Sohl Design

Healthier Eating Habits

2012-01-31T04:35:00.000-10:00

I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions. Probably because I'm not one for sticking with them. However, I have been trying to implement some healthier eating habits, even if they're small changes. They could yield positive results. I'll be the first to admit, I like food and I like to indulge. I have a hard time saying "no" to desserts and I definitely stopped counting how many cookies, slices of pie and helpings of ice cream I've enjoyed between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Yikes! As my coworker Todd likes to remind everyone in the office, the 4th of July is just around the corner.

I'll also be the first to admit that I avoid exercise like the plague. Unless it's something fun like soccer, a bike ride, or an occasional game of tennis in the summer (who am I kidding?), I live a fairly docile life. Does rigorously cleaning the house count? Laps at the mall? Exercise is SO boring, inconvenient and tiresome. Right now I'm focusing on my diet and pretending that exercise doesn't exist. You probably shouldn't listen to me.

The following are 5 small things that I have been trying to do (although not terribly successfully). I'm hoping that putting it out there for people to read and maybe even hold me accountable might help. And seeing as it's the last day of January, I might just make the new year's resolution deadline!

1. Drink more water
Sounds easy enough, but I don't know how people actually drink 8 glasses a day. I keep a water bottle on my desk and it takes me the whole day to even come close to drinking one.

2. Dilute juice with water
What I do love to drink is fruit juice. And lots of it. Orange, cranberry, grape, you name it. But that's a lot of sugar. So, I've been trying to cut my juice with part water or ice. It's actually not bad and I like that ice keeps it chilled.

3. Less bread

This is a difficult one if you're a bread-lover like me. A fresh loaf of crusty Italian bread is like water to my soul (or in my case, juice to my soul). I'm not planning on eliminating it from my diet, just eating fewer slices. As in, not ripping off the heal of a fresh loaf while driving home from the deli.

4. More salads and vegetables
I really do like salads and vegetables. It's more a matter of keeping veggies on hand and incorporating them into my daily meals. I love fruit too. I blame winter for making fresh fruit and veggies not as readily available or affordable. I'm going to need to get creative with my salad making and try to plan ahead more.

5. Fewer sweets
This. One. Is. The. Killer. I don't just have a sweet tooth, I have a whole set of sweet teeth. Brownies, cake, candy, gum, muffins - they all call my name. They are dear comforting friends. I want to make a more conscious effort to limit my sugar intake and eat fewer sweets. We'll see how this goes. Those 100 calorie packs are pretty satisfying during that afternoon junk food craving. So are caramel rice cakes.

How about you? Any healthful eating suggestions or new year's resolutions you'd like to share?

India

2012-01-29T17:17:00.002-10:00

January always makes me think about India, and the two opportunities I had to spend time in this amazing and diverse country. Both were short-term missions trips with my church, for about two weeks each time. The first trip was to Bombay (Mumbai) in December/January 1997, when I was a freshman in high school. The second trip was to Tenali (Southern India) in January 2005, a year after I graduated college. Both trips were challenging yet life changing. India has, and always will have a very special place in my heart.

It's hard to even attempt to summarize the experience of traveling to such a foreign and fascinating land. This was long before Slum Dog Millionaires (which is a pretty accurate depiction). It literally took trains, planes and automobiles to get us there, and something like 19 hours of travel. When we arrived, we were 10 hours ahead of home. The most difficult part for me, that has stayed with me ever since, was seeing unimaginable poverty, first hand. Our mission in traveling halfway across the world, was to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the forgotten, the least, orphans, and widows, those hurting and in need of God's love.

My Dad (and Pastor) had been taking yearly trips to India and working with area pastors, planting churches and helping support the Grace Ministries Orphanage, since I was about 2 years old. The best part of my second trip, was arriving at the Grace Children's Home and spending time with the girls and boys that live there. They greeted us with quite a welcome - and a banner! (almost spelled Colosi right :)

So many beautiful and unforgettable faces. You can't help but want to take all of them home with you. Talented, loving and grateful children, ranging from toddlers to 18 years old. What a blessing to know that they are taken care of, fed, clothed, educated and taught about Jesus. They are some of the lucky ones.

In some of the very remote villages we visited, families and children were living in unimaginable conditions. My first trip was especially painful because I had no idea people actually lived like this. You hear stories, and see photographs and commercials on TV urging you to donate, but nothing can prepare you to see it up close.

Homes that would hardly qualify as such in the U.S., housed 4, 5, or 6 people. Shacks made of corrugated metal, tarp, and palm branches with dirt floors. Children searching for food among garbage heaps. No indoor plumbing. No electricity. The magnitude of the blessings that I take for granted on a daily basis, intensely overcame me. Repeatedly. My heart ached for these people and what little they had. Yet, you would never know the state they were in, based on their cheerful spirits, generosity and willingness to invite you in and offer you whatever they could. It was incredibly and overwhelmingly humbling.

Our "host" Pastor Rufus and his family were so very gracious. They have a beautiful home in the developed city of Tenali - with electricity, running water and a Western bathroom. They cooked meals for us, were our tour guides, took us shopping and shared their lives with us.

The hotel we stayed at had modern amenities as well and was comfortable. Although the "shower" took a little getting used to. There are so many cultural differences, I could write a post about that alone.

The Indian people are some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. These ladies became my sisters while I was there. I still miss them and try to keep in touch from time to time. They took such good care of us.

We traveled to different villages and met other Christians and attended church services and prayer meetings.

The woman, adorned with such beautiful colors and fabrics, cover their heads during prayer and sit separate from the men.

Girls in their Sunday best

I'll never forget these two adorable girls. We brought candy to give to the kids. The younger sister was trying to talk to us, but she didn't speak English. So her older sister translated for us and said, "The girl wants more chocolate!" Which made us all laugh and reminded us that universally, kids really are a lot alike.

More beautiful little faces

There is still religious persecution in India, especially for those who leave Hinduism and become Christians. I'll never forget this courageous woman who decided to be baptized, despite knowing that she might be on the receiving end of her husbands wrath, and possibly put her life in danger. I took this photo while she was walking to the river to be baptized, clutching her Bible. Such powerful faith and love for God and His Word.

In another village, we were treated like celebrities. Some of the children had never seen Caucasian people, especially one of the girls on our team with blonde hair and blue eyes. They were excited to try out their English skills and talked about President Bush.

Landscapes, farms and rice patties.

We went on a "plant tour" through the banana trees, which have the largest flowers I have ever seen. This photo doesn't do it justice.

We got to experience the real marketplace. Talk about hustle and bustle. So many sights, sounds and aromas. Some good and some not-so-good. Flowers, fruits and vegetables, herbs and incense. There was also "fresh" fish lying in the hot sun, pig (all parts), "fresh" chickens strapped to a bicycle (still in tact with feathers and all), and the ever present scent of diesel fumes saturating the air.

Movie theater and macho movie star - who seemed to be on every billboard.

Laundry day in the country

New meaning to the term "traffic jam"

That's a lot of hay

Hand beading fabric

Door-to-door cauliflower saleswoman. I still can't even imagine carrying that weight on my head, nor as gracefully.

So many beautiful people.

I fell in love with bougainvillea, a stunning fuschia paper-thin flower. I also marveled at some of the brightly painted doors and decorated house entrances.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go on both of these trips. And I'm so glad that I got to experience them with my Dad. I couldn't have done it without him - he is an expert on Indian culture.

We went to India in hopes of changing lives and making a difference, but I know for certain that it changed me. I am forever thankful for that. I still have to remind myself of everything that I saw and experienced, and remember all that God has blessed me with. I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to go back again, but I have memories that will stay with me for life. This recap isn't even the half of it, but I wanted to share some of my experience with you.

If there's one thing I learned, it's that God is good. All the time!

If you would like to learn more about Grace Ministries or how you could help make a difference in a child's life, visit http://gracechristianministries.in/index.html

Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup

2012-01-19T16:52:00.000-10:00

January is national soup month. Did you know that? I love soup. Probably more than the average person. I could eat soup anytime - winter, spring, summer or fall. I was in the mood for potato, sausage and kale soup. Kinda like the zuppa toscana at Olive Garden. I found an easy and delicious recipe at marthastewart.com which I only tweaked a little. It was delicious!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

5 waxy potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth (I ended up adding an additional large can of broth, because it got too thick)

1 bunch kale (12 ounces), stemmed and shredded

12 ounces smoked chicken sausage, cut into 1/2-inch half moons (I crumbled 4 sausage patties)

Directions

In a large pot (6 to 8 quarts), heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook until soft, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook unti fragrant, 1 minute. Add potatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
In a blender, puree half the soup (or keep it in the pot and mash with a potato masher by hand, like I did). Return to pot; add kale and sausage. Simmer until kale is wilted, 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve it with some crusty Italian bread, and I am happy.

Sewing Starter Kit

2012-01-16T02:10:00.000-10:00

Emma, my 11 year old niece, has taken an interest in sewing (following in her Mom and Aunt Sarah's footsteps). Lisa got her a sewing basket and some tools for Christmas. I wanted to add to her supply, so I made her a little sewing starter kit.

I was inspired by this adorable little kit from Frugalicious Me, via none other than Pinterest.

And this simple kit from Martha.

All you need is a canning jar and sewing materials that fit inside.

Did you know they sell sewing kits like these at the Dollar Tree? It comes with mini scissors, measuring tape, box of pins, a whole set of sewing needles and 5 tiny spools of thread. For $1!

For the pin cushion top, cut two circles of fabric, a little larger than the lid. Sew them together, stuff with a bit of cotton, and sew it closed. You can either set it on top of the lid and screw it closed, or glue it to the base with a piece of cardboard to keep it attached for good.

I made a mini jar and cushion for myself. It's so cute!

Just fill the jar with the supplies. I added a couple zippers and a pack of velcro. You can tie a ribbon around the top or add a tag.

I sorted through my fabric collection and compiled a nice stack of various fabrics for Emma to use and experiment sewing with. Some small scraps and some large pieces that were never used. She loved it! I could see creative ideas starting to form in her mind.

I remember when I was Emma's age and my Mom and I used to visit my great Aunt Virgina, who was a seamstress. She had rooms filled with fabric, and stuffing, and buttons, and projects. Literally rooms full. You had to clear a path to walk through her house. I absolutely loved looking at all that stuff. Sometimes she let me take home a box of fabric scraps and it was like a box of gold. I would make bean bags, doll pillows and coin purses. It was so much fun. I hope Emma finds the same type of creative enjoyment out of sewing that I did - and still do!

Kindle Fire Case

2012-01-15T13:43:00.001-10:00

I still have a little bit of after-Christmas-catchup to do.This is the fabric Kindle Fire case I made for Marilyn, my stylish e-reading Mom-in-law.

I modeled it after the case I made for my now-already-obsolete-regular-'ol Kindle. They are actually almost the same size.

I used a pretty blue cotton floral fabric with a thin layer of batting, adding a single strip of velcro to keep it closed.

This is my kindle inside...

But just imagine it holding this fancy new Cadillac of Kindles.

