The Urban Un-MARTHA

Dresser turned vanity

2012-01-27T18:23:00.001-05:00

I was given a awesomely beat up and eaten by dog dresser from my mother and it was a gem waiting to be brought back to life. I thought to paint it a bright turquoise and replace the knobs with simple glass ones that I bought for about 3 each at home depot.

I hired a carpenter with minor plumbing skills to basically take the dresser and cut a whole in the top to fit the small sink I had. That was purchased for 28 bucks at bond depot also. I ended up using 5 inch molding used to frame a door but I love how when you paint it, it really came together! I'm no where close to done but after the walls are linen white with punches of color....it's gonna be cottage cute:)

Fried green tomatoes…never had them?

2011-11-18T00:55:00.001-05:00

Fried green tomatoes….have you ever had them before? I had not, not really sure why, the opportunity had just never presented itself. Let me tell you, I have actually had dreams about them after making these. YOU.MUST.TRY.THIS.RECIPE!

Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Tomato Jam

6 hard green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

Kosher salt and black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk

1 cup yellow cornmeal

2 cups Japanese panko bread crumbs

Vegetable oil, for frying

Tomato Jam (see recipe epicurious.com)or purchase at any good grocery store

¼ pound goat cheese

Slice the tomatoes into ¼” slices. Season with salt and pepper. Pre- heat oven to 200°. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Place the flour in a shallow bowl, the buttermilk in another and the flour and cornmeal (stirred together) in a third bowl. Take a slice of tomato, coat in flour (shaking off an excess), dip in the buttermilk, then coat with the breadcrumb/cornmeal mixture. Place on a plate and repeat the breading steps with the rest of the tomato slices. Heat ¾” of oil in a skillet to 350°. Cook tomatoes on each side until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon, place on the baking sheet. Keep in the oven until all the tomatoes have been fried. Top with a piece of goat cheese and a dollop of tomato jam.

There is simply nothing like one of these and a glass of cabernet to wash away the pain your boyfriend causes you:)

Enjoy, Sage Mommy

Make Your Own Linen Spray! (It's Easy, I promise!)

2011-10-26T00:08:00.002-04:00

Make Your Own Linen Spray! (It's Easy, I promise!)

Lately I'm rather obsessed with making my own bath products, thanks to the lovely set of essential oils E gave me recently. (Such a thoughtful fellow!) I love linen sprays, but not paying ten dollars a bottle, so I thought I'd have a go at making my own. Turns out, it couldn't be simpler.

You will need:

Vodka to act as an emulsifier

Distilled Water

Essential Oils

A liquid Measure

A spray Bottle

I used Bergamont and Eucalyptus for mine since I love fresh, green scents. Just combine 1/4 cup of vodka with 3/4 cup of distilled water and a few drops of your desired scent and pour it all into your spray bottle.

Add a pretty label with a little ribbon and it's gift ready. Make sure to include instructions to shake before using. I've paired my homemade linen spray with Martha's Ginger Bath Soak and My DIY Sugar Scrub to make a little mini pampering kit. I'm planning on giving out a few of these to the teachers I've worked with this year. Heaven knows they could all use a little relaxation and pampering this summer!

What have you been making lately?

A Teeny Tiny Halloween Project

2011-10-12T22:53:00.002-04:00

I'm always looking for a FUN WAY to make my son shreek with laughter and he goes nuts for gross bugs and snakes and things so this project was perfectly great and cost about a buck:)

Bought a bunch of spider rings for a dollar and put one in each ice tray and then filled with water and froze it. He went nuts! Goons is only 3 so the little things are so important.

Happy Autumn!

xoxox, Melissa

Burlap Bag Craftiness

2011-08-16T23:32:00.000-04:00

Have an old burlap coffee bag, potato sack, or rice bag squished up somewhere in your closet because it was just too interesting to throw out but too large to use as a lunch bag or tote? Never fear! Some of my favorite bloggers have got you covered with burlap bag craftiness that is in many cases, super easy. And in the cases where it is, the results are super awesome. Here are some of the ideas that will have you at the next tag sale looking to re-do an old chair.

I always collect pictures of burlap projects to do one rainy day, this might be the motivation I need to complete one for the bedroom:)

xoxo, melissa

Things I love right now...

2011-08-08T23:39:00.000-04:00

Just exhausted and needed to get inspired and fell upon some great pics of rooms both inside and out.

The below pic seems to be a framed baby crib mattress, I just love the idea to hang all my kitchen spoons and utensils on in the cake room.

I'm on the search for the free crib.

So simple and pretty. The plaid is perfect in an outdoor setting.

The wallpaper is the perfect focus wall, i love the massive size of everything in a small space. really impressive.

Enjoy and goodnight:)

{10 dollar diy light}

2011-05-06T18:55:00.000-04:00

Thank the heavens for ANTROPOLOGIE and every creative mind that went into decorating and redecorating those stores! I get so much inspiration from a walk around with my Starbucks. This is something I saw there and then found it again while searching for other ideas. This is a clever idea for a light on the cheap. Even a wicker basket or kitchen strainer would be a great idea to try! Basically anything that has holes in the bottom to run the wire through or if you are able to drill with the right size bit then go for it!

I've seen the lighting kits at IKEA for 4 bucks and Home Depot for about 7 or 8. I love the shadows it gives when lit and it just screams that you are super creative to anyone who sees it.

Enjoy Melissa

Dresser into Kitchen Island??

2011-04-25T12:23:00.000-04:00

This is not my favorite example of doing this but until I do it...it's the only one;).

I would love to find a wide sideboard with great sturdy legs for my kitchen. Something in dark wood with some glass knobs would make me smile.

I love the simplicity or this that any women can grab a pint of paint and some hooks and make it happen. Islands can be so expensive and this can be done for well under 100 if you are frugal. Take your time and find the right piece.

Good luck and just wanted to share. Hope everyone had a great Easter!

God Bless

Display Your Brushes with STyLe..

2011-04-23T16:50:00.000-04:00

I am always looking for ways to make decorating cakes easier and with doing in my home it is hard to make it pretty and functional at the same time. This clever artsy soul filled and old distressed planter with beans (I'd use black eyed peas)and then stuck all her brushes in there. They look so colorful and pretty it just makes you want to paint something.

I happened upon 2 planters this past weekend for this project at an estate sale I hosted and they look the same. Even been outside and neglected and the best part is I got both for 10 bucks!

Now I need to buy 100 more brushes to fill it;)

Anyone know a great source for art supplies that are on the cheap?

Homemade Lollipops;)

2011-04-05T19:10:00.001-04:00

Melissa's fancy free rainbow pops
2 cups of sugar
2/3 cup of corn syrup
2/3 cup of water
1/2 t orange extract
food coloring (red, yellow, and blue)
.
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with pam. Place lollipop sticks in rows leaving 2 inches of space in between(I taped them down with one pice of scoth to keep them all in place).Combine sugar, syrup, and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Without stirring, cook until mixture reaches 305 degrees. Set up an ice bath in the sink. When the mixture is done, dip the bottom of the saucepan into the ice bath for 10 seconds to stop cooking process. Stir in extract. Divide sugar mixture into 3 separate bowls. Color one bowl with the red food coloring, one with the yellow, and one with the blue.Spoon the mixture over the lollipop sticks, creating free form designs by mixing colors. Let harden and enjoy.

sage mommy aka Melissa

Tree Cake Stand

2011-03-27T17:20:00.001-04:00

I am always looking for a way to cleverly displaying my cakes for clients while keeping costs down and style up;) This is a real simple way to do it if you have a tree and a chainsaw to cut it...in my case I think I will be employing a handsome boyfriend to help this lady out...Ohhhh Mr. Mike??

What You’ll Need

A Cross-Cut Wood Plaque (round or oval)

A Cross-Section of a Tree Limb (Make sure the top and bottom are parallel)

Titebond Ultimate Wood Glue (or a similar extra strong wood glue)

A Large Wood Clamp

Instructions

Cross-cut wood plaques can be found in your local craft store or online at Hofcraft. The come in a variety of sizes ranging from 5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. They are usually found in the section with the wood-burning kits and other wood crafts. They are clean, sanded and ready to use.

1. Take your tree limb section and wipe the cut surface clean. Put a generous amount of extra strong wood glue on the surface. (see figure 1)

2. Place the limb section in the center of the back side your wood plaque and press down firmly. Wipe away any excess glue with a clean, damp cloth. (see figure 2)

3. Place the two joined pieces in a wood clamp and let dry for at least one hour. If you don’t have a wood clamp, you can stack a few heavy books on top of your pedestal until it’s dry. (see figure 3)

4. Use your pedestals to display cakes and desserts (see figure 4) or use as a base for a centerpiece. If you want to place food directly on the wood surface, coat it first with a food-safe wood sealer. If you would like to keep the wood it’s natural color, place a piece of parchment paper beneath your cake or dessert.

What it Cost

Wood Plaques $3.99 – $5.99 each

Tree Limb – Free from our wood pile!

Wood Glue – $3.35

Is this not the greatest idea and so easy. I love it for clients and think with the right cake it looks fabulous!

Enjoy, Sage Mommy

{Stencil a Focal Wall} yourself!

2011-03-02T23:51:00.001-05:00

Nothing is prettier or more eye catching then a small project that is this gratifying. I painted a bedroom in black chalkboard recently and although I adore the drama and function of it, when I saw this I thought..."now THIS is the NEXT thing that must happen on that wall."

Below are the materials and simple 123 directions to get this project rolling.

Materials Needed:

stencil
stencil brush
painter's tape
pencil

wall color paint
accent color paint
paper towels
level

Preparation

Choose wall to stencil and select stencil design, wall color and accent color to paint stencil design. Paint wall if it is not already the chosen wall color. Start at the top left hand corner and make your way across the wall making sure first that your stencil will fully fit the design across the wall. Use a dry brush method by dipping into the paint and then blotting any excess on a paper towel. Tape the stencil on using painters tape and move across the wall being careful not to smudge:)

Sit back and admire your fabulous handy work and pat yourself on the back for being so damn crafty!

Loves ya,
sage mommy

{Homemade Applesauce}

2011-02-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

I made this applesauce due to the overwhelming amount of apples I had and if something was not done they were all going into the garbage. My son was not feeling well and what kid does not like applesauce? I learned something a while back that I must share with you all...Apples are traditional remedies for diarrhea. But do you know that raw grated apples are used to treat constipation whereas stewed apples for diarrhea? No, not me. I was totally ignorance about this fact until last December when my son was hit by a stomach virus. When I read up on what food to offer for kids with diarrhea, I found out that we should avoid raw apples!! This is because they contain high fiber which may irritate the kid’s digestive tract. It is better if we cook or blend the apples first to take advantage of the pectin and other nutrients in them. In this case, applesauce should be offered as it is high in pectin, which helps to naturally firm very soft or liquid bowel movements. Applesauce is also one of the highly recommended foods for kids with diarrhea besides rice, bananas, toast, tea (herbal) and yogurt. With that being said whip up a perfect jar of applesauce which will keep for about three weeks in the fridge. I added lemon zest and a small amount of sugar in the raw and a cinnamon stick to hang out while they cooked down. I used around 6 peeled and cut into chunks gala apples. They are sweet and don't require much sugar to be added. i like it chunky so I used a potato masher at the end and during to get it to the right consistency. It was so good. I will always use this to battle a stomach flu for my little guy:)

{Somewhat Topsy Turvy Baptism Cake}

2011-02-25T00:32:00.000-05:00

I made this cake a while back for a very cool customer that I happen to meet on a blog. I never really was 100% with the outcome but since I have posted the cake everyone loves it. I am even in the process of re_creating it in sage and ivory with a Noah's Ark theme for a twin's baptism. The entire cake is decorated in fondant and the only thing I did ahead of time is the bows so that they could dry. I sat them on a shelf so that they would get a crease and sit on the edges of each tier. I have to say everything else was not planned;)...

