Popcorn the bear wishing you a merry christmas

Popcorn is back for one more appearance before I move on to other projects.  Popcorn and his anonymous bear friend have been joined by a cute little duck to sing Christmas carols.  I wonder if they realize with one more character they could be Barbershop Quartet... Just sayin'.

If you guessed that these Christmas cards are for my friend Ruth you would be correct.  I took them to her on Tuesday and she was very excited to see her Popcorn cards. I think when all is said and done she will have about 12 cards; for some reason I manage to mess up one out of every four....

I used one of my favorite like of SEI Christmas papers on this card as well as a Stampin' Up stamp and punch.  I finished the card with ribbon and a button before adding pop dots to POP the bear image.

Don't forget that I have AMY CHOMAS sponsored blog candy to give away on Thursday.... Sign up under the blog hop post from Monday.  Also, do go by and check out all of Amy's amazing products.

we need. we love. we just must-have!

Diamonds are a girls best friend right? Well, we have found the perfect trendy little shop for your home. From diamonds to ruffles to rosettes - The Home Centric is the perfect place to make your home just as chic as your wardrobe. We just adore this shop with the endless choices for every style.

We know. It is just a pillow cover. But, it's not. Its like dressing your pillow in a trend. 

With over 500 choices, the possibilities are endless. 

go visit the {shop} now

AT HOME WITH ARTHUR DUNNAM

This beautiful apartment owned and designed by Arthur Dunnam is near Sutton Place in Manhattan.  There is a special glamour about this light filled beauty.  The living room and kitchen are my favorites.  I hope that you ENJOY this view of luxury.

Visit here to learn more about this beautiful home.

See you soon,

Teresa

xoxo

Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler

This is not Betty Crocker's Gluten-Free Bisquick mix. Nope.

Is Mercury in retrograde? And if so, Darling, do I believe it can wreak havoc with recipes? I started out with a different approach to this peach cobbler recipe, you see. I thought I'd try out the new Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Bisquick mix I bought this week. I imagined a golden topped biscuity crust you could sink your teeth into, a melt-in-your-mouth forkful of shortcake, dripping with warm and sticky-sweet juice.

But what I got was a bone white mound of anemic dough (scarily reminiscent of Play Dough) baked into what can only be described as yesterday's mashed potatoes. It didn't even try to turn golden. And it didn't melt in your mouth like a biscuit. It just sat there on your tongue. Flavorless. Bored. Expecting to be admired without effort. Like those Fame Junkies who are famous for simply being famous. They haven't actually accomplished anything to garner their celebrity status. They just nurture a deeper narcissistic ambition than your average high school beauty queen. They expect adulation because they exist.

Like an awful lot of the gluten-free foods churned out by corporate entities.


Read >>

Perfecto Graham Cracker Crust . . . Works for Me Wednesday

Here is my recently discovered trick for making perfect graham cracker crusts....use a measuring cup to press the crust mixture into the pie pan!

Using a measuring cup helps keep the crust even, makes the sides pretty and keeps your fingers from getting buttery.  (Not that buttery fingers were ever a BAD thing.)

{If you're so inclined, you can even lick the bottom of the measuring cup when you're finished. I'm not saying I did that.}

This is a great recipe for graham cracker crust...I used it again this week for Mr. E's birthday pie.  More on that later....

Graham Cracker Crust
{source: Betty Crocker Cookbook (Bridal Edition) }

1 and 1/2 cup finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/3 c. butter, melted (I used salted)
3 TBSP sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine all of the ingredients.  Press into the bottom and sides of a 9" pie pan. 

Bake 10 minutes.  Let cool completely before filling.

So simple and utterly yummy!  Graham Cracker Crust works for me!  What's working for YOU this week?

Sarah and Zack / First Snap!

Lady GaGa: Childhood & Early Career

Lady GaGa was born in Yonkers, New York. Her parents are Italian and she attended a private school, the Catholic Convent of the Sacred Heart. Previous pupils of the school include Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton and Caroline Kennedy.

She started to learn piano as a young child and wrote her first ballad when she was 13 years old. By 14, she was performing at open mic nights and at 17, she earned early admission as a music student to the Tisch School of Arts at New York University. She is one of only 20 people in the world to have ever done so.

Lady GaGa performed in a number of bands, such as SGBand and Mackin Pulsifer, playing venues on the Lower East Side. She soon decided to break away from rock 'n' roll music, and began performing in burlesque shows.

Lady GaGa got her name when the producer Rob Fusari compared her vocal style to that of Freddie Mercury and took the nickname from the Queen song 'Radio GaGa'. It was Fusari that helped her to write some of her early hits, including 'Disco Heaven', 'Dirty Ice Cream' and 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich'.

