Creating Individually

Jon and I are both creative in our own ways. This year (being the year of creation) we have each tried to pursue our creative sides a little more.

I actually changed "careers" (if you will) and am now working at Beverly's fabric and crafts where I get to make things, and cashier a little too :) On your first day of work you get a yard of whatever fabric you want to make your own apron. I picked out this blue "floral" pattern and splurged for an extra little bit of polka dots to accent it with pockets and straps:

Now I was going to be all amazing and document each step and post a tutorial on making the apron... but I didn't use a pattern. I just made it up as I went, and because of that, it became too tedious to also try and keep track of steps... So instead you just get to see the finished product! I added buttons and made the bow that is in the center just to give it some final touches:

Needless to say, my job is as fun as my apron is adorable (yes I'm very happy with how it turned out) and I am loving my new job! I just wish I had changed years ago, but actually I think that this was perfect timing. I got to meet awesome people at my last job and make great friendships, and now I can have a job that I just enjoy, and I still get to work with my best friend!

In the meantime, Jon is hard at work on his master's in Creative Writing. I'm telling you, he has improved SO much since he first started this major in his BA 4 years ago. It's really fun to watch him grow and do something he loves. He recently challenged himself to write a story a day for a whole year. You can read his post here and keep up with how he is doing! He just started August 1st, so it's not too late to catch up on his flash :)

That's what we've been doing lately. Check back soon for more!

The Summer

This post seemed needed since I haven't really been talking a lot about what we have been up to lately. So by now you probably all know that I quit my job. I have to say that it's probably been the most exciting thing I've done in a long time. I've been able to do more sewing and crafting lately (more on that later) and I especially have time to work on things that are most important to me, including our own work instead of somebody elses. I also start a new job this week! Something fun and part time so that we can have a little steady cash coming in, you know, to like pay for rent and food and stuff. Seemed necessary.

Jon was able to attend a Summer Arts program in Fresno for two weeks! It was a program that he had to apply to months ago. He got accepted and even got a partial scholarship for it! It counts for a whole class' worth of graduate credit (which means one less class he has to try to fit into his schedule this fall) and it was a super great opportunity for him to hear from guest speakers and artists as well as professors from other colleges and just network with awesome artistic people. I also didn't realize that although this is a program put on by the CSU's, it is actually a national event, so there were people there from all across the states, and last year there were apparently even people there from Italy. So cool!

Jon came home with some AMAZING paintings that were done during the two weeks by friends he made there (pictures to come later since we're revamping the apartment to make room for them all) and he also came home with a small stack of books - when does he not?

Oh, and one more thing... he came home with this:

Most of you know that he had been sporting the beard for quite a while, and originally his goal was to grow it out until graduating with his master's degree next spring. Well, he was getting sort of tired of it and his friends at summer arts encouraged him, so he shaved it off and waxed the stache. I think it's pretty funny and actually looks better in person. It's not especially my thing... but I guess if college is where you experiment and find yourself, I would be happy to say that this is how he does it :)

Jon and I also have NOT forgotten about our year of creation. That is why we have made so many of the choices that we have lately. We want to create more awesome and decrease worldsuck. In an effort to combine our talents, develop new ones and create together, I decided to put together an art lesson for us with Jon's dad. He is a fantastic painter and since Jon wanted to keep his creative mindset when he came home from summer arts, we went to his parent's for FHE last night and each worked on paintings so that the other couldn't see what we were doing.

I finished mine first:

It's a combination of all the things I love. Trees, nature, tree houses of sorts, wisteria (no, those are not bunches of grapes) and owls... which may or may not represent me and Jon. I'll let you decide.

Jon's painting is not done yet, so I have not seen it and have no idea what it is. But he did post a first uncompleted half of it on Facebook because he thought he would be done with it that night. It is still a work in progress so I will make sure to get better and more completed pictures when these go up on our art wall with all the other things that Jon came home with from Summer Arts.

Overall it has been an adventurous start to the summer. Next stop, San Diego!!

