Jen Snow Design

hello, is it me you're looking for?

2011-09-02T20:28:00.000-04:00

Eek I've been MIA for awhile now- apparently since February- wow. Time is just passing by so quickly! Doesn't help that I missed a month of my summer stuck in the hospital. But that is all behind me now, and I am so happy to be healthy and back to work! I missed my little blog, and plan to get back into this again (perhaps slowly since I am so rusty!).

Just wanted to say hello and have a lovely long weekend!

(1. funny: www.happyplace.com, 2. cute typography: http://aletheaandruth.blogspot.com, 3. want: via etsy, 4. fun embroidery style)

A daily affirmation

2011-02-24T18:39:00.002-05:00

I love this commercial by Maxwell House. Check out their "Brew Some Good" campaign here.

Back to the Future

2011-02-24T09:26:00.001-05:00

This is fantastic! Photographer Irina Werning takes old retro photos ad reenacts them today! Check out her site here. {via Li'l Magoolie}

Rainbow Party!

2011-02-21T19:38:00.000-05:00

My party banner invitation would be a great addition or start to a rainbow-inspired party!
rainbow cake {source}, balloons {source}, streamers {source}, yarn wrapping {source}, soda bottles {source}

Something for you!

2011-01-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

An early Valentine's Day freebie for you! Download the printable PDF.

Creative Acccident

2011-01-25T12:16:00.001-05:00

I want this ring designed by Creative Accident

DIY yarn love

2011-01-21T15:07:00.001-05:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day! See instructions here.

Glittering Lightscape

2011-01-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

I really like this idea of poking white lights through a canvas. Might have to try this one myself!
Here are the instructions from apartment therapy
• Paint a stretched canvas from an art-supply store in your desired color.
• Plot out your design in pencil on the back, keeping dots a half-inch apart.
• Gently press an awl through each dot in your design to make a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the bulb.
• Press a bulb into each hole; secure each with craft clue.

{via pinterest}

2011-01-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

This is an easy and yummy topping for chicken, pork or fish. I made it last night with haddock, and it was delicious! {Recipe from Real Simple.}

Ingredients

1 garlic clove, peeled (I modified to 2 garlic cloves)
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
2 slices whole-wheat bread (I used my GF bread, and toasted it a little in the oven first)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves, 2 pork tenderloins, halved (1 1/2 to 2 pounds total), or 1 1/2 pounds fish (4 pieces)
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Method

Heat oven to 400º F.
Lightly coat a medium baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
Mince the garlic in a food processor, then add the parsley and pulse until combined, about 15 seconds. Add the bread, Parmesan, oil, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Pulse until well combined.
Arrange the meat or fish in the baking dish. Spread with the mustard, then pat the crumbs on top.
Bake until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes for the chicken, 30 minutes for the pork, or 20 minutes for the salmon. Divide among 4 plates and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Too cute

2011-01-18T19:48:00.001-05:00

Unreal tiny baby polar bear- too cute not to share {source}

cuteh bunneh

2011-01-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

This is adorable. Now I have to add embroidery to the list of things I want to learn.

{image via pinterest}

Working in Paper Land

2010-12-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

These are so amazing and detailed. {source}

2010-12-23T08:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays

2010-12-21T08:21:00.001-05:00

I have been guilt-ridden for my lack of blogging and tweeting lately. I have been busy making things for the holidays (can't post pics yet!) and have also been dealing with a chronic illness that has wiped me out. I am looking forward to a healthy New Year and getting back into the blogosphere!

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Write a Bike

2010-10-29T10:06:00.000-04:00

Cute! I particularly like the tandem couple bike! Check out Write a Bike.

{via Little Lovely}

Shameless self-promotion

2010-10-19T19:47:00.000-04:00

Hey! You should check out my Etsy shop that I just started! Right now I just have a few baby shower and birthday invitations but will do custom orders and plan to add more things, so keep visiting :)

2010-10-07T15:46:00.001-04:00

I whipped this up last night for dinner, and it was so delicious! Might be a nice addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. I highly recommend.

Ingredients:
6 lb sweet potatoes
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Prick each potato twice with a fork and bake in a foil-lined shallow baking pan in lower third of oven until very tender, about 1 hour. Remove and cool slightly.

Halve potatoes lengthwise and scoop out warm flesh into a large bowl. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or, for a smoother purée, force through a potato ricer. Stir in butter, cream, syrup, salt, and pepper.

{from epicurious}

(Note: I just baked the potatoes, mashed them, then added a splash of whip cream, a bit of margarine, and some maple syrup without measuring. Then threw it into a casserole dish to keep warm in the oven while the rest of dinner cooked. It turned out really nice and fluffy!)

Origami Flowers

2010-10-07T11:05:00.001-04:00

How gorgeous are these paper flowers by My Bohemian Summer? I loved my own wedding flowers, but I think I would have loved to have had a paper bouquet even more! Plus, these are much nicer to save as a keepsake than dried up old flowers. {via Paper Crave}

Mochimochi Land

2010-09-29T09:35:00.000-04:00

Tiny. Cute. Yarn. Love. Check out Mochimochi Land here.

