vacation

First off, something funny. This post is titled 'Vacation', and after I added tags I saved it to my dashboard and saw this:

:) Here's today's outfit.

I tried taking photos outside (it's foggy and rather mystical-looking today) but it was so cold and my skirt kept blowing about.

So I moved inside.

Jones New York turtleneck, Thakoon for Target skirt, random tights, Gianni Bini shoes

Unfortunately, it started raining after I took these pictures, so I had to change to boots before going out. Which is sad, because these are the kind of shoes that make an outfit.

By the way, I'm leaving for a 2 week tropical vacation....

I'm planning on doing a few outfit posts and sharing some pictures from a craft show I'll be doing, but things will be relatively scarce around here until March 15.

Goodbye!

a little night sewing

I've spent the past few evenings sewing some extra Barbie clothing for an upcoming craft show. As you can see, I also snapped a bunch of behind-the-scenes photos.

Magnetic pin cushion. This kind is a lot easier to use than the typical tomato cushion (though I'll admit it's not as cute).

My trusty Husquevarna Viking.

Fabric and trims for 2 Barbie evening gowns.

Vintage Barbie illustration.

Barbie, waiting with the scissors and thread for her modeling gig.

Samples of a new bathing suit design I'm working on (these will be debuting in the shop in a few weeks!).

Dress bodices and my iron.

In other news, I tried out a new dessert for an Australian-themed dinner the other night: lamingtons. I'd never heard of these before I started researching Australian food; basically, they're squares or cubes of butter cake coated with chocolate icing and topped with coconut.

Mine weren't particularly authentic, but they did taste great! I used chocolate ganache instead of icing, and toasted up plenty of coconut to sprinkle over each.

My recipe is from a copyrighted cookbook, but here's a few online recipes I that look similar:

• Lamingtons 1
• Lamingtons 2

Also, here's the ganache recipe I used:

• Ganache (it's at the end of the brownie recipe)
  

lucky

I've been giving my sister sewing lessons for the past few months now. This is our latest project: Lucky the Dog/softie.

Lucky's made out of fake fur (it's really cow print, but we decided it works for a Dalmatian). He has a felt face, ears, and collar.

The name tag is a Shrinky Dink drawn with colored pencils.

The pattern's from Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals (which is definitely worth owning).

As you can see, our Lucky is rather unique (compared to the prototype in the book).

But that's how we roll :)

banana-oatmeal muffins

I'm usually not a fan of banana-related baked goods, but my Mom, muffin whiz that she is, makes a mean banana-oatmeal muffin. Which just happens to be what we had for breakfast this morning.
Above are my photos, and here's her recipe:

Banana-Oatmeal Muffins

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon honey
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups mashed bananas (4-5 medium)

Combine oats and milk and set aside.

In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

To soaked mixture, add oil, eggs, vanilla, and bananas.

Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir only until the flour is moistened.

Fill greased muffin cups and bake 375 F--20 minutes.

Makes approx. 17 muffins.

Best served with scrambled eggs and orange juice.

What did you have for breakfast?

5 cool websites: miniatures

I've always loved miniatures. Here's a few
of my favorite websites featuring tiny things:

World's Smallest Postal Service at Leafcutter Designs.

This is such a cute, sweet idea.

Miniature food jewelry at pukashell.etsy.com. The detail on this ring is insane.

Amazing video about a lady who knits tiny clothing for movies like Coraline (those are two fingers inside the sweater!).
Thanks, Jessica!

World's Smallest Man-Made Orange.

And lastly......
miniature pigs.

So. Cute.

All images property of their respective websites.

to sir with love

dollar store sunglasses, Old Navy coat, vintage dress, Mossimo purse, random stockings, Personal Identity shoes

Outfit pictures from last Sunday. I always feel like an extra from To Sir With Love when I wear this dress. It's a homemade dress from the late '60s that I found at Goodwill. I love to wear secondhand homemade clothing--it makes me think that perhaps a girl 40 years from now will be wearing one of the dresses I've made.

BTW, I did an interview with Nicole Tattersall--you can read it here.

v-day

It was a very nice Valentine's Day.

Jones New York shirt, thrifted cardigan, Ralph Lauren cords, Croft & Barrow oxfords, Mossimo purse

I made some last-minute valentines that turned out rather dorky....

...but you can't go wrong with Riesens!

I also made a cherry pie for the family. By the time I got around to photographing it, it was mostly mutiliated.

I miss it already (the pie, I mean :).

Did you have a nice Valentine's?

Friday favorites: erickabasile.etsy.com

Coco Shoulder Bag in Yellow

Reversible Weekender Tote in Pink and Blue

Coco Camera Bag in Red and White

There's so many talented bag-makers on Etsy. One of my favorites is Ericka Basile, who created the lovely bags shown above. I adore the bright colors and mod details, and the recurring 'target' motive really ties her products together. Above are a few of my picks from her shop;
browse all her merchandise here.

Edit: the day after I published this Etsy picked erikabasile as the featured seller. They must be reading my blog! :P

MuxOriginals Valentine's Day sale!

I'm throwing a sale today through Feb. 16 at ye olde shop in honor of Valentine's Day!

All red + pink merchandise is 25% off current prices.

CLICK HERE to check it out!

More Valentine's fun coming soon.

blythe swap goodies!

This February I participated in the Flickr group *Blythe*Swap*'s Valentine's Day Swap. It was super fun! I can't wait until the next one. I received my package from my swap partner, Batqueen, yesterday. Check out the awesome stuff she sent me:

handsewn Blythe kimono

vintage fabric and notions

Kinder Surprise candy

Custom puzzle

Thanks so much, Batqueen!

You've made my first swap such a great experience :)

the best snack ever (or me, practicing my macro photography)

Start with an apple, a knife, peanut butter, and some Kashi ® GOLEAN Crunch!™ cereal

(the last dregs in the bottom of the box work great for this).

Slice your apple.

Spread each slice with peanut butter.

Pour some cereal onto a plate or flat bowl.

Dip each apple slice, peanut butter side down, in the cereal.

Enjoy! Goes best with a good book and cool drink.