Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday/Cyber Monday SALE

Now that the turkey is digested and you've started in on the turkey sandwiches, get in the holiday spirit without facing the mall crowds. Now through midnight on Monday, November 29th, I'm offering free shipping anywhere in the world in my shop on Etsy. Stock up on holiday cards, gift tags, stickers and more! 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Loot!

When my parents visited in October, they brought with them a huge stash of loot to unload on me. Last year they retired to North Carolina and moved to a smaller house in the process. Leading up to the move — and ever since — I have been benefiting from their constant purging. I thought it would be fun to put together everything they gave me in one place. It all goes together so nicely and reminds me of the house I grew up in. In the back right is the metal kindling box that stood by the fireplace that my brothers and I had to keep filled. The brass kerosene lamp hung over our dining room table. The iron was always a doorstop somewhere in the house. You can see I also hit the mason jar jackpot and a stack of absolutely gorgeous books I really want to read. Included in that pile are the Man in the Iron Mask, The Scarlet Letter and A Tale of Two Cities which has especially gorgeous gold embossed design on its cover and spine. There is also a meat grinder I'm pretty sure my dad thought I would actually use, though it is coated in so much rust, I'm not sure I would ever be comfortable. And, last but not least, a canning jar lifter and old wooden crate for Remington ammunition. Score!

Monday, November 22, 2010

She's a pepper

This weekend was spectacular. I was on the road with Courtney Fischer headed to the Crafty Supermarket in Cincinnati (you can see Courtney's photos here). People were lined up outside the venue — an old school once abandoned, that was saved by the neighborhood — waiting to get in and the crowds were intense. Love the 'nati. And love my hostess. A Southerner at heart, she has a certain kind of hankering for Diet Dr. Pepper that some might call an addiction. I think it's just love. I decided to surprise her with some Diet Dr. Pepper cupcakes. Indeed. 
Dr. Pepper Cupcakes
Makes 24.

1 1/2 c. Dr Pepper Soda (one can)
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 stick of salted butter
4 Tb cocoa powder 
2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk

In a saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, oil, butter and cocoa. Heat over medium heat while stirring. When it comes to a simmer, remove from heat. Make sure it is mixed well . 

Add the dry ingredients all at once, but don't over mix. In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk and eggs, and then add it to the rest of the mix. Stir well to combine. 

Fill cupcake liners more than 3/4 full. 

Bake at 350ºF for 13-16 minutes, until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean (Add about five minutes if you are making a cake).
And then I went with this icing cause it was dang easy:

Chocolate Icing
1/4 cup butter
3 Tb cocoa
1/4 cup Dr. Pepper cola
1 box powdered sugar
Heat over medium heat: butter, Dr. Pepper and cocoa, stirring until well blended. Stir in powdered sugar.