I think Marilyn likes it!

Mable's House Guest Post

2012-01-12T09:28:00.001-10:00

Today, I'm excited to be guest posting about custom pillows at Mable's House, one of my favorite blogs. Liz is the author of "My (not so) Storybook Life". If you haven't already, check out her blog and her book. I'm a fan of both. Thanks again for the opportunity Liz!

Decorative Monogram Pillows

2012-01-11T16:24:00.000-10:00

An easy way to change up your home decor is by adding new pillows. However, shopping for pillows can be a bit pricy, especially if you need a few of them. It's easier and more affordable than you think to make some of your own. You can customize the size and color, and change them later if you need to.

I made a pair of decorative monogram pillows for my brother-in-law David ("D") and his girlfriend Alex ("A), for Christmas. Earlier in the year, we screen printed initial letters onto pieces of burlap. I know not everyone has screen printing supplies (I don't), but these letters can be made using stencils and paint or even black permanent marker.

I purchased two 16x16 inch pillow forms from JoAnn Fabrics. Using 40% off coupons, I got them for around $8 each.

Select your fabric, and cut two 18x18 inch squares (this gives you a very generous seam allowance), one for the back and one for the front. If you would like two different patterns on the front (like I did), cut the fabric to the width you want and sew them together to make an 18 inch square.

Place wrong sides together and pin fabric together. Start sewing (with a 1 inch seam allowance) at the BOTTOM of your pillow fabric, about 2 inches from the end. You will want to leave a large enough opening at the bottom to be able to insert the pillow form. You can use a sewing machine or sew by hand.

Sew all three sides until you reach the bottom of the fabric again. Sew the bottom side about two inches in. Snip the corners of fabric so they turn right-side out easily. Turn your fabric right-side out. Insert your pillow form. If it fits perfectly snug, pin the opening together and sew it closed. If it's a little loose, you can always turn the fabric wrong-side out again and sew up the sides a little more.

I used brown corduroy, a pretty pattern and burlap to make these, but the color combinations are endless. You could even make them seasonal.

Decorative pillows are a quick and easy way to change your decor and add customized style to any room. And they make great gifts!

Tween Room Makeover Reveal

2012-01-07T06:40:00.000-10:00

Remember, about a year ago, when my niece Emma turned 10, and my sister and I started to give her bedroom a complete makeover? Well, we basically finished it...in July, but then a lot of things happened, and I never shared the results. I also didn't take very extensive photos. Shame on me. I was excited about how it turned out and I'm pretty sure Emma likes it a lot!

This bedroom was our inspiration. Lisa ordered the bedding set, which set the tone for the overall theme. White furniture and accent pieces with pops of bright pink, lime green and brown, and light aqua walls.

We found a 9 drawer dresser, tall narrow bookcase and a wicker storage chest on craigslist.

I found pink storage buckets at Target that fit nicely on the bookshelf.

I also found and painted a large cork board from a thrift store, which now hangs above Emma's repainted desk for displaying artwork and papers. The desk belonged to Lisa when she was growing up and it was her first furniture painting project. She did a great job - you go sister! I wish I had a photo of the desk. I'll work on getting one...

I made some quick wall art of Emma's name with letters out of foam core, and hung them above the dresser. You can make your own letters by following my easy tutorial. A mirror was later added to the dresser.

The metal cans I spray painted white now hold markers, crayons and art supplies. Read more about my bargain finds here.

Two cute poodles in Paris canvases were hung on the wall near the bed.

This fun zebra and polka dot "E" initial plaque found a home above Emma's night stand and lamp.

The bedding an accent pillows are so cute and fun and made the whole room come together!

BEFORE
It was very yellow, lacked a unified style and was in need of storage, organization and some new furniture.

AFTER
Now it's a fun and pretty "tween" room for Emma to enjoy and grow with! I especially like the wall color. Chris did a great job painting it. The tranquil aqua-blue compliments the bedding and existing carpet.

This was a fun project, especially because it was for my beautiful and creative niece Emma. I hope she loves her new room. Now that she's been enjoying it for 6 months! If only she could keep it clean...that's another story :)

A Few Favorite Things

2012-01-05T16:50:00.001-10:00

You know when you find a product or something you like that makes you want to twirl around a blossoming meadow with mountains in the distance? It's a pretty good feeling. Sometimes it's for big things and sometimes it's the little things in life. These are a few of my faves that I'm digging right now.

Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color
I know, I know ladies, Wet n Wild brand was for junior high. But hear me out, it's still good! I picked up a bottle this summer, because I liked the shade "heatwave" (a very punchy poppy-orange-red) and it was cheap. I found out the name "Megalast" really holds true. This stuff lasts a week or more with two coats. I keep coming back to this color. I think it's my new favorite, at about $1.99.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color
Also at the top of my list for nail color. It will cost you a bit more, about $5, but they weren't kidding when they named it "Insta-Dry." It's perfect if you're like me and often paint your nails before bed - no more sheet imprints! Or before you're heading out the door. One coat will do the trick, or you can use two. Plus it lasts a week or more! I actually have it in this pretty color "Lively Lilac."

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
You know it's for real when they spell color with a "u." If you color your own hair, this little box will change your world. I don't have the money to get my hair done professionally on a regular basis, so when those pesky gray hairs start showing up (yes, I have gray hairs, sigh), I try to color it myself. I've used multiple brands and had varying success. This is probably the only hair color I will use from now on. Why? Because it's applied as a thick luxurious foam. No drips, oozing bottles or messy application. I know I sound like a commercial, but it's true. It doesn't have a horrible odor and they provide black gloves that actually fit. Available in 20 shades for about $12.99. Compared to salon prices that's a steal! You can even use the shade selector tool on the website. I've used it twice and both times was very happy with the even coverage and ease of use. And it's all thanks to Kristy for giving me some coupons!

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
I don't shop at VS often, but when they mail me a $10 coupon to use on anything, I know not to let a good thing go to waste. My goal was to find something for exactly $10, which was a bit of a challenge. Their Beauty Rush lip gloss was on sale for 2 for $12. I picked out two natural looking shades, one with shimmer and one without. I really like them! They go on very smooth, aren't horribly sticky (still sticky though) and stay on your lips for a long time. And they taste/smell like candy. Thumbs up.

Simply Vera Wang for Kohl's Leggins
These are the best leggins I have found, and I was looking for ones like this for a while. I wanted thick material (not tights), that felt like stretch pants. They are available in ankle length and cropped style. I have them in black and brown and I love wearing them. They're usually around $15-$20, but they were on sale and I used a coupon. Kohl's is always running some sort of sale or coupon. Perfect with boots and long sweaters.

Peppermint
I know Christmas is over, but I've been on a peppermint kick lately. Peppermint hot chocolate. Peppermint Patties. Peppermint candies. Peppermint lattes. Peppermint lip balm. I tend to latch on to certain flavors for a while, have them all the time, then get sick of them. Right now I'm riding the peppermint train. Next stop, who knows?

Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

2012-01-03T15:58:00.003-10:00

I know it's bad timing to be posting a cookie recipe after the holidays. If you're anything like me, you ate waaaaay too many Christmas cookies. I love cookies. Especially cut-out sugar cookies. The ones shaped like stars and snowmen with icing and sprinkles get me every time. This year, I wanted to make a batch that were gluten free, so everyone in our family could enjoy them. But I wanted to make really good gluten free cookies. Not ones that tasted like cardboard or something you found in the backyard.

After doing an online search - who am I kidding, it was Pinterest, yet again - I found this recipe with good recommendations, at LivingWithout.com. It was a little complex, due to various special ingredients, but overall, easy to make and just as fun to roll out and use cookie cutters. AND I made royal icing for the first time and LOVED it. The lemon extract is what made these cookies so delicious. Maybe you have a birthday party coming up or you could make some Valentines cookies next month. I'm certainly not making another batch right now because I'd eat them all!

Ingredients

1¼ cups Mary’s All-Purpose Flour Blend (See below for recipe)
½ cup tapioca flour/starch
1-⅓ cup potato starch (not potato flour) *I substituted Tapioca Flour*
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter or dairy-free substitute, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg or egg-free substitute
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon gluten-free lemon extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Set aside.

3. In the large bowl of a mixer, combine butter and sugar and beat for 3 minutes until mixture is a pale yellow.

4. Add in egg, vanilla extract and lemon extract.

5. Add dry ingredients, slowly mixing until dough forms. Place bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

6. Remove half the dough and roll out onto a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use star shapes or other cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on prepared cookie sheets. Reroll scraps of dough. If dough becomes too sticky, chill again. Repeat with second half of dough.

7. Bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes until light brown. Remove and let cool thoroughly before handling and decorating.

Mary’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend

MAKES 6 CUPS

2 cups brown rice flour

2 cups white rice flour
½ cups potato starch (not potato flour) *I substituted Tapioca Flour*
⅔ cup tapioca starch/flour

Mix ingredients together. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator until used.

Royal Icing

1½ cups confections’ sugar
1 large pasturized egg white or powdered egg white mixed with water to equal 1 egg white
½ teaspoon lemon juice *you can substitute water until it's the consistency you want*
½ teaspoon gluten-free lemon extract
- Food coloring

1. Beat sugar and egg white with electric beater.

2. Add lemon juice and lemon extract and beat until ingredients are incorporated.

3. Separate icing into small bowls and stir in a drop or two of different food coloring, as desired.

4. Chill icing until you’re ready to decorate cooled cookies. Spread icing on cookies, as desired.

Ultimate Coffee Gift Box

2012-01-02T02:00:00.000-10:00

For Christmas, I made a coffee themed gift basket for Andrew's parents. They love coffee! All the time. It could be 11pm and they're making another pot of joe. I thought it might be nice to give them a matching set of coffee mugs, along with some other related treats.

Aren't these "coffee" mugs perfect? I found them at the Christmas Tree Shop. I think I snagged the last 8 they had. However, one "cocoa" mug accidentally wound up in my cart - oops.

I also found this adorable kitchen towel

Holiday napkins

Biscotti

Strawberry Peach preserves (love the name)

And a heavy gift box with a lid to assemble it in - all at the Christmas Tree Shop

Can't forget the main ingredient - a bag of coffee!

I lined the box with tissue paper and put the mugs on each side. The lid sat underneath the box.

I arranged the other goodies in the middle. It was a perfect fit!

I wrapped the whole box with iridescent cellophane (also from CTS),

and folded the sides underneath and secured them with tape.

All that was left was to tie a pretty bow around the middle and add a little card. Who wouldn't like to receive this?

I should have worked at "Create a Gift." Anyone remember that place? This would be a great housewarming or bridal shower gift. You could add some fancy cookies, chocolates, tea or hot cocoa. Be creative! It's not as difficult as you might think. Your recipient will appreciate the thought that went into this customized gift.

Here are a few other gift basket ideas:

Coffee and Tea gift box

Gardening themed gift basket

House Warming / Wedding gift basket

I really like making these. Maybe I should make this part of my side business...

