banana bread ...

at our house, we don't mind when our banana's get ripe too fast.  that way, we can make some yummy banana bread.

i've tried many recipes over the years, and i think i have finally have "the one."  Moist, not too sweet, and a great banana taste!

i am sharing the recipe over on the zupas blog today.  check it out here.

photo by me

elephants ...

how are things?
it's been a while since i've been here on the blog.
how did you like the guest posts?  weren't they great!  it was nice to have a nice little blogging break to snuggle with my new little thomas.  he will be one month tomorrow, i can't believe it.  he's still as tiny as can be.  i hope to be back to blogging, but forgive me if it's not to regular, since it can be a little crazy keeping up with 3 kiddos.

anyhow, here are a few fun elephant things i picked up for norah the other day at crazy 8.  seriously, i have never shopped there before but have been on a mad search for a blessing outfit for mr. thomas that i have stepped into every children's store around.  and, i was pleasantly surprised with a few of their items.  and, great prices too.  i love the white top with gold elephants.. too cute.

anyhow, speaking of elephants, i went to water for elephants the other night with my book club.  have you seen it?  we read the book a few months back, so we were excited for the movie.  it is a bit different from the book as they always are, but overall i liked it ok.  it did get slow at times.  i liked the book better.  have you read it?

images via crazy 8
gold elephant top, elephant leggings, elephant skirt, watercolor elephant shirt

L letterpress giveaway winner ...

thanks to all who entered the awesome lifestyle crafts l letterpress giveaway.

the lucky winner is.....   comment #17!!!!

 Suzanne said...

I'm a facebook fan of Lifestyle Crafts! Totally amazing products!

April 21, 2011 9:51 AM

Congrats Suzanne!!!

Please email me all your info so we can get the letterpress mailed out to you!

* to receive 20% off any items from lifestyle crafts, use the code ARMELLE at checkout!

guest post: kylie from lifestyle crafts + a letterpress giveaway ...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our guest post today is by kylie of lifestyle crafts. 
i have had the pleasure of working with kylie, and lifestyle crafts over the past six months as a member of their design team. i have had so much fun using all of their products!
today they are giving one of my lucky readers a letterpress combo kit, with everything you need to start doing your own letterpress from home!  
i recently got my hands on one, and wow, it is so much fun!  i can't wait to share with you some of the upcoming projects i have planned using the new letterpress tools!
thanks again kylie and lifestyle crafts for guest posting today and for the amazing giveaway!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caroline has been such a great addition to the Lifestyle Crafts design team!  You may have seen her feature some of our products here on her blog.  Lifestyle Crafts is a company focused on developing products that enable creativity for all of life's events. With L products, you can create all sorts of projects from letterpress stationery and invitations to birthday party favors, scrapbooking, and home decor.  Caroline has been using the die-cutting portion of the L Letterpress system on the following projects. 

1. Felt Bunting Gift Bag
2. A Love Banner
3. Christmas Place Cards
4. Recycled Calendar
5. Gift Box

Caroline has recently been playing around with the letterpress portion of the tool and we can't wait to see what she comes up with.  With her excellent taste, we know she'll come up with something amazing.  We're working with her to create baby announcements for her new addition via the custom printing plate program.  That's right, you can create custom letterpress printing plates!  Here are a few of our favorite letterpress projects. All of these projects are made with our printing plates and some have elements of custom plates as well.

1. Thank-You Card with the Lifestyle Crafts Jubilee plate 

2. Custom Birthday Invitation paired with the Lifestyle Crafts Splendor plate
3. Custom Wedding Invitation paired with the Lifestyle Crafts Jubilee plate 
4. Happy Birthday Card with the Lifestyle Crafts Blossoms plate.
5. Custom Wedding Invite paired with the Lifestyle Crafts Petals plate

Because we know Caroline's readers would appreciate the convenience of letterpress in the home, we're offering one reader our Letterpress Combo Kit!  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post.  You can also 'like' Lifestyle Crafts on Facebook here.  Check out the L Blog for more letterpress projects from Lifestyle Crafts.  

We're also offering all readers 20% off their entire purchase on lifestylecrafts.com.  All you have to do is enter the code ARMELLE at checkout.  Happy crafting!

