Perfect Hardboiled Eggs

I LOVE hardboiled eggs, HATE when the shells don't peel properly.  Not only is it an ugly egg, but most of it ends up in the kitchen sink.  This blog has the directions for making perfectly cooked hardboiled eggs that are super easy.

One Good Thing by Jillee

baby shower gift

When searching for inspiration for a baby shower gift for my sister-in-law, Robynn, I fell in love with this idea, found via Pinterest. At first I thought I would use some leftover muslin drawstring bags from another project, but, alas, they were too small. I didn't have much time to order more (and hope they'd arrive in time) so I decided to make my own. A big deal for me since my sewing machine kind of hates me.

I made 12 drawstring bags using fabric I've been hoarding.

Each bag has everything you need for a single diaper change...a diaper (size 1), a ziplock bag of wipes, a disposable changing mat (in case your diaper-changing venue is suspect), a bag for diaper disposal, and a bottle of hand sanitizer. The idea is that whenever you're running out, you can just grab a bag or two and trust that you have everything you need right there. Maybe you keep a bag stocked in the glove box, just in case. And then you restock them as you use them.

I was especially happy to find this basket (HomeGoods), since Robynn is decorating the baby's room in an owl theme. The 12 bags fit perfectly...and they look so sweet, all lined up and ready to use. 

I added a tag explaining the gift. I included information about the brand of diaper and wipes, just in case there's a problem. And I used a graphic from Pam's fabulous doodles...my favorite source when I'm making stuff like this.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

On Saturday night, Chris, Cole, and I went saw this incredible film.  Jiro Dreams of Sushi chronicles the life of the best sushi chef in the world.  He's a three star Michelin chef and his work ethic is incredible.  Reminds me of my dad and grandpa's work habits.  The road to culinary success didn't scare Cole from becoming a sushi chef, so I was happy to see that he wasn't deterred!  Maybe he will apprentice with Jiro's son someday.  A mom can always dream :)

http://www.magpictures.com/jirodreamsofsushi/

Piece by Piece

My best friend Claudia does cool mosaics. She made this piece for the backsplash behind her stove. The clock below is also displayed in her kitchen. Very cool!

Alfredo

Look how grown up our little Alfredo is!! We went for a little photoshoot after school yesterday and this was our favorite shot.

watch ME draw...

I love this and just had to share...

happy go lucky stitchalong

You can now register for my Big Picture class, Happy Go Lucky Stitchalong! I'm so excited about this class. Sign up now and save BIG! Click here for more information and to sign up...

So excited....

spring nesting...

I decided I needed all new pillows for my family room. This is the room we spend all our time in so the main quality we need is for it to be durable but cushy and soft. I love this pretty springy green so I picked up a few in different sizes...a huge one, two medium ones, and two bolsters. And I fell in love with this burlap LOVE pillow...

Look at Alfredo's sweet little head!

I think my next job will be to make fireplace better. I really can't stand it...it's so builder-basic blah! Any ideas? Can I paint slate?

I rescued this school desk from a friend's trash. A fresh coat of spring green gave it new life and I used what was left of the chalkboard paint for the desktop. It needs another coat but I'm so happy with how it turned out. This'll be great for practicing letters this summer...can you believe kindergarten is in our near future?

Here's a shot of our living room...

I'm thinking of layering a larger sisal rug under the too-small circle rug. My friend Ashley, who is just starting her home styling business, gave me that great idea. This time of year always has me itching to change things...how about you?

Alfredo's class had an Easter celebration this week and we had a blast making these:

Alfredo put himself in charge of nearly ever step...from the nest shaping to the egg placing. Didn't he do a great job?

Happy Easter, everybody!

big picture...

I have some exciting news to share...

I'm teaching a sampler class over at Big Picture Classes!

Woo hoo!

It will be an online workshop, with videos, chats and a forum. I can't wait and I hope you'll join me. More to come soon. 

Registration starts soon. Check BPC website & sign up for email updates. 

A word to the wise: The early bird gets the worm

3 ring circus

Oh my goodness...have you seen this great new line of circus themed stuff in Michael's dollar bin?