The best thing to do when working with Topsy Turvy for the first time is to freeze your cakes so that they are dense to work with and less crumbs when sculpting. Take your time and do it in stages and the whole thing will be fun and not such a headache.

I always make the bottom layer straight because it is more stable and I just think it looks more balanced in the end. I really ended up loving this cake a lot more after seeing it. It was fun looking and made a real statement.

Barbie Butterfly Princess Cake

2011-01-31T01:21:00.001-05:00

This cake was a daddy's request for his little girly girl's birthday. She is the type that loves hair and makeup so she needed something really cute and fun. The cake itself is fairly simple to construct so I added some little butterflies and flowers to her dress to pretty her up. The doll is from a craft store made special for this type of cake and has a pic inside it to stick directly into the cake after you cover the bodice. I actually baked the batter in a pyrex oven safe bowl I picked up at a thrift store and it came out perfect. Just a bit of slicing to fill the layers with icing and the cake was perfectly rounded.

I heard tonight that she LOVED it so that is all that counts!

Love at first sight~

2011-01-27T01:06:00.002-05:00

When I saw this picture on FLICKR, I thought it was so fun & whimsical that who would not want to create in a room this colorful and bright. Just thought it was a nice kinda starting point to start thinking about the direction I wanted the back room of my house to go when making the cake decorating room. Nothing crazy, just a spot to create late at night and listen to music and get into the groove of things.

Sounds like a plan,
now I just need the time;)))

xoxo-melissa

{RePurposed Suitcases, please stay seated}

2011-01-12T23:57:00.003-05:00

I adore finding a creative soul that is as talented and gifted as Katie Thompson the eco chic chick that operates and designs for RECREATE.

When my sister spotted a picture of a baby blue suitcase chair on tumbler.com and showed it to me, I did my research and found the creator. It seems like a project almost possible to try myself and I will keep my eyes open for the perfect suitcase, fabric and leg combination.
What a wonderful invention and it looks so fabulous, I want one in the corner of my bedroom with a little table on the side for my son to climb up on and relax.

A manikin covered in fabric and made into a lamp is just another great example of how a piece can be transformed, I need to get to this store!

I still feel excited when I see a piece that is truly perfect to me;)

{Hollywood Runway Cake"

2011-01-09T02:19:00.000-05:00

Fresh out the oven and off the counter is this cake that I had sooo much fun doing. Gold Luster dust stars and a red fondant red carpet. The movies reels were a cute addition and what's a red carpet without the velvet rope. I added the birthday boy on a popsicle stick on top...it came out really fun looking and I think it really fits his persona. I hope he loved it.

*Sage mommy

{Love Bird Cake}

2011-01-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

Don't you love when you get a chance to be creative and show off what's in your head because you are lucky enough to have a friend that totally believes in your ability to create a great cake for them?

I am blessed to have someone in my life like that, so by request of A GREAT FRIEND and the best referral I have ever had, my good friend Vaso ordered "the love bird cake"!

This is one gorgeous lady with a wonderful fiance' that I think is one of the best and most sincere people I have come across in my life. They both have exquisite taste. She wanted a Topsy turvy cake with love birds to match her invite with a red and black motif throughout.

I decided after running it by her that I wanted to try my hand at a topsy turvy cake stand that was in my head. I am constantly giving myself too much to do;)

I used a large piece of MDF that I cut into 9x9 squares and then sanded down the edges smooth. I literally made the cakes and assembled the stand one tier at a time while covering the entire cake. It was crazy but for lack of knowing a better way it got done;)). Luckily I am fortunate to have a handy manny girlfriend, Tara to think things over for a second time with me. It got done and delivered and I had a great time at her engagement party and everyone including my friend LOVED the cake. It makes me so happy to see the reactions of people and makes it all worth while!

I'll do whatever it CAKES;)) Sage mommy

{Someone's Beautiful Creation, that I must post}

2011-01-06T18:50:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite cake of all time. I found this pic on stumbleupon.com and I wish I had a reason to have my hand at re-creating it. Love the bloomers and laundry in all different colors of fondant. I just think it is so beautifully done and if anyone knows the baker & creator please let me know but in the meantime I just had to post it!

Take care & happy baking!

{PRADA cake for the girl that has everything}

2010-12-30T18:35:00.001-05:00

At first I thought this cake was going to drive me crazy, sometimes the simplest box shapes can be the most difficult because they have to look perfect.

Everything really started to come together after the shoe finally started to harden after almost 12 hours in the fridge. I do not have gum tex but could have added that to speed up the drying which I will make sure to have in the future. Super happy with how it looks. Love the cake board covered in matching fabric and piped royal icing roses I think came out yummy and very pretty. I painted the shoe with silver luster dust and lemon extract and the entire cake and decor is (DUFF's RED buttercream fondant.) Highly recommend his black and red fondants. They are super expensive but taste the best and are really a quality ingredient to work with.

The little purse was a last minute idea because I thought it needed some balance on that side. I just love it and Diana the birthday girl was thrilled with it also.

Email me with any requests, I'm working on the new domain name & website so stay tuned!

{Diva Cake}

2010-12-28T23:45:00.002-05:00

This cake was one of the most fun and challenging cakes to date. I worked with a "pillow cake pan" really not necessary but it was a last minute cake order and I wanted it to come out perfect so I splurged and purchased the pans. I only ended up using one because the cake was huge when I put them together so I used one and covered that with coral dyed fondant and ran the rope along the edge. One thing I will say is that there is no waste of cake when you use the pillow pans and they come out almost perfect after a little tweaking. The slipper is a chocolate candy mold I bought online and the entire cake is covered in fondant and the rope is painted with edible gold luster dust watered down with lemon juice and then applied by painting some corn syrup along the seam of the pillow to make it stick. I support the rope with some toothpicks until it dries the next morning, (that's a lil tip for you cake bakers out there).

{Peace Love & Cake}

sage mommy

{The Present Cake}

2010-12-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

I'm siked for how this cake turned out. The client needed a cake for a holiday party & who would not love a cute two tier cake that was a Christmas present? The cake is vanilla bean white cake with a cooked raspberry drizzle and then iced with a cream cheese and coconut icing. VERY rich but soooo delish! The entire cake was done in fondant. Normally I would do the bow in gum paste because it sets up allot faster but I had bought a batch that was as hard as a rock and could not use it at all.

Everyone went crazy in the office when I arrived with it. Needless to say it came out very cute and I was given the nicest thank you from the client after!! I love when that happens.

{ Scrabble Made out of Gingerbread }

2010-12-26T23:58:00.003-05:00

I have a fondness for all things wordy and lettery, hense loving SCRABBLE. I made those scrabble necklaces and my little sister loved it! So I just stumbled onto this from a girl named Ali, she is the creative soul behind gimmesomeoven.com and I had to post it. Such a cute idea.

Here is the Method of pure cuteness:

Heat oven to 350F.

Prepare the gingerbread cookie dough. Once it is ready, place a dough third on a large piece of lightly floured parchment paper or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. (Refrigerate again for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to cut out the cookies if needed.)

Using a knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut the dough to make a grid of Scrabble tiles. You can be as precise about this as you would like. (Mine were not that precise!) Actual Scrabble tiles measure 2 cm x 1.5 cm, so if you want to be exact, I would size them 1/2 cm smaller, knowing that they will expand slightly when cooked. In American Scrabble, there are traditionally 100 tiles. See the tip below for the letter and points distribution.

Once you have your desired amount of “tiles”, lay them out on a cookie sheet at least 1″ apart, and bake until crisp but not darkened, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes and then use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare your Royal icing according to directions, and carefully make a strong border around the outside of each tile. Then fill with the slighly diluted icing. Use an edible marker to write a letter and point value on each “tile”.

Then use them to play, eat, and enjoy!!

2 blank tiles (scoring 0 points)
1 point: E ×12, A ×9, I ×9, O ×8, N ×6, R ×6, T ×6, L ×4, S ×4, U ×4
2 points: D ×4, G ×3
3 points: B ×2, C ×2, M ×2, P ×2
4 points: F ×2, H ×2, V ×2, W ×2, Y ×2
5 points: K ×1
8 points: J ×1, X ×1
10 points: Q ×1, Z ×1

{ Just a Quicky }

2010-12-26T23:26:00.000-05:00

This is for my little man that I love with all my heart. I was a different person before he arrived in my life { mncydf6gdgdycgsy } this giberish is my son's first official blog post!! He came over just now while I was typing and told me he loves his room and he loves me:))). This is what LIFE is really about.

Hope your holiday was fantastic!

Sage Mommy

{ Reindeer Holiday Gift Tags }

2010-12-22T01:49:00.001-05:00

I love this blog eatdrinkchic.com, its really a great place when i'm looking for a jam label or cute gift tag. She has great taste and a real eye for simple classic design. I fell for these reindeer tags and they will adorn every present. Just stop and get the craft brads and a whole puncher and you are ready to get started.

PAPER REINDEER POSTCARD

What you will need:

A4 Kraft card
A4 White, textured card
4 craft brads
Double-sided tape
Scissors
3mm circle craft punch
Colour Printer
Paper Reindeer Postcard design
Scalpel
Ruler

Instructions:

Download the 'Paper Reindeer Postcard' PDF below and print out onto white card using a colour printer. Using a pair of scissors, cut around the separate parts of the reindeer leaving some white around the edges. (Tip: You don't need to cut perfectly straight. In fact, a slightly irregular edge just creates a more whimsical, handmade feel.) Position the legs, antler and tail on the correct areas of the reindeer body and attach by punching holes and inserting and fastening craft brads. Cut out the 'happy holidays' banner, also leaving a white border around the edges.

Write your holiday message on the back & Attach to wrapped gift.

Enjoy your night ...i'm going to cuddle with my little guy;)

{ Scrabble Necklace }

2010-12-16T00:11:00.004-05:00

I know u love it! So do I, it cost me 7.00 total to make including sterling chain. I thought it would be a very cute Christmas gift and looks so crafty & clever. Here goes the scenario on how you can go about making this gem.

