Holy Pumpkin

Last night I was at the ladies bible study and had the pleasure, and I mean pleasure, of indulging into one of these babies.  Let me just say this to wet your whistle - if you don't know what a whoopie pie is you are missing out and will be sorely mistaken if you don't try this recipe out.  Not only is it appropriate for Halloween and Thanksgiving, but it actually tastes like fall!  To persuade you further, know that I am not a sweet lover when it comes to baked goods.  I generally don't have an aching for cookies or ice cream or pies or cakes, but this particular morsel caught my attention.  It is just so so good, so please, just eat it.  Don't look at the butter & sugar & all that jazz - JUST EAT IT!  You know you want to.  On another note, IKEA has their fabulously famous Christmas ginger snaps out and ready for sale in the cutest holiday cookie tins.  I already picked up a tin and will probably buy more as gifts - great little salty-sweet cookies. Mmmm mmmm mmmmm.  (I realize this statement is somewhat contrary to me not being a sweet lover, but these  cookies are more like ginger crackers so there.)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
• 1-2/3 cups flour
• 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Get ahead
Freeze the whoopie pies for up to three days.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment 
   paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar 
   until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 
   1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 
   teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.
3. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds 
   of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy 
   to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with
   the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining
   2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until 
   blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy,
   about 2 minutes.
5. Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. 
   Top each with another cake.

Better Than New!

There is this fantasmic little joint about 15 miles down the highway from where I live.  It is only open on Wednesdays & Saturdays from eight to noon.  It's not often that I get to go down there because I usually am working on either or both of those days and because it's a little bit of a trip I am not usually motivated, but today I had a friend go with and it was tons of fun!  The conversations from the older ladies that run the place are entertainment enough. However, the loads of neat vintage and "nearly new" items that are fairly priced and hard to find put this place over the top.  It doesn't look like much from the road, but oh the treasures you can find if you have the time to dig!  Today I snagged quite a few nifties pictured below.
My favorites being first: two awesomely awesome "train cases" i.e. suitcases.  These are perfect for art shows because not only are they adorable, but you can pack all of your supplies in them while you commute!

chocolate brown & ivory in color and true to their name: nearly new!

The reason I actually went today was to snag a few items for an idea I saw on a blog entitled Red Velvet.  The tutorial seemed easy enough, so I have decided to give it a go and use them as displays for an upcoming art show I am in on November Fifth!  Here's the supplies I gnabbed!  

Some pretty little vases you say?

Some antique china? 

Put em' together and whattaya get?

Homemade, unique, and charming cake stands!

I just love them to bits!  I can't wait to epoxy them together and set up all my handmade jewelry and hair accessories! Are any of you doing any DIY yourself projects?  Anyone gettin' busy with some hot glue or even the serious gorilla stuff?  Do tell!

P.S.

Don't forget to stop by Canvas 6 on November the 5th!  I will be a featured vendor (blushing) and hope to see you there!  Plus, there will be so many actually talented artists that will be sharing their amazing work so stop on by!  Here's a link to tell you more info!  Also, bring a friend!

Drooping for Jesus

Today I was reading my devotional and read this:
When I think of lowliness of mind, I can't help but think of flowers.  They are beautiful, lovely, and sweet, and the more mature they are and the bigger their blossoms, the more their heads bow.  And we also enjoy and benefit from the delightful perfumes made from their crushed blossoms.  What inspiring pictures of humility!


If I were a flower - hands down - I'd be a hydrangea.  They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and are a rare find in Florida.  Here's how to grow them - I find the suggestions to be very helpful for me as well.


Hydrangeas grow best in partial shade to full sun. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot areas Hydrangeas need a lot of water. In fact the word "Hydrangea" comes from the Greek for "water tub"!  They grow best in rich soil, so dig in a lot of compost, and other organic matter, when you plant them, and mulch well. 


