Friday, January 28, 2011

sugar mama.

Today we decided to try out a new sugar cookie recipe.  Not like sugar cookies vary much from one to another but hey, it was an excuse to buy a few new cookie cutters and break out the sugar.

In this first photo, the dough has been made and is in the refrigerator cooling. We have all the cutters and decorations ready to go.  This might very well have been the longest thirty minutes of Zuzu's life.

{Note to self.  Although Zuzu really and truly loves to participate in mixing the batter, it is simply not worth the time and Gage could care less about the batter.  Next time, prepare dough while kids are at school. They should cut & decorate only.}


Zuzu can barely contain herself but at least we're jamming to her newly acquired CD from her Performing Arts class yesterday....


A little zippity do dah never hurts to bide the time and brighten the spirits...



And finally... we've got COOKIES! More cookies than we know what to do with actually. But they are scrumdiddlyumptious. And I don't care in the least bit that that's not a word.  Zuzu's favorites were the daisies and the dresses.  Gage loved the skull & crossbones and the "guitar" which was really a violin because they were out of guitars... and then Zuzu kept calling it a cello because they learned about the difference between guitars & cellos in school this week. Details. Details.


We were pretty sure it was time to wrap up the cookie decorating adventure when Zuzu started sucking the frosting directly from the squeeze bottles. Not pretty. 

You can find the recipe for our yummy sugar cookies on my dear friend Lisa's fabulous foodie blog.  She is a whiz in the kitchen and my cookies will never compare to hers but we do what we can, right?   We also go to her house a lot.  Here's another cookie post with pictures of her kids and mine making cookies. 
 
A couple side notes to her recipe:
For the frosting we used a simple mixture of milk (just a wee bit) & confectioners sugar.  And a little blue & red (pink) food coloring.  Also, the cookies with the custom words stamped into them are courtesy of William's Sonoma.  I bought the kit just before Christmas.  Not sure if they still have them but they were super cute.  Zuzu wrote, "ZUZU ROCKS", "HAPPY MOMMY", and "I LOVE YOU GAGE".  These could be really special if you were making cookies for an actual occasion (unlike us)!

And now, my 5 hour saga ends.  Dish washer is humming and cookies are ready to be wrapped and stored for tomorrow.  And my sugar rush is fading fast so I best move quickly!


Thursday, January 27, 2011

crew cuts.

I know I've blogged about them before but when I saw these silver and gold clogs by Sven on their website tonight I just about knocked the bulldoggie off the sofa. Granted, at $78 they are far too expensive for a child that needs to shoes every six months, but STILL.  I mean, how much do I wish I could wear them? Or any of the darling items pictured above for that matter.  Why is it that I wouldn't wear anything from JCrew myself but I could fill Zuzu's closet with it? (If I felt it reasonable to throw money away on a 4 year old's attire when she's perfectly happy wearing hand me downs and two year old, too short jeans.)  Hmmmm, maybe it's because I don't wear silk, ruffles or flowers.  But maybe I should...

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

louis lemaire. and the blue dining table.


I'm so in love with these photographs by Louis Lemaire that I want to run out first thing tomorrow morning, buy a can of blue paint, and re-finsh my already fabulous dining room table. They almost make me want to start eating poached eggs as well. Almost.

Louis photographs interiors and food as well as people. And does all equally as well. Beautiful subjects. Beautiful work. And I'm so happy I found her here.

rustic & romantic...


Ready to ship Frenc...
$60.00

Vintage French musi...
$48.00

I LOVE YOU BEST- an...
$12.00

antique glass powde...
$40.00

3 in. x 2 in. Wood ...
$15.00

14k gold filled cro...
$189.00

Gold and silver sta...
$80.00

truck side mirror
$38.00

Mudpuppy Moon wind ...
$60.00

vintage metal wire ...
$12.00

Woodland Chic
$22.00

A Whimsical Spring
$260.00

large vintage white...
$18.00

PROTOTYPE SALE / Sl...
$100.00

vintage slip
$18.00
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Monday, January 24, 2011

throwback monday...








