The Lovely Cupboard

Maple Glazed Cast Iron Cinnamon Buns

2012-06-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

Hello, it’s Heather Hands from The Flourishing Foodie. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to share this recipe with you. Soft, tender, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon buns. Guaranteed, once you place these buns in the oven, the smell of cinnamon, sugar, and yeast, will have you mesmerized, counting down the seconds until you can sink your teeth into one of these sweet tender morsels.

I have a little confession. It was actually my husband (Mr. H) who taught me how to make
cinnamon buns. Before I met him, embarrassingly, the closest I ever came to making one was adding extra cream cheese icing to my Cinnabon at the mall. When I was feeling a little self-indulgent, I would saunter over to the mall, sit down and devour the whole thing shamelessly. I’m excited to say that I can now make my own, and the best part, they taste even better.

Trying to one up Mr. H, I thought it would be fun to try and bake them in a cast iron skillet, adding a little twist to an already amazing dessert. I found a great recipe a couple of months back, tweaked a few things, reducing the amount of flour, and created my own maple sugar glaze. I added a few flakes of salt to the icing, which complements the sweetness nicely. The brown butter gives the buns a sweet nutty flavor. I used the leftover butter to brush the pan, and when the cinnamon sugar pools on the bottom, it transforms into a magical sticky sugary glaze on the bottom of the buns.

This recipe is fairly easy, but requires a couple of hours for rising. I like to use this time to get
caught up on house chores, laundry, skimming through food magazines, etc. The most difficult part of the recipe is slicing through the dough once you have rolled it up tightly. Some people suggest using a piece of dental floss. My cupboard is stocked with mint-flavoured, so I used a sharp serrated knife instead. Once you place these buns in the oven to bake, the smell of cinnamon and sugar will fill the air. This recipe has made it into my favorites list, and is always a huge hit with family and friends. I hope you enjoy!

MAPLE GLAZED CAST IRON CINNAMON BUN RECIPE
make 10 - 12 buns
recipe adapted from A Peaceful Dwelling

INGREDIENTS
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
2 tbsp white sugar
1 cup warm water (105 - 115 ºF)
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp vanilla
¼ cup butter, browned
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon

ICING INGREDIENTS
8 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
⅓ cup powdered sugar
⅓ maple syrup
½ tsp flake or kosher salt

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the yeast and 2 tbsp sugar. Gently pour the warm water over the sugar yeast mixture ensuring that you cover. Let it sit for 5 minutes to proof the yeast. The
yeast has proofed when it has foamed.

2. In a medium size bowl, add the flours, sugar, and salt. Combine with a wire whisk and set to the side. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork and then whisk in the oil and vanilla. Add to the bowl containing the yeast.

3. With the dough hook attachment set to low, slowly add the flour to the yeast mixture. You will need to stop the stand mixer to scrape down the sides with a spatula periodically. Once you have added all of the flour, continue to knead the dough for a minute or so until smooth and elastic.

4. Grease a large clean bowl with a bit of oil. Cover your hands with flour, and pat the outsides of the dough with flour. Smooth the flour around the entire surface of the dough. This will make it
easier to transfer the dough to the oiled bowl. Roll the dough around the bowl to coat with oil.
Place a piece of Saran wrap on top, and poke holes. Let the dough rise and double in size in a
warm area. This should take 1 - 1 ½ hours.

5. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and let it rise for 20 minutes more. While the dough is rising, place ¼ cup butter in a large deep saucepan on medium heat. The butter should eventually start to foam. Once the foam has subsided, the butter will start to turn brown. Take the pan off the stove when the butter turns light brown.

6. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a well floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle 10” by 18”. Brush the
dough with the brown butter and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar covering the entire surface
except a ½ inch gap along one of the 18” sides. Roll the dough tightly ending with the ½ inch gap
with no sugar. With the seam facing down, cut the roll into 1 ½ inch slices.

7. Take the remaining brown butter and grease the cast iron pan. Place the cinnamon rolls face down in the pan making sure they all touch. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the cast iron pan in the oven. Fill a baking dish up with water
and place it on the bottom shelf. Bake for 25 minutes or until the rolls have turned light brown on top. Do not overbake. Remove from the oven and set to the side.

8. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Whip until combined. Cover the cinnamon buns with the cream cheese icing when you are about to serve. They will keep best in the fridge if
they are not covered with the icing. Keep the icing stored in a plastic tub for up to a week.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh. my. word. Are you drooling like I am? From one Heather who loves food to another, thank you for sharing this glorious recipe with us! Yes, I think we can all agree that it deserves that adjective. Be sure to check out Heather's blog, The Flourishing Foo die, for more recipes and some of the best food photography on the web.

DIY Cardigan Guards

2012-05-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

Hello Lovely Cupboard Readers! It's Mareth, your crafty contributor, here to share one of my favorite new crafty accessories with you.

If you're a fan of Mad Men or vintage clothing from the 50's and 60's, you're probably no stranger to sweater chains. These cardigan guards are making a resurgence and can be found all over Etsy these days.

The version I'm sharing incorporates some of my favorite things; nautical themes, embroidery and felt!

I used 2 strands of DMC floss and a simple back stitch to embroider the small designs on a piece of wool felt. I attached that circle to a piece of background felt using a whip stitch and then added a decorative blanket stitch around the border.

I used jewelry clips and brass chain for the hardware. After a bit of wire clipping and bending, I used my trusty Gorilla Super Glue to attach the clips to the back of the embroidered felt pieces. Those clips aren't going anywhere!

