My Muddled Mind

Easter Love

2010-03-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

I received my beloved pottery barn magazine in the mail the other day and decided that this vintage piece must be included in my Easter place settings. I adore the mini watering can and seriously, when does Pottery Barn ever offer anything for $5. So chic! LOVE it!
Find it HERE

DIY - Ironing Board Cover Make-over

2010-03-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Ever have the problem of needing a new ironing board cover but can't find one that doesn't look like it belongs at the circus? Here's a simple, cheap idea to give your ironing board a face lift. Find all the details HERE.

Ready for Spring

2010-03-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Spring Fever -
noun
a feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of spring

Not quite spring yet, but feeling the fever none-the-less (sigh)

Photo via brides.com

Missed the Boat

2010-03-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

Okay friends, I totally missed the boat on throwing an Oscar Party...this will definitely be on my list for next year. Find all the (FREE!) downloads and details HERE and HERE.

Fire Truck

2010-03-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

Already dreaming about ideas for a November birthday party...these would be fabulous (sigh)...

Found HERE

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

2009-12-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

During the holidays (and colder months) I am always searching the internet for some fun crafts to do with my boys. Here are two that I have done in the past week that they loved.

SNOW MAN PLACE MAT
Cut out and glue snowman to a colored piece of card stock (if kids are old enough have them do the cutting.) By gluing shapes or drawing, have the kids decorate around the snowman with trees, snowflakes, reindeer, etc. Laminate or cover with contact paper. Cut out snowman scarfs and hats and laminate. Once finished, kids can keep themselves busy decorating their snowman while they wait for dinner. You can store the laminated hats and scarfs in a pocket on the back of the place mat. Click HERE for snowman link.

SANTA HAND
Trace child's hand on card stock and cut out. Have them paint the bottom of their hand and thumb red for the color of Santa's hat. Glue googly eyes (or paint the eyes), glitter or sequins on hat, ball or button for nose, and cotton balls for his beard and hat. You can also punch a hole and string some ribbon in the top and hang on the tree...don't forget to put their name and date on the back (just in case your kids fight over whose it is in the years to come...I am not speaking from my own childhood experience, I promise!)

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY 3 YEAR OLD FOR LETTING ME TAKE PICTURES OF HIS WONDERFUL ARTWORK!

YUM!

2009-12-12T19:58:00.001-08:00

A tad bit behind on blogging??? Yes, I think so. With the craziness of birthdays, holidays and visitors, this blog has been a little lacking. But I am determined to set things straight.

I was actually planning on posting about this beautiful cake of Martha Stewart's that I made for a Relief Society Christmas get together...unfortunately, I didn't take a picture...but it tasted fabulous - Ginger Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting and Beautiful Candied Carrots for decor! People were raving over it...seriously, go to Martha's website and look it up and make it...on second thought, just click HERE and it will take you to the recipe...so yum!

Anyway...to the things that I actually have pictures of. I have a new blog obsession! Gordon Gossip...seriously she finds the cutest things. One of her more recent posts I had to try. Brownie pops. No, I didn't eat them all myself, although I could have...the Young Women of my ward helped out with that...and might I say that young girls can eat...I should have made two batches. They were so simple, very rich, and quite tasty (and of course really cute!)

HARVEST PUMPKIN CAKE

2009-10-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to bring a cake to our stake's annual cake buffet that was held after the General Relief Society meeting. After accepting the assignment I found out that the cakes that had been brought in the past were masterpieces. I was pretty intimidated and didn't want my cake to be the ugly duckling of the bunch. The only catch was that it had to be pre-sliced...which made decorating a little tricky. I was super stressed and I tried to kick it up a notch by doing chocolate leafs (which are impossible and frustrating) and ultimately decided against them. I don't love the cake as a whole, but the individual slices were pretty cute. A major bummer was that I wasn't even able to stay because I hurt my back...but then again, it was probably a good thing because I would have wanted to taste every cake and I probably would have come home 20 pounds heavier...maybe next year.

UPSET

2009-09-15T13:18:00.001-07:00

I have had an itch to buy a fabulous new dress for a while now. When I got the J.Crew catalog in the mail a few weeks ago, my heart just stopped when I saw this beauty! It was the perfect price (with the student discount) and (for a J.Crew dress, it's an unheard of price!). But of course I couldn't buy it just yet because of fund issues. So I sat on it. Next thing I know--two days after receiving the catalog--it is sold out! I am so UPSET! And I am still obsessing! Please my J.Crew friends, make more available--I must have it!

