Thursday, December 11, 2008

Plain 'ole Vanilla

Move over chocolate, when I saw this post at Design Mom, I knew I had to share it! If you're looking for creative gifts to give co-workers, neighbors, friends...anyone really, this is perfect! She has posted a tutorial on how to make vanilla, and has included sources, and links to labels (just print, cut, peel, and stick). There is also tutorials in her post on making vanilla sugar, and vanilla almonds...YUM!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Edible Winter Wreath

I'm not sure if you've strolled the holiday decor aisles, but they are unusually full this year. It's true, holiday decor is a pure luxury, and these days, one would think luxuries were going out of style. So if you have found yourself scaling back this season, I have good news for you! No need to spend a fortune on a holiday wreath (or go without) when you can make a lovely one! You can find instructions for the cookie wreath pictured above here (scroll down a bit) at Fancy Flours. Now you don't have to rush out and get fancy cookie cutters or decorations...I challenge you to use what you have. A cookie wreath would be equally adorable made from round cookie cutters, even a hodge-podge of different ones. Happy decorating!



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?


I absolutely love runway. It all started when I was a little girl, and my mom took me to a runway show. I have been captivated ever since. Victoria's Secret is known for having arguably the most incredible runway shows of all, so you can bet I tuned into CBS tonight to soak up the all creativity and be inspired. If you've missed it, there is a beautiful clip on their site here. The wings, the pink and black, the feathers, the sparkles, the fluff, the glamor... But I'm left with one question, how do they get nothing but their boobs to jiggle?

Monday, December 1, 2008

Eli, No!



Oh, I wish I could remember where I learned about this book! Anyway, it's worth sharing and posting, so lets not let my memory get in the way.
Katie Kirk has added the most precious book to her Flickr photostream, called Eli, No! It's an adorable story about a dog, Eli, who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Many who have had puppies will quickly relate! More than the story, I love her illustrations. Click through and enjoy...hopefully one of these days we can buy a published copy! What a great gift for kiddos!

Let there be light!


While browsing the archives at Design Sponge, I found this sweet chandelier painted directly on the wall. Couldn't tell at first, could ya? No need for an electrician or a spendy light fixture...just a can of paint and a steady hand (or if you don't have one, bribe a friend who does)! This has got my wheels churning for sure! You could paint a fireplace, light fixtures flanking a couch or buffet, or even paint an ornate frame behind a simple picture or mirror. Or what about that narrow space that really needs a little something, but isn't big enough? Paint on a nice table with a lamp silhouette, and maybe with a nice chair to the side. I'm not sure if in my rant I've stopped making sense... Anyway, find the original post, full of more DIY goodies here.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Impressive!



Impressive, huh? Impress Rubber Stamps has a great archive of crafty holiday ideas, and mini tutorials. You actually might be surprised by what you can make out of things you already have at home...wrapping paper, ribbon, old cards, even buttons...no sense in spending a bazillion dollars buying everything when you can get crafty with what you already have! Aren't these Christmas Tree cupcakes below adorable in their drifts of snow?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Mac & Cheese, please!


Undoubtedly, Mac & Cheese has been one of my favorite foods as long as I can remember! You could call me a mac & cheese connoisseur...if only I'd be more discerning...it's all so good to me! Anyway, in an attempt to create my own signature recipe of mac & cheese...you know, the kind of recipe you pass down to one's grand kids...I have stumbled upon a great site. Tillamook Macaroni and Cheese has a whole range of recipes from picky eaters to the most sophisticated palette. I hope you enjoy!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Gobble, gobble!


I thought you'd love the latest cupcake pop from Bakerella. Yep, leave it to her to create this cute (and by cute, I mean tasty) turkey just in time for Turkey Day! I know making these intricate confections isn't realistic for those of you who are hosting a whole Thanksgiving spread, but for those of you who aren't, this might be a nice treat to take with you. To see the original posting with pictures and instructions, click here and enjoy!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008



If you haven't seen the YouTube video titled Advent Conspiracy, I highly recommend setting aside a moment to click, view, and be inspired. I won't go into details because I want to watch it yourself, and let it speak to you individually, but please do share how it has moved you. You can also get more info on how to get involved here.

We get so distracted this time of year, that we forget it all started with a baby in a manger who came to love and save the world. And while what we offer can never compare to the gift he has given us... I do believe pieces of him live and dwell within us, and pour out into the best we have to offer the world. Thank you, Jesus.