These chains add a great touch of vintage flair to any outfit and are fun and easy to make. Consider using old clip-on earrings or your favorite vintage buttons to make an even simpler version! They can be worn a number or different ways and even look cute closing blouses.

Try making your own and don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need guidance!
-Mareth

Summer Sorbet Fizz

2012-05-27T16:11:00.001-05:00

This week marks the beginning of my summer break. It's funny how you can spot teachers all over town at this time of year. They are usually grinning ear to ear, walking at a slightly slower pace than most, and glowing. (I know some say teachers have it so easy...Let me tell you that if we didn't have summer breaks, most of us would be bald from pulling our hair out and have to leave the profession well before retirement age.)

In celebration of summer, I decided to make a sorbet fizz. Pineapple, raspberries and sorbet signal the season to your taste buds. Not only is this a healthy treat, it's a great option to make for those on a gluten or dairy free diet.

If you're making them for adults only, adding a splash of your favorite gin or rum would be an added bonus.

It's almost too pretty to eat...almost.

Linked up with...
http://www.apinchofjoy.com/
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/

http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/

http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/

http://heywhatsfordinnermom.blogspot.com/

http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/

http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/

http://www.33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/

http://www.vwbblog.com/

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/

http://www.somewhatsimple.com/

http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/

http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/

http://savedbylovecreations.com/

http://www.733blog.com/

http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/

http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/

http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/
http://www.the36thavenue.com//

Celebrating Citrus

2012-05-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hello readers of The Lovely Cupboard, Kat here, from Dot Dot Dash. First of all, a big thank you to Heather for having me today! When she suggested we do a swap of guest posts on the subject of ‘citrus’, I got to thinking about all things summer and celebrations.

Dining Citrus:I love the idea of having a dinner party in an orange grove. What a beautiful setting for a party.

Source

And nothing better to celebrate with than a caipirinha.

Source

Taste of Citrus: The perfect mix of sweet and tart…

Sources:
Florida citrus

citrus cake

Dressing the Part: Something simple, casual and colourful…

Source

… or adding simple touches like these retro Dior suglasses, Essie nail polish in ‘camera’, ‘action’ and ‘navigate her’ or Kenneth Jay Lane’s Amber Nugget ring.

Bringing Citrus Home: Lastly, bringing a touch of citrus into the home with this mini citrus tree.

Source

Thanks again to Heather for having me! Make sure you head over to Dot Dot Dash to check out Heather’s tasty citrus post.
x Kat

Last Minute Pea Salad

2012-05-21T06:37:00.000-05:00

I cannot eat pea salad without thinking of my Mawmaw. Every Texas woman worth her salt has her own version of this cold salad. The last time I made it was years ago in her kitchen. Usually it was forgotten until about 5 minutes before we were supposed to eat. "Oh darlin', we forgot the pea salad!" she would announce as she made haste to throw everything together. When I say throw, I'm not speaking figuratively. Peas were frantically poured into a bowl, some spilling onto the floor. Cheese was blocked at top speed, and onions were rough chopped by knives that had been washed by hand for twenty years. If there was ham in the fridge, it got thrown in. Measure the mayo? Oh no, a very liberal dollop was plopped on top.

A quick stir and it landed on the table just seconds before somebody said the blessing. It only made it around the table once before it was gone, so you wanted to be one of the first ones to pass it. So many recipes from my childhood come with memories in tow, and this "last minute salad" has a special place in my heart for just that reason.

Traditionally, Longhorn cheddar is used. (Yes, we even like our cheese to be Texan in the Lone Star State.) I made my version with salami, smoked Gouda, and fresh dill. It's a great way to get some green on your plate if you need a change from leafy greens. It has the comfort food appeal of a potato or pasta salad with a little more antioxidants to go around. Makes you feel better about all that mayo.

Assembling the salad:
1. Rinse and drain about 3 cups of fresh or frozen (thawed) peas.
2. Cube one cup each: onion, hard salami, and Gouda.
3. Finely mince several sprigs of fresh dill. (You could substitute another fresh herb you had on hand if you like. I would then add a tablespoon of vinegar to give it a little kick though.)
4. Add 1/2 cup of mayo and 1/3 cup of cream.
5. Add sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Combine and chill in the fridge before serving...or rush it to the table at the very last minute.

When I realize how emotionally attached I am to food, it's no wonder why I've had trouble dieting most of my adult life... Eating feels like part of my heritage. That might sound crazy to some, but I think a lot of you can relate. Sometimes the recipes passed down from our mothers and grandmothers are the most sensory packed stories of our families' history. Cooking and serving these for the first time becomes a precious rite of passage and a way to keep memories alive. So, what's that dish in your family?

Linked up with...
http://diyshowoff.com/

Succulents for Black Thumbs

2012-05-18T06:36:00.000-05:00

I've shared my ability to kill a plant with simply a passing glance. Heck, I even posted pictures of my plant failures. This is one reason I was so excited to bring on my friend Gin as our Floral and Garden Contributor. I swear she could make plastic plants grow in the ground. She's got a great post about succulents to share with you today, and she promises that even a black thumb like me can keep them alive. (Two weeks in, and so far so good.)

Hi, everyone! It's Gin, your resident garden girl. As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, there's only one thing on my mind-plants, plants and more plants! We move in two weeks, and I can't stop potting things (there are currently 8 pots on the front porch). Last week I potted an old favorite of mine, succulents.

