september :: free desktop background

i didn't do a calendar this month...  the light hitting the web was too beautiful to disrupt.

to download, click on image above.  then right click & save.

sunprint cards :: cyanotypes

i did more sunprints over the weekend.  this time, i first printed out images onto transparent paper.  i then used those as my objects when exposing to the sun.  after rinsing in the water & lemon juice, i let dry for a couple days.  then last night, i scanned in the cyanotypes and manipulated on the computer a bit.  for the bird image, i overlaid a texture and played with the hue & saturation.  for the sunflower, i overlaid a texture and then layered the original photo on top of that. 

i'm not completely crazy about either, but i thought they might make cute notecards someday when i need to send out a quick thank you.

what do you think?  any ideas for their use?

taggie blanket :: baby gift

baby "bump" just loves this taggie blanket.  the soft fabric is perfect for snuggling up to, and the ribbon loops are serving as a fantastic inspiration for him while he masters hand/eye coordination.  kids tend to play with tags sometimes more than toys, so here's a blanket that's covered in tags for him to enjoy!

i think this would be pretty simple and fun to make.  a friend's mom made this for little "bump".  i did find a shop on etsy that sells them too.  what a great baby gift!

soccer bag :: fabric painting

last friday was "the monster's" first soccer game.  late thursday night, as i slipped into bed, i looked over into my closet and saw a blank canvas bag.   i had completely forgotten about my plan to surprise him with a new handmade soccer tote as an i'm-so-proud-of-you-&-good-luck present before his big game.  i drug my exhausted self out of bed and turned on the iron...  i had a bag to make.

the next evening, before "the monster's" game, i excitedly told him to close his eyes because i had a surprise for him.  he gladly covered his face with his hands and peaked out between his fingers.  when i presented him with his new soccer bag he sighed and said...

 "o man, i wanted a car."

boys.

chocolate peanut butter cupcakes :: dessert recipe

last weekend was "raRa's" birthday.  "the monster" calls grandma "raRa" in case you didn't know.  anyway, after dinner friday night, we decided to pick a recipe out of my cupcake cookbook.  when it came time to taste-test, i felt the following recipe was good, but a little dry...

what you need:

• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk

•  1/4 cup cream cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

what you do:

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees (f)
2. beat together butter, sugar & peanut butter
3. gradually beat in the eggs then add the vanilla extract
4. sift in the flout & baking powder, then fold them into the mixture, alternating with the milk
5. spoon into paper liners
6. bake for 25 mins

for the icing:

1. beat together cream cheese & butter until smooth
2. sift in conf sugar and beat until well mixed
3. spread on top of cupcake

for the second batch i started thinking about how to fix the dryness with something that tastes good with peanut butter.  the answer was simple... chocolate!  the easy fix below made this recipe absolutely delicious.  the cupcakes ended up tasting like a soft peanut butter cookie with a gooey chocolate middle dipped in cheesecake ... amazing.

spoon half the batter into the paper liners, then place about 1/2 tsp of chocolate (i used hershey's chocolate syrup).  carefully spoon the remaining batter into the liners so that the chocolate is completely enclosed.  bake as before.

new pottery :: featured artist

i have an addiction to pottery.  especially serving bowls.  local artist rich zimmerman from earthworks creates some of the most interesting pieces (see my new bowls below).  he currently sells his work throughout central illinois including the springfield art association & studio on 6th.

his collection is not limited to bowls.  rich creates plates, cheese/butter trays, flower frogs, bird feeders, vases and more in a colorful and innovative style.  this is an artist that truly takes pleasure in his art and does it for enjoyment vs profit...  another plus about his work is the low price. 

i love my two new bowls.  i can't wait until my next small dinner party - i will serve pasta in the large bowl with a veggie side in the smaller dish. bon appetit.

