New Years Fun

I got a new camera.

Now I can do this.

If you notice in the background, there is my "Happy New Year" banner.

So, I know you can't read the banner, but it says "Happy New Year", each pennant has been stamped with ink  the same color as the paper, to create soft background pattern. Then I put an ivory circle on top of the pennant, which I stamped a brown letter on and sponged with brown ink.

I made the pennants out of an 8 1/2'' by 11'' piece of paper, which I cut into fourths. Then I made a mark on  the paper width wise, at the half way mark (2 1/8''). To cut the triangle, cut on the diagonal line from this center mark, to the upper corner. 

It was simple, it was fun... and addicting. This is one of three banners I've made. 

Happy New Years Eve!!!!!!

Lots of ♥,


Rapunzel 

Warm and Cozy

yesterday was cleaning day...

Taking down the tree?

It was much more fun to put it up.

Just saying:)

But on the bright side, I learned how to do this-

I know it doesn't look like much, but it smelled really good.

This is how you do it-

Take a small sauce pan, put in 1 cinnamon stick, a few cloves, three or four basil leaves, and some orange peels. Cover with water, and let simmer on you back burner at a low heat, watch to make sure your water doesn't completely evaporate.

Lots of ♥,

Rapunzel 

Dog Tag Summer

These dog tags mean something. Tracie knows that. And although she doesn't know how, she knows she is connected to them somehow.

Tracie is the daughter of a Vietnamese women and and American GI, like many other children born during  the Vietnamese war in Vietnam. And although she now leads a comfortable, safe life in the United States with her adoptive family, she has questions about her past. Lots of them.

This story was very unique and interesting. Although I've read lots of historical fiction, I'd never read a book on the Vietnam war. I appreciated all the facts the author put in back of the book to answer any questions you as the reader might have.

It was also a short read. I started it at 10:00pm one night, and finished at 5:30 pm the next day.

I guess the really shows how much I loved it.

Lots of ♥,

Rapunzel 

The Penderwicks

Meet the Penderwicks. Four enchanting sisters, and their lovable dog Hound who can't help but get into trouble wherever they go.

Rosalind, the oldest has her hands full filling in for their mother, who passed away when Batty was small.
Falling in love for the first time only complicates things more.

Skye, the only sister with blue eyes, loves her soccer ball more than anything, except for maybe math, and definitely science.

Then there's Jane, the writer, with her slightly dramatic flare.

And don't forget Batty. Its not hard to tell her apart form the others. She's the small one wearing butterfly wings.

This summer will be different for the girls. Rather than their typical summer get away, they find themselves at Arundel. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was and accident. All they know, is they'll never forget this summer.

This is my all time favorite book. Pascal and I read it together not to long ago, and he definitely agreed.

Its hard to explain why I liked it so much, but I'll give it a try.

 Its a feel good book.

I relate to the characters, and see myself in each sister.

The adventure's are things I'd love to do.

And who doesn't want to read about summer?

enjoy!

Lots of  ♥,

Rapunzel 

Christmas Day 7

A warm glass of hot chocolate is one of the nicest things in the world.

You'll all agree. I'm sure.

So why not have a whole party revolving around hot chocolate? 

Its quite simple really.

Here's what to do:

Invite some friends. It doesn't  matter it its two or twenty. Just get some friends.

Get hot chocolate.

Now, here is the really fun part.

Get all those yummy things that might be good in hot chocolate. Marshmallows, peppermint candies, white chocolate chips, peppermint ice cream, coffee creamer. Anything. 

Put it in a relish tray, so its pretty.

Enjoy♥

Lots of ♥,

Rapunzel

ours♥

Christmas Day 6

Angel on Eleventh Avenue.

 I've Lost track of how many times I've read this one.

I loved it each and every one.

It it an amazing story about a young girl going through terrible things and the journey to coping her mother makes.

So worth reading.

Christmas Day 5

Little Women!!!

This is SERIOUSLY one of the best holiday movies. EVER.

I love it with all my heart.

I always have, and always will.

Christmas Day 4

Nothing is better than a Christmas story you read year and year again...

Here is a super good one. 

Christmas Day 3

Christmas Music Time!!!

Rapunzel's Top Favorites
1.All the Forgotten Carols- Micheal McLean ( I couldn't pick!)
2. I just knew- Cherie Call
3. Christmas Must Be Something More- Taylor Swift
4.Silent Night
5. Christmas Eve Song- Peter Breinholt

Jingle all the way!

