Happy Halloween!!!!

Happy Halloween Bloggeroos!!

xoxo Jenny

 

sweet treats!

 

                                     

                                      

I was lucky enough to get this photo from my super sweet and talented friend Marion ...yes! the gal that sent me the incredible cupcake cookies as a birthday surprise!! She snapped a shot before packing them up!! Aren't they fabulous!! Incredibly deelish too!!

She has been very busy getting her new kitchen ready and doing custom cakes, and other Sincredible sweets!! How fun are these Halloween/Fall cookies? Love them!!

 

Aaron and I cannot wait to get up to Marion's to see her fab new space!! ..well actually to MEET her!! We are online friends!! So that would be the best part!! Hopefully this spring! I love hearing all of the fabulous stories of blogger friends meeting up! For flea marketing, baking pies, sewing, or dinners! It is just so much fun!

 

 

Aside from drooling over Marion's fab sweets, we have been working like crazy on orders!! One special order in particular had us very excited this week!!

We were asked to create two custom altered photo pieces for a very very sweet client named Rosanna...from Italy! Her adorable daughter Nicole will be celebrating her birthday this coming week!! She is an incredibly sweet person! Her home if brimming with all kinds of sweets, cakes, candies, and dolls!!It is a mixture of Shabby Chic, Willy Wonka's factory, and the ultimate doll house bakery!! To die for!! I hope to post pics of our work hanging in her amazing kitchen very soon!!

 

For now...here are photos of the two custom pieces we created for her and Nicole!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope everyone has a super fun Halloween!!!

xoxo Jenny

 

 

HFHP Queen!!

                                                                      

                            

                                                                     

I know I was not the only one counting down the days till' Sally Jean's 

book came out! I have seen it on many of your blogs! How fab is it!!? Non stop eye candy!! I have no plans on soldering anything anytime soon, I just adore the page after page inspiration, and fabulousness of it!! Aaron was a sweetheart and gave it to me for my birthday!....along with 

Artful Paper Dolls by Terry Taylor!! Which is packed with lots of fun ideas! If you do not have either....check them out next time you are at your local book store!!

 

 This time of year I start to go book crazy! With the holidays approaching we tend to go into crafting overdrive here! We make 85% of the gifts for our families and friends. All completely different and customized.  There are so many things I would like to do this year! Including some home projects as gifts to ourselves!! : )

 

We currently have a half painted coffee table, half painted dining table, half painted hallway, I will stop there... :)

Now, when I say "half painted" I do not mean not fully coated...I mean that we have a hand drawn "top hats and cake slice damask" on our coffee table top, that was started sometime last year....a 4 color polka dot pattern on our dining table started 3 months ago....and stripes which we have measured and base coated in our hallway!!

 

We have DADD (Decor Attention Deficit Disorder!!) Truly!

Being that we do not have any form of separation between work and home, or work and hobby...we tend to get really excited about new projects and drop one in progress for a really exciting new one!!

 

We behave in the same way when it comes to our business as well....although those pieces are much smaller than a side board or bedroom set!

We are our most creative and productive when we bounce around with our work/business. It has been our formula since day one. We are happy with it. Although, I would love for this coming year to be a year of lines.....lines drawn! Balance!

We have no set schedule....it is "cake art" all day, "cake art" all afternoon,  "cake art"  all night. Peppered throughout are bits and pieces of personal projects...which I must tell you ..most of the time are some form of CAKE ART!! So my brain cannot see the difference..nor Aaron's!!

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions..I would sooo love to hear them! I am always amazed by the balance so many of you seem to have in your daily lives!

There is nothing like working from home. Aaron says it best...."Nothing beats being able to paint cupcakes in your boxers!".......should I have cleaned that up and said pajamas ? (I'm not a good liar...sorry!)...actually he wears beat to heck camoflauge army pants cut into shorts...and a paint covered black tee shirt....me...camoflauge pants and a black tee as well! (Our uniforms)

 

We are able to paint till' the wee hours, sleep in, blast music, stop for a game of 1-2-3, and a back rub with Carlos (our Chihuahua), watch awfully insane Lifetime movies, bake cupcakes while things are drying, check eBay auctions 20x a day!...shall I go on?

Having had a retail shop of our own for a few years, we can tell you...we would not trade working from a home studio for anything. Even if it means that one of our nightstands is pink, and the other green!!

I have made a promise to myself, no new home designs....till' we finish these. I know we will LOVE them when they are finished...we are always soo passionate about each design....we just wish we had some elves or fairies to help out!!

 

Wow...what a rambling post!! I guess I had to get all of that out! I make this  promise to you all as well!!...I promise to finish my half-finished home projects and post photos of them here!! I'd love to hear about any of your "HFHPs" as well!! comment or email me! I am sure I wear the HFHP crown!! I'd be shocked to hear otherwise!

