Inside the Studio

Fancy That!

Tonight we got fancy!  For no reason at all, "Dinner at the Becks" was a fancy, frivolous occasion! 

Inspired by the latest children's book by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser -- FANCY NANCY... Let's Get Fancy Together -- the youngest in our family, Grace, decided to throw a fancy feast for dinner.  And surprisingly, even on the first night back to school after vacation for 2 weeks, everyone participated with pomp and circumstance!
Grace was able to talk Shane into cooking for the occasion and he prepared the Short Ribs on the cover of the October 2007 issue of Bon Appetite. Mmm Mmm good!  She used the invitations from the book, set place cards and gave away party favors -- that's mamma's girl!

In Nancy's honor, dinner was served on our fancy, french china, we sat in the dining room and ate by candle light, dressed as fancy as we could take our selves seriously! From feathery boas to glittery sunglasses, we dined and laughed and toasted a fun and fancy family occasion!

Merci Beaucoup, Gracie ... for the frivilous night!
xoxo, momma

    

Christmas Cookies

Sweet treats of the season continued to carry on through our house through Christmas Day, from the large amounts of Christmas cookies made last Saturday for friends and neighbors. It was a family affair, all members pitching in help here and there to bake the yummy delights. We made an assortment of cookies to be packaged and delivered, from peanut butter to fudge. Dressed in the appropriate attire of aprons and pajamas, we measured and mixed while dancing to the carols of the season. Once packaged, the sweets were tied off with a Cross My Heart gift tag, of course, then delivered to doorsteps across the neighborhood. The leftovers still remain, a treat to all guests of the house last night on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas!

  

The Knot!

Who would have guessed that just as our honeymoon year was over, Shane and I would be featured on theknot.com! 

About this time two years ago, we were frivolously planning "tying the knot" in Santa Fe, NM.  From the invitations to the food, every detail was most important.

We had an exceptional photographer, Jane Bernard, who captured every detail with a magical image.  Jane was contacted by The Knot to feature her work and here we are.

Our wedding experience is now wrapped and tied with a perfect "knot"!

ps.  i still absolutely love the invitations we custom designed for our special day.

 

CMH got LUCKY!

Check out this CMH product featured in "Lucky" Magazine"!  This note is from our "Matchbox Note" collection.  The product is printed on FSC certified paper and the reusable box is perfect for storing personal treasures long after you have shared the notes!  You will love this "green" product form Cross My Heart!

T.G.I.F. Coffee Break

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

With the kiddos back in school and the list of things to do growing at an exponential rate, you might need an extra cup of coffee to get it all done!  Coffee also provides a great party atmosphere- warmth, yummy aromas, and a little boost of energy!  You could use a few of these ideas and start your Saturday morning off right this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail invitations for your own private Coffee House next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're back at school (and needing a cup o' Joe).

Today's theme:  Back to School Coffee Break

Reasons to have one:

If you're missing interaction with other adults since school started (but can't seem to find the time after school hours), invite a handful of friends over on a weekday morning (once the kids are out of your hair and that first school bell rings).  You can sit around enjoying a cup of coffee, swapping summer stories, and exchanging "back to school" tales with the other moms.

You could also have a "Fall Coffee" just to celebrate the changing seasons!  Enjoy a sunset-watching evening on the porch with a warm cup of coffee followed by a good old s'mores roast.

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here, 68W89 and 8172)

  Wording ideas:

A little festive wording will really "perk up" your invitation:

"With the kids back in school and schedules filled up, you'll be needing more coffee... so join us for a cup!"

"Let's FALL into fun...with a warm cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun!"

The menu: 

When you've got a great pot of coffee brewing, all you really need to make it a party are a few flavored creamers, sugar, and some light breakfast-type items.  If you want to go the easy route, pick up donuts or bagels from your local bakery.  If you're feeling domestic, you can always slice up a tray of fresh fruit, pop some cinnamon rolls in the oven or bake blueberry muffins.

Just take the time to enjoy a silent moment over a cup of warm, comforting goodness.  You deserve it!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

With the kiddos back in school and the list of things to do growing at an exponential rate, you might need an extra cup of coffee to get it all done!  Coffee also provides a great party atmosphere- warmth, yummy aromas, and a little boost of energy!  You could use a few of these ideas and start your Saturday morning off right this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail invitations for your own private Coffee House next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're back at school (and needing a cup o' Joe).

