sowing jellybeans

Before this week, I was unaware you could take jellybeans, plant them and lollipops will grow! Seems reasonable - something silly and sweet that could become an Easter-time tradition. I can imagine very little kids just loving this whole gardening experience :).

Images: dineanddish and whattheflicka

hudson valley seeds

Hudson Valley Seeds presents their heirloom seeds in packets of contemporary art and the result is perhaps the most beautiful packaging ever. I can't help thinking it would be a wonderful housewarming gift or the perfect birthday surprise for your friend with a green thumb  (or springtime shower favors or teacher appreciation gifts...)- a package filled with these amazingly wrapped seeds-two gifts in one!

All images/art courtesy of Hudson Valley Seeds

crib = art center

 

A friend of mine recently showed me this upcycled crib project- hello art desk! With my youngest suddenly developing a hatred for her crib, and sleep in general (cue my sobs), I have been thinking about what is going to happen when she makes the leap to a bed. 

I now know....this project is happening! Everything from the chalkboard paint drawing surface to the hanging hooks are fantastic for a playroom art center. I also like that there is room for two at an art desk of this length.

 Images and project: A Little Learning For Two

mini egg blondies!

I am one of the legions of people who are obsessed with Cadbury Mini Eggs. It is a little shameful that I can easily polish off the family size bag in the course of a weekend, but they are that good....
Who knew there was a recipe out there that included these delicious treats? But there is- and I am posting it here for my fellow mini egg maniacs.

Cadbury Mini Egg Blondies Recipe- courtesy of Bakeaholic Mama

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups milk chocolate mini eggs

Directions:

In a medium sizes mixing bowl sift flower, baking soda and salt together.


Melt butter over medium heat. Once melted add to the bowl of your electric mixer. Cream together with sugars.

Add in vanilla and eggs mix until creamy.

Slowly add in flour mixture until it is incorporated.

Fold in Mini Eggs.

Spread batter into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish. Bake at 325 for about 40 minutes or until a tooth pick is inserted in the center and comes out clean.

Let the bars cool for 30 minutes before slicing.

Image: pastrychefbaking

Kickstarter

I was introduced to Kickstarter by a neighbor who was passionately involved in one of the projects (a very cool documentary about cold water surfing) and suddenly I noticed it popping up everywhere.
The concept could not be cooler- funding and following creativity.

"Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others.
Since our launch on April 28, 2009, over $500 million has been pledged by more than 3 million people, funding more than 35,000 creative projects." - Kickstarter 101

Sometimes I will browse the site just to check out what sorts of proposed projects are floating around. It is like stumbling upon a catalog of people's birthday wishes. There are some incredibly creative pursuits. While I am certainly not impressed by or in love with all of the ideas, it is generally really inspiring to see folks putting their dreams out there, finding a cheering section and maybe even drumming up some financial support for the project.

Image: competepulse

serving up some art

Dinnerware as art is certainly not a new concept. I have seen many a dish covered dining room wall or background to a stairway make either a bold or darling statement. No matter the effect, I usually feel that the designed dish as art works well as long as you find the right one, or two, for your space.
Anthropologie has a series of plates right now that would be beautiful as part of a "dishscape". One of these days my very lonely kitchen walls may welcome this sort of fancy addition.....

  

  All images: anthropologie

That Guy....Who Was In That Thing

I caught this documentary on Showtime, That Guy....Who Was In That Thing (2012) and it was a really different and fascinating look at the lives of actors, not moviestars, but working actors who are often just referred to as  "that guy".  The directors, Ian Roumain and Michael Schwartz, featured 16 actors who detail their roller coaster careers- the lot of them having been in so many televisions shows and movies, but never reaching the type of stardom associated with being a leading man.
It is a compelling look at acting as a craft and a job. It is a fascinating peek into the part of Hollywood that has nothing to do with tabloid cover stories, swanky parties, and unreasonable good looks, but everything to do with a combination of talent, tenacity, and old-fashioned good luck.

Image: sho.com

A Pretty Spectacular Wedding Present

These bowls, from My Mama's Table, would make a lovely wedding or anniversary present. The font can be customized as well as the date. The person behind the bowls has a passion for both graphic design and ceramics and it's obvious in these beautiful creations. I've got six weddings on the docket this year, so it's nice to know of a gift that I'd be as excited to give as they'd be to receive.

cool things from society6

Tote by WEAREYAWN

The society6 shop has the work of thousands of artists in one spot. It is definitely a site to check out if you are looking for something quirky. These are just some of the fun items I considered....

 Downton Abbey shirt by giovanamedeiros

 

 Goonies print by Ale Giorgini

 Stationery by Riga Sutakul

 Lego Man: The Official U.S. Patent print by Jazzberry Blue

 Muppet Alphabet Pillow by Mike Boon

Childhood Memories iphone case by Sandra Arduini

etsy's resin bangles

It can be hard to purchase a piece of jewelry for a friend- even one you know quite well. I think there is an item that will always be a hit, particularly in spring/summer months- the resin bangle. It is a fun accessory that is created in a variety of styles and colors, almost ensuring there has to be one out there for everyone.

 All Etsy images: KimTaitano, NinkyDesigns, ecooldesign, RosellaResin, SpottedDogAsheville, daimblond, smartflower

Read Across America

"The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. Now in its 16th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources.

'You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.' " - NEA   

Today is Read Across America day and the National Education Association's site has an entire page dedicated to resources that will inspire students to read- from book lists to parent tips. Certainly worth checking out any day, but today it seems particularly appropriate!

Image: blog.usa.gov