Short Stack Studio

Homemade Valentines

2012-02-07T17:33:00.000Z

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show the people in your life that you care, and homemade valentines are a nice way to do that. They let you express exactly how you feel and add personal touches for those special people. The cards can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like to make them, too. You could stamp a nice saying on a blank card or go all out with ribbons and embellishments. Just make sure to put your heart into it, and they'll get the message that they're loved.

If you like the cards below, check out the We R Memory Keepers Love Struck collection to create your own projects with these papers and embellishments.

S'mores Bars

2012-02-02T12:17:00.001Z

What's more fun on a cold night at home then warm, gooey s'mores bars to remind you of a summer campfire? This is the perfect treat for a kids sleepover. It's a no fuss recipe that kids can help make and drool over as they bake in the oven. They can even be packaged up for the neighbors, kids at school, or the soccer team. Of course, even the adults will love this nostalgic dessert.

S'mores Bars

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup flour
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 package miniature marshmallows

Directions:

* Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

* Stir together 2 cups of the crumbs with the flour, butter, and sugar in a large bowl until well combined.

* Press half into a greased 13 x 9 pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and pour the chocolate chips over the top. Let sit until the chocolate begins to melt and then spread the chocolate over the crust.

* Set the oven to broil.

* Sprinkle with marshmallows and the remaining 1/4 cup of crumb mixture. Press the marshmallows into the chocolate lightly.

* Broil in the oven on the top rack for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the tops of the marshmallows are toasted to your liking.

* Cool and cut into bars to enjoy.

Lemonade Cupcakes

2012-01-30T12:19:00.001Z

Last week I posted pictures of my sweetheart themed party and all of the food that I made for it. Today, I'm going to give you the recipe to make those amazingly good lemonade cupcakes that you can top with the freebie heart toppers. These are the perfect way to say "hello" to the coming Spring or celebrate a special event. The cupcakes are light with a cream cheese frosting that compliments the cake very nicely. Your sweet tooth will thank you for these!

Lemonade Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups fat-free buttermilk
Cooking spray
Frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons thawed lemonade concentrate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
* To prepare cake, mix sugar, butter, lemon rind, 3 tbsp lemonade, and vanilla with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 5 minutes). Add eggs and egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
* In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; stir well with a whisk.
* Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat well after each addition.
* Pour batter into cupcake tins sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.
* To prepare frosting, place butter, lemon rind, lemonade, vanilla, and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, and beat at low speed just until blended (do not overbeat). Chill 1 hour.
* Frost cupcakes and store loosely covered in the refrigerator.
* Enjoy!

(Recipe from Myrecipes.com)

Sweetheart Party with Free Printable

2012-01-27T18:29:00.001Z

I recently hosted a party for some military spouses in the area as an opportunity to chat and catch up on what everyone had been doing. Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I gave the party a sweetheart theme and based my party goods on the little candy hearts that are so ubiquitous every year. The luncheon came together nicely with some turkey wraps, sides, and lemonade cupcakes. I made toppers for the cupcakes, wrapped them in heart papers, and designed food and drink labels to match.

If you like the sweetheart theme, here are some free (for personal use) cupcake toppers that are ready to print. Just print them, cut out the squares (or the hearts if you prefer), tape each one to the top of a toothpick, and stick into the middle of a cupcake. Enjoy!

Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Cheese Dip

2012-01-25T18:20:00.001Z

Anything dipped in cheese has to be good, right? Soft pretzels are an especially fun snack to make and eat. These are a great replacement for popcorn on a movie night or even as an appetizer for that Super Bowl party coming up. Planning ahead for this recipe is key because there are a few steps involved. Make sure you've got some time to prepare the dough early in the day or the night prior.

Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

Soft Pretzels:

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 package active dry yeast

3 ounces unsalted butter, melted

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

Vegetable oil

3 quarts water

3/4 cup baking soda

1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water

Coarse sea salt

For the cheese sauce:

½ Tablespoon unsalted butter

½ Tablespoon all-purpose flour

½ cup milk

8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

* For the Pretzels: Combine the water, sugar, yeast, and butter in the bowl and mix with a mixer dough hook until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.

* Add the salt and flour and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed and continue kneading until the dough begins to pull away from the side of the bowl. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead into a ball with your hands.

* Spray a bowl with cooking spray, add the dough, and lightly spray the dough as well. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot for about 1 hour.

* Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

* Bring the water to a boil in a medium-sized pot and add the baking soda.

* Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a flat surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope measuring about 20 inches. Cut the dough into one inch pieces to make the pretzel bites.

* Boil the pretzel bites in the water solution in batches for about 30 seconds. Remove with a large slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash and season the tops with the salt.

* Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.

* Remove to a baking rack and let cool while making the cheese sauce.

* To make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese until smooth and completely melted.

(Recipe from Two Peas and their Pod)

Making a Cozy Home

2012-01-21T10:43:00.001Z

I just read an old article on the Care2 website that talked about making a cozy home by pleasing all of the senses. It talked about the reduction of chemicals, adding natural elements, bringing in soft fabrics, cooking something tasty in the kitchen, and even positively altering the mood of the people in the home. All of the elements made perfect sense in the way they promote comfort, wellbeing, and relaxation. After all, your home is where you should feel your most secure and at ease.

The article got me thinking about how doing just one minor thing each week to improve your living environment can make a huge impact to your wellbeing. If you light a couple candles when you come home from work one night, it may help calm you down after a stressful day. Baking a batch of cookies on the weekend can fill your home with comforting smells that bring back memories and put a smile on your face. Adding a wind chime to your patio brings peaceful sounds into your home. Any of these little things can be incredibly meditative and comforting if you open yourself and your home up to the possibilities. Try it by adding one of these elements into your home each week and feel how good it can be to have your own little hideaway.

Peanut Butter Cookies

2012-01-18T19:43:00.005Z

Well, this recipe marks the end of my holiday baking for the year. These tasty peanut butter cookies were a little treat I boxed up for those that needed a special thank you for their hard work throughout the year. The recipe is really easy to whip up, and the cookies can be wrapped up in all kinds of ways. I chose to pop them in a bakery box, add a little twine to the top, and stick a homemade label on the front to add a little warmth. They're such a great gift to show your appreciation to someone.

