....is an Image Transfer, Part 1

Sometimes craftiness doesn't go as planned. I was watching an episode of Restaurant Impossible, the designer on the episode described how to transfer an image to plywood using gel medium. She made it sound so simple. Apply acrylic gel medium, place image, let it dry, dampen the paper & rub away the pulp. Sounds easy enough. Here's my attempt at what should have been a simple craft.

....is a Made for My Niece

My adorable niece is almost 2! This picture is a a little outdated but it's one of my favorites. Her birthday is coming up this summer and I've had the chance to work on some fun projects these past few years (her mom is the lovely Michaela at Covered in Mod Podge, and my bestest friend from high school). I started with her birth announcement, a little nursery decor, her dedication, family christmas card and her first birthday invitation.

I thought I would share a few of the things I've put together for Miss Emma Madison in her first year!

....is Ginger & Sweet Chile Hash for Breakfast

My post on a delicious breakfast hash with a Asian twist is at The Breakfast Hub this morning!

Happy Cooking!

....is a Spinach, Walnut & Pear Salad

The Salad
A Handful of Spinach
1 Pear, Thinly Sliced
Walnuts, Roughly Chopped
Crumbled Gorgonzola

The Dressing
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 Tbsp White Balsamic Vingar
1 Tbsp Honey
Salt & Pepper

Happy Cooking!

....is a BBQ Brie Burger

What do you get when your boyfriend has a craving for Burgers and you want to make a fancy Steak Sandwich with Brie? A BBQ Brie Burger!! This was a delicious compromise that came together in the grocery aisle. It was a nice sunny day, perfect for grilling Burgers, and with the start of baseball it almost feels like summer! 

....is a Creative Exchange, TwentyThirteen

It's that time of year again! The Second Annual Creative Exchange Hosted by the lovely Covered in Mod Podge, the Grant life & Covered in Grace.

I was paired with the darling Jaimie @ ROXYLOVE. We've been writing back and forth and I've really enjoyed my big kid penpal time. I did a little research on her blog to figure out what to send her. I adore the Jewelry she makes, she has such a great eye for putting pieces together. Her 'Life Lately'  posts frequently feature a very handsom little man. And, I noticed a recent post where she showed off her latest craze: scrapbooking! This seemed like the perfect choice for this creative exchange. So, I began gathering supplies....

....is a Simple Veggie Rissotto

Did you know you can make risotto like rice?! Like bring liquid to a boil, add arborio rice, lower heat, wait 20 minutes....and DONE! It's not glamorous but there's no laborious stirring and adding just the right amount of liquid each time. It's less likely to burn this way as it cooks over a lower heat, stir it a few times just to be sure. I made this in about 30 minutes this week when I got home late one night and it hit the spot!