photography by bianca

For those who know me, there are some obvious incentives for me to post this.

My favorite photographer - for more than one reason - is coming to town. She has some sessions available, if you are interested, and I also know that she would be willing to work out a package that meets your needs.

Of all the many talents and skills that I'd love to have, photography is not mine. But I love to look at hers. I honestly think that they are beautiful and spectacular. At the moment her web site is under construction, but you can view many of her pieces at "her place of creative findings."

Are you a Twilighter?

I know a lot of people who are fans of the Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Series, something that I can't really say for myself. (No offense to those who are). However, I did get to help prepare a teen Twilight themed birthday party recently. I love party planning, and with so many ideas online, you really can't go wrong.

We printed out a Twilight Trivia sheet and made sure it was printed in the Twilight font. We also printed and taped labels to flavored bottled water.

And of course we had to have cupcakes - vampire and werewolf designed. The cupcakes were delicious. Both the Devil's Food Cupcakes and the Vanilla Buttercream recipes came from my book cupcakes by Shelly Kaldunski. The vampire cupcakes were decorated with strawberry syrup and the werewolf paw print was piped with good old fashioned Wilton tips. And I can't leave unmentioned the awesome way to display and serve the cupcakes a top Wilton's Cupcakes 'N More Stand (I was excited being that this was my first opportunity to use it).

Cupcake Pincushion

This is not the typical cupcake that you may have seen on A Finger In Every Pie. But if you feel that you're not the baking type and would rather try your hands at sewing, then this is the cupcake for you.

The pattern is by Cindy Taylor Oates. So sweet and so much fun to make. It's the perfect pattern for scraps of fabric. I made several to give away for birthdays this year. I didn't use sand or walnut shells as the pattern suggests, instead I used dried beans and a small amount of fiberfill.

Back from Blogging Hiatus

You may or may not have known that I posted a poll recently, asking what you'd like to see next. The results came to a tie between sewing and cakes. Since I did a sewing project last, I will share a cake I did recently for a little lady on her first birthday. But before I do, I wanted to point out that I've started a new poll (similar to the last), so if you have a preference, be sure to vote. It is located at the top right side of the blog.

I won't bore you with all the details of my blogging hiatus, but I will say that it did not go without being creative on occasion. That is to say that I still have lots to hopefully inspire you and share. And just as a reminder much of what I do is inspired by others.

I love how President Dieter F. Uchtdorf words it in an October 2008 conference address:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty."

And this is only a few sentences of the beautiful message he gives us. But if we can "create something of beauty and helpfullness" even if it's not perfect, and it can bring a smile to someone and brighten their day, then I know it is all worth while and the world around and within you is improved.

Drawstring Bag

I'm sure you can come up with a reason to make this fun drawstring bag. I did. And if you can't, then do it just because. It was simple and turned out oh so sweet. I especially loved the size of the bag and the different patterned fabric for the lining.

I found the tutorial at Happy Things. She has a few variations of her drawstring bag that you could choose from.

Digital or not?

I've always enjoyed making my own cards and scrapbooking. Scrapbooking I haven't done in ages, but cards I've tried to keep up on...at least once a year - usually for Christmas. And if you're wondering why you didn't get a Christmas card for 2008 it's because I didn't get around to sending them. I made them. But now they'll be my 2009 Christmas cards - maybe - if I still like them when Christmas nears again. (Isn't that how it goes sometimes? Anyway...)

Paper, punches, stamps, ribbon, you name it. These are usually my choice of tools and supplies. But last night I decided to try my hand at the digital side of creating, using downloadable scrapbooking kits.

I used Rhonna Farrer's designs for Two Peas in a Bucket, some much needed tutoring from my sister, lots of patience and time.

Okay, it's definitely not anything to WOW about, but I was pretty excited with what I learned and discovered I could do. I still feel somewhat inept in the digital world but at least now I'm a little more prepared for the next time I open up a digital kit.

Once upon an afghan...

Crocheting is one of my favorite things to do to relax or wind down. I learned and started to crochet five years ago. My first completed piece was a baby afghan, which I still have. And since then I have accomplished many other projects - all except one that I have given as gifts. No two projects have ever been the same, and that's only because I love to try new patterns that I come across and haven't done yet.

It is difficult to say if I've ever had a favorite pattern, but here are two that I have completed most recently.

The purple afghan pictured below is called Sweet Dreams and came from a Best of Terry Kimbrough Baby Afghansbook. The book is complete with 24 patterns and beautiful pictures of each cozy wrap. I love how the afghan turned out in the purple - and it's perfect for those little ones that love to push their tiny fingers through blankets.

The next one is a free pattern from Posie Gets Cozy. The Tiramisu Baby Blanket is as delicious as it sounds. This was the first time that I used 100% cotton yarn and I think it is gorgeous. Of course the ribbon weaved through the edge of the blanket ties it all together. Thank you Posie Gets Cozy - I did enjoy!

Perhaps you have favorite pattern you would like to share. I always love a new idea or project that I hope to get to one day. Or if you don't crochet, I would still love to hear what one of your favorite things to do is.

Little Superheroes

One of the things that I've been busy doing recently, especially over the holidays, is sewing. I love using my sewing machine! I love discovering new things with it and creating things on it. I even love being able to repair old things too.

Just lotsa things.

These little superhero capes were inspired by so many...

1. the very first cape I made (a red Disney's Sleeping Beauty "Prince Phillip" cape) and all the children who have made it their own during play
2. many many internet sites and blogs where others have made their own or sell them
3. and a neighbor, who so badly wants to make some for her kids

   

Visit Sweet Bee's blog for an adorable video of the capes in action.

The hours of imaginative play and the happiness of a child is beautiful.

I find so much joy in creating.

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes

Cream Puffs In Venice is an incredible site full of beautiful photos and words about food. I love food! There are so many recipes, photos and ideas that just make me drool. Okay, not really, but they definitely look and sound delicious and inspire me too!

A couple of months ago, I made a batch of Dulce de Leche cupcakes that I adapted from a recipe from Cream Puffs In Venice.

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes
Yields: 12 - 18 cupcakes

1 can Dulce de Leche (I didn't use the whole can)
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temp
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temp
1 cup unsweetened medium shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line muffin/cupcake pan with cupcake liners (I used foil). Place a dollop of Dulce de Leche in each cup (or if you're like me, and love Dulce de Leche, then it may end up being more than a dollop).

In a bowl, sift flour, baking soda and salt together. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar till pale and fluffy.

Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add the vanilla extract. Mix well.

Add the dry ingredients in three stages, alternating with the buttermilk between each stage. Mix well.

Stir in the coconut.

Spoon mixture into each cup with the Dulce de Leche. Each cup should be about half to three-quarters full.

Bake for about 20 minutes. If cake tester or tooth pick does not come out clean, bake for a few more minutes.

Remove from pan and cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting I just used a basic/simple buttercream recipe.

Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk

Cream butter. Add vanilla extract. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add milk till desired consistency.

Give them a try...they are delicious with the Dulce de Leche in the bottom and a slight coconut texture throughout the cupcake. Initially I thought I might find them a little sweet, but they weren't at all. They were just right. Or if you get a chance to try anything else at Cream Puffs in Venice, be sure to tell me about it. There are so many more recipes there that I still want to enjoy.