 

back to work :: etsy finds

well, after 2 months off work with little "bump", i'm back to work. it was hard to leave him yesterday, but i have to say that, it felt really good to use my brain again! with such blessings lately, my mind feels refreshed and my heart a bit softened... it's a good place to be in life.

on sunday night, i was perusing etsy and thinking about how i could make this transition back to work a little more fun. here's what i came up with:

i really love the color of this secret garden dress by lirola.  it's perfect for meeting with clients and i'm sure i could even wear it to a few social events on my calendar!

what an original idea!  the paper airplane mugs by dirty dishes pottery  could bring a sense of whimsical to my morning cup of coffee.

i've been known to work thru lunch... or at least eat at my desk while reading celebrity gossip.  these reusable sandwich and snack sacks by little birds boutique are a great way to celebrate saving money and saving the environment by not using plastic bags.

look at these!  i love the colors and patterns.  what a fun way to display my pictures of baby "bump" and "the monster".  the papered crown has all kinds of clothespins and wire to do just that.

i will definately be counting down the hours and minutes until i get to go home and see my boys.  this chuck e. cheese lunch box clock by woodstock clocks brings a smile to my face. 



what do you think?  which item is your favorite or do you have any other suggestions?

p.s.  i created most of this post with just one hand while simultaneously feeding "bump".

bump's daydreams :: photography

so, i found this hilarious!  i couldn't help but be inspired and do a few of "bump's" daydreams (except my baby never sleeps)...

shawnee wine trail :: photography

last weekend, "pseudo hubby" and i spent the weekend on the shawnee wine trail with some good friends.  if you haven't been, it's worth the trip...  lots of hiking, antiquing, and of course we ate & drank plenty!

food face :: kid recipes

a couple weeks ago, my very thoughtful sister-in-law took the boys and i to a darling kids restaurant in madison called bean appetit.  besides having a play kitchen and a fun chalkboard to invent new recipes on, it also has a healthy menu that kids have fun eating (which is really just too hard to come across in fastfood culture). 

i enjoyed the place so much that i bought a book of activities and recipes to make with "the monster".  he's never been a big fan of tomatoes, but the cooked cheese filling in our mama matos (above) was enough to get him to try again. 

ingredients needed:

• 1 tomato, cut in half
• 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons moz cheese
• 3 tablespoons parm cheese
• pinch of garlic
• olives or mushrooms (for eyes)
• 2 basil leaves
• 4 oz cooked spaghetti

now...

1. preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
2. scoop out the middle of each tomato half
3. in mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs & cheeses & garlic
4. bake for 8 to 12 mins
5. transfer to a plate and arrange eyes, smile (basil leaf) & hair

a couple things

kinda rushed today, but i've been meaning to share a couple things with you...

lrs web solutions (were i usually spend my days), is giving away a free $10,000 website to a non-for-profit organization!  the nomination phase is over, but you can visit the websites and soon vote on who you think is the most deserving.  this is a great way to get involved while also learning a little about the non-for-profits in central illinois.  follow the contest here:  http://www.lrs.com/lrswebsolutions/makeover/

eat a pizza, help a friend.  the big bonanza is the delicious creation of my good friend blair.  there are three specialty pizzas competing against each other this month at papa johns and whatever pizza sells the most wins!  wins what you ask?  blair could win $10,000!  this is an international contest, so wherever you are, eat a big bonanza!

dancing light :: photography

when "psuedo hubby" and i started dating he had just bought a beautiful boat.  we have had so many wonderful times on the water with friends old and new.  we have taken the boat to tennessee, kentucky, arkansas and even on the massive lake michigan.  our good friends announced to us that they were expecting their first baby on the boat.  we have eaten family dinners around it's table.  "the monster" learned to fish off its sides.  we took my father, a cancer survivor, for his first ride around our local lake in 10 years... i will never forget his face.

today we sold the boat.  and although i'm sure we will purchase a different one someday soon, i will miss this boat as it represents a part of the beginning of our togetherness.  it is a special boat.

i took the above pictures last night as we took our final cruise on the water.  it was "bump's" first ride.  i have always loved watching the light dance on the water at sunset.

and the winner is... :: 100th post

this is my 100th post!  who knew i had so much to photograph, write about & experiment with? 

now, this particular post is really more exciting for you.  thanks to all that commented on and entered the contest for 100!  and the winner is...

vacation joy :: free desktop background

to download, click on image above.  then right click, save & enJOY.