Thursday, December 15, 2011

A Day of Pure Ho Ho Ho

My kids know the meaning of Christmas.  As my 5 year old son kindly reminded me "Mom, it's NOT about the presents, it's about Baby Jesus".  I must be doing something right! 
With that being said, they also marvel at the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving, which is Santa Claus!  
So - I wanted to share a few pictures of them with their favorite man in red.  



Hope you all aren't too stressed out right now getting ready for the rather large, full of expectations holiday.  For myself, I'd say my stress level is at a 6.5 (on a scale of 1-10).  Previous years I've been about a 9 at this point - but this year I managed to get some shopping done early - which helped tremendously.  
All I need now is a Silent Night and some hot coffee and Bailey's  :)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Etsy 817 Handmade Holidays


Come find Whoopsie Daisies at:


Handmade Holidays



Location

UTA - Maverick Activities Center (MAC)
500 W. Nedderman Dr.
Arlington, TX 76013


Dates & Times
Friday, December 9 - Noon-7pm
Saturday, December 10 - 10am-4pm


Press
Dallas Morning News Arts Blog
The Shorthorn

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Happy Birthdays and Back to School 2011

I cannot possibly fathom how it is that my kids are now 9 and 5 years old.  Where in the heck, does the time GO?
I'm late posting pictures anyway, and thought I'd combine birthdays, back to school, and both kids.  (Let's not discuss the fact that my own BIG birthday occurred this month as well - maybe.. more on that one later!  I'm just happy to celebrate 29 from here on out!)

Here's the boy - cute as ever with his little cake at the Putt Putt golf course.  We gave him a party with his little friends to play golf.  It was a hit - Star Wars + Putt Putt.

My girl just turned 9 years old - so hard to believe!  The angel on her cake, was mine.  I have a collection of them (Josef Originals) from ages 1-18.  Well... the #8 is missing in action.  I'm suspecting she is partying it up in the attic somewhere with GI Joe, but that hasn't been confirmed.

Back to school for my sweet girl - 3rd grade this year.

And... Pre-K for the boy.  He will be quick to point out to you that he is in the "older" Pre-K classroom, so as to distinguish from the "younger" children.  Three days a week this year - and so far so good!  Both boy and Mom are extremely happy.

And, we couldn't have just a normal photo session - nope - this is our "normal" - my little goof ball.  the Ham. the comedian.  Never a dull moment around here!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Sofar Sounds Dallas - An Evening of Awesome Music!

About a week and a half ago I had the opportunity to attend one of the most unique musical experiences I have ever had.  As many of you know, I love music - and lately have especially enjoyed listening to and getting to know the stories behind many unsigned and/or up and coming artists.  

Sofar Sounds or Songs from a Room is a movement which began in 2009.  It brings music lovers together in an intimate setting, often a secret living room location.  The artists are able to play to a group of people who are there truly to listen to and appreciate the music.  Check out their website for more information.  The Sofar Sounds movement has gone global with shows happening worldwide.  

You can also log onto the Live Stream to view previous shows.

The first Dallas Sofar Sounds event took place on September 10th and included the following musical artists:


Lonesome Ghost
                                             http://lonesomeghost.bandcamp.com/
                                              https://www.facebook.com/LonesomeGhost

                                                                  Soviet Music
                                             http://sovietmusic.bandcamp.com/
                                             https://www.facebook.com/sovietsounds

                                                                Phoenix Hart

                                              http://www.phoenixhart.com
                                           https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixHartOfficial

                                                                Wiretree

                                                http://www.wiretreemusic.com
                                             https://www.facebook.com/wiretree


Lonesome Ghost


A small portion of the crowd... yes, we sat on the floor - and enjoyed the music!

Phoenix Hart



Wire Tree


Wire Tree


Sorry my pictures are so bad - that's what I get for using the camera on my phone.  I hope you will check out the bands listed above, and even check to see if there is a Sofar Sounds event happening in a city near you.  