Buying succulents is almost like collecting dolls for me; with variety names such as "baby toes", "little pickles", "violet queen", and "woolly rose" how can I stop myself? If the growing season ahead makes you discouraged, angry or depressed due to a black thumb, succulents are your answer to a successful pot of plants. They are able to withstand the hot months and do great inside with a sunny window during the winter. There are a few rules to follow (about 2), and if all goes well your pot of precious succulents will become nearly kill proof!

Rule #1: Lots of sun. Even during the heat of summer, these plants soak it up. When you move them indoors, a south-facing window works great.

Rule #2: Do not over water. I find myself having to fight back the urge to water them...these plants are fabulous for people who forget to water! If outdoors, water once every other week, and for indoor watering once a month or longer. Signs that you are over watering will show the leaves turning yellow and almost "rotting" off the plant. Under-watering succulents will show the leaves turning brown and shriveling.

What you will need:1. A shallow pot with a drainage hole on the bottom.
2. A well-draining soil mix (pre-made mixes for cactus & citrus plants work great).

Planting is easy, just make sure the roots are covered in soil…give it a smidge of water, set in sun, forget to water for another week, and voila! If you can handle these little green gems, then I have faith you can handle much more this season.

Happy planting,
Gin

Love the gorgeous little pots? Well, Gin made them! Yes, I know...she is multi talented. She's about to launch a new Etsy shop, but if you just can't wait to get your hands on one of these ceramic beauties you can email her. She'd be more than happy to send one in the mail before the shop officially opens.

Introducing DipDaDip Designs

2012-05-16T06:52:00.000-05:00

Say hello to the newest shop sponsor, DipDaDip Designs! Kelly and her team offer personalized hand crafted notebooks made from 100% recycled paper.

1. Mini Matchbook Notepads

2. Customized "Merci" Notebook/ Thank You Gift

3. Powerlines Print Moleskine Notebook (This one is my favorite.)

4. "Put a Bird on It" Print Notebook (For all the fans of Portlandia!)

*All the products shown above are under $10.

DipDaDip also offers personalization for notebooks and cards for a more modern approach to monogrammed stationary.

You can see more of these fun paper products at the DipDaDip Designs Etsy shop.

Weeknight Dinner: Pesto Pizza

2012-05-14T06:41:00.001-05:00

I've yet to meet a pizza I didn't like, but there are some I love more than others. This is one of my favorites. It's hard to go wrong when you start with a basil pesto. I've had several different versions of this, but I made mine with herbed goat cheese and some of my favorite veggies. Start with the dough. (Mine came from a mix, but you could get a premade dough from your local bakery or even the premade dough at the grocery store.) Then pick up the following ingredients. Dinner in about 30 minutes.

What to Do:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. After preparing dough, flour surface and roll out to a thickness of your liking.
2. Seed and thinly slice tomatoes and shallots. Mince garlic and set aside.
3. Grate about 1 cup of parmesean. Next, drain the olives and artichoke hearts.
4. Place dough on a pizza stone or greased pan. Spread pesto liberally onto the dough.
5. Sprinkle parmesean. Layer vegetables and goat cheese. Sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes. I added some fresh chopped basil on top.
7. Savor every last bite and feel free to make noises if necessary.

Today is the first day of the the last full week of school. (You can't see me now, but I'm doing a happy dance as I type.) Stu and I are sitting down to write our summer bucket list tonight...Some might say that making a "to do" list completely misses the point of summer. I want to enjoy every second of freedom and look back in two months without ever having to say "Oh yeah, we forgot about _____. Guess we'll do that next year." Nope- we're packing it all into one summer.

I'm not just talking about the big stuff, I mean the little things like going to a drive in or making s'mores in the backyard. Those are just as important as big road trips or parties at the house. I'm just ready for the pace of life to slow way down and stay that way until August 1.

Linked up with...

http://www.crazyforcrust.com/

http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/

http://www.vwbblog.com/

http://www.somewhatsimple.com/

http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/

Mother's Day Brunch

2012-05-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. It's Tan from Squirrelly Minds here to share some Mother's Day inspiration with you today.

Remember waking up as a kid to the scent of bacon and eggs or the sweet aroma of pancakes with maple syrup cooking down in the kitchen? Mom's all over the world have been preparing their children breakfast for years. How about we give mom a break?

This Sunday I will be sneaking over to my parents' place while they are at church and whip up a yummy brunch on a gorgeous (if all goes well) flower laden table out in the backyard. I am very excited to see the look on my mom's face when she walks out the backyard not only to unexpectedly see me and my brother standing there, but to see a feast waiting for her.

This task doesn't require a whole lot of planning, so with only two days until Mother's day, I thought I would share with you some ideas on how you can surprise your mom with a special Sunday brunch.

1. This lovely brunch table setting has place marker flags sticking out of a stack of pancakes. 2. I have made these bacon, egg and toast cups and they are delicious, fun, easy and filling 3. This pancake bar is a great way to let mom serve up her pancakes just the way she likes them 4. Make tea and coffee (and your table) pretty with mismatched china 5. Offer bite sized food so mom can enjoy all her favourites 6. Layer yogurt, fruit preserves and granola in glasses for a yummy and simple brunch treat 7. Don't forget to adorn the table with flowers. Every woman, especially mom, loves a good bouquet 8. Does mom love to complete the crossword puzzle every Sunday? Why not add a Sunday Brunch Crossword to her table setting 9. Leave a sweet and simple gift on mom's place setting to make her feel extra special.

Don't live near mom? Why not call around her hometown and hire her a personal chef for an evening? I'm sure she wouldn't say no to kicking up her feet for a night and letting someone else cook her a gourmet meal (gosh doesn't that sound lovely?)