Monday, November 17, 2008

This will be a financially tight holiday season for many of us.  All this means is that we'll have to get more creative when it comes to decorating, event hosting, and gift giving.  I hope to dig up inspiration on all these things to share with you during this holiday season.  

The first discovery has been Amy Butler's downloadable patterns.  My favorite is her Snow Mum Pillow, pictured.  This has totally got my creative juices flowing!  She used a nice wool, but you can use just about anything you like.  I'd even challenge you to dig through fabric scraps, or even old clothes and sweaters to find a special material for this project.  Maybe there is an old tattered baby blankie that needs to go...why not convert it?  Old prom dresses, a favorite shirt with a stubborn stain, a child's outgrown dress,. old school uniforms...see where I'm goin'?  I have been considering using the wide ribbon saved from my wedding to create the flower.  Any other suggestions on things you'd like to convert?

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Birthday Weekend: Some DIY Inspiration, Part 2


Wow! Isn't this "Drift Wood Sculpture" (as I call it) a great fence for the beach?  Now, maybe I'm a bit crazy for considering this a DIY project, but I'm optimistic...and like with the previous post, without actual instructions.  Hopefully I haven't lost you already...   It looks like all you'd need to create this would be 1) driftwood, 2) concrete for setting, 3) a base to set your sculpture and pour the concrete in 4) any shells or stones you'd like to include (see picture below), and 5) about 20 people who would graciously hold the driftwood in place for 2 days until the concrete dries (or you could probably make some sort of grid).  


Well, this pretty much concludes our beach weekend...now it's time to start posting about the upcoming holiday season!

Birthday Weekend: Some DIY Inspiration, Part 1

I'm kicking myself for not taking a better picture, but what the heck.  I love the river rock floor on the shower, and thought it'd be a fun project for home! I have even read about the reflexology benefits of this somewhere before. After combing through a couple forums for tips and advice, I have concluded that this isn't a simple project. Sigh.  If you're still up to the challenge (yes, I think I am), there is a forum with good content here.  If I find a nice tutorial I'll certainly update this post with a nice link.  

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Birthday Weekend: The Finds

The cottage was stocked with all kinds of great finds! I made a point of using all the utensils in the kitchen, taking note of every detail, and looking closely at each feature so that I could relay all the goodness onto you. So, without further adu, here it is...



I loved the tea kettle from OXO! It was an unexpected splash of pastel in the kitchen, and the whistle was a nice hummm as opposed to the blood-curdling shriek mine currently makes (and how does one know before buying a tea kettle what sound it will make?). Honey, you can add this to my Christmas wish list (find it here)!



These are great looking plates! The rim was reminiscent enough of a shell that it worked so smartly for the beach, but I could see this in an urban kitchen also, can't you? Get your own here.



Now, I know stemless wine glasses are for, well, drinking wine, but I found myself pouring juice and water in these things all weekend! They were nice and over sized, and didn't feel like they were going to break in my hand. Get your own, here.



I am the pickiest person when it comes to my pillow! In fact, I have been known to bring my pillow with me to foreign countries to ward off any possibilities of a stiff neck. You'd think I would have brought my pillow with me this weekend, but I forgot it...and ended up not regretting that a bit! Yep, after an great night sleep, I was pulling off the pillowcase in hopes the pillow had a tag to offer me any leads on where to get my own. It came from Pacific Coast Feather Co (along with the great comforter), and you can also buy your own here. The pillow case, sheets, and duvet cover were also amazing. They had a crepe-y feel to them, and made from bamboo. You can also get your own from DreamSacks, Inc.

I hope you enjoyed some of these fun finds!  Come back soon...I have some DIY (do-it-yourself)  fun inspired by the weekend! 

Monday, November 10, 2008

Birthday Weekend: The Place

My parents generously host the weekend each year. This year we stayed at The Cottages at Cape Kiwanda, and sounds like we'll return next year. I have posted some pictures, and will let them do all the talking.







To book your own stay call 888-965-7001. Or, to purchase a fractional share, call 888-965-7779. Stay tuned...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Annual November Birthday Beach Weekend


Quite a mouthful! Every year, my family gathers at the Oregon Coast to celebrate our November birthdays...3 birthdays to be exact, 4 including the dog. Jon's birthday (my brother) is on the 1st, mine is on the 11th, Ruthie's is on the 18th (doggie), and my dad's is on the 28th...our ages to remain undisclosed for Ruthie's sake. With all of us living in different places, it's just easier and more festive to come and celebrate together!

