Perfectly Imperfect

Sew What?

So if you read this blog with any regularity you know I am not one of those crafty moms. Creative? Yes. Crafty? Not so much. But, I do have a subconscious desire to be crafty and have been trying to explore this uncharted territory with some "low risk" projects.

I found some cool fabric remnants on Etsy and decided to try making some "no-sew" table runners. I found the directions on a kids sewing website. Hey, if a kid can do it, I should be able to right? (Well, we'll see about that!). If I fail miserably, at least I know how to make eye pillows now!

Here are the fabrics I picked (I like graphic prints and flowers so these seem to fit the bill nicely):

 

The directions for creating the "no-sew" table runners are as follows if you'd like to make one too:

For your no sew table runner, first measure your table or a side table that you'd like to put your finished runner on. You want to measure 5 inches or more away from the edges. This will be your length.

The width will be 18 inches. Measure 18 inches wide on your table to make sure this will work on your table. If you'd like it skinner, adjust your measurement accordingly. We made ours 18 x 60 for a long table. If you are unsure a good size would be 18 x 44 inches.

You will need:
Material. Cut out to the desired length and width as done above.

Iron-on adhesive, you can find these at any fabric store or stores that sell fabric. You will use this to make your no sew hem. You can also use this for other projects that need a hem.

Lay your material on the ironing board wrong side up. Pre-heat your iron. Turn the edge up the width of your iron-on adhesive. Lay your strip of iron-on adhesive inside the edge.

Iron adhesive to material.

Continue with all 4 sides until you have a hem around all sides and place on your table.

Directions for table runner found here.

Well isn't that Special!

 

I love baking and adore it when someone I know shares a family recipe as I find it is so cool to be able to recreate childhood memories with familiar smells and tastes.

I recently scored when our dear friend Todd, shared his mother's recipe for Special K cookies. They are a breeze to make and have the perfect combination of crunch and sweetness with a nice toffee flavor. And, it was awesome to bake a batch and give them to Todd as a thank you.

Special K Cookies

Ingredients
2 Cups Flour
½ tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Salt
1 Cup Butter
2 Cups Brown Sugar
2 eggs
1 Cup Coarsely Chopped Walnuts
3 Cups Special K cereal

Instructions

• Blend the Butter and the sugar well.
• Add eggs and blend again.
• Add all other ingredients. Mix until blended
• Drop onto an ungreased baking sheet using a tablespoon

Bake at 350 degrees about 15 minutes.

Happy Baking!

** I totally cracked up at the thought of putting them in the vintage looking cookie monster jar from Amazon pictured above.

Barbie Goes Mod

As a kid I was never that into playing with Barbie dolls. I think I was kind of bummed when my sister gave my Barbie a haircut that left her looking like someone put a bowl on her head. But all these years later Poppy is renewing my interest in the art form of playing "Barbie" as she has inherited a few hand-me-down dolls from friends.

The real turning point came the other night when I pulled the new Barbie Collectors catalog out of our mail box (not sure how we got on that list!) and opened it to find what might be the coolest Barbie EVER.

The Jonathan Adler designed Barbie.

This is one hip Barbie in her mod tunic with bangle bracelet and white oversized shades. Damn, I want to be this Barbie (not really, but you know what I mean!). And, she comes with some seriously fab accessories by Joanthan Adler including a groovy side table, mirror, lacquer tray, lamp and vases. I'd put that table in my house if it were bigger, right next to our Jonathan Adler coffee table!

Anyway, this Barbie will definitely be going on our holiday list though I am not sure if it will be for Poppy or me?!

Peachy Puff - Peach Crisp

August is upon us and there is something sweet in the air. Poppy has taken to calling me Peachy Puff and dressing up in the silliest combos of things. So, when I walked into work on Monday morning and discovered a huge bowl of organic peaches from my coworker, Jess, I knew I needed to make something sweet, like our little peach of a kid.

I looked at the Real Simple website and found a quick and easy recipe for Peach Crisp.

Poppy and I will be whipping this up after school today and topping it with some vanilla bean ice cream. Yum!

Peach Crisp

5 pounds peaches (about 12), each cut into 8 wedges
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almonds, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, toss the peaches, granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the flour. Transfer to a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, and the remaining 3/4 cup of flour. Using your fingers, incorporate the butter until coarse crumbs form. Mix in the oats and almonds.
3. Squeeze the topping into marble-size clumps and sprinkle on the peaches. Bake until the top is golden and the fruit is tender, 45 to 55 minutes.

Happy Baking from Peachy Puff!

recipe & image courtesy of Real Simple

Funky Lunch

 

I think I just need to come to terms with the fact that like myself at her age, Poppy is not big on eating. But, as a mom, I feel a certain need to feed. And, I have tried endlessly from organic hot lunch deliveries at preschool to adorable bento boxes with her favorite foods. But, when I saw the gallery at Funky Lunch I was totally inspired to renew my efforts.

From Charlie & Lola (one of P's favs), to Hello Kitty, robots and dragons, Funky Lunch has a too cute galley of inspiration to put the mojo back in your lunch making. They are coming out with a book and of course, merchandise to help you create these sandwich masterpieces, but until then, I think I'll print some pics and get creative with my cookie cutters.

Cheers & Happy Lunch making!
images courtesy of Funky Lunch