom's baby - a BMW
(read all about that beauty too),
then another Jetta until
that was stolen and
my VW saga came to an abrupt end.

And it will only be mentioned one time that I drove my hubby's extra car....
a powder blue Isuzu Impulse after my car was stolen...
until I got my stick shift-less Mercedes.

My hubby refuses to buy me anymore VW's!

So, what was your first car????

p.s. none of these are my actual cars.

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