To moms all over, Happy Mother's Day. You are loved.

-Tan

Introducing...The Cupboard Contributors

2012-05-09T07:06:00.001-05:00

I have been counting down the days to share this exciting news with you all...The Lovely Cupboard is now a team!

Four very talented ladies will be working to bring fresh content with unique perspectives to the Cupboard. Every Friday, one contributor will share tips and ideas in her specific area of expertise. I am thrilled to have them on board and can't wait to see what they have planned! (Two exclamation points already...you have to know I'm excited.)

EVENTS & FUN FINDS ..............................Tan of Squirrelly Minds

CRAFTS & SEWING.....................................Mareth of Lime Riot

FOOD & DRINK........................Heather of The Flourishing Foodie

FLORAL & GARDEN.............................Gin, Ceramic Artist/Florist

Did I mention they are all stinkin' gorgeous?? (No, this was not a requirement, but they would have passed if it had been.) You can find out a little more about them on the new contributor page.

Readers, I would love it if you would welcome them by visiting their sites, leaving them some comment love, and perhaps checking out what's to come!

Balsamic Strawberries and Brie Galette

2012-05-07T07:03:00.000-05:00

This was both my first time making balsamic strawberries and my first attempt at a galette. Between those two factors, I was a bit nervous that this dish wouldn't turn out well. Last week I made a BLT with fried green tomatoes...It was an epic fail that ended with me teary eyed in a messy kitchen and a dish that got dumped in the garbage. (Yes, this happens sometimes. It's almost always followed by a call for Chinese take out.) I half expected the same thing to happen today, but thankfully it didn't.

By the way, galette is just another way of saying rustic pie. Those French...they have to make everything sound so fancy. Stu called it a "strawberry volcano." That oughta' take the pretentiousness down a notch!

The idea for this recipe came on a recent getaway. Stu's aunt and uncle invited us to spend a weekend with them in Arkansas. We had a great time hiking, antique shopping, and catching up. On Saturday we found this beautiful little farm where we picked strawberries right from the patch. It took about two minutes for us to start singing The Beatles, but Stu changed the lyrics to "...Strawberry fields for Heather". We walked away with a huge portion for only $6, and I kept myself busy on the three hour road trip home coming up with ways to use our bucket o' berries.

If you're a fan of brie, then you really need to make this galette. The berries and balsamic work so well with the cheese. If you've tried to like brie because you're "supposed to" but actually think it tastes terrible, you could easily substitute mascarpone cheese for a sweeter filling, which would be delicious.

*I forgot to add cornstarch to the shopping list.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and slice about 1 pound of strawberries. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of balsamic and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. (The cornstarch soaks up some of the liquid of the berries.) Mix together and set in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice the rind off of the brie and set aside.

3. Combine and roll out two pie crusts on a floured surface.

4. Place brie in the center of the dough and sprinkle with almonds.

5. Drain the strawberries, reserving the juice for later.

6. Add the strawberries to the dough, leaving about 4 inches of crust around the perimeter of the ingredients.

7. Fold the edges of dough over in small sections, overlapping as you go.

8. I brushed mine with an egg wash (1 egg yolk and a splash of water), but this is just optional.

7. Bake for about 30-40 minutes. The cheese will be bubbling and the crust will be golden brown when it's done.

8. While the galette is baking, combine the juice from the strawberries, 1/2 cup of balsamic and 2 tablespoons of honey in a sauce pan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue simmering to reduce to a thickness of your liking.

9. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the finished galette and serve.

In other news, the blog redesign is almost ready to roll out, and I am SO excited to introduce you to some very talented ladies who are going to be helping out here on The Lovely Cupboard. More on that coming Wednesday!

Linked up with...
http://todayscreativeblog.net/ideas-for-crafting/
http://www.33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/
http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/
http://www.crazyforcrust.com/
http://www.chef-in-training.com/
http://ladybug-blessings.com/
http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/
http://sassysites.blogspot.com/

Introducing: Windows by Melissa

2012-05-04T06:46:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to announce The Lovely Cupboard's newest small shop sponsor, Windows by Melissa. I was on Etsy the other day searching for drapes when I came across Melissa's shop. I was so pleased to find a shop that took custom orders for Roman shades! If you've ever searched for cute pre-made Roman shades, you know that not much is out there, and custom work can be pricey. However Melissa's team of seamstresses offers custom window treatments and pillow covers for a very reasonable rate.

Here's where you can find Windows by Melissa:

http://romanshadestore.com/
The full website with all the info you need to order custom roman shades, curtains, valances, and pillow covers.

http://www.facebook.com/windowsbymelissa
Facebook page with coupon codes and updates on her latest products

http://windowsbymelissa.blogspot.com/
Check out the blog for monthly giveaways and window treatments education, fabric 101, and loads more.

One reason I love partnering with small shops is that you know they are real people doing what they love. I've found that a lot of artisans are passionate about more than just the bottom line. Windows by Melissa is no exception. They sponsor families in need every month by donating $5 of every order to their cause. More on this in the "sponsor program" section of the blog.

Have a naked window? You need Melissa...She'd love to cover your bare windows with something beautiful.

Teacher Gift: Summer Relaxation Tote

2012-05-03T07:20:00.000-05:00

My summer break is only thirteen and a half school days away--so close I can almost smell the sunscreen and taste the mojitos. Most kids probably don't realize that their teachers actually crave summer months just as much they do. (At least this teacher does.)

