a Side of Sparkle

vegan chocolate cake

2012-03-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy March! As typical New England Weather there's about four inches of snow on the ground. To think we almost go out of February unscathed by Old Man Winter. Ah, well... I'm still obsessed with these sandals and painting my tootsies this color in my excitement for spring. Anyway, on to that scrumptious looking cake pictured up there. Made with the very basic of ingredients (you probably have them all in your kitchen at this very moment), baking this chocolate cake is on my to do list this weekend. And, it's vegan! Not that we're vegan... couldn't even begin to think about life without dairy (or hamburgers), but it looks like an easy recipe to whip up when the need for something crowd-pleasing arises, or your vegan friends pop by for a visit. Check out the recipe for vegan chocolate cake.

image via joy the baker

wordless wednesdays

2012-02-29T08:37:00.000-05:00

dress | stones | agate bracelet | window

currently crushing on: casa de perrin

2012-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

My web surfing (do people still use that term?) landed me onto casa de perrin yesterday afternoon. I was so taken by the unique portfolio presentation and went gaga over the inviting images. Take a peek for yourself. I am dreaming about the kind of party that would incorporate all that glassware in the first image, and wouldn't you just love to sit at that tea table for an hour or two?

a vermont weekend

2012-02-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hero Hubby and I took the girls up to Vermont and enjoyed a relaxing, rustic weekend (as relaxing as you can be with a baby and a tot) on a maple syrup farm owned by one our family members. Though we hoped for snow shoeing and sled races, we had rather mild weather and instead delighted in visiting The Vermont Country Store and a strolling down a few of the trails on some 100 acres of beautiful land. A little family bonding around the wood stove, homemade cookies and fresh country air made for an excellent adventure. Oh, yeah... the hour long soak in the whirlpool tub didn't hurt either.

thanks, mum

2012-02-24T08:41:00.000-05:00

The roses my mother brought us for valentine's day are still perfuming the kitchen with their light, sweet scent and are a colorful stand-out against the dreary backdrop of this morning's rain. I hope you have a rosy weekend (whatever the weather may be).

wordless wednesdays

2012-02-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

one | two | three

type A+

2012-02-20T08:26:00.000-05:00

The bespoke fonts of lost type had my inner font-nerd swooning. This is a great resource and I suggest you check it out if only for the fun of it. I simply must have: Lavanderia, Ribbon, Tommaso and Nelma.

images via losttype

blog love: a little something

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Introducing Kristy of a little something. Welcome to a Side of Sparkle - so happy to have met yet another talented blogger!

Hi! I'm kristy. a twenty-something wife to my handsome husband and mama to my darling daughter. I'm pretty into this blogging thing and crafting it up here and there. A little something is all about family, love, parenting, funny bits from my life. I blog about the things that make my heart happy. I blog about our life and how I wouldn't have it any other way.

You can find out more about Kristy on twitter: @kristyavilla and facebook

currently coveting: unmentionables

2012-02-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Actually, these undergarments are so very mentionable. Maybe it's some post v-day daydreams, but these "unmentionables" from Anthropologie have me thinking about doing some early spring cleaning of my top dresser drawer.

one | two | three

wordless wednesdays

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

happy {valentine's} day

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I won't go into a long story of how Valentine's day came to be or how wonderful this day filled with hearts and flowers (and chocolate) is... No, just a simple wish to all that love is in your lives.

image source unknown

love is around the corner

2012-02-10T14:55:00.001-05:00

Hopefully love is already with you! I've been think a lot lately about Valentine's Day (just four days away!) and how this day is a nice puffed-up opportunity to express your love to everyone in your life, not just your main squeeze. I've made a list of all the fun DIY Valentine crafts I've been seeing on blogs lately and thought I'd share my discoveries.

I might save this idea for next year when Violet is a little older and won't want to try and stab something with the arrow/pencil (although she still might want to do that next year anyway). I think it's more appropriate for older kids...bookmarking! Thanks, Sweet Muffin Suite.

I really like this idea and might make my own "Scrabble Gram" for Hero Hubby's upcoming birthday (it's a big one). Perhaps I could make each letter in postcard size, send the individual pieces out to our friends and family and ask them to mail each back to him with a birthday wish written on the back? I'm thinking as I type... better perfect this idea and get on it quick (I have less than a month). Thanks, oh, happy day.

This card is so clever! The tutorial is a visual treat, too. Love it! Thanks, minieco.

What better way to jazz up a plain old chocolate bar than with these super cute printable wrappers? This might have to be the sweet surprise I send along with the Valentine cards we are sending to the Grandparents.

The idea of making my own scratch-off cards is very inspiring. Great technique to know about and perfect for creating some fun Valentines. Who knew dishwashing detergent could be so much fun? Thanks, Better Homes and Gardens.

one | two | three | four | five

wordless wednesdays

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

one | two

first freebie! printable recipe cards

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

As many of you may (or may not) already know, I have a passion for graphic design. In my spare time (which is very spare these days) I like to fool around in Photoshop and play with fonts and overlays and brushes. Kinda nerdy, but so much fun. I thought it might be nice to share some of all this fun I've been having lately and so I'm opening up a category of "freebies" on my blog. For this first freebie post, here are some hi-res recipe cards. They are downloadable for you to print and enjoy. They are in 4x6 format and will print two per page. I've made up several styles and I hope you enjoy writing your recipes on them as much as I have enjoyed making them up! I suggest printing onto cardstock for a sturdier outcome.

Downloads (right click on image and "save as")
printable recipe cards 1
printable recipe cards 2
printable recipe cards 3

thank goodness for makeup

2012-02-02T14:33:00.005-05:00

A friend of mine has a saying she uses to bestow the ultimate compliment upon something: "it's almost as fun as makeup." I couldn't agree more - for me, makeup is the ultimate "thing" that is just pure fun. Instantly, I am transformed into a nine year old girl swiveling up a tube of petal pink Christian Dior lipstick and marveling at the candy-like color when I dive into my makeup bag. I don't expect everyone to relate - to some, makeup is weighted by a world of marketing, controversy over the definition of beauty and damaging body image issues. In my world, nothing replaces the feeling of having a slick of lipstick, a brush of eye-liner, a wash of blush and a coat of mascara. I just feel *dressed* and that makes me happy.

image via

(oh, yeah) wordless wednesday

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

one | two

salmon x 3

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Mama! Maaaaaaaammmmmmaaaaa!" Those were the only sounds I could hear as I waited to be helped at the fish counter yesterday at the market. What I didn't hear was the question the man behind the counter asked me, which must have been "did you say 3 and a half pounds?" because that's exactly how much salmon I ended up with. For a large family that would be quite adequate for one dinner, but for us it equates to about three entire meals. I'm not sure if I really did ask for three and a half pounds, or if "one" sometimes sounds like "three." Either way, it's amazing how much distraction a child can cause. I didn't note how much was on the scale, nor did I think about how heavy the wrapped fish was when it was handed over to me. No, I was focused on quelling the sounds that were coming from the 26 pounds sitting in the shopping cart seat wailing about wanting cheese and goldfish and bananas. And so, I have three and half pounds of salmon. Thankfully it was on sale. I made this recipe last night with all of the fish and have determined that it will taste just fine re-heated for Hero Hubby's lunch and our lunch. Any left overs I plan on dicing up and mixing with pasta in a light cream sauce. The recipe for brown sugar and soy sauce salmon is a keeper - it was very easy to put together and, since all the cooking was done in the oven, there was no lingering fish smell in the air after dinner. Serve this with baby bok choy and white (or brown) rice and you have a healthy, yummy meal (or two... or three).