Take the Scrabble piece of your choice and coat it in Elmer's Glue. You don't really have to do this but I just wanted mine to look more finished.
After that dries, which will only take a couple minutes, dab gorilla glue or super glue onto your metal necklace piece (you can find these at craft and jewelry stores in the jewel section). Make sure you're putting glue on the correct side.
Here's what they look like when they're glued on...
Oh yeah, this little piece is about 1.50
Like you see in the photo in step 2, press the gluey side of the pendant piece to the Scrabble piece. Set it down and let it dry.
This is what it should look like when you're done! Except not backwards..

Put it on and be ready for people to think you are super clever and crafty!

Stay crafty, Sage mommy

Matcha Christmas Tree Cookies

2010-12-14T20:22:00.001-05:00

I love making holiday cookies and using royal icing to decorate them. I love how smooth and matte the finish comes out & how professional and clean they look.

This recipe is easy and really delish! The design is simple to do and looks so pretty all piled up with ribbon around it!

You can find these dragees at Micheals or some other craft store and the swirl design anyone can do. Just shows that the simpliest of designs are sometimes the best!

SUGAR COOKIE INGREDIENTS

* 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 tsp of Matcha Tea powder

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

* 1 cup softened not melted butter

* 1 1/2 cups white sugar

* 1 egg

* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

* 3 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, stir together Matcha, flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Add enough of the milk to moisten the dough and make it soft, not wet.

3. Roll dough into a ball and freeze for 15 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

5. Roll dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface, and cut with a 3-inch Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

6. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing to cool on a rack.

7. Frost outline of a tree around the cookie. After a few minutes flood the middle with the same royal icing to get a clean smooth finish. Decorate as desired.

ROYAL ICING INGREDIENTS

2 large egg whites

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

3 tablespoons of ONO Matcha tea

DIRECTIONS:

1. Sift the ONO Matcha and powdered sugar together. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice. Add the sifted powdered sugar tea mix and beat on low speed until combined and smooth.

3. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.

These are not only yummy but so unique and pretty, everyone will flip for them!

Happy Holidays people..sage mommy

{ Sushipot, A Handmade Artists I Just Love }

2010-12-10T01:10:00.000-05:00

You have to wonder what to do with the great vintage puzzle you picked up at a tag sale but your crazy little son has lost all the pieces to it and you now spend a good portion of everyday vacuuming them up. Well stop, because after being up for way too many hours making fondant love birds I stumbled upon this lady who is so creative and I adore her sense of color and style.

Above is an old cigar box that she decoupaged...i know its so cute! Now look at this lost puzzle piece fashioned into a Christmas ornament...brilliant again!

This wacky take on a dollhouse is great. The medical illistration has just the right punch of color to make this a serious piece of art but still keep it fun.

I would love to see what I have around this house of mine to come up with something whimsy. Please go check out her site on Etsy.com

SUSHIPOT

{ Thanksgiving Centerpiece }

2010-11-19T14:02:00.002-05:00

I am always looking for cute and fun ways to dress up a holiday table, so when I spotted this I thought it was a great idea. You can find white pillar candles these days at any dollar store and no scented please cause it will compete with that delicious Thanksgiving feast! Print out in word any message you like and wrap the candles accordingly with spray adhesive.

Maybe even "Family" or just "Give Thanks" for Christmas you could even do "Believe" with pretty red letters and a plaid background. I just love a themed holiday.

I'm trying to do a all plaid tree this year so Im excited to start posting about Tree decor, stay tuned!

{ Tinkerbell Cake Done Organic Style }

2010-11-01T17:17:00.000-04:00

If I had to pick my favorite cake ever, this is it. Custom stand I made, organic and peanut, gluten & wheat free to boot. That was the clients request and the facility ( KIDS U ) ended up being peanut free so Thank God for checking the website prior to making the cake or it would not have been allowed in.

It all starts with the stand which was fairly easy with a little planning ahead. Measure the pans and figure the structure and just put the pieces together using 1/2 inch plywood and a large square dowel in the middle held together by tiny "L" brackets on the top and bottom which I covered in plastic wrap and screwed down so not to touch the cake.

I chose a round piece of wood for top so it would resemble a tree better and planned to have the leaves hang over the side to hide any imperfections.

After frosting the bottom layer in pink buttercream icing I started to make the trunk out of cut pieces of fondant which I folded to make roots and a trunk. I adore the tiny mushrooms around tinks big old tree!

They are the cutest thing ever.

view from above, the tree looks good enough to have lunch under. I think it turned out great! The client went nuts and her daughter loved it too!

Enjoy and let me know what you think!!

{ Unique Coated Apples }

2010-10-22T18:37:00.001-04:00

Everyone LOVES a candy apples!! How good are they in the fall all covered in caramel & rolled in salty nuts, how bout those chocolate covered apples with layers and layers of different drizzles of dark & milk chocolate...OMG!

I saw this on Martha's web and thought how cute to just melt 2 bags of white melting chocolates with 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup until blended and thick but not bubbling. Coat each apple...let it dry for about 1/2 hour and coat again until totally white. After they FULLY dry, just draw eyes and a spooky mouth with edible marker. Soooo cute!!

These whoopie pies look great too!!

{ Leopard Stripes For a Stylish Ladies B-Day }

2010-10-05T16:49:00.000-04:00

Wanted to post this cake because it was the first time I did a peanut butter and chocolate cake & it was fantastic. She is newly engaged and her fiance rang me to ask for a special leopard striped cake with pink in it. I have been dying to use feathers and this girl is the perfect chic to handle a lil wild in her cake! I covered the cake in pink fondant and hand painted the stripes in edible black icing. I made a "V" to add a little something...funny that my sister's cake required the same thing;). I think it came out really perfect and she loved it!

Hope this post finds you well!!

Sage Mommy

{ Maker's Mark Cake }

2010-09-29T22:50:00.000-04:00

So during a Estate Sale prep today I started talking about this cake I did and realized I loved how it came out and never posted it. So here is the low down, chocolate bourbon cake with a chocolate buttercream filling and covered in white fondant.

This is my first attempt at hand painting a cake but I printed a picture out of the "Maker's Mark" Bottle and just started mixing edible icing color together until I reached a bourbon like caramel color. I sponged it on dragging the color down & across first. I let the cake dry and then added the fondant label and dripped melted chocolate dyed red to look like the all known "wax dipped" top. Maker's mark is known for!

I love this cake and Brendon loved it too! His girlfriend wanted to surprise him and she did with sky diving and a handmade Kentucky style birthday cake!!

Thanks, Sage Mommy

{Super Easy Ghostly Cupcakes}

2010-09-27T16:03:00.001-04:00

Don't you just LOVE these...I do. They are so easy and they look like you worked all day on them. I went ahead and used a box mix when I discovered I was out of flour but still devilishly delish! Chocolate ganache icing and then rolled the sides only in chocolate jimmys.

Now for the ghost:
This little number is draped over a marshmallow that I snipped with scissors to make more round at the top.

Roll out your store bought white fondant, I used Wilton white. Use a ravioli cutter or cookie cutter & make a small enough circle that it will

sit on the cupcake and not (over) it.

Stand your marshmallow up and drape the fondant over.

Then trim the bottom (of the marshmallow) as needed so it sits flat on cupcake

Add two dots with an edible black marker and carefully place on this little masterpiece. Your people will think you are soooooo clever;)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Jeannie's Engagement Cake!!!!

2010-09-25T00:54:00.001-04:00

So sorry for the delay in posts! Life has been crazy with LOTS of ups and plenty of DOWNS. So I said that I would post the pics of the engagement cake I did for my sister Jeannie. To say the least, Mike & I ate the thing for hours while baking and it was delicious! Lemon cake with coconut buttercream...FABULOUS!!! The party was a blast and everyone had a great time (maybe too good a time) it took me a week to get back to normal.

So here it is.. I called a florist and requested flowers that were pestiside free and safe for cakes. I then wrapped all the stems in sran wrap and tapped them around before sticking them in the top of the cake to secure. I went with fresh antique hydrangia and some orangey colored roses to match the umbrellas.

I twisted a "V" as planned out of wire and wrapped the whole thing in silk sage ribbon.

A word to the wise...a cake this big needs to be very cold before sitting out for hours but it turned out great and my sis was sooooo happy!

Nite Nite, Sage mommy

{Engagement Cake}

2010-09-14T19:45:00.000-04:00

So my sister does not read this blog so I can talk freely about her gift on here. She is engaged to the man of her dreams and her swaree' (not spelled right) is this Sunday. I....my good people have been chosen to do the cake. Not to mention this family are caterers and his aunt is a great pastry chef so no pressure?? right.

I have decided to go with a lemon pound cake with coconut buttercream and cover the whole thing in the most delicate of sage green fondant and a bunch of fully bloomed sugar flowers on the top. Also thinking to top it off with some winter white butterflies stuck to the side of the cake...she loves butterflies! Here are the inspiration pics I'm using and I'll post the cake for all to see!!

I love the bottom layer color of this fondant...

I'm doing the fallen pedal thing along the side which is so elegant!

I have to do the "V" her new last name is viesta and our last name is with a "V" also, I just don't know where to incorporate this yet? Any ideas, feel free to comment;)

{ JAMAICAN BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH CILANTRO CREAM }

2010-09-12T17:16:00.001-04:00

INGREDIENTS
2 cups dried black beans, picked over and rinsed
2 or 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
4 ribs celery, diced
2 jalapenos, diced with seeds
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 Granny Smith or other tart apple, peeled, cored, and diced
1 tablespoon dried basil
8 cups chicken stock
4 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt
freshly ground black pepper
juice of 1 limes
2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)

(For the cilantro cream)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1 lime

2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

METHOD
Quick soak the beans: Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water by 3 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.

While the beans are cooking, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, add the onion and cook, stirring for about 10 minutes, until softened. Add the red bell pepper, carrots, celery, and jalapenos and cook, stirring for about 10 more minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the apple, basil, broth, bay leaves, salt and pepper, and drained beans. Stir to blend. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the beans are tender.

THIS SOUP IS FABULOUS AND THE APPLE IS THE BEST PART, DON'T PUREE THE SOUP TOO MUCH BECAUSE THE TEXTURE OF THE APPLE IS A GREAT SURPRISE AMONGST THE SPICY BEANS. DELISH!

2010-09-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

DIY Framed Earring Holder

I have been wanting to make this for awhile but just have not gotten around to it. This project cost me $2!! I have always kept my earrings in a plastic little organizer. The plastic container was just getting too full and my earrings were getting too big to fit into the compartments, so I came up with this idea. I have seen people do things similar to this but maybe not exactly like this.

I started with an old frame I already had and painted it a cream color.

Here is everything you will need, OH YEAH...a pair of tin snips really will do the trick ($8 at Home Center)

Cut the chicken wire to go over the back off the frame like the picture shows & staple all around taking care to get the staples in between the mesh and pull it nice and tight.

Next...

Cut the fabric a tad bit larger then the chicken wire and then staple the fabric along the edges of the frame.

WALLA!!!!