Happy 2012 and a Look Back at 2011

2012-01-01T14:49:00.000-10:00

It's hard to believe it's time for a new calendar (thanks Mom!) and that January 1st is here. I feel like I can't start a new year of blogging without taking a look back at 2011. This year has seen a lot, both good and not-so-good. Friends got married, babies were born, we traveled to great places, we made new friends, we continue to pray for family and friends battling illness, we lost loved ones... Yet through it all, God has been so faithful and blessed us beyond measure.

My top 5 highlights from 2011:

1. My first real trip to New York City with two wonderful friends! We had so much fun! Where are we going next ladies?

2. Punta Cana. Andrew and I took an amazing vacation that we have been talking about for years. It. Was. Awesome. I would go back there in a heartbeat!

3. We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Still going strong with the love of my life! I am so lucky to have him.

4. Our staircase remodel was a big DIY project that we tackled together. We are very happy with the results!

5. My trip to Arizona to spend time with my family and attend a design conference. It was a fabulous week!

3 great trips in one year, along with the countless other good things and special memories - I am truly blessed and so thankful. God is good! I look forward to what lies ahead in 2012.

Christmas 2011 Recap

2011-12-29T15:47:00.001-10:00

We're back from a wonderful long Christmas weekend, spent with family and friends in Andrew's home town, in Pennsylvania. Marilyn and Denny (my mother and father in-law) graciously hosted all of us. We decorated their tree together, with ornaments spanning the years, from and made by loved ones.

Some ornaments as old (and older) than my husband and his siblings. Each one holding special memories.

We got to spend time with my brother-in-law David and our 6 year old niece, Sydney.

My beautiful sister-in-law, Laura and our almost 3 year old niece, Morgan.

There were LOTS of cookies and giggles.

There were presents. Andrew was very excited about a remote control helicopter (that I almost didn't get him). He has flown it around the house every day since. I think it's his favorite!

I got a Rachel Ray knife to help create even better meals in the kitchen. Andrew knows that I like to cook and love watching cooking shows. I feel like a pro now!

Casey wanted to be where the action was.

We had Christmas day lunch with the whole family (well, most of us - we missed you Maney family!), at a Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant. There were 31 of us! No one had to prepare the meal or clean up, which allowed us to just enjoy each others company. We were all remembering Pop Pop. It was one year ago that went home to Heaven. We sure miss him.

Our 2011 family photo

The Statlers

My love and I

We got to see some friends that Andrew grew up with. Hard to believe these guys are "grown ups" now. It's been a long time since high school!

Marilyn took Laura and I to the Tea Room for breakfast. It was a charming little tea room indeed, with cute tables set with doilies and mix-and-match china. Just my type of place!

I had holiday tea, french toast and cranberry scones. A perfect treat!

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope you did too! We wish we could celebrate with all of our family, spread out in different states. Those we couldn't be with in person, were in our thoughts and in our hearts. We have so much to be thankful for. We are truly blessed to have family and friends, both near and far. The gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. A roof over our heads, the ability to travel, good food and special meals shared with loved ones. Thank you Jesus!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T02:00:00.000-10:00

We wish you a very Merry Christmas, surrounded by the ones you love, filled with God's love, peace and joy, as we celebrating the birth of Jesus!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Felt Owl Ornaments

2011-12-23T11:16:00.000-10:00

How cute are these little owls? I just love them and they crack me up! I was "Pinspired" to make these adorable felt ornaments. I found them here with a free downloadable template. However, I increased the size of mine by 25%.

The original template is for smaller owls (seen here), from Juicy Bits. These are just perfect. I couldn't find black buttons for the eyes, so I used black felt. I wish I had those buttons though, because I think it totally makes them!

I have to thank my husband and Carrie from craft night for helping me cut out the many pieces. Andrew also selected the color combinations and cut them out when it was taking me forever.

He is especially proud of this Philadelphia Eagles colors inspired guy.

I like the ones with pink, but I can't choose a favorite!

So cute!

I made 10 total. But I'm not gonna lie, they were a lot of work! Each piece is hand sewn with embroidery thread. Then you add a ribbon, stuff them, and sew them closed.

They will all be gifts. I can't wait to give them away! But I'm a little sad to see my owl family leave the nest. I attached a tag to each one that says, "Merry Christmas! We hope your new year is a hoot!" I hope the lucky recipients get as much of a kick out of them as we did making them. Hooo hooooot!

Wrap it Up!

2011-12-21T05:00:00.001-10:00

Christmas is mere days away. Are your gifts wrapped? Are they wrapped with style? Do you like wrapping presents as much as I do? I think I might like wrapping presents even more than picking out presents. It's packaging people. And you get to make it with your own two hands. And lots of Scotch tape.

This year I went with a simple red and white candy cane wrapping paper.

I was inspired by some wrapping ideas I saw on Pinterest. I was "Pinspired." I'm going to start using that. Ha! These doilies just look so cute and charming!

So do these strings and various embellishments.

I had a giant spool of white cotton string and a few large doilies lying around. Put them together and you have jazzed up gift wrap!

Write the recipients name on the doily or attach a tag to the string. It's not to late to impress your family and friends with pretty packaging. Presentation is everything. Even if it does end up in the trash in 3.2 seconds. Happy wrapping! Or, feel free to hire me if you'd like me to gift wrap for you!

Fabric Clutches

2011-12-20T17:31:00.000-10:00

I have been a little bit obsessed with making these clutches. Ever since I found them on Pinterest, and then on Martha Stewart, and then on Etsy, I just had to try them. The instructions are a little tricky to follow, but there is a video (that I watched about 12 times). They aren't to terribly difficult to make and I learned how to make a French seam. Martha would be proud.

My favorite part is the metal purse frame/clasp. It gives them such a finished and professional look. I ordered them on Etsy from Upstyle design.

This is the gorgeous Upstyle clutch that won my heart. If you're not up for making your own, you can order one. So many beautiful fabrics and styles!

Before I got my hands on the silver clasps, I tried a ball frame that I found at JoAnn Fabrics. It was a little more difficult to adhere, due to the rounded sides, but it looks adorable.

I recommend using Fabri-Tac for gluing the fame to the fabric. It dries quickly, is super strong, and permanent. And very sticky. Try not to get in on anything else.

This blue one is my latest, and my favorite. It may or may not be a Christmas gift. It's the perfect size for a night-out, makeup bag or accessory holder. I'll just have to make a few more!

Handmade Christmas Cards

2011-12-18T17:34:00.001-10:00

This year I was excited to make my own Christmas cards.

Shortly after Christmas last year, I found these charming ruffled Christmas cards, over at Hello Friend. I fell in love with the idea of sewing fabric to paper. Except I didn't have a vintage label maker.

So I did the next best thing, I designed a little message on the computer and printed out the cards.

After cutting and rounding the corners, I sewed fabric, lace and ribbon scraps across the top. I really like the stitch lines. Makes them feel handmade and so unique.

I ended up making 32 cards. It was a perfect combination of my two favorite passions - graphic design and sewing. I was a little sad to see them go! I hope they brought joy to each recipient and the true message of Christmas, John 3:16.

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

2011-12-11T08:58:00.001-10:00

There's still time to make great homemade Christmas gifts! Here are five of my personal favorites.

1. Goodie Bags
Fill a cellophane bag and/or a fabric pouch with a few small goodies. Things like candy, lotion, nail polish/file, key chain, gift card or anything pocket-size.

2. Cinnamon Honey Butter
This spreadable treat is a great gift for anyone. The recipe is easy and can be packaged in adorable little jars, decorated with fabric and a cute tag. It's especially delicious on warm toast, bagels or pretty much anything!

3. Hot Chocolate
Who doesn't like hot chocolate? Especially homemade hot chocolate. This recipe is better than any Swiss Miss. Pair it with a mug and mini marshmallows. Warm and delicious!

4. Wool Mittens from Sweaters
If you have an old sweater and you can sew, you can make these. They are warm and cozy and so cute! Who wouldn't appreciate a pair of handmade mittens to wear in winter weather?

5. Salt Scrub
I received this gift last year and I thought it was the greatest thing ever! With only a few ingredients you can customize the scent and it makes your hands (and feet) so soft. I highly recommend eucalyptus mint. It smells soooo good!

Happy homemade gifting!

Stuffed Pepper Soup

2011-12-10T06:22:00.000-10:00

I have to thank my friend Gabrielle for this easy and delicious recipe. Thanks Gabe! If you like stuffed peppers, this dish has all the flavors without nearly as much work! It's pretty quick to make, even on a weeknight.

Ingredients:
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
1 lb. ground beef (or turkey/chicken/pork)
1 beef bouillion cube
1/2 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 packet onion soup mix
3/4 cup water
1/4 - 1/2 cup brown sugar (or less, depending how sweet you like it)
rice (2-4 servings)

Directions:
Brown ground beef and season with onion soup mix.
Fill kettle with other ingredients.
Add cooked beef with onion soup seasoning to kettle.
Bring to a boil.
Simmer at least a half hour or until peppers are tender.
Serve hot over rice.

Delicious! Great the next day too, and you can double this recipe and freeze for later. Enjoy!

Life-Changing Gifts

2011-12-06T16:33:00.000-10:00

If you're looking for Christmas gifts that will really make a difference in the life of someone who needs it, here are two great websites that make giving life-changing gifts easy.

Compassion offers a wide variety of food, household, educational and survival gifts. Essentials like clean drinking water, dental care, food for newborns and much more. Things that we take for granted could actually save a life. You can donate in someone's honor and the website provides options to mail, print or send an e-card to your honoree.

www.compassion.com

World Vision offers life impacting gifts as well, such as animals, clothing and shelter, emergency aid and medical care. There are many to choose from in a wide range of donation amounts. You have the option to honor someone with a card via mail, email or printing a card yourself.
www.worldvision.org

Not only do these gifts provide physical needs, they also provide hope and the message of Jesus Christ. If you're interested, you can also learn more about sponsoring a child. I can't think of a better Christmas present.

"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Matthew 25:40

Got Any Cheese?

2011-12-04T14:16:00.000-10:00

Last night, some of my favorite girlfriends came over for an evening of wine and cheese tasting. I think it goes without saying that when 8 ladies get together, there will be LOTS of conversation and laughs. Man, did we have a good time! I only wish I took this photo earlier because we're missing Lindsay, and everyone had their coats on, ready to head out.

We all agreed that we love "grazing".

And good cheese!

Congrats to Megan on her beautiful new braces-free smile! This group of ladies are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. I am so blessed to call them my friends! It was the perfect evening - good friends, food, wine, and conversation. And I didn't have to drive home, because I already was home. A win-win!

Love you girls so much! Thank you for being in my life.

Aunt Mickey

2011-12-03T06:42:00.000-10:00

My sweet Aunt Mickey (Mary) went home to Heaven on November 24th, after experiencing a very bad stroke. It's still hard for me to believe, because it was so sudden. She was just visiting my parents in October. My heart is filled with sadness, knowing she is gone now, and that I didn't get to say goodbye. But my heart is also filled with comfort and hope because I know I'll see her again one day. Right now she is where she wanted to be, with her Lord and Savior, and reunited with her dear late husband, Lindy.

