Pretty and Witty and Fey

Miniature Halloween Pumpkin Scene

2008-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this at That Artist Womans blog and I really want to try this - it is awesome! In fact she has heaps of wonderful ideas for cool art projects to do with your kids.

Full project details here

Hmmmm

2008-10-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Below - Martha Stewart

Below - Amy Atlas

I guess it is flattery and I know I copy from Martha all the time, but I was struck by all the similarities.

Paper Source

2008-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through the Paper source catalog today and was more than pleased to see a few items I have coveted for some time.

The Explorer Kit above would be just perfect for Owen

And this pigtail kit needs to be purchased for Alexandra immediately

For me, a chance to indulge my slight obsession with old school libraries - these just make me swoon. I just love them

All products available from Paper Source

slice of tree update!

2008-10-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

In the post below (Dean & Deluca cupcakes) I mentioned that I liked the slice of tree being used as a plate! Upon further review, I realized that the plate is actually for sale. In fact, it is a maple cutting board! Dean & Deluca describes it thus
"Spaulted Maple Cutting Board
This rustic yet spectacular cutting board is carefully created from Maple with an all-natural, food-safe finish. Perfect for cutting breads and even better as a serving piece on your harvest table. Sizes vary slightly, due to natural craftsmanship."

I describe it a slice of tree. I am not sure I can warrant $80 for something so abundantly available in my part of the world. Still I do like the idea and I will be stealing it!

By the way, I did have to look up the word Spaulted and I could not find it in my dictionary or any of the online dictionaries. So I have no idea what it means, but it sure looks pretty!

available here

I can do this!

2008-10-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

I saw this image at the Dean & Deluca website and I thought it very pretty. I also thought that unlike a lot of the cakes showcased in the catalog, these were something I could pull off. So I think that is going to be my next project. They are very fall/thanksgiving and therefore must be make their appearance soon! I like the slice of tree used as a plate! Slice of tree? I know there is a technical word for it but it has escaped me for now!!

According to the website, they are Pumpkin with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Icing, Cinnamon with Mayan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and Vanilla with Vanilla Frosting. The top looks like a leaf cut from colored fondant - at least that is what I think I will use. So stay tuned - they are on the way!

Photo via Dean & DeLuca

More Matthew Mead

2008-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I mentioned how much I love Matthew Meads book Halloween Tricks and Treats - it is fabulous. Well now he has a new book which was released last week and it too looks stunning to me. It is called Entertaining Simple and I think I need a copy of it asap!

Below are a few images from the book as well as the author himself.

The book is available in the US and Canada at bookstores or through Matthews website here

all images via Matthew Mead and Wiley Publishing.

Dried Apple Shrunken Heads

2008-10-05T13:57:00.001-07:00

I saw this project on Fabulous Living and knew I had to try it. Basically, you take apples, peel them, coat them in a mixture of lemon juice and salt then carve features into them. After about 2 weeks sitting and drying, they look sinister and nasty - perfect timing for Halloween! I will post pictures in about 2 weeks when they are complete but for full directions and photos, go here to FabulousLiving.com

Photos via fabulousliving.com

Decisions, decisions!

2008-10-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Which boots do I love the most?!!

These from Boden

available here
OR
these from J Crew

available here

I think I am leaning towards the J Crew boots but I just cannot decide for sure! I guess if this is my biggest worry today, it is not a bad day at all!

Boden skirts

2008-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have maintained a long love affair with Boden which has transcended the Atlantic ocean and many separations. I received the latest catalog this week and it was the skirts that grabbed me. I have not been too much of a fan of skirts of late but these are just mummy enough to grab my attention. Love both but if I had to push, the grey corduroy would be my choice. I love the entire outfit actually (hint, hint)!

It is a little louder than I would normally wear but I need to get out of the comfort zone and stretch a little. The denim skirt and sweater is way more in my wheelhouse - I may as well be Amish huh?!

Both outfits avaialable from Boden USA

Pumpkin Bread

2008-10-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

I purchased these beautiful treat bags from this etsy shop and they were just begging to be used this weekend. I knew I wanted to try making pumpkin bread and I knew I had enough people to warrant baking 6 little mini loaves so away I went! The house smells like fall right now which is a good thing as fall has surely found its way to the Pacific Northwest. It is rainy and windy and generally yucky outside, but I could not be happier. I like fall! I love coming inside and making pies, breads, cakes and casseroles. It is a respite after having spent the past few months not wanting to switch the oven on.

I used the recipe from Martha Stewarts baking book and it was a very easy recipe to pull together. It probably took 10 minutes of actual hands on time and the end result was excellent. I gave away two loaves to neighbors and two have been wrapped and placed in the freezer for consumption at a later date. I had never had pumpkin bread before so I wasn't sure how it was supposed to look or taste but the lovely husband was ready to give an enthusiastic thumbs up!

I finally succumbed to temptation and had a slice toasted with a slather of cream cheese on the top. I am a convert - it was excellent. It reminds me of gingerbread and I am good with that!

So now I have to fulfill an order for banana bread and the bananas are sufficiently ripe so away I go!

More Pottery Barn Kids things I love

2008-09-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

This magnetic tree needs to be purchased for Alexandra - it would look wonderful in her room. It may just be strong enough to withstand her occasional destructive tendencies!

These are just too beautiful and I may have to keep them for myself! A friend of mine actually made me a felt cupcake a few weeks ago and it was adorable. I was feeling sick and she made it to cheer me up!

And these are just the perfect catchall for all the kids stuff - and there is lots of it to catch!!

All images via Pottery Barn Kids

Matthew Mead

2008-09-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

How cool is this book?

I purchased it a few weeks ago and I am in love! So much eye candy and some really great ideas. My favorite is the trick or treat tree. I actually purchased one and it arrived today - beyond all expectations. I cannot wait to fill it with all kinds of halloween goodies.

So I recommend this book for anyone who likes Halloween and all the food and crafts that go along with it. Beautiful photography, great ideas and perfect styling!

I love it.

Is it wrong...