Popcorn the bear wishing a happy birthday

Popcorn the bear is back to wish you a happy birthday!  This little cutie is going to my friend Ruth as part of her series of bear cards.  I created two similar versions of this card, each using core'dination cardstock and my Stampin' Up punches.
 

The packages were time consuming to color with my Copic markers, but were actually a great coloring exercise.  I learned a lot about what my markers can and cannot do.  I really enjoyed the plaid package - easy to do one color at a time.  I used my white gel pen to add the dots to the blue package.

I added a small Party Time phrase to the front of the card using a stamp that came with the Popcorn set and Stampin' Up ink and oval punch.  I finished the oval with dots and dashes in white pen.

I finished off the bottom edge with a Stampin' Up border punch and a bit of lime green ribbon.  I actually made two versions of this card and did not use floral print ribbon on the other card.  I was hoping that the floral ribbon feminized this card a bit.

Keeping up with Kourtney

Kardashian is one name we all know (& love!) in Hollywood. From Keeping up with the Kardashians to Kourtney & Khloe take Miami to the pages of the weeklies -- they are everywhere and we LOVE it. 

Since we spoke to Kourtney last her life has changed - but only for the better. We couldn't wait to catch-up! Kourtney opens up on her style since Mason, DASH and a few things we just might not know about her!

Since we spoke last so much has changed. Last time we talked to you the first season of Kourtney & Khloe take Miami was just starting, you were beyond excited about Dash Miami and just finding out you were expecting. How has life changed since Mason? 

Well, life is now ALL about Mason! And I am loving every second of it. It was definitely an adjustment, but in the very best way! 

You always have great style. Always! Has your style changed since Mason?

Yes. I am all about looking chic but being comfortable. I am always looking for stylish flats that I can run around in. Amazing big sunglasses have saved my life, especially on days when i just don't have time for makeup. I also find myself wearing jeans or shorts more rather than skirts or dresses (in the day at least)...I like to get down on the floor and play with him, so you can imagine this to be hard in a tight dress. I'm all about throwing on some jean shorts and a white t shirt and not spending as much time getting ready...for now anyways!

We had spoken about new DASH stores. Are those still in works, were you able to find any locations? 

I would LOVE to open a DASH in NYC. That would be the next goal. New York exudes fashion. It is THE place for everything and anything fashion in America, so it is the next natural place to open a DASH. I am hoping to make this dream come true, as if I don't have enough going on already, especially being a new mom. 

This season of KUWTK just started -- we are sure it is another great season. What do we have to look forward too?

Kim dating a little, Khloe teaches Lamar to swim, I try and help my mom kick a nasty little habit of hers, Scott and I trying for baby number two...all the usual Kardashian craziness. 

Do you have any favorite brands you put your little prince in? We have to say, he has great style for a little one too! 

Thank you!! It's so fun dressing him. Right when he was born, I went through his closet again and I was like this is his style and this is not. Once I met him, I knew. Crazy I know. I love Ralph Lauren, Eye Spy, Petit Bateau, Kicky Pants (pjs), Appaman (outerwear), Munster, h&m has great basics, Fore, Burberry, Haiden Surf (swim trunks). I am sure that I'm forgetting a million others.

We are getting ready to head off to New York Fashion Week in a few weeks. What do you see being the hot trend this coming fall? 

I would say military insipired clothes will continue. I think leather will be a big trend. (shorts, pants, tops, dresses)

What should every girl have in her closet? 

The perfect white boyfriend button down shirt. Classic, amazing with jeans, pants, shorts, even over a bikini open with the sleeves rolled up!

Any new projects or ventures in the works?

Always! We have been editing our Kardashian Konfidential book! My sisters and I had a blast reminiscing as we wrote it. It will be out right after Thanksgiving. 

1. I was stung by a scorpion in college. 

2. I'm a bitch when I'm hungry.

3. I love crying when watching sad movies. 

4. I eat 2-4 double stuffed oreos dipped in milk before bed. 

5. I always have a book with me in case I end up having time to read (not that I ever do). 

6. I have had 3 panic attacks in my life. (all in closterphobic situations when I had no control)

7. I love interior design. 

8. I love going to the mall!

9. Breakfast at Tiffanys is my favorite movie. 

10. I totaled my first car in high school. 

For all things Kourtney keep watching this season of Keeping up with the Kardashians on E! - follow her on Twitter, Facebook and make sure to check out her blog here. 

one gal we currently & always will be obsessed with!

We first met Danielle almost a year ago when we asked her for a little help with our blog button. Just recently, we saw exactly what she was capable of doing when she re-vamp'd both of our newly chic blogs & main site, cupcakeMAG.com. We still just stare at the pages - it is just oh so chic. Not only did Danielle do both of our blogs in just a few hours but she has passion & a big heart, going full-force with everything she does which is why we just had to share Miss Danielle with you! 