If you're just looking for some comfort food, try filling your cookie jar with this recipe. The intense peanut butter taste will definitely satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

2 cups peanut butter (Jif or natural peanut butter work well)
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease cookie sheet.

* In a medium bowl, stir peanut butter and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the baking soda, salt, and vanilla. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press a criss-cross into the top using the back of a fork.

* Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

* Enjoy with a glass of milk.

(Recipe from Allrecipes.com)

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

2012-01-13T18:35:00.006Z

Cinnamon rolls are part of the weekend breakfast rotation at my house. They're the perfect sweet treat for a lazy morning spent lying around the house. Here's a recipe that can be made the night before to sit in the fridge overnight. Even the icing can be made the night before and just reheated in the microwave the next morning. This way, however late you decide to wake up, you can just pop them into the oven and await the warm, gooey bliss.

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1/3 cup butter
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup white sugar
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
For the filling:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
For the glaze:
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons half-and-half cream

Directions:

* Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until melted; let cool until lukewarm.

* In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the milk mixture. Add the sugar, 3 cups of flour, salt and eggs; stir well to combine. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes.

* Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

* Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10x 14 inch rectangle. Lightly brush the far edge with water. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and 3/4 cup brown sugar and sprinkle over the rectangles. Then sprinkle the raisins and chopped nuts over the dough. Roll up the dough into a log and seal the seam.

* Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces; place the pieces in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, or 12 inch deep dish pizza pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to rise overnight.

* The next morning, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

*Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Meanwhile, combine the corn syrup with the vanilla in a small bowl. Whisk in the powdered sugar and enough cream to make a thick glaze; set aside. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls
and serve warm.

(Recipe from Allrecipes.com)

Fresh Baked Bread

2012-01-11T18:54:00.007Z

I've never made a loaf of bread from scratch before, but I decided that it's time to start. I don't go for the usual white bread loafs from the grocery store that stick to the roof of your mouth. Oh no, this girl likes her carbs to be hearty. The loaves I can find at the farmer's market are good, but I know I can make one just as good at home. What's better than warm bread any time I please? Not too much, I would think.

I found the perfect starter recipe from the authors of the cookbook, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. The recipe allows you to mix a large amount of dough for the week, store it in the fridge until you need it, and then bake off as much as you'd like for a warm, fresh loaf or rolls. The bread turned out fantastically well, and it was so easy to make. You can bet that I'll be doing this regularly from now on.

Settling in at the Edge of the Cotswolds

2012-01-08T15:15:00.004Z

My husband and I just had a little weekend getaway in the Cotswolds. The tiny villages feel so warm and inviting. They are all walkable little towns surrounded by rolling hills of sheep and bright green grass. It seems like everyone is decked out in a quilted jacket and their favorite pair of boots, ready to head out on the footpaths through the fields.

The pace of life is leisurely, and the people are unapologetic about it. What a perfect attitude for sinking into the remains of winter. Just grab a cup of hot cocoa, curl up in a warm blanket next to the fire, and read a book that's been on your list for quite some time. This is the right way to enjoy the season and not worry about rushing toward Spring.

Orange Currant and Cherry Scones

2012-01-05T14:26:00.011Z

Scones are something that my husband loves to make, and the America's Test Kitchen recipe he uses makes the best scones that I've ever had. That's really saying something because we live in England, a scone mecca. These, however, are not dense biscuit scones. They're filled with soft, flaky layers of buttery pastry dough and are amazingly light.

This time I helped him make these gems in two different flavors. We mixed orange zest into the batter with currants from our vegetable box in half of the dough and cherries in the other half. The result was perfection as usual.

Ingredients:

8 TBS unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups currants or cherries

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsps baking powder

1 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

For browning the tops:
2 Tbs melted butter

raw sugar, for sprinkling

Directions:

* Freeze the butter either the night before or a few hours before starting to bake. Put a couple mixing bowls into the freezer with your currants/cherries in them for use later.

* Preheat oven to 425 deg. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Set aside.

* Grate 8 TBS of butter and put back into the freezer.

* Whisk the milk and sour cream together and refrigerate until needed.

*Whisk the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, orange zest, salt, and baking soda.

*Add the grated butter and toss until completely combined coated.

*Fold in the milk mixture until it is just combined.

* Turn the dough onto a floured cutting board. Flour your hands and the dough and knead for about 30 seconds. It should barely hold together in a wet ball. Sprinkle a bit of flour over the dough as necessary for working with it.

* Roll dough out into approximately a 12 x 12 square. Fold the top and bottom of the dough over toward the center. Then, fold the sides into the center.

*Put the dough in the freezer for about five to ten minutes. While the dough is in the freezer, cut your fruit into bite-sized pieces if it isn't already.

* Flour your countertop and roll the chilled dough into a 12 x 12 square again. Sprinkle the top with your fruit and press the pieces gently into the dough.

*Start on one long end and roll the dough in a log, jelly-roll style.

* Flour each side of a knife and cut the dough in 4 small rectangles. Cut each rectangle in 2 triangles.

* Put the scones on a sprayed baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with some raw sugar(or regular).

* Bake for 18-25 minutes until light golden brown. Let cool for five minutes after taking out of the oven.

* Enjoy!

Holiday Treat Gifts

2011-12-29T18:01:00.006Z

There are always people that you want to send holiday wishes to during this season but don't want to spend a fortune on gifts. Cards are nice for all of the families, couples, and distant friends. Food gifts, though, are perfect for those you see frequently and should get something a little more substantial from you. When you spend your time and energy creating something enjoyable for them, they will be very appreciative of the gesture, not to mention the amazing eats!

This Christmas I decided to make some festive red velvet cupcakes for the first time. I adorned them with little holiday toppers, boxed them up, and trimmed them with some festive baker's twine. Off they went to all of those on our list that needed a little holiday cheer...And they got great reviews! I would definitely recommend this recipe. Keep it in mind since Valentine's Day is coming up quickly.

Ingredients:

For cupcakes:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 egg

2½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons red food coloring

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

1½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar

For frosting:
4 ounces butter, at room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard muffin/cupcake pan with liners.

* On medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to high and add the egg. Scrape down the bowl and beat until well incorporated.

* In a separate small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and red food coloring to make a thick paste. Add to the batter and mix on medium speed until completely combined. You may need to stop the mixer to scrape the bottom of the bowl, making sure that all the batter gets color.

* Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the buttermilk. Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and repeat the process with the remaining milk and flour. Beat on high until smooth.

* Again, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, baking soda and vinegar. Turn to high and beat for another couple of minutes until completely combined and smooth.

* Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a thin knife or skewer inserted into the center of the largest cupcake comes out clean.

* Next, make the frosting. Using the whisk or beater attachment for your mixer, whip the butter and cream cheese on high speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the bowl down as necessary. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add the powdered sugar until all is incorporated. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Increase the speed to medium high and whip for a few minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary.

* Cool for 10 minutes and then remove cupcakes from the pan and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

(Recipe from the Brown Eyed Baker)

Updated Holiday Bread

2011-12-21T18:29:00.003Z

I don't really care for fruit cake, but the traditional panettone is pretty big here in the UK. It's a little lighter than a standard fruit cake. I'd much prefer a moist coffee cake, though, to panettone or a dense loaf of dried fruit. When I got a bunch of persimmons in a recent veg box delivery, I thought I'd make more of an updated version of holiday bread. I had never cooked or baked with persimmons before, but I figured I would give it a try.

This recipe came out amazingly well. It was moist with the perfect amount of holiday spices. Even the extra loaf that I made with raisins incorporated into the batter came out great. So, I decided that this should be the replacement holiday recipe for getting into the spirit of the season. It's got the flavor to conjure up cozy evenings at home, and it's perfect to give as seasonal gifts that people will actually love to eat.

Persimmon Bread

* 5-6 persimmons to make about 1 cup of pulp

* 2 tsp baking soda

* 3 cups sugar

* 1 cup vegetable oil

* 4 eggs

*1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

* 1/2 tsp nutmeg

* 1 1/2 tsp salt

*2/3 cup water

* 3 cups flour

* 1 to 1 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

* 1 cup chopped peanuts (or preferred nuts - optional)

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease two loaf pans (3 x 6 inches in size)

* Cut persimmons and remove center if tough. Blend the persimmons in a blender on puree until the are smooth.

* Push puree through a sieve over a medium sized bowl. Add baking soda and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.

* In another medium bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, cinnamon, and salt. Blend together until smooth. Then, alternately mix in the pulp, water, and flour. If preferred, mix the raisins into the batter.

* Pour batter into the loaf pans to fill about halfway. Add the nuts on top of the batter if preferred.

* Bake for 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean.

* Remove from the oven and let the bread sit in the pan for another 10 minutes before removing. Enjoy!

Quick Sticky Bun Breakfast

2011-12-20T14:31:00.003Z

I woke up last Saturday morning craving our typical weekend carb-loaded breakfast, but I didn't really want to go all out in baking something. I decided to peruse my bookmarked recipes for something that was quick and easy (i.e. ready-to-eat in about half an hour with the least amount of dirty dishes possible).

I came across this recipe several months ago and decided to bookmark it since my husband loves monkey bread. When it popped up in my saved recipes, I saw that it was loaded with buttery, brown sugar goodness, and it really only required that I have a can of biscuits in the fridge. Perfect! I had just bought a can of biscuits from the store "just in case" anything popped up. I must have been channeling this recipe at the grocery store.

Although my husband still prefers the traditional monkey bread to this recipe, I actually think that this takes about 50% of the effort to get 95% of the satisfaction of monkey bread. Here it is for you to judge for yourself.

Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring

Christmas Tree Debate...Settled!

2011-12-18T10:55:00.002Z

Every year my husband and I go to one of the local Christmas tree farms and get a real tree for our house. I was really wondering this year whether this was a good choice for us as a household that tries to live sustainably when possible. I knew that fake trees carry a lot of chemicals that just add to all of those already present in your home, but I wasn't completely sure if cutting down a tree every year was a good idea.

I found this great article at the National Geographic website that talks about how real trees are the more environmental choice. Yes! We made the right decision. Apparently, fake trees do contribute substantially more to greenhouse gas emissions, landfill space, harmful toxins in living spaces, and water and energy usage. You have to take into account the way the fake trees are processed in factories (usually across the globe) as well as how they're disposed of after use. Real trees can be recycled and used for a variety of things that may even improve quality of life. I especially like the example given in the article of using the mulch in local parks and flower beds.

Of course, if you really want to go all out, you can get a live tree that can be replanted and used again the next year. We tried that last year, but since I have quite the black thumb, I couldn't even keep the tree alive for a few months. From now on, I'll be comfortable with my decision to continue buying a real tree every year. Thank you, National Geographic, for approving of my decision.

Five Minute Doughnuts

2011-12-12T17:22:00.003Z

I crave doughnuts. Basically, I could eat them at least every weekend if not more. Recently, I had these amazing melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts at a local pumpkin patch, and I knew I had to find something similar to make at home. After searching the web for the easiest possible recipe, I stumbled over this gem that uses a can of biscuit dough.

This is the first time that I've ever fried anything in my kitchen. I have to say that I was a bit concerned that I was going to set the whole place on fire, but luckily it was very easy with little mess. The frying only took about one minute on each side, and then they were done! This recipe is sure to please when you're craving some fried dough but don't want to go to all out.

Recipe for Melt-In-Your-Mouth Doughnuts

Classic Britain

2011-12-07T14:18:00.001Z

I recently returned to Britain from a short trip back to the states. This time when I got back to the UK, I have to say, that it actually felt more like home. Instead of missing all of the shopping and eating opportunities in the states, I had missed the adorable little British town I live in. What I love about living here is that each town has its own charm. In my little town, I love that the cobblestone roads get narrower the closer you get to the cathedral, Christmas trees are perched above each of the businesses in town, and the farmers market in the town square is only a five minute walk from my front door.

You can see this charm in the preservation of the old, which is many times juxtaposed with the new. Though we live in a fairly new townhouse, just across the road are several row houses built at least a hundred years ago...And it works. Britain feels pleasantly classic because of this preservation, and it's comforting to have some things in your town that you know will be there for years to come.

Pancake Day

2011-09-26T15:02:00.002+01:00

Every year my family attends a Pancake Day event that kicks off the fall season in our local area. Pancakes are made under a giant circus tent by the local Kiwanis Club and served to patrons from a huge conveyor belt. It's such a fun event, and, even though I've lived far from home for several years now, I still like to celebrate Pancake Day with my own special breakfast.