Thanks for having us Caroline!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letterpress Combo Kit Giveaway Rules

1. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post.
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or subscribe to this blog. (be sure to post another comment saying you are a follower)
3. For another entry, become a facebook fan of armelle jewelry.
4. For another entry, become a fan of lifestyle crafts on facebook.

*up to four entries are available per person (be sure to comment for each entry)

5. Giveaway will close this Sunday, April 24th at midnight. 
6. Winner will be announced Monday, April 25th.


Good Luck!

* to receive 20% off any items from lifestyle crafts, use the code ARMELLE at checkout!

guest post: molly of my favorite things ...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our guest post today is by molly of my favorite things.  
molly shares with her readers her beautiful life, her fabulous home, and of course her favorite things on her blog. be sure to check it out!
thanks again molly for taking the time to guest post today!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi readers!  I’m Molly from My Favorite Things.  Caroline was so sweet to ask me to guest post and I am completely honored.  I adore Armelle Jewelry.  I actually have on a lovely little necklace as I type.

                                                

When Caroline asked me to guest post, she left the topic up to me.  Eeep!  I hate making decisions.  So I put it off, and then put if off some more.  And then I realized, I better get to writing or I wouldn’t meet my due date!  Seeing as Caroline has already given birth to baby number three, I thought I would share a few thoughts on motherhood.

I am a mom to three, three fantastically wild, completely imaginative, super cuddly boys.  Occasionally I wonder what it might be like to mother a girl but I quickly realize that I was made for boys.  My first two boys (Tyler + Benjamin) are 19 months apart.  The whole first year of Benjamin’s life was a blur.  It was super hard and exhausting.  So I waited a few years until I knew I wanted one more.  Sweet Nicholas Gray was born last year on Halloween and life hasn’t slowed down.

Being a mom to three has made me more confident.  Some days I feel like I could conquer the world, where in reality, if I could just conquer the laundry – that would be a small miracle.  Motherhood is all encompassing and with each child my heart has grown and stretched in ways I can’t quite describe.  Each little guy has woven his tiny spirit into the very essence of who I am.  They make me a better person and teach me small things I would never learn, if not for them.  But being a mom is hard work and so I thought I would share a few of my favorite newborn essentials that help the transition go a bit smoother.  Well, maybe.

Without further ado – my favorite baby gear.

top two favorite swaddling blankets – the miracle blanket + aden and anais

favorite baby tub

favorite sleepers

favorite baby carrier

Congrats Caroline!  Being a mom to three is exciting.  Best of luck on this transition.

xo.

molly

guest post: kelsey from kelsey's essentials ...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our next guest post is by kelsey of the cooking channel's, kelsey's essentials.
kelsey is a highly talented chef, and this past year has landed her own cooking show kelsey's essentials on the cooking channel.  
i've had the pleasure of working with kelsey on the zupas blog, and she is just as sweet as can be in person, and is just overflowing with talent.  
today, kelsey will be sharing her process for writing recipes from scratch. 
thanks again kelsey for taking the time to guest post today!  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WRITING RECIPES FROM SCRATCH

As the host of a cooking show, one of my biggest responsibilities is creating original recipes. I’m just entering my second season and have been hard at work creating a new batch of original recipes for my series. Typically a “season” is 13 episodes, with each episode featuring 4-6 recipes. This translates to about 60 original recipes (heaven help me!). Needless to say, writing original recipes has been on my mind lately and I’m getting lots of good practice!

Writing original recipes in my opinion, is a skill that I still continue to work at and refine. It’s not always that easy and requires taking very copious notes and following guidelines. My recipes must follow the style guide that Food Network/Cooking Channel use. Knowing how to properly write a recipe can be super helpful if you are planning to compile family recipes, blog your own recipes, or have a desire to ever write a cookbook. Challenge yourself to create your own “style guide” so that every time you write down a recipe or even adjust a recipe that you have from another source, it is done in the same format. I like having a template on my computer that I open up every time I start a recipe.

First, let’s consider the Ingredients:

- Always list ingredients in order of use.

- Include the full measurement words (tablespoon instead of TBS)

- If your recipe has multiple components (sauce, vinaigrette, crust), break up the ingredients with a header to avoid confusion.

