A Practically Perfect Day

My birthday present from my husband was tickets to see Mary Poppins the Musical at the Buell Theatre in Denver.
The first time I ever went to a movie theater was to see Mary Poppins in 1964. I will never forget that day…and the following Christmas when I received a Mary Poppins board game and a Mary Poppins doll.  I also received a  Mary Poppins charm bracelet, a gift my mom bought me in New York City. I still have the board game and the charm bracelet, but the much loved doll did not survive me and both of my girls, however I did buy them each their own Mary Poppins doll a few years back. So…when my daughter Briee went to see Mary Poppins the Musical “on Broadway” over Thanksgiving break…I was very excited for her, and a little jealous. Somewhere along the way, I must have shaken hands with a chimney sweep (that brings you good luck, you know) because the touring show was coming to Denver, and the next thing I knew…I had tickets in my hand. It was a wonderful musical, so much more than I could ever imagine. If I had to sum it up in only one word, that would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Things we Collect

col·lec·tion  [kuh-lek-shuhn] –noun
1. the act of collecting.
2. something that is collected; a group of objects or an amount of material accumulated in one location, esp. for some purpose or as a result of some process: a stamp collection; a collection of unclaimed hats in the checkroom; a collection of books on Churchill.

I collect many things. Probably too many things. But I do love my collections and I love the collecting part. The search for one new piece to add to the collection…it gives us something to do and takes us to exciting places like the flea market, a collectors paradise. Some of my collectibles become my home decor, others actually serve a useful purpose. My enamelware collection started out small with a few pieces I just loved. Once I found a purpose for them, my collection started to grow. My craft room was renamed the “Craft Kitchen” once I got my collection of enamelware out in the open and serving a purpose.

My wonderful collection holds all my necessary items and tools for many of my crafts.

Like scissors…

and ribbon…
well, you get the picture.
Here is my latest piece. Thanks to Kellee who spotted this one at the Arc Thrift store, but didn’t buy it, knowing the $10 price was a little high….Fortunately the day she took me back to look at it was half-price day! Love those half-price days.

Tucked away inside this beauty is my new collection of old bias and hem tape.
Keep your eye on our blog every Saturday for a peek into our many collections. We would love to hear about your collections!

We Love Links!

 

Check out this great idea from the gal at Skip to My Lou.  She has taken her blog hopping and turned it in to something productive for the rest of us!  So, if you need ideas for Easter desserts, check it out here. 

Spring Blog Hop 2010 | Skip To My Lou

Cookie Cupcakes!

My 18-year-old daughter Tasha, asked me to make her 2 dozen cupcakes to take to school for a friends birthday.
Kellee is jealous, because in the public grade school you are not allowed to send home-made treats. There are no rules like that when you get to High School.
So of course, I saw this as an opportunity to try yet another one of Martha Stewarts cupcakes. I did not make the tops look like a peanut butter cookie as the recipe suggested, but I topped them with chopped peanuts. These were so good, I have already been asked to make them again…soon! I recommend pairing this cupcake with a large glass of milk. Enjoy!

Graduation is Just Around the Corner

 

Check out this super cute customizable idea for your graduation party. 

Don’t limit yourself to graduation either.  Think family reunions, high school class reunions, weddings, birthdays, the list goes on and on.  Jones Sodas

 

Or for your super smart scientist friends that are graduating from school, make some of these!

 

And for some cute paper accessories or thank you notes for when the party is over check out these shops.

e.m.papers

Twig and Thistle

Again, so much great stuff, so little time :)

Little Lifesavers

Simple things make my life easier. One of my favorite kitchen items is my acrylic cookbook holder, a gift I received from my mom many years ago. As you can see, mine will hold a cookbook, recipes marked in magazines, recipes sent via email, grocery lists, high altitude baking adjusts, and a cookie recipe I received in the mail today from my mom! You can find these cookbook holders in many stores, including Barnes and Noble.

All Things Pasta

 

I have been on kind of a pasta kick lately.  Not actually eating a lot of pasta but talking about it a lot. Vodka pasta, spaghetti pies, refrigerated tortellini, stuff like that. With all that talk,  I have decided to make this for supper tonight.  It looks good to eat and quick and easy to make, and it has bacon in it.  How can I go wrong?

 

Spaghetti Carbonara

From the March 2006 EveryDay Food page 95

1 pound spaghetti

8 oz bacon (8 slices)  cut 1 inch thick crosswise

salt and pepper

3 large eggs

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1/2 cup half and half

1.  Set a large pot of water to boil (for pasta).  In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.  Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

2.  Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.

3.  Meanwhile in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half and half.  Set aside.

4. Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it.  Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture.  Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs).  Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional Parmesan cheese.