If you're a mom, you might be racking your brain trying to find a gift for your child's teacher. This tote filled with goodies cost about $40 and would be something useful and fun that your child could actually help put together.

How To:
Start with a cute tote and fill it with all sorts of goodies. The fun part is that your child can help pick out the things for their teacher. I printed up this little note on the computer, but you could have your child hand write the gift tag.

I purchased all the items at Wal Mart, and it took less than 15 minutes to put this bag together. I started with the tote and then picked the beach towel. I tried to pull from the colors in the beach towel for the other items.

I was excited to first share this idea a couple weeks ago as part of Skip to My Lou's Teacher Appreciation Series. Some great bloggers participated this year, and you can check out their creative ideas here.

If you run out of time and just can't get a bag together, don't feel guilty about simply snagging a gift card in the check out line. Teachers love them, really we do. Here's to sleeping in, days by the pool, and no homework...(sigh). I can't wait!

Avocado Hummus

2012-04-30T15:05:00.000-05:00

*This post is sponsored by Pretzel Crisps.

I've seen avocado hummus at the market lately and thought, "I need to make that." Then I'd forget until I saw it again the next week. This happened my last four trips to store. This week, I actually bit the bullet.

There are several variations of this dip out there. Some use chickpeas, like traditional hummus, while others use white beans to give it a creamier texture. This dip literally took me 7 minutes to make. (Yes, I timed it just for you guys.) I'm adding it to the short list for last minute "Oh crap, that party's tonight??" appetizers.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Add the following to your food processor:

-1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed

-1 avocado, cubed

-juice from 1/2 of a lime

-1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of olive oil (a lower fat option: substitute oil for juice from the beans)

-1/2 teaspoon sea salt

-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2. Blend until smooth.... EASY AS THAT!

I really like hummus, and I would even eat a rice cake if you put an avocado on it. It only makes sense that I'd love the two together. Plus, the beans actually make this dip a protein packed vegetarian option that's pretty filling for a snack or even a light meal. For a party, you could plate them up with a little cilantro garnish.

To accompany the dip, I got the "Everything" Pretzel Crisps. I've bought several variations of Pretzel Crisps before, so this sponsorship opportunity was perfect. It was the first time I'd eaten them with hummus. They were a nice change from my typical corn chips or pita bread.

*Video via Pretzel Crisps.

Linked up with...

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/

Olive's Hot Air Balloon Nursery

2012-04-25T07:01:00.002-05:00

My sweet friend Laura just had her second, a precious baby girl named Olive. If you saw Laura's adorable camping themed birthday party for her son, then you probably could have guessed how amazing her nursery would be.

We've been talking and emailing about her plan for this room since before Christmas, and it turned out to have all the color and little touches of whimsy that she had hoped. There's so much to love in this room, so prepare yourself.

The rug and curtains are from Urban Outfitters. The dresser was a vintage find. Remember the fabric banner that I made for my 30th birthday brunch? Well, it has found its permanent home...

I love how she found creative ways to incorporate the baby's name in the room.

Also, she shopped flea markets to find vintage books and toys that worked with her color scheme.

A friend gave her the gorgeous hot air balloon pic.

How cute is that yellow scale to hold everyday necessities??

And one last time, here is the prettiest little thing in the room...

Inspired yet? Everything about this room is so bright and soft and beautiful. I might be biased, but I think it's one of the best nurseries around.
*All images by Lark Photography.

White Chocolate Cherry Mini Scones

2012-04-22T17:42:00.000-05:00

I've shared before that I don't particularly enjoy the process of baking, mostly due to the amount of recipes I've ruined. When I cook, I rarely measure anything and throw in whatever the heck I feel like. Not so with baking. You have to follow directions precisely, which stresses me out. One exception to the baking aversion is scones; they're pretty hard to mess up. (This coming from the girl who kills any houseplant within a 20 foot radius.)

I slightly adjusted this basic scone recipe found on allrecipes.com then added 1 cup of dried cherries and 1 cup of white chocolate chips.

Baking Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with foil.
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar, 5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter. I actually used a course grater and grated cold butter into the bowl.
Whisk one egg and 1 cup of milk in a small bowl. Stir into flour mixture until moistened.
Stir in 1 cup of dried cherries and 1 cup of white chocolate chips.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll dough out into a 1/2 inch thick round. Cut into wedges, and place on the prepared baking sheet. (I got about 22 mini scones from this recipe, but you can probably get 12 full sized scones.)
Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. (You may have to cook more or less time depending on your oven. Mine were done in 13 minutes.)

These really are best right out of the oven. But maybe wait a bit longer than I did. The roof of my mouth is still burned due to the fact that I couldn't wait long enough. Even Stu, not particularly a scone man, had several on our lazy Saturday morning.

Lazy describes more than just one morning. In fact, our whole weekend was pretty laid back...No nights out and a completely neglected to do list. Instead I took an epic three hour nap and did a little laundry. Exciting times, huh? What did you ~~not~~ accomplish this weekend?

DIY: Colorful Tea Towels

2012-04-18T07:18:00.000-05:00

It's funny how much a colorful tea towel can brighten up my mood, but for some reason I rarely stray away from buying the basic white flour sack towels. I've always loved how thin and soft they are but often wished they had a little color. Enter fabric markers! I picked up these guys for $1.99 at Hobby Lobby, but I'm sure you could find them at most any craft store.