Today's theme:  Back to School Coffee Break

Reasons to have one:

If you're missing interaction with other adults since school started (but can't seem to find the time after school hours), invite a handful of friends over on a weekday morning (once the kids are out of your hair and that first school bell rings).  You can sit around enjoying a cup of coffee, swapping summer stories, and exchanging "back to school" tales with the other moms.

You could also have a "Fall Coffee" just to celebrate the changing seasons!  Enjoy a sunset-watching evening on the porch with a warm cup of coffee followed by a good old s'mores roast.

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here, 68W89 and 8172)

  Wording ideas:

A little festive wording will really "perk up" your invitation:

"With the kids back in school and schedules filled up, you'll be needing more coffee... so join us for a cup!"

"Let's FALL into fun...with a warm cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun!"

The menu: 

When you've got a great pot of coffee brewing, all you really need to make it a party are a few flavored creamers, sugar, and some light breakfast-type items.  If you want to go the easy route, pick up donuts or bagels from your local bakery.  If you're feeling domestic, you can always slice up a tray of fresh fruit, pop some cinnamon rolls in the oven or bake blueberry muffins.

Just take the time to enjoy a silent moment over a cup of warm, comforting goodness.  You deserve it!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

This is no SECOND HAND ROSE

I love this site - it is the epitome of some of my favorite things! Vintage finds, beautiful colors and interesting inspiration- talk about an overload!

Their impressive wallpaper collection spans from the 1860's to the 1970's and varies in design style featuring rare and unusual floral, geometrics, novelty and chinoiserie patterns.

SECONDHAND ROSE

Fall Forecast- GRAPHIC PRINT!

Pottery Barn has an array of pillow choices with a multitude of colors, prints and patterns adding variety and texture to any room!

Our CMH Haute Dame Collection featured below offers a similar medley to the world of paper. 

Check out how these trends for the fall translate into some of our paper products!

     

CMH on Polka Dot Design!

See the latest and greatest from CROSS MY HEART on polkadotdesign.com, with all of our May release everyday and holiday products live on their site!

Get a little love in your inbox!

Have you signed up to receive promotional emails from Cross-My-Heart?  If you haven't done so yet, you could be missing out on tons of exciting offers that will be coming soon- updates on the catalog, sneak peeks of new products, warehouse sales, free downloads, product give-aways and much more!  We're planning to have something for everyone- consumers and retailers alike!   Just go to our website and click on "Sign me up!" to get registered today (or just click here) so you don't miss out on any of the fun!

T.G.I.F. Girls' Night Out

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

Everyone knows that girls just wanna have fun, right?...  Well, it might be time to round up your girlfriends, get dolled up and hit the town for a Girls' Night Out!  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're hitting town (in heels)!

Today's theme:  Girls' Night Out

Reasons to have one:

There are several legitimate reasons to have a GNO (Girls' Night Out), such as a Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Concert Outing, or just a kids-free weekend... but let's face it.  The great thing about GNO is that you don't HAVE to have a reason- it's all about having a night of fun with the girls whenever you need it!  So go ahead, make up a reason- today is payday, you've got that new pair of shoes that simply MUST be broken in, you heard a rumor that Prince Harry was in town and you want to seek him out... you get the idea.  You can always find a reason for GNO if you try hard enough.

Invitation ideas:

(shown here, 68W95, 7527, and 68E38)

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions for your girly shin-dig:

"Let's get dolled up and paint the town... Break a few hearts and shut the bars down!"

"A night of just the girls is what it's all about!  You're invited to join us for a Girls' Night OUT!"

"It's time we had a night on the town!  Let's get dressed up and let our hair down!"

"Are you ready to join the girls for a WILD night out?"

The agenda:

Every history-making GNO involves three basic ingredients:  Friends, Food, and Laughter (but cocktails don't hurt either).  So as long as you've got those bases covered, you're in for a night of fun.

If budget is of no concern, rent a limo to drive you and your gal pals around all night- to a nice restaurant, a swanky hotel bar for dessert, then to a few of your favorite nightclubs to dance the night away!

If you're group of girls is on a budget, you can always do dinner and a movie (Mamma Mia is a great flick if you haven't seen it yet, and it's perfect for girl-time!).  Or if you've got a sporty bunch, meet up for a baseball game and a few beers (and plenty of guy-watching, of course).