2008-09-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

that I am excited new episodes of Barefoot Contessa will be airing soon? I miss that broad! I miss oohing and ahhhing over her fabulous home. I miss casting envious glances at her fresher than fresh abundance of glorious food stuffs! I wish I could dislike her but she is just cool. I have not had one of her recipes fail me so for that alone she is just plain likable in my eyes! God bless the Ina Garten.

Oh and since I am talking about Food Network, what the hell happened to that network? It has become for the most part unwatchable. If I need instruction on how to open a can or how to make said can appear homemade, then perhaps the Food network is not the channel for me. Perhaps it is just me, but I am tired of the non cooking
cooks that seem to have taken over. It drives me nuts.

So in summary, no it is not wrong for me to be excited about Ina - she is one of the few bright spots left on that network.

The Genius of Jordan

2008-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs is Oh Happy Day. I like the style of one Jordan Ferney! Today she revealed her genius plan and it is way cool! It is one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas. A master stroke. It is called the Pretty Little Things club and the premise is you subscribe for 6 or 12 months for a small fee. Then each month you receive a pretty little thing (duh!). It is intriguing! I am not sure too many other bloggers would be able to pull it off but this blog has been going strong for quite a few years and she has a strong and devoted following. I cannot wait to see what each month will bring! It should be fun.

Image of some of her projects via Tangled and True

Batman/Superman - who is it going to be?!

2008-09-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Owen is finally getting excited about Halloween and that makes me excited. After many proposals, he seems to have settled on 2 choices - Batman or Superman! So I was very happy to see this project at the Puking Pastilles blog. I am not exactly gifted at the whole sewing thing, but thankfully Owen has a great Aunt that is very gifted in that department. So the project is underway and Owen can be either Batman, Superman or both when October 31 rolls around! I love it and I am sure that Owen is going to love it too!

All images and project details via Puking Pastilles

I know it's early but....

2008-09-28T21:15:00.001-07:00

I love this

from Pottery Barn Kids. Is there anything they cannot do? I always look forward to their holiday collections. They are always a source of inspiration that makes the bar just a little higher for me. I need that!

Candlestick Cupcake Holders!

2008-09-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

I saw this image in the Chasing Fireflies catalog and immediately swooned. Not because the Marie Antoinette costume is beautiful but because of the those cakes set out on the table behind her. I love the tall candle holders that are being used to hold cupcakes. I am now on the lookout for some beauties or I may have to find a log and a woodworker and see if I cannot get some made!

image via Chasing Fireflies

Magazines

2008-09-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love fall magazines. I get a rush when I go to the mailbox and see a pile of magazines just waiting for me. Martha Stewart Living October is always eagerly anticipated for the halloween fun alone. I was asked about my magazine addiction recently and it did get me to thinking! Since I can remember, I have always had a love for magazines. I have always loved books too, but magazines make me pant! I think it is the condensed nature of magazines that appeals to me. I can pick them up and put them down without fear of losing the plot! I can see that perfect photograph and it inspires me to make a change or make a purchase. I get a little giddy when I see a magazine at Borders that I have not seen before. I drive 30 miles each way to a Borders because that is the nearest bookstore that stocks Canadian House & Home. Oh I tell people that I am taking my children to Point Defiance zoo (and I do) but the real reason is the Borders that we pass on the way home. I could spend hours in the magazine section alone!

My first memory of magazine reading was when I was 6 years old and I saw my mothers Womans Own magazine sitting by her armchair. I flicked through and it seemed to be a colorful world that was captivating to my young brain. Looking at that publication as I grew older, I thought it trite and dull but I may have come full circle. I am not sure it is still published as I no longer live in the UK but if it is, I may have to find a copy.

I followed the usual path along the magazine highway - Smash Hits, Jackie, Glamour, Cosmo, Vogue and then I got married and a new world opened up to me. The world of making the marital house a home. Home design magazines were my new drug. I love them. Martha always made me feel it was okay to love that domestic side that I did not know existed. She will always have the number one place on my list. Food magazines were quick to follow and now when I add up all that I subscribe to, it is far more than I would care to admit to! I also have several foreign language magazines that I cannot live without and a few subscriptions to British magazines that I simply cannot give up! Help me someone!!

So to all involved in the production of magazines, I say thank you, thank you, thank you. You make it all seem possible and pretty and I love it.

Recycle and Rejoice

2008-09-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

I am a huge fan of fall and winter clothes. I love coats and boots and gloves and I especially love scarfs. I am loving this scarf - it makes me smile!

Available here at Uncommon Goods

It's good to be back!!

2008-09-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

After a 2 month sojourn, I am back to the world of blog! Lots of Autumn things on my mind and the need to create is back!

exhale....

2008-07-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Love this

I want to spend an afternoon puttering around here

Visiting with Visitors!

2008-07-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

We had my delightful sister in law Amanda come visit this past week. It was a lovely visit and we got to visit a few places we may have put off. Seattle as a tourist is always fun but the highlight for me was our visit to Hurricane Ridge. I wrote about this already but it was breathtaking and well worth the drive. Another highlight was the Point Defiance Zoo. I myself am not a fan of zoos, but my children are and who am I to get in the way of that. This particular zoo is on the smaller side which makes it ideal for an afternoon out with kids. Very easy to see it all and not feel rushed. Apart from the trips, it was nice just to let my children get to know their aunt again. I like having guests!!

Hurricane Ridge

2008-07-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

We spent a beautiful afternoon on Tuesday driving up to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park. What a glorious place to be. Breathtaking, just breathtaking. If you are ever in these parts, I highly recommend it. If you are craving beauty, this will fulfill that need! The children loved seeing snow in July and gamely tackled some of the hikes. A great day indeed.

Thornback and Peel

2008-07-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Love these pretty and peculiar prints - especially the cards.

Available here

LadyBird Books

2008-07-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

I have such fond and vivid memories of these books being a part of my everyday while I was growing up. I absolutely loved all of them and think I had almost every title thanks to some pretty wonderful relatives. The Understanding Maps book was a particular favorite and I have loved maps and cartography ever since. Books are good - more books, more better! Now a wide range of the vintage illustrations and art works are being sold as prints or canvases. I need at least these 3 favorites! Oh and the Captain Cook book if they have that!!