This year I decided to make apple cinnamon pancakes for a hearty, warm start to a brisk British morning. I made sure to use plenty of butter in the pan to get those nice brown skillet marks on the flapjacks. For the cinnamon apples, I sliced an apple thinly lengthwise and mixed in about a teaspoon of cinnamon. Then, I topped the slices with a few small pats of butter and microwaved them for thirty seconds at a time, mixing between heating. Paired with real maple syrup, the result is a perfect stack of pancakes sure to please.

Throwing Pottery

2011-09-23T10:14:00.002+01:00

I've been trying my hand at pottery lately. I needed a messy activity to replace my lack of a home renovation project right now, so I opted for clay. A few years ago, I took a pottery class that mostly dealt with coiling and hand sculpting, but I really wanted to actually use the wheel and fire some pieces. This class is the perfect opportunity to do that. From day one, we jumped right into wedging and centering.

So far, the centering has been a bit tricky for me, but I've been able to create a couple mugs and the beginnings of a decent bowl. I'm hoping to fire them soon and glaze them with some nice deep colors. I'm thinking blues and maroons for the winter season.

Artichoke Nachos

2011-08-29T18:21:00.003+01:00

This is a great go-to recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. I originally got it from Sandra Lee but have since made some changes. Enjoy!

Artichoke Nachos

1/2 package tortilla chips

1 can black beans

1 jar artichoke hearts, diced into pieces

6-9 plum tomatoes, diced

1 scallion (green onion), diced

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded

mozzarella cheese, shredded

cheddar or colby jack cheese, shredded

* Grease a glass or metal pan (8 x 8 or 9 x 13) and preheat the oven to 350 degrees

* Put a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle 1/3 of each of the ingredients on top of the chips, finishing with the cheese. Repeat this step until the pan is full and the ingredients have been used.

* Bake for 20 minutes and let cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy with sour cream, salsa, or pico de gallo.

Mindful Living in Amsterdam

2011-08-27T19:13:00.002+01:00

This week I spent a little time in Amsterdam, an amazing city that has a lot to offer anyone. Besides the usual walking time around the city, I was actually surprised at how sustainable the trip became. The tiny flat where I stayed was conveniently located within walking distance of almost everything but was also on several tram lines. Plus, I had the pleasure of taking an eco-canal ride to explore the different districts further. It was an electric boat that was small enough to pass through the tiny canals in the newly named UNESCO world heritage center of town. On top of that, the city offered several organic food locations and a variety of vegetarian fare.

The best thing about being in this city was understanding the pace of living that the residents enjoyed. With plentiful tourists and busy activities, the streets still managed to be pleasant and quiet. Everyone seemed to be mindful of each moment they were spending in this beautiful place. What a lovely goal to have for living a meaningful life!

Friday Favorites: Good Housekeeping Muffin Recipe

2011-08-19T20:02:00.004+01:00

Breakfast on the weekends in my house is always a special treat usually consisting of a carb overload to make your belly nice and heavy for a late morning nap. I've been using this basic muffin recipe for several years now as my go-to breakfast. It's from the Good Housekeeping cookbook I received when I got married, and it's been the gift that keeps on giving. Some of my favorite add-ins to the recipe include blueberries and cinnamon apples. Give it a try:

Good Housekeeping Basic Muffins

(Adjusted slightly to my tastes)

2 1/2 c flour

3/4 c sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 c milk

1/2 c (1 stick) margarine or butter, melted

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

* Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and grease your muffin pan.

* Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

* In small bowl, beat milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture until moistened. If slightly too thick, add milk until it runs off spoon with ease.

* Add your favorite fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts to create your own flavor combination.

* Cook for 20-25 minutes and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Gift Tags

2011-08-18T21:28:00.001+01:00

Well, I'm starting to look at my holiday gift giving ideas to get an early start on some items. Just thought I'd share some ideas for gift tags. They can be a great way to add a handmade touch to your packages this year.

White pinwheel: Handmade in my home studio

Reindeer: Seasonal Delights

Hot Chocolate: Seasonal Delights

Just for You: Handmade in my home studio using the Quickutz Silhouette machine

Red Snowflake: Hallmark

Stamped Pear: Seasonal Delights

Tailored Sustainability

2011-08-16T20:29:00.002+01:00

I always have sustainability on my mind, but recently it's been a fairly constant train of thought. I've been working on my thesis about sustainable housing and thinking of all the ways I try to live sustainably. With all the hype these days, it's a little overwhelming to determine what you should really invest your time and energy into doing.

I subscribe to the idea that it's alright to tailor your social responsibility to your lifestyle and needs. If there's no way you can walk or bike to work, then try to substitute on weekends with a walk to the market. If you're a die-hard for certain brands at the grocery store, just try a new environmentally friendly product every now and then until you find some you like. If you can't live without drying your clothes in a machine, then aim to air dry a load of linens once a month.

It's all about giving what you can and living with the intention of leading a responsible and meaningful lifestyle. Don't stress if every element of your house and life isn't quite up to the standard. You can reset that standard in a way that makes you comfortable. That's what living responsibly is about.

If you're still a little hesitant about this whole sustainble living thing, just take it at a snail's pace...

Mix It Up

2011-08-15T18:54:00.002+01:00

Mixing bowls are a serious staple in my house. I think I go through at least one a day from whipping up some pancakes, throwing together a fruit salad, or just mixing ingredients for dinner. They're a great way to add style to a conventional and purpose-driven kitchen space. Whether you go with glass, ceramics, or plastics, there's something for everyone.

Pyrex are actually my favorite all-purpose bowls but I do find it hard to mix liquids in them. The bowls are somewhat shallow, and I usually end up wearing most of what I'm making. The ones with rubber on the bottom suit me fairly nicely for baking. Plus, you have to have at least one with a pour spout.

Product Photos

2011-08-12T17:16:00.002+01:00

I've been slacking a little on blog posts this week as I prepare to open my Etsy shop. My husband has been helping me out with taking some amazing photos of my wall art. I do the staging, and he works the technology. It's a perfect match!

I've been learning some great photography tips through the whole process. Here are a few of my favorites:

* natural light is your best friend

* use natural materials and interesting textures in your backgrounds

* stage your photos to create a story

So, check out the photos of my new work and see these tips in action.