Christmas Day 2

Cookies :)

Christmas defiantly needs cookies.

And candy cane kisses, you need those too.

I love this recipe, because it has BOTH!!!

Although I haven't made this particular recipe , I do love these kinds of cookies.

Enjoy:)

Christmas Day 1

My favorite Christmas special is Arthur's Perfect Christmas.

Always and forever, this will never change.

Why?

I don't exactly know.

I just do:)

I guess maybe its because I love people, I love reading books about others and their lives.

The whole plot of this special revolves around the lives of Arthur and his friends.

So watch it, and enjoy.

Get some Christmas Spirit ♥

Snow White

I love fairy tales...

And,

I love Harry Potter.

This reminds me of both those things.

I'm excited :)

Happy Halloween :)

Steel

Pirates?

This doesn't doesn't like a girly book.

In fact,

this sounds like a book for a boy....

WAIT???? What did you say?

The captain of the ship is a girl?


And one of the crew members is exceptional cute?

And there are sword fights?

Maybe I'll consider it...


Actually,

You definitely should consider it.

It is currently one of my favorite books. It is really captivating and exciting. Although I still think pirates weren't the kindest folks, I now see what was appealing about the  life style.

Adventure.

You never knew what each day would bring.

And although none of us can live like that (well we could, its just not advisable..)  you can read this book adn get an idea of what it would be like:)

Lots of Love,

Rapunzel 

I miss you!

I miss you guys SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much! I haven't posted for the longest time!


I've been busy.


It isn't easy to maintain 70 feet of blonde hair...


But, I do have some fun things coming.


Promise.


Want a preview?


I am reading a book called Steel right now, book review to come!


I'm re decorating my tower, photos will be posted!


And,


I will be baking muffins.


Lots of muffins:)


I also hope to put some Christmas crafts out soon!


So keep checking back, I'll post something new...eventually.


Lots of  Love,


Rapunzel 

Entwined

There is a price for playing with magic. A price Azalea and her eleven sisters are not aware of.

If they wish to spend nights dancing a Keeper’s enchanted pavilion, they are more than welcome to. But there is a cost, and Keeper will make them pay.

But the harder Azalea tries to even the balance, the worse things get. And she becomes trapped in a web of secrets, enchantment, and dancing. Especially dancing.

Entwined is Heather Dixon’s retelling of the “Twelve Dancing Princesses. However, in making it her own, some majored details were omitted.

To tell the truth, I was grateful. It was a relief that this version didn’t hold as many deaths as the original.

The atmosphere through much of the story is intense and dark, which makes the need for goodness to triumph more necessary.

One way this atmosphere is achieved is the concept of magic having two parts, goodness, and darkness.

Part of the way Dixon keeps the mood is how she picks her wording. She keeps a sense of humor, even it when things aren’t going well, but she avoids being cheesy. The only part where this isn't true is the ending. For such an emotional book, the ending seemed too silly. It was cute, but not right for this book.

Over all, I loved it. I became addicted. It was the prefect, stay-up-all-night-scare-yourself -silly-fall-in-love-make-you-smile-kind-of-book.

Lots of Love,

Rapunzel 

Modge Podge Helps

I love Modge Podge. But, it is a learning experience. Here are some helps so you can avoid annoying mistakes that I have made. 


1. Don't use a brush the the bristles will fall out of as you are using. If bristles fall off, PICK THEM UP AT THAT MOMENT. If not, they will become sealed in to your finish. 


2. It is really hard to put glue on top of modge podge. For example, don't do a layer of paper, put modge podge on, then try to glue something on top of that. Instead, Glue all your layers down, and modge podge ONCE. Side note- You can hot glue on modge podge. 


3. If you are gluing paper on the surface you want to modge podge, try really hard to get all the edges down, and  pull it tight and flat. Note: Things will look more wrinkly when wet, but when they dry, they will become flatter. 


4. Paint the modge podge the same direction, this way if you have brush lines, it looks nice. Or, do a design, like zig-zags, or swirls. 


5. Always cover your surface:)


Lots of Love,


Rapunzel 

Newspaper Notepad

Have you ever thought of what a useful art medium newspaper is?

The possibilities go far beyond simply covering your work surface.

How about covering a note book?

With a little bit of modge podge and today’s paper, it’s easy to give that cover a whole new look.

Supplies

-Note Book

-Glue Stick

-Modge Podge

-Cut Picture cut outs and/ or quote (I used an old Calendar)

-Glitter

-Newspaper

-Scissors

Instructions

-Tear the newspaper into large scraps and strips of paper to cover your note book with. It might be wise to read the articles first. That way you don’t end up with articles about bombings, wars and kidnappings all over your cover.