Stay tuned this week for the different inspirations that came out of the weekend...

Sunday, November 2, 2008

A Pumpkin Treat


Just a few weeks ago, I discovered an old magazine tear out for this recipe. Craving just about anything pumpkin, I decided to make them...and have ended up making them twice in a week! So yes, they're good...very good! From the picture, I thought they'd be more like a cookie, but really they're like little cookie shaped cakes. Anyway, you'll just have to try them and decide for yourself. Here is the recipe for Pumpkin Pies from Family Fun Magazine.

Instead of sandwiching the cookies between icing, I set each individual cookie on a bed of white chocolate. It gave a nice crunch against the cake. I tried also drizzling white chocolate over the tops, but ended up making a disaster out of the kitchen...sometimes we just have to be practical, people!

(Image from Family Fun)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Light the Path



Need I say more? Give trick-or-treaters a festive path to follow up to your front door. Besides, a flashlight doesn't go too well with most costumes...don't want to cramp their style.

Here is a close-up:




The tutorial can be found here.


(Images from MarthaStewart.com)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Fancy Carving

If you haven't caught on already, I'm posting all things "pumpkin carving" this week. There are just so many good ideas out there, I just couldn't leave any of them out! Follow the links in each of the headers to find all the instructions.

Celestial Pumpkins














Spider Squash


Lace-Patterned Pumpkins













Filigree Pumpkins













I hope these inspire a work of art for your front porch!

(All images from MarthaStewart.com)

Monday, October 27, 2008

Monogram your Pumpkin


I love anything monogram, and pumpkins are no exception. Find your favorite type, blow it up, print it out, and use as a stencil to carve your pumpkin. To achieve the translucent look, use a linoleum cutter (yes, just like the one found in high school art class). You can find the instructions from none other than Martha, here.

For those of you with Fall weddings, it'd be really sweet to have monogrammed pumpkins as either table decor, lining the aisle, or greeting guests at the guestbook table or entrance. You can work with your designer to bring in elements (or monograms) from your invites onto the pumpkins.

Happy Carving!

(Image from MarthaStewart.com)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

What the Bedazzle are you doing to my Pumpkin?


Martha unveiled the brilliant idea of glittering pumpkins last Fall. There are many reasons why I love this idea so much! First of all, they're so pretty, they don't have to be condemmed to the front portch (actually might even play a starring role on your tabletop). Second, you don't have to carve them (but I will warn you, the glitter does tend to get messy). And last, they'll likely last you through Thanksgiving...who said your pumpkins are only for Halloween? Some aesthetic considerations to help your glittery pumpkins turn out the best: 1) use a glitter that isn't clear (Martha's crew uses glitter from Art Glitter ), 2) find pumpkins or other gourds that have good shape and character, and 3) use a variety of glitter colors. I know Martha glitters the stem, but I personally like the contrast of the glittered pumpkin with the un-glittered stem. But, thats just me. You can watch the tutorial, here.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Dress up your Cupcake


Fall gets me in the mood to bake! I literally woke up this morning thinking of different ways to decorate a pumpkin shaped sugar cookies. What can I say, I love that kind of stuff! Speaking of, aren't these cute cupcake wrappers? The invention of such a thing is entirely new to me, but what a fun way to fancy up your Halloween treats! You can find them here from Fancy Flours.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Log Bowls


These Log Bowls are like nothing I have ever seen before! The temptation would be to put something in them (actually nuts would be a bit hilarious…I’d feel like a squirrel), because, well, they’re bowls! But they are so precious just the way they are with that high-gloss finish, that I wouldn’t dare! I just love that colorful, glossy contrast against the bark. I discovered them on Design Mom’s blog when she did a post about another post she did on Cookie Magazine’s Nesting Blog, here. They are handmade by Loyal Loot Collective and local crafters, and are created out of reclaimed trees. How special is that!

Bridezilla


I thought this was a wedding great theme for a Halloween party! Well, a slightly cryptic wedding, but can’t you just imagine serving up candy insects on your fine china, or "posion" in your crystal? No? Maybe it’s just me… Well I thoroughly enjoyed the post about it at HWTM (she has more pictures there also). You can find even more details and Halloween party ideas here at BHG.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pushing Daisies


Oh, I love this show! I mostly love the way it looks. Yes, I am one of those people who can love a bad movie only because it may have pretty costumes and imagery. Alright, so I've already gone off track! Not only is Pushing Daisies a pretty show, but the plots are whimsical, and each episode seems like a mini-movie with it's own theme, plot, and conclusion. Of course you have the common threads running through each episode...Chuck and the Pie Maker's love affair in which they can never touch. With the help of a trusty DVR, I never miss an episode (Wednesdays at 8/7 central, on ABC)! ABC has also been generous enough to post past episodes online (even Season 1), so if you want to catch up, here is your chance! By the way, I'm not sure if anyone else noticed, but I loved the mugs they used at the Pie Hole. They're white with sweet little green stripes. I'll let you know if I ever find out where to get them!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

At the stroke of twelve...