They were quite the couple. I was always awed by the love they had for each other. Together they raised 4 children, have 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grand daughter. My heart goes out to all of my cousins. Aunt Mickey's memorial service is today, in California, and I'm not able to be there.

I have such wonderful memories of my Aunt and the times we spent together with family, both when they would visit us in New York, and when we would visit them in California. We would always have family dinners outside on the patio, everyone lined down a set of picnic tables and chairs. I remember when I was 13, and my Mom and I took a trip to Anahiem together and stayed at Aunt Mickey's house. I was amazed by the master suite my Uncle Lindy had built onto their ranch home for Aunt Mickey. Old Hollywood glamor. I loved trying on Aunt Mickey's gowns and jewelry.

I got my first taste of Disney Land, which has always had a special place in our hearts because Uncle Lindy worked on it when it was being built. We also went to Knot's Berry Farm.

It's hard to believe Aunt Mickey was 86. Such a beautiful and classy lady. She was also a talented seamstress and made many of her own clothes. I loved her sewing room.

This photo was taken in 2002 with a big group of us! We always joked that Aunt Mickey's house was like a hotel. There was always someone coming or going and if you needed a place to stay, you could stay at her house. She was a blessing to so many people and anyone that knew her, knew that her door was always open.

Aunt Mickey was a sweetheart. She loved God with her whole heart and she showed so much love to others. She also loved her dogs.

She was a tiny little thing! Here she is with towering bookends, my cousins Brad and Todd.

A visit at our house in the 1990's. Left to right: Jim, Lindy and Paul (I know you're not gonna like this photo Dad, but it was the best one I could locate :)

I forgot that we took this photo in 2000, for Aunt Mickey's 75th birthday.

Looking beautiful with her granddaughter Amanda, at Amanda and Joey's wedding in 2006.

I'm so glad we got to go to attend my cousin's wedding. Here we posed before the wedding, in front of the house. This was Andrew's first time meeting my family in California. It was a wonderful time.

Aunt Mickey, I'm so thankful I got to know you and spend time with you. Your home was always such a welcoming place that I loved visiting. You are a treasure and an irreplaceable part of our family. I miss you already, but I know I'll see you again. Please give a hug from me to Uncle Lindy and my Grandma.

More Meaningful Christmas

2011-12-01T16:19:00.002-10:00

Without sounding cliche, I'm finding it hard to believe that today is December 1st. This time of year has crept up on me like never before. I literally feel like it was just the middle of August and we were enjoying summer meals out on the deck. I put the patio furniture away too soon this year. We have been blessed with unseasonably warm weather lately. It hasn't really snowed yet (none that stayed). I'm so thankful that autumn has been lingering. But I have a feeling winter may be right around the corner. But enough about the weather.

I've been thinking about Christmas a lot. It's hard not to, when stores start merchandising for it in September! I actually set up our tree and decorated the house a little bit the other day. It felt weird and fun at the same time. I like the glow of our skinny (fake) tree decorated with ornaments we've collected since we got married. I especially like seeing it from the outside window when I come home.

I've also been thinking about ways to keep Christmas "real" this year. Not giving into the hype and consumerism. I purposely didn't go shopping on black Friday because part of me hates the idea of being one of those people that have to buy the latest thing, scramble to take advantage of "door-buster deals", or check off a list just to get it done and over with, all the while battling rude shoppers and wasting my time just looking for a parking space. The whole scene just doesn't appeal to me. And I don't need anything that badly enough. Don't get me wrong. I love shopping and I love giving gifts, but not at the risk of getting trampled to death or ending up exhausted, angry and annoyed.

In November, way ahead of the Holiday season, our pastor preached about "rethinking Christmas" and keeping Christ at the center of it all, in a series called "Advent Conspiracy." In summary, taken from our church's website: "It seems that there are really two narratives at Christmas - two stories. One is the story from the Bible of a virgin giving birth to the Son of God. That story is all about Jesus. The other narrative is our cultural narrative. That narrative of Christmas isn't really about Jesus; it just uses Jesus for consumption. It is about gifts, stuff, family, stuff, food, and celebration. But Jesus is, in reality, absent from that narrative of Christmas." Click here to view or listen to sermon

The introductory video clip really got me thinking about how I could make Christmas more meaningful. The video stated: "Everyone wants Christmas to be meaningful. But instead it becomes shop, shop, shop. Credit cards. Traffic jams. To do lists. Useless gifts. Then off to church. Noel, noel, noel. Sometimes we're just glad to survive it. Did you know Americans spend $450 billion on Christmas every year? So we ask, how did Jesus celebrate? Jesus gave Himself. He gave Himself relationally, incarnation, time, space, presence (do you see where this is going?). What if you bought fewer gifts? That sweater she won't like. That random gift certificate. That toy he doesn't need. Then, instead of buying that, give something valuable, like your time. Talk, eat, sled, bake, bike, read, play, create, craft, together. Make gifts (like when you were a kid). And remember that money you didn't spend? What if you gave some of it away to the poor, the hurting, the lonely, the hungry, the sick, the thirsty."

This has been on my mind ever since. How to make Christmas more meaningful, without spending hours shopping for meaningless gifts. Instead, spending time with family and friends. Doing things together. Giving back to those in need. Helping people. It sounds wonderful. And it sounds easy enough to do. But I'm already feeling "busy" and like my to do list it getting longer. I want to make some gifts (I also want to buy some gifts). I want to bake cookies. I want to listen to Christmas music while candles are glowing. But I really want to celebrate Jesus. And I want to give and make a difference. Even if it's in small ways.

Here's to a more meaningful Christmas and keeping the focus on Jesus!

Thanksgiving 2011 Recap

2011-11-28T18:04:00.001-10:00

Wow, I feel like I have a lot to catch up on! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving (that is, if you celebrate). I feel especially blessed because I got to see extended family three different times in one week!

We traveled to my in-laws in Pennsylvania last Saturday for our annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner at Nana's house. We had a great time, as always, and got to catch up with the Ohl folks, minus a few who couldn't be there. We missed you Statler's and Maney's! We definitely missed Pop-pop too. It not the same without him.

Alex and David and of course the jackalope.

After dinner, it was time to make s'mores. Nana builds a mean fire! Yikes!

Cousins, Bruce (with fierce marshmallow roasting face), Alex and Andrew.

Just before we headed back home, I got to see my in-law's new neighbors. Some colorful fluffy chickens! As you can see, they're running away from me. Maybe next time I'll catch one.

We spent Thanksgiving day at my Sister's house.

My niece Emma

and my nephew Elijah. I made them pose like this. Literally. Isn't it sweet? You'll never see this happen again.

The Burke sisters, who could very well pass for triplets! They are a lot of fun. When it was time for dessert, we had an entire table full of pies and cakes! Yum.

On Friday (black Friday), I didn't go near a mall or store. No crowds or stampedes for me! I headed to Niagara Falls to visit my Aunt, Uncles and cousins. It was great to see them. I just wish I took more photos of everybody. We were too busy enjoying good food, conversation and playing with the kids.

I did catch a couple of my adorable little cousin, Lucy, who just started walking! What a cutie pie!

Meanwhile, Andrew went back to Pennsylvania for the annual pre-hunting season kick-off man's weekend (plus Nana). Here's a clip of the kinds of things they were up to. In other words, riding 4-wheelers, target practice and blowing things up (barrels). Oh, and eating deep fried anything. That about sums it up. Sorry this video clip is sideways. It took us long enough just to figure out how to edit and upload it! Hope it gives you a laugh. As you can tell, they were having a great time!

A great week for both of us! I am truly thankful for my wonderful family and friends, both near and far.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T08:46:00.000-10:00

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:20

Every year, I think of this table in the house I grew up in, and sitting around it with my family, giving thanks and sharing an amazing meal prepared by my Mom. More important than the food or the location, are the people in my life who mean so much to me. Wherever you are today, I hope you know how much you are loved and how thankful I am for you. I'm also thankful for the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and the life He has so richly blessed me with.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-11-21T14:49:00.000-10:00

This is a pretty lousy photo of some pretty amazing muffins (taken with my phone). Please don't judge them by the way the look. If you like pumpkin and you like chocolate chips, you will love these. I adapted it from this recipe for Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread that Jon (baker extraordinaire) recommended. If you're looking for a delicious treat or a last minute Thanksgiving dessert, these will not disappoint. I've been eating them for breakfast :)

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup water

3 cups white sugar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 bag of mini chocolate chips (or more to your liking)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line muffin pans with muffin papers.

2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Fold in chocolate chips. Divide into lined muffin pan.

3. Bake about 20 minutes in preheated oven, or until muffins are golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

*I also made mini muffins with a mini muffin pan and papers. These only need about 15 minutes to bake.

Enjoy!

Phoenix Art Museum

2011-11-17T18:27:00.000-10:00

While I was in Arizona, I visited the Phoenix Art Museum. I was excited it was nearby the convention center where I was attending the design conference, so I decided to walk there when I had a couple hours to myself. It was near lunch time, the sun was bright overhead (as it is everyday in Arizona) and I set out on my journey.

However, it happened to be 98 degrees and rising (literally), as I walked down the sidewalk, lugging a tote bag filled with papers, my camera AND my purse. I started to question the 1.5 mile walk, seeking the shade of every building I could. But I had already committed. I wanted to go to the art gallery. I must press on.

At last, I reached the gallery and it was air conditioned!

It was worth the sweat I broke, because I got to see some real art. Framed masterpieces by famous artists throughout the centuries. Not computer generated imposters or calendar reproductions.

They have quite a collection of western American art.

European and American pieces, straight out of art history.

Georgia O'Keeffe

Modern sculptures

Contemporary art

They even had this piece, which I immediately recognized as "Panther Devouring a Hare" by Antoine Louis Barye. Gruesome, I know, but this was one of the first pieces I had to memorize in Art History 101, and for whatever reason, it just stuck with me. With a name and visual like that, it's hard to forget!

And best of all, this beautiful Monet.

The gallery was quite large with an extensive collection. If you ever have the chance, I recommend going. As a designer, it was so inspiring to walk around a gallery, by myself, taking time to admire at each piece. Taking it all in. Enormous paintings. Intricate sculptures. Detailed drawings. The color. The texture. The light. The form. Artists with talent beyond my comprehension. It felt good to stand face to face with "real" art, instead of behind a computer monitor using a mouse to control line and color. These artists dipped brushes into paint and hand depicted every line and shadow. No live trace, Photoshop, or scanners. They did it the hard way. The real way. Today, we have so many shortcuts and quick fixes literally at our fingertips. Real art takes time and dedication to craft. Sometimes that's easy to forget.

I think I need to visit galleries more often.