recipe and image via Martha Stewart

wordless wednesdays (on thursday)

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

one | two | three | four

love me do

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to report that the latest Marissa B. jewelry collection, Love Letters, is being very well received by customers! The Little Sparrow necklace (now available in 14k gold) is swiftly becoming popular as a mommy necklace and the Secret Admirer necklace (also available in 14k gold) is a concept that's catching on fast. One even sold as a best friend necklace. Personally, I wear mine with my initial facing out and Hero Hubby's initial closest to my heart... awwwww. Seriously, though - the best part is I get to know the story behind every order - each initial represents someone special in my customers' lives and I'm thrilled that my product is being chosen to reflect their happiness. I'm grateful that I can provide something that brings joy to its wearers!

chocolate for breakfast

2012-01-23T09:20:00.003-05:00

Nutella is magic. I haven't made anything that tasted bad when Nutella has been involved. This recipe for a french toast bake did not disappoint. Instead of baking a large "caserole," I made individual 8 oz ramekins and prepared it all the night before so the egg mixture could really soak into the bread. I changed a few things from the original recipe: 1. I used Scala bread rather then the called for mulitgrain bread (I've found that denser breads like multigrain make for a tougher outcome). 2. I adjusted the recipe by half and only used two sliced bananas. I'm definitely keeping this recipe in my breakfast repertoire - I might even try it with day old croissants in place of bread.

I highly recommend making a little Nutella sauce as described in the recipe to drizzle over the top before serving. Our guests loved this take on french toast! Ok, I'm getting hungry just typing this post... and also inspired to write a post about all the "make ahead" breakfast/brunch recipes I've tried over the past few years. It's much more fun to just make the coffee and pour the mimosas in the morning rather than have to whip up a full meal, don't you think? Keep an eye out for that upcoming post!

recipe via needful things

snowy day

2012-01-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, Dear Readers. Another two inches of snow out here today - this is the kind of winter I like. Being New England, however, I'm sure there's some whopper of a snowstorm headed our way before the winter is over. For now, we're enjoying this gentle re-acquaintance with the snow.

Sale on at marissab.com

2012-01-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

Don't stress about what to give your special someone this Valentines Day. Shop early and enjoy 20% off just for being so on-the-ball. We've curated an array of baubles and trinkets that celebrate love (even if it's simply the love of jewelry). From tiny heart necklaces to red hot earrings, you'll find a fun assortment for all your valentines!

handmade jewelry at marissab.com

wordless wednesdays

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

one | two

and the winner is...

2012-01-17T08:27:00.001-05:00

Joanne! A pair of sky blue bonbon Earrings is headed your way. Thanks for participating in the give-away!

Today I was awakened by the gleeful cries of a toddler who wakes up to see the first winter snowfall. "We need a sled... make a snowman... MAMA... DADA... QUICK!" It was the nicest sounding alarm clock, but then I realized I couldn't hit "snooze" and sleep for ten more minutes. So, I sit here typing a post while Violet is picking out which pair of snow boots to wear and Laela is happily chewing on something soft (a blanket? a stuffed animal? I can't tell... don't have my glasses on - a pair of little hands snapped them last week). If you are gearing up to tumble through the snow today, I wish you good luck, warmth and lots of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever warms you (bourbon? I won't judge) at the end of a winter adventure.

image via gabbysworld

currently coveting: mixed metal diamond band

2012-01-13T08:19:00.002-05:00

First off, don't forget to enter the give-away - one winner will be chosen at random tomorrow!

Ok, now about that pretty ring up there. Friend and fellow jeweler, Sonya Renee, has this little sparkler on her website. I think I will shamelessly drop hints to Hero Hubby that this is the perfect anniversary gift (considering he's behind by two). I really like the mixed metals and the texture going on here! And, what gal wouldn't want a double row of diamonds around that vacant finger on her right hand?

p.s. I'm a size 7

oh, wear! winter neutrals

2012-01-12T09:16:00.001-05:00

The snow forecast for this weekend has me thinking about the put-together elegance of neutrals. I particularly like these boots - they look like they will hold up well in all sorts of weather and they are stylish to boot (pun intended). Do you like the newest pearl earring design? It just would not feel right to be all bundled up without some kind of trinket hiding beneath those fuzzy ear-muffs.

pressed for cookie ideas?

2012-01-11T13:41:00.001-05:00

I absolutely adore anything font, letterpress, type and paper related. When I saw these cookie cutters, my inner type-nerd sang out in harmonious joy along with my sweet tooth. Letterpress cookies - genius. I have to have these... plus, they'll be a fun way to teach Violet all about spelling (she's got her alphabet down pat and now she's interested in spelling words). Can you spell, SWOON?!

p.s. Don't forget to enter the give-away!

image via perpetualkid.com

mousse my way

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know yesterday's post was about food, but I couldn't help posting this recipe. After a stressful start to the week (oh, how I wish it were the weekend already) making a simple lemon mousse was the best way to get my mind into a positive state. I've been itching to make pots de creme for months now, but my ego can't handle a dessert disaster (they can be very finicky to make). This mousse was easy-peesey-lemon-squeezey. I went light on the sugar for more of a refreshing, rather than super sweet, taste. Hero Hubby indulged and gave it a thumbs up. This key lime mousse intrigues me... I'll have to try this when I'm in more of an experimenting mood.

Lemon Mousse
1 cup heavy cream
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1 lemon, juiced
Lemon zest (for garnish)

Whip the cream and sugar until it starts to thicken (don't over-whip)!
Add lemon juice and whip just to thicken a bit more.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they start to form soft peaks.
Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon cream mixture.
Spoon into individual serving bowls or glasses and chill.
Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Yeah, yeah, I know some of you are worried about the uncooked egg white - sheesh. If you must, you can use pasteurized eggs which are available in most supermarkets, typically located right next to the regular 'ole eggs.

how to win these earrings!

2012-01-09T14:43:00.006-05:00

What better way to start the new year than with a pair of Marissa B. earrings? Bonbon Earrings in sky blue quartz, to be exact. These are *spanking* new from the spring collection and I know you'll look just lovely in them. Here's how to win:

Visit our Facebok page, like Marissa B. and share this post (url: http://sideofsparkle.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-win-these-earrings.html )
Tweet about our Rue La La promotion, word for word: Love gorgeous jewelry? @MarissaBjewelry is offering a $25 for $50 deal on @RueLaLa: http://www.ruelala.com/product/detail/eventId/43577/styleNum/4112791740/viewAll/0

Then, just post a comment on this post letting me know about your tweet/FB share. One winer will be chosen this Saturday, 1/14. Feel free to enter more than once. Thanks for participating!

creamy mushroom soup

2012-01-09T12:07:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite soup recipes is this Hungarian mushroom soup recipe. It appeared in Eating Well magazine a few years ago and I make a big batch of this several times when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. Chopping through dense crimini mushrooms is such a satisfying feeling and savoring this delicious soup is even more satisfying. I hope you give it a try this winter. Enjoy with you favorite hunk of bread and an nice brown ale.

spring preview

2012-01-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, Dear Readers! My fingernails have been worked down to nothing after a week of prepping the spring line. Enjoy this little preview. I'm off to catch some sunshine outside and take the girls for a walk (hello 49 degrees in January)!

spring dreamin'

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Even though the temperature outside is reading 9 degrees, I am keeping up a warmer climes state of mind as I finalize the spring 2012 collection for marissab.com. I'm loving the colors seen spilling down the runways (hello pistachio!) and can't wait to see some of those same colors spilling out of my closet in the next several months. Who can resist a powdery blue called "ballgown?" Here's a look at what's in store for spring color 2012.

a toast (to the last post in 2011)

2011-12-30T16:35:00.001-05:00

Hero Hubby and I are staying put this new year's eve and enjoying the company of some of our neighbors (I'm glad everyone will be walking home - instead of driving) that night for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Of course this is an impromptu mini-fete and I've had to work quickly to put together a casual, yet elegant menu. Fortunately I've been graced with an extended nap-time from Violet (she's rounding out the third hour!) and Laela has been happy to sit in my lap and chew on the lapel of my blazer (guess I won't be wearing that tomorrow night). Anyway, here is my collection of tasty, easy, budget-friendly new year's eve eats and sips. I'm not certain we'll make it to midnight, but I am sure our tummies won't be rumbling when the ball drops! Have a wonderful (and safe) weekend. Cheers!

