Kate Middleton

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge (Catherine "Kate" Elizabeth, née Middleton; born 9 January 1982) is the wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, the second in line to the thrones of the sixteen Commonwealth realms (after his father Charles, Prince of Wales). Through marriage, she is also the holder of the titles Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.

Catherine grew up in Chapel Row at Bucklebury, a village near Newbury, Berkshire, and studied in Scotland at the University of St Andrews, where she met William in 2001. They started a romantic relationship that continued until a break-up lasting for several months in 2007. However, they continued to be friends and rekindled their relationship later that year.

Prior to the wedding, Catherine attended many high-profile royal events. She has been admired for her fashion sense and has been placed on numerous "best dressed" lists. Once their relationship became public, Catherine received widespread media attention and there was much speculation that she and William would eventually marry. Their engagement was announced on 16 November 2010, and they married on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American pop rock singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson rose to fame after winning the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003.

First Communion Cookies

Continuing on with the sacrament cookie motif ;)... (Remember the confirmation cookies earlier this week?  These are for the same sweet family.)


I was really looking forward to making these cookies again.  The last time I made them was for kiddo's First Communion....FOUR years ago.

{That picture on the left is one of my favorites ever.  Rockin' the powder blue suit, yo. Maybe we can find a blue tux for prom in a few years.}

OK...thanks for letting me reminisce.

These cookies start out with the perfect cutter.  I love this cutter...it's pricey because it's copper, but so worth it.


For the cookies, you'll need:

• chalice and host cookies
• royal icing tinted with AmeriColor Gold, Bright White, Regal Purple and Leaf Green
• disposable icing bags
• squeeze bottles
• decorating tips (#1 & #2) and couplers
• gold luster dust
• vodka (yep.)
• small paintbrush

With a #2 tip, outline the chalice.


With another #2 tip, outline the host.

Thin the white & gold icings (reserve a bit for later) with water, a little at a time, until it is the consistency of thick syrup.  Cover with a damp dishtowel and let sit several minutes.

Stir gently with a rubber spatula to pop any large air bubbles that have formed. Transfer to squeeze bottles.


Fill in the chalice with the thinned gold icing.  Use a toothpick to guide into corners.


Fill in the host with the thinned  white icing.  Use a toothpick to guide into corners.

Let dry at least one hour.


Add the detail with the reserved white and gold piping icing.

Let dry overnight, or at least 6 hours.


Get out your luster dust supplies:  Luster dust, small ramekin, small paintbrush and vodka (a good excuse to always have vodka in the house).

This is "Golden Charm" luster dust.  I LOVE it and bought it at a little shop in Houston.  Can't seem to find it online, but any gold luster dust will do.


Mix up your luster dust with a few drops of the vodka and brush it on. (The alcohol will evaporate, leaving just the gold sheen.)  Add a few drops of vodka to the ramekin as you're working if it starts to get clumpy on you.  A little goes a long way, so don't worry about using all of the container in one shot.  (Here's a video about applying luster dust...)


Then, with #1 tips, add the grapes and leaf/stem detail.

All ready for First Communion!

Happy Birthday Card to Wrap Up a Fun Week

What a week it has been!  The only think that could possibly top Cricut's 5th Birthday Party and release of the Expression 2 was a Royal Wedding!  I may need the weekend to recover from this fun, fun week.  I thought I would wrap up the week with a fun birthday card.

The card was created using Imaginesce cardstock and chipboard stickers, the I-Top tool, Stampin' Up stamps, and a Stampin' Up punch.   I really like the bright and festive look of this card.  The cake and present chipboard stickers really pop off of the brown cardstock on the cover, but then I took the card to the next step.  I added a stamped and punch tag, color coordinating flowers, and an I-Top brad. 

I like the fold of the card.  Begin with a 12" strip of cardstock.  Fold the cardstock in half.  Then fold the top half of the card in half again, folding back toward the fold.  You will create an uneven Z fold.  You then attach a small rectangle to the top half of the card.  The photo above shows this fold far better than I could possibly explain it to you.

The top of the card pulls to the left to open.  Inside the card I stamped Happy Birthday again and left plenty of space to write a personalized message.

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Maya Boisjoli

Name: Maya Boisjoli

Age: 18 | Height: 5’6″ | Drummond Ville, QC

Maya is an ambitious young woman. She spent the last year exploring her different interests in order to find more about herself and to be able to choose the right career.

Fashion has always been Maya’s passion; she enjoys reading Vogue magazines and books about Coco Chanel. She also had some runway experiences and she did an internship at Ema Model Management.

She applied at ITHQ (Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec) in Hotel Management, and she looks forward to study public relations at Université Laval. In the future, she would like to have an event planning company.