Monday, September 19, 2011

Handmade in Texas Showcase




You love handmade, and what's not to love about Texas, right? (let's not get started on the heat..... many other things to love about the Lone Star State!)
Check out this site - Handmade in Texas - Showcasing handmade arts & crafts from all over the great state of Texas.

I've just linked up my Retro Hippie Chic Steering Wheel Cover to this site.  This cover is so cool because it is made from some awesome olive green and gold 70's bark clothe and handmade crochet trim.  Perfect for cruisin' down the road this fall!


Saturday, August 20, 2011

Rhubarb Custard Pie - or, my little oasis of Heaven


Since my love of rhubarb knows no bounds, I have to share this recipe which I found in the depths of my mother's 1960 recipe box, along with about 50 other recipes that involve rhubarb.  
I love this recipe because #1 - it's really pretty simple to make (especially with the invention of the pre-made Pillsbury pie crusts) and #2 - the custard/rhubarb combination is heavenly.  Rhubarb by itself is pretty sour, and generally you need to add a good amount of sugar.  This recipe however, isn't too sicky sweet - it's perfection!

So, here is a picture of the recipe that I was facing.  I'm going to pare it down for you and make it less complicated than what you see here.  

Your list of ingredients:

1 Pillsbury Pie crust
3 large eggs
1 1/3 cup sugar
7 TB cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups skim milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 lb rhubarb, diced
1/4 cp water
1/4 tsp cream of tartar


Here we go!
1.  Prepare the pie crust according to the package directions.  I used a metal pie pan, but any will do.  Bake it at 350 for about 10-15 minutes until it's golden.  Cool completely on a rack.

2.  Now for the Custard (not hard!)
      Separate the eggs (save the whites for the meringue at the end).  Place the yolks into a saucepan.  With a wire whisk, beat 1/2 cup of the sugar, 4 TB of the cornstarch, and the salt into the egg yolks until smooth.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens and it comes to a boil - which will be about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.  Pour on top of your cooled pie crust and set it aside.


3.  Now on the the rhubarb filling:
     In a 2 quart saucepan, heat the diced rhubarb and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat and bring to a boil.  Cook for 5 minutes.  In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and the remaining 3 TB of cornstarch.  Stir into the rhubarb and heat again to boiling.  Cook, stirring constantly until the rhubarb is just tender and the mixture is thick and clear.  Pour over the custard which is sitting patiently on top of your pie crust.  Now onto the meringue topping!


*We are taking a little pause here*  I just had to show you all this container of Cream of Tartar.  This is what I found in my mother's cupboard - I think it's got to be from the 1960's - does cream of tartar ever go bad???  Well - I used it!  and I'm still alive - pie turned out wonderful - so, I'm guessing not.  ha.


4.  Now to make the meringue topping.  
     Heat your oven to 350 degrees.  Add cream of tartar to your egg whites in a large bowl.  Beat them on high until stiff peaks begin to form.  Beat in the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar.  Spoon the meringue over the filling and bake for 12-15 minutes until browned.


Grab a hot cup of coffee, a huge slice of your pie and ENJOY!  (Did I tell you I just LOVE pie?!)  



Thursday, August 11, 2011

Ready for a Road Trip? Retro Style!

I love road trips - especially the kind that involve rockin' music, (might I suggest a little Sam Bradley anyone?) good friends and the anticipation of discovery!
So - I decided to expand the retro goodness beyond your standard steering wheel cover (because everyone already has one of those, right? (no? well then....).
In honor of my sister's birthday a few weeks ago (yep, I like to extend the birthday celebrations and send gifts after the actual celebratory day - you know, just to spread out the love (maybe a smidgen b/c I'm a scattered brained mom too, but don't tell her!  Second thought - she'd totally understand.  She's running her own amazing photography business & chasing 3 little ones around too - so, I digress....) back to the goods!)

