Cicada's in Missouri

I don't know if EVERYONE has cicadas or if the midwest is the only blessed area (sarcasm). If you have them where you live I'm sure you are tired of them too, if you don't have them, consider yourself lucky! 

A local homemade ice cream shop made national news by creating a batch of cicada flavored ice cream. They basically boiled the bugs and covered them in brown sugar and milk chocolate before putting them into the ice cream. Gross, right? Well apparently people liked it because it sold out...WOW! 

photo rights (Columbia Missourian)

Why would you eat this? 

I came across this video on YouTube and it's exactly how I feel about cicadas! 

Do you have cicadas where you live? What are your thoughts on them? 

I'm back!!! With Photos to share :)

I'm finally back :) Sorry it's taken me so long to get photos up. I don't really have any good excuses for taking so long except for I've been busy with unpacking, working, getting ready for classes and just flat out trying to relax! 

ANYWAYS...

Europe was a BLAST. We did have some crazy luck though. The Queen came to Dublin while we were there which closed a lot of things down. Then Obama was in London and of course the Ash Cloud from Iceland put a slight damper on things for a few days! All in all it made for a VERY memorable trip. Below are a few photos from our trip! 

(For some reason the photo's look grainy on blogger...hoping these fix themselves)

We got to go white water rafting in Norway on the Sjoa River. 

It was GORGEOUS! 

The Barrens in Ireland

St. Patricks Cathedral 

Rock at the Scotland/England Border

The Countdown until the Olympics in London

I love this photo. The sky was so crazy that it almost looked fake! 

Tower Bridge

An unfinished roman monument in Scotland. 

On the climb up Arthur's Seat (volcano) 

 The Ash Cloud was a pretty big deal in Scotland and Ireland. Airports closed for a day. 

Locals spit on this heart because it use to be on the building where they would have to go to pay their taxes. So when they left they would spit on the heart. The building was torn down but to serve as a reminder they put the heart into the new ground. This is me attempting to spit :) 

A beautiful Abbey. Melrose I believe?  

These are just a few that I wanted to share. I still have over 300 photos left to sort through :) However, classes started this week so it might be a little while until I get to them. 

Happy Monday! 

I'm leaving on a Jet Plane...

...Don't know when I'll be back again.

(Oh wait--Yes I do. Ticket home say May 29th :)) 

Hello my lovely readers! As most of you know {unless you are new...welcome!} I am leaving for my trip to Europe this weekend, which is fingernail-biting-super-exciting!! Since I will be gone for about 3 weeks I have lined up several guest bloggers to keep the creative juices flowing here at CaitsCreates. All of the ladies I've chosen to feature truly are a creative inspiration!

Throughout the next few weeks you will see several tutorials involving: upcycling, clothing redo's, and just plain craftiness! Basically, these ladies will make you look at common/plain jane things like coffee filters and paint swatches (to name a few) in a whole new light.

As for me... my bags are packed-way too full, my batteries are charged and I'm ready to take on the world!! I'll see you all again in a few weeks :)

P.S. Let's hope that blogger stops having issues! Otherwise, things might not go as planned while I am gone!

Tips for Traveling Abroad

I have been crazy busy this week with packing, cleaning and working, so there hasn't been much time for crafting. Although I realize you all follow me for my craftiness, I wanted to share some traveling tips I have learned from my travels. Just incase anyone else is planning to travel outside the US...

Tennis Shoes are a must! Sure your sandals are much prettier, but after you walk about 3 miles in them you are going to be more concerned with comfort. I learned this the hard way! 

(my newest pair)

Eye Drops are your best friend. Often our eyes have trouble adjusting to the new climate making them dry. You want to have eye drops on hand to ensure that your view of all the awesome sites is as clear and enjoyable as possible! 

Walk around on the plane. High pressure for long periods of time can cause swelling. If your flight is longer than a couple of hours (which most are) make it a point to get up and walk around the plane for a little bit. This gets the blood flowing better.

Hand Sanitizer- it's a must. Most places outside the US do not have clean bathrooms. Imagine the worst bathroom possible in the US and that is probably the best in other countries. Some places even make you pay to use their restroom.  

Copy your passport. Always make a copy of your passport in case it gets stolen or lost. If you are traveling with someone make them a copy too. It's best to leave the copy in your suitcase and not to carry it on you. Also, email it to yourself. Most people have smart phones and there is free wifi so you could easily access it. Make sure to write down the number for the US embassy for where you'll be traveling to. 

Invest in a Money Belt. Most places outside the US have issues with pickpocketing. In fact, in parts of Europe the people have been known to even come up behind you and cut your shoulder strap off your purse and take the whole thing. NEVER CARRY YOUR PASSPORT IN YOUR PURSE! The money belt is great because it goes under the clothing so people can not see or nor take it easily. 

Call your Bank and/or Credit Card Company- If you try to take money out of an ATM or pay for things while out of the country its possible the bank will decline your card. This is for security reasons so its always best to call ahead of time and let them know when and where you'll be. The number is usually on the back of your card. Also, note that a lot of places only take Visa or Mastercard. 

Those are the most important pointers in my book...besides don't over pack! But I don't know how to explain that one except for pack clothes that can be layered (tanks, cardigans, etc.)

Interested in being featured?

Calling all crafty ladies!! 

These next few weeks are going to fly for me with 

• Planning and hosting a bridal shower 
• Completing finals 
• Packing for Ireland, Norway, England and Scotland

Since I will be traveling for two weeks without internet I need your help! I am looking for any of my very talented and crafty followers who are interested in being featured to please contact me by Email. 

If you've never been featured now is your time to shine! It is VERY easy to do, just email me and I will give you all the information you need to make it simple and quick! 

If you have been featured by me before please feel free to contact me with your new ideas. 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you and seeing all your crafty ideas! 

Thanks! 

Weekend Recap

It's Already Monday!?!?

This weekend felt like a whirl wind...well actually, it kind of was! We had 2 different tornados on Friday. One hit Lambert Airport and put a shuttle bus into the building. Most of the night was spent around the TV watching the two separate storms move through. 

(picture from Channel 2)

Saturday was a full day. I started the day dying eggs with my niece...

Then I met Abby at Panera so we could book some tours for our trip. I can't believe we leave in 20 days!! Here are the ones we have booked so far....

 Wild Wicklow Tours

Heart of Scotland Tours 

Cliffs of Moher

After the planning I ended the day with a Couples shower for my brother and his fiance.

 Sunday was full of family and food!!

Although there wasn't much time for relaxing, I still had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed seeing everyone!I hope you enjoyed yours as well :) 

What I'm Loving...

I have been making headbands like crazy tonight to get ready for my craft show! I love making them but after 15+ you start to crave a little something different. Before my eyes started to cross I resorted to the internet to look for inspiration and here is what I'm currently loving...

I think I could make something like this...eventually! 

Free decorations? Count me in! 

Oh. My. Goodness. Pure Love.

If I could be on a beach drinking one of these life would be PERFECT! 

I bought Oreo's for the first time today in a long time (just a sleeve) because I think I am addicted to them. 

How cute is this table number? 

This just makes me want to marry a romantic even more...

How creative is this? Scrapbook covered Jenga pieces

A cheap and easy way to store your ribbon!

I love the way all the words bend and fit together! 

Hard to believe Spring Break is officially over :( I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with friends, family and crafting!