{via Design for Mankind}

Paper Cut for Pa

2010-09-20T07:54:00.000-04:00

Spent my Saturday afternoon making this cute little birdie for my Dad's birthday present. Hopefully he likes it as much as I do!

2010-09-03T09:20:00.001-04:00

These mini frittatas are super easy and yummy- great for a simple, but impressive brunch. I think the recipe lends itself well to customizing it to your tastes. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
4 tbsp sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
7 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dijion mustard
salt and pepper
1/2 cup cheese, shredded

(For fewer frittatas, reduce ingredient amounts and just partially fill the empty cups of the muffin tin with water)

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a muffin tin.
2. Divide the broccoli, red onion, and sundried tomatoes equally among the cups.
3. Whisk the eggs with milk, garlic, dijion, salt and pepper.
4. Pour an equal amount of egg mixture into each filled cup.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then top each cup with some grated cheese, return to oven and bake for an addition 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Let stand for 2 minutes, then run a knife blade around the edge of each frittata before removing from pan. Serve with salad greens or other yummy brunchy foods :)

A few logo projects

2010-09-02T08:19:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of logos I was lucky enough to design for clients at my day job.

Daffodil Place provides support for cancer patients by providing boarding, meal services, emotional and practical support programs, and access to information and in-treatment wellness programs.

The "One World, One Table" 2010 World Culinary Summit, will host professionals from around the world as they discuss culinary tourism and economic development.

Josh Brill: Flora Fauna Bird Collection

2010-08-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

Love these prints by Josh Brill. Check them out here.

Cable and Cotton

2010-08-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

I love these adorable string lights from Cable and Cotton. You can choose from pre-selected colour combinations or choose your own colours to create your own unique string!

Marcel the Shell. With shoes on.

2010-08-26T08:28:00.000-04:00

A Baby Shower

2010-07-25T13:35:00.001-04:00

This weekend I hosted my first baby shower for a dear friend of mine...it also featured another first- my first sewing project- a flag bunting decoration that mom-to-be could use in the nursery afterwards. It was a time consuming project, but I am really happy how it turned out! I also made an easy paper garland (punched circles fed through the sewing machine- so simple!) that I hung from my dining room light fixture, and a diaper cake gift.

Guests could serve themselves bellinis, mimosas, raspberry lemonade, or quench their thirst with water bottles wrapped in custom labels (I wrapped leftover bunting fabric on the bottle tops to hide the ugly blue plastic), and munched on brunch food and yummy cupcakes from Susie's.

It was such a lovely afternoon spent with friends anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new baby!

Origami Jewellery

2010-07-13T09:27:00.001-04:00

Origami Jewellery is created by French design friends Claire & Arnaud. I love the simple beauty inspired by the delicate Japanese craft combined with precious metals. I would love to own the crane necklace!

{via the daily smudge}

Little owlies for a little peanut

2010-07-11T14:08:00.000-04:00

A good friend of mine asked me to create some art for her gender-neutral nursery. We decided on an owl theme (you know I love owls!), and these are the little prints I threw together for her to fit in Ikea frames she already had. The lil peanut is due is a few weeks, hopefully he/she likes them!

And this is the invitation I made for the baby shower:

{With my busy month, I didn't really have time to be uber creative, and therefore can't take credit for the prints. As you can see I was very much inspired by Lee Arthaus}

Modern Mailboxes

2010-07-07T10:37:00.002-04:00

Although we have come to a standstill on painting our front door (Hubster wants yellow and I want purple... however, I am starting to sway), I still have dreams of a welcoming porch. This includes finding a new modern mailbox to replace the ugly 'ol plastic one we currently have.
I never realized how expensive (nice) mailboxes are, it's insane. Here are some cool options I came across online while ignoring the price points.

(Centrifuge Transit Mailbox $150, Knobloch Mailbox, $399, Metropolis Stainless Steel Mailbox, $119, Umbra Postino Mailbox, $119)

Do you have any modern mailbox suggestions? How have you made your front porch welcoming?

The Prettiest Disposable Tableware

2010-07-07T08:55:00.000-04:00

Almost to pretty to use! Wasara, by Japanese design studio simplicity, elevates disposable tableware to a new level. The earth-conscious product is made from tree-free renewable materials: bamboo, reed pulp and sugar cane fiber and is fully biodegradable and compostable. The sturdy and simple designs fit comfortably into one's hand.
{on designboom via upon a fold on twitter}

The. Best. Sandal. Evaaaa.