-Carefully use the glue stick to glue all the newspaper pieces down in your desired pattern. Try to have the pieces lay as flat as possible.

- Cut out the pictures/ quote and glue on note book.

- Cover the whole note book in a coat of modge podge. Sprinkle glitter on while wet. If desired, let note book dry and coat with modge podge again. Make sure you don’t have any edges coming up.

Enjoy your one of a kind note book!

Here is the quote I use for mine:

Lots of Love,

Rapunzel 

P.S. Pictures to come!

Cream Cheese Heaven

Those beautiful bakery cupcakes always looks so intimidating...How does one swirl the frosting and get it to look THAT good?


Plus, the bakery frosting never is good enough to want to eat an inch of it.


Well, believe it or not the first picture on this page is a picture of bakery cup cakes.


This one,

 is a picture of cupcakes I made.


And the frosting really is good enough to eat an inch.
You might even want  more than that :)


Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:


-1Cup butter (softened)
-2 8oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
-8 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
-2 T. Milk
-1 T. orange juice
-1 t. orange zest


Instructions:


In a medium mixer bowl, cream butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add sugar one cup at a time and milk. Mix well. Beat in high until smooth (only 30 seconds to 1 minute). Thin to cake smooth; use full strength for piping borders. 


Enjoy!


Lots of Love,

Rapunzel 

A Tale of Two Castles

You may remember that I previously posted that I couldn't get my hands on this book because EVERY one else wanted to read it ...


Well, I finally was able to obtain it on CDs, as an audio book. The woman who read the story did an excellent job portraying the voices. I would definitely recommend listening to it, if you can't read it. 


This story takes place in a fantasy kingdom by the name of  'Two Castles', where a young girl named Elodie has come to fulfill her dream of becoming an actress. 


When the situation doesn't turn as she planned, she becomes a Dragon's Assistant, and discovers she is more talented and skilled than she would have ever imagined.


Elodie is a believable character. I felt that it was easy to relate to her feelings of loneliness, and that of an outsider as she first arrives in Two Castles. And more importantly than that, Elodie grows on your heart. She becomes a person that you want to succeed, and a person you want to be like. 


Hope you enjoy! 


Lots of Love, 

Rapunzel 

A little something...

"Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."
— G.K. Chesterton

I pick you!

This guitar pick necklace is a fun and original way to show off your love of music...


Supplies
-Guitar pick (for tracing)
-Modge Podge and Brush
-Card stock
-Cute patterned paper, newspaper, sheet music, or fabric
-Small hole punch
-Scissors
-Glue Stick
-Glitter (optional)


Instructions


Cut a square of card stock, and your choice of decorative paper, that are both about the same size(slightly bigger than you guitar pick). Glue them on top of each other. If  you desire, cut out another square of paper and glue it to the back to make it reversible.


Trace the guitar pick onto this with a pencil.


Cut it out.


If you covered your pick with fabric, modge podge it, and let it sit for a three or four hours. When it is dry, you will be able to hole punch right through it.


It you covered it in paper, hole punch it, then modge podge it. Let dry. If desired, sprinkle glitter on to the wet modge podge. 


String the picks onto a chain, or a ribbon. Enjoy!

Lots of Love,

Rapunzel

Owl Post

In Harry Potter, all mail is delivered by owls. Although you might not be able to do that with real owls, here is a card that will fulfill that purpose!

Supplies

-At least three different corresponding pieces of fabric

-A glue stick

-Hot Glue

-Paint brush

-Two buttons

-Card Stock

Instructions

1. Take a card sized piece of card stock, fold it, and cut it into an owl shape, make sure you don't loose your fold.

2. Cover your card with a piece of fabric, glue it on, and trim the edges, so the fabric is the same size and shape as the card.

3. Cut out two small circles out for the eyes, it is best to cut them out at the same time, so they are the same size.

4. Cut a larger circle out for the belly. Cut a small triage out of this fabric as well, this will be the beak. 

5. Glue these pieces on the owl.

6. Then hot glue on buttons for eyes.

Lots of Love,

Rapunzel

Feathered Friends

Here is a fun craft that will put a use to all those fabric scraps that don't seem to serve any real purpose except for cluttering up you craft room. 

This cute owl can be use as gift bag, or as decoration. 

