Glad to be in a new week

Last week was rough, really rough. And if I may put this out there again, why does it seem when things can't get worse, they do? That's me for you, and if you've known me long enough you can vouch for it.

But this week is much better. I have my first day off today in what feels like an eternity, and I'm finally spending time with this guy, boy I've missed him.

 We have big plans for the next couple of days: the park, a date at Chipotle, rides on our scooters, & Seven Peaks tomorrow. It seriously feels like forever since we've hung out.

Some other things are making me happy this week too. I'm starting a few new sewing projects, I just bought this new shirt at the GAP (with my discount, hooray!!), my brother is here for a visit, and I am on a hunt to find these stamps. At my first stop today, funny, the clerk told me the lady that orders the stamps said she wouldn't be ordering anymore because they were too ugly. I could only quickly turn to leave with a smile on my face and happy to visit another post office with more tact and taste.

I also can't seem to get enough of The Dark Knight. I'm going to see it again tomorrow night for the third time but this time in IMAX, is there anyone else out there that feels the same?

Fabric necklaces

I've finally figured out what to do with all of the scraps of fabric I have laying around.
Perfect with a white tee and oh so summery.

Sky rockets in flight

"Coconut Delight"

I don't know who came up with the name for this dessert but as cheezy as it sounds, it is truly delightful. So light and delicious, very complimentary to any meal. I love making it, but it calls for Coconut pudding which was near impossible to find in Brooklyn, so I only made it when I could stash a few packages into my suitcase, and I usually used them up within a month. But now that I'm back in Utah where the grocery stores are endless and well, lets just say I've made it a few times too many.

A friend of mine just had twin girls a few weeks ago so this afternoon I made her a batch and of course doubled it for myself. The few times I have served it at parties etc., I usually get many calls for the recipe so I thought I would share.

Combine
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted        1 cup flour
1-1/4 cup flaked coconut                      1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup slivered almonds

In a bowl, mix the above ingredients together, press lightly into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes to form coarse crumbs. Cool. Divide crumb mixture in half;press half into the same baking pan.

Combine
1 pkg. (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz) of instant coconut pudding mix
2 2/3 cup cold milk
Fold in 2 cups whipped topping ( I use heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla)

 

Spoon over crust. Top with remaining crumb mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. (It tastes better the longer it sits).

And enjoy!!

Wrap skirt #1

This might just be one of my favorite things I've ever made. I know I
say that every time, but I really really love how this one turned out.
So much in fact that I had a real internal debate about selling it, and
I'm am headed back to the fabric store today to a) buy more fabric to
make myself one and b) put another one in the shop.

The fabric is still very summery, hey we still have a month and a half
of it yet, and is a pin stripe sort of robin egg blue. Pair it with a
white tee and red shoes, and you have a perfect fourth of July outfit for next
year! I feel pretty confident high waisted stuff will still be
lingering for at least another year, so no worries there.

I also just ordered some solid blue chambray which should be here early
next week. My goal is to get another wrap skirt up by Wednesday, so
check back if you are interested.

Unrelated but very much on my mind this morning, did anyone see Andrew Bird play last night? He is seriously amazing, and to me very inspiring. How have I not known for the past couple of years that he was the one playing the violin? I can't as much talk and play the violin at the same time let alone sing. I want to be him when I grow up, really.

I can't get enough

I seriously worship this guy, Charles Spencer Anderson. Like many others I admire, he is a graphic designer and is based out of Minneapolis. If Tom would have applied and gotten a job with him, I would have moved immediately to Minnesota despite my intense loathing for really really cold weather. He's that great.

My favorite of his stuff is what he designs for French Paper Company, and more specifically his Pop Ink Line.  If I could own all of it I would. He has a knack for camp, and I'm a sucker for it, always have been.

My love for his stuff first started a few years ago, when Tom picked up this book. It has no purpose other than it is filled cover to cover with the cutest illustrations of little animals. It's one of my all time favorite books.

Come on, who wouldn't to use some of this stuff for very special occasions? And yes, these are seriously dinner plates, but wouldn't they look so great on a wall?

And this wrapping paper

 

One of the perks of having a graphic designer for a father and husband is the free paper samples they get. Usually they are from boring paper companies but every now and then they give out something really great. Well, French Paper Company distributed these posters to potential clients, and I couldn't have been more delighted. I think I will frame them and put them in Luke's room, or even in a nursery someday. Oh I really love them, and they are even available on dinner plates.