diy printer shelf

Sometimes things just need to be functional, like this shelf we built for our printer. We don't have a dedicated office space, just a corner in our cozy kitchen. In fact, we bought a different computer, a monitor/computer combination, because of our lack of space.

DIY Printer Shelf built in closet

lemon bars

Ok, I've been making these for years. They are that good! and I know its not just me -they've had the endorsement of my professional baking buddies.

secret- it's the salt that makes these so good!

Lemon Bar Cookies

another camping tip

This must be the summer to go camping.

In response to questions I've gotten regarding my camp post (here), I'm including this little tip -how to transport your eggs.

This is my favorite way to pack for recipes that call for beaten eggs.

packing eggs for travel

Just lightly beat them ahead of time at home, then pack them in a recyclable water bottle using a kitchen funnel.

A 16 oz water bottle will hold approximately 8-9 extra large eggs. If camping for several days, just pack in separate water bottles and label by day or dish. This eliminates any measuring on site.

If you need whole eggs, I would transport them in a sealed sturdy container.

I know this is just such a simple tip, but when camping with kids, anything I can do ahead of time makes our trip easier and is worth doing. Plus, it eliminates the need to pack a separate bowl and whisk and leaves less dishes to wash.

Happy camping!

Sunday: |I Heart Naptime|Nifty Thrifty Things|It's Overflowing| MopItUp| Monday: | C.R.A.F.T.|Sumo'sSweetStuff | diy home sweet home| KeepingItSimple | MadSkills |thededicatedhouse  | BNOTP | Tuesday: Coastal Charm |  SugarBeeCrafts | My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia | Get Your Craft On | diydreamer | Wednesday:| Savvy Southern Style | NYMelroseFamily | Gingersnap Crafts | LifeWithTheCrustOff | LiveLaughRowe Thursday: The Shabby Creek Cottage| Made in a Day | House of Hepworths | the 36th Avenue | 52 Mantels Friday: Blissful and Domestic | Serenity Now| The Shabby Nest |Thirty Handmade Days |  Financial Friday | Classy Clutter| Show&Tell

summer pinch bowls

I found this cute yellow striped pinch bowl set at my local thrift store recently. For less than a dollar, I knew I could find some use for them. Plus, I love their summery vibe with the yellow and white stripes.

top 10 pinch bowl uses

yellow and white striped summer pinch bowls

cooking {how to} videos

Have you seen these fun little Martha Stewart How To Cook videos yet?

I was looking up a recipe the other day and discovered them. They are a great resource.

Forgot how to cut a mango? No problem. Want to know how to prep an artichoke? Easy.

cooking how-to videos

{no-bake} cheesecake

I have to thank my wonderful professional baking buddy Angie for this one -she lent her spring form pan last minute. And I'm so glad she did, because this cheesecake was super yummy. My daughter spotted it in my latest issue of Everyday Food, and insisted we try it.

Unlike the baked variety, this cheesecake chills in the fridge to set up, giving it a light, mousse-like consistency perfect for summer!

no bake cheesecake

 

redesign {M}

I've been helping my friend M redesign her big and beautiful home. She has a wonderful combination of classic and playful fashion style that I want to help her translate into her own home. Seriously, this girl can pull off this fun outfits. But her home doesn't reflect this seem sense of style. She asked me for some input.

First, we needed to start with some images to help her define how the juxtaposition of classic and playful can be interpreted.

image

 

camping {with kids}

Last summer, I took off a few day to take my kiddos camping. Unfortunately, Handyman had to work. I've never gone camping without him before, and our last trip was cut short by an unhappy camper -this little guy-so even though we went with friends, I was still a little bit nervous.

don't be scared, go camping!

camping with kids: easy meals and activities

nylon lanterns

I have a bunch of these -ten to be exact- hanging over my yard right now. They are nylon lanterns. And they are the best outdoor party decoration invention yet!

white nylon Chinese style lanterns

danish apple pie

While my sweet mother-in-law was visiting last month, she was reading Susan Wigg's The Apple Orchard. At the beginning of the book was the following recipe for aeble kage or Danish Apple Pie. My mother-in-law, who loves to cook and to bake, whipped this up for us one night. It was so good! And you know I love a good apple pie. This would be a great week night alternative to my classic apple pie, posted here.

A great week night alternative to classic apple pie!