Danielle, the owner and buyer for Shop Dandy and the editor of Just Dandy has years of experience styling and working fashion photo shoots. With a background of a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Interiors and Textiles she has worked in many different fields that has set her skills apart from others. She worked in retail which has taught her the basics of running and managing a store. She served as a design coordinator for a large home builder and it opened and trained her eye for color and design. Most recently she serves as a head and assistant buyer for very successful boutique. As you can see Danielle loves fashion. It is just contagious for her! We were so happy to sit down and chat with Danielle to get to know more about HER. 

How did Shop Dandy begin? 

Shop Dandy began out of a love to share my taste and desires. It all started with my blog, Just Dandy where I would sell "my own clothes." I was floored with the response I would get on my "blog sales" that people would admire the pieces I wore on a daily basis or to a special event. I have always had the dream to own my own boutique, and being a web based boutique, was the first step I took. 

It is fun, I love searching and finding great designers to feature and to buy from. It kind of takes all of my skills and puts them in one outlet! I love being able to run Shop Dandy!

Do you have a go-to outfit? 

About 90% of the time you will find me in a dress! I live in Florida, where the sun is always blistering, and I seem to wear a dress 24/7. Whether it is a fancy dress for date night, or a sun dress for a day of shopping, my go-to is a dress!

Describe your style. 

I would say that my style is everywhere and everything. I like the term "wear what you feel" because I seem to just throw on what I feel for the moment and event! My style is a little more causal with sun dresses and day dresses with sandals and then some wedges and bangles to dress it up at night! I love to buy what I feel great in, whether it is the hot trend or not! I love trends and take a big part in them but the best advice I can give is to take fashion risks but make sure you are comfortable in your own skin!

When and how did you start web design? 

I started with my web skills in high school. I used to trick out all my friends "myspaces" with designs I would create.. that was where it began! In college I took a couple classes in graphic design to enhance my skills, but for the most part I am self taught! I do a lot of designing out of love and love to help others feel confident about their online look! Be sure to check out Dandy Designs for any type of graphic design for print or web!

Besides fashion and being a genius when it comes to the web - what else can we catch you doing? 

I also have a huge love for weddings, I am the editor and creator of Florida Brides Blog a modern blog for the elegant bride! When I am not on the web you can catch me cheering and screaming for The University of Florida Gators. My husband is the Head Coach for the University of Florida Gators Ice Hockey Team! Go Gators! 

What is up next for Shop Dandy? 

I can't wait to take Shop Dandy to the next level! I hope to offer more sizes and styles for every woman at every age. Please stay tuned to the website for our full launch in January 2011!

{connect} with Danielle 

Shop Dandy

Just Dandy

Dandy Designs

Florida Brides Blog

Twitter

Papertake Weekly - Just the one!!

 Color, that is! That's the challenge this week from Dawny over at Papertake Weekly. And this week, we're being sponsored by the fabulous Simon Says Stamp! For my card, I used one of the gorgeous angel images from Peggy Loves Vintage. I think this image is sooo beautiful. Peggy told me that this image is from a card that her hubby's Grandma had saved. I went very plain and simple with the card as I wanted the focus on those two angels. Be sure and take a peek over at Peggy Loves Vintage. She just completed a brand new Christmas CD (just in time to get started on those cards!!), and has almost completed Child's Birthday Volume 2!  And check out her blog and become a follower! She likes to offer up free images every once in a while! Thanks for stopping by to see me today. Be sure and pop over to Papertake Weekly to see the rest of the fabulou creations from my amazingly talented DT sisters! Then grab your paper and glue and go to work with a monochromatic card for a chance to win a fabulous prize from Simon Says Stamp! Hugs!

SOCIAL SECURITY AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ARE NOT WELFARE

TO HEAR THESE REPUBLICANS TALK YOU

WOULD THINK WE ARE ALL

WAITING FOR HAND-OUTS

Why don’t we make this clear, the way Republicans talk and the inference that Social Security and Unemployment Benefits are somehow a form of SOCIALIST WELFARE makes me sick. They are talking now about raising the age to 70, privatizing Social Security and certainly they have been obstructing Unemployment Benefit extensions to those who are out of work due to their incompetence and greed.

Once and for all, we, the working class pay for these things…money is deducted from our paychecks during those times when we have been able to work…notwithstanding a Republican administration that always manages to screw up the economy and get us back at the unemployment lines.

We pay for these things, they are not give-aways, we certainly have just as much a right to collect these as the super rich has a right to make a profit. So stop the nonsense you are advocating. Do you want to balance the budget and reduce the national debt? Then tax the super rich whom Bush and you Republicans gave a very generous tax cut. The lost revenues from these tax cuts are the real cause of our economic crisis; coupled with the tremendous amounts of treasure that has gone to two unnecessary wars.