 

I think we will start with our coffee table....give us a week or so!! Promise!! ..ok two weeks!!

 

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!!

xoxo Jenny

a super fun birthday!

 

                                     

                                      

 

                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                         

My birthday was so so much fun! The day was spent with the some of the most important people in my life! Aaron, my sister Missy (27) ,my brother Richard (21), his girlfriend Siobahn, brother Walt (16), and myself met up early in the morning and headed to Lambertville N.J./New Hope P.A.! (In two cars..guys in one ..girls in the other) It had been so long since Richard really "hung out" with us. We had a ball!! It was such a riot! The weather was incredible! The ultimate fall day! Chilly, but the sun was shining bright! With all of the fabulous shops, we all seemed to find something we couldn't live without! I was so excited to find an incredible and shall I say "over the top" Betsey Johnson bag at my favorite shop in New Hope...a Beautiful life! It is just amazing!! It is metallic bronze and covered in glass baubles! It was 350.00 on sale for 175.00...marked down to 99.00...and then again to 65.00!!! I had seen this bag at Nordstrom and wanted it!! I was sooo excited!! I didn't have to think twice..and I am usually soo horrible with letting my bday money go! Not this time! I also bought "cotton candy" perfume by Demeter!..it smells soo good!!...as well as one of my absolute favorites, Clean "baby girl"!! This is the second birthday that I have bought this perfume at this store! I wonder how long I will keep the tradition going?

We spent the day along the Delaware river, it was truly such a fun time!! non stop laughs!

To finish off the day, we drove to an incredible Cajun/Mexican eatery...Jose' Tejas!! It is the kind of place you only see on Food Network! The food is to die for!! The wait was 2 hours!!!  We were about to faint! Luckily they let you "take the edge off" with fabulous chips and salsa in the bar area! The food was amazing! I think I may have to write to Food Network!!! They so deserve it!

After dinner we drove back to my parents where we met up with my other brother Jason (19), who had just gotten home from work, my mom, dad, and Siobahn's mom, brother, and nephew, for cake!! What a fun time!

This was the best birthday in years!! I really had a great day! So happy to have my family with me! I hope they had as much fun as I did!

I have yet to visit with Barb and Skip (Aaron's parents)..I hope to see them this week! Barb invited us to a bday lunch! She is always great for that! So sweet! They also gave me a suuuuper generous gift certificate for eBay!! I have 40 things on my watch list!! no lie!

 

I really cannot tell you how nice this bday was! I was able to relax and enjoy myself for the first time in years!...well since before Aaron's accident! Slowly I am getting things back. baby steps. I am so lucky to be surrounded by all of these amazing people!

 

I hope all of you are blessed with special people in your lives.

xoxo Jenny

 

Holiday collection update!

 

 

 

 

Quick little Holiday update!!!

 

Our Holiday Cake Art is now listed on  

Ebay ...with much more to come!! Including Christmas 4x4s, as well as larger OOAK pieces...so stay tuned!!

Pictured above, are our Everyday Cake ornaments!! Perfect for your Holiday tree...or Everyday!!.....hang them from the arms of a chandelier, from door knobs and pulls, or as fabulous gift tags!! They are based on our 100% original paintings!! Lots of fine glittering!! The coconut layer cake is dazzling!! They are limited edition..so if you love them...grab em now! Also...our 11x14 vintage snow man cake!!

 

Thanks so much for visiting!!

xoxo Jenny

 

Birthday Love!!

                           

                                       

                                          

                                       

What a super duper birthday I had!!  My goodness!! Before I even get into my family fun...I must must tell you about some incredibly sweet online friends of mine!! My gosh!!

 

My new sweet as candy friend 

Jenny Hernandez of The Polka Dot Pixie....sent me the most incredible package of goodies!! ...I am now the super proud owner of those amazing creations I showed you a few weeks ago!! They are just perfect in person!! So much detail!! Just beyond sweet!! I adore them!! Two darling snowmen..and a fun fun fun pink santa!! You must check out her things!! Not only did I get to unwrap those amazing fellas.....she had also included a super cute and thoughtful handmade card, and a beautiful hand sculpted, painted, and fired spoon by her super talented neighbor!! ... to me ..it is a fairy spoon!!I justthink of flower fairies scooping sugar!! I love it! What an incredibly kind kind gal!! Thank you SO SO much Jenny!! You truly contributed to one of the best birthdays ever!! I cannot wait for the Holidays now!!

