Food Friday!

Hello friends!

I decided to take a trip over to my girl Martha's site! Since it's Easter weekend I thought I'd be a little crazy and cook up something special for my man. Even though it will only be the two of us on Sunday, I still thought a nice meal wouldn't hurt- right? I have to say Martha is good- she's real good- she knows how to get me coming back to her (and sometimes I hate that). Rarely does she disappoint- especially with the Whole Living division- I love it I confess. I mentioned quite some time ago that Katie Brown has my heart, but she seems to be letting me down lately- so maybe, just maybe, I'm pulling away from her- goodbye Katie.

Ok- enough rambling... it's early and I just finished my first cup of coffee- and I like to talk, but I will focus!

~~~~~Here is the menu I have selected from Martha for my Easter dinner~~~~~

~ appetizer ~
Steamed Artichokes with Tarragon Mayonnaise
~ main ~
Marmalade-Glazed Ham
~ side ~
Scalloped Potatoes with Leeks

Oven-Roasted Asparagus
~ dessert ~
Lemon Cake

Sugar Cookie Bunnies

(photos below:courtesy Martha Stewart)

Since I don't think I will be coloring Easter eggs (when you don't have kids in the house it isn't as fun), I thought maybe I should try my hand at these chocolate eggs!

What can I say - I love chocolate....

Happy Easter!

XO
SHS

WedETSYday!!!

Hello there love-eez!

As you know- today is etsy designer day- woo!hoo! I have decided to focus on designers who focus on handmade products for little ones!

For starts... Little Leg Warmers creates baby quilts and pillows that are too adorable. Here are a few of Brooke's creations...

bird watching with papa quilt

Pretty in Pink Quilt

Blue Moon Pillow

Baby O Slings makes a variety of baby products including these slings- loves 'em!

Blue Poppy Sling

Pink Poppy Sling

and... this Nappy Sack!

ALM Designs iphone cases come in a variety of fabrics! I especially love this one...

Iphone Case

And check out this onesie- now isn't that just perfect for Easter!

As always... buy handmade and check out these lovely designers on Etsy!

XOXO
SHS

Don't Lose Hope!

Hello All!

I had to write about this blog today, because it is so inspiring to me. Came across The English Muse on Bloggers "Blogs of Note" and love what Tina said about her struggle with blogging. I can relate so well to her self doubt, as I experience it everyday. But, I guess it's those times when you are feeling so alone that fate intervenes and lifts you up!

Here is the awesome and inspiring blog post from Tina of The English Muse- I have been reading it daily to keep hopeful! Thanks so much Tina.

"Hello Everyone, Welcome to the blog I started in earnest after Christmas. I suppose the song "Only the Lonely" could apply to newbie bloggers. You feel like you're talking to yourself in an empty room. I can't tell you how many times I thought about quitting. Some days, I had only one visitor. Other days, maybe 15 max (most of them me.)I took out an ad on Joanna Goddard's amazing blog, A Cup of Jo, and finally there was traffic. It's continued to increase steadily since then -- because of the help of many kind and generous bloggers. (Thank you!) I'm happy I stayed with it because something amazing happened this week: Blogger.com named English Muse a "Blog of Note." My site visits are up tenfold. So please bookmark me and come back to visit in the days and weeks ahead. I have lots to tell and show you. In the meantime I want you to know: I'm so happy that you're here.My warmest regards,Tina PS: I'm not sure who is in charge of deciding on the blogs of note. Whoever they are, I love them!PSS: Photo via Lolita. "

Love her blog- you gotta visit (and stay)!

PSSS: Photo via Lolita

Food Friday! Oh Yummy Cupcake

I'm experiencing another sweet tooth. Matter of fact it's a daily if not hourly occurrence. Because I'm in the baking mood, today's post is dedicated to cupcakes. Who doesn't love a cupcake? You get to indulge in your own mini cake. Hopefully one will satisfy you (or if you're like me you can consume a dozen) so you can feel less guilty about indulging in sugary, creamy, cakey goodness! I'm trying to decide which one of these to bake- but decisions like this are so hard to make... maybe I should bake all of them!

Joy the Baker's Carrot Cake Cupcake with Dulce De Leche Buttercream

or... Crispy Waffle's Cupcake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

or... Milk and Honey Cafe's Strawberry Cupcake

or... My Baking Addictions Coconut Cupcake

Now do you understand my dilemma???

Happy Friday!

XOXO
SHS

I'm Listening To...

Music is an important part of my life. I can't really say there are any genres of music that I don't like. My mood dictates the music I listen to, and it tends to vary throughout the day. When I workout I can listen to anything from Lady GaGa, Pink, Nine Inch Nails or Ne-Yo; when I'm cooking I like a little Jesse Cook, Ottmar Liebert, Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, etc.; when I'm camping I listen to Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison... and when I'm relaxing I prefer Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy or my newest obsessions... Ray LaMontagne and Adele. Have you listened to either??? I adore their voices- and now it is my mission to spread the word- at least on my blog! If you are looking for some new tunes check out both of these artists.

This is the Ray LaMontagne cd I am currently listening to- you can purchase it through Amazon.

And this is the Adele cd I am currently listening to- which can also be purchased through Amazon.

XOXO
SHS

WedETSYday!

Happy April 1! I know the official day of spring was March 20, but for some reason April 1 makes me feel like it really is here! Today's etsy sellers represent a feeling of spring- hope you enjoy!

Garden stakes- love 'em! These are the work of fromArtisanHands! I love the various colors!

This moss terrarium by MadebyMavis is so earthy and natural- love it!

Here's a close up photo of the terrarium- so simple and great!

This soap is the perfect addition to any gardeners aresenal "with a fresh smell of oranges, lemongrass and coffee"! You can find it at LilyPondSoaps.

Hope you find something you need from these etsy sellers! Remember to buy handmade!

XOXO
SHS

Camper Re-Do

I was flipping through Amy Butler's Midwest Modern book the other day- and came across images of her old jeep / camping setup. It got me thinking that I need to re-fabric the interior of my tent trailer. I think this weekend we will pop that baby open, and I will start sewing away to get my tent trailer looking more Amy Butler-ish!

Here a few images of Amy Butler fabric and style that I came across on the fabulous Decor8 blog- Enjoy.

(IMAGES BELOW: courtesy of Decor8)

I haven't decided on the exact fabric I will use, but I have decided that I will mix in Amy's print fabrics along with some solid (perhaps linen) color fabric. Too much print can be overwhelming for me. We'll see though, it's possible I will go crazy in that little camper.

xoxo
SHS