what a girl wants

So this is more of a "what I want" list than a gift guide. What can I say, a girls gotta dream, and I may be a little on the selfish side.

1. Frye boots 2. Lucky bag 3. Trapper hat 4. Final Cut Express 5. Cowl neck scarf 6. Bamboo Craft Pen Tablet 7. Geek Glasses

*More holiday and gift ideas on the way.

cool toys I want... um, for my kids

Shopping for toys is so much fun. Sometimes I think I am worse than my kids when it comes to having a case of the 'gimmes.' I fall in love with so many toys I want them to have. I am done Christmas shopping for my little guys, but because I love shopping (and more importantly love toy shopping) I couldn't help myself from looking a little more. SO, I thought I would share some of the great things I found that I wish I had looked into before my Christmas budget had been spent:)

1. Deluxe Wooden Construction Kit

2. Schylling Silver Metal Race Car Speedster

3. Eggspressions

4. Build It Construction Set

5. Creative Peg Puzzle

6. Magneatos

7. Jungle Marble Maze

8. Plan Toys Doll House and Accessories

9. Construction Plate & Utensils

10. Stormy Seas Balancing Game

More gift guides to come:)

pummmpkin

I may be obsessed. It seems these days I cannot get enough of pumpkin baked goods. The funny thing is that I am not a big fan of the ever-so-popular (especially this time of year) pumpkin pie. I don't really dislike pumpkin pie, I just would prefer a lot of other pies over pumpkin.

So when I came across pumpkin chocolate chip bread a few years ago I was a little surprised with just how much I loved it. I craved it. Last year my love for pumpkin became official when I had a pumpkin chocolate chip bar with cream cheese frosting. I knew I had to find me some good pumpkin recipes to try to replicate these delectable treats in my own home.

As my thanksgiving treat to you, I am sharing my favorite pumpkin recipes. I hesitated to at first because I didn't want to look like a copycat of one of my hero's Dana, as she has had a great line-up of pumpkin recipes to share recently. But she hasn't shared two of my favorite yet, so without further ado... enjoy!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread


2 C. sugar
2 C. canned pumpkin (A regular sized can of pumpkin is just under 2C. and works just fine)
1/2 C. canola oil
1/2 C. vanilla pudding
4 eggs
3 C. all purpose flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 C. semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into 2 (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans on a wire rack, and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

*Recipe adapted from here.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon*
1/2 teaspoon ginger*
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves*
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg*
1 1/2 - 2 C. semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices; add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Fold chocolate chips in. Pour into greased and floured jelly roll pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool.

* May substitute all these ingredients with 1 tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.


Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 cups powdered sugar

Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract, gradually add powdered sugar. Frost cooled cake. Cut into bars.

*Recipe adapted from here.
*Image borrowed from here.

halloween dinner

We had a halloween dinner last Saturday. The plan was to carve pumpkins after dinner, but the kids were having so much playing on their own and all the adults were too tired to assist in much pumpkin carving, so we made it a two night event- Saturday and Monday.

Saturday we had chili, smoked pork roast, roasted hot dogs, pasta salad, green salad, apples dipped in caramel, doughnuts, sugar cookies and homemade root beer. Mmm, mmm. Monday we had left overs. It was great fall fun! Here are some pictures:

The invite:


Homemade root beer made from dry ice is so perfect for Halloween:)

The decor (gotta love the Dollar Store):







After all of the festivities I had to toast all of those pumpkin seeds of course. I tried the following yummy recipe and have been enjoying snacking on these a little too much!

1. Heat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Place washed seeds on cookie sheets and cook for up to an hour until all seeds are dry.
3. Coat in the following mixture:

For every 2 cups of seeds melt 2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.

4. Bake for another 10 or so minutes.

Click here to see more of the picturesque scenery and weather I was able to enjoy in the last week. I think fall is becoming my favorite season for sure.

halloween: my plans

I think my love of Halloween stems from my love of candy. I also love to dream up costume ideas, decor ideas, and party ideas.

This is what I am planning for this year:

Costumes-

My eldest will be Pinnochio. He has recently developed a fascination with the character and his story and I am taking full advantage as I love Pinnochio! My baby boy will be Cleo the fish (I know Cleo is a girl, but oh well). And I will be figaro the cat (because being a cat is officially the easiest adult costume out there and I was lucky it fit our 'theme'). I told my husband he could be Geppetto or the Blue Fairy and he opted for neither as he does every year.

I am pretty stoked about how the costumes are turning out. This is what I have so far.

Cleo, the fish:

I am so proud of this little costume. It certainly is not perfect, but I love it anyway. I came up with it after researching all the little fish costumes I could find online. My favorite was this one from Martha, but I didn't trust myself to be able to sew those scales so perfectly and I knew my baby was now too mobile to put up with the bunting type costume anymore so I dreamt this little number up:) The best part is it cost me about $5!!!

