easter eggs...

some fun easter egg ideas from the recent martha stewart living.

decoupage eggs. directions here.

glitter eggs. directions here.

more fun egg decorating ideas here.

a blog reader...

so, do you use a reader to read blogs?

if you have no idea what i am talking about, in a minute [no offense] you are going to want to hit yourself in the forehead and wonder why you didn't do this a long time ago.

readers are nice because all you have to do is sign up for a reader like google reader, bloglines, etc.. and you can subscribe to your favorite blogs, and even organize them by folder and keep your favorite posts. but, the best feature is that the blog will highlight when the blog owner has updated their site. so, you don't have to sit around going from blog to blog to see if there is anything new to read out there.

it is such a time saver and i've been using a reader for quite sometime. i used to use bloglines, but i noticed it was acting up a lot and would take forever to update sometimes never updating at all. so, i recently switched to google reader and i'm loving it! i didn't want to take the plunge and switch because i thought i'd have to type in all of my blogs one by one, but nope. it's super easy. you can export your feeds from bloglines and import them to google reader in a snap. it takes minutes.

also, you can star your favorite posts in google reader, and create tags [ie: recipes, crafts, ideas, home decor] so you can go back to that post later.

here's a few links that will help you set up or switch accounts:

*sign up for google reader here. [if you already have a gmail account you are already signed up, just go to your gmail and a tab on the top will say "reader."]

after signing up, just hit add a subscription and copy and paste the blog web address you'd like to subscribe to and off you go! below you can hit "manage subscriptions" and create folders if you'd like to organize the blogs by topic, just drag and drop the blog in there. good luck!

*click here to learn how to export your feeds from another reader.

*heather bailey also posted some helpful tips here, and here.

things i don't like about readers:

*if a blog is private, you cannot subscribe to their feed. [hence, i hardly look at private blogs, just when i remember to]

*some choose to only allow part of the post show in their feeds [they change this in their blogger settings] so you either have to click to the actual blog... or never get around to reading it, [which i'm guilty of]

*people comment less, because you are not actually going onto their blog site, you just look at the pictures and words through your reader so it is one more step to click onto the actual blog and leave a comment.

*since it is so convenient, i've found myself subscribing to a zillion blogs which sucks up too much of my time.

anyhow, do share any thoughts/questions you may have on blog readers!! [if you use google reader this post should show up as new right away, if your still using bloglines... see you in a few hours... or maybe never...]

etched glass jars...

i've always wanted to try to do a project like this with etched glass. has anyone tried using etching cream before? i'm wondering how hard/easy it is?

i thought this was a cute little project from martha stewart. directions here.

{via apartment therapy}

cool popcorn popper...

i came across this cool popcorn popper via ohdeehdoh.

we would love this at our house because the mr. and z man are really into popcorn. and i think z man would love to watch it pop!

the popper is $69.95, and it pops 10 cups in 5 minutes.

i could eat this everyday...

{photo by me}

...... oh wait, i have been. for the last week and a half at least?

i've just been loving all the great sales on berries the last little bit.
i've eaten so many strawberries lately that i think i just might turn into one.

a while back i asked my mother in law for the recipe for her yummy angel food cake. and, she laughed at me and told me it was a betty crocker cake mix. really? and, now it's my go-to angel food cake. just buy a box, add water, mix for 1 1/2 minutes and throw it in the oven. i'm fine with that!

i usually add a little lemon zest and about a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice to the batter, and it tastes great and is easy peasy to make.

other favorites of mine on angel food cake are:
homemade whipped cream [you just can't use cool whip, homemade is SO much better]
lemon curd, [stephanie shared an amazing recipe, click here]
berries, [of course]
and a little lemon zest to pretty it up!

et voila! the best angel food cake ever!

a fun playroom...

loved this play room from julie murphy's home recently featured on design sponge.

click here to view more of her home.

packaging...

i came across this amazing scandinavian deli called sis. via twig and thistle.
i'm in love with their packaging. so simple and clean.

more pics here + here.

kids art project...

i came across this little art project from sarah jane studios via ohdeedoh, and i just love it!

she made cute animals out of her childrens artwork and hung them in ikea frames.
what a cute idea, and a great way to save your childrens work!

i think i'll be doing this with my little z man soon!

for instructions, click here + here. and, click here for templates.

