New Cricut Explore machine from ProvoCraft

ProvoCraft (PC) has released a new Cricut machine - the Cricut Explore.  This is big news.  Why?  For one thing, PC hasn't released anything new in quite a while, and for another this new machine is very different from the machines of the past.  To go with this new machine, PC is also releasing a brand new software - Cricut Design Space.

This new machine is designed for out-of-the-box usage.  The design makes it much simpler for the user.  With the previous machines, excluding the Expression 2, the machines required a keypad overlay and user configured settings.  This was confusing to some users.  Then Design Studio and the Gypsy were introduced, removing the need for the keypad overlay.  The Expression 2 also did not need the overlay.  Design Studio and the Gypsy have both been discontinued and the Cricut Craft Room (CCR)was introduced to replace them.  The CCR program is an internet-based program designed to streamline the cutting process, and is usable for the previous machines - the Legacy Machines.  

With each new program or machine, PC has been making further technological steps.  They may not have always led the industry, especially of late, but they have had very interesting ideas.

Enter new leadership at PC: Ashish Arora.  If you do some research you will find that he is very tech-savvy.  As such, it appears that he is bringing PC up-to-date in the industry with this new machine.  The new machine is comparable to other cutting machines out there in many ways.  However, until I have a chance to demo the machine I can not give a full comparison. 

The most interesting thing about the new machine is how it is different.  This machine isn't designed for the previous and current customer base to build upon the past machines.  This machine is for a whole new playing field.  It is designed with the DIYer in mind.  The user who wants to create, and to do it quickly without having to hunt for cartridges, figure out the keypad, or wonder about the cut settings.

The machine is more intuitive in that the Smart Set Dial allows for easy selection of the material used.  Combine this with the NEW software - yes, I did say new! - and the machine will make crafting with a cutting machine simpler and possibly faster.  PC has taken what appears to be a huge step with this machine. Everything about it is different, from the materials - German carbide - to the new software - Cricut Design Space - to the precision - Cut Smart technology allowing for excellent cuts as small as 1/4 inch!  

Other features: It will also allow users to access and cut through the ipad via a new app that will be released in Q2 of 2014.  There is a port which will allow you to link any cartridges you have to your account so that they can be used with the new software, and you can buy images from the PC Image Library, or you can subscribe to the library for $9.99/month or $99.99/ year.  The really big news is that it will cut almost any file!!  .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .svg, .dxf - all of these can be uploaded for use.

 

However, possibly my favorite new design on this machine is the dual head, allowing the user to draw and cut or score and cut at the same time.

This is an amazing idea.  Why? Because previously you had to change out the blade and pens or score tool and in doing so it was easy to nudge the mat out of alignment, ruining the project and costing the user in time and supplies.

There are so many Pros to this new machine, but there are some Cons as well.  For one thing, it is not compatible with CCR or the Gypsy.  It requires that the new software, Cricut Design Space, be used in order to operate the machine.  The new software requires internet access for usage.

In addition, there is currently a question of if the .svg and .dxf files can be cut for free or if you must pay a fee or get the subscription.

However, for the new user, the younger generation, the DIYer, and the user with little time to mess with "stuff", this machine is sure to be a great tool!

Cricut Explore - svg and dxf files - UPDATE

UPDATED!
OK - I just got off the phone with PC - I even spoke with Cricut GENA.

She did verify that PC listened to the bloggers and their customers and has made the decision to change it.  All files, including svg and dxf can be uploaded AND CUT for FREE!

I am very happy to hear this! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 For those who are curious about the .svg and .dxf file issue in regards to a fee or not.  I took some screen shots from the cricut.com website.

here it has this:

here it has this:

update: in the amount of time it took me to screen shot and write my posts up, this page has changed.  Now it has this:

and here it has this (page 5):

Personally, this basically says that you can upload the .svg and .dxf files for free, but cutting requires a fee.  However, the images show contradictory information.  Perhaps it is just a typo.  I am waiting for a PC rep to clarify this issue.
Even with the Update, I am still waiting for verification from PC.

Royal Baby Pictures

I admit it I was pulled into the Royal Baby Fun. lol.

I was able to get a few snapshots of the first royal appearance to share.

Frozen Coffee Fun

I love the Caramel Frappe from McDonald's.  However, I don't like the $3 price (or the excess calories).
My husband loves frozen and iced coffee drinks, but Dunkin Donuts isn't close to us.
We recently had a graduation party with a Bubble Tea bar and one of the flavors we used was coffee, the whole thing was a big hit and we enjoyed using the coffee powder on it's own for frozen coffee drinks.

But eventually, we ran out of the powder, and I wanted something a bit cheaper; so I went looking for recipes.  I came across several Frappe recipes and iced coffee recipes, etc.  Finally I just used those as idea points and played around until I found one I liked.  FYI - this is not quite as creamy as the Frappes at McD's because I use whole milk and no thickeners.  You could substitute half-n-half for part of the milk if you wanted it creamier, but you are adding calories.

Ingredients:
Brewed coffee
Sugar
Water
Milk (I prefer whole milk, but you can use 1 or 2 %, just be aware that it will be "thinner" in flavor)
Ice
Whipped Cream (optional)
Caramel syrup (or whichever flavor you prefer, optional)
International Cafe Powdered mix (optional)

Brew a pot of coffee, I like to make it stronger for more coffee flavor.
Next, pour into ice cube trays and freeze.  If you are impatient, you can use it once it has cooled down.

Make a simple sugar solution - 1 cup of boiling water, to 1 cup of sugar.  Allow to cool.
(You could mix the sugar into the coffee before freezing, but this allows you to adjust the level of sweetness to each person)
If you do not "do" sugar, I'm sure you could use a substitute without mixing it with water, but I only use sugar.  I don't do artificial sweeteners at all.

In a blender, combine 1 cup of coffee (about 1.5 cups of frozen coffee cubes), 2 cups of milk, about 1/4 cup of sugar solution, and 3 cups of ice.  Blend.  Add ice as needed until desired thickness is reached.  Taste for sweetness and add additional sugar solution as desired.  Top with whipped cream if desired.
This makes 2-3 large cups of frozen yumminess.  I use the double wall tumblers, with lids, because it keeps it frozen longer, and colder.  Perfect for the hot summer time by the swimming pool.

I will sometimes add the International Cafe mix and/or Caramel syrup - depending on my mood ;)

After playing around to get this recipe just right, we discovered the entire family likes the base recipe the same way, so I mix up one batch of 3 cups strong coffee and sugar and keep it in a container in the refrigerator.  Whenever we want a "fix" for each person we pour out 1/2 cup of coffee and 1 cup of milk into the blender, add ice and blend.

I haven't done a complete price breakdown, but I do know that it is under $0.75 per drink, even with caramel syrup, whipped topping, and International Cafe mix.  YMMV depending on the prices where you live.