treasure hunt gifts...

My nephew is getting married soon and I wanted to surprise Lily with a little bag to carry at the wedding. Since she was just a couple of years old, she has always loved purses. I found an adorable little metal bag that I took home to her. I didn't even wrap it....it wasn't that kind of little gift. It would be an understatement to say that she flipped for it. I decided I had better clean it up a little bit so she didn't get her dress dirty when she carried it. You ready....that's when I saw the silver stamp and the fact that it is signed and dated.....you ready....1918! I'm not telling you what I paid for it....I kind of prefer it that you like me. Tell me, have you ever found a little gift that turned into an amazing find...the kind you usually only hear others tell tales about?

good morning granola

I saw this tasty looking granola yesterday morning. My first thought after yum was that it would make a fun gift for any mom friends a few days before school starts up again to ease the craziness of the first week. For some presentation, just add a custom labels to the top with a ribbon all the way around. Go get the recipe here.

speaking of witty humor and design...

Something really pulls me to this photo.

It could be that its all white or the fact that it takes me back to my lifeguard days. Either way, it really appeals to me and I would love to have it framed large and hung in a bathroom. For that matter, I would even love to hang the life preserver in a bathroom. A bit witty and unexpected goes far with me.


I've had this image bookmarked for awhile. (and if anyone knows where I found it, please let me know so I can credit)
It's the blue sky and the fact that we have no idea how high up she is that intrigues me. I like to put something unexpected into design. I think someone in our house needs a life preserver. Too bad I didn't think of it for the anniversary....I could have easily come up with some really corny lines to go with it for the husband.....yes, you're thinking the same ones I am....I did say corny. I can make whatever sacrificies I need to in order to get that hanging right above the tub. Do you like design that has unexpected signs of humor in it?
life preserver image credit belongs here

i'm grinning...

I know the customary thing to do if you have been blogged about is to post a link and a thank you on your own blog. I am a little hesitant to link to the latest mention. You see g.'s post at ticklishfromadistance had me blushing so much that I wouldn't be surprised at all if your screens looked a little pinker this morning. She also stole my ability to use words....quite a feat if you know me at all. It really isn't playing fair if you steal some one's words when they are trying to say thank you. So here it is simply...thanks for the mention g. I really am thrilled that you love your bag that much! It means much more to me than I seem to be able to express. And I've decided this will be my philosophy today.





And while I'm saying thank you for the mentions, I have to thank Heidi over at faboolosity. You see, she won the sculptural pencil....how fitting for a graphic designer. The fact that she doesn't want to let it go is very touching.

I am quite behind on updating the thanks for the mention link on my sidebar....as well as, my blog links so if you would like to be included let me know......Have a great Monday everyone. Go check out these two blogs....that is if you like witty humor and good design.

image found here

celebrating independence??

Happy 4th of July! While you're celebrating your independence, the husband and I will be celebrating our lack of. Tomorrow is our 13th wedding anniversary. Hope your weekend is filled with love, fireworks, and picnics.

image found here

byob

I've been all about the picnic this week and I just can't move on without throwing in a thirst quenching beverage. Have you ever had beer with lemonade? You may also know it as a shandy. Pour some good beer over ice (or just be sure your beer is very cold) and add anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 of the glass with fresh lemonade.....refreshing. Tie it together in a picnic blanket or put them in a basket and you even have yourself a hostess gift that everyone enjoys......leave the blanket or basket for the hostess of course.

image found here

gift wrapped salads...

Since I am in the mood to share picnic recipes, you have to have this one. You could wrap this one in a box and tie it with a bow and they might think it was the best gift they ever received...it's that good.

Blue Cheese Coleslaw

2lbs. napa cabbage

1/2 lb. blue cheese (or gorgonzola)

3/4 c. cider vinegar

1/4 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. celery seeds

2 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. white pepper

2 T sugar

1/4 c. minced white onion

3/4 c. vegetable oil

mix coleslaw and blue cheese and let sit for at least an hour or overnight (you want the flavors to mix) mix remaining for dressing. whisk. add just before serving....you don't always need all the dressing be careful not to get it too wet. serves 6-8

I don't have an image of this to post for you....you'll just have to trust me and try it for yourself, but here is a place I would go to the end of the universe for with my coleslaw and watermelon in my picnic basket.

image found here
Where would you love to go to picnic this weekend?