Signs of Life

It was actually 60 degrees outside when I arrived home from work today. I didn't even need a coat. A day like today felt like heaven after a long snowy winter. I quickly changed my clothes and headed outside to soak up whatever remaining daylight and fresh air I could! I did a little bit of spring yard cleanup in the front of our house. While I was raking out some leaves, I uncovered these welcome little daffodil buds. Hurray! Something green and growing in the no longer frozen ground. Something green on St. Patty's day no less.

I fear though, this may just be another tease. It could very well be snowing again in a day or two. Let's hope not.

Kindle Case

I have been enjoying my new (free!) Kindle, I just needed a case for it. I had an idea of how I wanted to make one, so I looked for templates online.

This cute Kindle pouch by Michelle at Loving Every Second, got the wheels in my head turning. Her's is horizontal. I just love those fabric rosettes! I wanted to make mine vertical.

After a first failed attempt at making one that was too tight, I went back to the drawing board. This one was just too narrow. Guess I'll use it as another coupon pouch. 

Using one fat quarter, I measured and cut two strips of fabric, 7 inches wide by 21 inches long. This allowed for some space inside the finished case. I might try 6 1/2 inches wide next time, just to get it a little more snug. I also cut one strip of cotton batting the same size. 

I layered them, batting down first, one right-side up fabric and the otherfabric right-side down. 

In order to get a nice rounded flap closure, I used a plate to trace a rounded edge, then cut all three layers together. 

Which looked like this. I pinned all three pieces together, down the center, then proceeded to sew all the way around the edges, leaving an opening at the 7 inch straight end.

Here is what the sewn rounded edge looked like. I snipped the rounded edge with scissors to allow it to spread easier when turned right-side out. My cat, Chancho, watches my every move to make sure I'm doing it correctly.

I turned it right-side out and pushed the corners out. 

Here is the end that will need to be sewn shut. I placed my Kindle where I wanted it to sit inside the case. 

And folded he bottom half up to see where the sides would need to be sewn together and  how much the top flap would fold over. I also stuck on velcro squares (with adhesive backing) and sewed them on BEFORE sewing up the sides of the case.

I pinned the case together (with velcro sewn on). Starting at the bottom, I sewed up the side, around the rounded flap closure and down the other side. I had a generous seam allowance which created a "piping" sort of look. 

The velcro holds the case closed. I added a big button for decoration to finish it off. It has just enough batting to give it some protection. I love my new case! 


I would be happy to make a custom case for you upon request. Size and fabric are your choice! It would make a great gift - especially accompanied by a kindle or other electronic reader. Send me an email if you're interested in placing an order.

Logo Concepts for Baby Fresh Farms

I have been doing some design work for a new local company, Baby Fresh Farms. A friend from college and his business partner contacted me about designing packaging labels, and possibly a logo, for their locally grown frozen baby food. I was thrilled at the opportunity. Although I didn't end up designing their logo, I put together a couple of concepts. The tag line was a requested component. I think they're pretty cool (in my semi-biased opinion).

The product is natural, locally grown and basically single ingredient. My rationale for the above concept was to combine clean type with fruit and vegetable icons, based on fruit and vegetable colors. Bright and fresh, yet a little playful, using block shapes, reminiscent of children's toys. Reminds me of flash cards or a memory matching game.

This concept has a bit more personality. I kept picturing little baby forks and spoons and the cute chubby hands that learn to hold them. The colors are still ingredient based - orange carrots, green beans, purple beets. The font is looser and more organic feeling. I  really like the association with meal time that the spoon and fork create. 

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished labels. The logo they selected is pretty adorable, I must admit. Stay tuned.

Coffee & Tea Gift Box

I put together a coffee and tea gift box for a very special couple who are getting married soon. 

Christina and Ryan are good friends of ours, and today was Christina's bridal shower (Ryan showed up to help open gifts). Are they a good looking couple or what? They are both so sweet and fun. I'm so happy for them and can't wait for their wedding (which my husband will be participating as a groomsman). 

Their registry listed a coffee grinder, which got the wheels in my head turning. What about putting together a coffee and tea themed gift? I found two white monogrammed mugs with the letter "P" for their (future) last name. 

Then I saw this cool photo/craft storage box with words and quotes about love and life. Ryan and Christina are both into art, photography and design. This would make the perfect base for the gift box, and they would be able to use it later.

A bag of Starbucks coffee beans (to use with their new grinder) and a box if assorted teas. 

I placed everything inside the box to see how it would fit. Tall items in the back and the mugs in the front.

Then I layered balled up tissue paper underneath and around to help everything sit nice and high inside the box.

 

I typed up a little tag with their names to insert in the box label area.

Once everything was arranged inside the box, I wrapped the whole thing with a sheet of clear cellophane and taped it in place. I had just enough cellophane left  - it was close! Then I added a red ribbon tied in a bow and slipped a card underneath.

The happy couple liked it! This would make a great birthday or housewarming gift. You could customize it with the recipients favorite coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Add some biscotti or cookies. I just love personalized gifts!

Five Favorite Beauty Products

Once in a while, I get asked what products I use on my face and hair. Here are five favorites that I use on a daily basis (get it, basis...happy cooincidence).

#1 Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash 
This stuff is great. It really removes all the dirt, oil and makeup. I have tried many kinds of face wash and I keep coming back to this one. It's not heavy and I love the light fresh scent.