Images from and products available here

fall coat

2008-07-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

Love this from Boden

Available here

letter fetish

2008-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

love love love letters! In all forms, they make me happy. I love these from Urban Outfitters - I think I need the recycled tin ones in a bad way. Why do I need them? I do not know, I just do!

Available here and here

Enfin LaVoila

2008-07-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

I love every single item in this Etsy Store. Just send me one of everything and I will be happy. Some standouts -

all available here

Martha Stewart Living

2008-07-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

I found the August 2008 copy waiting in my mailbox yesterday, and the cover just blew me away! The photography is always top notch and all the covers are beautiful but this one just jumped out at me. I love the picnic table set so simply and the lake side setting just makes me want to stay awhile. Fortunately, the location for this photo is Lake Chelan, Washington which is not too far away from me. Do you think anybody would object if I just turn up with picnic basket in hand?

Laduree

2008-07-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get very homesick for things I had forgotten existed! A memory will pop into my head out of nowhere and suddenly I am thrown into a malaise over something that 2 minutes prior I had no recollection of! Today's example - Laduree of Paris! I woke up this morning craving a pastry with my coffee. Usually that means dreams of Bar Triestina in Gaeta, Italy but for some reason Laduree came into my mind. Strange silly mind!

Images from here

Pottery Barn Teen (again)

2008-07-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

I am not sure I know any teenagers that I consider cool enough to carry off the wonderful rooms in this catalog but I do like to think they exist! Perhaps my children will reach those wonderful years and be worthy - or not. I particularly loved the little artist accessories in the current catalog and feel my daughter may need to have a few of them. She is only 5 but oh so cool!

A few things for my budding artiste

images via Pottery Barn Teen

Nigella's Chicken

2008-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

There are a few meals that I have in my arsenal that are no brainers. Meals that I know can be thrown together and will always hit the spot. One of these is Nigella Lawsons Buttermilk Roast Chicken from her Nigella Express cookbook. I have made this many times and it is always devoured by husband and children alike. I love it because I throw it together the night before and it gets to sit in its yummy juices and become just fricking fabulous! Add a salad and it is ready to go! Well worth a try!

The recipe can be found here

PS Her rocky road bars are also a fave with my son!!

Can I live here please?

2008-07-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

If only for a few days? It seems so serene and peaceful to me. An adult hideout! Better still, have it sent to my backyard and then i can enjoy it whenever I feel necessary!

Image via Skona Hem

Lemony cleaning goodness

2008-07-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

I purchased this product last week at Target and I am in love! Utter lemon joy! The entire house smelt like a lemon grove and it took me back to those wonderful summers in Italy. Highly recommend it and at just $3-99 it is a pretty good deal!

JR Watkins All Purpose Lemon Cleaner

Sorry it has been so long!

2008-07-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

For a while there, it has seemed improbable that a thought would bounce from my head onto the keyboard! I had not been feeling the inspiration thing at all. I have just been wallowing in the beauty of other blogs. Now I feel somewhat human again and ready to let it rip! So lets try this blog thing again.

Conran Shop

2008-06-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

This Garden parasol makes me smile - good enough reason to love it!

Image Conran USA

Reasons I need to sew

2008-06-15T14:01:00.001-07:00

The fabulous fabrics of one Angie Lewin. So wonderful, they make me want to take up the needle! But after my one foray into the sewing world, I think I will just buy the fabric and let someone else do the stitching! Not my forte and that is okay!

Images via Angie Lewin

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

I lost my father over a decade ago. I still miss him every day and that will never change. However, there is now another father in my life and that is the father of my children. He is a good man and a good father. So to him, I say "Happy Father's Day, We all Love you".

Happiness is.....

2008-06-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

An armful of warm fresh magazines! Dearest husband was in the DC area this week and picked me up some much needed foreign reading matter. Lots of eye candy - perhaps too much eye candy! Vogue Bambini made me break out in a sweat and I have yet to peruse the Marie Claire Maison! It made my day to hold these in my mitts. Thank you husband!

Grandma Becky

2008-06-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the photo that I was telling you about!

Marie Claire Photos

2008-06-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

I love the lighting in these photos. Just so ethereal.

Photos via Marie Claire (British)

RH Baby update

2008-06-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

I finally got a look at the Restoration Hardware baby and child catalog and I was not really that impressed. I was not expecting anything ground breaking but it was just what I thought it would be - no surprises. That is not really a bad thing I suppose but nothing really made me gasp. A few things I liked were the following

images via RH baby

To Dream

2008-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

It has been raining and dreary here for what seems like an eternity! I need to do some online traveling! If I still lived in Europe, I would be in one of these places right about now!!! I miss Italy! C'mon Spring, hurry up and come shake off my funk!

From top: Sailing off Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Trulli Imperiale in Puglia, a beach in Sardinia, Costa Smeralda in Sardinia

PB Teen Armoire

2008-06-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

My daughter has a large walk in closet in her room but I don't think that is going to stop me wanting this. I love the color, the three doors (one with mirror) and the drawers at the bottom. Just perfect!

Chelsea Armoire from PB Teen

our little science experiment

2008-06-07T07:01:00.001-07:00

I had lots of containers filled with white ranunculus on my front porch. As they were on their last legs, I decided to cut them and enjoy them in vases inside the house. We decided to try the old food dye in the water trick to see if it would turn the flowers blue. My son was enthralled with the process and just loved the outcome. A fun and silly way to spend a rainy afternoon!

Before

After

First Butterfly of the Year

2008-06-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a cold long Spring here in the Pacific Northwest. Sunny days have been few and far between and I am beginning to think that we are just going to skip summer and go straight to Autumn. However, this sight, out in my garden, gave me much hope!

Beauty in the Sadness

2008-06-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

The memorial service for a sailor killed in action. The 1100 sailors lining the streets under gray and gloomy skies. Pristine in their dress blues. The majesty and pomp all just conspired to send tears streaming down cheeks. Bagpipes, roll call, 21 gun salutes and a bugler playing taps - a beautiful moving send off for a man who touched so many. His family will always be in my thoughts.

Ink & Wit

2008-06-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of those online stores that make me sigh! It is all so beautiful.