2011-08-09T10:49:00.002+01:00

I'm on Pinterest.com! This is a great site for those who like to bookmark their findings on the web but don't like maintaining them in list form. It's for visual people in need of a huge pin board to see their inspiring pictures adjacent to one another. What a simplistic, yet genius idea! Of course, you do need to be very careful not to get sucked into it too much. This helpful, little website can quickly become a time-consuming addiction. So, beware!

Mostly, I plan to use my account as an inspiration board for my projects, though it has all kinds of great uses, especially for the home. You could pin items for an upcoming party, compile recipes for baking, curate your own online art gallery, or pick paint colors that match your furniture. The possibilities are endless. Check out the stuff I'm pinning for a little encouragement to start your own board.

Kristen's Pinterest

Petal Pics

2011-08-08T18:57:00.001+01:00

I love passing by this little flower shop next door to a cafe I frequent in our village. It always has the most vibrant plants outside for everyone to admire. I can't help but stop and smell all the wonderful things they have available. So, I thought I would share a bit of it for some gardening inspiration or an idea for a vase or two.

Friday Favorites: Floor Pillows

2011-08-05T18:08:00.001+01:00

One of the first things that I learned how to sew was a pillow cover. My sweet friend, Allison, taught me several years ago as I was renovating my first home. I wanted to choose my own fabrics and patterns for the house to make it uniquely ours. That's the great thing about learning to sew...a whole new world of design opens up to you.

I especially love the idea of making floor pillows because they are so easy to quickly whip up in an afternoon. They've been really great for our cozy, little house in the UK since we have so little sitting room. We just store them behind the sofa and take them out when company arrives. Voila! We have ourselves a lot more seating that creates a fun and casual atmosphere.

So, here's a link for a great little tutorial from Curbly to get you started with making your own floor pillows.

Orange Blooms Card

2011-08-04T09:25:00.001+01:00

I've been hard at work on my collection for Etsy. So, I thought I'd share a new photo card I've been making. It will be available as a digital file that can be printed at home or at any photo processing store. Send me an email at kristen.king@shortstackstudio.com if you'd like to pre-order it!

Photography by Loren Kerns

Tortilla Soup

2011-08-02T18:18:00.013+01:00

This recipe is becoming one of my absolute favorites and has worked its way into my fortnightly dinner rotation. The soup reminds me of some fabulous tortilla soup I used to get at a little restaurant on the Texas-Mexican border. I've been trying to find a suitable replacement for it ever since moving away from Texas. This one is great because you just throw all of the ingredients in the slow cooker, and you're done! I'm loving it!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles
1 (14 oz) can hominy (substitute another half package of frozen corn if cannot find)
1 (14 oz) can black beans
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
tortilla chips (crushed)
vegetable oil
1 package instant rice
shredded cheese
sour cream

Directions

*Place chicken, chiles and tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn, hominy, black beans and cilantro.

*Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

* To serve, add rice and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl. Sprinkle tortilla chips and shredded cheese over soup.

(Recipe adjusted to my own tastes from the original by Elena on Allrecipes.com)

Screen Printing

2011-08-01T15:21:00.003+01:00

This past weekend my husband and I took a screen printing class at the London Print Club. It was a great beginners' class that focused on printing with water-based inks on paper. I just really loved being in the studio full of creative people with different backgrounds interested in learning this new craft.

We brought several photographs that my husband took and adjusted in Photoshop. Really, all of the graphics turned out fantastic, and I was very impressed by the products of this medium. So, yes, I'm hooked and am already planning how I can accommodate this new hobby in my home studio.

Developing our images onto the screens

The fun part: using the squeegee full of ink

Time to wait

Finished products

That's a Wrap

2011-07-28T18:23:00.001+01:00

I had to wrap up a little present along with the keepsake birth certificate I posted about earlier this week. I was running low on some gift wrapping supplies. So, I had to improvise a little. Here are a couple suggestions if you're in the same predicament.

Instead of using tissue paper to wrap up the contents of a box, shred some cardstock, magazine pages, or other paper. Add the shreds to the bottom of the box and let it stick out a little over the contents on top. It'll make the gift feel like it's popping out at the recipient.

Missing a bow or ribbon? No problem! Just grab a magazine and make your own. You just find a page with the colors you'd like. (I used one with a fairly monochromatic layout.)

*Cut out nine strips each roughly 3/4" wide. Cut an inch off two of the strips and two inches off two of the other strips. The last strip should be cut down to about 4" or so.

*Lay the side of the strips that you want upside down. Loop the ends of each strip (except the smallest) by just pulling the end into the middle of the strip and twist it upside down. Secure it with a staple.

*After you loop each strip, you can start layering the strips in a star pattern starting with the longest ones on the bottom. Glue or tape each layer on top of the other.

*Finish your blow by looping the tiniest strip in the middle and securing with glue. You could also add a button or an embellishment to make it more interesting.

Happy gift-giving!

Chocolate Fix

2011-07-27T20:55:00.001+01:00

One of the best weekend outings here in the UK includes heading out to one of the local farm shops for a little lunch and food shopping. There are so many places to choose from, and they always have the comforting staples: tea and pastries. Usually, my husband and I decide to bring a few of their pastries home with us to enjoy later. On this trip to La Hogue Farm Shop and Cafe, we decided to take home a whole dozen chocolate croissants. They're perfect for the occasional chocolate fix, especially on Sunday mornings. If you want to make a dessert of it, you can pair them with a little chocolate fondue and fruit.

For the pre-made frozen croissants, just leave them out overnight, brush some egg wash on in the morning, and bake for 20 minutes. If you don't live near a farm shop, try William Sonoma's frozen chocolate croissants. They're amazing as well. I'm telling you, these pastries are such great comfort food. They'll make your home and your belly feel cozy and happy!

Keepsake Birth Certificate

2011-07-26T21:31:00.001+01:00

Lately, I've been invited to so many baby showers. I guess, it's the season for babies! So, one of my friends was looking for a keepsake birth certificate. Apparently, some hospitals don't give these to new parents anymore and will just accommodate a request for a signature if you bring your own. I decided to help her out with this and create one as a gift to the new parents. You can do this easily with any layout software and nice paper.