PLEASE ENJOY AND HANG WITH PRIDE...SAGE MOMMY

{Turning 40 with Friends Cake}

2010-08-02T14:26:00.000-04:00

I have decided to start drawing out my designs first for clients so that they can get a feel of the cake and maybe make some changes also. Debbie first contacted me last year about a sweet 16 cake for her daughter. The cake she emailed me that she loved was absolutely gorgeous and I was so disappointed when I had to turn it down on account of another cake job! She was so great though and contacted me last month again about a 40th birthday cake.

I learned when I delivered her the cake that it was for a joint birthday party for her and a few girlfriends who had also recently turned 40! Too fun! I think it came out pretty perfect. Thanks Debbie for the picture. (Why is my pretty cake on the floor girl??)

{ Perfectly Delicious Stiff Cupcake Frosting }

2010-07-03T10:58:00.000-04:00

This is a great frosting that I used for these chocolate cupcakes with caramel drizzle. It stays put so you can do some nice detailed piping without the whole thing falling. Creamy and delish!!

Ingedients:

1 cup whole milk

5 Tbs flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar (do not use powdered sugar)
Optional: food coloring

In a small saucepan, mix the flour and milk until combined. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until mixture thickens (and is just about to boil). Remove from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. Stir in vanilla.

In a large mixing bowl (a stand mixer works best for this) cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the cooled milk mixture and beat for 5-7 minutes, until frosting is light, fluffy and completely uniform throughout. Beat in food coloring, if desired.

This frosting looks best when piped with a large decorating tip (1M), but can also be spread with a spatula.

Yield: frosting for one cake or about 24 cupcakes

{ Cupcake Stand...u already have }

2010-06-30T21:38:00.000-04:00

The structure itself was a stroke of brilliance. While I'd like to take credit for this bit of genius, I can't. And I can't believe I can't find the blog post I found it in! At any rate, all this is is a few cake circles I covered in paper to match the rest of the party, and a few soup cans wrapped in paper all stacked up. Just a tip if you're going to this -- make sure your soup cans are full and unopened. The weight is what keeps it together! You can find pre-cut cake circles in the cake decorating aisles at WalMart, Michaels or any similar store. It was a good alternative to a tower that would have to be stored after I used it! Spray adhesive works excellent with this project too!!

{ Paint the Town Red or Better Yet Tan }

2010-06-20T23:49:00.001-04:00

After spending a great Father's Day by the pool with the kids and friends I am finally home at the computer putting in a bit of work.

I have been doing a bit of color consulting lately and wanted to post a picture of a staging job that I did with a great color scheme but it just needed to be more "dramatic without distracting" to the buyers.

This was a great space, filled with light and a fireplace! That is always a winning factor for a buyer in the northeast. But lacked the furniture and accents that finished the look. Here is a little list that is KEY thinking when making the home buyer ready. After being painted and fully staged...I love how it turned out and the space had an offer in 8 days after being on the market for 121 days.

When sellers are repainting their houses prior to listing I choose a neutral theme of only three colors. The exact paint color scheme is selected depending on floor color and other architectural elements (fireplace surrounds, cabinets, tile etc.) and the style of the house. For the main color I use a neutral hue-usually a golden or taupe tan. For one or two accent walls I use a darker coordinating shade of gold or brown or clay. I use a lighter tint of the main color for the bathrooms and kitchen. These color schemes give the house interest and drama without being distracting. This also gives buyers a great starting base to add more colors as they choose.

I always use an eggshell finish because it is easy to clean and reflects light well helping to brighten rooms. Flat paints are best for hiding flaws in the walls but they absorb light, which can make rooms feel darker, and they are hard to clean. Pearl finish has a low sheen and makes colors brighter and more intense, I like it for doors and trim.

Color groups are referred to in terms of temperature. Reds, oranges and yellows are considered warm tones and add intensity and energy. Greens, blues and purples are considered cool colors and have a calming effect. Brown and orange are strong warm color examples great for accent walls. Steel blue, gray (Benjamin Moore Templeton gray) are excellent colors on the cool side of the color wheel, great in bedrooms.

Let me know if this was helpful, I love to hear your feedback.

{ My Favorite Homemade Father's Day Card }

2010-06-16T11:11:00.003-04:00

This year I wanted to plan something cute for Father's Day, something inexpensive but from the heart? I love these cards from marthastewart.com and even though they are a little tough to make they are adorable once finished. (I've been practicing for 20 minutes now). Make sure to use some cool patterned paper to really make this project pop.

Here are the directions:

Use legal-size (8 1/2-by-14-inch) decorative paper.

1. Place paper facedown. Fold in half vertically; unfold. Line up left edge with centerline fold, and crease; repeat with right edge. Unfold, and lay flat.

2. Fold top-left corner in to line up with outermost crease, forming a triangle; repeat on top-right corner. Using index fingers and thumbs, pinch together outside points of each triangle so they meet, and crease.

3. While still pinching triangles, fold down top edge (this will make sleeves).

4. Turn paper upside down, and flip it over. Fold down top edge 3/4 inch.

5. Flip paper over. Fold top left and right corners so tips meet at centerline.

6. Tuck bottom edge under collar, and flatten by creasing. For the tie, cut out an 8-by-1/2-inch strip of decorative paper. Knot paper. Snip close to knot on one side; trim other to a point. Glue to shirt.

Don't forget to add a cute message to your favorite daddy like, olive u soooo much Mike! You are my favorite daddy.

{Free Paint Party Invitations}

2010-06-15T01:05:00.000-04:00

I spotted these while trying to figure out an inexpensive way of inviting friends over for a paint party later this summer.

How adorable...right? Just grab a bunch of cute paint sample cards and type away! If you don't have a type writer, your local library will have one (I called to check).

I love the "COLOR ME HAPPY" on the bottom. So creative and a great idea for those samples that usually end up in a pile somewhere.

Hope this post finds someone well!

Love, Sage Mommy

{ Stairway to Heaven or the laundry room}

2010-06-05T17:25:00.001-04:00

I saw this a while ago and decided to save it to post about when I was ready to start thinking about what to do with my basement stairs. I am in the process of turning my basement into a rental and it is a slow moving process to say the least;)

I love how whimsy this project is and with some leftover paint and a little creativity with words or numbers you can transform something mundane to a great focal point. I love the numbers and would def. put a thick coat of polyurethane over the entire project to ensure you aren't touching up for years.

The outline of black finishes this off and I love the type set they chose. Great for little ones (like mine) who are just starting to count everything.

This beachy shade of blue goes so well with the stark white of the space. Even the huge guilded mirror ends up working. I can't make out the words along the bottom but I love the idea of a great saying across them.

I hope this post finds you well and happy decorating. Email me a picture if you end up doing this or have any cute ideas for me...I would love to hear them.

xoxo, Sage Mommy

{ Homemade Gum Paste Recipe }

2010-06-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

I have been doing specialty cakes for friends and a few referrals have come from it and I am really excited to learn more as I go. I recently did a cake for a woman that was surprising her lucky hubby with a "Valentino Rossi Cake" for his 45th. I molded the race bike and all the elements on the cake with store bought gum paste. The track and tires were "Duff from Charm City Cakes" new line of chocolate fondant. I can't rave enough about it. Perfect to work with & delish!! Buy it, it is sold at Micheal's Craft. Because fondant takes longer to dry and has a tendency to crack easily, I am going to make the next cake details out of gum paste using this recipe I saw on youtube. It looks like a perfect consistancy and should be soft not sticky. Make sure to cure in a zip lock bag in the fridge for 24 hours before using so that the paste can mature.

Recipe for { Perfect Gum Paste }...using Tylose powder

Ingredients: 4 large egg whites 2 lb. bag of powdered sugar 12 level teaspoons Tylose powder
4 teaspoons shortening (Crisco)
1. Place the egg whites in a Kitchen Aid mixer bowl, fitted with the flat paddle. 2. Turn the mixer on high speed for 10 seconds to break up the egg whites. 3. Reserve 2/3 cup of the powdered sugar and set aside. 4. Turn the mixer to the lowest speed, slowly add the remaining sugar. This will make a soft consistency royal icing. 5. Turn up the speed to setting 3 or 4 for about two minutes. During this time measure the tylose in to a small container. 6. Make sure the mixture is at the soft-peak stage. It should look shiny, like meringue and the peaks fall over. (If coloring the entire batch, add the paste color at this stage, making it a shade darker than the desired color). 7. Turn the mixer to the slow setting and sprinkle the Tylose in over a 5 second time period. Next, turn the speed up to the high setting for a few seconds. (This will thicken the mixture). 8. Scrape the mixture out of the bowl onto a work surface that has been sprinkles with the reserved 2/3 cup powdered sugar. Place the shortening on your hands and knead the paste, adding enough of the powdered sugar to form a soft but not sticky dough. Usually I check by pinching with my fingers and they should come away clean. Place the finished paste in a zip lock bag, then place the bagged pasted dough in a second bag and seal well.

Happy cake making peeps!!

{ Gallery Walls }

2010-05-25T20:01:00.001-04:00

Arranging photographs and art can be daunting at times. So many ways to incorporate everything but I find that what works the best is inspiration!
Find all the things you love, letters, photos, frames, art work, mirrors of all sizes and lay on the floor.
Arrange and re-arrange until something strikes you.

I am a sucker for danish decorating. I love the bright white walls and all the pops of color on this massive gallery wall.

Placing pictures from floor to ceiling makes this room look huge! Notice that all the art work is matted in white which brings all these different pieces together.

Centering everything around the mirror gives you a perfect start. Also breaking up the shapes and adding a round piece adds softness to the display.

Hope this post finds you well...I have finally found TRUE LOVE..MAUH! So I will be getting back to posting allot more now that I have someone to share my dreams with;)

Latest Project-Furniture Placement

2010-05-16T23:23:00.035-04:00

I have just completed my latest project for a client & couldn't be happier with the results. He asked for me to organize and place furniture in a new space, keeping his existing furniture & implementing it digitally into a floor plan to better visualize. This is always a great way to full-proof decorate a room and an accurate floor plan with measurements is useful when pulling permits for remodels or trying to fit Grandma's grand piano through the door.

If interested in having me develop a floor plan for you please email me at melissastudioa@yahoo.com

{ Weekend Project Nature Inspired Black Accent Wall }

2010-04-14T00:45:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted for a couple of weeks, I have been so busy with my new endeaver "Matter of Design" estate sales, clean-outs, donations and color assisting(thanks Donna & Dave). Not complaining, it is GREAT!! So here is something that really caught my eye! It's a refreshing grown up and elegant take on chalkboard paint or just use black in satin finish. Add some of those inexpensive vinyl wall art stickers on top of totally cured black paint. For those of us in the northeast, you can find them at Homegoods or I've seen them online at ebay.com for as little as 2.50 (check my link for awesome dandelion wall art that will look so soft and pretty against black walls or even a dark plum which is the color you see being used everywhere right now. Stencil a cool saying along side the art like this one "you'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try". Love the idea and nature inspired white painted birds and leaves are perfect! Great inspiration for all of us. Enjoy & happy decorating!