Appearances

2011-11-15T16:32:00.000-10:00

Today, I'm going to ~~steal~~ borrow my home-girl Kimi's blog confession topic, and talk about appearances. My confession: I don't have it all together. I know, some of you may find this surprising. KIDDING. This also ties into a conversation that Andrew and I had the other day about insecurities. I have insecurities. A list of them. Try as I may, or pretend as I may, I'm not perfect. Nobody is. And like Kimi said, it's easy to ~~stalk~~ read blogs, Facebook or look at your group of friends and think that they have it all together. The perfect house. The perfect job. The perfect family. The perfect clothes. Once you walk down the comparison lane, it's a dead end to discontentment.

So, I'm here to confess a few things that make me human, flawed, and just plain a little crazy from time to time. See that sweet little kitten up there? Sometimes I look more like the lion staring you down in the mirror. Not so sweet or cuddly.

I am a bit of a neat freak. I like my house to look a certain way (like a page from Better Homes and Gardens) and I go to great lengths to keep it looking that way (most of the time). Despite living with a ~~messy roommate~~ husband who is not as concerned with housekeeping as I am. It is a bit of a challenge. And I know it drives him nuts.

Which brings me to the fact that I am a very impatient person. I like things done. Now. Not 10 minutes from now. Not 2 days from now. Now. And on top of that, I shouldn't have even had to ask you to do it. You should just know to do it. How's that for crazy?

I tend to be a "keeper" of things. Not by any means a hoarder, I just have a hard time letting go of things that may come in handy in the future. It's the curse of a creative mind. For example, I might keep an empty oatmeal container to use as a storage can for something, even though I already have 5 of them. Or the box that something came in, just in case I ever need to pack it back up again. Or the empty milk jug to use for a craft. And don't get me started about saving plastic bags. I guess it's the packaging designer in me. Can't...put...it...in...the...trash...

I am stubborn. I admit it. Very stubborn. The same 4 year old that told her parents they could spank her and she wouldn't cry, still lives inside of me. I have a very difficult time admitting when I am wrong. That poses some challenges when you're married. Thankfully, Andrew is more patient than I am. We have arguments and we disagree at times, but we always work it out and forgive each other.

I am mildly obsessed with clothes and usually have to be "put together" before I leave the house. I rarely go anywhere without makeup on. And forget going shopping in sweats. I just feel "undone" if I throw something on to go out anywhere. And then, without fail, I will run into someone I know, and regret not being more put together. I like fashion and I like looking nice. All the time. Is that a crime? Perhaps it's a bit high maintenance.

Which brings me to insecurities. I care too much about what people think. I want people to like me. I want to appear "cool" and "put together" even if I'm not. I worry that I might say the wrong thing. Or not be outgoing or funny enough. I worry that I'm too quiet. I tend to be more of an introvert. I worry that I'm not a good enough wife/sister/daughter/friend/artist. Insecurities can drive you crazy - if you let them.

Now that I've shared a few confessions of my own, I hope you see a little more of the real me. I don't have it all figured out. I have freak outs and meltdowns and bad days. I also have so much to be thankful for and so much good in my life. Which I attribute to a loving God who accepts me as I am, and cares for me just the same. I also have a husband and family that loves me and friends that I cherish. What more could I ask for?

Thanks for the great topic Kimi :)

Pivot: AIGA Design Conference, Phoenix, Arizona

2011-11-13T12:44:00.000-10:00

Last month, I attended the Pivot Design Conference, presented by the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA).

The three day event took place in Phoenix, Arizona at the Phoenix Convention Center, which has a reputation for being one of the "greenest" convention facilities in North America. The building, which spanned both sides of the street, was beautiful. Glass panels brought in lots of natural light.

I especially liked the enormous looking glass mirror that reflected the West atrium and projected the words, "Art is a guaranty of sanity." An interesting thought.

The conference offered a robust schedule of main stage speakers, workshops and smaller sessions, throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It was nice to be able to pick and choose topics that interested me. The smaller venues were first come, first serve though, so I had to make sure to get a seat!

The main auditorium sessions filled with 1,500 designers from all over and 100+ speakers and guests. Most of the speakers were new to me.

Naturally, there were cool graphics, great visuals and printed materials.

Katie Salen, from the Institute of Play, spoke about gaming and design, particularly within school settings and learning environments.

Dondeena Bradley, vice president of global design and development for nutrition ventures, at Pepsi, spoke about the importance of communicating nutritional messages better, which is something that design can impact.

Throughout the conference, the "Command X" competition was going on. Designers were selected to take on design challenges and compete for both prize money and the glory of winning. It was fun to watch and vote for your favorite.

Jonathan Hoefler, typeface designer, famous for designing Hoefler Type, among other well-known fonts, spoke about the need to design type for new platforms. The web, smart phones, electronic readers and other devices interpret fonts differently, thus they need to be designed differently.

Lesley Mottla, from Zipcar, presented the need to design the entire customer experience, from start to finish. She talked about the innovative ways that Zipcar has changed the how people can rent vehicles.

I really enjoyed the presentation by brothers, Bill and Jim Moran from the Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum. 1.5 million pieces of wood type, in more than 1,000 styles and sizes, housed in the original printing building in Wisconsin. They offer tours and printing and members can rent studio time. It was inspiring to take a look back at wood type and "old fashioned" printing, and see how far type has come.

These were just a few of the many speakers and topics presented at Pivot. An overarching theme woven throughout the conference, was AIGA's "Design for Good" campaign, encouraging designers to impact their communities through design, using our creative talents to address community needs. Also, changing the way we think about "pro bono" which really means "for good."

Another theme was a shift from designing "things" and "tangible objects" to designing experiences and focusing on the customer journey. Moving from merely functionality, to desirability. Tuning into what people really want, and creating a connection between people and your brand.

I am really glad I had the opportunity to attend my first big design conference. I met some fellow designers, Amy Kress from Booz Allen Hamilton, and Katie Annis McLaughlin from Hart Associates. It was great to learn what other designers are doing and what their jobs are like. It's inspiring to hear what's going on in the design world as a whole and gain a new perspective as well as a greater appreciation for what I do on a daily basis. It was also pretty cool to be in a room with 1,500 other designers who know what it's like, speak the design "lingo" and understand the challenges and victories we all face. Designers unite!

Broccoli-Cheese Soup

2011-11-09T17:57:00.000-10:00

The Pioneer Woman strikes again! This time with her recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup. Talk about delicious and easy to make! Andrew loved this stuff! I love soup of all kinds, but Andrew usually says they're too "thin and broth-y." He likes soups that are thick and chunky. Clam chowder. Broccoli cheese. You know, the ones with the most calories. This one was a hit! I served it in little bread bowls, like Ree suggested. Even better!

Ingredients:

1 whole Onion, Diced

1 stick 1/2 Cup Butter

1/3 cup Flour

4 cups Whole Milk

2 cups Half-and-half

4 heads Broccoli Cut Into Florets

1 pinch Nutmeg

3 cups Grated Cheese (mild Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Jack, Etc.)

Small Dash Of Salt (more If Needed)

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Splash Of Chicken Broth If Needed For Thinning

Directions:

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, then add the onions. Cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes, then sprinkle the flour over the top. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute or so, then pour in milk and half-and-half. Add nutmeg, then add broccoli, a small dash of salt, and plenty of black pepper.

Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Stir in cheese and allow to melt.

Taste seasonings and adjust if needed. Then either serve as is, or mash it with a potato masher to break up the broccoli a bit, or transfer to a blender in two batches and puree completely. (If you puree it in a blender, return it to the heat and allow to heat up. Splash in chicken broth if needed for thinning.)

Enjoy!

Laminate Landing Patch Job

2011-11-06T15:55:00.000-10:00

The last part left to share from our stairway to heaven makeover, is how we finished the unfinished landing at the top of the stairs.

When we ripped up the carpet, our suspicions were confirmed that it was only plywood. No hardwood here. It was a bit scary looking.

There was also a significant height gap were the hardwood ledge met the plywood.

We put our thinking caps on and looked in the garage to see what was left of the remaining laminate flooring the previous owners stashed away. There were JUST ENOUGH unused tongue and groove planks in tact. I mean just enough. That's what I call a God thing.

The only thing we didn't have was underlayment (padding to go underneath), which comes in big rolls for $25. We only needed a 45x45 inch square. That's when we spotted a yoga mat for $8 and figured it would do the same thing, right? Add a layer of cushion and even out the transition between the gap. It worked out perfectly!

I cut the yoga mat in to pieces to fit like a puzzle, then secured it with double sided foam tape. We were pretty proud of ourselves for thinking of such a smart way to use a yoga mat :) Because, let's face it, I will probably never use a yoga mat for it's intended purpose. Ha!

Then it was time to try our hand at installing laminate flooring for the first time. We measured, cut and clicked the planks together until they fit snugly how we wanted them.

It looks seamless! It was quite rewarding to see this last section of our staircase come together.

The most challenging part was installing the transition strips between the laminate and the carpet in the doorways. Those were also left over pieces found in the garage.

No more scary unfinished plywood! The laminate is a bit lighter in color than the hardwood stain, but it matches what's in the rest of the house. This was the best solution we could come up with, without having to install actual hardwood. And it only cost $8! Whoo hoo! Staircase complete. I'm so happy with it!

Bar Stool Revamp

2011-11-03T15:07:00.000-10:00

It's time for another before and after project! This time, it was a bar stool that was sitting in our basement.

As you can see, it had some wear and tear. It needed a new seat cushion and a coat of paint.

First, to remove the old seat cushion, which was fastened quite tightly with none other than my all-time-favorite-pain-to-remove - you guessed it, staples! Ugh.

Once the staples were history, I was able to see that the foam disc was still in good shape, so I could reuse it.

Using fabric I had left over from my desk chair before and after, I set to work sewing a cover. Doesn't it look like a round yellow cake?

Since I was in the process of painting the buffet hutch white, and the white paint and brush were already in use, I decided this stool would be painted white too. Done.

I placed my new cover on top of the foam to make sure it was a good fit.

I allowed enough fabric to hang over the edge so that I could tack it underneath with 5/8 inch wire nails, all the way around.

Now it looks like this! A cute little stool for craft room guests to sit on.

A look back at the before. I didn't mind the wood color so much, but overall, it was a pretty boring piece. Now it has a little charm and personality. This was a quick revamp that would be easy to change in the future if I ever need it to match a different room.

Don't you just love a good before and after?

Cheese Tortellini with Fresh Spinach & Herbs

2011-10-31T14:55:00.000-10:00

This recipe is brought to you courtesy of my friend Kristy. I recently made it for Sunday lunch with friends and it was a hit. Kristy, you have excellent taste. Actually, your Aunt Mary has excellent taste because she made it for you. And the circle of recipe sharing continues. If you're in the mood for a lighter pasta dish with the flavors of fresh herbs paired with spinach, you'll love this. It's surprisingly filling and great the next day too. This recipe serves about 8, so you may want to divide accordingly.

Ingredients:

¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1-2 garlic cloves
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
¼ white pepper (or regular pepper works too)
2 LB Cheese Tortellini
5 scallions, chopped
2 Tbs fresh parsley
10-12 fresh basil leaves, torn
Parmesan or Romano cheese
Baby spinach or other greens

Directions:

Whisk 3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Add 1 or 2 chopped garlic cloves
1 Tbs Dijon mustard 
1/4 tsp white pepper   

Toss with 2LB cooked cheese tortellini drained and cooled a bit. 