Hors D'oeuvres:
Gougères
Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Phyllo Bites
Parsnip Crisps
Sun-dried Tomato Tapenade Toasts
Warmed Olives

Cocktails:
Kir Royales
Celebration Fizzies

Sweets:
Bergamot Infused Chocolate Truffles (I have so many of these left from Christmas... they'll be gone soon!)
Lady Fingers
Individual Key Lime Mousses

image via style me pretty

year in review

2011-12-30T10:30:00.001-05:00

2011 was a busy year for many reasons. One of them is the very creation of this blog! Here's my abridged year in review in list format (not necessarily in any particular order of importance).

A blog is born - a Side of Sparkle starts publishing in April
After many false starts, marissab.com is finally live and it's smooth sailing.
Meeting new friends at the park and hanging out with other moms made this year great fun.
A baby is born - we welcomed the newest addition to our family, Laela, on July 6th.
Discovery of adding Pumpkin Spice Blend to my coffee brew makes waking up at 5:30am a tad bearable.
"Bubba" met the recycling bin (finally, after months of coaxing, Violet has forgotten all about her baby bottle).
Reconnecting with old friends was bittersweet as we wished them well on their cross-country move.
Life ended too soon for a friend of ours this winter.
Three dear friends had babies. Welcome to the world, Nathaniel, William and Hannah!
A summer full of beach days and back yard bbq's with Violet, Laela and Hero Hubby was only spoiled by the massive ammount of bugs this summer. That's life on the marsh, for ya.
Finally made concord grape jam this September from all those plump beauties nestled in the vines along our back-yard.
Tasted farm fresh eggs for the first time and I'm hooked!
Read Cat in the Hat over 100 times (yes, I counted).
A long weekend on Martha's Vineyard in the spring
Lots of visits to antique shops and flea markets this summer, which seemed to always involve ice cream cones afterwards - they just make sense together.
Thanksgiving and Christmas spent with the extended family. A gift and a blessing.
Had lots of fun writing posts and sharing 2011 with you, Dear Readers. Here's to a terrific 2012!

See you next year...

image via love-luck-kisses-cake

what a week...

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

...and it's still not over yet. And it won't be - not until the fat, jolly and imaginary (sorry to be a spoiler) man in red, white and black sings "ho ho ho." I generally love all things Christmas, holiday, family and, anything that justifies an alcoholic beverage in the morning and evening (in the same day). This year, however I am feeling just a tad (and I'm being really sarcastic here) pressed for merriment and joy. It might have something to do with the toddler, or the baby, or the business, or that I haven't actually slept soundly since 2008, but nevertheless I am chugging along (the not-so-pretty visual of "chugging along" aside). I'm chalking this holiday season up to getting my "chops" as I manage the many aspects of my life and have decided not to stress out about all the fabulous posts I had planned on sparkly holiday trimmings and killer cheese platters... and didn't get to write. I've shelved my "glorious gifts" lists and "party etiquette" ideas (it's really not polite to double-dip - unless you've already sneezed over the entire shrimp cocktail tray). Instead I'll be reporting from the front lines of x-mas mayhem, melt-downs and malapropisms. My post-holiday line-up will reflect on all the celebrations and hopefully serve up a nice side of sparkle - or, at the very least make you smile.

Merry, merry to all!

image via thebottomoftheironigbasket

and the winner is...

2011-12-16T15:03:00.001-05:00

Sara of Newburyport, MA! Thanks to everyone for participating in the Facebook "Share This" contest. I'll be hosting more like this one in the future, so stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend!

best chocolate cupcakes ever

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I would not make such a dramatic claim if this were not true. Of course, we all have different ideas of what "best ever" really means everything is relative. Since I'm a sweets junkie, I cannot be relied upon to objectively rate baked goods, so I put these chocolate cupcakes to the test by swaying my Hero Hubby to try one (the man does not like sweets, crazy right?!) They passed with flying colors. Thus, this recipe is now filed in the "best ever" section in my recipe book. Try them with vanilla buttercream frosting and you and your sweet (or not-so-sweet) tooth will not be disappointed. My little sweet liked them too!

recipe via SimplyRecipes

contest extended!

2011-12-14T11:16:00.001-05:00

The contest from Monday's post is being extended until Thursday night! Become a fan of Marissa B. and share the post about this contest to enter. Good luck!

how to win this necklace:

2011-12-12T20:55:00.003-05:00

1. Get on Facebook and become a fan of Marissa B. {link located right here}
2. Share the post about our current Rue La La deal
3. Wait until Wednesday morning to find out if you've won!

One lucky gal (or guy) will receive the crystal pompom necklace pictured above for sharing the news about the Marissa B. deal on Rue La La. What's this deal I speak of? Well, it's a $25 for $50 marissab.com voucher and the deal's only up until 12/17 in the Chicago City deals section. You need to be a member of Rue La La (which I highly suggest you do) to view this and other fabulous deals. Better hurry to enter - this contest closes at midnight on Tuesday, 12/13!

oh, wear! winterize

2011-12-12T07:46:00.001-05:00

The temperature is swiftly heading south for the winter around my part of the world. Though I dream of warmer climes, I am always happy to break out my winter boots, hat and gloves. This happy feeling usually only lasts until 1. It gets so cold out that I can't feel my toes, 2. My car gets stuck in the snow, 3. I have to shovel the snow and/or 4. I can't feel my toes while shoveling the snow.

In a perfect winter-wonder-world, I would be wearing this while I experienced all of the above.

scarf | coat | boot | gloves | hat | red crystal earrings

exciting things at Marissa B.