#2 L'Oreal Active Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
After I wash my face, this moisturizer goes on. I shopped around for moisturizers that were light yet kept my face smooth but not oily. This one is my favorite because a little goes along way and the SPF is built in. It goes on like a dream and it's better than expensive department store brands. 

#3 Cover Girl Clean Pressed Powder
I've been using this one for years. Probably since 8th grade. Usually in classic beige. There's nothing like opening a new compact and swiping that soft cotton disc across smooth powder for the first time. Anyone else know what I mean? It's hypoallergenic, won't clog pores and it covers great. 

#4 Maybeline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara
Can't forget the eyes. I have been a long time connoisseur of mascara and this one is my favorite. In black. I like the brush and I like how it coats my lashes. It's a little tough to take off, but that means it stays put throughout the day. Look for the one in the hot pink metallic tube. 

#5 Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions Flat to Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
It was like finding an old friend. I used to use Pantene in high school, then I switched to other brands, like Herbal Essences (which is still a good one). When they launched their new formulas and packaging, I tried a sample and was hooked again! The flat to volume shampoo and conditioner for fine hair feels like it was made for my tresses. It looks so healthy and shiny. My favorite part - my hair retains the fragrance long after I have blow dried and styled. I like having good smelling hair. Don't you?

Jen's Birthday and a Birthday Cake for Jennalyn

Look at this adorable birthday cake, made with rolled buttercream fondant, by my friend Jen, for her daughter Jennalyn's 2nd birthday. That was a mouthful. 

Let me introduce you to Jen, one of my dearest longtime best friends. We go waaaay back. I mean, back when we would hang out in her room for hours listening to Enya and the Backstreet Boys and dream about who we would marry some day. This photo was taken on my wedding day in 2005, just one month before Jen's wedding day. The last photo of us as two single ladies. Our lives have run parallel in many ways for years. Our birthdays are both in March. In fact, Jen's birthday is today! What a blessing to have a friend who knew me "back when," and to grow up alongside.

Jen is one talented lady - she is creative and funny, with an amazing voice and God-given ability to play the piano and sing like nobody's business. She is comfortable on stage, performing in front of an audience, which is probably the biggest way in which we are not alike. That, and the fact that she's one year younger than me. But I like to pretend that she's not. She is a teacher, an incredible wife and Mom of two beautiful kids! It's amazing for me to see her raising two little ones, taking care of them and guiding them in the Lord. She is so strong, dedicated and inspiring. She's one of those Mom's that I take mental notes of how she does things for future use some day.

When she showed me photos of the cake she made for Jennalyn's 2nd birthday, I was quite impressed and had to share it with you. You know my love for Cake Boss and the mini wedding anniversary cake I made. Jen used fondant, which has a smooth texture and flexibility to form shapes. First she covered the entire heart shaped cake with white fondant.

Then she added food coloring, rolled it out and cut shapes to decorate the cake. She didn't have cookie cutters so she used her daughters play-dough cutters (clean of course). Don't you love the stripes?

For the final touch, she wrote "Happy Birthday Jennalyn" and the number "2" with icing.

So cute! The Rolled Buttercream Fondant recipe can be found here.     
Ingredients

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

2 pounds confectioners' sugar

Directions  

In a large bowl, stir together the shortening and corn syrup. Mix in the salt and vanilla flavoring, then gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar until it is a stiff dough. If you are using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Otherwise, knead by hand. If the dough is sticky, knead in more confectioners' sugar until it is smooth. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. 

To use, roll out on a clean surface that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar until it is 1/8 inch thick or thinner if you can. Drape over frosted and chilled cakes and smooth the sides down, or cut into strips to make bows and other decorations.

I am going to have to try this. Thanks for letting me share your cake Jen. Happy birthday beautiful friend! So glad to have you in my life. 

Hello, March!

Welcome March 1st! You are one of my favorite months because you bring spring and you bring my birthday, sometimes on the same day. It felt a little like spring today. The sun was shining and melted some of the snow. I didn't even have to button my coat at lunchtime.

I took a fast trip to The Christmas Tree Shop. Boy, was that a mistake. The place is loaded with spring and summer merchandise. White wicker patio furniture, bright colored garden tools, picnic plates and adorable planters and ceramic pots. Like this turquoise beauty with sweet little birds and scalloped edge. I just had to take it home, for $5.99, and I knew exactly what I needed it for. See how I said "needed it" not "wanted it." This was a practical purchase. The birds sold me though. It was a win, win.

I let my only thriving house plant stay in this tiny basket for far too long. It was a house warming gift from a dear friend. I could not let the roots suffer any longer. 

In you go, into your new home. I love how the bright turquoise adds a splash of color to my red kitchen. I feel much better now that my plant has room to grow. It felt good digging in some potting soil, even if it was in my kitchen. Spring is near...soon I'll be gardening outdoors. 

We also have this little fella starting to sprout. Can you guess what it is? A cactus. I bought a little egg dome cactus seed kit for my husband, after denying him the much larger cacti ecosystem he saw at the store. He planted all the seeds, but it looks like only one is taking. Come on little fella, you can do it! Keep growing! It is a bit of a wonder that a cactus could even grow in Rochester, in the dead of winter, on our drafty windowsill. 

Dear spring, please come quickly. I'm looking forward to green grass, daffodils and budding trees.