1st Gathering

This isn't the actual date of our first party, but it took me this long to upload my photos onto my computer :).  I really need to find a better system for this.

Here are the original pins we wanted to try out:

Host (Deanna): Main Course- Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Source: chef-in-training.com via Deanna on Pinterest

Appetizer (Debbie): Mini Caprese Salads

Source: melskitchencafe.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Craft Project/DIY (Krissy): Canvas Art

Source: twogirlsbeingcrafty.blogspot.com via Kristina on Pinterest

Those are the links for the actual projects that inspired us.  Here are our creations/critiques and notes:

 Debbie's appetizer- Her garden hadn't produced enough basil leaves, which is why they aren't on here, but the mozzarella balls were had them in the marinade so it still had the taste.  These were really good, but the cherries were really BIG and juicy. I tried to take the first taste in one bite (big mistake) and the tomato ended up squirting all over poor Debbie who was right next to me.

 Main Course- This was really good!  Debbie can't have pasta so she had just the sauce and it was hearty enough.  I really thought the penne pasta was a good choice.  Deanna and I talked about adding mushrooms, or more chili pepper flakes (for more spice), or other variations to it.  Deanna also mentioned if tasted even better the next day when the spices had a chance to mingle longer.  We think this would also be a good meal to make ahead and freeze the sauce and then bring it out for night you don't really have time to cook from scratch.

 Notice the candle's on Deanna's table?  Those are also a pinterest project.

 Our craft project:  These turned out great.  I got the canvas set from Michael's.  There were 5 16 x20 canvases for only $20 (I think I also used my coupon).  I also had to buy glue sticks for all of us.  But the cost overall was still low because if you are a crafty person like us, you already have modge podge, scrapbook paper, and brushes at home.  I changed the project from the original one, which used paint chips.  I kept the dimensions the same and we made 4 inch circles.  I have to warn you there was some math involved and cutting skills is a must.  We recommend choosing only 4 different types of scrapbook paper and it's best when the patterns/colors are related somehow. We also didn't need the plastic wrap they used.  Mine set down fine, Deanna and Debbie has some wrinkling and they were going to add another coat.  I forgot to ask how it ended up.  We also talked about how you could paint the sides of the board to match. I loved how they turned out!

 Overall, party #1 was a success!

Signing off,
Your crafting goddesses