Secret

Things are very busy around here. Spring is coming. Daylight savings has given us more free time at night. School events are in full swing. T-ball has started. Opening day for Major League Baseball is today, or tomorrow if you are a Red Sox fan (which we are). That means baseball will be on in our house 24/7. This is usually when I start reading novels. Long ones. But the best part is I am sewing again. I am working on a top secret project that I can't even speak about. I have four months to complete it and I have set a goal of doing a small part every night. I also plan to start my first vegetable garden. Fresh veggies are in our future. What are you working on? What does Spring mean for you?

Outdoor Tray

I love to create. It is a huge part of my life. But I often need to copy an idea I have seen somewhere. My original ideas don't often work out. I am ok with that. But sometimes I have an idea that actually works. And that is the best feeling ever. I really wanted something to put on my outdoor patio. I was browsing in Joann's yesterday when I saw a plain white tray. I had an idea. So I bought it. It ended up being half off so I got if for around $7.00. I ran home and pulled out my scrap booking paper. I cut it to size and then glue it onto the tray. I put some clear laminate over the paper. This is laminating paper that comes on a roll which I cut to size. Then I took the tray outside and added my candles. I am very pleased with how it came out. It took less then 15 minutes to make. The best part was that it was my idea and it actually worked. I don't know if it will become a family heirloom. But it will be nice for this summer and adds just the touch of class I was looking for.

Brunch - 35 people - my house - OMG

We are in full preparation mode. Baking, cleaning, redecorating. Hosting a brunch for 35 people can drive a normally sane person insane. It also makes one starting thinking about rearranging everything in their home.

Umm, my dog just drank out of the toilet. Can't imagine how many times he has licked us after doing that.

Anyway as I was saying there is a lot going on in our household right now. There is one thing that is not happening, and that is any form of sewing. I have scheduled a sewing date with myself for when this big event is over.

Pesto Sauce

Lately I have been craving fresh basil and tomatoes. And I don't like tomatoes. Hmm. What does this mean.? Tonight we made fresh pesto sauce. I have a pesto recipe that has been in my recipe book since 1999. I don't even remember where it came from. My little chefs love to cook with me and they love to use my super duper mac 5 food processor. They actually know how to use it better then me since they watched the instructional DVD with me.

This recipe calls for white wine which I omitted because I didn't have any. It tasted great with pasta and fresh cut tomatoes. I think this would be good on crusty bread as well.

In a blender, puree all ingredients until thoroughly blended.

2 cups fresh basil

1/2 cup pin nuts, toasted

1 tbl garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup white wine

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup low-sodium fat-free chicken broth

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black petter

Candy Sushi

Is this adorable or what? It is candy sushi. My boys are taking an edible art class. This was by far the best project they came home with. Much better then the edible vomit. I found a link with some directions here. What a great project to keep in mind for a rainy day or a birthday party. I also saw this cookie bouquet at Then She Made ... which would be fun for a birthday or as a hostess gift. I can't wait to make this.

Pottery Barn Inspired Center Piece

I love Pottery Barn. Love it. And they have these beautiful apocrathy jars in their catalog. I just happen to have an apocrathy jar. So I hit up Michael's Craft Store and got what I needed. A little straw, some twine, a few eggs, some green moss and a bit of a mess later and I had a Pottery Barn inspired center piece. I love how it turned out. In two weeks I am hosting a brunch for 35 people. This spring inspired centerpiece is going to look great on my table.

Baby Shower

We had a recent baby shower at work. I made chocolate cupcakes and put little blue booties on top of each one. I brought my cupcake tree. I love the way cupcakes are being displayed these days. My boys and I are really into this show called Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. Four contestants compete to have their cupcakes used at a huge event. I have learned so much about cupcake making since watching it. And I have been eyeing the new Cricut Cake machine. Can you just imagine how many amazing designs I could make if I had this machine.