2010-07-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

Holy Moly! I am in loooove with my most recent purchase: Sanuk flip flops. They are absolutely the most comfortable thing ever. As soon as I tried them on, I knew I had to have them (and possibly never take them off). They are made of recycled yoga mats- how's that for karma? "Sanuk" is Thai for FUN, and their mantra is "smile- pass it on!", which is why I share this with you :)

Olive Manna Colouring Book

2010-07-05T13:28:00.000-04:00

I would love to have this colouring book by Olive Manna... it is gorgeous! I could spend hours therapeutically colouring the beautiful patterns and meticulously trying to stay within the lines!

Does colouring appeal to any other adults out there?

First Impressions

2010-05-26T20:32:00.003-04:00

We are trying to decide whether it is a good idea to paint our front door (and if we will be able to do it without messing it up). I would love to have a bright welcoming door that would be a pop of colour on our beige home. Our colour choices are a bit limited to compliment our blue shutters (that I would also like to someday paint dark).
I am leaning towards a purple door, while the hubster likes the yellow door. Which option do you think works better? What colour is your front door or what colour would you like to paint it?

Typestaches

2010-05-25T20:11:00.003-04:00

Cute poster by Old Tom Foolery

{via Vale Design}

For the Birds

2010-05-17T10:01:00.001-04:00

These adorable little bird houses are so funny and original! Made by artists Luke Bartels and Jeff Canham, "For the Birds" can be found here. I would like a whole village of these cute birdy establishments.

{found via Design Crush}

Purse Lust

2010-05-13T14:17:00.003-04:00

It's practically calling my name..."Ginnifer....Ginnifer". If only money were no object! The La Casita Ginnifer Bag by Kate Spade:

2010-05-11T13:04:00.003-04:00

A new favorite! This recipe is so light and yummy, great served with

Basmati rice.

Ingredients

4 15x15-inch squares parchment paper

4 5-to 6-ounce fish fillets (such as halibut or cod; each about 1 inch thick)

12 fresh tarragon leaves

2 tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces

1 pound slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

4 tablespoons orange juice

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place parchment squares on work surface. Generously butter half of each parchment square; top buttered half of each with 1 fish fillet. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper; top each fillet with 3 tarragon leaves, then 1 piece of butter. Arrange asparagus around each fish fillet; pour 1 tablespoon orange juice over each. Fold parchment over fish and asparagus, folding and crimping edges tightly to seal and enclose filling completely. Place on 2 rimmed baking sheets, spacing apart. do ahead Can be made 4 hours ahead. Chill.

Bake fish packets 17 minutes. Slide packets onto plates and serve.

{via Epicurious}

Pretty Birdies

2010-05-11T08:00:00.004-04:00

So inspired by these beautiful photos taken by John & Fish of Taiwan.

{found via Good Measure}

Hyperactivity Typography

2010-05-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

This is an incredibly clever and cute activity book for Typophiles! 166 pages packed with silly and nerdy games! I want to order one, but in the meantime, i'll be flipping through the online book created by Studio3. Enjoy!

{found via howaboutorange}

2010-04-07T13:33:00.002-04:00

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I thought I would share one of my favorite summery side dishes. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup orange juice
2 tsp grated orange zest
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
1 cup basmati rice
1/2 cup roasted cashew pieces
1/4 cup chopped yellow peppers
1/4 cup chopped red peppers
3 scallions, minced
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground white pepper to taste
1 (8-oz.) can mandarin orange segments drained well

Method:
1. In a 2-qt. sauce pot, bring the water, orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, and salt to a boil, and stir in the rice. Cover the sauce pot, and simmer the rice for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has totally evaporated.

2. Empty the orange rice into a large mixing bowl and add the cashew pieces, peppers and scallions.

3. Just before serving, season the rice with the salt and white pepper and add the drained mandarin orange segments to the rice, folding them in gently to prevent the oranges from breaking.

{recipe and photo via Canadian House and Home}

The 1960's

2010-03-26T11:49:00.003-04:00

I love these fashionable retro 1960's prints by Justin Skeesuck that were inspired by matchbox labels from the 1950s and 60s.
{via Design Work Life}

Kale Chips

2010-03-18T13:36:00.001-04:00

I consider myself somewhat of a chip connoisseur (read: chip addict), so when I came across this recipe for Kale Chips that promised to be a salty alternative to real chips, you better believe I was skeptical. I would have normally just passed by this recipe, but I had a large bunch of kale slowly deteriorating in my fridge, so I thought I would give it a whirl. And I was pleasantly surprised!

Now in my books, these can't be categorized as "chips", but they are a healthy light salty snack that might help curb your salty cravings. Even my picky husband ate some!

Ingredients:
1 bunch kale
1 tbsp olive olive
1 tsp sea salt
Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top (optional)

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Tear kale into bite size pieces, removing from thick stem (wash and thoroughly dry)
3. Place on baking sheet in single layer and drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges are brown and crispy (but not burnt) and enjoy!