Pinnochio:

This costume was fairly simple as well. I was lucky to get a yellow polo on clearance, then headed off to my local Joannes to pick up the felt for the hat, the feather, the buttons, and cheap fabric for the shorts and bow. This probably cost me between $10-15. I used a pajama bottom pattern I had for the shorts and just put the elastic in the back. I love making costumes (when they turn out). They are usually cheaper, look better and of better quality than costumes from the store!!

For my Figaro costume I am just going to wear all black and put on some ears, a tail, and a little nose and whiskers via a little face paint.

I will be getting my Halloween decorations out this weekend. I meant to last weekend, but such is life. I am hoping to make this craft with my four year old to add to our decorations this year.

And next week we are planning to have a small party here too. Basically just a yummy dinner and pumpkin carving with a few other families and some decorations. I will share those details on here soon:)

happy fourth

Hope you all have a great Independence Day!

Image and craft how-to here.

For the fourth we will be enjoying some smoked BBQ pork, pasta salad, green salad, and chocolate eclairs. Mmm, mmm. Recipe and pictures to come.

Here is a link to a great photo tip for fun with sparklers and cameras. We used it last year and I can't wait to try it again.

(Above: I made my husband be do this- he hates photos:) )

merry christmas

This was my attempt at a 'gingerbread' house this year. No gingerbread here but we still had fun:) Be gentle in your critique as I had my three year old helping me and was bouncing my 3 month old babe in the bjorn while creating this. For endless inspirartion for your gingerbread house visit Martha's no bake cookie cottage photo gallery.

thankful

Sorry I was a total slacker on doing any cute Halloween posts. Somehow Thanksgiving seems to be here already and I figure I better post something before Christmas has arrived.

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving day inspirations:

Saw this adorable (and so much fun) kids table in this months issue of Country Living.

and then was lucky enough to find it on the web as well on it's creator's blog. I say, do this at the adult table too!!

This idea from Real Simple would be super cute coupled with the idea above:


Real Simple's more sophisticated table-scape is right up my alley also.


I also love the idea of sending cute "doggie bags" home with dinner guests (again from Country Living)!


Wanna see some pics from my Halloween? Click here.

Have some leftover Halloween candy? Save it for making Gingerbread creations!

Want some inspiration for next year's Halloween? This was my favorite homemade costume idea I saw this year.

valentine card round-up

linea carta:

greer:

egg press:

imaginary friend:

smudge ink:

hello lucky:

susy jack:

etsy finds for your valentine

1. block party press
2. KAT house design
3. sudlow
4. jc jewelry design
5. flying rhymes
6. smashing
7. urban fusions
8. lmke
9. bd designs
10. KAT house design
11. silver garden
12. nicholas landon
13. lotus jewelry studio
14. lotus jewelry studio
15. lotus jewelry studio
16. lotus jewelry studio

I heart february

I'm pretty sure I have always loved Valentines day, even though I rarely had a Valentine. I think I had my first true Valentine after I had been in college for a couple of years. Never did I ever feel bitter really that I can recall {thankfully} either. I think it stems from my wonderful mother who always made Valentine's Day simply about showing love to those you love.

In my home my mom packed us school lunches with sweet notes and a special Valentine treat. And for dinner, we could always count on a super yummy meal with gifts awaiting us afterwards. The earliest gift I remember was the Dr. Suess book, Green Eggs and Ham.


It was the first book I read myself (memorized first really) and may just still be my favorite Dr. Seuss book (who am I kidding, I don't think I really can choose a favorite Seuss... maybe a top five is more realistic).


How can you not like a holiday that is centered around pink, red, hearts, flowers, and CHOCOLATE?!?! I suppose there are ways, but I say, ENJOY IT!!!

Images and recipe found here andhere.

My friend Anna is doing the most adorable thing for her husband this Valentines day. You are sure to be inspired! Read it here. The post I will link you to is the overview of what she is doing, but she gives daily updates with more details on how she did them too!!

More inspiration to come!

happy new year.

Sorry I am saying it so late in the game, but I hope everyone had a happy new year! I truly hope and feel that 2009 is going to be a great year! I've certainly got a lot of big plans for the new year... working on giving my little business bigger wings, making more blog friends, eating healthy (getting bad sugar out of my home) and getting a bit more exercise (seeing as how I don't have a current exercise regimen, hopefully this goal isn't too difficult to accomplish), learning lots, having lots of fun with friends and family... the list could go on, but I think keeping it simple increases my chances of actually accomplishing my goals. 2009 here I come!

Photo found via flickr here.

new years resolutions

I ran across some great notepads today at Pier One that will help just about any list maker/task master and many of them are perfect for making goals and resolutions. I checked the back of the product to find out who made them, hoping they would have a website (who doesn't these days?), and they did! Visit them (they are called Knock Knock) here and find more cool products like the ones you see below!