She enjoys reading, dancing and socializing with her friends and family, but her strongest desire is to travel. She hopes that someday, she will have the opportunity to participate to a volunteer project abroad to help the less fortunate.

She likes having changes in her life, she always welcome new challenges. She believes that someone accomplished is someone that always tries new ventures and pushes himself to his limits.

Sponsored by: Elviva, SGT, Pierre Grondin Arpenteur-Géomètre, Family and Friends

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

French

Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Maxime Mastrojoseph

Name: Maxime Mastrojoseph

Age: 21 | Height: 5’6″ | Saint-Bruno, QC

Maxime Mastrojoseph is a true product of the Montreal culture; juggling from French to English, city to nature, travelling abroad and enjoying the quietness of her hometown, Saint-Bruno. She is currently attending her second year in Economics at Concordia University.

In her spare time, guided by a spontaneous and adventurous spirit, Maxime escapes to the mountains and snowboards down the slopes with her family and friends.

The true character of an entrepreneur, passionate and ambitious, Maxime aspires to create her own company encouraging physical activity, travels and education for the curious youth seeking social and worldly experiences.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

French and English


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Mariah Dixon

Name: Mariah Dixon

Age: 18 | Height: 5’5″ | Nelson, BC

Mariah comes from an artistic and musical family of six children. Second oldest and the only girl, she loves to read and sew. She knows many hands make light work, and participates actively in her busy household. She has strong family values, a ‘hands on’ approach to life and a special gift with children.

She graduated in June 2010. During her grad year, she took extra courses, and completed her Level 1 Chef Training at Selkirk College. A 6th generation Canadian, Mariah is a real B.C. girl who enjoys a healthy lifestyle.

Mariah is thrilled to be in the Miss Universe Canada Pageant, and regards this as an amazing opportunity as she steps out into the world!

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

English


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Mannu Sandhu

Name: Mannu Sandhu

Age: 24 | Height: 5’7″ | Surrey, BC

Mannu Sandhu, professional actress, model, dancer, event organizer and community activist born in India and raised in Vancouver, B.C. After highschool, Mannu, worked as an executive assistant for MP–Nina Grewal. Mannu then pursued a career as a correctional officer. At her current job she is exposed to young men and women who were brought into the facility for drug and alcohol abuse, gang affiliation and assault.

Feeling disappointed as to where the youth was heading, she often felt like there was something missing. She believed her life had a stronger purpose—and motivate the lives of those around her and the community.

Mannu devotes her time to various charities and non-profit organizations as: BC Children’s Hospital, Sikh Blood Donation and Pakistan Flood Relief. She also joined Operation Rainbow Canada and MannKind Charitable Society where she travelled to Baru Sahib, India in March 2011, to help children with cleft palates and burn injuries. She wants to change the way women in her community and around the world are mistreated.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Linsay Willier

Name: Linsay Willier

Age: 24 | Height: 5’9″ | Sucker Creek, AB

Originally from Sucker Creek First Nation, Linsay grew up immersed in her Aboriginal Culture. This Traditional upbringing is where she learned the importance of respect and honour.

She also maintained a well-balanced life through athletics. Linsay was captain of her high school hockey team and is a traditional Fancy Dancer.

Linsay completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care at Grant MacEwan University. During her fourth year of school she was chosen as a finalist for the show “Canada’s Next Top Model”.

Not wanting to drop out of school, Linsay completed her final semester in two weeks. Linsay won the coveted first runner up prize on Canada’s Next Top Model and made it home in time to attend her graduation.

Upon completion of University she started her own business Dreams In Motion Inc., a full service youth empowerment company designed to provide them with the tools needed to achieve their dreams. Linsay believes that we are all role models and therefore it is our duty to be the best that we can be.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

English


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Linda Wang

Name: Linda Wang

Age: 19 | Height: 5’10″ | Vancouver, BC

Linda is an Asian garden growing on Canadian soil. As an ensemble of oriental specimens known for their hybrid beauty and their innate strength, no one fail to see the wonders she offer. Strong yet feminine, exciting yet consistent, she is a paradox that never ceases to inspire those around her.

In this country, she has transposed herself into something even worthier than she was before; always leaving visitors gasping with delight and amaze. She anticipates that her roots will push strong and deep into the magnificent soil in which they now find themselves and continue to enhance the place she passby.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

Fluent: English, Chinese (Mandarin)

Semi-fluent: Spanish, French


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Krystal Bedard

Name: Krystal Bedard

Age: 26 | Height: 5’10″ | Pointe Claire, QC

Krystal, of South American and French Canadian parentage, was born and raised in Québec. Not only is she a holder of an MBA and a B.S. in Biochemistry, but she is also an accomplished ballroom dancer, a runner, and an award-winning model.