I used Illustrator CS5 and a new digital scrapbook kit that I bought especially for this. I got the kit, Mod Bebe Girl, off of Design Digitals. I still have to find a nice little frame to complete the gift, but here's the end result of the certificate:

Home Library

2011-07-25T21:43:00.001+01:00

We've been getting our office and home studio organized lately and finally got some much needed bookshelves from Ikea. My husband and I are both minimalists and really like basic cube shelves. So, we opted to get a couple from Ikea since most other places here are pretty expensive. Of course, the intention is to eventually put casters on them when we get back to the states, and give them a little more flair.

We've accumulated so many books, though, that now they are really overwhelming these shelves. It's always nice to leave some space on the shelves and mix it up with housewares, pictures, and other interesting items. Having an overcrowded bookshelf can be way too intense for the eye. So, we might just have to buy another bookshelf!

Another thing I was thinking about when putting these together was the idea of grouping the books. Some people like to categorize their books, group them by binding color, or just alphabetize them. I subscribe to the categorization method myself. I think it's so much easier to find the type of book you want, and then just let the books flow naturally with that section. There's really no need to go any further with the organization, in my opinion. You've got to leave a little bit of creativity and haphazardness in the mix to maintain that "lived in" feeling around your home.

Friday Favorites: Handwritten Fonts

2011-07-22T17:56:00.001+01:00

Handwritten fonts are great because they're very personal. They can make your projects feel warmer and comforting, as they're not as stark as the usual standbys. You can create your own online at several websites that you can search for in Google. Otherwise, there is software that will let you scan in your handwriting and turn it into your own font.

If you'd rather just use some ready-made handwriting fonts, you're in luck! Those are online, too. You can get a variety of fonts with personal and commercial licenses for free at sites like Font Space or Da Font. Here are a few of my favorites by Angie Durbin, Andrew Harrison, Jenna Sue Design Co, and Philippe Blondel.

Handmade Papers

2011-07-21T22:19:00.005+01:00

I'm in love with handmade papers! I've had a few of these Lokta papers from Nepal just sitting in my studio for several months, and I have yet to bring myself to use them. I feel as though they're just too wonderful by themselves to be used for anything. Originally, I bought them to use for wedding invitations, but now I realize that they're too special for a one time use. They need a project that will highlight the paper as the primary element of the piece and provide a meaningful work to be treasured for much longer than an invitation might.

So, I'm thinking about using them for bookbinding. I've been meaning to try this out and make some handmade journals and recipe books, and this would be the perfect way to use them. Of course, you could just put them directly in a frame to add some color to a room. I think I'll try out the bookbinding, though, because they have great textures that really need to be experienced instead of put behind glass.

The Lokta papers that I bought were from Paper Mojo, but I've noticed them also being sold at Paper Source and through other vendors. The great thing about them is that they're made from renewable materials in villages of Nepal. Yes, I know that's a long way to travel to be sustainable, but the purchase is benefiting community development in the region along with the materials being more eco-friendly. There are also plenty more papers online that have been handmade in support of sustainable development. So, definitely check out these beauties for all kinds of environmentally friendly projects. Meanwhile, I'll be testing them out for you and will report back with how my project turns out.

Spices & Herbs

2011-07-20T17:37:00.001+01:00

A great way to jazz up your cooking is with spices and herbs. I've got a few growing in my garden now that I can use to sprinkle in casseroles, on top of pizzas, or mix into my baking. Trying new mixtures is always fun too. My husband got me addicted to cinnamon sugar which we blend ourselves at home by mixing the two in even parts. Recently, I found it on the shelves of one of my favorite food stores as well. There were all kinds of great condiment jars with spices mixed into sugar. The package design was so simple and yet so well done, just like the mixes themselves. Plus, they were fair trade! I'm loving it.

Birds on a Wire

2011-07-19T14:59:00.006+01:00

I've been working a lot on my silhouette designs to use in my wall art and photo cards. I plan on doing a playful series that can be used in kids' rooms, nurseries, and for gifts. Here's a sneak peak of my "birds on a wire" silhouette that will be available in my Etsy shop soon. (The watermark won't be on the actual designs.)

Photo card with photography by Loren Kerns

My new silhouette

Mixed Use Housing

2011-07-18T20:21:00.002+01:00

I have to say that I'm a huge fan of mixed use housing. I was thinking about it this weekend while walking through the British town in which I live. All of the little shops and restaurants have a few windows above them with flowers overflowing in window boxes, cats peering down, and a few rooftop garden diners.

Living above a pizzeria doesn't have to make you cringe with the thought of loud nights and the constant smell of grease. This way of living can be very healthy, connective, and even inspiring. It's not just for college students either. Think more along the lines of bringing all of the amenities to your family's doorstep.

As a long time admirer of the New Urbanism movement, where neighborhoods are very walkable, I am very drawn to this sustainable lifestyle. It's very European and very urban as well. Yet, it can be done nicely in small amounts to add character to smaller neighborhoods and towns. It blends the many aspects that encompass a well-rounded community commercially and residentially. The architecture can create a nice character and warmth around the usually more harsh commercial areas. Plus, people are much more inclined to use the community as an extension of their households.

Just think how nice it would be if: you could walk to work, you could walk downstairs to buy milk if you ran out, your house looked different from everyone else's house, you could be part of restoring your communities charm and vibrance, or a stroll at night would be more interesting than a walk in a cul-de-sac. Of course, this way of living isn't for everyone, but it's food for thought.

Friday Favorites: Earthy Housewares

2011-07-15T18:06:00.002+01:00

Every home needs to bring a little bit of the natural environment inside. I love earthy pieces that can make my home more warm and inviting. Fake flowers are not the way to do it unless they are very well made, dusted frequently, and done in very simple arrangements. That can be very hard to get right. So, my suggestion is to use either real plants and herbs to bring life into the space or natural elements and textures. These pieces can be blended into your space in combination with other favorite items. Here are some suggestions that you can get at any craft or home store:

Put a few stones in the bottom of a candleholder or a nice bowl and top it with a neutral colored candle.

Use large, textural sticks in vases to add height and interest to your spaces.

Find a few naturally colored wicker, bamboo, or wood baskets and boxes to organize your things.

Fruit & Veg Box

2011-07-14T20:32:00.002+01:00

One of the best parts of living in the UK is the abundance of farmer's markets and organic vegetable delivery boxes. We've recently started getting a fruit and veg (it's not "veggie" here, but "veg" instead) box every fortnight, and it's one of the best things that's happened to our diets. Plus, buying the produce from this company is extremely sustainable as it supports local farms.