2011-12-09T08:17:00.001-05:00

Aside from all of us having the sniffles and managing the constant low-level chaos of taking care of my two children, marissab.com is going full steam ahead this holiday season. That's no excuse for not posting as regularly, but I hope you'll forgive me when you check out the site and see the great deals being offered on lots of fun and fashionable handmade jewelry! Have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. I almost forgot - use code SB1211 to get 10% off just for being fabulous and reading a Side of Sparkle. Happy holiday shopping!

move over, June

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Someday I will wield a glittery pink spatula while wearing an apron with frilly white trim that nips my waist in and makes me look like a baking goddess while I effortlessly make (from scratch!) cookies in all sorts of ingenious flavors. Someday.... or, perhaps never now that I have found a prepared cookie dough that tastes like it came from the oven of June Cleaver and is made with all natural ingredients. Joy! After a weekend of drunken debauchery (perhaps just a few too many cocktail parties), house chores and general child related chaos, The Hubs and I were ready to relax. It's almost physically impossible for me to relax without quelling my voracious sweet tooth. Since the oven was still hot from having cooked dinner, I decided to pop a few (ok, eight) little rounds of Triple Chocolate cookie dough by Immaculate Baking Co. How liberating it felt to simply break off however many cookies I wanted to bake, plop them onto a pan and bake for ten minutes. Yum! Considering the speed at which we ate these cookies, they could very well be re-named Vanishing Triple Chocolate. Enjoying a treat without having to clean up a cataclysm of batter and bowls was a divine way to end the weekend. No frilly aprons necessary.

image via muffintopmommy

spice is very nice

2011-12-02T08:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, Dear Readers! I must share my latest java discovery: pumpkin spice blend. A week ago I was developing a dangerous habit of buying my morning coffee from a national chain (that will go unnamed) and loving the pumpkin spice variety. Spice is nice, but the quality of coffee at said national chain isn't up to my beloved Peet's. As I was browsing our spice cabinet for something to add to the brisket I was cooking, I stumbled upon a cast-away jar of pumpkin spice mix. Bah, I thought - will I ever use this? Then the proverbial light dawned and I immediately made a pot of coffee in the french press and added about a teaspoon of the spice to the grounds. Hazzah! I had my pumpkin spice coffee made to order with my favorite beans, in my favorite mug, next to my favorite little baristas while we read Cat in the Hat (for the ninth time).

Mo Pie, Please: A Giveaway + Sponsor Love :: Marissa B

2011-11-30T20:17:00.000-05:00

Mo-Pie, Please is a seriously fun blog and Meagan is graciously hosting a give-away of these Marissa B. crystal earrings. Visit Mo-Pie, Please and leave a comment to enter. If you win, yay! If not, please don't weep - just visit marissab.com to guarantee your sparkle needs.

Check out the give-away here!

wordless wednesday

2011-11-30T07:46:00.001-05:00

one | two

nature's gifts

2011-11-29T07:51:00.001-05:00

I've always been a proponent of using natural products on my skin. If it's not somthing I can put in my body then I don't want it on my body, but when I considered facial moisturizers I was a little skeptical about using pure oils. Fear not. I have been using various blends of all sorts of amazing oils and have been enjoying acne-free, smooth, dewy skin for over a year now. Here's a great post on the basics and how to make your own natural skin oil.

nice package

2011-11-28T11:20:00.000-05:00

I'm experiencing post T-day blues. Most likely due to pastry and eggnog withdrawal, I'm feeling a bit bloated and lazy on this fine Monday. Fortunately Old Man Winter has been hitting the snooze button many, many times and it's going to be 67 degrees today (unheard of temps for New England this time of year). The ladies and I are all packed for an afternoon of nature trail walks. My calves are aching already, but I'll try my best to focus on all those slices of pie evaporating from my waistline (that is how it works, right)?

Oh, yeah it's cyber Monday (joy) and when my ladies take a long nap after their busy morning, I'll be shopping for Christmas gifts. If you will be too, check out marissab.com for my 12 hour sale. Use coupon code 12HOURSALE - it's valid now through midnight tonight! Also, I am a sucker for fun packaging and so I spent some time this past weekend restyling the Marissa B. gift boxes. I was so pleased with the results that I'm going to put every order in this "signature" packaging. Whether you decide to give Marissa B. handmade jewelry or keep - it will arrive ready to go either way in a nice package.

meat balloon image via Bust

thanks for reading

2011-11-23T08:28:00.001-05:00

Wishing all of you, Dear Readers, a happy, healthy, Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, good company, lots of laughter and, of course, being thankful for all of it.

image

oh, wear! Thanksgiving style

2011-11-21T08:54:00.001-05:00

My rules for dress these days are simple: items that I will make it into the Goodwill bin in about two years (oh, and nothing that requires dry-cleaning...or that I would hate to see food imbedded into). Until Violet and Laela master the art of using utensils, I've shoved my finer clothing items to the back of my closet. But, a girl can still dream, right? Here's my pick for this Thanksgiving's festivities. Finding a less expensive cotton version of the dress shouldn't be too difficult. Wrap dresses are my go-to lately since they make nursing a cinch. Some lipstick in cranberry cream, a few feathers in the hair (such twisted humor - my apologies to turkeys everywhere) and some semiprecious jewelry punches up any outfit.

hair pins | dress | boots | bag | lipstick | pyrite earrings

splurge worthy

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

While searching the web for some fun yet useful Christmas gifts for Hero Hubby, I got sidetracked (how typical) and stumbled upon poketo.com. The logo alone had me convinced that I want everything in this shop, but the real humdinger is the ceramic drip coffee maker by Hario. I'm *in love* with this and have deemed it splurge worthy (it's hardly going to break the bank at $30.00, however). It's the "I'll never crab at you in the morning with my perfect coffee" gift for me him. Hmmm...

wordless wednesdays

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

one | two | three

it's the little things

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wondering what to do with all those Veuve Clicquot corks rolling around post [fill-in your celebration here]? As soon as I saw this post I began digging through our junk drawer for some cast away corks (I can never bring myself to throw those away). Air plants are a quirky addition to any space and can easily be ordered online. They are low maintenance (just mist twice a week and keep in bright filtered light). These little babies would make such cute gifts... perhaps a fun little token to hold the place-cards for your Thanksgiving guests?

two things

2011-11-14T07:01:00.001-05:00

ONE:

Since we're all still battling the sniffles over here, I was comforted by this article at Refinery29. I practically lived on Ramen noodles when I was an undergrad and would have loved a few tips as to how to give them a foodie twist. This is the ultimate comfort food,

TWO:

Check out my guest post over at the Immaculate Baking Co. blog.

marissab.com is live

2011-11-10T08:13:00.000-05:00

Hooray! I am happy to announce the re-designed Marissa B. jewelry site is now live. I deliberated during many a sleepless night rocking baby no. 2 back to sleep whether or not I should keep the business online or put things on hold until the spring. The verdict - get your side of sparkle from marissab.com this fall and holiday season. I decided to stick with my most popular designs and even add a few new styles. Check out the site and tell me what you think!

rustic apple tart

2011-11-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post this yesterday, but the ladies and I were driving around aimlessly in an effort to experience some quiet and induce my lovelies into an early morning nap. Violet was up extra early (thanks, again, daylight savings for continuing to f*ck up our sleep schedules) and a car ride is sometimes the only thing to restore some sanity.

Anyway, I made this rustic apple tart last week with some *superb* pie dough from Immaculate Baking Co. my local market (i love you, Market Basket) just started carrying. I stopped buying ready-made pie dough last year after I realized what nasty stuff is in most brands. So, I tried my hand at making my own. Pate brisee, as it is formally known, is not complicated to make, but it's messy and takes a good chunk of time to prepare (well, most of the time is spent cleaning up). Alas, our pie consumption dwindled and in a tearful nostalgia I thought about apple tarts, chicken pot pie, strawberry rhubarb pie... until that beautiful autumn morning when I saw something new. An artsy, quirky box of pie dough in the refrigerator case; Immaculate Baking Co. "No artificial ingredients...all natural," the box read. Hmmm, thought I as I flipped it over to read the ingredients. To think, it was true! I was in pie dough nirvana. My mind flooded with possibilities - I stashed two boxes in my shopping cart and giddily slipped into the checkout lane. That night I put the dough to the taste-test and made chicken pot and a rustic apple tart. The crust was practically glowing when I drew the pies from the oven (the perfect golden brown) and the flavor was outstanding. You might even say the whole experience was immaculate.