Play Time

We keep Margo's toys in our room in one spot, and she knows just where that is. Every day when we wake up, she goes right over to her toys and picks which one she wants to play with. Today it was her lobster.

Cooking with Jon & Steph - Strawberry Tartlets

Welcome to the Alston home blog!

After working on our photography so much lately I feel like I've really missed our regular family blog. These cute seasonal tiles (pictured above) came from my sister in law Jackee. You should follow her. She's an awesome writer!

But I know what you really all came for... the strawberry tartlets:

Last week was my friend Bay's birthday. And since it is strawberry season, I thought it would be the perfect time to try out a unique birthday dessert for her! My sister Michelle came over and we picked up some deliciously red strawberries from the local stand in Orangevale. Oh my GOODNESS they were perfect.

This recipe is so easy and quick, and it looks cute too! They are best when fresh and crisp. I would highly recommend that you do NOT refrigerate them for a few days and then try to eat them again, because they turn saggy. This recipe makes me think it would be really fun to do a summer party all themed with strawberry desserts :)

STRAWBERRY TARTLETS

Prep: 15 min  Bake: 10 min + cooling

12 Wonton wrappers (you can buy a bag of pre cut dough wrappers. at our grocery store they are in the organic section)

3 Tbl melted butter

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup Mascarpone cheese (I couldn't find this, so I used cream cheese instead and it was fantastic!)

2 Tbl honey

2 tsp orange juice

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Fresh mint (optional)

Whipped cream

Brush one side of each wonton wrapper with butter. Place brown sugar in a shallow bowl. Press buttered side of wontons into sugar to coat. Press wontons sugared side up into greased muffin cups.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 7-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool. (This is really delicious because the butter and brown sugar carmelize in the bottom of the wonton cup!) In a bowl, combine the cheese, honey and orange juice. Spoon about 2 Tbl of mixture into each wonton cup. Top with strawberries. Garnish with whipped cream and mint if desired.

Makes 1 dozen

Bon Apetit! 

The Story of an Old Retired Guy

Yesterday was the retirement luncheon for Jon's dad. His "official" last day of work is July 5th, but he will be on vacation, so we celebrated yesterday :) All of the family that lives in the area was there:

Chris:

Beth:

Mike:

Amanda:

and AnnMarie:

And there is the man of the hour! All hopped up on cough syrup.

The whole luncheon was travel/camping/picnic themed. They had posters up showing where Steve will go on his next adventures. On the list: San Diego, Italy, Tahiti and Russia!

We had some delicious food:

And some delicious cake:

AnnMarie was really into the blue frosting.

Steve's coworkers did an awesome job roasting him for all his years of service at the State. (Look at him sitting there, so unsuspecting...)

Among some of the favorites were his top 10 "Steveisms"

including "You old Goat!" (see retirement cake above) "Have a rotten day" and "Flippin' idiot!" Much laughing was done by all:

 

We also loved his front cover headline on AARP:

and the "Retired Guy's Survival Kit"

"Everything you need to get you through your days of leisure, relaxation and ever increasing old age!"

which included hair dye for those stubborn greys...

 

ex-lax...

and MANY pairs of flip flops in assorted styles and variations which Steve can now wear for any occasion with his knee high socks.

 

The party really got going when the whole OBS department got up there and sang a song about Steve and his root beer drinking, Quaker oatmeal harrassment, and retirement.

Steve's good friend Mike Canepa from the railroad days even came up and shared some good experiences of working with Steve, with a little touch of humor of course :)

 

There was of course a good amount of seriousness. Steve was awarded a certificate for his service:

 

and one of his coworkers painted him an amazing watercolor:

 

One of the greatest parts of course was when Chris came up to the mic and presented Steve with this:

a brand new camera!!

The team talked about all of the great improvements Steve had done for the department and he even gave an uplifting speech at the end.

 

It was neat to see how much he has been appreciated and loved.

and we know he will be missed.

On to the next adventure!!