{photo and adapted recipe from the Zoe Blog}

good food = happy stomach

2010-03-18T13:05:00.002-04:00

I think I should have this printed and put on my fridge as a reminder not to be tempted by the yummy/bad foods that I am constantly tempted to eat but always make me feel sick. This cute design is by Kenjiro Sano for the Japanese Association of Graphic Designers Food Cloth exhibit.
{via Oh Joy Eats}

Amy Butler: rugs and other pretty things

2010-03-11T09:33:00.002-05:00

I want ALL of these rugs designed by the lovely Amy Butler for Chandra Rugs. I can't decide which one I would want in my own home...I think I am leaning towards the one on the top row, right. Check out Amy's website for more products including bags, towels, bedding, stationery and more! She also has FREE sewing and craft patterns you can download that are equally lovely.

Kailo Chic :: Etsy Handbags

2010-03-05T13:17:00.002-05:00

Love the funky patterns on these handmade wallet clutches by Kailo Chic. They kind of remind me of the clutches I got for my bridesmaids from Stitches Are Forever (as seen below), each with a hint of pink to go with the j. crew bridesmaid dresses. I heart Etsy!

Jeanie & Jewell: Letter Love

2010-03-03T15:22:00.001-05:00

Loving these decorative letters created by Jeanie & Jewell.

29 things to do before I am 30

2010-03-02T15:43:00.002-05:00

With the big 3-0 looming, I want to enjoy this last year as a 20-something- or at least get some things accomplished so I can be free to do whatever comes my way (sans guilt). This is kind of like a high list of New Year's resolutions, but hopefully putting it out there helps me get things done!

In no particular order:

1. Go tree zip lining.
2. Train or try to run a half marathon (this is going to be the hardest thing for me!) Actually, maybe I should just put down- try to run. period.
3. Go on a trip (perhaps Las Vegas with my girlfriends to celebrate our 30th birthdays)
4. Start practicing yoga at home (and continue my practice in the studio too)
5. Finish renovating the basement rec room
6. Plant our garden. (Last year, my parents were sweet enough to do it for us. I am sure they would do it again, but I would like to give it a try)
7. Sell at least one painting. Somehow.
8. Pick up some more freelance design work. Anyone need my services?
9. Pay off my credit card (This will also be hard!)
10. Go for Sunday drives with Dave. Inspired by this cute post by Things to do for Two.
11. Buy a sewing machine (second hand or on sale), and attempt to make curtains among other crafty things
12. Make a date night (at least) every two weeks with Dave
13. Make more of an effort to keep in touch with friends
14. Attempt to refinish my old childhood dresser. And if I feel confident after that:
15. Refinish our kitchen cabinets
16. Learn calligraphy
17. Refresh my web design skills (and make a portfolio website)
18. Go back to Oak Island (where we got married) to celebrate our Anniversary.
19. Take advantage our our health benefits and treat myself to monthly massages (what is wrong with me that I haven't taken advantage of this yet?!)
20. Learn to crotchet/knit
21. Start my RRSP (I know. I know. Should have started this one looooong ago.)
22. Read more books. ( I have a hard time picking up a new book once I finish a really good read.)
23. Go indoor rock climbing (have never tried it)
24. Go to the driving range with Dave
25. Try to always have fresh flowers in the house
26. Go to a wine and food tasting at Bishops Cellar
27. Make a seafood chowder
28. Hike the Cabot Trail
29. Keep trying out this bloggin' thang

Well, there it is. Some small, some big, some fun, some not so much. Do you have a 'bucket list' or list of things to do before you are, say- 30? What does it include?

{illustration by Adam Dedman}

2010-03-01T10:00:00.007-05:00

I made this dinner for friends the other night, and it was a hit. It looks fancier than it really is, and it is super yummy! So if you are looking for something new to do for a chicken dinner, I suggest this recipe.

Ingredients

4 shallots, thinly sliced

10 bacon slices (about 1/2 pound)

4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds total)

Lemon pepper seasoning to taste (or ground black pepper with a little lemon zest)

6 Tbsp grated Parmesan (about 1 ounce)

1 Tbps olive oil

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/3 cup dry white wine

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 Tbsp flour

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

Method

1. Working in batches, cook the bacon over medium heat in an ovenproof heavy skillet, until lightly brown but still flexible (not crisp). Place the bacon on paper towels to drain. Cook the shallots in the remaining bacon fat over low heat, stirring, until softened. Transfer shallots with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and leave any fat remaining in skillet. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. With smooth side of a meat pounder pound each breast to 1/8-inch thickness. Discard plastic from boned side of each breast. Sprinkle chicken with lemon pepper (or ground black pepper and a little lemon zest) and salt. Place 2 1/2 slices of bacon lengthwise (parallel with grain of flesh) along middle of each breast. Top with shallots and Parmesan. Using plastic wrap to help you, tightly roll up each breast lengthwise, tucking in the ends to enclose the filling. Secure seams with wooden toothpicks.

3. Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes. When cooked, remove chicken from oven and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

4. To make the sauce, add wine to the skillet and deglaze over medium high heat, scraping up brown bits. Boil wine until reduced to about 1 tablespoon. Add garlic and butter. Cook mixture over medium low heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add flour and cook roux, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth and cream and bring to a boil, whisking. Simmer the sauce, whisking, 2 minutes. Keep sauce warm. Remove the wooden toothpicks from roulades and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Spoon some sauce in center of each of 4 plates and arrange roulade slices decoratively on sauce.

{photo and recipe from Simply Recipes}

Hine: felt creatures

2010-02-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

I love these little felt creatures (and camera cases) created by Hine (hee-neh), a Japanese illustrator/puppet stop-motion video artist/crafter who lives in Vancouver, Canada. So cute!

Think happy, be happy

2010-02-25T13:18:00.006-05:00

I came across a poster with this mantra on it the other day, and decided to make my own little version. I believe that we are what we think. So think happy!

Painting

2010-02-23T19:24:00.001-05:00

This is a (pre-framed) painting my sister asked me to do as a wedding gift for one of her girlfriends. She wanted something reminiscent of the marshes we all grew up on in Sackville, NB. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out considering I normally work on much larger canvases.

I've been enjoying working with a palette knife a lot lately. This is a textured triptych painting of a Newfoundland landscape I made a while ago for our living room.

I would really like to do some more paintings, and perhaps even try to see if I can somehow sell them either online or locally. Anyone have any suggestions? Must. Get. Motivated.

DIY Origami Heart

2010-02-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

For a sweet do-it-yourself Valentine, check out this easy tutorial to see how to make these little origami hearts. (The tutorial is for "money hearts", but I just used a piece of paper cut to 9" x 4")

I opted for simple white paper, but they would be cute made out of double-sided coloured/print paper, with a little love note written inside, or strung up on a string for decoration.
{via Eat Drink Chic}

Amigurumi and other cute things

2010-02-12T10:11:00.002-05:00

Eeeep! Amigurumi means "crocheted stuff doll" in Japanese, and I am in love with these cuties found on Shanalogic. I really want the little catcus! Also loving this cute bunny tote and foxy ipod case. Tons of cute gift ideas on this site.

I would like to learn how to crochet so I can make these cuties myself. If you are interested in free amigurumi patterns (including the cactus one) check this out.

2010-02-09T19:22:00.007-05:00

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
(optional addition: chopped green pepper or other veggie)
2/3 cup dry white wine
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced peeled tomatoes with juices
1 cup whipping cream
1 pound penne pasta (or pasta of choice. I used brown rice pasta)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method
Melt butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 7 minutes. Add sausage and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess drippings from skillet. Add wine to skillet and boil until almost all liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices and simmer 3 minutes.

Add cream and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. (Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain pasta; transfer to large bowl.

Bring sauce to simmer. Pour sauce over pasta. Add 3/4 cup cheese and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons parsley.

{via epicurious}

What the heck is a diaper cake?

2010-02-08T19:40:00.002-05:00

I know- it sounds gross. I got a lot of weird looks when I first told people I was attempting to make a "diaper cake" for a friend's baby shower. It didn't occur to me that you might envision an unappetizing cake with a lot of chocolate diarrhea-like icing, instead of a centerpiece/gift made of diapers.

I am getting to that stage in life where all my friends are getting married, and now starting to having babies. I am sure this is the first of many baby showers to come, so I thought I would try to master a "diaper cake".

It was actually a lot easier to make than I had expected. To make the cake, diapers are arranged in a spiral pattern around a round object (like baby lotion bottle) and stacked in tiers to look like a multi-tiered cake. It helps to have an extra set of hands to hold the diapers steady when you tie them in place. I then wrapped each layer in a receiving blanket to look like icing and finished it off with a nice ribbon. Other finishing touches included toys, clothing, and roses made of baby facecloths. There are plenty of online tutorials that provide tips (if you actually care!)

It is a fun, creative way to present a practical gift!

I heart shoes!

2010-02-04T22:08:00.001-05:00

Found these awesome Nine West shoes on clearance!! Cute and retro – swoon!

Crazy Love

2010-02-03T21:04:00.001-05:00

I got a kick out of these Valentine's cards by Up Up Creative. The fart one is my fav!

Colour and Pattern

2010-02-03T14:20:00.002-05:00

Love these delightful, soft patterned pieces by designer Donna Wilson... too bad they are way out of my budget! Can be found on The Future Perfect website, which has lots of other cool things as well.
{via ohjoy!}

Cute as a Button!

2010-02-02T13:37:00.003-05:00

Eeeee! This is unbelievably adorable! My hubby often likes to say that I am "cute as a button", to which I always reply with an eye-roll: "ya, because buttons are just SOO cute!"... in this case they actually are! I loooove this Valentines idea. See the Worlds Smallest Postal Service here.
{found via Designmom}

Valentine Love: Day 2

2010-02-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

{via fffound}

Valentine Love: Missed Connections

2010-02-01T15:55:00.001-05:00

"Messages in bottles, smoke signals, letters written in the sand; the modern equivalents are the funny, sad, beautiful, hopeful, hopeless, poetic posts on Missed Connections. Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. "

Such a cute idea! Artist Sophie Blackall's Missed Connections project is an ongoing series of paintings based on real, anonymous messages posted online by lovelorn strangers. Perhaps someone wrote in about you? Check it out here.