Krystal is a Senior Consultant specializing in Health Care, IT Auditing, and Data Analytics. In addition to this, Krystal uses her love for dancing to raise funds by performing on behalf of charitable organizations and schools. She also actively participates in fundraising campaigns for United Way and Relay for Life, organizes events to raise awareness of health and wellness-related issues, and gives motivational speeches.

Krystal’s endeavors stem from her living by the principle that, when we extend ourselves to help others feel valued, they become more confident in making the kinds of choices that enhance their lives.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

Native Languages: French & English


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Kim Savard

Name: Kim Savard

Age: 18 | Height: 5’10″ | Chicoutimi, QC

Kim was born and raised in Chicoutimi, QC. After the death of her father, she decided to take a year off to be close to her family, travelling, working and taking time for her before pursuing her studies and becoming a pediatrician.

With her very big heart and her need to do whatever she can to improve the lives of those around, Kim enjoys giving her time in many cause.

She is so much proud to say that she comes from a multicultural, accepting, peaceful and helpful country that truly joined her values like Canada.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

French (native language), English and a little bit of Spanish


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Jocelyn Lernout

Name: Jocelyn Lernout

Age: 25 | Height: 5’8″ | Vancouver, BC

Raised in historic Chatham-Kent, Ontario; Jocelyn Anna is an innovative film maker and ambassador of culture with the eye and heart of an explorer.

She has a degree in Psychology with minors in English and World Religions and continually enjoys developing new skills through a variety of arts and leadership courses.

After graduating from university and finding her sense of purpose, Jocelyn pursued her ambition for filmmaking by moving to Vancouver, British Columbia to find stories that could be found in the city that was welcoming the world.

Through her travels and experiences, Jocelyn has endured a personal journey which has brought purpose and passion to her life, and she anticipates affecting other people’s lives in a similar way. She believes in the good and is in pursuit of sharing films and art that inspires remembrance of heritage and appreciation for our multicultural world.

Through it all, she holds the vision of using tools such as filmmaking and cultural awareness for motivating, especially children and youth, to understand and believe in our ability to achieve and become.

Jocelyn values her family, friendship and always meeting new people. Among her creative endeavours she loves playing tennis and ping-pong, attending concerts and events and appreciating nature or time spent on the water.

Sponsored by: Visionary Leaders of Canada, Psychology of Vision Team, Brazilian GLOW, Kalev Fitness, Smile City Square, Black 2 Blonde, JL Concrete Designs, Sasso Moda, Spa Boutique Vancouver, Disc Imaging, Chatham Richmond Motors, Mom & Chuck, Dad & Rita, Jeffrey, Janette, Jessica, Jaynee, Family and Friends.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

English


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA CONTESTANT - Jessie-May Broadhurst

Name: Jessie-May Broadhurst

Age: 25 | Height: 5’6″ | New Westminster, BC

Jessie May Broadhurst was born in New Westminster, Canada. ‘Momo’ has five siblings. Jessie May was asked to speak for an M.C.F.D. Conference, to help better understand the realities of being a foster child. Shortly after the laws were changed in her home province of B.C.

Jessie May was in a traumatic car accident 04/04/02. She awoke from a coma with a broken body and severe temporal brain injury. Through persistence of a supportive team this Aries regained her health.

Her travels have taken her throughout the globe exploring with different workshops, seminars and groups. Jessie May continues to speak. Powered by the passion for sharing, Jessie May is now writing her first book.

Sponsored by: Trinity Salons & Day Spa Ltd., Max Barber Shop, Elizabeth Michaels, Bikram’s Yoga College of India, Artégo Canada, Foxy Fitness Center, Luft Kenneth M Dr, Larry Niven, Family and Friends

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

I speak English fluently, although I am attempting to learn French and Spanish as well as sign language. Through my travels and cultural exchanges I do try to the best of my ability to communicate with all who travel my path. It is amazing what barriers can be overcome when there is a will of the mind and spirit.


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com

Photos of Catherine Elizabeth Middleton's Childhood

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton (Kate Middleton) from the time she was a kid until the Royal Wedding with Prince William. Kate Middleton was born on 9 January 1982. She grew up in Chapel Row at Bucklebury, Berkshire, England, and studied in Scotland at the University of St Andrews, where she met Prince William in 2001. They started a romantic relationship that continued until a break-up lasting for several months in 2007. However, they continued to be friends and rekindled their relationship later that year.





Special thanks and credits to worldshowbiz.info

More Photos of Kate Middleton and Prince William

The royal wedding between Kate Middleton and Prince William is just several hours ahead. Let’s check the moments of memory of the couple.




Special thanks and credits to worldshowbiz.info