Add 5 chopped scallions 
2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley 
10-12 chopped fresh basil leaves
Toss all with a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese 

Arrange on a platter lined with fresh baby spinach or other greens and top with more grated cheese.

Enjoy!

Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe with me Kristy. You rock AND you have a beautiful new kitchen! Maybe you should send me some before and after photos so I can talk more about it...hint, hint :)

Three Weeks with My Brother, by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks

2011-10-30T16:07:00.000-10:00

While I was lounging by the pool in Arizona (how I wish I was still there), I started reading Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks. I have been a fan of Nicolas Sparks (along with everyone else) since I first watched A Walk To Remember (no, I didn't read the book first, but I should have). I also enjoyed The Notebook, The Wedding and Dear John. Sparks writing speaks right into your heart and paints beautiful stories. I have a list of other books he has written that I want to read.

Frequently inspired by real people and stories, Sparks writings are from the heart. Three Weeks with My Brother is a memoir of his own life story. I would say it's the most compelling of his books that I've read. I don't think I've ever felt so much emotion (or cried so much) while reading a book. I hoped the people sitting next to me on the airplane didn't think something tragic had happened to me, as tears rolled down my face. That's how touched I was.

Without giving it away, the book takes you through a trip around the world with Nicholas and his older brother Micah. Woven throughout their journey is the story of their, childhood, their family, growing up together and experiencing love and tremendous loss. If you're like me, it might cause a little change inside of you. Definitely worth reading.

Three Cool Stores

2011-10-27T16:52:00.000-10:00

It's no secret that I like shopping. No, I love shopping. I could honestly be a professional shopper. A really, really good one too. I especially like shopping in new and different stores. While in Arizona, I got to spend an afternoon shopping with my Mom, which is simply the best. We hit up the mall and a few favorite plazas. I now have three new favorite stores. If you're lucky enough to have them in your area, go there. Now.

World Market. Have you been to one of these beautiful stores? It's like Pier 1 on steroids, but better. They have all types of goods from around the world, jewelery, soaps, candles, furniture, coffee, chocolate, wine, dinnerware, kitchen goods, home decor. Oh, how I wish there was one my area. I think the closest location is in Ohio. I wanted to buy gifts and food and goodies, but they wouldn't fit in my suitcase.

Charming Charlie. Accessory and bling heaven basically sums it up. I have been hearing about this new fashion accessory boutique popping up around town. As soon as I set foot inside the two-story shop in Phoenix, I knew this was my kind of store. Jewelery arranged by style and color. Big rings. A table devoted to cute owl necklaces. Scarves and bags. Earrings. Formal and casual accessories. I looked around, and it was good. Very good.

Forever 21. I know, I'm officially the last girl on the planet to set foot inside a Forever 21 store. No excuse. But I finally did, and it took going to Arizona to do it, and I loved it. I had no idea. I definitely had a complete misconception of what the store was like. For starters, I could not believe how HUGE it was. The place iterally seemed to go on an on, from one side of the mall to the other. The selection was overwhelming. I've been in a lot of stores, and this one had my head spinning. I wasn't sure what I wanted to look at first.

I did buy the first thing I laid eyes on - this three strand gold necklace with little vintage style medallions. My jaw dropped when I looked at the price, expecting it to be a pretty penny, only to learn it was an affordable $5.99. I thought it was a joke. As I looked around the store, I couldn't get over how reasonably priced most of the items are. Shirts for $14.99. Dresses for $24. I got another necklace for $2.50. I think I may have found my new favorite place to shop. I will need a few hours next time. I'm glad we have one in our area.

I was even more impressed with Forever 21 when I got home and noticed the bottom of my little yellow shopping bag. On the gusset was printed John 3:16. How cool is that? I did some research and I learned that the Biblical quote is a demonstration of the owner's Christian faith. The company's story is detailed in this bloggers post. It's inspiring to see such a popular organization leaving their mark in the world and trying to reach their customers with the Gospel. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Back From the Desert

2011-10-23T14:12:00.000-10:00

I've been back from Arizona a whole week already. It's hard to believe my trip has come and gone. This week was a bit of a blur, going back to work after almost 9 days of sunshine and a healthy dose of relaxation. It was a week full of blessings, big and small, and I came back refreshed. Only to catch a cold almost as soon as I stepped off the airplane back in chilly, rainy Rochester. All good things must come to an end! Makes me appreciate my trip even more. I did miss my husband the whole time I was gone and wished he could have been there with me. Somehow he managed to survive without me, living on hot dogs and not a lot of clean laundry. LOL.

The best part about my trip was getting to see my Dad and Mom and my Uncle Bob.

I also got to meet Beau, my parents new lovable dog, a 6 year old Bichon Frise with the fluffiest fur. He and I got a long very well.

It's such a treat going back "home" to visit my parents. When it's just me, it feels like I'm in college again, living at home, sleeping in, Mom making me breakfast. They spoil me with apple pie and home cooked meals. I love every minute of it. Even though it's not the house I grew up in, most of the furniture and decor is the same and it takes me back to my childhood. The pictures on the walls the blankets on the bed, the chairs in the living room. It always amazes me how the little things spark such memories.

I still get a kick out of the different cacti. The prickly spikes and textures are so interesting.

Try as I may, I wasn't able to capture a photo of a real humming bird buzzing and chirping in the back yard.

The weather certainly delivered and temperatures reached 100 degrees! This was taken at 10:30 in the morning when the heat was still rising. Sunshine and blue skies. Every. Day. I loved it!

Surrounding mountains in the distance. Immense and awe inspiring. It's impossible to relay their full beauty with a camera.

I miss this spot. Lounging on the patio. Taking in the sunshine. Birds chirping in the morning. The still quiet night air. God's beautiful creation has so many forms.

There have been many blog topics floating around inside my head, but it feels like I may have a case of bloggers-block (if there is such a thing). There's things I'd like to share and projects to tackle, but it's almost as if I need to wait until I "feel it." It's the same way with some design projects. You just know when you're ready to jump in. I think the desert sun did me some good, in that it caused me to slow down. Not stress over stuff. Take a look at what's really important to me. Something that's good for all of us to do from time to time. I was hardly on a computer the entire time I was away, and I kinda liked it. Some days it feels like a power cord is plugged into my brain and all I do is go from one screen to the next - work computer, phone, home computer, TV. Sometimes you need to cut the cord. I'm thankful I was able to do that for a few days. I have more to share about my trip another time.

It's good to be home sweet home again.

Repainted Buffet Hutch

2011-10-12T13:39:00.000-10:00

This project has been on my to-do list for a few years. I am so excited it's finally done! This hutch was a piece from my parents, that used to sit in our kitchen when I was growing up. My Mom would store her school books and papers in it. I have enjoyed this roomy storage unit since Andrew and I got married. I always envisioned painting it at some point.

Here's how it used to look. Green with a light wood top and knobs. Since we were updating the green sitting room, I decided it was time to paint this piece as well.

I went with white - clean and classic. I figured it would go with any room. It took about 3 coats of flat white paint, and two coats of polyurethane (top only).

New brushed silver knobs - .79 cents each on clearance at Lowes!

After trying it in a couple different spots, I ended up liking the buffet under the wall of white frames in the corner of our living room. They compliment each other perfectly! And the two slipper chairs now sit in this nook too. Isn't it cute? I really like this corner.

One more look at the green before...

And the crisp white happily ever after! I might do something to the square panels on the front of the doors, but I haven't decided yet.

And if you're nosy like me, here's a peek at the stuff I stash away inside - table cloths (yes, I have quite a few), place mats, chargers, glassware and vases. I hope to use this piece for a long time, especially since it looks so pretty now!

Going to the Desert

2011-10-07T13:50:00.000-10:00

I'm headed to Arizona for a week of business and fun! I will be attending the Pivot AIGA Design Conference in Phoenix. I am very excited about that. I've been looking forward to it for a few months. This will be my first big design conference - and I'm going solo. Eeek! I'm hoping to be inspired, learn from interesting professionals in the industry and meet other designers from all over. I don't quite know what to expect, but it should be an adventure!

I'm also excited that I get to spend time with my Mom and Dad and my Uncle Bob, who live in Arizona. It will be a mini vacation!

Especially since this is the 10 day forecast! Forget autumn - I'm going back in time to relive summer! Whoo hoo! Sun everyday? Check. Chance of rain = 0%.

I may be a bit scarce around here for a little while, but I'll be sure to come back with good things to share. Gotta go pack my bag(s)!

Roasted Vegetables, Apples & Kielbasa

2011-10-05T15:55:00.000-10:00

I found this recipe on our local newspaper's website. It's loaded with vegetables and flavor. Yes, those are Brussels sprouts. I decided to give them a try since I hardly ever make them. Andrew still doesn't like them, but at least he tried a few. He looked quite alarmed when I brought home a whole bag of the little cabbage-like greens! The recipe says it makes 6 servings, but it was more like enough to feed your whole family. On Thanksgiving. And then some. I've been eating a little bit every day! Here's my slightly modified recipe:

Ingredients:
3-4 cups fresh Brussels' sprouts, halved
1 large red onion, cut into chunks
16 oz kielbasa, sliced in 1/2 inch-thick rounds (I used turkey kielbasa)
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon Gold or other)
2 baking apples, such as Cortland, peeled, cored and cut into chunks (not too small)
6 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or sage or herb of choice instead of parsley and oregano)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a very large bowl, toss together Brussels sprouts, onion, kielbasa, potatoes, apples and carrots. Drizzle olive oil over mixture, then toss again. Sprinkle in herbs, salt and pepper and toss one last time. Transfer mixture to a large, rimmed baking sheet, arranging in an even layer. Bake for 45 minutes, or until everything starts to carmamelize and brown at the edges.

If you like roasted vegetables, with a little sweetness of apples, give this a try. The kielbasa makes it a bit heartier too, instead of just being all vegetables. A perfect fall side or even main dish. Enjoy!

Pray for Stella

2011-10-04T14:53:00.000-10:00

Please join me in praying for sweet little Stella and her family. Stella is almost 11 months old, and has a rare genetic disease, type 2 Gaucher's, for which there currently is no cure.

I grew up with Stella's mom, Kara, and her family has a special place in my heart. Kara and Dave have been faced with some very difficult decisions and have spent so much of their time in and out of hospitals, providing medical care for their little girl. My heart breaks for them. I can't stop thinking about Stella and all that her little body has already endured.

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-21

Thank you for your prayers. You can learn more about the Gagliano family in this news article or visit the Stars for Stella cause page.

Favorite Fall Treats

2011-10-02T16:47:00.000-10:00

The air is getting colder. The leaves are turning red and gold (and falling). It's definitely scarf wearing weather. I have a list of treats with fall flavors that make me not mind the cooler temperatures. What better way to start the day, than with Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal? It really is the best oatmeal to-go. 100% whole grain oats, with separate toppings like brown sugar, dried fruit and mixed nuts. It's warm and scrumptious on those chilly mornings. I would have to agree that it really is pretty perfect.