Interchanging my name I read this:
Kendra grows best in partial shade to full Son.  She prefers to spend time with the Son in the mornings and enjoys resting in the coolness of her Savior in the afternoons.  She needs a lot of watering and nourishing from the Lord as she is so dependent on Him in continual thirst for living water.  Kendra actually means "water baby" in that she needs it and loves to be in it!  She grows best in rich soil and needs lots of fertilization (read: help) and also needs constant refreshment to get remove the compost from her life.  When you plant a Kendra, mulch well (read: maintain often).


Just a little food for thought.

Busy Busy Business Cards

I made these for my upcoming craft shows.  Yes - shows!  The first is next Saturday, the sixteenth - Indie Craft Show 2010 (which I posted about previously.)  But the second is Canvas, which is a big deal around Brandon, lots of people have heard about it and there were lots of applications (which is even more surprising to me, that I even got in!) That takes place on November 5th.  Here's a link to both shows.  If you live around the area, please be sure to stop by whether it be you have nothing else to do, need some inspiration, or just want to support the local trades!  Both events are free!  Please and thank you!

Indie Craft Show on FB - friend request us!
Canvas 6 - 2010
canvas official site coming soon...

Oh, and here's the reason for the post: my new business cards! (my info is actually on them...)

FRONT

BACK

Creativity Corner

This week I have been pretty motivated.  In all honesty, I think its the fact that I have a lot less 'other' things to do.  I mean I work two part time jobs and serve at church a lot but with my previous allotted studying/schoolwork time now free & empty, (now that I am officially a grad - yay!) I decided to put that "extra" time to good use!  Hence my long sought after "craft business!"  It is budding & boy is it blooming.  Any extra time I have, I am creating or organizing.  Last week my head was a little messy so it was mostly the creative juices flowin' but this week it has been organizational city and it feels good!  Two days ago I redid my kitchen pantry (much needed) & yesterday I organized my bathroom closet (much needed again).  Today, was my favorite outcome of all - a nifty little spot for all my bedazzled and bejeweled crafts!  This morning a friend & I went thrifting at "Nearly New" and with treasures in hand, I felt myself feeling inspired to organize my new found inspirations!  So here's a little tidbit of my DIY project: how I did it, how it came out, and  please tell me what you think!  Enjoy! I think it came out pretty cute. 

(And yes, I know I'm a dork, but I'm pretty excited for this little change!)

INDIE CRAFT SHOW

Hello everyone!  Just wanted to inform you of an upcoming event that I am going to be attending/participating in: the Indie Craft Show of 2010.  It is a culmination of all things handmade, vintage, or just darn cute.  If you live in the good ole' sunshine state, be sure to stop by - you won't be disappointed to say the least.  I am honored to be sharing my own shabby chic creations and hope you will come by and support myself and other local artists/crafters (a few of which I happen to know and love!)  

Here's a few pictures of what you can expect to see at my table. 

 Enjoy!  

*follow us on the FB Indie Craft Show Page*

Feelin' French

So tonight's menu consisted of the traditional teriyaki chicken skewers & Publix's fantastic rice pilaf.  It's a staple around our house, but I decided to mix things up a little for dessert, which in all honesty, I do solely for Pete.  I'm not a big dessert fan, lover of ice cream, or anything of the sort, but I do enjoying catering to my husbands sweet tooth, as well as trying my hand at the ole mixer every once in a while.  I was already at the grocery store when I spotted this little recipe card and thought it looked particularly tantalizing.   Now I'll admit, husband thought the greek yogurt on top didn't quite make the cut, but substitute that with some homemade whipped cream or maybe a little powdered sugar and you've got yourself a winner my friend!  Plus, the little buttery sweet delights look so gourmet you'll have your friends thinking you are a regular Betty Crocker- little will they know it only takes about 15 minutes to complete from start to finish.  Enjoy and indulge!  (Find ingredients & recipe by clicking on the 'recipe card' link)