Sustainable food allows families to improve their health while also keeping money in the local area, reducing their carbon footprints, feeling a greater connectivity to their local community, and maintaining resources for the future. What could be better than that?

Digital Scrapbooking

2011-07-13T18:15:00.001+01:00

There's a whole new world of crafting out there, and it's digital! Of course, I can see how many people couldn't really get into this new style of projects. It's not quite the same hands-on feeling that you get when you hold something that you've created with your hands. However, digital scrapbooking and cardmaking can be great ways to hone your graphic design skills. Layout design, color compositions, and typography are all key components of this digital scrapbooking world and can definitely improve your eye as a designer if you care to learn about each.

Start with a great design software program. I use Adobe Illustrator, but there are plenty of other options. Then, scour the internet for free and cheap digital elements that you can use for your projects. Here are a few sites I like:

www.fontspace.com

www.dafont.com

www.acherryontop.com

www.twopeasinabucket.com

www.designdigitals.com

Some of the papers I use in my projects include:

I'm so used to designing everything from scratch in my software. So as I get more into using these digital elements, I'll let you know how it goes. Plus, there will be more on layouts, color, and fonts in my future posts. For now, have fun searching for some interesting patterns!

Paper Rosettes

2011-07-12T19:31:00.001+01:00

I've been needing to make a card for my grandmother, and I thought what better than some traditional paper rosettes. I grabbed some scrap strips that I had in various shades of peach and folded away. Even though I do actually prefer to use my handy x-acto knife (my fond friend from architecture days), I did actually prefer using the bone folder for these. I found that when I scored the paper with the x-acto and tried to fold it into the circle form it would just rip on the crease. So, definitely go with the bone folder on this one.

Once you have your folded strips and glue the edges together, just add a circle round to the back for stability and a nice embellishment to the front to jazz it up. There you have it--a nice traditional flower card for your older loved ones to cherish.

Coffee Table Books

2011-07-11T15:36:00.003+01:00

We've been sorting through our books recently as we just bought a couple large bookshelves that have yet to arrive from Ikea. Many of our books have been collected over the years from architecture school and different hobbies. For some reason, I've always been drawn to coffee table books. I think I'm just such a visual person that the large scale photos entice me. I usually have at least one coffee table book on my wish list.

My current coffee table (West Elm circa 2005) has the perfect nook to set books. So, I always leave a few hanging out of the cantilevered edge for guests to peruse or for when I need a little inspiration. Every now and then, I'll look through my books and change out the ones I have on the table. It keeps things fresh, and I never forget the amazing works in my collection.

Friday Favorites: Pastries!

2011-07-08T21:31:00.005+01:00

Somehow over the years I've really grown to love baking. However, in the things that I make, I much prefer creation on a whim instead of exactness and measurements, which is something that baking usually requires. Yet, it usually seems to work out just fine for me if I just "measure loosely." I also like things to be easy. So, I have yet to make my own pastry dough. (It's on the bucket list!) I have no problem with the frozen pastry dough, and it saves me tons of time. Just put a little egg wash on the top, and voila! You have some amazing, comfort food in half an hour.

Start with fresh ingredients for your filling

Add some spice for flavor and that homey feeling

Everything's better in pastry dough

Hot out of the oven and oozing with goodness

Leftovers make everyone happy

You know you had fun in the process when you made a big mess

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/4 pounds tart apples, such as Empire or Granny Smith (3 apples)
3 tablespoons dried cherries
3 tablespoons sugar, plus extra to sprinkle on top
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch kosher salt
1 package (17.3 ounces, 2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

Directions:

* Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

* Combine the orange zest and orange juice in a bowl. Peel, quarter, and core the apples and then cut dice them. Immediately toss the apples with the zest and juice to prevent them from turning brown. Add the cherries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

* Flour a board and lightly roll each sheet of puff pastry to a 12 by 12-inch square. Cut each sheet into 4 smaller squares and keep chilled until ready to use.

* Brush the edges of each square with the egg wash and neatly place about 1/3 cup of the apple mixture on half of the square. Fold the pastry diagonally over the apple mixture and seal by pressing the edges with a fork. Transfer to a greased sheet pan.

* Brush the top with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, make 2 small slits, and bake for 20 minutes, until browned and puffed.

*Serve warm or at room temperature.

(Recipe from Barefoot Contessa)

New Techniques

2011-07-07T20:57:00.000+01:00

Trying new things is definitely a huge part of my creative process. I like to change things up and keep my projects fresh. You never know what materials, equipment, or techniques will enliven your creativity and feed your soul in a new way.

The local library is one of my favorite places to find inspiration. I went recently and picked up a couple paper-crafting books to flip through and learn some new tricks. Iris folding was something that peaked my interest immediately, as I love the refined detail that comes from these simple folds. The papers are folded in such a way as to create a small lens in the center. You can make all kinds of shapes and designs with this technique, and you may even decide to embellish the center instead of leaving it open.

So, here's a little card I made using the iris folding technique. If you're interested in learning more about it, there are tons of free patterns online and lots of great videos on You Tube.

Vision Boarding

2011-07-06T18:32:00.001+01:00

Goal setting is something I've done all my life, and it's kept me focused on where I'm headed. For some reason planning and organizing my life just makes sense to me. I can't help but need some kind of direction. So, I started using vision boards a few years ago, after the standard youth milestones of graduations and first jobs had past. I knew I didn't want to fall into a rut with the same routine day in and day out. I wanted to take opportunities that came to keep growing and learning. To do that, I first needed to know what opportunities I was interested in pursuing.

I had already been collecting inspiring design images when I was in architecture school. These helped me to find my own design style and expand my own ideas into meaningful designs. Then, I moved into collecting magazine clippings of all the things I wanted in my life. Every time I sat down with a magazine, I would (and still do) look for anything that speaks to me. If I see something that I've been wanting or needing in my life, I cut it out and save it. I used to have a large poster board that I mounted my clippings to, but I found that to be too bulky with all the moving I was doing. So, I ended up making a little folder with pages that I keep adding. This has been a much better solution for me and allows me to just pull it out whenever I need to regain focus. I have to say this has helped me tremendously in meeting my goals and living a more balanced life. I would recommend it for everyone.