After allowing 24 hours dry time, the "art" you create with fabric markers is completely machine washable. This is one of those craft items I had never purchased before, but I'm so glad I finally did. For about $2.50 each, I have colorful, unique towels to greet me after washing my hands. I bought my usual pack of 5 tea towels for $6 and then paid $1.99 for each of the pens, which I'll be able to use on many more projects. (I keep eyeing plain fabrics in my house thinking,"What could I draw on that?!")

You could draw anything from geometric shapes to seasonal pictures, monograms, or your favorite quote. (I stole the one from my friend Dana's kitchen chalkboard...gotta love Ms. Piggy.)

For the circles, I just used a template I had in my craft stash.

Writing the words was a bit trickier. I tried to stretch the towel over a book to make it taut. If you can, I would suggest stretching the towel and clamping it to a table or desk to make for easier drawing.

If I had known about fabric markers sooner, I would have been using them all over the place. How cute would it be provide plain onesies or bibs at a baby shower for guests to create unique gifts for the mama-to-be? If given the chance , I might consider a career move to become a fabric marker graffiti artist. What would you add a little color to?

Caprese Flat Bread and a Plant Tragedy

2012-04-16T07:14:00.001-05:00

I am craving summer even more than usual this year, and all the fresh basil in the market is just fueling the fire. I cook with a lot of basil when it's in season. Nothing works better with basil than fresh mozzarella and tomatoes; the three together are pretty much rock stars of Italian cuisine. This flat bread is by no means original. It's found in countless kitchens and bistros for obvious reasons. The simple flavors of a few ingredients are sometimes just what you need for a light lunch or dinner. This would also be a perfect starter for pasta or side with soup.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Roll out the dough and form several rectangles. Place them on a foil lined baking sheet or pizza stone.

2. Brush dough with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven.

3. Seed tomatoes and slice thinly.

4. Layer sliced tomatoes and chunks of mozzarella on the bread. Sprinkle with sea salt.

5. Return pan to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes.

6. Sprinkle chopped basil over the warm bread and serve immediately.

In other news...remember my paint dipped ceramic pots project and the houseplants I purchased to fill them? I had so much hope that I could keep the little guys alive. I'm sad, but not surprised, to say that I murdered yet another innocent and unsuspecting house plant.

You guys, I tried...I really did. I followed all the instructions on the little tag, and still wilting happened after a couple weeks. Then immediately I start to stress out like a high school girl who feels her boyfriend is about to break up with her. I tried to be there for it, but not too much- don't want to smother it. I to give a bit of water, but not too much. "Some sun? I'll give you some sun," I say ever so casually as I try to act coy and aloof.

Frantic inside, I stare at it every time I walk past looking for any signs of a change. Obviously this doesn't help. Within a week the plant is dead, and I have to deal with another failed plant relationship. I just hope the other two don't follow suit...I guess I should just pick myself up and get back out there again. On to the next one, right? Really, I'm not ready for another plant in my life. I just need time to heal before I can walk past the lawn and garden section at Lowe's again.

One last little bit of good news...This blog is about to undergo a major face lift. I can't wait to share more with you about the new look that's coming soon!

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Interview with Shannon of AKA Design

2012-04-11T07:06:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to introduce you all to to a new blog that I recently found, AKA Design. Shannon and Dean are the husband and wife team behind the blog who share their DIY projects and tips for repurposing thrifty finds. They are all about using what you've got on a budget, so immediately I liked them. (Also, I noticed that my stenciled dining room wall was a cousin of their bedroom wall.) Their bungalow is a dream and drew me right in. Shannon was kind enough to let me pick her brain recently about all things design related.

Q: You've used so many different textures and finishes in each room, but your space seems to have such a unique and cohesive feel. How did you manage that?

I think because we haven't used any jarring textures or patterns it all blends well. For example in the living room we have leather, shag, board and batten, industrial metal, chippy wood and Ikea lacquer-look. But they are all in neutral colours that play nice together. I think that keeps the look both unique and cohesive and so very "us".
Q: You mentioned that your bungalow has 1,100 square feet but somehow you've made it seem so much larger. What suggestions do you have for someone working to decorate their small space?

Our back room (the living and dining rooms) is one big 330 sq. foot box so that definitely helps. But we also keep the whole house simple by eliminating clutter and only keep things we really love. We are constantly giving things to the Goodwill and throwing out unnecessary things. Then we are free to decorate in colours and textures that make us comfortable.

Q: The sliding doors in your son's room are incredible! Where did you find them, and what was it difficult to install them?

We actually made those as part of a contest last fall. They are large sheets of plywood to which Dean added some 1"x6" wood pieces to make the Z. Since he's worked in sheet metal for 20 years, he had the skills and equipment to make the rails for the doors at his work. But if you do a google search, you will find several sources for barn door hardware online.

Q: Who or where do you look for design inspiration?

Wow, everywhere. Really I think that there is inspiration where ever you look. Some of my favourite places are google image search, Pinterest and a handful of shelter mags. Another favourite is in shops - like Homesense (Homegoods), Restoration Hardware, Urban Barn, etc.

Q: By looking at the pics you'd never know it, but please tell us that maybe you have had a project or idea that just didn't pan out? (I'm praying the answer is yes, so I can at least feel you guys are human!)

Ha! We are SO human! I tend not to post the projects that don't work. They wouldn't be very inspiring to read about. We often have disagreements as to how a project should go too. That's been a huge learning curve! I tend to get very excited about my ideas, and very frustrated when Dean doesn't (he's way more "even keel" than I am!). More often than not these days, we let an idea percolate for a bit before diving in. Very different than in the beginning with this house and the blog, but it tends to deliver better results! Thank you for having us, Heather!!!!!!