{ Rubber Cement Abstract Easter Eggs }

2010-04-04T00:53:00.003-04:00

These eggs are really simple to make. The basic principle is, you drizzle rubber cement over the egg, let it dry, then color the egg. Naturally, the egg dye won't stick to the parts that are painted with the glue. After the egg is colored to the desired shade, let it dry completely, then carefully peel off the rubber cement.

You can paint the rubber cement on plain white eggs, like we did with the blue and white or green and white eggs above. Another option is to dye the egg with a base color, then apply the rubber cement and re-dip in a contrasting color. The most important tip is to dry the eggs between colors and or coats of rubber cement.

Materials Needed:

hard boiled eggs
basic egg dyes in desired colors
a jar of rubber cement

Let the eggs really sit in the color to get a nice bright intense hue. I love how these came out and my son dyed his own kiddy style eggs in super fresh tie-dye. It was his first time dying eggs since he was too little last year. 2 is such a wonderful age. Happy Easter and I will post my pics of greek easter bread and kafatifi dessert that I tried my hand at tonight!

{ Homemade Flavored Popcorn }

2010-03-31T09:26:00.001-04:00

While shopping last night for Easter candy for an Easter brunch and egg hunt my girlfriend is having, I spotted what looked like the yummiest bag of cherry pink popcorn. I didn't buy it but thought it would be a fun thing to try to make at home. The colors and flavors all come from bags of flavored gelatine added to the popped corn.

Super easy and so pretty for Easter in pastels, orange and black for halloween giveaways, red & green for Christmas! Not to mention this is about as inexpensive as you can get for treats.

Ingredients

10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 (3 ounce) package fruit flavored gelatin mix
1 tablespoon corn syrup
3 tablespoons water

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a 1/4 sheet pan or two 8x12 inch baking dishes. Generously butter a heavy 2 quart saucepan.
Distribute popcorn evenly in prepared baking pans. Place in oven to keep warm.
In prepared saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, gelatin, corn syrup and water. Heat until it boils and then continue to boil for about 3-4 minutes or until a drop of hot mixture dropped into a cup of cold water forms a rigid ball.
Pour mixture evenly over popcorn and stir until coated. Return popcorn to oven and bake 5 minutes; stir, then bake another 5 minutes.
Turn popcorn out onto a large piece of foil. Let rest until cool enough to handle, then form into balls. Or let cool completely and break into clusters. Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.

{ Up Against The Wall }

2010-03-25T23:34:00.002-04:00

Exposed brick walls.

How do I love these...? Let me count the ways:

A good brick wall conjures up a sense of history in a home. The more aged the brick looks, the better.

A brick wall needs no adornment. It stands alone, naked, and still looks great.

Brick or stone warms up the space naturally with the soothing colors of nature, so even an all white palette seems cozy.

A brick feature wall makes a statement. Everything looks better against it, and it is the perfect back drop for a great chandelier or lighting fixture, a stand out piece of furniture or great flooring.

A brick wall naturally looks better uncluttered. It is the pattern, texture & color all in one element. It can hold court with other great elements but be mindful not to overstimulate the space.

Tip: A friend of mine told me about stone panels. If you are looking to add character and some w.o.w factor to a space but your daddy is not a mason then I would invest in some faux stone or brick panels. That is right...(PANELS) available in many colors and patterns. The panels are real stone or brick (but about 2 inches thick)and are applied to the wall with caulking adhesive in a interlocking pattern like wood flooring. Panels come in 5 x 3 foot panels for around 95.00 each. I know you are thinking this could be pretty costly when doing a whole wall but I would pick an outside wall with a window to save a little space and take care to choose a finish that matches your homes style. I hope this post helps you make your home somewhere you love!

Comment me below and let me know your thoughts on this. I would love the feedback.

l.o.v.e..........Sage Mommy

{ Meal Planner Worth Displaying }

2010-03-02T22:55:00.002-05:00

This past couple months has been a blur to me. My whole life is different and for the first time I am coming to the realization that things don't always turn out like you planned but you can't stay unhappy just for the sake of your kids. You have to make a decision to go after what you always wanted and never settle. I told a once good friend of mine one night that life is too short to waste years, because you don't ever get them back. So I followed my own advice and here I am starting over. Single with a 2 year old but loving life and all God has planned for me. First thing that has to change is the slacking on family meals and desserts I used to love preparing. So I made a pack...just because my home is down a member why not still plan fun meals for just goonies and I? So what better way to start this mission then a cute printable download from theprojectgirl.com (if you haven't been to her site, GO!!)
She is a talented girl and will have you printing out little organizing planners and lists for everything.
Here's the one I chose and I just love it.
You can download this cute page by clicking HERE! and then you can visit project girl's website;)

{ Homemade Hostess Cupcakes }

2010-02-11T13:01:00.003-05:00

I have always wanted to make a homemade version of these hostess favorites. Always loved the combination of devil's food and creamy whipped filling but always thought it was way too sweet. I spotted on Martha's website the same idea with pretty script sayings in creamy white piped across. I love the idea of this as a gift around valentine's day even though I recently started hating the holiday due to my single status;( but let's keep this blog happy for now...lol

For the Cupcakes

1& 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 & 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

For the Filling
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup marshmallow creme

For the Ganache
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Icing

1 stick unsalted butter
2 tablespoon milk
2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

I promise these will be a hit! Perfect creamy middle and the ganache is so glossy and lets you dip each cupcake twice for a great thick chocolately top. I piped the swirls and letters on with a piping pen that I bought but I read that the pastry bag with a very thin tip works fab also. Happy Valentine's Day!!

{ New Babies & New Uses For Hangers }

2010-01-18T22:26:00.000-05:00

I just love repurposing things whenever I can and this is the cutest idea. Maybe it's been around but I noticed it recently and have been on the mad hunt for some vintage wooden hangers ever since. Love how great black & white photos look in them but maybe painting them white and clipping a pretty botanical or your favorite pages from a old tatered childrens book.

Last week my friends had a gorgous little baby girl (Isabella) and I helped decorate the nursery with my girlfriend Tara while she was still in the hospital. She came home to a pretty pink room via (FreshAire Paint in Pink ) & loved it. The paint is great and is no VOC and I've been thinking of cute ways to display artwork in the room and this sparked my senses.

{ Organizing with Glass Etching }

2010-01-10T01:01:00.002-05:00

Aren't these the best? Ikea has a great selection of inexpensive glass jars with lids that are perfect for a little facelift. I had a bunch and alphabet stickers from my son. I bought glass etching powder about 2 years ago but it's still good (can't believe it). I decided to etch some letters in wine glasses to make looking for your glass of vino a thing of the past in my house.

Martha inspired this look and to me it's the easiest design to do etching. You can get creative by changing the wording up like instead of "coffee" try writing "wake up" or spell "flour" like "Flower" to get a little creative. Also a cute valentines gift idea on some spice jars or glass coffee mugs.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
GLASS ETCHING PASTE
BRUSH
PAINTERS TAPE
ALPHABET STICKERS
GLASS JARS

DIRECTIONS:
Clean glass throughly and place your stickers on smoothly with no wrinkles. You don't want any etching liquid getting underneath. Tape a square out with the painters tape making sure to have no wrinkles or seams exposed. paint the etching liquid on with the brush taking care to stay in the lines and get a nice thick layer on. My jar said 15 minutes but that wasn't enough time to look like the picture so leave it on for atleast 30 minutes, then wipe off and see if it's the desired cloudyness. If so remove stickers and tape and clean with soap and water. These are dishwasher safe so don't be afraid. I love my coffee jar!

{ The Apsolute Best Macaroon } Promise;)

2009-12-23T01:51:00.001-05:00

You might have heard about these cookies, moist sweet with a crispy toasted shell and the chocolate just sends them over the edge. I watched an episode on that show "the Best of" & they featured a chef famous for "The Tres Leche Macaroon", translates to three milks (his name leaves me now because it's 2am & I'm exhausted and filled with coconut). These cookies are sure to please any macaroon lover like myself. Try them. This recipe makes 24 huge cookies or 30 still pretty big cookies.

Ingredients
4 - 14 oz bags sweetened coconut flakes
2 - 14 oz cans sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons heavy cream
1 Tablespoon Mexican vanilla

Pour 3 bags of coconut flakes into a mixer bowl. I work with a 5-quart KitchenAid, If your mixer is smaller, you might want to consider cutting the recipe in half. You can also do the mixing by hand, with a strong spoon, in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the condensed milk, sour cream, cream and vanilla on top of the coconut flakes.
With the mixer running, slowly add the fourth bag of coconut flakes. If you start out with all 4 bags in the bowl, the mix might pop over the edge of the bowl.

Mix for about 10-15 seconds until combined. Make sure all the ingredients are well distributed.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Cover your sheet pans with parchment paper.
Scoop out the macaroons and press slightly together - so they hold their shape when you drop them onto the sheet pan.
Now place the sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The bottoms of the macaroons should be lightly caramelized (medium-dark brown).

Heat up some chocolate chips in microwave for about 30 seconds and dip them in the bowl half way andplace on cooling rack to dry or drizzle on with a spoon. YUMMY!!

{ Easy Almond Chocolate Snowballs }

2009-12-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

I took the liberty of inviting myself plus 2 too my girlfriend's house for Christmas Eve. She's a great hostess with a million hilarious family members and always a gourmet spread.

I made those ornament cupcakes last night and although Will called to tell me how perfect they must look (without seeing them)lol. They were difficult...very difficult but turned out cute all the same. I'm opting for something chocolate-y, soft and cookie like to bring over to tara's this year. So these were perfect. They are so yummy. Perfect with a cup of coffee after a big savory meal!! I'm going to pile them high in a cool platter along with some coconut macaroons.
Ingredients:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1/4 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 teaspoon almond extract
60 Hershey's® Kisses® milk chocolates, unwrapped
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, egg, flour, cocoa, almonds and extract until soft dough forms.

2. Shape dough into sixty 3/4-inch balls; wrap each around 1 milk chocolate candy. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

4. Roll cookies in powered sugar. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Re-roll cookies in powdered sugar. Store tightly covered

{ Get Your Party Started}

2009-12-19T00:27:00.001-05:00

Figs are so good and during the fall and winter months they pop up in a ton of recipes. I bought a tub of mission figs for this recipe I cut out of BH&G over a year ago. My son was playing with a book of mine and out it fell...so I had to whip up a bit for Christmas taste test.

A few changes I made was to add a bit of cream cheese to make it a little thicker because my mom hates goat cheese. I never met a goat I didn't love but she hates it so it's out;( and then I swirled a dallop of fig preserves into it for some color and sweetness. So delish and on a piece of buttered warm crusty Italian bread or a pretty baquette sliced up. For Christmas I'm going to get fresh prociutto and serve that rolled on the side.