When I stumbled upon this post at How About Orange, I just knew I had to share it with you! There is just something so precious and perfect about making Cinderella's carriage out of pumpkins! The original tutorial can be found at Hallmark Magazine. Just be sure you make it home by midnight!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Spun Sugar Caramel Apples


Leave it to Martha and her crew to come up with these gorgeous Spun Sugar Caramel Apples. The web-effect is so creative in all of it's "spooky elegance," but I think sans the spiders, this could be a fancy treat served even post-Fall. To be honest, I have never attempted this sweet treat because it does require sacrificing a whisk to wire-cutters, but I think it will be worth it once I get the guts to try (but will be sure to include a warning with this post if it just turns into a sticky mess). Let me know if you have any luck!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Chocolate Raspberry Martini



I'm not a huge drinker, but when something spirited can double as dessert, I'm totally game! Leave it to HWTM to hook up something sweet in her Drink of the Week, a Chocolate Raspberry Martini. Bottoms up!

(recipe from HWTM)

Chocolate Raspberry Martini
{Makes 4 to 6 dessert drinks}

Ingredients:
12 Fresh raspberries
2 ounces Chambord
4 Tablespoons Semi-Sweet Cocoa powder
8 ounces of Merlot or Cabernet

Method:
In a bowl add raspberries and ½ ounce of the Chambord. Muddle these together to ensure the two are well incorporated. Add the cocoa powder and 4 ounces of the red wine. Mix well and then strain into a small pitcher to remove the raspberry seeds. Add the additional Chambord and red wine. Pour into a mixing glass or shaker with ice and vigourously shake. Strain into martini glasses and enjoy!

As an option, rim your martini glasses with chocolate and crushed nuts. You can also dust with a little cocoa powder or add a shaving of chocolate.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Cupcake Pops!


Adorable, aren't they? If you love to bake as much as I do, you must check out Bakerella's Blog. She is a creative genius in the kitchen, or, er, bakery, and makes me want to quit my day job and bake all day (yes hun, I see the issues of actually pursuing that...but it would be a good way to use up my sprinkle collection)! On her blog, she shows us how to make these adorable Cupcake Pops, and many many more! Oh, and did I mention she took her creativity all the way to Martha's show as a guest! Enjoy the video (plus recipe and tutorial) here. OH, and one more thing! She is the only other person (other than myself) I know who has a PINK KitchenAid Mixer. We'd probably get along nicely.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Spring is in the Air?


Pantone has released their Spring 2009 Fashion Color Report! I know, I know, it's not even Halloween yet, and I already talking about Spring. I'm not a huge fashionista myself, but it's fun to see what colors we can be expecting this Spring, and the designer sketches are also such a treat. You can download your copy at Pantone.com, after signing up for a free membership.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Little Red Riding Hood


Awe, I love this little coat from Dominique Rouzier! It reminds me of these red, wool coats my mom used to dress us in for church every Sunday. I think the "envelope" pocket is just so adorable, and perfect for stashing those random little things kiddos tend to collect.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

It's a Piece of Cake!


Yum! I love cake stands. In fact, I have more than I know what to do with, but I can't help myself. I love these tiered ones with the ruffled rim from Potluck Studios in their Flirt Dinnerware line. Don't they make you want to eat some cake?

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Wonderful Graffiti





If a picture is worth a thousand words, than this gorgeous "interior typography" must be, well, you know what I mean! Wonderful Graffiti creates custom and pre-created wall art that you can apply to whatever hard surface you like. I especially love the chalkboard pieces! So often we look for the right picture or mirror for a space, when all we need is a good (aesthetically appealing) quote. Who said only pictures can be sentimental? I know I'm mulling over some possibilities I'd love to put up someday! If there happen to be any husbands reading, you'd be smart to surprise your wife with a quote in your own handwriting on the bathroom mirror, "honey (or insert endearing name here), you look beautiful." She'll melt all over again each time she reads it!