2010-01-28T10:12:00.005-05:00

Ingredients:
1 packages (thawed) frozen spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)

Method:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Squeeze spinach of all excess liquid. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Add spinach, tomatoes, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; cook, stirring, 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; let cool about 15 minutes.
3. Add ricotta; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pack about 1/2 cup spinach mixture on top of each fillet, matching the shape of the fillet.
5. Place fillets on a rimmed baking sheet or in a glass baking dish; bake until cooked through, 15 minutes.

Snarky Papercut Valentines

2010-01-27T15:12:00.001-05:00

These lasercut "non-affection" valentines by owlyshadowpuppets are pretty awesome. Plus they are papercuts, which makes me love them even more!
{via papercrave}

Paper Fashion: Kathryn Elyse

2010-01-27T14:47:00.002-05:00

Pretty watercolour and ink prints by Kathryn Elyse. Visit her etsy shop here.
{via great full day}

Yakkay: Brainwear

2010-01-24T14:13:00.002-05:00

These bike helmets by yakkay are so cute and stylish, not to mention safe. They almost make me wish I rode a bike. Almost. If only Halifax had better bike lanes...
{via mostlyuselessthingsiwant}

Petal-inspired finds

2010-01-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

Petal coffee table, the 'dew drop' artificial leaf that waters your plants, the onion vase, and petal-shaped salt and pepper shakers. Pretty!!
{found via I New Idea}

Handmade by LavenderFields

2010-01-19T16:07:00.002-05:00

I am loving the variety of colours and organic shapes in these handmade pieces by LavenderFields.
{via tryhandmade}

Typophile

2010-01-19T11:33:00.001-05:00

These classic typefaces would be lovely in a designer's home office. This wall hanging made by peppersprouts is cut from lightweight laminated walnut mdf.

2010-01-18T14:45:00.004-05:00

This soup was delicious! So nice on this cold blustery day. I took the less healthy route and made it with cream instead of tofu, but I have included both options to tickle your fancy.

Ingredients:
1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets
2 T butter
1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
3 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 t cumin
1 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1/2 t ground mustard
2 T flour
2 cup coarsely grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup light cream
OR
1 cup soy milk (or skim)
6-7oz firm tofu (apx 1/2 block)

Method:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli, and cook until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain, reserving 3 cups water. Rinse broccoli with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.

In a large pan, heat olive oil, over medium heat. Add potato, pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add cumin, salt, pepper, mustard and flour, and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add reserved 3 c stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer (partially covered), until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Add cream and Cheddar, stirring to melt. (Or add skim milk instead of cream)

Transfer 3 c soup to a blender, {add tofu if you choose (this may need to be done in 2 batches)}. Puree, until smooth. Return to pot. Add florets and cook over medium heat, until heated, 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
{photo/recipe from fresh365 and adaptations from epicurious}

Schweppes limited edition beverages

2010-01-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

You can only find these vintage inspired bottles in select bars, cafes and restaurants. The series includes Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Soda Water and Indian Tonic Water. I could go for a ginger ale right about now! {via design crush}

PaperGraphic: Yulia Brodskaya

2010-01-13T10:50:00.003-05:00

Yulia Brodskaya is a very cool graphic artist who combines typography, paper, and highly detailed hand-made craft objects. I have seen some of her work on other blogs not knowing the artist, but I just stumbled upon her own site, and I love love love her stuff!

Anthropologie Necklaces

2010-01-13T09:25:00.002-05:00

I am loving these pretty floral necklaces from Anthropologie (Not to mention the clothes on their site, but they are just way out of my budget).

2010-01-12T12:40:00.008-05:00

Made this last night to have for my lunches this week. It is very tasty and can be easily modified to suit what you have in the pantry.

Ingredients:
4 large sausages, preferably hot Italian
4 ripe but firm tomatoes (quartered) or pint of cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 peppers, preferably different colours, halved
3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
2 cups (500 mL) orzo or uncooked rice, or quinoa
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) each chopped fresh dill and basil or 2 tsp (10 mL) dried basil and 11/2 tsp (7 mL) dried dillweed
3 green onions, thinly sliced

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place tomatoes and peppers on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake until roasted approx 45mins. Grill sausages on barbeque or pan fry.

Meanwhile, boil orzo, rice or quinoa following package directions. Two minutes before orzo is cooked, stir in broccoli. Drain and turn into a big bowl. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp (30 mL) each oil and 1/4 cup lemon juice, ½ tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper. Stir into orzo mixture. Chop grilled tomatoes and peppers. Slice sausages. Prepare herbs and onions. Stir all into orzo. Taste. Add more juice and salt if needed. Delicious warm or at room temperature. Will keep overnight in the refrigerator.