What's the perfect beverage to go with your perfect oatmeal? Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice. Steamed apple juice, sweetened with cinnamon syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel. I just love these!

My other weakness is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. So delicious!

When I'm not at the Starbuck's drive-through, I might be at McDonald's for their Fruit and Maple Oatmeal, which comes in at a close second. 100% whole gain oats with brown sugar, a touch of cream and dried fruit and fresh apples. I do like the fresh apples and the more affordable price.

Moving on to muffins. Tim Horton's has a pumpkin spice muffin with a dollop of icing in the middle and (what I think are) pumpkin seeds on the outside. Really tasty. But it's seasonal, so enjoy them while you can!

Wegmans has a mean whole wheat pumpkin muffin, (not pictured) which is a good source of fiber and is absolutely delicious.

Last week I stumbled upon a flavor that I didn't know existed - Abbots Pumpkin Frozen Custard (not pictured). If you're not familiar with Abbots, their custard is richer and creamier than regular ice cream. It's a must have during summer in Rochester. It was like chilled creamy pumpkin pie - I loved it!

Although Dunkin Donuts isn't at the top of my list, I really like their pumpkin coffee. Great for those mornings when I need a boost of energy!

Are you hungry yet? Those are a few of my favorite fall treats that make saying "See ya next year" to summer, a little less painful. Anything pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, or caramel flavored gets me excited. Here's to the flavors of fall!

My (not so) Storybook Life by Elizabeth Owen

2011-10-01T17:09:00.000-10:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Liz Owen from Mable's House, is a talented writer. Her new book My (not so) Storybook Life: A Tale of Friendship and Faith, is being released this month. I got a sneak peek at the book on Amazon.com, where you can purchase hardcover and Kindle edition. I'm looking forward to reading it and I have a feeling it will be both deeply personal and humorous as well as inspirational - much like Liz's blog.

Liz has provided the except below to pique your interest. I would like to show her some support and I'd love to win an advance copy of her book!

***

Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

Wegmans Brand Packaging

2011-09-28T07:00:00.001-10:00

I am frequently asked by friends and family, about projects I've been working on at work. I am part of a team of graphic designers, specifically focused on Wegmans brand packaging. This involves designing and redesigning both new and existing products throughout Wegmans 75+ grocery stores. I like the variety of working on both food and non-food packaging. One day it could be steak sauce, the next it could be bath tissue.

Wegmans recently opened their newest store in Bel Air, Maryland. It's always exciting to see Wegmans brand products on display for a new store opening. My co-worker, Michelle, was kind enough to share her photos. She got some good ones!

The following is a look at a few of the Wegmans brand products our team has worked on and that I got to play a part in designing.

It's still always cool to see something I worked so closely on, in store, on display for all to see. Sometimes while shopping, I get a surreal feeling, like I'm at an art show with my work all over the walls, out there for people to like or dislike. Kinda crazy. If you'd like to know more about what I do, here's an earlier post about my job as a packaging designer.

Thank you to Michelle Freas for the use of these photos

Look Who's...

2011-09-27T15:56:00.000-10:00

Today is the second anniversary of the day I started blogging, here at Sohl Design. 260 posts later...wow! This has become such a fun creative outlet for me. I really enjoy it. I like sharing projects that I'm proud of, my favorite recipes and celebrating time spent with my family and friends. I know in blog land, they tell you not to look at your stats or fool yourself into thinking that people care about your little 'ol blog, which is one of millions out there, or that people actually read it. But I can't tell you how encouraging it is when I get emails from you, or you tell me in person that you liked something you saw on Sohl Design. I get a happy butterfly feeling and it brings a huge smile to my day. It makes me feel like in some small way I've connected with you, or shared something worthwhile or maybe even inspired you to try something new. I gobble up your comments like the last piece of chocolate cake. And when I do look at audience stats ('cause I can't help it), it blows my mind that someone in Ireland (Mairead?), Australia, India, or even South Korea would be interested in what I have to say.

So, I want to say to each of you, wherever you are, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking an interest in Sohl Design, for cheering me on and for being a blessing to me! Here's to another year of Sohl Design!

xoxo

Sitting Room Turned Chocolate Room

2011-09-25T10:51:00.000-10:00

Over the long Labor Day weekend, we tackled more than one project around the house. I felt like we were that couple on the Lowe's commercial, painting and fixing things with big smiles on their faces. While we were giving the staircase and walls a makeover, it was my idea to paint the sitting room while we were at it. 9 times out of 10, I'm the one scheming up new projects to do around the house. My husband loves it. [insert chuckle of laughter]

If you remember from an earlier post, our sitting room was a light green. I was a little over-zealous in selecting multiple colors for every room in our house when we first moved in, and green was already there. The more I thought about it, the more the green didn't really fit and I'd rather have it go with the rest of the first floor color palette. Continue the flow. I had one of those "duh" moments. Why didn't I do this in the first place? Here's a look back at the before.

I guess I was a little worried about having too much brown, particularly because it is a small room. But it does get good light. I scoped out some brown rooms to see what I was picturing in my mind. I was inspired by the dark cozy brown, accented with white pieces of furniture, artwork and accessories.

We painted the sitting room "Nuthatch" brown, a continuation of the color from our living room. It was kind of a no-brainer and I love how it looks! We had enough paint in our basement, so this was another "free" project! Yes! I did a lot of rolling while my husband did all the cutting.

And of course, I moved the furniture around. Again. This room has always been a challenge for me. I just couldn't settle on an arrangement I was totally happy with. I am much more happy with this set up. At last! For now. I'm sure I'll think of something to move in 6 months. We moved one of the shelf towers from the living room, into this corner for a little visual interest. The love seat is now in from of the bay window, instead of against the far wall. I can't tell you how much more inviting it looks.

Here's the opposite view, facing our new stairs. I moved the wooden file box and basket of blankets to that side. It fills the little space on the odd shaped triangular wall nicely.

And our table and chairs on the back wall, in front of the tall narrow window. We already tried it out for a game night.

I always wanted to add some type of window treatment to this non-centered window but couldn't decide what to put there. It had a custom fit shade but looked boring and unfinished.

I was thinking of making two panels myself if I could find a fabric that I liked. Nothing was really standing out to me. I wanted something with a little color or texture but wouldn't stand out like a sore thumb. While I was shopping around, I found these tan and cream chevron and solid panels with a fold over button design. They were in the clearance section at Burlington Coat Factory for $6.99 each! Made of heavyweight fabric, almost a tweed, I couldn't walk away from them. I liked the pattern and the price!

I found a curtain rod in our basement that we weren't using and recruited my husband to help me hang it up. This was the perfect opportunity to try a little trick I saw on Young House Love. I wanted to create the illusion that the window is in the center of the wall by cheating the curtains a little to the right, to make up for the extra space. We did this by extending the curtain rod farther out on the right side.

Having the curtains centered, even though the window is not, created more balance and symmetry in the room. Gotta love symmetry!

I ended up removing the shade from the window completely, because it just didn't look right with the new curtains. I like how much light the window lets in now. Doesn't it look better? Not bad for a $12 solution! Makes me want to sit at the table with some hot chocolate and do a puzzle.

I really like my chocolate room! That's what I've named it. Who doesn't like chocolate?

Baja Fish Tacos

2011-09-25T08:25:00.000-10:00

I'll be the first to admit that the thought of fish tacos initially did not sound appealing to me. In fact, I've never had one until Andrew made them for me last week. I was curious to see what they were like. Andrew had them when he was in Los Angeles a couple years ago and really liked them. He found a recipe on foodnetwork.com and decided to try it. I'm thrilled when my husband wants to tackle meal preparation! They were actually very tasty and the white sauce is what made them so good. We cut the food network recipe in half and modified a few things. Here's how we made them:

Ingredients:

White Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
pinch of salt

Fish Tacos:
Vegetable oil
1 package/box tempura batter mix
1/2 can beer
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large boneless talapia fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
corn tortillas
shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:

For the sauce:

Mix all ingredients together and set aside.

Preheat a fryer or a deep pot halfway filled with oil to 375 degrees F.

Mix half of the package of batter, but only use 1/2 the required amount of water and use beer for the remaining amount instead. Add the beer until the batter becomes almost like a heavy cream consistency.

Using the other half of the package of batter add salt and garlic powder, coat talapia pieces with the dry mix, then dip into prepared batter. Deep-fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Place fried talapia pieces on warmed corn tortillas, add white sauce to fish, a little shredded lettuce, tomato and a squeeze of lime, to taste.

Andrew and I were extremely impressed with his new found deep frying skills. He didn't stop raving about his own meal! That was after we had to open all the windows and doors in an effort to air out the cloud of smoke from the burning hot oil. Lesson learned! Our house is just returning to it's normal scent, 6 days later. Haha! I've been bumping up the air freshener.

These fish tacos were a delicious new way to eat fish - and tacos. Kinda like fish nuggets you could dip into the white sauce all by themselves. If you're skeptical about fish tacos like I was, give this recipe a try. You might really like it!

Stairway to Heaven

2011-09-19T15:54:00.000-10:00

It's not Led Zeppelin, it's our latest home project! I am quite ecstatic to reveal our staircase "renOHLvation" if you will. Ever since we moved into our house, 4 years ago, I've thought about removing the carpet from the stairs. The risk, however, was that we didn't know if there were hardwoods underneath or what condition they were in. So the shaggy old carpet stayed. Until I couldn't look at it any longer. Andrew and I agreed that we would take the risk and start ripping it off. If the stairs were in good shape, we would re-finish and paint them. If they were in bad shape, we would have new carpet installed.

Let's take a look at the BEFORE. The walls were sponge painted a strange grayish-bluish-white when we moved in. It was hard to look at.

So we painted it a light green, along with the dining/sitting room. A choice I now question, but when we moved in, and actually had the liberty of painting an entire house whatever color(s) we wanted, I went a little crazy. I like color. What can I say? It was a nice green, it just didn't go with the rest of the house.

Take a look at this carpet in all it's speckled-shaggy-goodness.

We took the plunge and started to rip it out! Which required the use of my husbands muscles. I have no upper body strength. It's sad.

Bye-bye carpet! This is what we were left with. Carpet padding + 9,000 staples.

The wood didn't look half bad! Praise the Lord! It would need to be cleaned up, stained and painted, but there weren't any major defects. Phew! I could see it all coming together...

We did discover just plywood at the top of the landing. Whomp whomp. We will need to cover this spot with laminate flooring, but that is another project for another day.

I also discovered a little piece of history. I get a big kick out of this type of stuff. See that little peach doted patch? This wallpaper used to be in the hall. How funny.

Now for some work...

I ripped out so many staples with these tools, my hand hurt for 2 days. See that bucket? Full of staples! I would like to thank the carpet installers of this house's past, for being so thorough and using SO MANY STAPLES. Really. Thank you.