- When listing cans or packages, always include their weight/volume in parenthesis- “1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese”

- To simplify method directions, if the preparation of an ingredient is simple, include the description in the ingredient list- “3 eggs, beaten” or “1 shallot, minced”

Next, the Method:

- Avoid being wordy. Keep your directions clear, yet concise.

- Each step should indicate a new paragraph.

- When a recipe has multiple components, separate the methods with different methods just as you would with the ingredient list.

- Describe the size of cookware and tools to be used and the level of heat- “In a small saucepan over medium-low heat…”

- Give a range for cook time and always give additional descriptive cues for doneness- “Roast 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisped.”

- Always list a serving suggestion; including temperature to serve the dish, garnish, and what to serve with it. (if applicable)

 Consider keeping a “kitchen diary” in your kitchen where you can write down original recipes as you cook. I’ve also even recorded myself before so that I don’t have to worry about picking up a pen to jot a measurement down. After writing your recipes, be sure to put them through a testing process to make sure that nothing has slipped through the cracks.

A recipe is something that can last forever & for me it’s like leaving a legacy. It’s also a fantastic and thoughtful gift paired with the dish itself. There is great satisfaction in having a few signature recipes that represent you in the kitchen. Challenge yourself to write your own recipe down and share them with your favorite foodies!

- Thanks a million Caroline! I really appreciate the opportunity. 

guest post: heather from the coterie blog ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our guest post today is from heather of the coterie blog.
heather blogs about her family life, her photography, and all the pretty things that inspire her.  she also has an etsy shop called kantan designs where she sells her darling prints.  today she is sharing a favorite recipe for old fashioned hamburgers, yum!
thanks heather for guest posting today! 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Best Old Fashioned Burgers
I LOVE hamburgers. They're for sure in my top three favorite foods of all time.  I decided to try out this old fashioned hamburger recipe from America's Test Kitchen. With only minor changes due to lack of certain ingredients, it was the best home made hamburger I've EVER HAD! I said it. I feel like a criminal changing an America's Test Kitchen recipe, but you do what you have to do, right?

I'd like to compare it to a delicious diner burger, with that yummy special sauce on top. Maybe Stan's? Make it for yourself and see. It was DELICIOUS! It was really simple to make, too!

Oh, and I served the burgers with homemade french fries as well.

*MY changes are in italics

Makes 2 burgers

I made a mini one for my son as well

Sirloin steak tips are also labeled “flap meat” by some butchers. Flank steak can be used in its place. This recipe yields juicy medium to medium-well burgers. It’s important to use very soft buns. If doubling the recipe, process the meat in three batches in step 2. Because the cooked burgers do not hold well, fry four burgers and serve them immediately before frying more. Or, cook them in two pans. Extra patties can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Stack the patties, separated by parchment, and wrap them in three layers of plastic wrap. Thaw burgers in a single layer on a baking sheet at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
I didn't do any of this...just got out a pound of ground beef from the freezer and defrosted it

Burger
5 ounces sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 ounces boneless beef short ribs, cut into 1-inch chunks

I used just under a pound of regular ground beef
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 soft hamburger buns
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 slices American cheese
Thinly sliced onion for serving
Burger Sauce
Makes About 1/4 Cup

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/2 teaspoon sweet pickle relish (I omitted the relish..didn't have any)

1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

*Mix all sauce ingredients together. set aside.

1. Place beef chunks on baking sheet in single layer, leaving 1/2 inch of space around each chunk. Freeze meat until very firm and starting to harden around edges but still pliable, 15 to 25 minutes.

2. Place half of meat in food processor and pulse until meat is coarsely ground, 10 to 15 one-second pulses, stopping and redistributing meat around bowl as necessary to ensure beef is evenly ground. Transfer meat to baking sheet, overturing bowl and without directly touching meat. Repeat grinding with remaining meat. Spread meat over sheet and inspect carefully, discarding any long strands of gristle or large chunks of hard meat or fat.
Didn't do #1 or #2...just defrosted ground beef in the microwave until just about defrosted, but still a tiny bit frozen, yet pliable.