BAKERELLA

2009-08-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

I probably don't need to say much about this idea by Bakerella, other than the fact that I LOVE it! I think I may have found a new hostess/neighbor gift! Sooo cute! A major plus is that she gives the exact DIY on her blog...visit it NOW!

A FEEBLE ATTEMPT

2009-08-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have this crush on the bakerella blogspot lately and I had to try making her signature cupcake pops. It was a feeble attempt and they were cuter than they tasted. And although they were time consuming, they were very fun to make. Go HERE for step by step instructions. (PS...my photography is horrible...don't judge!)

PROJECT SEW

2009-08-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

A stack of lovely fabrics, plus...

A few trusted friends, plus...

Some pretty embellishments, (and a few hours of uninterrupted time), equals...

A fabulously sassy vintage apron!

My inspiration...Epicurean Style

COOKING FOR BABY

2009-08-08T14:48:00.001-07:00

I purchased this cookbook from Williams-Sonoma while living in MA and fell in love with it. Now, post move, I am finally able to get back to giving my baby more options and better flavors for his little palate.

ZOO GRINCH

2009-07-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

So I scrape up all the change in my house (literally) to take my kids to the zoo. In the rush of getting out the door to get to the zoo at a decent hour and be able to get home in time for naps, I decide we'll just get something to eat for lunch at the zoo. After all, it can't be more than $5, right? Well, lunch time rolls around and we stroll into the little food court. I look at the menu and see that the kids meal (hot dog, chips, animal crackers, and juice) is $4.75..."perfect" I think. Not so. I get to the counter to order and the guy tells me they are all out of the regular kids meal and only have the souvenir one available. Okay. No big deal, right, except for the fact that it was $2 and 50 cents more. Whatever, "okay, I'll take the souvenir one," I say. I then watch as the guy takes all of the food that would be in the regular kids meal and places it neatly into a little monkey lunch box. BAAAHHH! I wanted to complain, or write the zoo and tell them how silly I thought that was...but I didn't and we enjoyed our zoo visit anyway.

4th of July

2009-07-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

I hope I am not the only one who eats myself silly on the 4th. I find it interesting that the founding fathers foresaw this day when we would celebrate our country with fireworks and parades. I wonder if they saw us eating burgers, steak, hot dogs, and all sorts of unnecessary goodness.

HOMEMADE LACING CARDS

2009-06-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am always brainstorming for activities to keep my 2 1/2 year old quiet during church. My mother suggested lacing cards. So after searching store after store and looking online for the perfect lacing card (for the perfect price...ahem...practically free), I resorted to making my own. I found a super cute little instructive post on how to recreate them for pennies. Here is what I came up with.

Note to self (or anyone with boys): if doing this again, don't do cars, trucks, planes, etc...the sound effects would be much too embarrassing (or more appropriate: noisy) for a church setting.
Note to self #2: next time mount foam onto cardboard or other semi-indestructible material.

I you are in the market for lacing cards and have more of a budget than I did, look at Eboo for some fabulous learning games/activities/lacing cards.

FATHER'S DAY CHEESECAKE

2009-06-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

My husband requested cheesecake for his Father's Day dessert, and I obliged. It makes my mouth water. I think I need to make a trip to the Cheesecake Factory.

CARBONARA

2009-06-23T13:03:00.001-07:00

So I totally heart asparagus lately and I have found myself searching for recipes to put it in. This one turned out quite tasty. I don't have the exact measurements for everything, but just experiment. With these ingredients, there is no way you can mess it up! PS...my 2 1/2 year old even liked it!

CARBONARA

Noodles (Spaghetti or bow tie)
Chicken, cut up
Bacon, chopped
Asparagus
Cream
Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
Sea salt
Pepper

Grill chicken, bacon, and asparagus. Chop and set aside. Cook noodles until Al Dente, drain and place back into pot. Stir in chicken, bacon, and asparagus. Pour cream into noodles (enough to create a a light sauce that covers the noodles). Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

HOME MADE

2009-06-16T09:50:00.001-07:00

Inspired by this, I got to work making my own version for a hostess gift. Although most people buy a bottle of sparkling cider (or wine), I found that a home made gift comes from the heart and people appreciate it more. For instructions go HERE.

WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY SCONES

2009-06-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a brunch I had with my sister and her lovely friends!

WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY SCONES

1 C sour cream
1 tsp baking soda
1 C butter (room temp.)
1 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
4 C flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp salt

"Mix-Ins"
2/3 C chopped white chocolate
3/4 C dried cranberries

In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking SODA, set aside. In a separate bowl, mix butter and sugar. Beat the egg with the vanilla and add to the butter mixture. Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Then add the sour cream mixture, being careful not to over-mix. Fold in "mix-in" ingredients. Shape with a cookie scoop and pat flat. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Serve with jam and whipping cream.

{BAKERS NOTES: unsalted butter = cake like scone, salted butter = crumbly scone
You can add any "mix-ins" that you prefer, ex. blueberries, orange zest and cranberries, even bacon for a breakfast one!}

FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-07T21:15:00.001-07:00

I have this new infatuation with Etsy. These would make a marvelous little Father's day gift especially for those of us on a budjet (only $9...what a steal!!) If any of you have other ideas of great Father's day gifts, please share!

PLAYING DRESS UP

2009-06-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have found that there are not enough dress up clothes for little boys. I found this while browsing on Etsy...isn't adorable! I want one!

DISCOVERY

2009-06-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

I never liked asparagus when I was young. My taste buds must have matured since then because my mouth just waters when I think about this beautiful summer green! A delicious way to enjoy: drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper then grill. Yum-a-licious!

PASSION FRUIT MOJITO

2009-04-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

My latest indulgence. So light and refreshing, I just can't resist!
{recipe below}

PASSION FRUIT MOJITO WITH MINT

2 oranges, juiced (aprox. 2 cups)
1 C pineapple juice
1 mango, juiced (optional)
6 ice cubes
1/3 C Passion Fruit Mojito drink mixer
Whip Cream
Mint Sprigs

Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high until ice is liquefied. Serve with whip cream and a sprig of mint.

Fine Print: The orange juice is best when the whole orange is placed in a juicer. If you don't have juicer, just use 2 cups of plain old orange juice. It is the same with the pineapple--fresh is better.

Yield 2 servings

ITALY

2009-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine recently lent me a book about Italian culture and cuisine. I have been completely mesmerized by this book learning about things from raising the perfect pig and picking truffles to how they make and drink Grappa and recipes of home-made pasta sauces. Since I was young I have always been fascinated with Italy and my day dreams of vacationing there have increased to daily. I found this photo while browsing online and thought about how I wanted to ride my little banana seat bike with a basket by the handle bars (you know the kind) through town and stop by a cafe to have my little bowl of pasta with Pancetta and Montasio cheese with a tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. Then I'd ride to an open market and purchase some fabulous Italian loaf of bread and Gelato and pedal back to my small villa and sit by the Fogolar or hearth to read or maybe plan my next days trip...Venice, Rome, Sicily?

I CAN'T WAIT TO GET IN ON THIS NEW TREND

2009-04-01T11:50:00.001-07:00

If a spring (or summer) get together is on your "To Do" list, as it is on mine, a must have is a drink dispenser with a spigot. Not only are they fabulously wonderful, but they can make for some great eye candy filled with fresh fruits of the season. I found this one at Pottery Barn.

ANIMAL CRACKER COOKIES

2009-03-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

I got this fabulous idea from Maman Pelissie and just couldn't resist creating my own.
{recipe below}

ANIMAL CRACKER COOKIES

1 1/4 C whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground preferred)
1/3 C coconut oil (found in whole/health foods section of local grocer)
1/2 C sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract ('real' is better...but imitation will do)
Turbinado sugar

In a small bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In mixer, beat coconut oil and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until light in color and smooth in texture. Add flour mixture, half at a time and mix just until incorporated.
Divide dough into 2 equal balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
When ready to bake, remove dough from refrigerator and let stand for 10-15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Place on baking sheet that has been covered in parchment paper. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and bake until lightly brown on edges, about 10 minutes.

I am NOT obsessed (I think???)

2009-03-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Alright, I admit that I am a little J.Crew obsessed. And when I couldn’t find that fabulous flower belt they came out with last fall, I darn near cried. But instead of wallowing in sadness, I decided to get creative. The result…

Which do you like better?

LOVELIES

2009-03-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

I happened upon these lovelies on a favorite blog of mine. I think I may have found the perfect invitation idea for a Spring brunch! I'll of course have to modify for my own purposes. For step by step instructions, go to Cookies Nesting blog.

{photo courtesy Jordan Ferney}