The menu:

Wine and sweets are a must for any GNO, so a great hangout like CRU would be perfect for a night out, or if you're in the Big Apple, check out Dr.Vino for a map and review of the best wine bars in the big city.

If you're not a wine fan, try ordering one of these cocktails at your favorite watering hole:

Paradise Found
1 oz Cherry Vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
3 oz Orange Juice
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Pineapple Rum
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Blood Orange Cosmo

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1 1/2 oz Orange Vodka

1/4 oz (fresh) lime juice

1 splash Cranberry juice

1/4 oz Orange juice

Mojito

1 1/2 oz  Light Rum
  Club Soda
2 tsp  Sugar
3 Sprig Mint
3 tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

Long Island Iced Tea

1 part  Vodka
1 part  Rum
1 part  Gin
1 splash  Coca-Cola
1 part  Triple Sec
1 part  Tequila
1 1/2 parts  Sweet and Sour Mix

For a evening that will kill your diet but leave you completely satisfied, you and your buddies can have a "desserts only" outing.  Don't do dinner-that's too boring!  Instead, hit up your favorite Cheesecake Factory or local dessert mecca and order a three-course dessert meal! (Warning:  If you choose this option, you might have to factor in a few extra workout sessions to fit back in those cute jeans!)

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

Everyone knows that girls just wanna have fun, right?...  Well, it might be time to round up your girlfriends, get dolled up and hit the town for a Girls' Night Out!  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're hitting town (in heels)!

Today's theme:  Girls' Night Out

Reasons to have one:

There are several legitimate reasons to have a GNO (Girls' Night Out), such as a Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Concert Outing, or just a kids-free weekend... but let's face it.  The great thing about GNO is that you don't HAVE to have a reason- it's all about having a night of fun with the girls whenever you need it!  So go ahead, make up a reason- today is payday, you've got that new pair of shoes that simply MUST be broken in, you heard a rumor that Prince Harry was in town and you want to seek him out... you get the idea.  You can always find a reason for GNO if you try hard enough.

Invitation ideas:

(shown here, 68W95, 7527, and 68E38)

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions for your girly shin-dig:

"Let's get dolled up and paint the town... Break a few hearts and shut the bars down!"

"A night of just the girls is what it's all about!  You're invited to join us for a Girls' Night OUT!"

"It's time we had a night on the town!  Let's get dressed up and let our hair down!"

"Are you ready to join the girls for a WILD night out?"

The agenda:

Every history-making GNO involves three basic ingredients:  Friends, Food, and Laughter (but cocktails don't hurt either).  So as long as you've got those bases covered, you're in for a night of fun.

If budget is of no concern, rent a limo to drive you and your gal pals around all night- to a nice restaurant, a swanky hotel bar for dessert, then to a few of your favorite nightclubs to dance the night away!

If you're group of girls is on a budget, you can always do dinner and a movie (Mamma Mia is a great flick if you haven't seen it yet, and it's perfect for girl-time!).  Or if you've got a sporty bunch, meet up for a baseball game and a few beers (and plenty of guy-watching, of course).

The menu:

Wine and sweets are a must for any GNO, so a great hangout like CRU would be perfect for a night out, or if you're in the Big Apple, check out Dr.Vino for a map and review of the best wine bars in the big city.

If you're not a wine fan, try ordering one of these cocktails at your favorite watering hole:

Paradise Found
1 oz Cherry Vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
3 oz Orange Juice
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Pineapple Rum
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Blood Orange Cosmo

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1 1/2 oz Orange Vodka

1/4 oz (fresh) lime juice

1 splash Cranberry juice

1/4 oz Orange juice

Mojito

1 1/2 oz  Light Rum
  Club Soda
2 tsp  Sugar
3 Sprig Mint
3 tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

Long Island Iced Tea

1 part  Vodka
1 part  Rum
1 part  Gin
1 splash  Coca-Cola
1 part  Triple Sec
1 part  Tequila
1 1/2 parts  Sweet and Sour Mix

For a evening that will kill your diet but leave you completely satisfied, you and your buddies can have a "desserts only" outing.  Don't do dinner-that's too boring!  Instead, hit up your favorite Cheesecake Factory or local dessert mecca and order a three-course dessert meal! (Warning:  If you choose this option, you might have to factor in a few extra workout sessions to fit back in those cute jeans!)

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!