Seriously, they have so much great stuff. I want it all.

happy holidays

Hope everyone had a GREAT Christmas! I am not ready to say good-bye to my Christmas decorations as this whole month seemed to fly by!

My Christmas gift to myself today was to be somewhat unproductive and veg a little. There was so much hustle and bustle leading up to the festivities, it felt nice to have a little down time.

During my break today I was able to organize some of my idea files, recipe books, play with Kaden, watch a cheesy tv Christmas movie, and revamp my to-do list. I am looking forward to the New Year and am feeling rather resolute already with some big goals in mind for 2009.

I hope to have some give-aways around the corner, some more pre-made designs in my shop, and to have some more blog design packages and pricing available, as that is what has sold the best so far.

I would love to hear if anyone has requests as far as what they would like to see in my shop and/or what they would like to see more/less of on my blog.

As far as my etsy jewelry shop goes, I think I have decided to shut it down as soon as the listings expire and focus more on my design shop. So if you have been eyeing any of the pieces, you have until January 22nd to purchase them. I plan to keep the hobby up because I really enjoy creating and wearing what I make, but currently am not feeling driven to go through the photography and listing process for future pieces I make and want to focus more on design.

Hope you all are staying warm and enjoying quality family time!!

santa's beard: free download

Off to a Christmas party, but not sure what to wear yet? You're sure to be a hit with your very own Santa's beard in tow. Click here to be directed to the site. Photo found on flickr here.

treats: rounds 2 and 3

Caramel Popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Bring butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil, stirring constantly. Then boil 5 minutes (or until temperature gets about degrees).
Add baking soda and vanilla. Add gradually to 6 quarts of popped corn. Bake in shallow pan for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes ( I drizzled melted white and milk chocolate over the batch afterwards for fun).

Chocolate Mint Brownies
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate syrup
1 cup sugar

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl; beat at medium speed for 4 minutes. Pour batter into a greased 13x9x2" baking pan. bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (top will appear wet) and let cool for thirty minutes.

FIlling:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp mint extract
3 drops green food coloring

Combine ingredients and mix in medium bowl. Beat until creamy. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate until set.

Topping:
1 package (10 oz.) mint chocolate chips (I used andes mints baking pieces)
9 Tbsp butter.

Melt over low heat in saucepan. Let cool for 30 minutes or until lukewarm, stirring occasionally. Spread over filling. Let cool, serve, and enjoy!

making a list...

and checking it TWICE. Can you believe Christmas is almost HERE??? I am both excited and a little nervous that I may not get everything done I want to before it arrives. I wonder how Santa deals this time of year?!

I got my first round of making treats and delivering them out of the way this weekend. Round one went to all family and friends leaving town and/or those who live on the other side of town. Now it is time to get to baking again and get those closest to me (in vicinity). Round three will go to those I missed before they skipped town. Whew! Baking is a lot of work. But, I really can't complain as I love to do it, eat it along the way, and give the majority of it away:)

First Round:


I got the boxes from Martha's new Walmart line.

Recipes:

Fantasy Fudge (there seem to be a few different recipes circulating out there all called 'Fantasy Fudge.' This is my fav):
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup margarine
2/3 cup evaporated milk
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
7 oz. jar marshmallow cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Melt sugar, margarine and milk in saucepan. Bring to boil stirring constantly until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees. remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, vanilla, and nuts. Pour into 9x9 pan lined with wax paper.

Almond Roca:
King Size Hershey Bar, grated
4 oz. slivered almonds, chopped fine (optional)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup margarine
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Sprinkle a fine layer of chopped almonds in the bottom of a 9x9 pan. Sprinkle half of the grated chocolate over the almonds. In heavy saucepan over medium heat cook butter, margarine, and sugar mixture stirring constantly. Cook until candy thermometer reaches about 300 degrees and mixture is a caramel color. Drizzle over chocolate and nuts. Sprinkle remaining chocolate over top, then almonds. Let cool and break apart with butter knife.

Caramels:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. anise extract

Line 9x9 pan with greased tin-foil.

Melt butter over low heat in heavy 3 qt pan. Add sugar, sweetened condensed mil, corn syrup and salt. Mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until candy thermometer reaches 244 degrees (firm ball stage). Add anise. Stir to mix. Quickly pour candy into prepared ban. Let cool several hours until firm. Cut into small squares and wrap with wax paper.

Up next: Caramel Popcorn and Mint Brownies

winter wonderland

It isn't often that it snows in St. George, so when I woke up and caught a glimpse of the bright white outside, I knew I had to alter my baking, cleaning, designing all day plans. I then bundled the Kadester up (as well as myself) and headed outside!


Upon the removal of our snow attire I knew what had to come next.

I dusted off our cocoa latte machine (I highly recommend purchasing one) and pulled out the Stephen's hot cocoa mix and got to brewin' :)