I love this animal poster

and these postcards make me happy

images via Ink and Wit

Charmingwall

2008-06-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love this gallery and I love that in lieu of a trip to NYC, I can just visit here and drool over my keyboard!

I also love that you can buy prints from over 150 illustrators for just $20 each - awesome! So much talent, so little dollar.

An example - if you please

Image by Evan B. Harris via Charmingwall.com

Barenaked Ladies

2008-06-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

While I was perusing the Land of Nod website, I came across this

The Barenaked Ladies have released a childrens album. I listened to a little and it seems like it may have to find its way to my ipod. My children love They Might Be Giants and I think this will be a sure hit with them too. Bonus, I do not want to drive into a wall if I am listening to it!!!

Seen at Land of Nod

Land of Nod

2008-06-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of this catalog and store. They have some lovely things but these sure grabbed my attention! I wish spring or summer would make it's way here to the Pacific Northwest for longer than a day so I could put these bad boys to use. It is cold and pouring out there right now! To dream, to dream!

I love this bag and think it would be great for farmers market trips

And finally, I know Owen would love these. Today he is all about cars and rockets and ships. Yesterday dinosaurs, today transportation, tomorrow - who knows?

All images and items from Land of Nod

Yves Saint Laurent

2008-06-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

Bonne nuit Génie. Nous vous avons aimés et maintenant nous disons au revoir. Paix

I have always had a fondness for this man and his work. He embodied all that was French to me at a very young age. I watched my mother wear his clothes and they brought something out in her that was not always apparent. A sophistication that she allowed to emerge on special occasions. She was always beautiful and fabulous and robust in that wonderful earthy Italian way, but then she would slip into something with YSL on the label and French chick with a pout would emerge. I did not inherit this chameleon like ability but I sure enjoyed watching her. I also grew a foot taller than her so all her fabulous clothes went to my two petite sisters - c'est la vie!

Restoration Hardware for baby

2008-05-29T18:24:00.001-07:00

Restoration Hardware have expanded into the baby and child field. It seems like an obvious move to me but I am not sure I could ever justify the amount they want for some of their things. I received a little mini catalog and it is all classic and beautiful. Some of the rooms and linens are swoon worthy and the hat boxes and suitcases will have to find their way to my house! The full catalog is due in June and you can request a catalog here

Image via rhbabyandchild

More Swede if you please

2008-05-29T08:51:00.001-07:00

Another site I have been loving is that of one Benita Larsson. Her blog, Chez Larsson is always a joy to visit. She has great tips on how to keep a home organized and her home is a testament to that. I want her to come live at my house for a few weeks and work her magic - pretty please.

All images via Chez Larsson

Swedish Phishing!

2008-05-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have found myself drawn to a lot of Swedish sites of late. I am just loving that clean crisp style they seem to exude. I need to get my hands on a copy of this magazine and I am sure it requires no translation as the photos speak for themselves. I could spend hours dreamily looking through their inspiration homes. Pure white eye candy!

A few examples if you please!

All images via Skona Hem
If anybody can tell me how I can get my hands on a copy of this magazine here in the good ol' US of A, I would be grateful.

Black Apple

2008-05-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I enjoyed a little culture but I have been itching to get back inside a museum or gallery for some time. One of my favorite etsy sites and blogs belongs to the black apple and as luck would have it, she is featured in this exhibit in Seattle beginning in July. Just a ferry ride away - I cannot wait.

images via inside a black apple

Crewcuts

2008-05-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love this catalog. Some of the things contained within are way overpriced but there are some wonderful things at almost reasonable prices. They also have great sale items which make me feel less guilty about my insatiable desire to have my children look 190% better than I ever do!!

Here are a few of my fave things that I saw today

Pretties from Anthropologie.

2008-05-27T14:35:00.001-07:00

I received these in the mail today. I had seen them some time ago and when I went back to purchase, they were on sale - happy day! Mine are yellow but you get the idea!

Inside the package was the Summertime catalog which is a thing of beauty. However, I found myself worried for some of the models. They seemed to a little distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings. Walking while reading is not something I would recommend. I have been the recipient of far too many bumps, bruises and nicks to tell of here due to trying to walk and read at the same time. Not a good plan, believe me! However, I did see these and thought they must be wrapped and sent to me as soon as possible.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream.

2008-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Now that is a lot of words for one scrumptious cupcake. Yesterday was Memorial Day and I have much to say about that holiday that I will leave for another post! As I was still feeling a little mad about the world in general, I decided to shake off the funk with a little baking. Baking something always makes me feel gentler, kinder and a little more human. I had seen this recipe on the half baked blog and decided a wet Monday in Washington was the day to unleash it!

Upon first reading, I thought it would be a little more difficult than it ended up being. Just make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go. It came together quickly and the cupcakes were unbelievably good. More compliments on these babies than most others I have made. The Buttercream gave me a few fits but I think that was more about my short temper than anything else! The only thing I changed about the recipe was I omitted the rum as a) I don't like rum and b) I had no rum in the house!

So here are the end results - I highly recommend them and if you were here, I would be sure to let you sample!

And we're back!

2008-05-27T14:05:00.001-07:00

Needed a few days away from this thing called blog! Life intruded in a harsh way and time was needed to digest, process and yada yada yada. So I feel almost ready to face the world again - almost!

Blueberry Cupcakes

2008-05-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

I saw these cupcakes

on the Bon Appetite website and was instantly smitten. I woke up this morning and saw a bag of blueberries I had frozen last week and decided today was the day to make these beauties.

They were very simple to make and the cake tastes like a light muffin with massive bursts of blueberry punch. Indeed a yummy cake. The frosting, however, was not so good. I followed the recipe but it tasted like sweet sand - not a taste I could go with. I decided to just make a good old fashioned cream cheese frosting. When the frosting was all ready, I threw in a handful of frozen blueberries and mixed them in really quickly. The frosting was amazing with these little pieces of blueberry interspersed amongst the sweetness of the frosting - I was so proud!!

Here are the end results

Just love these!

2008-05-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

More photos of my ranunculus - they just keep on keeping on!