Be sure and stop by their "place" and say hello. Also check out more pics of their cozy bungalow and great tutorials like this one that show you how to make a Union Jack coffee table.
PS-If you love the pics of their home as much as I did and want to Pin them (which I'm sure you will) please click once HERE to head over to the home tour on AKA Design and Pin from the original source. I know Shannon and Dean will appreciate it!

Weeknight Dinner: Capellini, Ham, and Peas

2012-04-08T21:50:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had wonderful Easter weekend. If you have some left over ham in the fridge and need something do with it, this is such a quick and easy recipe for hectic weeknight. Ham and peas are tossed into capellini pasta and dressed with a simple Parmesan cream sauce.

*Apparently I misspelled Parmesan...oops.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Saute minced garlic with a little olive oil. Add chopped ham and brown slightly. Remove from heat.

2. Finely grate Parmesan cheese and set aside.

3. Prepare pasta as directed on the package, but add fresh or thawed (frozen) green peas in the last minute of cook time. Be sure to add salt while cooking.

4. Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and grated Parmesan (Reserve some cheese to add later.)

5. It's not on the "shopping list", but I added some dried oregano. Add a liberal amount of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

6. Stir in ham and garlic. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

7. Sprinkle each plate with remaining Parmesan and serve.

*This dish is even better the day after cooking in my opinion.

Me: I need a couple more pictures for the pasta post.

Stu: Does that involve me?

Me: Yep.

Stu: But I still get to eat now, right?

Me: Yeah, just pause to come up for a smile.

Stu: (sigh) I guess that's the life of a blog model...

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Easter DIY Round Up

2012-04-06T07:18:00.000-05:00

This week I shared how "unMartha" I am when it comes to seasonal decor, but that's not to say I don't appreciate it. I've got a little round up of great Easter projects and pretties. If I had more time and motivation, I might do more than just Pin them...oh well. {Speaking of Pinterest, see a photo in this post you’d like to pin? Great! Simply click once on the link below the photo and then pin from the original source.}

How adorable are these paper eggs? You could stamp them or have kids draw their own creations. Melanie explains the process for making your own.

via You Are My Fav

Amy is giving this origami bunny printable away for free. Simply print and add glitter.

via Eat Drink Chic
This is such a great twist on decorating eggs. Mareth had a brilliant idea with her twine wrapped eggs.

via Lime Riot

Can you believe these are paint cans?!? SO many possibilities for these. You could cover them with different scrapbook paper for each child or use them as center pieces.

via My Life and Kids

They're not specific to Easter, but I couldn't resist adding these gorgeous thank you notes. I'm in love with the hand drawn feel. Rifle Paper Co. has some great products. I wish I could frame them.

via Rifle Paper Co.

So, it's become my little Easter tradition to buy one solitary Cadbury Creme Egg. Never more than one. (How could you handle more than one of those suckers at a time, right?) I find a quiet spot in the house and enjoy every last calorie of sugary goodness. It's a tradition that I'm holding on to. Judge me if you must.

DIY: Spring Table Runner

2012-04-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

Let me start by saying I am not one of those people who has a stockpile of seasonal decor to display around my house. As wonderfully "Martha" as that sounds, the logistics of having decor for Easter, Thanksgiving, Valentine's, and Halloween is just too much for me. Just getting Christmas stuff up wears me out. I do like easy, low commitment crafts that might use seasonal colors however. This table runner was a quick and inexpensive way for me feel a little "Springy".

I love the colors in our kitchen rug and decided to use the teal and lime combo for my table runner. Our trip to IKEA not only outfitted our new office and a paint project, it also supplied the basic runner for this project. I picked up ribbon and buttons at Hobby Lobby.

In theory I liked the idea of using a lot of buttons. After seeing it all laid out, it looked a little too kitchy for our formal dining room. I decided to stick with just the ribbon and the two ornate green buttons. They were my favorites anyway.

1. Lay out your design.
2. Using a low temp gun, hot glue ribbon using small amounts of glue to secure to the runner.
3. Wrap ribbon around the edges and glue down.
4. Hot glue buttons....AND done! Easy enough, right?

On the topic of seasonal decor... Are you a "Martha" (or related to one)?

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Fruit Filled Shortbread Cookies

2012-04-02T07:08:00.011-05:00

Remember my new cookie press? Well, I think I'm in love with it. I found a simple shortbread recipe that calls for only four ingredients. (via the Joy of Baking.) The fun part was finding fillings to make little shortbread sandwiches. I tried three different fillings and am so excited to share them with you.

This was my very favorite. Lemon curd has to be the closest thing on earth to sunshine in a jar. If you love lemon, you might become addicted. It's such an intensely flavored combination of tart and sweet. (I stirred some of the left over curd into my yogurt. Oh my word, it was to die for.)

The second filling is a pistachio cream. A little brown sugar, cream, and chopped pistachios make for a cookie filling that's not too sweet. The last filling was strawberries and cream. This was Stu's favorite. He thought it tasted like a strawberry cheese cake. I mixed half a stick of cream cheese with some powdered sugar and then layered thinly sliced strawberries on top.

The basic shortbread recipe was so quick and easy. I'm definitely using it again. You could dip the cookies in chocolate or just spread your favorite jam between them.

Baking Instructions:

1. Whisk 2 cups of flour and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.

2. Beat 2 sticks of butter until creamy.

3. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and beat for about two minutes.

4. Beat in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. (I added food coloring and a squeeze of lemon juice to the lemon cookies during this step.)