Ingredients

3/4 cup snipped dried figs and a couple teaspoons fig preserve
3/4 cup crumbled chevre (goat cheese) 3 oz.) or same amount cream cheese
1/2 cup light sour cream
3 Tbsp. snipped fresh basil
2 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh thyme
Salt
Ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Toasted baguette slices or Italian bread

Directions
1. In a small bowl pour boiling water over figs to cover; let stand 15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl stir together chevre, sour cream, basil, milk, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in drained figs and half the walnuts. Cover and chill in refrigerator up to 24 hours.
3. To serve, transfer spread to serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining walnuts and fresh thyme sprigs. Serve with baguette slices or crackers. Makes about 1-1/2 cups (twelve 2-tablespoon servings)

{ A Cheesy Melty Mess of Deliciousness }

2009-12-16T01:32:00.004-05:00

Everyone loves a homemade lasagna and this recipe adapted from TYLER FLORANCE looks and sounds so mouth watering I'll be adding it to the Christmas menu (by request of my dad). I loved it for the browned beef and italian sausage and tons of melty mozzerella with a great browned layer on the top.

Adding the sauteed veggies to the beef also sneaks in some goodness to my boyfriend who refuses to let any fruit or vegetable touch his lips...what a sin huh? I thought this would be a great side entree along with the tenderloin and give that little bit of melty cheese that every fine meal needs. YUM!

RECIPE:
2 pound dried lasagna noodles
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds ground beef
2 pound ground Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, sliced
3 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped oregano leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups red wine
2 (28-ounce) cans tomatoes (recommended:San Marzano)
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 quarts ricotta cheese, (2 containers)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
Grated Parmesan and mozzarella, for topping
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the lasagna noodles in plenty of boiling salted water until pliable and barely tender, about 10 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles thoroughly and coat with olive oil to keep them moist and easy to work with.
Coat a large skillet with olive oil, add beef and sausage and brown until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. In a food processor, combine the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, basil, parsley, an oregano. Process until pureed, add to the pan with the ground meat and stir to combine. Stir in the flour. Add the wine and cook until it has reduced by half. Stir in the tomatoes and add the heavy cream and the cinnamon.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta and the parmesan. Stir in the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

To assemble the lasagna: Coat the bottom of a deep 13 by 9-inch pan with olive oil. Arrange 4 noodles lengthwise in a slightly overlapping layer on the sauce. Then, line each end of the pan with a lasagna noodle. This forms a collar that holds in the corners. Dollop 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spread to the edges with a spatula. Spread 1/2 of the meat mixture over the ricotta. Sprinkle 1/2 of the mozzarella on top of the ricotta. Top with a ladle full of sauce, spread evenly. Repeat with the next layer of noodles, ricotta, sauce, and cheeses. Top last layer with noodles, sauce, shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Tap the pan to force out air bubbles. Bake for 1 hour. Remove from oven. Let lasagna rest for 30 minutes so the noodles will settle and cut easily. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

{ Ornament Cupcakes }

2009-12-15T00:39:00.002-05:00

Spotted these in my new "Hello Cupcake" idea cookbook and thought how wonderful wrapped up as gifts or as one of the desserts on Christmas evening.

She gives a great breakdown of how to make eveything right down to fruit roll up stripes and red hot dots. She doesn't cover the cupcakes with fondant either which i kinda love because that can be a bit heavy. Instead she heats store bought frosting in the microwave for a minute or so and then dips the tops in for a nice thick glaze.

The holders are gum drops placed upside down while the glaze is still wet and black licorice strings for hooks. (The green candies are "runts" or you can use christmas M&M's that are everywhere right now. Just dab a dot of icing on each (NEATLY)to help stick.

She also suggests different color cupcake liners to create interests. These are perfection right??

{ Christmas Dinner Recipes }

2009-12-10T01:54:00.005-05:00

Browsing for ideas for Christmas dinner at my house this year and can't stop thinking about this mouth watering beef tenderloin my girlfriend Age made last year. Here's a fun recipe from BHG and has 2 spreads to suit anyone's taste. They paired it with potato soup..YUM.

Ingredients
2 2-lb. beef tenderloin roasts or 4 1-lb. pork tenderloins
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt or kosher salt
1 recipe Horseradish Mayo
1 recipe Blue Cheese Parsley Crumble

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush meat with olive oil; sprinkle with rosemary and salt. Insert meat thermometer into center of one of the roasts. For beef, roast uncovered, for 35 to 45 minutes or until thermometer registers 140 degrees F. For pork, roast uncovered 25 to 35 minutes or until thermometer registers 160 degrees F.
2. Allow meat to stand, covered loosely with foil, about 10 minutes to allow juices to reabsorb and meat to firm for easier slicing. Cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. Serve with Horseradish Mayo, Blue Cheese-Parsley Crumble, if desired. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
3. Horseradish Mayo: In a bowl stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Makes 2/3 cup.
5. Blue Cheese-Parsley Crumble: In a small bowl lightly toss together 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; and 1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Sounds really good and why not splurge on something this yummy for Christmas??

Tree Trimming Party & DIY { Paper Ornaments }

2009-12-06T01:49:00.001-05:00

My girlfriend Tara hosted a delicious little tree trimming party filled with ornament making & wine drinking. We all ate like it was Thanksgiving part 2 and then we baked ornaments and painted them. So much fun and it's what I needed to get into this holiday season. Her tree needed time to "fall" before decorating so the "trim" part would have to wait. Which leads me to thinking about our tree (We're cutting it tomorrow)...so excited I even have our outfits layed out.

So, while browsing through PB's Christmas mag, I saw an awesome tree adorned with paper stencils. Made me think, I may have the means for my 2009 tree theme right here? Found these pretty examples and a great how-to for a 3D paper christmas tree.

1. Stack two pieces of construction paper, card stock or decorative paper and stitch together down the center. Three pieces can also be used but two is really just as satisfactory and easier to work with. The paper can be all the same color or different. Leave a length of thread at both the top and bottom of the

2. Fold paper down the line of stitching and cut out half of a shape--a tree, an ornament, a gingerbread man, etc. You will cut through the stitching along the bottom of the shape but leave the excess thread at the top to be used for hanging. The excess thread at the bottom of the page can be used for the hanging cord when you use the bottom half of the page for the second ornament!

3. Open up the four cutouts and fold so they are separated one from another and you have a dimensional ornament. Decorate further if desired using stickers, glitter paint, dimensional paint, etc.

Enjoy your ornament adventures!!, Sage Mommy

{ Salt Dough Ornaments }

2009-12-01T13:02:00.001-05:00

My hubs told me that his mom used to make these doughy creations when he was younger and to this day we hang them on our tree. She has since passed away but he cherishes those little painting stockings that say "will" and cute teddy bears that carry the memories. I wanted to try it and thought it would be not only fun for little Jesse but maybe fun for Will too. I made the dough, poked holes for hanging ribbon or hemp twine and baked the cookies and they came out great. They will be a little soft even after baking but let dry for a day to really harden and then paint with acrylics or glue rhinestones...whatever your heart desires.

Things You'll Need:

1 CUP SALT

2 CUPS FLOUR

1 1/2 CUPS WATER

Measuring cup

Bowl

Spoon

cookie cutters or even stamps to impress shapes.

Rolling pin

knife

Baking sheets

acrylic paints and brushes.

Instructions:

Pour 1 cup salt into a bowl. Add 1 cup warm tap water and stir until the salt dissolves. Add 2 cups flour and remainder of water if dough is too dry, stir until well mixed. Knead the dough as you would bread dough. Shape and reshape it with your hands until it's smooth and firm and can be formed into a ball. Your children will enjoy doing this with you. Make this their project. The more time and energy they invest in the activity, the more successful they will feel. If you don't plan on using the play dough right away, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. The mixture will last about a week. You need to bake your ornaments in the oven to 250º for anywhere from 45 minutes for small cookie cuter ornaments or up to 2 hours for larger projects.

ENJOY, This project is one of my favorites!

{ Creating A Jar Of Blessings }

2009-11-24T23:05:00.006-05:00

A great blog littlebirdiesecrets posted about this project and I thought it was a cute idea without being too corny which my family can't handle. By taking a pretty jar and using rub-ons to adorn the front with a saying like..."T is for Thanks" or "Be Thankful", a plain jar and strips of paper become a lifelong memory and reminder of what's important to each person.

On Thanksgiving Day, while chatting and waiting for turkey is the best time to do this. Get a large jar or even a apothecary jar. I prefer to get a glass jar so you can see the slips of paper. Before hand prepare your paper slips. Give everybody a couple slips of paper to write on. Instruct them to write down one item on the paper that they are thankful for. Once everybody has wrote their blessings down, put them in your jar or can.

Once your ready to trim your tree, you can use the strips of thanks as garland by bending them into rings and stapling together. I just fell in love with the idea and even though WE are NOT that Type of family...I'm forcing them anyway;))

Art Supplies Needed:Glass apothecary jar, Rub-ons, Popsicle stick, Double-sided patterned papers cut into 1/2" by 6" strips, Piece of patterned paper cut to fit part of the inside of the jar, Length of ribbon to tie around jar, Clear tape or Glue Dots, stapler, Pen or marker

***Be sure your glass jar is clean and free from dust and then adhere your rub-on. Cut the portion you want from the rub-on from sheet and remove paper backing. Place where you want it on the glass and lightly press it down with your fingers. Use Popsicle stick to rub all over the image until it is completely transferred.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and make it special!

{ Here Piggy Piggy } the party is here!

2009-11-17T00:15:00.012-05:00

My son's long awaited western party is finally coming up this weekend and I've been planning everything for a proper hoedown. Venue rented, complete with extreme face painting by funtastical faces here in CT(she now follows my blog and seems fabulous...can't wait to see the artwork!) Also found a clown that will dress up like a "rodeo clown"!! I decided that me and my girlfriends would make all the great southern food and just warm everything up there and last but not least me & the hunny will be creating the cake.

I thought that it would be cute to have little squeeze bottles of personalized BBQ sauce on the tables with a funny picture of rumps screaming or something too that effect. I tryed a couple versions of this sauce and this one is the winner hands down. Here is the most delish recipe of the richest, thickest, yummy bbq sauce ever...pROMISE!!

SERVES 20 -30 , 3-4 pint jars

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups onions (chopped)
1 1/2 cups red bell peppers (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 cups ketchup
2 cups chili sauce
3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons liquid smoke
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup dark brown sugar

Directions
1 Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in butter, just until onions are translucent.
2 Add chili powder, and dry mustard. Stir to incorporate.
3 Lower heat and add remaining ingredients. Simmer on low for at least one hour.
4 Let cool then blend smooth in food processor
5 Put up in mason jars. If you actually "can" the sauce it will keep for a month or so. (There are no preservatives so be careful). If not, use what you need, it will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks, and you can always give the rest away--your family and friends will love you for it.

{ Paper Mache Animals }

2009-11-14T16:25:00.006-05:00

Yes this creation is awesome, artistic and some how super creepy. I love it but I think i'd like to try it minus the little mouse head and just have a pretty paper mache bust i think;)

I was searching for a craft to do last night on what I have to say is the rainiest fall ever around here and thought about the wonderful world of paper mache I sooo enjoyed as a kid. I figured what's not to love, eating paster & ripping paper...it's a 2 year olds dream.