Parasol

2008-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

I love parasols - obsessed may be a better word. I saw these on Black Eiffel and want them in the worst way. Not sure why but I need them. I have no clue where I would find them but I want them. So there!

Desserts Magazine

2008-05-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

I just found this little online gem - ooh la la. I don't think I need to expand on the title as it seems to say it all to me. It is a feast for the eyes and makes me want to get my apron on and make my way to the kitchen. Find it here

Wedding Style Guide

2008-05-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

I visit this website a lot for just idle browsing of the pretty pictures! There are some gorgeous images here but I love that they provide a lot of downloads that you can use for your own sweet self. I love the sunflowers (sigh) and the tea party comes complete with recipes for your own special backyard soirée! I am not sure why I love the cake so much, but I surely do!

All images via http://www.styleguide.com.au/

You know it is hot!

2008-05-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Northwest is going to be close to 90 degrees through the weekend and our local news stations are all over it in the usual understated way! It leads off all news which tells me it must be a slow news day! Of course if I look at any National news sites, I realize it is not really a slow news day or week - far too much death and destruction for that but I digress. I know it is going to be hot because I have already been told to stay hydrated and look out for any elderly neighbors! Does 4 days of almost 90 degree weather really constitute a heatwave? I find it a wonderful break from our long winter but I do not think it is cause for hysteria.

One good thing is getting to sit outside and enjoy myself a refreshing beverage so I may just go and do that again!!

Marie Claire Idees

2008-05-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of those magazines that I really look forward to receiving. By receiving, I mean timing it so that the one issue that my local Barnes & Noble receives makes it into my mitts. It is usually about a week to 10 days after it hits French newstands that i start stalking the magazine lady at B&N! I got my first glimpse of the new issue at the website Marie Claire Idees. It looks pretty good non?!

You do not need to speak French to enjoy this magazine but if you really feel like a good laugh and would like some clue as to what the text means, you need to go here
It is hilarious!

So now I need to go set my timer for a week today and let my stalking begin!
Au revoir!

The Little Tea Swap that could!

2008-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have seen lots of posts about tea cup swaps and other types of swaps and they have always been something I thought I would like to do. I decided to take baby steps and host my own teeny tiny little tea swap. All of the participants (all 6 of them) are related in some way but none of them live within 3000 miles of me. Everyone was very excited about the idea of this and my primary mission was accomplished - to get people who live maybe 20 miles from each other to interact in each others lives.

So this week is the week for mailing the boxes and I sent mine off on Monday. As it was such a small swap, I did not do the traditional swap partner thing. Instead you sent a package to one person, but received it from another. This maximized the interaction between all participants - again, my primary goal.

I will be doing another swap again soon but in the meantime, below are images of the goodies I sent and the wonderful delights I received. Much fun!

Farm Kitchen

2008-05-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to go here for the legendary 1st Saturday Brunch for the longest time but now I feel a class may be in order. They have one class that really whets my appetite - Using local produce from CSA's or farmers markets. I like the idea of stretching my salad repertoire! The venue itself is gorgeous and if I was in the market for a wedding, it would be a possible. I think spending some time just doing something purely for the fun of it would be refreshing. It is all part of feeling Spring/Summer creeping into the Pacific Northwest - we sure waited long enough for it.

More Toast!

2008-05-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

I received my new Toast catalog in the mail this morning. The usual beauty was found among the pages. This little number caught my eye but I wonder how it would look on a woman with, shall we say, a more generous bust? I cannot help but think it would not be as lovely as it looks on the flat chested wench sporting it here.

I also love this little ensemble - casual and comfy just like me!

Mother May I?!

2008-05-13T14:31:00.001-07:00

Gosh, these are some beautiful interiors by the team of Nathan-Egan. I had seen their work before but was reminded of it while perusing the wonderful Daisy Chain blog. The Hallway just blows me away with those amazing staircases. The kitchen is just perfect in white and I love those green chairs against the sea of glass windows. I think someone needs to bring all these components together and make me my dream house! Thank you!
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I won!

2008-05-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

I found out yesterday that I was one of the winners at the design mom Mothers Day Giveaway bonanza. Last week, Gabrielle went crazy with 17 different giveaways - all of them wonderful and covet worthy. I won a subscription to Eliza magazine - one of the few magazines I do not currently receive. I am so excited! Thank you Design Mom!!!

Her blog is one of the blogs I visit every day - always something pretty to look at. The woman is a freak of nature by the way! I have no idea how she can possibly do all the things that she gets done on a daily basis.

So now I am officially a winner - yay me!

Red Kite Gallery

2008-05-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have been very fortunate to have discovered a wonderful artist living right in my midst! Her name is Suzanne Rittenhouse. I had seen her in her garden painting away and when we finally spoke, I showed her a magazine clipping of a painting I had just fallen in love with. She made a reproduction of it for me that is just splendid and hangs in my hallway. Since then, she has taken a photo of my father in laws boat and turned it into a beautiful oil painting that will be his fathers day gift.

Lately she has turned to a more whimsical set of drawings that I fell in love with as soon as I saw them. They are just beautiful and I now own 4 of them. Something tells me this will not be end of my purchases from her but if you get a chance, you need to go visit her site here

She is now working on dinosaurs which I fear will be hanging on my sons wall soon. Here are some images lifted from her site - some of the ant drawings are my earlier purchases!!

All images via Red Kite Gallery

Corey's Day at the Farm

2008-05-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today Alexandra got to have her big day at the farm. The farm is actually the County Fairgrounds, and the farm is (no pun intended) farmed in! It is a wonderful event put on each year by some of the most generous people you could ever wish to meet. It is for all the special needs children in the area and it is as popular as can be. Horse rides, hay rides, tractor rides, sno cones, rope wrangling and then a sack picnic lunch in a large communal hall with long tables and a band to entertain. It is all free, gratis, no charge to the children thanks to some wonderful sponsors and some genuinely caring volunteers.

Alex was not feeling so great this weekend so a planned trip to the zoo on Saturday had to be scrapped. I was hoping that the few days rest would help her to feel better but she was not 100% this morning. We decided that she was well enough to go and away we went. She was not as excited as she was last year but she did ride the horse and she seemed to enjoy the people watching and the covered wagon ride. Owen had an absolute blast. He got to sit on a horse with a sheriff, pet Llamas, rope cattle and lots of other fun things.