RECIPE (this is for one medium-sized tart)

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups sliced red delicious apples
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch ground nutmeg
1/4 package refrigerated pie dough (such as Immaculate Baking Co.)!
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
ice water

Preheat oven to 425° and set oven rack in the middle of the oven. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar, stir in apples and spices. Cook for about five minutes to slightly soften the apples. Allow to cool. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into ten inch circle. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper on top of a baking sheet. Arrange cooled apples in center of dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of dough toward center, pressing gently. Brush dough with 1 teaspoon ice water and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Place the tart in the refrigerator for 10 minutes (this chills the fat in the dough to ensure a flaky crust). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

nobody sleeps...

2011-11-07T06:48:00.000-05:00

...when the kids are sick. Yes, I have the daunting task of managing a sick toddler, sick baby and sick self this week. Hopefully it's only a short bout of stuffy noses, mild fevers and loss of sleep (thanks, daylight savings, for f*cking up our sleep schedules). To think that just a week ago Violet was "doing make-up" while Hero Hubby and I got dressed up for a Halloween party. I can't promise a week full of amazing blog posts, but I'm already thinking about some comfort food to get us through this not-so-fun time. A rustic apple tart... some beef and barley soup? I'll keep you posted.

oh, wear! {if I were going to the gala...}

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

November marks the annual Julie Fund gala, a benefit to raise awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research and assistance for women and their families affected by this devastating illness. Each year, Marissa B. jewelry donates toward the fundraising efforts. Though I always feel like my contribution is small, I hope the the phrase "every little bit helps" rings true. This year I will not be attending the benefit (I will be home covered in baby puke). Nevertheless, I could not resist day-dreaming about the perfect gala attire.

wordless wednesday

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

one | two

good morning

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Dear Readers, it feels like it is swiftly turning from autumn to winter on our little patch of marsh due to the mini snowstorm we had the pleasure of experiencing over the weekend. My posts have been rather sporadic, I apologize, but that's not because I'm huddled in a corner covered with a blanket shuddering at the thought of old man winter turning the skin on my calves to a dry, scaly horror and making me feel fat because I have to wear layers to stay warm. No, I'm actually updating MarissaB.com in preparation for the holiday season. More updates on that later. For now, enjoy this fun site (no offense, to all you hipsters out there. It's irony and you love that) xxoo.

image via a-vintage-kiss

treats, not tricks

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ah, Halloween... property damage, slutty nurse costumes, and the indescribable taste of candy corn. Oh, yeah and pumpkins and trick-or-treaters. Discouraged by the 1/2 inch of snowy-slush on the ground (really? it's not even November), and since Violet doesn't quite grasp the whole Halloween concept anyway, we're going to celebrate at home by making these delicious treats. The recipe's ingredients are much better than the kind one might discover while pillaging her youngster's treat bag and these candies are scarily easy to make. No tricks required.

INGREDIENTS
1 cups creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
1¼ cups powdered sugar
Melted milk chocolate (I like Ghiradelli)

DIRECTIONS
For the filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat until completely melted and starting to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time until thoroughly combined. I use a stand mixer to blend mine. Taste and add a pinch of salt if you find the mixture too sweet (salt content in peanut butter varies). Cool completely.
For the candies:
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Roll peanut butter filling into small balls, then flatten them a bit. Pour some of the melted chocolate into the liners and then refrigerate until firm. Next, place a peanut butter filling on each chocolate base and pour more chocolate on top to just about fill the space in the cups, refrigerate until firm. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups!

image and recipe adapted from brown eyed baker, original recipe from The Brooks Stead

bunnetics, anyone?

2011-10-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

Flavorwire is my latest web-crush and this post about obscure 80's VHS cover art is too good not to share. The pithy comments just enhance the viewing experience. Here are my favorites, but check out the full post for all fifteen covers.

wordless wednesdays

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

one | two | three | four

diy project no. 006: image transfers

2011-10-24T09:14:00.001-04:00

I came across this DIY project at DesignSponge over the weekend and couldn't wait to share it with my readers. This is such a great way to spruce up your dinner table for the impending holidays. Speaking of which, wouldn't some decorated tea towels make perfect little gifts? For images check out joseph cornell box or mellowmint's DeviantArt site (just full of downloadable hi-res goodies)!

materials:
1. photos of food, dishes, figurines, plates, etc. (anything you want, make sure it high resolution)
2. scissors
3. inkjet printer transfer paper
4. inkjet color printer
5. napkins and placemats (mine are from ikea and cost less than a dollar each)
6. iron
7. computer

instructions:
1. if you don’t want to take the photographs of objects yourself, you can find some great images in food magazines, or cookbook images, or just search flickr for yummy food photos. upload your photos to your computer and play around with them to get them to be the size you want. make a couple black and white prints on 8.5 x 11 paper to check that you like the size and detail on your photos. you want your images to be something you can cut all the way around to have a freestanding object. the transfers print in reverse so if that matters to your object, you need to reverse the image on your computer before printing.
2. when you have the images ready at the size you want them to be, print them in color on your transfer paper according to the directions on the package of the transfer paper. if you have the option on your printer, you should choose the highest quality of printing.
3. allow the transfer prints to dry. meanwhile, iron all the wrinkle out of your placemats and napkins on high temperature with no steam. allow these to cool.
4. cut out your shapes with scissors. you want to cut all excess off your shapes and cut right up to the edge of you object.
5. lay the transfer paper down on the fabric and iron it down according to the transfer paper instructions.
6. continue following the transfer instructions for cooling, peeling off the backing, and setting the image.

images via Design Sponge

changes

2011-10-20T08:52:00.002-04:00

Since becoming a mother, I've noticed several small, but dramatic changes in my approach to life. I'm not talking about the big changes (more on those in a later post). Just a few seemingly small ways in which I do things differently now. Here they are - you might find some are ridiculous "issues" to have in the first place, but we all have our hang-ups, right? Please don't judge... but feel free to laugh!

I'm fearless when it comes to killing bugs. And I mean big, juicy awful bugs that previously I would just barely manage trap under a cup and wait for Hero Hubby to take care of. Now they just get squished by moi - sometimes without a tissue... eek.

I'm no longer superstitious in my mother's basement. It used to be, even up until a few years ago, that I still carried the paranoia that a trapped soul would devour my own if I lingered too long in the basement. Not quite a fear of the dark, just a creepy feeling every time I went down there. My mother's basement is not out of the ordinary - it's just a silly hangover from my youth. Present day? I could care less. Go ahead, ghost, take me away from my nagging children.

I love doing the dishes. Prior to my lovely brood, washing the dishes was not an activity I rated high on my "likes" list, nevermind my "loves" list. My how things change. Doing the dishes is like a zen state - a form of meditation. No one will interrupt me, lest I enlist their help.

Very small things make me happy. This one is almost in the category of big changes. Never before had I elated at discovering the Market Basket circular in the mailbox every Wednesday morning, nor did I think twice about the delight found in taking more than three sips of a steaming hot cup of coffee. It is said that it's the little things that make all the difference. Right now I understand that more than ever. Ah, the little things... like getting to write an entire blog post (almost) uninterrupted.

wordless wednesdays

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

one | two

oh, wear!

