New background

I can't believe it actually worked! On the top left corner of my blog is the link to Background fairy. The instructions were explicit and if I was able to follow them I know you can too!

Chocolate Exchange packages

These were the easiest things to make and would be a great party favor. I just embellished a kit that was purchased for 5$ for 30...the kit included the ribbon and tag, and I added the butterfly and little button. I wrapped the chocolate in tulle and tied with a ribbon. Easy peasy!

I'm participating in the exchange this weekend and can't wait to see the 20 packages I receive. I'm sure I'll have some fun ideas to post!

Pink Saturday

I recently stumbled upon this site. http://www.makeminepink.com/ and found all sorts of pink goodies. Isn't this fan pretty. I'm sure it would be easy to recreate this. And wouldn't the bird look cute in an Easter Tree?

And lastly, I have 2 packages of these lightly pink Wallies...25 in each of the wallpaper cutouts. The first person who wants them, leave a note and I'll send them as a Pink Saturday Gift. For more Pink fun head over to Beverly's at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Happy Pink Saturday!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

I will never forget the first time I had this cake. I was in high school and my friend Janet, who lived next door, was making it. She had me lick the spoon of this scrumptious batter and it was love at first taste. I think the batter tastes as good or better than the baked cake, it's that good. I have made this again and again. Its a standby that never disappoints.

Cake

2 large eggs

2 cups sifted flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sour cream

Topping

1 cup walnuts

1/4 cup sugar

1tsp cinnamon

Bake 350 -apx 45 mins in greased spring or bundt pan

Sift flour, baking powder, soda and salt together in bowl.

In another bowl blend butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs.

Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately to butter mixture. Stir till combined.

In buttered pan add 1/2 the batter mixture, sprinkle with 3/4 of the sugar, walnut and cinnamon mixture. Top with rest of batter and sprinkle with remaining walnut mixture.

I love Craigs list...my Seventeen dollar and fifty cent chair

I try to check Craigs list daily and I was thrilled to see 2 cute rockers for sale...both for 35$!!

My sister and I went to see them and of course we bought them..how could you not for only 17.50 per chair. I took this one and I'll post my sisters in another post. They are diminutive and oh, so sweet! Craigs list is the best. I would love to hear about your Craigs list finds.

Devils Food Surprise Cake..aka..Triple Coronary Bypass Cake

I have been making this cake for years and years and it's always a hit. I named it Triple Coronary Bypass Cake because it's so rich...little did I know that my husband would have to undergo this procedure.....so I warn you, a little of this rich cake goes a long way!

1 package devils food cake mix

1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (1.7 ounce size)

1 cup sour cream

4 eggs

16 ounce bag of chocolate chips...(I use the smaller of the two bags they sell..maybe 12 ounce)

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Mix eggs, water, oil, sour cream, pudding mix till well blended. Add cake mix and morsels till well blended.

Bake in ungreased tube or bundt pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour or till done. I start checking after 50 mins.

When cooled sprinkle with confectioners sugar, serve and be flattered by all the compliments.

Cake Decorating 101

I took the first two Wilton cake decorating classes at my local Michaels. It was alot of fun and as I look back at this picture I think I did pretty well for one of the first cakes I decorated. I have to remember to snap of picture when I decorate a cake.
I only wish I had a recipe for a frosting that is easy to work with that doesn't use Crisco....I can't bring myself to eat it!
If anyone sees this that has a recipe for Crisco free icing that is workable I would appreciate it if you would share it.
I'm off for the holiday today and just may have to make a cake!!

Valentines Day Card

I have recently become addicted to cardmaking. And I say addicted with all seriousness. I can't pass an ACMoore or Michaels without going in and adding to my growing supplies. There is always more pretty paper, ink and embellishments to buy. I only wish I had more time to play and play is what I'm doing...cutting, pasting, coloring, it's all fun!

Here is a simple Valentines day card. Just layering of paper, so easy and so rewarding for a non-crafty person like myself.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Pink Saturday

While my father was in Italy fighting in WWII, my grandfather was at home relieving some of his stress embroidering. He embroidered this twin bedcover. The pink has faded but the embroidery threads look to be as vibrant as the day he stitched them.

I have no twin bed to use it on and its faded and discolored in places. I have wondered should I cut it up and make some type of altered art and give each sibling a peice..or should I keep it in it's aged appearance. What would you do?

Beautiful...inside and out

I woke up this morning to these beautiful skies and another bud on my orchid bloomed. A beautiful morning indeed!!!

It's the small things that make me happy!