{images by sarah jane studios}

new jewelry at soel boutique...

i just dropped off a load of armelle jewelry at the soel boutique at the riverwoods in provo.

drop in and check them out!!

soel boutique
4801 north university ave. #410
the shops at riverwoods, provo -utah
(801) 426-9644

***oh, and p.s. thanks to all who have ordered from my newly re-designed shop, and my etsy shop. much appreciated! also, i've been having a lot of fun with some of you designing custom pieces. so thanks again!

lemon head invites...

jordan just posted her tutorial on how to make these darling invitations on the cookie nesting blog.

what a cleaver invitation idea! click here for instructions

urban headbands...

i obviously have headbands on the mind.

i'm really liking urban outfitters selection at the moment.

can do...

i made these pencil cups a while back out of some tin cans and vintage music paper.

it made for an easy little project, and i did a little "recycling" while i was at it.

super easy to make.

materials needed:
*tin cans [any size, small tuna ones would be cute for paper clips and whatnot!]
*vintage music paper [or any paper you prefer]
*scissors
*modge podge glue
*sponge paint brush

just cut the paper to size and glue it on the can with modge podge. go over the top of the paper to seal it on good and let it dry.

now you have some catch all cups! and, you helped save a can from the landfill!

finally made it...

i finally got around to making a headband inspired by the miss ruby sue headband i posted about a little while ago.

it was pretty easy to make. luckily i had most of the stuff from the similar hairclips i made a while back. i think i like it better on an elastic headband, rather than a clip.
overall, pretty fun, minus my burn from the hot glue gun...i think i need to make some more!

chicken tomatillo soup with hominy...

{photo by me}

remember when i posted about this soup way back when?
well, i'm posting it again for any of you that missed it the first time, because it's probably my most favorite soup ever.. [so glad a friend shared it with me!]
it's like a tortilla soup, but even better.
if you'd like to learn more about tomatillos and hominy, check out my latest post for cafe zupas. click here.

{chicken tomatillo soup}
serves 6-8 people
saute in big stock pot approx 10-15 min:
1/2 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb tomatillos, diced (about 5 medium size, don't forget to remove the husk and wash)
1 tablespoon cumin
1tsp coriander powder

add the rest & simmer approximately 15-25 minutes:
3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded (can leave the shredded chicken out for a vegetarian option.  i just add an extra can of hominy)
2 32 oz boxes of chicken broth
1 16oz fresh salsa from the grocery store deli
1 15.5 oz cans yellow hominy (drained)
1 15.5 oz cans white hominy (drained)

**serve with:
blue or white tortilla chips
avocado slices
white rice
shredded cheese
sour cream
fresh lime juice

**these add-ons are a must! [they make the soup!] i like to add white rice to the soup, then lime juice, sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado slices. then, i eat it with tortilla chips.

enjoy!

fluffy frosting...

{photo by me}

i made some cupcakes the other day, and instead of my go-to butter cream i always use. i decided to switch it up and use a yummy recipe for fluffy/marshmallow-like frosting i hadn't used in a while.

it's a fun frosting because it's light, as in airy, but also in the fat department since it has no butter at all.

{fluffy frosting}
[as seen on my post for the cafe zupas blog]

1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 dash salt
2 egg whites, unbeaten
1/2-1 tsp good quality pure vanilla

combine sugar, water, cream of tartar and salt in a small saucepan.
bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves.

VERY SLOWLY add the sugar syrup to the unbeaten egg whites in a medium mixing bowl while beating constantly with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. [anywhere from 7-14 minutes]
beat in vanilla and food coloring, if desired.

frosts 24 cupcakes.

enjoy!

****these are best eaten the day you make them. otherwise the frosting will harden as it sets.

pier one pillows

whenever i get a chance, or remember to sneek into pier one lately i've walked away impressed with something.

i spotted these pillows a while back and thought they were just darling. plus the price is very reasonable. [especially compared to anthropologie]

rebecca thuss...

rebecca thuss has perfect styling everytime.

what i'd give to have her design a party for me..