We made a giraffe out of wire hangers bent in half for legs, a water bottle body taped with 2 tons of masking tape and then another wire hanger bent & slipped inside the water bottle and taped to form the long giraffe neck and little head. We covered the whole thing with masking tape tomake secure and give the papermache something to adhere too. Use syrophone for little ears and horns(it's light weight & cheap). Oh yeah...don't forget a little rolled paper tail;).

Papermache Recipe:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup water

Mix until a nice soupy consistancy. It is impossible to get out of clothes, so beware...it was messy but so much fun. My son was really concentrating on putting every ripped piece of newspaper on perfectly. So cute.
Paint with acrylic paints after it dries, ours took 3 days?

And now a few wonderful creations to get some ideas.

DIY {Before You Throw Away Paper...}

2009-11-10T14:32:00.008-05:00

I was so happy when I came across this post on scrap paper re-purposing. I have a ton of stuff that is too pretty to throw away and this is the perfect little project. I have my son's western party coming up and I made a candy buffet with recycled mason jars. I thought I could add a little interest to the jar lids and maybe add some red & white check tops.

Here are the simple simple directions:

Materials:
paper scraps
Mod Podge in matte finish
pencil
scissors
medium craft brush
jars with screw lids

Instructions for jars
1. Wash jars thoroughly. Remove any labels with Goo Gone or similar product. To remove smells, soak in a bleach solution. Let dry.

2. Lay jar lid face down on the back of decorative paper and trace lightly with a pencil. Sketch a circle that is bigger (the height of the lid plus 1/4″) around the circle. You can use a round object to trace if you can find a similar one in size. Cut slits about 1/4″ apart that go right up the first pencil tracing. Coat inside circle with Mod Podge and adhere to lid. Press down thoroughly with clean fingers. Lay face down on surface and begin gluing strips in a clockwise direction. Coat 2 or 3 strips at a time and fold each one up and over the edge of the lid. Continue until all the strips are glued.

3. Turn lid over so pattern is facing up. Coat with Mod Podge to seal. Let dry and then screw onto jars.

So pretty huh? What ideas do you have for paper? Comment me & I'll be sooo grateful.

DIY {Easy Baby Leg Warmers}

2009-11-03T23:41:00.010-05:00

Baby leggings can be used as arm warmers & leg warmers for all ages. They make great baby gifts too. I thought they are so cute because they keep Jesse warm with just a diaper and shirt on around the house and they will be great for potty training. The now very famous and trendy baby legs are 12.00 a pair and although I LOVE them, these can be made. I picked up a 3.00 pair of socks from Walmart and made sure they were extra long and cozy for Jesse's chubby little gams.

Step 1. Find a fun pair off socks.

Step 2. Cut off the heels and toes like the first pic

Step 3. Discard the heel & toes

Step 4. Using the lower foot piece turn them inside each other wrong sides together. This will be the bottom cuffs.

Step 5. Now just place the leg pieces into each cuff like this

Step 6. Then sew around using zig zag stitch or whip stitch and be careful to get all three layers!

Step 7. Turn them out the right way and slip them on your little one.

These are another simple and addicting project that takes about 20 minutes, my son is fuzzing with them but he'll learn to love them. Next ones are flames;))

{ I Thought This Might Bring A Smile }

2009-10-29T22:09:00.011-04:00

Feeling a little overwhelmed these days with life and have been wondering what craft i could get into between the hours of 11pm-3am since I seem to have an open time slot in my schedule. What's cuter then a precious felted birdie with a cute embroidered pink heart? Nothing that's what.

I stumbled upon skiptomylou.net and she is the most creative little lady with step by step directions and adorable photos to boot.

She was making about 20 of these for a calendar but I was thinking of sewing it onto another piece of felt on a wooden loop and hanging it in my bedroom. It's always nice to wake up to something handmade by yours truly and have it be super cute too.

This is the template printed out and placed on top to start tracing with a pencil or disappearing pen..
NOTE: that dotted lines are where you trace to sew your colored felt to sew on.You can download the template by hitting the link at the beginning of post.

Yummy Appetizer {Thai Pork & Crab Meatballs}

2009-10-25T01:37:00.000-04:00

My mom's birthday party is tomorrow and I'm hosting it at my home. I had a pretty trying weekend to say the least but I'm hoping tomorrow night will be a nice break from everything I'm dealing with. My family is always fun when we all get together...there is 7 of us so it's always a great time.

I bought this great cookbook called "Chinese Cooking School" today & it's filled with the prettiest pictures and yummiest Thai influenced dishes. I made the whole menu for the party from this one cookbook.

I made a few things tonight to get my mind off of things and prepare ahead a bit and they all came out so tasty I had to stop myself from eating them all up. You got to try these with the tomato chili dipping sauce...yummmmmmm.

Ingredients:
8 oz. pork tenderloin finely chopped
2 shallots chopped thin
1 can lump crab meat drained
3 scallions finely chopped
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
1 egg white
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
peanut oil for frying

Combine all ingredients in one bowl(easy right?) Get your hands dirty and form walnut size balls & fry in a thick bottom pan or deep fryer with oil reaching about 1/3 way up meat. Oil should be able to brown a piece of bread in about 30 seconds.

Cook about 3-4 minutes or until they are a nice golden brown and move easily around the pan. Remove and drain on a paper towel. I stored mine in Tupperware and I'll reheat in the oven tomorrow night at around 300 for 10 minutes or so.

There is also a spicy chili tomato sauce to sit the meatballs in using 3 ripe tomato's chopped, a garlic clove and 2 scallions chopped finely and 1 red chili seeded and chopped then all sauteed together with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil until hot and bubbly. So pretty on a clean white plate and don't forget the chopsticks!

{ DIY-Freshin Up Your Plain Curtains }

2009-10-17T00:16:00.009-04:00

I spotted a ton of ric rack in a million colors today while browsing around to finish up my ribbon wreath in the previous post. I have never used it because I was afraid to take on such a tedious sewing project but with this you just draw a line and use spray adhesive. The advantages are you freshin up the inexpensive look of white panels and add a creative touch that can pull together the look of your room. It also can widen the appearance of any window by adding horizontal stripes. To keep the line level, first draw lightly across the width of the curtain with a pencil and ruler. Use adhesive to attach the trim along the line. Done.

I also found a great pic with plain janepanels addorned with ribbon in a zig zag pattern but I think it would look so kitchy with ric rac!!

You can get 25 yards for 3.99 in a multitude of wonderful colors by clicking here...bbcrafts.com

{ Gothic Ribbon Wreath }

2009-10-13T23:26:00.008-04:00

I came upon this wreath from the blog the long thread & I think it's so elegant and looks super simple to make. I love it in black but it would be equally pretty in any autumn tone ribbon like a shiny rusty orange silk. It takes around 25 yards of ribbon which is alot but look at the results!

To make this wreath from The Long Thread, all you'll need is a 12-inch foam wreath form, 25 yards black grosgrain ribbon, scissors, and a measuring tape.
I found 50 yards of black 1 1/2 inch ribbon for 9.59 visit the direct link to the page here papermart.com (enough for 2 wreaths).

Here's how:
To begin, cut your ribbon into 45 to 50 16-inch pieces, and one piece of 48-inch ribbon.
Tie one piece of the 16-inch ribbon in a messy knot around the wreath form by folding right over left twice, pulling in the opposite direction.
Continue this until you've tied all the small pieces of ribbon, pushing them close together in between.
The wreath should be full; if not, cut and tie more small pieces of ribbon.
Now, tie and knot the long piece of ribbon around the wreath, leave a long loop and tie another knot at the other end.
If there are any frayed edges trim them, and make sure the ribbon pieces are relatively the same length.

Now, hang the wreath!

{ Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins With Yummy Filling }

2009-10-06T08:17:00.012-04:00

BTW:(I have made these again and used cane sugar and pecans and replaced the buttermilk with the same amount of sour cream..this time...even moister and 100 times more DELISH!!)

I carved another pumpkin at my sister Jeannie's last night while rumps schemed all night to get the sharpest tool we had. We sipped pumpkin coffee while sister carved a bat and moon scene that had a difficulty level of 2 pumpkins. Strangely our pumpkins were about 2-3 inches thick and resembled cutting into a pair of loafers. I did a cute polka dot design around the middle via queen Martha's website, that came out really cool. I ended up with all these cute circles of pumpkin so I wanted to keep them and figure out a recipe to incorporate them. I had a version of these as cookies while pumpkin picking last fall! I found the filling on cooks.com and the muffin recipe is an old recipe and I just added the cranberries & molasses to spice it up. These muffins are so moist and pumpkin-y it is plain silly. The cranberries add a bittersweet bite and great fall color to these tasty cakes.
Fresh pumpkin and the creamy surprise of the sweetened cream cheese filling inside is to die for.

For Muffins:
2 cups roasted fresh pumpkin puree or a 15oz. can of pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sweetened cranberries
4 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup butter
2/3 cup sour cream
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup chopped roughly pecans
1 teaspoon molasses
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 t teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Filling:
8 oz. Cream Cheese
¼ Cup Evaporated Cane Juice
1/8 Tsp salt
½ Tsp Lemon juice
1 Egg

Cream together the cream cheese, sugar, salt and lemon juice. Mix in one egg until smooth. Whisk in the flour until smoothly combined and place in pastry piping bag; promptly refrigerate to firm up the mixture. This can be done ahead of time.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line two muffin/cup cake pans; spray with flour and oil or just oil (which ever you have).

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, butter, oil, buttermilk, molasses and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.
Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended.

Pour about 2 tablespoons of the batter into each muffin cup. Pipe about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of the prepared cups. Spoon another 1 1/2 -2 tablespoons of the batter on top of the cream cheese, just enough to cover the cheese mixture, it must not be showing when the pans go into the oven.

Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar, if you want to, this is not necessary-just tasty.

Bake for about 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven. Muffins are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

{ Pumpkin Decor & Fall Sangria Recipe }

2009-09-28T22:47:00.011-04:00

Today was such a fun day with rumps, perfect breezy fall day, sun shining. We ended up taking the pretty scenic drive up Route 7 to The Christmas Tree Shop in Danbury, CT and found a pair of white drum shades for 1.99 to go on 2 goodwill black urn lamps I found a while back! I never mind the drive because of all the great antique & decorative iron shops along the way. We stopped into Stew Leonard's to pick out pumpkins for the front door and ended up finding mums for 1 dollar each. No lie, the cashier said because they were not up to standard they had to go...I packed the truck up like I stole something. I hear the orange ones last the longest so I grabbed them all. Rumps was thrilled & pooped & slept the whole ride;)) Needed some pumpkin decorating inspiration so here are a few I loved & a delicious sangria recipe for the fall. Figs & wine? Nothing wrong there.

Better yet drink this sangria & decorate your heart out;)

Such a great idea for Thanksgiving since you already used the insides for pie, right?

photo via weddingbee.com

Using the hurricane glass adds height plus a little safety. My lil' one that thinks all candles are for his birthday.

They hot glued river rocks to these pretty white pumpkins that are always my fav. Bought one today.

Martha Martha Martha. She used a cookie cutter and then cut out shapes from white pumkins and swaped them with the orange. LOVE IT & her!

