Homestyle Crafty Books

Have you ever visited  One2Try? Its a fun blog with oodles of great giveaways.  I've entered several, and finally won!  

On my doorstep this weekend I received my prize - a copy of the book

Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions by Rosanna Bowles.  Its a really cool book!  Lots of recipes, decorating ideas, crafty stuff all focused on creating and sustaining family traditions.  

I think my favorite aspect of it is that everything in it seems doable, and homey, not too picture perfect.  Its more about the family and togetherness aspect, not being too "Martha-y."  You can check out Rita of One2Try's review here - I think its a neat book too. 

But that's not all!  I got a SECOND book in the package, Crafting A Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco.  I LOVE this one!  It has some great craft projects that really resonated with me - all are inspired by personal memories, cultures, and people in the lives of the artists who created them, but could be transferred to your own families and friends to make some truly breathtaking gifts. 

I think I'll be making some decoupage plates for Christmas gifts this year, and I loved the family teepee idea too!  This comes out in September - check it out!

Thank you so much to Rita of One to Try, and also to Abrams books - what a delightful surprise! 

Cool as Can Be

We've had some record high temperatures in NYC this week - its been a hot summer.  So, I finally bit the bullet and bought an air conditioner.  We didn't grow up with one,  and I've lived in my apartment for nearly 5 years without it.  But last week, I could barely sleep so I took the plunge.  I installed it last night all by myself!  I got such a great sense of accomplishment from doing something totally foreign that I thought I couldn't do alone, and succeeding! No boys necessary!

Silly, perhaps, but it put a smile on my face, and I got a great night's sleep.  Score for the grrrrrll power!

(Thanks to Julie for helping me pick it up!)

I Gave Blood Today!

Have you ever given blood? 

Picture via Unfocused Photography

I did today!  I have a few times before, but hadn't in a while because of low iron, but decided to give it a shot again today at a work blood drive.  It was kind of fun!  Yes, they do poke you with a needle, but it only hurts for a second, and you can help save lives! 

1 in 3 people will need blood via transfusion in their lifetime, so chances are that you or someone you love will be the recipient.  Supplies are low, and although 60% of the population is eligible to donate, only around 5% do.  Let's step it up, people!

Check out redcross.org for more information and to find out where you can donate, or sign up in your community today!  On top of the free snacks,  you get the sense of feeling good for helping your fellow man. 

Two Takes On Edible Flag Cakes

Hi there!  I hope all of you had a delightful 4th of July weekend!  Mine was full of family fun, friends, and deliciousness, including: 

Julie's delightful USA cupcake display!  So good! 

I also made this - it was a chocolate chip cake and I used raspberries from mom's garden to decorate (plus a few errant strawberries and blueberries).  For the topping I used a 7 minute frosting, which is very marshmallowy.  And popular on its own as you can see!

Dorian loved it - all blame for the mess is mine, for handing a 3 year old a spatula full of frosting.  Sorry Mom.

Oh and here is the frosting recipe for those of you so inclined:

Seven Minute Icing 
from America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book" (2008 America's Test Kitchen)
Ingredients
1 cups (10 ounces) sugar
2 large egg whites
6 tablespoons cold water
1½ tablespoons light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the sugar, egg whites, water, corn syrup, cream of tartar and salt in a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Set the bowl over a large saucepan of barely simmering water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.

Heat the mixture, whisking constantly, until it registers about 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 5-10 minutes.

Remove bowl from heat and whip with an electric mixer on medium speed until it forms soft peaks. Add the vanilla, increase speed to medium-high and continue to whip until the mixture has cooled to room temperature and formed stiff, glossy peaks, 5-7 minutes. Use immediately.

Makes 5 cups, enough for a 2- or 3-layer cake.  Probably more.

Happy 4th of July!

 Happy July 4th everyone! 

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful weekend with Friends, Family, and Countrymen. 

Woo Hoo Friday!

Hello and Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you're having a delightful day and enjoying summer.  Off to spend some time poolside with the likes of this little guy - have fun and enjoy your weekend!

Pinkberry Happy Hour

I hate a love/hate relationship with Pinkberry. 

 I love the frozen yogurt, and the healthy fruit toppings and how fresh and yummy it is, but I hate that it is so expensive, and I think it is a total rip off when they charge extra for flavors.  BUT.  I just found out that everyday from 5-7pm, they have happy hour, where you can get frozen delights for 1/2 off!  So, that would make up for things. 

They have a new watermelon flavor which looks delightful - not sure about the cucumbers as a topping, but I'll try it!  It looks so pretty and pink and summery.  Yum!

UPDATE: The happy hour deal is only good on the new flavor - watermelon - but I'm happy to report its delicious!