{via oh joy!}

trellis wallpaper...

i'll admit, i'm a wee-bit obsessed with this trellis wallpaper in green.
i'm thinking of putting it in one of our bathrooms, or new guestroom?

as you can tell from my last few posts, i've got home decor on the brain.

with baby girl on the way, i'm getting a little antsy to get our basement finished, which husband promised will be ready on time. well, i sure hope so. but, we'll see. i'm very ready to get things together. as, many of you preggo mom's may relate. cross your fingers for me.... please!

pretty patio furniture...

i came across this cute patio furniture in the recent martha stewart living magazine.

i think this would pretty up any patio.

{available at kmart ms everyday living}

black + white...

lately i've been obsessing over black and white checkered floors. i just love them with a pop of color like with these yellow chairs from this house tour i saw on emmas designblogg.

i'd love a cute laundry room with black and white checkered floors. wouldn't that be so much fun!?

a little cheer...

this nursery helps me get through the "it's snowing in march." blues.

isn't it just so bright and cheery? i love it!

{via ohdeedoh}

office inspiration...

i like this office, because it appears they made simple desks out of a glass top and a few inexpensive filing cabinets.

i love desks with drawers for storage, but it seems they can be expensive. this would be a great alternative.

{via madebygirl, photos via new york social diary}

word book...

sara of party perfect made this darling book for her son with words using pictures she took of familiar objects and things to him. what an ingenious idea!

seriously want to make one for my little z man.

see more here.

don't forget!...

...to turn your clocks one hour ahead on sunday! [daylight saving!]

{clock from urban outfitters}

pink...

love this pink themed baby shower seen on hostess with the mostess.

i'm still trying to get used to the whole pink idea with baby girl coming, but this helps me convert.

{via cookie nesting blog}

up + running...

after loads of work, armelle jewelry website is updated with loads of new goodies!

check them out here.

*just to clarify. i have a website, and an etsy shop. i usually put most of my pieces on my website and reserve etsy listings for one of a kind items or sale items. but, feel free to check them both out!

oh, and p.s. if you want an armelle jewelry button, you can get a new one with the link on my left side bar.

oh, and another p.s. will you let me know if my website looks ok on your internet browser. i know people with internet explorer 6 may have a problem with the transparent images. [you should upgrade to internet explorer 7] but, i'd love to know if anything looks weird.. thanks!

can't have enough...

cakestands!

i'll take one of each, please!

{martha stewart collection whiteware cake stands}

even thought it's march...

i still want one of these snow + graham wall calendars.

i'd still get a lot of months to use it... right?

melamine bowls...

i kinda really want these melamine bowls from the martha stewart collection at macys. i'm in love with the mini prep bowls.

here + here.

beehive bazaar spring show: save the date...

i'm exciting to participating in my 4th beehive bazaar show this spring!! even though i'll be all sorts of preggo... i couldn't miss it.

it's the best "craft" show in utah, in my opinion...

so, be sure to save the date! it's the weekend before mothers day, so save your pennies and get her a hip gift there.

{beehive bazaar spring 2009 show}
women's center
310 west 500 north

provo, utah

april 30th - may 2nd

thursday 9 PM - midnight [perfect time to leave the kiddos at home in bed!]

friday 10 AM - 10 PM

saturday 10 AM - 8 PM

see you there!

a new look...

i've been working day and night the last little bit trying to change the design and layout on my jewelry website. and, finally... i am almost done. you wouldn't believe how much junk i had to clean up out of my site. years worth i had no idea was still there. but, i'm sure glad that is done. and, things should be running a lot smoother now, so that is good.

i still have to set up the earrings to be able to go to the checkout page. they should all be up for purchase by tomorrow, i'm hoping!

in the meantime, take a visit. let me know what you think.

www.armellejewelry.com

miss ruby sue headband...

i instantly fell in love with this headband from miss ruby sue from the recent small magazine. love it!

remember i made some similar hairclips way back when? i wonder if i can attempt something like this?

wish me luck..