I cannot begin to thank the wonderful people who make this day possible. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they ride around a field on a horse, and seeing the tears of joy as the parents watch them go, it warms the heart like nothing else can. It restores my faith in humanity that so many people give so much of their time, money and effort so selflessly. They make a very special day for some very special children.

More info on this event can be found here

Dumpling Dynasty

2008-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love this! So bright and happy and kitsch! Let me at it!

A Little Hut

2008-05-08T00:31:00.001-07:00

At 1am this morning, I was waiting for the last of my baking to be baked. I sat bleary eyed in front of this very monitor trawling the internet while smells of warm shortbread filled the air. I sat up in my chair when I saw the images above at Cookie Mag online. I am a sucker for any kind of packaging and these boxes are beyond adorable. So about 3 clicks later and they were mine. Beware the 1am internet experience, it is fraught with pitfalls. Many an Amazon purchase has been made in the wee hours of the morning! Not that these purchases were a pitfall.

So I received my templates in my inbox this morning and now I have to work out if this is within my reach! I also visited the Little Hut website and it is filled with just beautiful things! There is also a little hut blog but that will have to wait until later!

Now I must go and finish packing up said baked goods so they can be in the mail this morning - Mothers Day waits for nobody.

Images via Apartment Therapy

Boden

2008-05-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

Finally, a British catalog that will ship to me here in Washington! I have always loved Boden - something very simple and classic about their clothes. These items caught my eye in the latest catalog. Do not even get me started on the mini Boden catalog though, that thing is just dangerous to my wallet!

via Boden

Things I miss...

2008-05-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Number 2. I had forgotten I missed this place until this morning. I was just looking at todays inspiration board on Snippet and Ink and was taken by this image....

I decided to investigate and was taken to a blog (MTeriors) and that in turn led me to a site for the store Past Times. I had forgotten all about this store and that is a downright shame. Of course the site is not so much up and running right now, and that is probably a good thing. Some days I find myself pining for the fjord (so to speak) and today appears to be one of them. I feel the need for a trip home - if only for the shopping. Of course, most people are coming from Europe to shop here and take advantage of a horribly weakened dollar so maybe I shall just wait. After all, tomorrow I will wake up and be all about America shopping - and all its greatness! Damn Hormones!

Things I miss..

2008-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Number 1 - The Habitat catalog. I miss being able to walk into a Habitat store and get inspired. I miss being able to get my grubby mitts on the catalog. Why won't they allow me to just pay for the shipping and handling and ship me a copy to the Good Ol' US of A? I just like looking! I like the photography. Oh who am I kidding? I like the fact that it reminds me of college. Reminds me of furnishing my first flat. Reminds me of my youth! Who doesn't want a reminder of that occasionally. Oh well, I guess I need to hit someone up and have them send me a copy. They already refer to me as that crazy Yankee so this wont seem strange at all!

PBK Tree House

2008-05-07T08:51:00.001-07:00

How much do I love this darn catalog/website/store? Well pretty much a lot. I do buy some items from there but I think I take more inspiration from them than anything else. The catalog is like a magazine filled with pretty pictures. I have already spoken of my fondness for tree houses, so I am loving this item...

I am sucker for a Ferris Wheel, so as soon as I saw this Centerpiece, I fell in love. I think real mini cupcakes in each carriage would be awesome.

And Owen loves all things animal related, so I love this. I am mainly attracted to the picket fence centerpiece - I know I can replicate that in some way! Oh and that Cow print cake in the background - yes I can see that happening here!

Finally, I love the Octopus Sprinkler in this photo! Simply fun!

images from Pottery Barn Kids

Teachers and the Appreciation thereof!

2008-05-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Teacher Day! Not sure if that is the correct greeting but I do like the sentiment. I only found out last night that today is National Teacher Day so it was hard to put together a worthy gift. I am not sure what is a worthy gift for those wonderful people who take my daughter every day and send her back to me with more than when she left. They are patient, kind, compassionate, smart, tough and wonderful people who do one of the toughest jobs I can think of. I ended up baking a large batch of cupcakes and sending them along with some chocolate but I wish I could have done more!

So to all teachers, I tip my cap to you and say THANK YOU - from the bottom of my heart.

Williamsburg Marketplace

2008-05-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Grandma Becky, I have been made aware of this little jewel. Much of the stuff is not really my thing, but boy are there some gems hidden in there. The one item that took my breath away was the one thing Grandma Becky said I could not see!!! I feel she may be saving it up for an Alexandra gift and that is fine by me. Curiosity got the better of me though and I am glad I peeked! It is just the most beautiful child's tea set I have seen. I also love the 3 mini tea pots - you can never have enough pots when it is tea party time!

Who knew? Colonial Williamsburg sent directly to my door in Washington State!

images from Williamsburg Marketplace

Greatest Show on Earth?!

2008-05-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

I am not actually a fan of Circus in general. It was never really a thing I looked forward to growing up - the annual trip to the circus. It all seemed sad to me. I do love a carnival or County Fair but a circus? Not so much! However, I have always loved having a circus at home with the children and we all love animal crackers (Trader Joe's organic are a favorite in this house) and there is something about a circus theme that makes me happy. The colors are vibrant and cannot help but make you happy! I just don't like going to an actual circus. Anyway, seeing these items jump off the page of the latest Williams Sonoma catalog made me happy. I do not think that there is any doubt that at some point, these items will make their way into my house.

images via Williams & Sonoma

Perhaps for Owen

2008-05-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

I know he is still a little too young, but I feel at least one set of these cuties must be present in his room. He will be 4 in June so perhaps they can reside on a high shelf for me to admire. They are just so darn cute. Somehow I feel that if they make their way to our house, they will not be on a high shelf for too long - they need to feel the open road!!

Derby Critters

Forest Critters

Both images from Wisteria.com

Carmel Getaways

2008-05-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

Oh I can only dream! I lived in the Bay Area 2 children ago and my mind often wanders back to that special part of the world. I love San Francisco and how it just wraps you up in its utter fabulousness. Carmel, however, just upped and stole my heart. Just a breathtaking place. I was reminded of this while perusing Cottage Living online. The article about the wondrous Comstock cottages just made me want to pack up the car and drive south. I mean, really, look at these.....

