Pay It Forward +

   I was lucky enough to take part in Val's Pay It Forward!  Val is a dear friend and SO creative!  Look at the darling Mardi Gras Finch pin she made for me!  She knows that I adore birds.:)  I had never heard of the Mardi Gras Finch, but she told me a bit about them:  These small birds migrate through Louisiana during the month of February.  Their nests are highly prized due to their use of colorful Mardi Gras beads collected at parades. 

   Do you see the way that she sent this cutie??  She's in a nest of beads mixed with brown shredded paper- love it!   I was charmed to find out that birds love beads, too!  Another reason to love them.:)  Thank you so much Val!  (We loved the crocheted hearts, too!  Val- you are so thoughtful, my friend.)

   The girls have been waiting, oh so patiently, to make a chocolate chip heart cake.   We decided to go ahead and make one last night!  It's important to practice, before the Big Day, you know...

   Taste sampling is allowed if you are a chef!

   Here is the finished product!

   Decorating with icing and sprinkles- yum!

   Good Job, girls!:)