Inspired by the lovely ladies at the brand spanking new
Just a few of my new, well... old, favorite vintage finds.  

1. things to make book at kelly street vintage
2. granny square blanket at lisa's retro style
3. butterick jumper pattern at opal's owl vintage
4. diet coke queen kitchen towel at vintage lucy's
5. his and hers upcycled forks at the taffy box
6. dansk paella dish at yokohiyoko
7. yashica super-50 8mm at lemon shack vintage

Friday, January 21, 2011

friday favorites

Army green messenger bag by Christy Studio on Etsy. And no I don't just adore it because her name is Christy. Although that doesn't hurt. I love how big it is while still being stylish. The straps are adjustable and just wait until you get a load of all the inside pockets. Gadget heaven I tell you.

I don't do much cooking but man do I cut.  And this shop has some of the most spectacular little cutting boards and trays I've ever seen.  Love the feet and the rich grains in their wood.  These little lovelies, perfect for wedding or hostess gifts, would make a great statement piece on the counter.  No need to hide this baby in the corner. 


I need to know. Who is this thirsty?? It's the super big gulp of coffee.  No sense holding the whip on one of these!

It's the Starbucks Trenta.  I honestly don't get it but this image circulating the web that compares the cup to a human stomach certainly entertained me this week (and, mind you, this is coming from a self-professed Starbucks addict.) 

I just thank goodness the Trenta is only being offered for cold drinks or I might be tempted to try it.  But I like my coffee HOT.  And in a grande size, reusable, insulated, personal cup.



Dr. Seuss really was a remarkable man. This is one of my favorite new Seussisms I found last night on google.  Can't for the life of me figure out what book it is from but I love it ever still...

 “I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

And his quotes beat the heck out of Mother Goose! 
Really, what are we thinking reading these things to our children?

There was an old woman and she lived in a shoe,
She had so many children, she didn't know what to do.
She crumm'd 'em some porridge without any bread
And she borrowed a beetle, and she knocked 'em all on the head.

If you haven't taken a look at Mother Goose book since you were a kid.  Go now. Google. And laugh.  And if you haven't read Dr Seuss or even just his top 10 quotes.  Go now. And be inspired.


Oh, and have an absolutely delightful weekend...

Thursday, January 20, 2011

I think I can...

Life Is Beautiful print by Magalerie

 Custom made ruffle rose pillow by That Funky Boutique

 Message in a bottle vase by Peg and Awl

Hand-forged stackable rings by Secret Charm

Just in case I'm not the only one that needed a little inspiration & beauty to make it through the end of this week. Gotta love Etsy. And those of us crazy enough to become addicted to it.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

valentine hearts garland

Valentine hearts garland. Made from stiffened fabric, the complete tutorial can be found here on How About Orange.  The stiffened fabric concept is a new one to me but it seems fairly straight forward and the effect is marvelous.  Love her fabric choices too. Delightful.

I'm thinking that if you wanted to turn this into a project for the kiddos you could probably just use paper and a stapler.  They won't be quite so delicate but the fun factor would definitely be there!

I compare you to a kiss from a rose...

Recycled Vintage Ty...
$18.00

Ebook - 2 Handmade ...
$15.00

Hugs and Kisses Vin...
$46.00

YOU PICK The Colors...
$39.99

Valentine Genuine R...
$155.00

Sassy XOXO Hugs n&#...
$28.00

Fashion Rose Leathe...
$54.99

Lets Kiss Conversat...
$27.00

Sterling Silver HUG...
$24.00

yoga leather jornal
$33.00

swak gift tags
$4.00

NEW Birch Wood Shav...
$5.00

NEW PRICES Vintage ...
$3.50

Mustache and Kiss M...
$24.00

Fruit Punch-Hot Pin...
$8.00
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Because I can't seem to turn off The Bachelor but I also can't bear to watch it. Inspired by tonight's episode and the always astounding Seal.