Can you imagine anything cuter. I know they are not practical, especially for a woman who is on the taller end of things, but tell me they are not just storybook fabulous!

Carmel, I think we may need to meet again - SOON!

If you wish to read the article - http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage/travel/article/0,21135,1688075-1,00.html

Snippet & Ink

2008-05-01T20:10:00.001-07:00

I love love love this blog. I know there is nothing original in that - it is beloved the blogosphere over. There is something just so perfectly beautiful about the inspiration boards that makes me just sigh. So much pretty in one small space. I am not planning a wedding as I have been married 12 years but I love to just go and gaze adoringly and daydream about what if. What if I was getting married? What would my wedding look like? Bearing in mind that I got married in Vegas wearing jeans and a shirt, I find it strange that these things even cross my mind. My sister in law is at a stage in her relationship where a wedding could be on the horizon and I find myself planning her wedding in my mind. She is fully aware of this and seems to think it is a fun thing. My fear, however, is that if and when she does get married, I may turn into sister in law of the bridezilla.

So there are two boards that I always seem to go back to and although it makes me feel guilty because all the boards are fabulous, these are the two that I could be flipping a coin if I were to be getting married.

Both Images via Snippet & Ink

Happy May Day

2008-05-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Oh I do love me a little May Day festivity. Granted the art of maypole dancing does not seem to have made it across the Atlantic but I was so happy to see that Americans do in fact celebrate this lovely day. While I was waiting outside for my daughters school bus, two children walked by and said "Happy May Day". Then when I gave the bus driver her cone of plenty, she was more than aware of that custom. To make the day complete, the sun decided to peek out from its hiding place and made an appearance. Oh happy day! I spent last night making cones with my daughter - well making them while she watched and tried to swipe candy. I knew I would not be putting them on peoples doors but I did want to mark the day with some sort of candy appearance. So I sent one to school with her, gave one to her bus driver and the other is for her speech therapist this afternoon. I hope that this is a sign of spring finally making a more permanent showing here in the Pacific Northwest - we are ready for you.

My New Bike!

2008-05-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting a new bike for the longest time. I seem to have a weird problem with bringing bikes with me when I move. They always seem to be given away as though they are too much trouble for me to bring along. I do not actually have to do any of the moving as the Navy takes care of that but something compels me to just give them away as though shedding a skin. My dream bike is the Raleigh Passage 4.5 - I love its simplicity. I just cannot justify spending $400 on a bike that I may or may not use.

My dream bike (above)

So I happened across this little gem while perusing at my Navy Exchange the other day. It made me do a little double take and then I found myself just loving it some more. I knew I had to have it when I came home and immediately started talking about it. Eric spared me a lot of time by just going to get it for me. Love him! So now I just need to get a helmet that fits my humongous cranium and find a beautiful wicker basket for the front, and away I go!

My new bike

By the way, the dream bike will be mine one day! Oh yes, it will be mine.

Ahh Rebecca Thuss!

2008-05-01T08:44:00.001-07:00

So there are some people on this earth who appear to have taken far more than their fair share of creative talent! Rebecca Thuss is one such person. I have seen her work through the years mainly through Martha Stewart and I am never ever disappointed and always jealous. I could spend hours at her website just looking through her portfolio of all that is pretty - and I do! I am particularly struck by this image as I can see it as a theme for Owens birthday. I do love me some blue and white!

www.receccathuss.com

Tuesdays Gone with the wind

2008-04-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have been in quite an uninspired place the past few days. Life away from the computer has been fine and dandy but I could not bring myself to put finger to keyboard. I just don't have much to say. I have spent a lot of time looking at other blogs and admiring the creativity and the unadulterated pretty of it all. Me, not so much! Today I was inspired by the whole beauty of it all. I went for a little bike ride, felt the breeze and just enjoyed the whole majesty that is the Pacific Northwest. The air is just so clean here. Then I came home and spent some time looking at other blogs. There is a list to the left of this post of places I love to go online. These are blogs that i think exemplify all that is good in a blog. They provide me with signposts to places I may be too lazy to find on my own. Decor 8 was my blog of choice today and I loved the whole piece on Anthropologie and how they have commissioned the artist Nathalie Lete. So much pretty just sitting right there at Anthropologie. I receive the catalog and I do go to the store whenever I venture across the Puget Sound to Seattle, but I feel quite sure without the aid of a blog, I may have missed this completely. So thank you to all those that blog and do all the hard work for me. Thank you for letting me just sit back, relax, drink coffee and simply live through your endeavors. Merci

Photo via decor 8

What to Bake? What to Bake?!

2008-04-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Sunday and I feel a bake fest coming on again. The husband has requested strawberry cupcakes again so that is always fun but I feel the need for something a little more adventurous too! I feel a perusal of Baking by Dorie Greenspan coming on - she never steers me wrong. Perhaps a plate of the World Peace Cookies - sweet and salty makes me happy. Oh perhaps Parisian Macarons - so light and delicate and beautiful. Oh we shall see where my mood takes me!

Pottery Barn Kids

2008-04-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

I love receiving this catalog. So many wonderful ideas and images that make playing with my children's rooms so much fun. I absolutely want to live in this house though - it makes me do a double sigh. And that shell house must be made this summer. I can feel a project coming on!

For Grandma Becky

2008-04-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

I finally got to spend time talking with my favorite talking on phone person today. In honor of that privilege, here are some photos for her. The parasol one is a request, the middle one is of the flowers I spoke of and the third was taken outside after I hung up. May her TN pain go away so I get to speak to her on a more frequent basis - see it is not about her pain, it is always all about me!!

Oh Sigh!

2008-04-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

toast | home

Just have this sent to me and all will be well! I just love the way this looks. Sometimes I forget I am British but good old catalogues (yes that is how we spell it in Britain) like this, remind me that is still okay to be British!