5. Stir in flour mixture until combined.

6. Flatten the dough and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one hour.

7. Preheat oven to 350.

8. Roll dough on a floured board. You can stamp and cut or just use a cookie cutter to cut out cookies.

9. Lay on a cookie sheet and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. (This helps them keep their shape while baking.)

10. Bake for 8-10 minutes and then cool before filling.

You can actually turn any stamp into a cookie press. Make sure you either use clean stamps or thoroughly clean and dry the stamp pad if it's been used with ink before. If the stamp sticks to the cookie, use a little cooking spray to help.Wouldn't these be great for Easter?

I'd love to hear some more ideas for fillings. What would you suggest?

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Favorites

2012-03-31T08:08:00.003-05:00

I've never done a round up like this before, but I've been mentally putting some of my favorite new things on a shelf to show you guys. Have you ever used a cookie press? I hadn't even heard of one until a roommate from college came into town. Kelly lives in France now and is back in the states for a bit. (Yeah. flippin' France, can you believe it?) I sat mesmerized listening to the stories of all the amazing things she's done and food she's eaten. She brought me back this adorable cookie press, and I have big plans for it this weekend. Friends, I now have a cookie press, and it's from France. I feel so fancy.

Isn't this chandelier just perfect? It's been on my radar for several weeks, and I keep day dreaming that it's hanging over my dining table.

Source: Z Gallerie

You know those bloggers that post pictures of themselves wearing super cute trendy outfits? Usually the wind is blowing their hair ever so slightly as they strike a quirky pose and show off all their accessories?

This is not one of those blogs.

BUT I did want to show you my new coral colored skinny jeans that I found after an intensive search. These were the last of about 15 pairs that I tried on and the first that didn't make me want to cry after seeing myself wearing them. (Can trying on pants in poorly lit dressing rooms bring you to tears, or am I the only one?) TJMaxx. I should have just started at TJMaxx.

This girl can sing. And she's from Australia. And she is gorgeous. Kimbra's "Settle Down" is pulsating and earthy and had me singing it loudly in the car upon one listen. The video has creepy dolls as a backdrop and two adorable little girls who act and dance alongside Kimbra. It's such weird imagery, and I love it.

So this was not a normal post...I hope you didn't find it off putting. These are the little things I'm talking about with my friends lately, so I figure I should share them with all of my blog friends too. I would love for this conversation to continue on your end.

What's the latest lovely thing on your "shelf"?

Our Ikea Office Makeover

2012-03-28T07:23:00.002-05:00

TADA! Yes, I typed "tada". I wish I could stand next to these pictures with my hands spread wide and yell it. I've been impatiently waiting to share this makeover with you all, so here it is! Our office is my new favorite room in the house; I'd sleep here if the floors weren't so hard. Obviously it's much easier on the eyes now. The main reason it stole my heart? It is FUNCTIONAL!

(Warning: My use of capital letters and exclamation points in this post is borderline obnoxious. I typically talk with my hands when excited, and since I can't do that through type I've resorted to overusing punctuation.)

With Stu often working from home and me spending quite a bit of time online, having an office in disarray was affecting both of us. Work and personal things were getting jumbled, documents misplaced, and a really nice printer was sadly stacked on the box it came in rather than a real piece of furniture. (I'm a bit embarrassed about that one.) Our office felt like a dorm room. Then came IKEA! (See-caps and exclamation point in one sentence. I know...I know.) We spent sixteen hours on the road, and our tax return barely hit the bank before it quickly vanished. BUT it was all worth it.

There is a SHE work space...

...And a HE work space.

Can I just tell you how much I love having a desk all to MYSELF?!?! I realize this makes me sound like and indulgent office diva. I'm fully aware and care not. It. is. glorious.

This "eye chart" is actually a wall light fixture. Stu picked it out, jokingly at first. It ended up being the one thing we both loved and decided on without hesitation. Now that we have two desks, I'm using my antique drop-leaf table as catch-all spot. (Do you recognize the little dipped ceramic pot? Also from IKEA. I should really get some compensation for this post.)

I found the red chairs several years ago at a local flea market for $20 and recovered them with some of my favorite Amy Butler fabric. They're not ideal office chairs, but they'll do for now. (Plus, I'm too emotionally attached to them since they were one of my first DIY projects, so they're staying.)

The prints are from Winterberry Cottage on Etsy. This shop's prints are great and most are under $10. I had been wanting to frame pictures of our parents when they were in their 20's for some time and finally got that done. Stu just added a frame on his desk with a favorite picture of his dad, who passed away several years ago ...I just felt I needed to mention that.

The metal crate was another flea market find. We filled it with empty milk jugs from our local creamery.

Do you see the delightful white lantern? I got it at a locally owned discount store for $3. Buy of the YEAR. It is terribly beat up at the top but still worth the price of a latte. Several items on the shelves were pulled from other rooms in the house. I typically get emails about where items were purchased, so I went ahead and listed where you can grab our office finds.

Product Sources:
Black and white striped tote bag: Hobby Lobby
Bulletin boards & magnetic dry erase board: Target

All items below from IKEA
Desks: Numerar counter tops and Vika Alex drawer units
Shelving: Ekby Jarpen
Desk lamp: Arod
Eye Chart Light Fixture: Gyllen
Black frames: Ribba
Storage boxes: Kvarnvik

We're still looking for a rug, but I'm having trouble finding one in budget. I might end up spray painting one from Wal Mart. If I do, you all will be the first to know about it.

OK...I'm dying to hear what you think!

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