 

 

Just when I thought a birthday couldn't get any better.... an unexpected box arrived at my door, from one of the sweetest gals on the planet...my amazingly talented friend Marion Ferrer...of 

Sincredible Pastries

  (the most GORGEOUS, and delicious cakes, pastries, cookies ...you will ever see & taste!!) I could not believe my eyes when I opened the carefully packaged box of goodies!! The most adorable and PERFECT looking "cupcake" cookies I had ever seen!! Gorgeous! The most deeelish all butter cookies in the shape of cupcakes with one candle in each...complete with edible gold leaf flame, rolled fondant "wrappers", chocolate and white chocolate "frosting"..and a happy mix of sprinkles! Amazing!!! It was sooo hard to save one for a photo!! (My apologies...this photo does NOT do these works of art justice!!)

 Also, in this fun fun package was a tiny white box tied with string, inside....three little peaches!! ....well, sandwich cookies in the shape of peaches!! Sugar paste leaves, peach colored sugars and airbrushing, as well as a chocolate "pit" made these the most unique and creative cookies I had ever seen!! They didn't last more than 5 mins!!! I had to share the fun with Aaron, and my parents!! The most deelish treats ever!! If you ever ever need a special gift...Call Marion!! She rules!! Thank you so so much Marion!! I cannot tell you how amazing you are!! You truly made my birthday Sincredible!!

 

I am just blown away by the kindness!! I cannot thank you ladies enough!! I also have to thank all of you who sent emails and e-cards!! boy oh boy!! what Love! Thanks bunches!! I really had a perfect birthday! I will be sure to return the love!

 

Thanks so so much!!  xoxo Jenny

 

p.s I will be back with another bday post/pics this evening!

Perfect Fall day!

 

                            

                                      

                                         

                                  

Today was the perfect Fall day!! The weather was crisp and cool..the sun was shining bright.  The perfect XCountry weather! Sadly, when we arrived at the school, we were told that it was canceled, due to a HUGE race going on in town. The bus could not get there to take the team to the meet. As much as we would have loved to go.....we quickly thought up a new plan for the day!

 

Aaron and I headed down to Pt.Pleasant to the Antique emporium. We were on a hunt for some vintage photos for our new altered photo collection. We were lucky enough to come across a few that will be perfect!! Mostly late 30s, early 40s. We hadn't been down there since the summer. Not much changes in those antique booths sadly. I swear that some of the framed artwork and prints have been hanging in a few of those booths for over 8 years!! Really!!

I was hoping for some Holiday/Christmas stuff. Nothing that had me drooling. It may be a bit early still. We saw a few things we may go back for in some of the gift/decor shops in town. I am a sucker for Aunt Sadie's candles!! I cannot get enough of "beach in a can"!!! I adore that smell!! That candle was one of my inspirations for our vintage boardwalk/beach bathroom! My current fav is the fresh apple!! To die for!! Maybe I will go back next week!!

 

We  stopped for pizza and cannolis....the pizza wasn't too good..(we are pizza aficionados!! trust me)...but the cannoli's were fab!!

 

We listed a few Holiday/Christmas pieces on eBay. Including our Vintage house ornaments, Everyday cake ornaments, Holiday cupcakes, Vintage putz house cake, and large snowman and bunny cake!!.

 

Thank you so so much to all you fabulous lightening bolts who have already started shopping!! WOW! You gals are FAST!! (they were up for less than 20 mins!!)

 

 

 

I decided to go with Lambertville/New Hope for tomorrow's birthday day trip!! So much to do and see..and it is just so amazing this time of year!! I can't wait!! I will be sure to take pics!

 

Above are photos of our dining area (by candlelight)....yep..the same area I showed you all last month....here it is in the mocha/tan. Big change huh? No more pink!! ...well no more pink walls....but of course we still have lots of pink sweets...and bits everywhere! It is toned down for Halloween right now...speaking of...my super duper talented and sweet friend Laurie Duncan..of Happy as a Lark designs made all of the incredible ornaments on my tree....as well as the fabulous Halloween pixie box!! She is amazing!! She sent me the coolest handmade altered collage ornament that she created especially for my birthday!! A fortune teller!! with my date of birth! I love it!! you must keep tabs on her eBay auctions!! You will love her stuff!! Her Christmas pixies are sure to knock socks off!!

 

Well, that's about it! We have a few things to do tonight...but we plan on relaxing and watching some tv. Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes!! I cannot tell you how much it means to me!! So fun!!! hope you all have a great Sunday!!

xoxo Jenny

Birthday planning with the crew!

                            

                                                               

I am finally getting caught up with all my favorite bloggeroos!! So many fabulous recipes...projects, and PHOTOS!! Ohh the eye candy!! My goodness!! Can you even believe how much fun this all is? Like oh my gosh...how lucky are we all? All these new friends...and new favorite things...at first you think to yourself..where was I living..under a rock?....like how on earth was I missing out on all of this...why didn't I know of these things, sites, products, people, places,....like geez I had no idea the world was sooooo big!!!....but then...as weeks pass...and then months...it is all second nature...and now you say "small world!" almost daily!

