a celebration ~

We celebrated Alaina's 4th birthday yesterday! Where does the time go? I think now that she's getting to be older, and understands different holidays and celebrations, it's even more fun to share in her excitement. Before bed last night, she told us that 'today was the best day of my life!" I love-love that little girl!

While I was working on a project, she came over to ask if I could make her a chocolate cake with pink icing and sprinkles, that she could hang in her little play kitchen. (Alaina truly believes her mom can make anything out of paper!) So we headed into the studio to gather up supplies, and I made a little birthday-cake wall hanging for her. She was so excited, she absolutely loves chocolate cake and sprinkles right now!

It has a very 'Charlie and Lola'-ish feel, one of our favorite tv cartoons! I'm so in love with that show~ the music and the hand drawn characters!! I'm always inspired to make something every time we're able to watch an episode! I'd love to know what shows/movies inspire you to create!

one more photo ~ of a little gift adorned with girly flowers and a sparkly butterfly~ I have entirely too much fun gift wrapping!

Happy Friday!

Since the month of September is all about celebrating (birthdays and a new baby!) I though it was a perfect time to start something new for my blog! My first monthly-kit giveaway!!



Each month, I'll be giving away a kit, filled with colorful little products from my Etsy shop. I have the most wonderful and loyal customers that I thought it would be fun to do a little something extra! There will be 2 ways you can enter, for each product sold on Etsy your name will be entered into the drawing, or just leave your name below in the comments. (This way all of my Flickr friends are invited as well!) I'll be picking a name (or my daughter, rather, will be choosing) on the 25th of Sept. ~Good Luck!!~

Summer Blueberries

Blueberries, or rather all berries really, bring back summer memories at Grandma's house! Warm summer evenings are the perfect setting for serving berry-desserts, and who doesn't love sweet berry-muffins! Blueberry muffins are always a hit in my home, and with a simple recipe, these muffins will surely impress your family!




Blue Berry Muffins
will make 11 to 12 muffins

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries

Crumb topping:
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.

2. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil, the egg and milk into a separate bowl and stir to incorporate ingredients. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture. (I always pat down the crumb topping slightly, and then a little more.)

3. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.

4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done. Remove muffins to a wire rack, and let cool just a bit before serving.

Enjoy!

Something New!

Why a pink couch? Who doesn't love the feeling of a big comfy couch to settle into and daydream about all of those creative projects waiting to be started?!! I really hope to create a warm & cozy 'living room couch' feel for this blog. A place to drop in and find some crafty inspiration and maybe even a few tips and tricks for the inner domestic-goddess in us all!