Once THAT was done, we had bare steps that needed to be sanded. We used a small hand sander regular sand paper. I say "we" a lot, but Andrew did the hardest work and I helped him when it was something I could handle. Or that he trusted me with. The hand sander is the most advanced power tool I use.

Once the stairs were prepped, it was time to prime the treads white and stain the wood. We used Rustoleum Ultimate Wood Stain in light walnut.

The second step was tested first. I loved the color immediately! It was a close match to the existing bannister and not too far from the floor color.

It turned out so beautiful!

Even better than I imagined! We painted the walls our favorite light tan, "Kilim Beige" by Sherwin Williams, which was leftover from the kitchen and upstairs bathroom. We also had enough white paint for the treads from another project. The only real investment was the wood stain, clear polyurethane and our own labor. More so my husbands labor. A labor of love to make my staircase dreams come true!

I just love the wood grain! It makes the whole hall look so fresh and bright.

The only thing missing is this old railing. I didn't want to put it back up. Is it really necessary? No, I don't want people falling down my stairs, but it's kind of ruins the look of the smooth clean wall. I don't miss it. We're going to leave it off for now. Andrew holds to the argument that it's a house code law that you have to have a railing. If we ever do have to put it back up, it's in the garage.

One last look at the before and after. What a difference! I couldn't be happier! Yes, the stairs are a little more creaky. Yes, they are a tad on the slippery side, compared to carpet. But does it look waaaay better? Yes! Is it funny to watch our cats run up them and occasionally slip? Yes! No. Kidding!

I owe the biggest THANK YOU EVER to my does-it-all-handy-man-husband, Andrew. You made my vision for these stairs come to life! Thank you for the many hours, hard work and sweat you invested. You are the best painter I know! And I love you for going along with my home project schemes and helping me accomplish things like this that make me happy. I love you. And I love sharing our home and working on it together.

Seriously Delicious Enchiladas

2011-09-15T16:15:00.000-10:00

This recipe comes from my beautiful and encouraging friend Morgan who knows how to cook! She made this recipe for one of our girls nights last year, and it was amazing. I recently tried making it myself and was equally impressed. You can customize it a variety of ways. There are a few steps to it and it may seem long, but it's definitely worth it!

Ingredients:

Filling:
3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes or strips (or steak/pork/whatever you want to use)
1 can diced tomatoes (including liquid)
1 large onion
Additional Vegetables, such as bell pepper, corn, black beans, mushrooms, jalapeno pepper, etc. You really can throw in whatever you like. I used half a container of fresh mushrooms (chopped), 1 green bell pepper (sliced in thin strips) and 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded)
8-10 tortillas (medium-large)
1 pack of fajita seasoning mix

Cheese Sauce:

1 Tbsp. Flour

1 Tbsp. Butter

Pinch of Salt

Milk - about 1 cup but judge as you go until it's the right consistency

1 Block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated (freshly grated is the best)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Start cooking chicken in a large pan with a little oil, then add the rest of your vegetables/filling ingredients. Add fajita seasoning with 1 cup of water. Cook everything together on top of stove until completely cooked.

While filling is cooking, make the cheese sauce in a separate pan. Melt butter and flour together, add salt. This will be very thick. Add milk, 1/4 cup at a time, continually whisking. Sauce will keep getting thicker, so keep adding milk until it's a sauce consistency. Add whole block of shredded cheese, stir to melt. Keep warm until ready to use.

Once filling is cooked through, remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, strain out meat and vegetables and divide among tortillas, one at a time (reserving sauce). Fold each tortilla (wrapped ends side down) and place, side by side, in a large baking dish. I filled and wrapped them in the baking dish, then lined them up. Keep doing this until you have used all the filling. Pour the left over filling sauce over the tortillas. Then pour the cheese sauce over the tortillas. Make sure the tortillas are covered in liquid/cheese sauce.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until bubbling. Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole or whatever toppings you like. I made Spanish rice and beans for a side dish and it was delicious!

Ole!

One Man's Trash...

2011-09-13T14:39:00.001-10:00

One man's trash is another man's treasure. Or in my case, one neighbor's trash on garbage night is my new (free) project. Yes, I admit, I have garbage picked a time or two (or six) and found some perfectly good stuff in need of a little TLC. This antique wooden side table is my latest acquisition. Can you believe it was tossed? I was on my way home from work when I spotted this could-be-charming piece at the curb, clearly discarded among other unwanted items. At first, I didn't feel like stopping or being seen in broad daylight looking through someone's trash! I try to have a little class! But then I went back. I had to see if it was broken or salvageable. Nothing was broken! It was just covered with dust and debris, in need of a serious cleaning and paint job. So I put this orphan into the back seat of my car and took it to it's new home.

Look at the detailed lattice work and scallop trim. Can't you see this piece looking new again? Andrew can't. All he can see right now is the ugly. He didn't know what it was at first and told me to make it look better. I accept the challenge!

I can already see it holding a couple nicknacks and magazines, maybe a lamp. What I really want to do is paint it a bold color and make it a statement piece.

Like this red beauty from Mable's House. I have loved Liz Owen's red end tables since I first saw them on her blog.

Or this cute nightstand (sans the chalkboard top).

But then there's turquoise. I like turquoise. How can I fit this into my decor?

This set of drawers is a nice light aqua with a shabby chic distressed effect. This might work...

But then there's dandelion yellow/mustard!

So many color choices! I'll need to think about this...

Sunny Sunflowers

2011-09-12T14:37:00.000-10:00

I think sunflowers are my second favorite flower (gerbera daisies are my first). Last weekend I stopped at one of our local farm stands to get some veggies and I couldn't resist taking home a couple stems. September is in full swing, which means summer is sadly on it's way out. These sunny jewels will be gone before long.

I love driving past a sunflower field, stretching toward the sky, top heavy with happy blooms and floppy leaves. They make me want to whip out a pair of scissors and cut myself a big bouquet!

There's just something about flowers that draws me to them and makes me appreciate creation. A delicate form of beauty. Exquisite. Unique. Colorful. Temporal. They bring me joy. I like looking at them. Especially in my kitchen. How I wish they didn't have an expiration date.

So pretty I had to take a couple photos. I'm thankful for sunflowers and the sunny days that bring them.

New Recipe Page

2011-09-10T12:02:00.000-10:00

I added a recipe page to Sohl Design, located at the far right tab. I was surprised to realize I've posted 40+ recipes! I wanted an easier way to find them, instead of rifling through months and months of archives, guessing where one might be. I decided it was time to house them in a central location. You're welcome.

I have to be honest, I don't want to organize that again! Formatting with Blogger can be a bear, especially for a designer. I feel like I'm trapped in Microsoft Word prison. Give me Adobe software, please, I beg of you! After fussing with the text and spacing to no avail, I gave up. It's not perfect, but it's functional and convenient. If any of the links don't work, please send me a note. I hope you enjoy trying some of my favorite recipes. Check it out, so I don't feel like my efforts were in vain. Enjoy!

Thin Crust Sausage and Pesto Pizza

2011-09-08T14:23:00.000-10:00

I like experimenting with making my own pizzas. When I'm not making naan pizza, thin crust pizza is my next favorite. This time I made a sausage and pesto pizza with caramelized onions, Greek olives and mozzarella cheese. It. Was. Amazing.

Pillsbury has a really good refrigerated thin crust pizza dough. It comes in a tube like their crescent rolls. And it makes a good size pizza.

Ingredients:
11 oz Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza Crust
2 links of Italian sausage (mild or hot)
8 oz jar of pesto sauce (I used Classico)
1 white onion
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
6-8 Ciliengni mozzarella balls, sliced in half (fresh mozzarella)
Greek olives, sliced in half

Directions:
Preheat oven according to pizza dough directions (350 or 400)
Unroll pizza dough onto a large baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray. Pre-bake crust for 10 minutes.
Saute the sausage, casings removed and broken into pieces, in a little olive oil, then remove from pan and set aside.
Add thinly sliced onion to pan and cook until translucent and caramelized.
Spread pesto sauce onto pre-baked crust (as much as you like, I used about 1/2 the jar).
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a little grated Pecorino Romano cheese if you like.
Add the cooked onions and sausage.
Add the sliced Greek olives and fresh mozzarella.
Sprinkle a little more cheese on top.
Bake about 10-12 minutes, depending how crispy you like your pizza.

When it comes out of the oven, I slide it onto a wooden cutting board and slice it up. The flavor of the pesto with the onions and sausage is sooo good. Delicious! Andrew doesn't like Greek olives (he doesn't like olives of any kind for that matter), so I kept them on my half of the pizza. You can add whatever toppings you like - artichoke hearts, maybe asparagus or veggies. You can be very creative when it comes to pizza. The dough is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with your favorite toppings.

Ribbon Organizer

2011-09-05T06:02:00.000-10:00

At last! A perfectly easy way to store ribbon spools! I found this inexpensive ribbon organizer tutorial at Spunky Junky via Pinterest. Are you on Pinterest yet? Who isn't. Join the pinning party!

All you need is a slotted plastic bin like this with holes running down all sides. This one is about 14 inches by 11 inches from Wal-mart. I already had a few of these in my garage, so as soon as I saw this idea, I literally ran the the garage to find one.

You will also need a 1/4 inch dowel rod. I got one at Lowes for about .63 cents. My husband cut it into three 16-inch sections (I only needed two).

Slide two dowels through the sides of the basket and add your ribbon spools. The ends of the ribbon stay put in each hole - up to 24 rolls! How smart and convenient is that? I'm so glad I found this ribbon organizing idea. Sure beats having to untangle them all in a box!

Office/Craft Room Furniture Rearranging

2011-09-04T10:07:00.000-10:00

Last Saturday, I got the itch to organize my office/craft room and rearrange the furniture. It's pretty much been the same set-up since we moved in 4 years ago. Unfortunately, the L-shaped desk is a non-movable piece, because it's so large, it has to be in a corner, and that's where all the outlets, cords and internet connection are located. Plan B. Let's see if I can trade spaces with the bed and the sewing desk.

Success! There was JUST enough room to fit the bed on the wall where the sewing desk used to be. It was a tight fit between the closet door and entrance to the room.

BEFORE - This is where the sewing desk used to be.

BEFORE - And this is where the bed used to be.

AFTER - After switching the two, I had room to bring out a tall narrow bookcase that used to be in the closet. Just the storage I need for my craft supplies and sewing goodies.

I have 6 white photo boxes labeled with various supplies - velcro, brushes, clothespins, glue, etc. Everything is stashed away but easy to access. My organizer cans fit up there too, with pens, pencils, markers and paint brushes. Learn how you can make some handy can organizers here.

I removed the "fake wood" cardboard backing from the back of the bookcase. What a difference! I like being able to see the wall color through the shelves.

It now holds my button jar and milk glass storage vessels.

The room actually feels bigger now. I like the way my workspace looks. It's a little more unified and inviting. It also forced me to clean out the craft closet but there's more work to be done in there. Thankfully it's behind closed doors!

Doesn't organizing feel good? I like having a place for everything. Especially when it looks nice too.