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's a good thing I'm not actually being forced to choose one pair of boots for this lovely wool cape that begs to be donned while strolling through the countryside whilst arm in arm with your love. Alas, I do not have time for strolls in the countryside nor do I have the extra funds for the hefty price tag on this darling number. As investment pieces go, this is well worth its price and it is so very versatile. Sigh.

wool cape | one | two | three | four

pour the pink

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful time with friends we had this past weekend. Rosé champagne, homemade apple pie, red wine, cupcakes... how superb! It was a treat to be able to spend an evening at our friend's home, enjoying their company and delighting in how much their twin girls have grown since the last time we got together. Violet was in awe of her playmates and eager to show off her little sister. Later in the evening, as we toasted with rosé in hand to baby Laela, I paused to think about the three other children sleeping upstairs. Little girls they are now, but women they will be someday... perhaps mothers as well and I'll look forward to toasting with them, a glass of rosé in hand.

a custard for fall seasons

2011-10-14T09:08:00.001-04:00

Normally, I would not be attracted to a savory custard, but I am attracted to thinking outside the proverbial box and this recipe from the catbird seat in Nashville, TN does just that. A hint of maple syrup and the earthy tone of truffle oil sounds like a wonderful match. This might just be my Sunday afternoon cooking ~~escape~~ endeavor. Of course, that does depend on having an hour of kid-free time (which is a premium these days). I'll be happy even if I only get as far as making the bacon chips!

INGREDIENTS
6 thinly sliced bacon strips, cut into 3-inch strips
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup maple syrup, plus more to serve
4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more to garnish
2 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
Truffle oil to taste (optional)
Pine extract to taste (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1.    Make the bacon chips: Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a sheet pan with the bacon slices and set another sheet pan over the top to weight down the bacon. Bake for 15 minutes or until crisp. Set aside to cool. Lower the oven to 300°.

2.    Make the custards: In a medium saucepot set over medium-high heat, combine the heavy cream, milk and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the syrup is completely dissolved. Add the thyme sprigs, remove the pot from the heat and set aside to steep for 15 to 20 minutes.

3.    In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and the yolks. Remove the thyme sprigs from the cream mixture and slowly whisk the warm cream into the egg mixture. Add a drop or two of truffle oil and pine extract, if using. Pour the custard into 12 six-ounce ramekins and bake until the custard is set, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool. Serve with maple syrup, bacon chips and fresh thyme.

dreamy dishware

2011-10-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

Just when I got my mind around not purchasing another baking dish or serving platter (I have a thing for ceramics) I saw these gorgeous dishes at Anthropologie. We've been dining off of our basic white IKEA plates for so long and the lively pattern on these dishes is so refreshing. I know they will make whatever I serve on them look better... I wonder if they will make my cooking taste better? Either way, a page has come loose from the Anthropologie catalog and has mysteriously found its way into Hero Hubby's mail pile. He just might find it by Christmas.

wordless wednesdays

2011-10-12T08:11:00.000-04:00

oh, wear! midi madness

2011-10-11T13:32:00.001-04:00

After seeing this post on one of my favorite blogs, Lucy Laucht, I was inspired to drag out my black midi skirt that has been living in the back of my closet for the past several years. It's perfect for these last few warm fall weeks. I wore mine with a cream colored dolman sleeve top and peep-toe wedge sandals. A scarf is a must have for me this time of year and I'm really liking this leopard print pictured above. I love the color combo of tomato red and tan leather. It might be necessary to invest in a second midi skirt!

skirt | top | shoes | bag | bangles | scarf | sunglasses

hello birdie

2011-10-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

Earlier this morning I sat down to write a blog post when I heard a thump on the glass door of the breezeway. I got up to investigate. When I opened the door to the chilly, damp morning I found a small woodpecker laying defeated-looking on the threshold. After a little nudge and few strokes of affection on top of its head, the bird hopped down the steps and zipped off into the bright blue sky.

It was a nice moment; seeing something falter and then take flight reminded me of how many times us humans are forced to take a pause from the action in life. Whatever that pause may be (great or small) it's important to allow... and hope that there's someone or some force to give us a little nudge and affection to help us on our way again.

iSad

2011-10-06T20:59:00.001-04:00

I was just a girl all of five years old when I first gazed upon the Apple IIe. I would stare up at the green glow and play number munchers with reckless abandon until my father would walk into the room and announce that it was my bedtime. Times have changed since then and Apple products have gone through much transformation. In light of Steve Jobs' passing, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the transformation and vision he brought to the Apple brand. Thanks, Steve, for making a great product and bringing such innovation and inspiration to the world of computers and technology.

Wired Magazine put is best:

A visionary inventor and entrepreneur, it would be impossible to overstate Steve Jobs’ impact on technology and how we use it. Apple’s mercurial, mysterious leader did more than reshape his entire industry: he completely changed how we interact with technology. He made gadgets easy to use, gorgeous to behold and essential to own. He made things we absolutely wanted, long before we even knew we wanted them.

image via wikipedia

color therapy: terracotta

2011-10-06T08:20:00.001-04:00

Terracotta, or "cooked earth," is a color that looks spunky in just about any situation and can be found in so many unexpected places. How ethereal the color can be in this silk cami... what a rich burst of color this shade brings to a dining area.

one | two | three | four

wordless wednesdays

2011-10-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

one | two | three | four

dinner tonight: mujadara

2011-10-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Muja-da-whaaaat? Mujudara, also known as lentils and rice, is a traditional Lebanese dish. Just thinking about it reminds me of the distinct savory smell in my grandmother's kitchen when she would make a large pot of this deliciously hearty soul-food. My grandmother cooked with a pretty basic recipe - lentils, rice, onions, salt and pepper. I recently discovered this recipe and was inspired to make my own version of an old family classic.

INGREDIENTS
1 c lentils
3 Tbls olive oil
1 tsp cracked peppercorns
1 lg onion, chopped (I like using a sweet onion)
1 c rice
1 tsp cumin
tiny pinch cinnamon
1.5 tsp salt
3 c chicken stock

DIRECTIONS
Rinse the lentils first, then cover with water and cook until tender, but not mushy (about 20 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, add the olive oil and cracked pepper to a large, heavy pot. Cook for just a minute and add onions. Sauté until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Next, add the rice, cumin, cinnamon and salt. Cook the rice just until it starts to turn a little tan in color. Immediately add the cooked lentils and stock. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer until the rice is cooked through.

Serve with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

image via hannaford markets

dear Instagram...

2011-10-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Instagram,

Why are you only available for iphone and ipad? I love the retro-y look you cast over photos and your homage to the beloved Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid aesthetic. You could make my images impossibly hip, but alas, I don't have an iphone or ipad.

Boo-hoo,
Marissa

Lucky for all of us not in the iclub, Daniel Box has created a fabulous assortment of photoshop actions that are much like those killer instagram filters. Here are examples of all the filters. The original image is at the bottom. I especially like "sutro" and "brannan." The next step is to get some prints and see how these filters look in the flesh. These will be so cute printed up as postcards to send to the grandparents. Thanks, Dan, for making these!

cappuccino update

2011-09-30T14:28:00.000-04:00

Remember this post? Well, I just made myself a mid-afternoon treat using chocolate almond milk in place of regular old milk. It foamed up beautifully and tastes so good I just had to share this little side of sparkle with you!

{Perhaps these cappuccino brownies will be a splendid chocolatey-coffee fix for dessert tonight}

oh, wear!