Multi-Use Calendars from Paper Source

2011-07-05T18:52:00.000+01:00

I love multi-purpose things that can make my life easier, especially if they're handmade, recycled, or upcycled. My sister-in-law introduced me to these amazing calendars from Paper Source. They are large 12x19 calendars that have a different design for each month. When your done with that month, you can use the included templates and reuse the paper to make file folders, gift boxes, cards, or anything you want. It's a paper crafter's dream! She used them to make a cute birthday card by mixing the calendar month she wanted with the different papers. I've used these to make last minute gift-wrapping very easy. Now, I'm using the papers to make a graduation scrapbook gift. The papers are great for anyone and any occasion.

Last year's calendar

A page from this year's calendar

The great card my sister-in-law made from the calendar papers

Scrapbook pages I'm working on for the graduation journal gift

Mexican: The American Comfort Food

2011-07-04T10:04:00.000+01:00

Yes, we have our burgers and hot dogs that rule the grills of every American household. Those are, of course, the foods of choice for a classic American holiday like the 4th of July. Well, what about Mexican food? I've realized that Indian cuisine to the Brits is like Mexican to Americans. There is such a strong Mexican influence on our culture, just as the Indian culture has combined with the British in many ways.

It got me thinking about how Mexican food really has developed into comfort food for many Americans. We've even put our own spin on it with Tex Mex. Now, having lived on the Texas-Mexican border for several years, I did come to love many classic Mexican dishes. However, I am still very fond of dairy products, which is something that Tex Mex has over the traditional Mexican foods, for me anyway. So, this is one staple Tex Mex dinner in my house: the quesadilla. It comes with three cheeses, veggies, chicken, no chicken, salsa on the side, sour cream, or a combination of those. We love it and can't get enough of it! So, here's to the Tex Mex classic that will always be welcome at my dinner table because I'm an American and I love Mexican food, any way I can get it!

Garden Living

2011-07-03T19:18:00.001+01:00

What better time to get outside than on 4th of July weekend! The outside of your home can be a wonderful extension to your living space, and many people don't take advantage of that great real estate. It can really be another room of your house if you design it wisely and consider your lifestyle and environment carefully. The uses are endless: dining room, lounge, activity center, studio space, or second kitchen.

For my current home, we're in the process of having our small back patio, or garden as the Brits call it, landscaped. Since this is only a temporary home for us, we decided that potted plants were the best way to go. That way we could give the plants to neighbors and friends when we move and take the pots themselves with us for the next home. It'll still feel homey to us but will be easily transported and rearranged.

Our gardner recently potted a few flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs for us to start. We're still waiting on a bit of color from an umbrella on order and some hanging flower baskets. The plan is to use this as an extension of our house for dining and entertaining. It's definitely still a work in progress, but we'll enjoy it all the same.

Handmade Weddings

2011-07-02T19:20:00.001+01:00

Weddings are the perfect time to be creative and do some handmade projects. Since each couple has their own unique style and wedding theme, there are so many opportunities to take that feeling and run with it. Whether you're doing the table-scapes, the flower arrangements, or just making a handmade card for the bride and groom, handmade projects can add a personal touch and make the couple feel that much more special.

For an upcoming wedding where the bride and groom only asked for monetary gifts, I decided to make a nice handmade card in which to enclose our gift. I thought it would help set our gift apart from the rest and could also be a keepsake with the couple's wedding items. I used some "Best Occasions" scrapbook paper and tags, blue cardstock, a Martha Stewart scalloped hole punch, ribbon, a denim colored stamp pad from Close to My Heart, and some gem embellishments. Within a half hour's time I had a lovely card made especially for the new couple. What a great way to make someone feel like it is their special day!

Spice Up Your Front Stoop

2011-07-01T18:58:00.000+01:00

So, I really love a good front stoop! If you don't have the privilege of living in a quaint English village or a posh neighborhood of the city, you can still jazz up your entry to make it welcoming and guest-friendly. Here are some ideas for creating an inviting first view to your home:

1. Add color: Don't be afraid to put a pop of color on your front door or its frame. Just use a complimentary color to your home's current color scheme, even if it's a bold choice.

2. Use nature to your advantage: Highlight your walkway, doorway, or steps with some beautiful shrubs and topiaries. This doesn't have to be expensive if you just get a couple cute pots and add them as "frames" to the entry.

3. Lighting is key: Make the front of your house stand out with lighting that brings the interesting features to the forefront. You can add a nice lantern light above your door, some spotlights on your walkway, or a feature light on your address.

4. Get stylistic with your accessories: If you have a certain style that you want to convey in your home right from the first step, try adding your flair with address numbers or a nice mailbox. Use these little pieces of interest instead of gaudy lawn ornaments. They'll give the approach to your home a cleaner, upscale feeling.

5. Enjoy the space: Invite people over, sit on the porch, walk the dog on your street to admire your work, or set up a lemonade stand for the kids. However you decide to spice up your front entry, make sure it shows who you are as a family and features your home in the best context--as part of your family's lifestyle.

Adding Interest With Doorways

2011-06-30T19:32:00.002+01:00

There are so many interesting doorways and entryways, especially here in England. It got me thinking about the Frank Lloyd Wright ideas of presenting a strong entry where people can really experience the space as they approach and walk into it. Some of my favorite entries embrace the natural surroundings with landscaping or use bold colors that stand out to the incoming guest.

There's a story about how the British started painting their doors so that when stumbling home from the pub, they would know which door was theirs. It's so fun to see all of the colors lining the streets and how the repetition of one doorway can look so different with little adjustments. With all of the amazing opportunities for a great welcome, I can't help but be captivated by a great front porch, an intricate gateway, or a topiary framed doorway.

Mission in Tucson, AZ

A sweet garden entry in Salisbury, UK

A shady doorway away from the Texas sun

A perfect English entry

And we're off!

2011-06-29T10:01:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited to be compiling this blog and sharing all of my passions with everyone! As I have so many interests and get bored easily, I change directions quite quickly. My husband will tell you I have pinballs rolling around with all my ideas! However, my type-A personality keeps me in check. Plus, with a background in architecture and construction, my heart will always lie in the home!

So, I'll be writing about the many aspects of a balanced lifestyle that create a happy, cozy home (well, for me anyway). There'll be some paper crafts, a bit of travel, add a heap of good design, several spoonfuls of sustainability, a pinch of baking, and then we've got it. Enjoy!