Supplies

-Paper lunch bag

-At least three different corresponding pieces of fabric

-A glue stick

-Hot Glue

-Modge Podge

-Paint brush

-Two buttons

Instructions

1. Cut the top of your paper bag to look like ears. An easy way to do that is fold it in half length wise, and cut a quarter of a circle in the top. 

2. Take a rectangle of fabric that is the same width of you bag, and same height, measuring from tip of ears to bottom of bag, and glue it on. (do this over the side of the bag with the seam)

3. Turn the bag over backwards, and trim the fabric so it is the same size and shape of the bag.

4. Cut out two small circles out for the eyes, it is best to cut them out at the same time, so they are the same size.

5. Cut a larger circle out for the belly. Cut a small triage out of this fabric as well, this will be the beak. 

6. Glue these pieces on the owl.

7. Use a brush to Modge Podge your bag so the the fabric won't come un-glued.

8. Once the bag is dry, hot glue on buttons for eyes.

Once it is done, you can stuff tissue paper in the bag, so that it looks fuller, and cutter.

Have fun!!!!

Lots of Love,

Rapunzel 

Gail Carson Levine

Rather than posting about one good book, today I'm going to post about an author who has written a lot of really amazing fantasy books. She has even written a book about writing fantasy books! Her name is Gail Carson Levine. 

Her stories seem to fly off the page, you can't help but fall in love with them!!!

Her newest book is called A Tale of Two Castles.

It looks so good, but I haven't read it yet because there are 32 people in front of me on the hold list who also think it looks good. 

But, I have read most of her other books.

Last night I finished reading Fairest. 

Well, re-reading to be exact.

This book takes an exciting twist on the tale of Snow White. 

But, it is much more exciting. The Snow White character, Aza, is ugly. She is a hard worker, and does much more than just sing and look cute, although she does have an amazing voice. And her prince is much more than just handsome. 

The first books I read by her were the Princess Tales.

These are six, short easier to read fairy tale retellings. Personally, I think they are hysterical. Pascal doesn't see why, so maybe it is just me. You'll have to read them for yourself and tell me what you think. 

Then, there is Ella Enchanted. 

I have only read it once, and that was so long ago, I don't remember much about it except that I loved it! 

This one twist up Cinderella. 

And then there is the book Ever.

I don't think it is a fairy tale retelling, but I could be wrong. Rather than having the usual castle and kingdom flair of her other books, this one is set in a middle eastern type of world, very exotic. 

This next book was originally supposed to be a retelling ot the 12 dancing princesses. It is called The Two Princesses of Bamarre.

It didn't turn out that way though. I read it so long ago, that, once again, I don't remember much. But it is a very powerful story. 

And I can't forget The Wish!

This story takes place in our modern world. But, of course, it has a little bit of a magical twist.

But wait! There is still more!

She has written three Disney fairy books, I have only read Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg, but there are also Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand, and Fairies and the Quest for Neverland.

Then, there is the book Dave at Night.

Once again, I haven't read this one, but everything else she has written has been good, so I have high hopes.

And, then she has also written a few picture books!

Betsy Who cried Wolf, and Betsy Red Hoodie.

And, if you read her books, and want to write like her, you'll need Writing Magic:Creating Stories that Fly!

I love this book because I feel connected to Ms. Levine when I read it. I feel like I can do anything, and that someday, I 'll become a great writer!

I hope you find something you like. I know the I can't wait to read the ones that I haven't gotten to yet!

Lots of Love and Happy Reading,

Rapunzel

Picture Perfect

Here is a fun and easy craft that will add a princessey touch to any girls room!


Supplies
-Photo frame
-Hot Glue
-Yellow Yarn
-Artificial Flowers ( I used fire flowers)


Instructions


Cut nine long pieces of yarn. The length you need will depend on your frame size. Pieces anywhere from 1-2 yards should work fine. Tie the pieces together at the top with a knot. Braid until you reach the end, and then knot that. 


The next step allows you to be fairly creative. Your finished piece will look something like this,

so it is a good idea to lay the yarn down in a few different desgins before you hot glue for the final time.When you are ready to do that, cut the knot off of one end of your braid. Hot glue that end down in a way that will not allow your braid to come undone. Then do a few dots of hot glue in the places where the braid lays flat on the frame, or the yarn over laps. You don't want to hot glue the whole braid down, because it will ruin the effect. Cut the knot of the other end, and hot glue that end down like you did the first end.


Once the braid is done, hot glue the flowers on. Gluing the flowers down over the end is a good way to hide the rough ends.




Happy decorating!




Lots of Love. 

Rapunzel