2011-09-30T08:04:00.001-04:00

Just thinking today about the (almost) weekend with Hero Hubby and the girls and how nice a crisp and sunny fall day is. Not quite overcoat weather, but a warm sweater will do just fine. Have a cozy weekend!

eye-yi-yi

2011-09-29T08:07:00.001-04:00

My littlest one scratched her cornea yesterday. It was scary seeing the doctor patch up her eye, but even scarier knowing that such a delicate part of her was injured. As I learned, the eye has an amazing ability to heal itself after a scratch like that. A blob of antibiotic cream and a patch to keep the eye protected while it heals is the simple treatment. Basically, it looks worse than it is, but it's a reminder (especially to all of you with young ones!) to keep the eyes safe. My new daily task will be to keep Laela's fingernails filed daily - not just trimmed short, but filed to keep any sharp edges away...

wordless wednesdays

2011-09-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

one | two | three

flip off time

2011-09-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

My mid-century modern loving side jumped with glee when I spotted this flip clock screen saver. Sometimes I roll the cursor over to the hot spot that activates my screen saver just to watch a minute
flip by...

a perfect autumn breakfast

2011-09-26T09:58:00.000-04:00

Good morning, dear readers, I hope you enjoyed the weekend and are looking forward to the week ahead. I am still dwelling on Sunday morning's simple, yet delicious breakfast with my family. The day started out damp and drizzley, but by 8:00 the sun had started to slice through the clouds to reveal a perfect autumn morning. Apple turnovers, I thought and swiftly brought a roll of puff pastry dough out of the freezer to defrost while I prepared the apple filling. Incredibly tasty and with such a fancy appearance, apple turnovers are very easy to make. I like to keep a few rolls of store-bought puff pasty dough in my freezer, but here is a recipe to make the dough from scratch.

APPLE TURNOVERS
1. preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Unfold thawed puff pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll each sheet into a 12-inch square and cut into four squares.
2. core, peel and slice 2-3 Granny Smith apples
3. place apples in skillet (use a cast iron skillet f you have it) with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt and a few shakes of nutmeg and cook over medium heat until the apples and soft.
4. place about 1/4 cup apple mixture in center of each square. Brush edges with water. Fold over to form triangles, seal edges firmly with a fork. Place on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden. 5. sprinkle with sugar and let cool on wire rack.

have a jammin' weekend

2011-09-23T15:32:00.000-04:00

Ok, so that post title is a little cheesey... but, really I'll be jammin' out this weekend with all the wild and delicious concord grapes Hero Hubby and I have been harvesting from the backyard grapevines this week. There's nothing like homemade jam (remember this post?) to use in recipes, give as gifts, or simply to spread on toast. I like cutting down the sugar a bit for a tarter taste. Happily, I will fill up many of the empty glass jars I have stored away - some are just too pretty to recycle! Add a bottle (or two!) of my new wine-crush, Baker's Dozen jammy cabernet, and my jammin' weekend will be underway. But, it would not really be jammin' weekend if it were not for the aural gems of Moby Grape in the bluesy/jazzy jam session album, Grape Jam. Not the most mainstream stuff, but worth the price tag to get this on CD. I'll have to dust off the ole' itunes playlist for these guys and have a truly jammin' weekend.

INGREDIENTS
3 lbs Concord grapes, stemmed
2.5 c sugar
2 tbls fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Chill 2 small plates (for testing jam).

2. Slip skins from grapes and purée skins with 1 cup sugar in a food processor, then transfer to a 4- to 6-quart wide heavy pot. Stir in lemon juice, peeled grapes, and remaining 1.5 cups sugar and boil over moderate heat, stirring frequently and skimming foam, until pulp is broken down, about 20 minutes.

3. Force jam through fine sieve set over the pot. Discard remaining solids.

4. Cook at a slow boil, skimming foam occasionally and stirring frequently as mixture thickens to prevent scorching, 35 minutes, then test for doneness.

5.To test jam, drop a teaspoonful on your chilled plate and chill 1 minute. Tilt plate: Jam should remain in a mound and not run. If jam runs, continue cooking at a slow boil, testing every 5 minutes, until done, up to 25 minutes more.

recipe adapted from epicurious

diy project no. 004: laundry soap

2011-09-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

I love doing laundry. So much, in fact, that when I came across a diy laundry soap recipe I just had to try it out. I hadn't realized just how chemical-laden commercial laundry soaps and fabric softeners are until I researched the topic, not to mention their cost is four times higher than the homemade version (this recipe ends up costing about $0.05 per load). Skeptical at first, I soon discovered how easy it is to make my own and, when put to the test, how effective! Which is verrrrry important when you have the kind of laundry we have... toddler + baby + husband = disastrous piles of stained and damaged clothes.

As for fabric softener, you ask? Simple white vinegar with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Yuck, vinegar?! I hear some of you saying... be assured that there was no vinegar odor whatsoever when I pulled the clothes from the dryer - just fresh clean clothes with a very faint hint of lavender. Use one tablespoon of vinegar per load - pour it right into the fabric softener dispenser and fill with water just like you normally would.

I encourage you to try this easy, chemical-free, money saving laundry soap; it's so simple and it works.

wordless wednesdays

2011-09-21T07:11:00.000-04:00

one | two | three

carrot soup

2011-09-20T08:51:00.000-04:00

With the brisk close of each afternoon as it folds into evening, I've been craving hot and hearty soup to warm my (almost) autumn bones. Making carrot soup seems to mark the switch from easy sundresses and sandals to long baggy sweaters and leggings. Tonight is just the night for the occasion, though I am a few days early for the arrival of fall (it officially starts on the 23rd). Here is my tried and true recipe. Serve with a rustic whole grain saloio bread.

INGREDIENTS
2 tbls olive oil
2 lbs carrots, peeled and chopped
1 lg onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 tbls ground ginger
4 c chicken or vegetable stock
1 tbls fresh lemon juice
1/4 c cream

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in large heavy saucepan (I use my dutch oven) over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add 3 1/2 cups stock. Cover and simmer until carrots are very soft, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Add ground ginger and mix well. Puree soup in batches in blender or food processor. Return soup to the same saucepan. Mix in lemon juice Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin to desired consistency with more broth. Whisk in cream in medium bowl just until slightly thickened, then add to soup. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or dollop of sour cream.

the baby list

2011-09-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

Maybe there's something in the proverbial water, but so many of my friends are expecting their first babies in the very near future! The baby topic is something I am rather current on, especially the "gear" parents find themselves knee-deep in once their tiny package arrives. Ever tending toward the minimalist approach, I have found a handful of products ~~helpful~~ essential to my daily baby rearing routine. Clothing and diapers aside, here's my bare-bones baby list:

puj tub
baby bjorn
mountain buggy
calma bottle
skip hop diaper changing
skip hop farmyard mat
bloom coco lounger

wordless wednesdays

2011-09-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

one | two | three | four

oh, wear!

2011-09-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

Skinny jeans (I still like to call them cigarette jeans), a pleated corset top with a cropped tuxedo jacket and scrumptious suede heels would be my go-to evening get-up this fall if I could manage to not look like toothpaste trying to be put back into the tube (read: an oozing mess). Ah, my post-baby body begs for a bit looser fit in my clothing these days. I do love the retro-chic look here... the feminine details on the typically masculine tux jacket and a smokey eye creates just enough mystery.

corset shirt | jacket | jeans | shoes | clutch | ring | necklace | eye palette | nail polish | lip balm

getting organized: week night dinners

2011-09-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

Monday in our house marks my weekly venture to the market where I attempt to load the shopping cart full of enough food for what I think will be five wholesome and delicious dinners. While I'm combing the aisles, I'm also combing my brain for all those yummy recipes I just saw somewhere that looked so effortless and nutritious. Since my children, lovely as they are, will have made scrambled eggs of my aforementioned brain by 8:00 am, I need more than the feeble remains of my mental powers to procure the items necessary for an entire week of dinners. Fortunately there's help - and it's so stylish! Thanks, ollibird, for making these cute menu planners. The printable version is available for download and would look fabulous on the fridge next to Violet's latest work of crayola abstract expressionism. My plan is to print of many of these planners. I'll fill in two copies each week - one that will stay on the fridge to answer my daily "what the hell's for dinner?" question and one to take with me to the market to answer my weekly "what the hell am I buying?" question. I ask myself a lot of questions... thankfully I now have answers to two of them.

originally viewed at a pretty life in the suburbs

who wants some Schweddy Balls?