3. Gently separate ground meat into 2 equal mounds. Without picking meat up, with your fingers gently shape each mound into loose patty 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter, leaving edges and surface ragged. Season top of each patty with salt and pepper. Using spatula, flip patties and season other side. Refrigerate while toasting buns.

4. Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in heavy-bottomed 12-inch skillet over medium heat until foaming. Add bun tops, cut-wide down, and toast until light golden brown, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining butter and bun bottoms. Set buns aside and wipe out skillet with paper towels.

5. Return skillet to high heat; add oil and heat until just smoking. Using spatula, flip burgers over and cook for 1 minute. Top each patty with slice of cheese and continue to cook until cheese is melted, about 1 minute longer.

6. Transfer patties to bun bottoms and top with onion. Spread 2 teaspoons of burger sauce on each bun top. Cover burgers and serve immediately.

ENJOY!

guest post: rachelle from kenziepoo ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

today's post is from rachelle of the popular blog kenziepoo.  rachelle's blog was inspired by her darling little girl, and she blogs all about her amazing children inspired finds.  i especially love her outfit into room posts!  she is also the editor of a new online children's magazine called, la petite.  be sure to visit rachelle over on her blog and her online magazine.

thanks again rachelle for taking the time to post on my blog!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi my name is Rachelle Francey. I am visiting today! I am of a blogger, mother and editor. I was inspired to start a blog called Kenziepoo, after my daughter Kenzie. I write on everything from clothes to nursery decor. I am also the editor of the online magazine for kids, La Petite. La Petite is releasing it's 4th issue the first of May. I currently live in Boise, Idaho with my husband and daughter Kenzie.

Here is a sneak peek of La Petite issue 4, which will come out in a couple weeks! I am really excited about this issue and I hope you all like it too!

Photography taken by: First Photo: Monika Elena Second Photo: Emily Ulmer

I recently just took a few images of my daughter Kenzie. She will be turning 3 the end of April. It's hard to believe how fast they grow up!

Here are a few photo's of her being my little model!

Here are things that I am obsessing over as of Lately in Kids fashion! Anything Bobo Choses! You can probably tell that I am a big fan because of what Kenzie is wearing! You will love their clothes, and so well priced.

I had so much fun visiting-Rachelle

healthy choices ...

just checking in for minute today to let you know about my posts this week on the zupas blog.

did you know you can make microwave popcorn using a brown paper bag?  see how to do it here.  it is so easy!

also, i wrote a little bit about how to make healthier food choices.  check it out here.

i still have a few amazing guest posts scheduled, so stay tuned, and i'll be back soon!

{photo by me}

guest post: danyelle from dandee ...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
today's guest post is from the talented danyelle from dandee designs.
danyelle blogs about the amazing parties she throws, her five children, and all things that inspire her.  she also has a darling etsy shop!  i just love her spring in a can!  danyelle and i were able to hang out while attending alt this year, and i'm so glad i was able to meet her.  such a sweet and talented gal!
thanks again danyelle for taking the time to guest post while i am away!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's that time of year again! Swimsuit season is upon us, friends. I have done some hunting and gathered up some of my favorite modest suits for me and my girls (ages 9 + 3). A splurge and a budget friendly option for all!

For me:
Splurge-I will never tire of the classic + flattering look of the Natalie One Piece from Anthropologie.

Budget- I love this red number by Jantzen available through Popina for a mere $60. The retro styling is similar to the ever popular Natalie from Anthro, but comes in at a fraction of the price.

For Abby (9 yrs.):
Splurge- I love the french feel and classic color combo of this suit by Mini Boden.

Budget- This color combination alone gets me, but add in the stripes and ruffle and I can't resist. The $12.99 price tag doesn't hurt either. Available right here at Target.

For Audrey (3 years):
Splurge- A mini halter AND strawberries? I die. Mini Boden does it again.

Budget- It's hard for me to pass on anything in kelly green but add polka dots, and I'm toast. $10 at Target.