Tree Houses

2008-04-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

I love tree houses. I had a huge one in my garden growing up and I love them. They are all that is great in the world. They invoke childhood memories for me and make me smile. So I was delighted to see this sales flyer yesterday at the local Macy's. It made me smile wide and set me off on a whole story in my mind. I started to imagine the house behind that door! I want to live there!!!

Earth Day

2008-04-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Earth Day, a day to reflect on all that we consume and to ensure guilt ensues. I have noticed that the only people who really pay any attention to Earth Day are those who are already aware of the problems with our planet. They already reduce, reuse and recycle. I wonder if it is really making any difference. I hope so! I try very hard to do my part but I know I am sorely lacking. I take my tote bag to the store but sometimes forget to actually take it from the car into the store. I recycle like a fool but I know my paper towel use could be lessened - if I could just remember to use the dishcloths. I never use paper plates or cups or any other kind of disposable food product. I hate Starbucks so there are no worries about carrying one of their cups. I take my own coffee from home everywhere in a travel cup that I have had longer than I may care to admit. So I do try but I know it is not enough.

Yesterday I took my son into Macy's and we were greeted by a smiling woman who offered both my son and myself a tree! Not an actual full grown tree but the beginnings of one that I can plant somewhere and make myself feel better. Then my son was given an activity book that was full of ideas and tips to lead a greener life. I thought to myself "Wow, what a lovely thing for Macy's to do'. However, when I made my purchase, they insisted I carry out said purchase in one of their plastic bags. I told them I had a tote but they were adamant that I needed to carry it out in one of their bags. They had not taken stock of their canvas totes yet so I was unable to plunk down the $4 required for the privilege carrying a more permanent advertisement for them! One step forward, so many steps back!

So back to Earth day! I wonder how effective it can be when it is reaching the same people every year - The people who already do their share. How do we get the loafers on board? How do we get the disposable lifestyle people to take a look at what they do. I guess it requires more than a day a year. It seems impossible to me. I see litter on the sides of the freeway and wonder how it got there. Do people really toss their used junk food wrappers and bottles and cans out of their moving vehicles. It is beyond incomprehensible to me that anyone would do that. Strange beyond belief.

But I have preached enough. I need to go bake - it soothes me! Chocolate Orange cookies for everyone.

My New Lens!

2008-04-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to getting a new lens for my camera. It had been on my mind for a long time but procrastination is one of my downfalls! So I finally have my new lens and I managed to try it out really quickly this evening. My first subjects? The Ranunculus that are blooming outside my front door. Oh so pretty!

Sunday afternoon Baking

2008-04-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

I love Sunday afternoons. They are just perfect dog dangling hours where nothing is expected of you until it is time to conjure up dinner. I usually spend the afternoon giving one room a real thorough cleaning while the kids do their best to destroy any of the other rooms. Then I get my apron on and hit the baking! I usually have an idea of what I am going to bake in advance, but sometimes I will just pick up a book and leaf through it until inspiration hits. Of late, cupcakes seem to be my thing. I like using them to practice my decorating - I need the practice believe me! Today we have Lemon Cheesecake cupcakes on the menu.

I have a very bad Barnes & Noble habit which is not helped by my son loving that store too. He begs to go there which I would like to believe is because I have fostered a love of reading in him. Of course, the reality is that they have a large Thomas train table there and he can spend the better part of an hour having a gay old time. I just get my fill of British magazines and watch him from the comfort of a chair! Anyway, I always end up purchasing him at least one book and I have to pass the bargain books to get to the checkout. Usually there is a pretty picture of a baked good that lures me into the sucker purchase. Most of these purchases bear not much in the way of good recipes, but my last purchase promises perhaps a little more. I was taken by the pretty cupcake festooned in its fancy floral decorations. Inside more pretty things were to follow and I decided that the lemon cheesecake cupcakes deserved first shot. I love lemon, husband loves lemon and we all love cheesecake. So here we go!! I made them in the jumbo or Texas size pan so it produces only 6. They were a little floppy when I tried to take them out of the pan but that was mainly because I could not wait the two hours that I was told to wait. Besides having a little sway to their sides, they tasted divine. Make again worthy for sure!!

While I was waiting for the cheesecakes to bake, I picked up a Martha recipe that had been sitting on top of my fridge. I guess I printed it out last week. So as it required no more than a little chocolate chopping and some microwave melting, I made my husband some peanut butter cups - his favorite. I cannot vouch for their taste as they are not something I would eat - not a combo I get on board with! Eric gave them a resounding thumbs up though so there you go.

So a productive Sunday afternoon for me and also a relaxing one. There is just something so calming about baking and cleaning and seeing the house shine that makes me happy. I guess I am really a frustrated 1950's housewife - and that is okay!!

Well so Much for that!!!

2008-04-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

A week has passed since I made my steadfast resolution to blog often! It has been a rather painful week though so that will have be my excuse. I have felt rather like hammered dog poop all week and today only feel a little less like taking myself out back and hitting myself upside the head! All week though, I have been in the mood to make my world prettier but one glance in the mirror has revealed it really does start at home. So with saggy eyes, tired skin and a feeling of almost can do, I resolve to make this the week I blog in earnest. I am off now to plant my hanging baskets - it is snowing here so the garage will be as far outside as I can get! Then a jaunt to the kitchen for the weekly vegetable sauce making marathon for my daughter. Followed by lemon cupcake cheesecakes (or some such endeavor). Have fun and here is a photo of last weeks Strawberry Cupcakes - yum!

Again with the Blog!

2008-04-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

If at first you don't succeed, try and blog again. I have failed miserably in my prior attempts to do this blog thing - I find excuses to not sit and direct my attention to something! But this time I swear it will be different. This time, I will be consistent and this time, I will be diligent and this time, I will be.... oh who am I kidding, this time I can only promise that i will try!

I have spent a lot of time of late enjoying the fruits of others labors. I have found some beautiful places to go online and lose myself. There are so many beautiful blogs out there and I have barely scratched the surface. Most of the blogs I have listed are places I visit most every day and I find myself getting quite miffed if they have the audacity to take a day away from their computer.

So I decided that I will try another blog. See how far I can take it! See how long I last before I get distracted by something shiny!

Please to Enjoy!!!!