{via chatelaine}

MaryMary Handmade

2010-01-10T18:12:00.002-05:00

Aren't these necklaces adorable? I especially love the baby sloth hanging on the 'y' necklace. You can find marymaryhandmade here on etsy.
{found via mostlyuselessthingsiwant }

Blog Love: Fryd+Design

2010-01-08T08:49:00.001-05:00

Stumbled upon this lovely blog full of eye candy by Norwegian designer Jeanette Lunde. I especially love her own prints that would be super cute in a nursery.
{found via freshly blended}

2010-01-07T13:08:00.002-05:00

This is my all time favorite pasta dish, and it just happens to be super easy too!
Roasting tomatoes brings out their rich flavour, and the harshness of the garlic mellows during roasting making it a delicious yet simple combo. Top it all off with a generous heap of shaved parmesan and you've got a winner! This recipe is very flexible – I now use brown rice pasta and just wing it with the other ingredients. Hope you enjoy it too!

Ingredients:
4 cups cherry tomatoes
12 cloves garlic, halved (minced)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb buccatini (or spaghetti) pasta
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Method:
1. In metal pan, toss together tomatoes, garlic, oil, basil, salt, hot pepper flakes, pepper
2. Roast in oven at 400 degrees until tomatoes are shriveled and garlic is tender (~30 mins)
3. Meanwhile cook pasta until al dente, drain and return to pot. Add tomato mixture and toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

Creature comforts

2010-01-07T12:45:00.002-05:00

Love this "Wrap your troubles in dreams" print by the Black Apple...it reminded me of this tshirt found on forever21, and pretty little things by friedasophie.

{via melissa loves and brightside project}

Amazing paper cutting inspiration

2010-01-05T21:44:00.001-05:00

I know I have been posting a lot of paper cuts lately, but I just came across some truly beautiful pieces by Julene Harrison that I wanted to share/save as inspiration.

More adventures in paper cutting

2010-01-03T20:01:00.001-05:00

(Top: Papercut elephant I made for my nephew, Bottom: Papercut Newfoundland row houses I made for David)

Warm wishes

2009-12-22T18:53:00.001-05:00

{top- relaxing by the fire at Amy's. bottom- the papercut bird ornament I made displayed on our tree}

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T15:21:00.002-05:00

I am counting down the days (2 more to go!) until we fly to Newfoundland for the holidays! It will be my first Christmas with my new newfie family, and the first away from my own. As sad as I am that I will be miss seeing my own family, I know that Dave and I will "have a time" on the rock!

Hope you all enjoy the holiday with family and friends too!

{This year's Christmas card I made. The banner reads "From our home to yours"}

Hooters!

2009-12-21T14:14:00.000-05:00

Found these tiny canvases on sale at Loomis and made some lil owlies as gifts. Made with watercolour, paper and glue.

Hand-carved stamps

2009-12-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

Oooh this looked so fun! Came across Geninne's Art Blog (via vale design), where she has a tutorial on how to make hand-carved stamps out of erasers or artist carving block. So many ideas already!

Christmas Baking

2009-12-10T10:58:00.003-05:00

Every holiday season, my mother would make the same holiday cookies and treats in large batches then freeze them so they would actually last until Christmas. My dad, sister and I would inevitably get frost-bitten fingers from sneaking so many treats out of the deep freeze. To me, Christmas isn't the same without shortbread cookies, peanut butter balls, peppermint bark, butter tarts and nanaimo bars. And to this day, I still prefer them all in their frozen form. However, now that I am trying to be gluten free, it means that I am going to have to find some alternatives to these... for now though, at least I can still have the peanut butter balls!

Mom's Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup fine chopped walnuts
1/2 cup rice crispies, crunched
6 squares semi sweet chocolate
1 tbsp butter

Method
1. Mix peanut butter, icing sugar, walnuts, and rice crispies. Chill for 15 minutes.
2. Melt chocolate and butter over hot water (dutch oven)
3. Roll dough into balls and dip into melted chocolate
4. Chill on wax paper

DIY Snow Globe

2009-12-09T09:20:00.001-05:00

Using a recycled glass jar, attach pieces of a small plastic landscape (available at toy and novelty stores) and a figurine onto the lid with Krazy Glue or other epoxy that won’t dissolve in water. Fill the jar with water and a sprinkle of glitter. Once the glue has dried completely, place the lid on the jar and tightly screw it on. Use more glue to make a leak-proof seal. A collection of the mini-dioramas adds magic to a mantel.
{found via Mint}

Delicious Paper

2009-12-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

Mmm, what a yummy calling card...not only is this letterpressed on super thick soft cotton cover stock, but it is tiny- only 1.5" x 2". The owner likes mini things, just like me! Card printed by Lunalux Letterpress

It's raining, it's pouring...

