To try to atone for our misdeeds, I have compiled a lovely collection of Easter decor. I know, over-the-top and completely unnecessary, right? Actually I may have an ulterior motive – I am hosting Easter dinner this weekend and need some inspiration for my tablescape.  Who do I turn to for help? None other than my girl, Martha. Behold:

You can bet I will be trying to master these Bunny Fold Napkins. An origami expert I am not. I’ll let you know how it goes…..

{All images courtesy of MarthaStewart.com}

Happy Easter AND happy spring, Homage!

AND I have found the perfect site to get us in a spring-y state of mind: emersonmade. It’s true, loves, flowers go with everything.

Take, for example, these dahlias:

Aren’t they fabulous, dahlings?!?

Because it is Monday and GLORIOUS outside, and because I am partially Dutch, enjoy some tulip loveliness. Click on the images to go to the Etsy listings.

Hope you enjoy some sunshine today!

Alright, now I know who is truly devoted I just had to brag on G a little. We don’t do a big Valentine’s Day (we prefer to go to the drugstore February 15 and purchase discounted candy. Hot, I know), but he always delivers a heart-felt card. This year was no exception.  Check out what my crafty man came up with:

That’s right. He used this template (from my girl, Martha), went to the craft store for pink PAISLEY scrapbook paper, created a masterpiece, and wrote lines from one of our favorite songs on the edges. Martha, pink paisley, and John Mayer. G knows how to keep this girl happy.

AND, if that wasn’t enough, I found a Snicker bar on my steering wheel this morning left there by G after I sent him to fill my car with gas last night. What a guy.

I love you, G! Thanks for getting my Monday off to a good start.

Alright, that’s enough. Stop gagging, I can hear it from here.

Hope your Monday is full of pink paisley,

{Mom, if you’re reading this, you know I’m totally kidding…..you know all kinds of things….and you generally promote healthy eating……can you even hear me from way down in this hole?….}

Anyway. Doesn’t this look delicious?

Whenever I take them to a function I am bombarded with requests for the recipe. I gladly hand it out, but it’s almost embarrassing how easy they are to make. I’m sharing it as an extra special Valentine because I love you oh so much, Homage. I hope the feeling is mutual

K’s {Cream Cheese Bars}

• 2 packages crescent rolls {generic brand works just as well}
• 2 8-oz packages of plain cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle

Preheat oven to 350. Spray the bottom of a 9×11 pan. Combine the cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla and whip until fluffy {this is where the stand mixer comes in handy……or, you know, upper body strength}. Spread one package of crescent rolls in the pan, keeping the dough in one piece. {This is tricky. Start with the edge that is perforated all the way across. If it tears, just smush it back together.} Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Spread other package of dough over the top, keeping it one piece as well. Whip the egg white and brush over the top. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar liberally over the egg. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

Yum.

Please note the festive heart-shaped chocolate garnish. I suggested to J that we add it for the photo {she hosted a fabulous Super Bowl party this weekend, these were my contribution}. You know, since it’s Valentine’s week and all. Her response: “Will that…….make sense?” And then she said something derogatory about trailer parks. Whatever, J. I think it’s cute. Now get going, this single-wide is getting crowded.

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Now that I’ve started talking about desserts I can’t stop. The same holds true for consuming them…….

Check out this fabulous recipe I found! {Notice the crescent roll theme. No, they aren’t paying me…..}

Doesn’t this look fabulous?!?

I’m going to find something to eat now. Hopefully it involves dough. And sugar.

Come up with a name for my recipe, won’t you please? Hurry, before you crash from the sugar high.

Love,

Are you crafty? Me neither. If I give my love a card, it’s generally something pretty I found at Hallmark or Target. But…there are so many adorable and simple DIY Valentines out there! I am going to take some initiative this year. Because I know A. will really appreciate the extra effort. Because he loves cards. And poems. And Valentine’s Day. me.

The beauty above is a sewn paper Valentine by Molly at the purl bee. Now that K. has a sewing machine, I am fully expecting one of these in my mailbox.

No sewing skills? Don’t fret – you could make these cutesy doily envelopes a la Martha:

Or, if you really want to get your craft on, go the extra mile and make a pop-up card:

And, lastly, if you’re crafty like me, you’ll stop pretending that you know where to buy doilies and just find something awesome you can print out. And fill with brownies. Yes.

Have a sweet Tuesday,

Exhibit A:

I love this garland – fabulous AND simple {my two favorite things…}. I found it here – stop by and prepare to be inspired. Everything the woman does is chic and fun, in particular her children’s wardrobes. I stopped saving inspiration photos and just bookmarked the whole site!

Dreaming of spring and dry pavement,

Don’t burn your retinas,

From our homes to yours, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season. Thanks so much for spending time with us over these past few months and brightening our days with your comments. We love each of them!

As a token of gratitude, here are two ideas to creatively display all of the Christmas mail that comes with the season.

Strung on corkboard

I would never think to use chain, but I love the result!

Love,

Maybe I should have started with this photo:

That’s better

A. and I made it to my hometown for our family Christmas – and just in the nick of time. Ice and upwards of 17 inches of snow are predicted! Thankfully, all my siblings and their spouses made it too, so we are cozy and having a great time.

Which means, of course, we are constantly eating.

Yesterday one of my brothers made fudge – No-Fail Fudge, to be exact, a treasured recipe. The recipe is kind of shocking (including such things as Velveeta, an entire block of butter, and 4 pounds of powdered sugar…..wow…). And, to top it all off, you have to mix it with your hands!

We’ll just focus on the end result again before you lose your nerve:

No-Fail Fudge

• 1 lb Velveeta cheese
• 1 lb butter
• 4 lb powdered sugar
• 1 C cocoa
• 1 tabelspoon vanilla

Melt the cheese and butter. Mix dry ingredients and add the vanilla. Add to the melted mixture. It will take a big bowl to mix and you should use your hands for the best results! Press the fudge into a 10×15-inch pan. You can add nuts if you want.

According to the recipe card, this fudge “feeds an army,” so this is great for parties or large gatherings…or…just my immediate family.

Have a beautiful Christmas Eve!