I'm totally diggin the wood grain but it looks like it would take a month to complete.

Stacking pumpkins inside urns is everywhere this fall which will include my house. I just have to wait until the yearly pumpkin picking event with the family to get more.

These are adorable! I think anyone can draw this and cut squares. I will def. be trying this one. Too precious.

NOW POUR YOURSELF A GLASS OF THIS LOVE AND HAVE A GREAT WEEK.

Ingredients:

Makes 8 servings.
2 to 3 fresh figs and/or 1 cup dried figs
2 to 3 fresh plums, pitted, and/or 1 cup dried plums (prunes)
2 to 3 fresh apricots, pitted, and/or 1 cup dried apricots
1/4 cup molasses
1 bottle light red wine, I love such Pinot Noir for Sangria
1 bottle sparkling apple cider or club soda, chilled
1 orange, peeled, if desired, and sliced

Directions:
1. Halve, quarter, or slice fruit. In 3-quart glass container combine fruits and molasses; stir until well-combined. Slowly pour in red wine. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours.
2. To serve, add sparkling cider and orange. Stir gently with spoon. Fill glasses with ice and ladle in sangria.

{ DIY: Painted Door Knobs }

2009-09-27T00:43:00.013-04:00

When we bought our house about 2 years ago it needed a ton of work as you all know, (still does). The entire place was covered in the most dreadful wallpaper you can imagine. I laugh sometimes because the only thing we managed to keep was the tongue & groove ceiling in the family room and the door knobs;) They functioned but with that dull scratched brass they needed some help. Will thought of the idea to paint them black instead of spending on new ones. Hey, if they chipped we would just buy new ones. I loved the idea and I am so happy we did it. 2 years later they are on and poppin.

Oh by the way...the pic of yellow drippy paint is not mime but a really cool photograph(sadly the person didn't leave a way for me to give her credit). Love you whoever u r.

Here is what you need:

Sandpaper (200 grit or whatever you have on hand is fine)
Metal primer
Spray paint for metal(I used all purpose paint from Rustoleum in satin black)

Remove the knob & lightly sand the entire piece.Wipe clean of any dust and in a ventilated area spray the primer on, wait an hour, and then put the spray paint on lightly, wait another hour and then put another light coat of paint on. Take you time with the spray paint, keep your distance about 6-10 inches from the hardware and you'll end up with a nice finish.

Spray paint is available in so many finishes. They have a paint that gives you a hammered finish which I haven't tried but it looks fab. The copper looks awesome too. Even painting a pretty image like these lemons add pop to this door and is a different place to add interest.

DIY {Oh So Easy Fabric Shades}

2009-09-22T14:58:00.000-04:00

I have a newly neutral khaki & white horizontal 12 inch striped master bedroom. Almost done but still need to do a few finishing touches before it is blog worthy.

Now while looking for a great fabric treatment for the windows I decided to try my hand at doing my own and found this project at Woman's Day mag. This beauty started out as a cheap white roller shade and they used spray adhesive to add fabric over top. They folded strips of fabric to make this tab pull at the bottom and then bought a silver cafe rod (about 3 bucks) at Walmart to pull up & down.

I think it is perfect don't u??

The directions for this project are from Alice Falkier from Design Star. I tweaked them adding the tabs & pull rod from this picture.

Tip:
The spray adhesive works fast. Be sure to get all your wrinkles out immediately, or you’ll be stuck with a wrinkly shade.

Materials:
roller shade

2 yards of fabric

spray adhesive

scissors
double sided adhesive tape

fusible webbing

stapler

cafe rod

First cut 4 strips of fabric that are about 6-7 inches long and 5-6 inches wide. Fold each side in to make a clean loop & making sure they are all EVEN(I made this mistake) . Iron the pieces and insert fusible webbing inside to hold into place. I stapled the loops with 2 staples in each straight onto the bottom of the shade into the wooden strip inside. Placing the first & last loop about 2 inches from the outside and then

1. Go to a highly ventilated area for this first step. Lay your fabric out and spray with your adhesive. Spray about 6– 8 inches away. Be sure to use your painter's mask for this step.

2. Carefully lay your fabric on top of the roller. Crease any wrinkles out.
3. Back at your workspace, grab your scissors and cut the fabric along the edge of the shade.
4. Roll your shade back up.
5. Measure your trim along the bottom edge of the shade, leaving a little room on both sides and at the bottom (to fold inside and lay on top of tabs to cover them).
6. Measure out the appropriate length for your double sided adhesive tape.
7. Press your tape into place and peel off the top layer.
8. Carefully press your trim onto the tape.
9. Tuck the trim on each side to hide the seam.

10. Insert cafe rod after the rod is hung and set. Enjoy.

Do you love it! Comment me & tell me if you tried it.

{ Mason Jars* Trendy Drinking Apparatus or Deadly Weapon }

2009-09-19T00:54:00.000-04:00

In all my brainstorming regarding my son's party I had over-looked the total un-comfort of a scratchy hay bale. I have been searching for something pocket friendly and of course stylish that can make these things comfy and still remain rustic and kid friendly.

I love these pillows in a row that compliment the vintage cowboy fabric to a tee! Makes me think I need a couple yards for the kiddie table...hmmmm. DONE;)

My parents backyard is pitch black at night so hopefully the boyfriend will be able to rig up some ambiance if the party goes later then planned. These hanging lanterns are pretty inexpensive and you can always re-use them. Photo via Countryliving.com

What on earth is a western showdown without SMORE's. Martha Stewart has done it again with these crafty twigs and birch stars. Check out the pre-wrapped smores package she made. I want to do as much up-front as possible so I can hang with the little man and some friends!

Quick story: of what everyone around me knows is MY LIFE totally.

I go out today with my little sis "nonnie" & brother "Jesse" (I named my son after him)and we try this awesome organic cafe that opened in Greenwich. We were just finishing up when my son goes to follow me and falls taking a glass mason jar drinking glass with him (which by the way I admired the entire time.) I run outside to see his hand dripping with blood and glass everywhere! I'm hugging him my lil rumps and the owner was bandaging and offering me free baked goods to ease the pain. What started out as a delish cappuccino ended in blood & screaming but I am hear to report the trauma is over and he is doing great. Apparently the hands bleed allot.

Oh & I also found a site for the CHEAPEST mason drinking jars ever(candlesandsupplies.com). Would that not be the most southerly bit of love ever. At .38 each I think they are my new home drinking glass. Martha would be so proud:D but my son might have flashbacks.

Peace Love & Chicken grease - Sage Mommy

{ Cowboy Kids Party }

2009-09-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

Is this not the most inspiring picture of a perfect country western hoedown? CountryLiving.com sure knows how to bring you in the moment huh? Well when I spotted it I knew that it was the perfect idea for my son's second birthday party. He is born in late November but I wanted the kids to enjoy the fall & be outdoors, so who cares if it's a bit early. My parent's have a huge property & are more set up then I to accommodate allot of cars. So I'll be throwing down over at the parentals crib.

These are the invites below from party city. I love the playful wording and they were easy to print out not to mention cost effective;)

They say: "Howdy Partners, please help us round up our little

outlaw Jesse James for the crime of turning 2, rumor has it he'll be hiding out at...(fill in address) Let me know if you want to be a part of the posse. Please wear blue jeans and a white or plaid shirt."

These are some little vintage pics to stick on top of cupcakes...from etsy shop rockabyeretro. I fell in love with the images on them.

I love the idea of marking drink carafes with sheriff stars! I'm bought an inflatable cowboy hat that's a cooler (oriental trading for 15.00) and filling with drink boxes so the kids can grab themselves. I also bought some wooden stars at Micheal's that I'm painting chalkboard & attaching them from twine I picked up at home depot.

Look how cute. Made entirely of refrigerator boxes. Cool project & the kids will love to run in & out of this mini town.

I adore these cupcakes and will be copying to the best of my ability. Fondant makes everything on top pop. I'm skipping the horses and going with a little horseshoe and cowboy boot motif.

As far as DECOR:
BANDANNAS EVERYWHERE & string lights wrapped around more twine above our heads. Lanterns on the tables and hay bales to sit on. I bought bandanna fabric at Walmart for 2.50 a yard and will drape the tables in it.

CHUCK WAGON
consists of normal cowboy fare of Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Grilled Corn On The Cob and hot dogs and hamburgers for a little back-up.

More on entertainment & THE CAKE as it unfolds...

{ New Life For an Old Spool }

2009-09-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

Back before diapers and sippy cups were a part of my everyday, I used to ride my motorcycle over by this electrical warehouse where we would all hang out. There would be tons of these spools around and I always thought they were the perfect shape for a kids table & chairs set. Recently, after a shopping trip to Baby Gap I was appalled to see some creative person had thought of this also and painted the whole thing in really cute shade of blue & orange. I'm even more in LoVe now that it was in front of me and why not use them? I called that same warehouse and they are letting me pick some up to use as seating for rumps 2nd birthday party coming up...and they are FREE!!

I'll post about the Wild West Round Up soon. Things are getting out of control with all the ideas!

I like the idea of stapling fabric and batting on top to soften the look.

Photo via designspongeonline.com

Screwing wheels on this table makes it look 100 times better and with it beingmobile the possibilities are endless. You can buy a pack of these large wheels at homedepot for around 6.00!

This creative gal changed the whole look by cutting the bottom into a square pedestal and adding a mosaic tile design on the top. If you apply sealant over a design this table will last outside for years.

I hope you are able to rescue some spools from an untimely death.

{ Lamp Shade Makeover }

2009-09-09T13:55:00.001-04:00

We all love a project that uses what we already have. I'm sure everyone has a few yards of pretty fabric or left-over wallpaper that is dyeing to be showcased..right? We have all seen this project done but I think it's time to actually add this to the craft list. I picked a set of pendant lamps at goodwill for 12.00 and they were the perfect blank canvas to add some life & creativity above mybedside tables. They came out perfect!

Here are a few crafty ideas from other artists that I love and my

step by step directions on

how to create this finished look!

1. Why not dress up the inside -A hint of color and pattern is an eye-catching touch on the inside of a shade, especially for hanging lamps. Make a pattern by tracing the shape of your lampshade onto paper, allowing enough to overlap ends. Cut fabric using the pattern, coat the wrong side with spray adhesive, and carefully adhere the fabric to the inside of the shade. If you have difficulty controlling the fabric as you work, first back it with paper to stiffen it, then use adhesive to attach the paper side to the shade. Glue bias tape along the top and bottom edges to give the lining a finished look.

2. Give it a paper or Fabric makeover - Covering your lamp with paper is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to quickly make a new lamp shade. Trace the top and bottom of the shade by rolling it on wrapping paper, allowing extra to fold ends. Cut. Use cut paper as a pattern for a second piece if needed. Place paper on shade, aligning patterns. Fold ends, securing seams with double-sided tape. Glue ribbon on top and bottom. (The same technique can be used with fabric, but instead of double sided tape, attach the fabric with spray adhesive.)

I hope someone gets around to doing this.

Email me to show me pictures and I'll post them here!

-Sage Mommy