Here you have Whoopsie Daisies luggage tags and handle cover! Because you never want your luggage to look like everyone else's! (Just ignore the fact that if you're lugging around this huge, heavy vintage suitcase, no one in the airport is going to have one like it anyway - makes for a cute picture tho, huh?) 
 In all seriousness though - I do love these.  I'm always wrapping bright ribbon around the handles of my boring black suitcase when we fly, so that I can easily spot my bag coming down the luggage ramp.  I'll be making a ton more of these for sure!  


Here is a little make-up bag I made for my sis too  - I'm especially loving the gray/yellow combination here!  




Then, because you want your car decked out in retro style - we have the rearview mirror cozy....


and.... the Steering Wheel cover.  (don't worry, if you're brother in law is not so inclined to drive the mini van around with a floral steering wheel cover  - like someone I know!) - it slips off quite easily and stuffs into the glove compartment.


Happy Road Trippin'!  Hope you're able to squeeze in one or two last trips for the summer!

  Psssstttttt!  Come find me on Twitter!  We'll have fun!  Are you the Facebook sort? 


Monday, August 8, 2011

Cafe Apron Blog Feature

Just wanted to give a big THANKS to the folks over at Etsy Fort Worth for featuring my Cafe Apron Tutorial today!  These are a great group of fellow Etsy artisans.
Head on over and take some time looking around their site - some super talented creative-ness going on over there.  
And, don't forget to tell me about your apron making experience!  I'd love to hear your comments and see any pictures.


Friday, August 5, 2011

Plain and Fancy Antiques

My parent's have an antique shop in Northwest Indiana called Plain and Fancy Antiques.  (I'd give you the "link", but there isn't one.  I'm still training them on reading/answering their e-mail!)  However, they have been in business for over 25 years - so they do know their stuff!  
I took some pictures of some of my favorite items in the shop this summer - hope you enjoy!
I'm loving these old coolers  - according to Mom, they work better than the new ones - go figure.
This little painted trash can has a lever to open it with your foot - how cute?!
What a great cabinet, huh?? It's huge!
This is just such a cool retro lamp - 
What I really liked here were the flower pictures - 
The color of this table and cabinet is such a wonderful mustard yellow - makes me think fall, and canning....... (please FALL! Come to TEXAS! This heat is making me crazy!!)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Rhubarb Recipes: Rhubarb Bread

Since Rhubarb is a bit rare where I live in Texas, I thought I'd share with you a few recipes that I tried while visiting my family in Indiana. 
 This one for Rhubarb Bread is extremely simple!  
The rhubarb I used, came straight from my mom's garden - if you're using fresh like this, you'll want to be sure to cut the leaves off and discard them (they are poisonous).  Then, you need to wash the stems and remove the ends before you start in with your recipe.

I found this recipe in my mom's stash - as you can see, it's been used and loved!


So, here we go:  
Rhubarb Bread
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 egg
2/3 cup oil
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk (I use powdered buttermilk & just keep it stored in the fridge.  You can also mix a TB of vinegar to a cup of milk if you're in a pinch)
2 cups diced rhubarb (I'd suggest using 3 cups)

Topping:
Sugar/Cinnamon

1. Stir together the dry ingredients.  

2. Beat liquid ingredients.  

3.  Make well in dry ingredients, pour in liquid and stir until just blended.  

4. Stir in rhubarb.  

5. Pour into two 8x4 inch pans.  

6. Top with sugar and cinnamon.  

7. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes.    

Eat, and Enjoy!  (I'd suggest a cup of steaming coffee as an accompaniment!)  It's very much like a coffee cake -

See the bits of rhubarb?  See why I wanted to add more?  

Next up:  
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

And, Rhubarb Custard Pie (my fav!)

Don't forget to find Whoopsie Daisies on Twitter, Facebook, and Etsy!  Thanks for reading....(off to refill my coffee cup.......)

I'd love to hear any questions or comments you might have about this recipe!
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