I'm in love with it all...the cards are such great quality...with rounded corners and...

look how cute the back is, with just a star!

I ♥ the $1 bin!

My Kind of Carrots

Who needs a diamond ring when you can have cute candy containers? These carrot containers will be delivered to Cole's teachers tomorrow. I used the Jim Holtz & Ranger Distress Collection cardstock in a carrot orange and apple green. This paper gives a great carrot effect when distressed with coarse sandpaper in a horizontal direction. They were filled with cute Lindt frog and truffle chocolates. Some miniature caramel Cadbury eggs found their way too. One 12" x 12" sheet of cardstock makes two containers.

she plays with needles...

Check out this beautiful embroidery Susan Elliott just finished (click on images to get lost in the details):

Can you believe how exquisite? It's so beautiful!

Susan is so clever...she even used fake eyelashes for the deer's lashes...

And check out the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" piece she finished last year...

Can you stand it? 

Susan's blog is filled with amazing photos...I've been poring over it all day. Treat yourself to a visit now. 

(A very special thank you to sweet Pat Sloan for alerting me of Susan's amazing work!)

chalkboard

We are having the best time with our chalkboard wall in the kitchen...we're drawing new murals almost every day!

But tell me...can you see a faint house in the background?

Who in this world would make blinking chalk markers that don't erase???! No where on the package did it indicate that they wouldn't erase! I tried everything...well, not everything. I didn't want to ruin my brand new chalk wall by using anything too abrasive. Maybe I'll try my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser...I'll let you know. In the meantime, boo to the chalk marker people. boo!

Oh, but a happy thing? Yes, please. This suction cup soap holder makes a lovely place for the chalk to hang out...all ready to go when inspiration strikes.

our tiny hidden room

Hey, remember the little room, hidden behind a tiny door installed in a wall in our house?

 It's yet to be installed. (I'm patiently waiting)

While I wait for a certain sweetheart of a man to install it, I thought I'd spiffy it up for springtime a little bit. I really love the "lived in" look for miniature spaces, don't you? (sources: spectacles, book, painting, wallpaper)

(sources: phone, slippers, ottoman and sofa are vintage finds, cupcake and plate made in miniature class taught by my friend Pat)

Below is the covergirl for last spring's issue...the lovely miniature Easter basket by Pat Wehmeier...

(instructions in the Spring 2011 issue of Inspired Ideas)

The elephant pull toy was a kit I found on Etsy...lots of fun to make!

My sweet friend Rosalyn-Sue sent me this jar of candies (and a whole bunch of other bakery treats, plus a bakery counter and cash register) as part of a swap last year.

Speaking of swaps, the easel and two blank canvases were Pam's contribution to the last Club Little House. The other day, Alfredo and I made tiny paintings on the canvases using watercolors...

(the pink cupbard in the background was sweet Tammy Gilley's contribution to one of the Club Little House swaps)

And can you believe the detail of these itty bitty crayons and drawings? A fabulous etsy find.

I mean...just look how tiny! 

This miniature Lincoln Log set? Another fun kit from this source (same as elephant pull toy)

Doesn't it look like fun in there?

MEHC Workshop...

Yay! Registration opens tomorrow for Mary Engelbreit's Workshop...I hope you're planning on joining us.

Here is some more information about my class offerings...

Tiny Worlds

I'm so excited to share this project with you...we'll be making itty bitty 3-d snapshots on tiny pedestals, spools and in shadowboxes. They're just magical and I know you're going to love making them. I'll even show you the secrets to painting the tiny people...you can even paint one to look just like a miniature version of yourself! It's a 6 hour class so we'll have lots of time to make beautiful tiny worlds...and make great friends too. (The class size is tiny too...sign up early to reserve your seat!)

Charm Sampler

I don't know about you, but I have a million assorted treasures just waiting for a special project. This sampler is like a collage...a perfect place to display all sorts of happy bits and bobs! Or you could fill up your grid with embroidery. Or how about a little of both? It's entirely up to you. I'll fill up a kit with all sorts of incredible things, including vintage buttons, charms and beads. The class size is limited, so sign up early!

Registration opens tomorrow (April 3)...click here for information on how to register.