Thanks for having me, Caroline. And congrats on your sweet new mister.

guest post: melanie from you are my fave ...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our next guest post is by melanie from you are my fave.
melanie has a lovely blog full of inspiration.  she blogs all her faves, along with her amazing parties, diy's, and a lot of humor.  melanie is so much fun to be around, and i'm so glad that we've been able to hang out a few times and have loads of fun!  
today, melanie is sharing a great DIY on foil transfers.
thanks melanie for guest posting today while i'm off cuddling my little guy!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIY Foil Transfer

Supplies:

- plain notebook (you could also use this for making your own cards or sprucing up an envelope) 

- double sided tape (I actually used glue squares that you would use for the back of photos)

- gold foil (or color of your choice)

- popsicle stick

- scissors

Cut out your design from the tape and adhere to the notebook. I stuck with a simple triangle cut out. Cover design with foil, matte side down, and press down firmly with the stick. Pull back the foil sheet for the finished product.

I'm definitely going to play around this more. My next project is to die cut letters from sticker sheets and foil monogram every plausible surface.

thanks melanie!

guest post: rachel from playing house ...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

our guest post today comes from rachel of playing house.

rachel has a lovely blog where she chronicles her beautiful life with her hubby and two girls, shares her recipes, favorite diy's, and all things that inspire her!  head over to her blog if you want to have some feel good fun!

thanks again rachel for guest posting!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First off, thank you Caroline for letting me share some love on your blog!

I am mildly obsessed with thrift stores and re-making old things. Today I want to share with you two easy/cheap/cute ways to take a men's XL tee and turn it into something you might actually wear.

Here we go!...

SHIRT #1

 (I am AWFUL at taking pictures of myself, obviously, please forgive....and expect craaaazy faces)

1)TURN SHIRT INSIDE OUT. Take a shirt you already have and trace roughly, and pin.
2)Cut on your marked lines.

 3)Take you sleeve scraps, trace your hand (these will be your pockets), then cut (you'll have four pocket pieces now)
4)Turn shirt right side out. Pin and sew one pocket piece onto one side of the shirt, for each one.

5)Turn inside out again, pin and sew from the armpit, around the pockets to the bottom.

 BLAM! A new, fitted, long, new-to-you t-shirt with pockets!

SHIRT #2

 1)TURN SHIRT INSIDE OUT. Trace a shirt that fits you already (or just eye-ball it), pin, cut (note we cut the neck bigger on this one), then just sew from the armpit down, and the shoulders.

2) Take your scraps and cut out the sleeves

3)Cut up the sleeve seam

4) Should look like this now

5) Pin and sew one side together

6) Trim off the big arch, so you just have a slight curve on top.

7) Looks like this now, one strip

8&9) with the shirt inside out still, pin and sew the neck on that sucker.

KA-POW! The custom cowl-neck shirt you've always wanted!

The great thing about working with jersey material like this is it is stretchy and doesn't fray, so very, very forgiving. So don't worry about hemming the sleeves or even sewing straight! Yay for easy!

guest post: kirsten from 6th street design school ...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

today's post comes from kirsten of 6th street design school.  kirsten's blog is a favorite for great home inspiration.  she is a talented interior designer who shares her tricks of the trade, her work, and other great inspiration on her blog.  

i've had the pleasure of getting to hang out with kirsten a few times, and she really is such a sweet gal!

thanks again kirsten for sharing your post!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today I decided to post about one of my favorite new fabric finds! 

As I've been sourcing pillows for clients I keep falling in love with this new trellis print. 

These in particular were recently bought for one of my clients and I love them. 

I seriously love these almost as much as the imperial trellis and the price tag is even better. 

The fabric is by P. Kaufmann and you can buy it in a few different color-ways on etsy. 

From here. 

From here. 

You can also get the outdoor version in lots of fun colors here. 

I swear a good trellis print never gets old. 

guest post: kirsten of simply grove ...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
today's guest post is from kirsten of simply grove.  kirsten's blog is full of inspiration and amazing interiors!  i pretty much love everything that she posts!  i was able to meet her at alt this year, and she was just as sweet as i thought she would be.
thanks again kirsten for your post!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a sucker for a well designed and creative child's space.  I think that it would be a blast to design spaces for just kids!  You can be as creative as you want.  Kids accept thinking outside of the box.  They don't want the norm.  Here are a few of y favorite kids rooms from around the web!!

{image credits: via via via via via}