Our meager Social Security is not causing a dent on these nor are the unemployment benefits we get…get over it Republicans, it is the wars and the tax breaks for the rich. And please don’t come up with the lame scare tactic that if we let their tax cuts expire we will be going into a deep recession…that is pure unadulterated crap.

The fact that they are now holding on to their money, not making loans and just plain hoarding is just one more indication that one: the Bush tax cuts don’t work and two: TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS is bullshit. So, what are the poor and the middle class supposed to do? Take out more loans so that those in the 2% of income in our country can keep their Hamptons second home? Extending the Bush tax cuts is paramount to raising taxes on our children and grandchildren.

And furthermore, if you really do think that you are going to alter or repeal the 14^th Amendment to fit your xenophobic, racist agenda you are sadly mistaken…fair minded Americans, those in the middle…will not stand for it…and lefties like me will chew you a new asshole as I throw my hissy fit. So, I advise you to get over it.

PHOTO SOURCE: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mdprincing.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/national_debt_clock

TWD - Espresso-Chocolate Shortbread Cookies and Oatmeal Spice Shortbread Cookies and Banana Cake w/Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Tuesdays with Dorie is here! Excitement! Flag waving! Okay, maybe no flags. Donna of Life’s Too Short Not to Eat Dessert First is our host this week.

The recipe: Espresso-Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Dorie also gave us a variation: Oatmeal Spice Shortbreads


I dropped the decorating ball with this batch. My kitchen sizzle was starting to fizzle. I love our baking groups but I also have my own list of "must bake" goodies and rarely do I get to do both. This last week I baked to my hearts content (literally) and learned to cut recipes in half along with freezing extras. Works great!

Dorie's recipe called for bittersweet chocolate. Brainstorm: Use my hidden stash of espresso chocolate along with bittersweet. (I know I am forgetting something.)

All the chocolate was chopped up into little chunks; mixed both shortbread recipes, rolled dough in gallon size Ziploc bags and refrigerated overnight. Took out my handy little kitchen ruler, the basic wood one we had in elementary school, and measured the dough into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Baked ALL the cookies.

There are oodles of cookies! Waited for the espresso shortbread cookies to cool then took a nibble. Immediately remembered what I was forgetting. I do not enjoy the flavor of coffee. I have coffee one morning, Sunday morning, every week and that cup is loaded with Nestle Hazelnut coffee creamer and 1 1/2 t. sugar. I sip 1/2 of the cup and talk a mile-a-minute for the next 2 hours. Weird ritual, I know, but hubby makes coffee on Sunday morning and I feel bad not having a cup. I have tried suggesting he become a tea sipper but he says all my tea cups are just too little for his fingers . . . funny ha but not funny ha-ha.

The shortbread cookies turned out cute but I guess shortbread cookies are not my thing (my first shortbread cookies). I would like to use some of the cookies in a few cheesecake crusts. I have oodles in quart size freezer bags plus Larry loves the espresso ones with his coffee. Personally, after 1 cookie and my 1/2 cup of coffee, I was dropping everything in sight. Making breakfast, I started cracking an egg open, the egg slipped out of my hand and cracked open between the stove and the counter. Interesting.

Donna, thank you for hosting TWD this week. I liked the oatmeal spice shortbread cookies and I know the cookies will be a part of some fun projects in the near future. To get the recipe, go to Donna's site and buy Dorie's cookbook.

I thought I would also share a banana cake recipe. Not to be confused with banana bread. The recipe originally came from Allrecipes.com but I altered it a smidgen. One of the changes was adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Makes for a light and fluffy banana cake.

Banana Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

* 1 cup white sugar

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter

* 2 eggs

* 4 ripe bananas, mashed

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon baking powder

* 1/2 cup chopped pecans

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FROSTING INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9 x 13 inch cake pan.

2. Cream together the butter or margarine and the sugar.

3. Add eggs, bananas, flour, soda, salt, nuts, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly and pour batter into the prepared pan.

4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) for 30 minutes. Cool and frost cake.

FROSTING DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream. Frost cake.

Lady Gaga 1600x1200 High Quality Wallpapers

Lady GaGa is an American singer and songwriter. She started working for Interscope Records when she was 20 years old, writing songs for Pussycat Dolls, among others.

on the radar -- leopard print!

By Laura, cupcakeMAG Intern

One of this season’s key trends is the most important print this fall… LEOPARD! Yes, it's back and in full force. Every fashion designer has been using it in their collections this season. The print has been seen in skirts, dresses, pants, coats, handbags, belts, heels, scarves, you name it, it’s out there. With this fierce print you can always make a wardrobe statement. But remember in order to make a wardrobe statement with this print less is always more.

More Mulberry...