2011-09-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

Leave it to Ben and Jerry's to mint an ice cream with such a, well, ballsy name. Schweddy Balls is coming to a supermarket freezer near you and it boasts the well-rounded flavors of vanilla, rum, fudge and malt balls. For those of us who don't quite get the reference (and that included me) the flavor is based on the old Saturday Night Live skit where Alec Baldwin plays Pete Schweddy on a fake NPR show, Delicious Dish, where he makes holiday treats such as cheese balls, rum balls, and his signature Schweddy balls. Ben & Jerry's spokesman Sean Greenwood stated, "we've always been a company that has had a sense of humor."

Though it sounds unappealing (unless you're into that sort of thing), once I understood the flavor's pop culture connection, I admit my intrigue and will seek out a pint. I imagine I'll smirk every time I open the freezer and catch a glance of the words "Schweddy Balls" peeking out amidst the bags of frozen peas, broccoli and meatballs.

original story via npr

diy project no. 003: party animals!

2011-09-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

I came across this diy post for candle holders on the sweetest occasion and will be definitely making these for the next birthday party we host. This is such a great idea, inexpensive to make and they will look amazing on cupcakes!

SUPPLIES
plastic animals
plastic candle holders
drill with 1/8″ drill bit
pliers
gold spray paint (or any color that you like - hot pink, perhaps?)

STEP ONE:
Hold the animal with the pliers and drill a hole straight down, being careful not to pop out the other side. The hole just has to be deep enough for the holder to fit.

STEP TWO:
Spray paint the animals in a few light coats, rotating them to cover all sides. Note: I used gold (w/o primer) and it worked fine for both the nicer plastic animals and the dollar store ones. I wanted a pop of color but some of the animals didn’t take to regular spray paint, be sure to use a plastic spray paint or a primer for plastic and always test one first. You can also spray paint the candle holders to match.

STEP THREE:
Marvel at your craftacularness.

images via the sweetest occasion

wordless wednesday

2011-09-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

one | two | three

baby shower chic + enter fall

2011-09-06T07:30:00.000-04:00

One of my dear friends is having a baby this month and we celebrated with her over the weekend at her baby shower. In my dreams I would have worn this ensemble to the event. I actually wore a dress similar in color to the one pictured... not quite ready to let go of summer yet.

Speaking of showers, it's going to be raining here for most of the week and I could not help but ogle over these unique umbrellas.

The close of Labor Day weekend seems to signal the unofficial start of fall. I stepped outside my front door and caught the sight of several leaves twirling their way down to the ground. The days remain warm and sandals and knee-skimming shift dresses in sunny patterns are still breezing about town. Window-boxes continue to overflow with bright flowers and it doesn't really feel like fall yet - but, I guess you can't argue with the leaves.

have a restful weekend

2011-09-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

Good morning, dear readers, and what a good morning it is in our house! Baby no. 2 (aka Laela) has finally slept through the night, giving her mum and dad a much needed night filled with consecutive hours of slumber. I wanted to create a long post of all our Labor Day weekend plans, but my little alarm clock did not wake me up at 3:00am (yes I have been blogging in the wee hours). So, I will be crafting a heavy dose of sparkly things for you over the weekend and will post again on Tuesday. I hope you have a restful weekend!

wordless wednesdays

2011-08-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

one | two | three

motherhood

2011-08-30T07:30:00.001-04:00

Today I am already nostalgic for baby Laela's infant-hood. It was no so long ago that Violet was a snuggley ten pound-er with shiny, unblinking eyes that would stare up at me from a swaddle of blankets. These days she is talking, drawing, running, dancing... everything an energetic toddler does. The snuggles are rare and the unblinking stares, fleeting. As I gaze at Laela asleep in her moses basket, I know it won't be too long before my tiny baby becomes a little girl and races off to keep up with her big sister.

strawberry cupcakes + coconut frosting {= yum}

2011-08-29T07:30:00.001-04:00

During my hurricane Irene induced web-surfing I landed onto uncharted blog territory; how sweet it is is a wonderfully composed food blog that just so happens to have a recipe for cupcakes that combine two of my favorite flavors: strawberry and coconut. Usually the stuff of smoothies, strawberries and coconuts rarely couple up in a recipe. Thus, my love of the two tastes compels me to share this recipe with you. We are in the thick of canning season and I intend to splurge on some organic strawberries just for these (and I simply must have some pink sprinkles to decorate the tops).

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
makes 12 cupcakes
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped strawberries
1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugar together in the bowl of an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add flour, baking powder and salt with the mixer on low speed, then gradually increase speed. Add in chopped strawberries and beat on medium speed until the strawberries break down – about 1-2 minutes. At this point, the strawberries most likely have enough liquid that you don’t need to add any milk to the batter. If you batter seems dry and is not like typical cake batter, then add milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time, beating until incorporated.

Pour into cupcake liners, filling 2/3 of the way full, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake is set. Let cool, then frost.

Note: I would not suggest using frozen strawberries because of the high water content. If you must, make sure they are completely thawed and as dry as possible. Even the fresh strawberries have a high water content, so if yours seem very wet, blot them with a paper towel. Also, if you can get your hands on some strawberry extract, it would probably be delicious in these. You can also add some food coloring if desired to give it the bright pink look.

Coconut Frosting
2 sticks of butter, softened (1 cup)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar + more if needed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of coconut extract (if you don’t have this, no big deal)
1-2 tablespoons of lite coconut milk
3/4 cup shredded, sweetened coconut

Cream butter in the bowl of an electric mixture until completely smooth and creamy. With the mixer on low speed, add in powdered sugar slowly. Gradually increase mixer speed and add vanilla and coconut extracts, then beat for 2-3 minutes, scraping down sides and bottom of the bowl. If frosting is too thick, add coconut milk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add powdered sugar gradually until it thickens. Fold in shredded coconut and mix until just combined.

cappuccino time

2011-08-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I love coffee and all things delicious one can make with it. A french press girl in the mornings, I most definitely favor a cappuccino later in the day. With Friday afternoon already on my mind, I'm planning on slipping out with my two ladies to our local cafe and delighting in the foamy warmth of a (to-go)cup. Someday I will posses my very own espresso machine (with direct hot water tap, of course) so I can enjoy an afternoon treat at home. For now, here is a cappuccino hack to try at home with you french press (if you don't own one, I highly recommend them)!

STEP ONE:

Brew espresso in your french press {2 tablespoons medium-grind espresso to every cup of near-boiling water}. Stir. Let it stand for 4 minutes, then depress the plunger. Pour 1/3 cup of espresso into the bottom of your coffee cup.

STEP TWO:

Microwave about 1 cup of milk for about 20 seconds. Rinse out your coffee press and pour in the hot milk. Foam it with the plunger and top the espresso with 1/3 cup of the milk and top the rest with the foam. Enjoy!

image via evan's kitchen ramblings