2009-12-03T14:45:00.001-05:00

It's pouring here in Halifax today. Although I can't say that the rain makes me smile, this illustration does. I can't wait to get home, put on my comfies and cuddle up with hubby. So cozy.

{illustration by Heidi Burton)

Loyal Loot

2009-12-03T11:14:00.002-05:00

Combining the natural beauty of logs with a high gloss varnigh, these handmade bowls make me drool. Each bowl is handmade by Loyal Loot crafts people using only locally reclaimed trees of all varieties. Beautiful.

2009-12-03T11:02:00.002-05:00

This is a yummy chicken recipe that is easy to make with ingredients that you will likely have on hand. Nothing fancy, but tastes delicious!

Ingredients
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp grainy dijion mustard
2 tbsp minced fresh dill (or 1/4 tsp dried dill)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken

Method
1. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish that is just large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer. Pour marinade over chicken and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hr.
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Remove plastic wrap ad place dish in middle of oven. Bake uncovered for about 35 mins until chicken is cooked.
3. Spoon sauce from bottom of pan over chicken and serve immediately.

{found on the simple celiac}

Love you like...

2009-11-24T18:09:00.000-05:00

poster by Erin Jang {found via happy lady eats}

Gorgeous chair

2009-11-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

I want this chair for my living room! Anson chair from Room&Board

{stumbled upon via Little Brown Pen}

2009-11-23T10:50:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato, peeled, diced
1 large red pepper, seeded, diced
1 large yellow pepper, seeded, diced
1 med red onion, chopped
1 med zucchini, chopped
1 large portobello mushroom, chop
1 can chickpeas, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp basalmic vinegar
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
1/2 cup feta cheese or 1/3 cup parm
1/4 cup fresh basil or mint, chopped

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, toss together all vegetables, chickpeas, olive oil, balsamic, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. Spread vegetable mixture in a large roasting pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Roast for 25 mins, stirring once or twice, until veggies are tender.
3. To serve, combine hot veggies, couscous, feta, and basil in a large serving bowl and toss well. Add a bit more fresh pepper to taste. Mix with cooked quinoa.

How cheeky!

2009-11-23T10:25:00.002-05:00

Dirty postcards by spread the love

More holiday paper crafts

2009-11-23T09:54:00.002-05:00

Some more ways to use my scrap paper:
An origami wreath ornament tutorial by domesticali

and a pretty paper wreath tutorial by razzle dazzle crafting

{found via papercrave}

Wreath tutorial on the Red Thread.

Soft cozy bracelets

2009-11-20T08:23:00.000-05:00

These are gorgeous! She uses super soft merino yarn that is hand dyed in beautiful colours. Check them out on her etsy shop.

Wonderful Watercolours

2009-11-19T18:00:00.001-05:00

miss capricho {via Oh Joy!}

Another holiday craft

2009-11-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

These would be a great use for all the left over scrap paper I have from my recent paper cutting adventures. Cute in a bowl or hurricane jar, or strung together in a garland. I might even package these up flat and send to my mother and sister with instructions how to unfold. See tutorial on the Creative Place.

{via Design Crush}

2009-11-13T13:27:00.003-05:00

Creme brulee is my husband's favorite dessert. If a restaurant is serving it, no matter the flavour, he will order it. Even though I was hosting "ladies night" last night, I really made the dessert for him :)

It is very easy to make, and it was hit with hubby and the ladies! The only tricky thing is you need the little ramekin dishes to make them in. And if you do not have a blowtorch, you can put the desserts under a broiler until caramelized (a few minutes).

Ingredients:
1 large lemon
3 cups heavy cream
About 10 tablespoons sugar
6 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Method:
1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325F.
2. Finely grate 2 tablespoons zest from lemons into cream in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in 7 tablespoons sugar and a pinch of salt. Heat mixture over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until almost boiling, then remove from heat.
3. Lightly beat yolks in a bowl, then gradually whisk in hot cream. Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a quart-size glass measure and stir in vanilla and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Divide among ramekins.
4. Arrange ramekins in a roasting pan and bake in a water bath (water halfway up the ramekin) until custards are just set around edge but centers wobble when pan is gently shaken, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool custards in water bath 20 minutes, then remove from pan and chill, uncovered, at least 4 hours. (Custards will set completely as they chill.)
5. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon sugar evenly over each custard, then move blowtorch flame evenly back and forth close to sugar until sugar is caramelized. Let stand until caramel is hardened, 3 to 5 minutes.

I served mine with fresh raspberries on top- yum!

{recipe found on epicurious}

Non-traditional embroidery

2009-11-13T13:23:00.002-05:00

Would never think to embroider wood panels, but these pieces by noshii are so cool!

via {freshly blended}

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

2009-11-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

Not only am I thinking about making Christmas gifts, I am also starting to think about my holiday decorations this year. We plan on putting up our tree on December 1st, but I think I might be able to put up some more subtle seasonal decorations even sooner than that. Perhaps something like this pine cone decoration from Sweet Paul.

via {design crush}