Everyone somehow knows everyone....and it isn't crazy to think that you are spending a Saturday thrifting and antiquing for a gal you have not met (on the opposite coast) for a  "vintage Christmas swap"!! ..........a SWAP!!..yes ..a SWAP!! (how great is that!)

 

I cannot imagine a day without all of this now! When you decide on a meal..you think ohh I should be having more fun here.....What would

Posie do?....or when you do your laundry you say...Ohh..

Amy  just posted about a fab new detergent!

 

You know what I am saying...don't you? Of course you do!!

 

My birthday is this Sunday....our "crew" (Aaron, my sister Missy, brother Walt, and myself) always spend the entire day together....We usually pick some far off town, full of cute little antique/decor shops...eateries...etc. We like to do Fallish things. The last 2 years I chose to go to

Lambertville N.J./New Hope P.A. right on the Delaware river...it is such an amazing place to spend a Fall day! Endless shops, galleries, coffee houses. You walk from Lambertville NJ over a bridge into New Hope PA...it is just amazing!! Endless shopping!! (Country Living has featured both towns many times.)

I'm not sure if it will be 3 years in a row..or NYC this year? We are in the city allll the time. There is always something incredible to see..do..or EAT!!  We still have yet to see our Cake Art hanging at the newest/hippest cupcakery in the city...Burgers and Cupcakes. It is still up in the air. I have to decide!!!! Geez!!

 

Tomorrow is another XCountry meet. Cannot wait! We have a bunch to do tonight if we want to make it there! We have some Holiday Pieces ready to list tonight! Including the house ornaments!

 

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!! Get out there!!! do something FUNNN!!

xoxo Jenny

sneak peek!

                           

                                                             

Coming very very soon...Holiday/Christmas designs...limited edition pieces, as well as some fabulous OOAK pieces!! Lots and Lots to come!! ...

 

Holiday Art Squared pieces as well..perfect stocking stuffers...stay tuned!!.here is a sneak peek!

Everyday is a Walt Day!

                                     

                                          Walt soaked and covered in mud!

   I step away from the computer, and some how a week just tornados by!Amazing!!

We have been spending LOTS of time with Walt....so much so...we are considering changing our company name to "Everyday is a Walt Day"....kidding.

Some how we end up picking him up to get crickets for the reptiles...or taking him to get "the last black lava lamp the store has" or... to watch an 11pm hockey game on a random Wednesday!( at 20 mins notice)...I swear..he has a magnetic pull on us!!  I love that kid!! I said it before...and I have to say it again...Time just FLEW!! It really really feels like yesterday, that he had a bowl haircut and was running around in underwear and the GREEN socks!! Now he's a GUY!! It is so insane!! We can hang out with Walt like a peer ...well....sorta... He still needs a "hand" making his bed....and I still have to make him sandwhiches (Jenny specials) as I am walking out the door....and fold his jeans ..(cuz I know how to do it really good...almost "professional")

I shake my head for hours after a night with him...too many funny things..and just overall amazement at who he is and who he is becoming.

 

Yesterday was a BIG xcountry meet at Holmdel (home)...it was POURING...I actually had mud all the way up the thighs of my jeans! The kids were soaked....you could see hundreds of umbrellas speckling the park! We were shocked at the turn out! We came to realize that a major downpour makes for the most exciting race of the season!

 

By far one of the most fun races ever!! Walt ran his best to date......slipping onto his back while running into the dreaded "bowl" portion of the race! turns out there were lots of slips. slides, and splits!

 

It was a freezing, wet, FUN FUN time!!

 

The season is coming to an end...only a few more races left. Walt seems really psyched to have this new chapter in his life! And I have to say....we are beyond psyched as well!! We couldn't be more proud of that kid!!

 

Now..The countdown to Hockey Season starts!!! :)

 

Hope everyone is great!! Thanks bunches for the sweet sweet emails about our ornaments in C.L., and the amazing support!! It means so much to us!!

be back soon!!..promise!!

xoxo Jenny

 

Pink Mohair and a candy colored Holiday!

 

                                                    

My goodness!! It seems like forever since I last posted!! We have been so incredibly busy!! Walt had his first cross country race!! It was SOO exciting!! He was Amazing!!! Especially for his first time! His coach was mega impressed!! We were going nuts! I took a bunch of pics (of course!) He had smooshed gnats all over his face when he crossed the finish line! He said he had eaten a bunch as well!! Geeeez!!!

 

Also very happy to tell you that we are close to launching our brand new website!! YAY!!..We are sooo excited!! It has been a few years since we had a site. The fabulous Missy Ballance..(the creative force behind glitterandgrunge.com) is working her magic for us!! She is amazing...works lightening fast...and "gets it"....she is always on our page!!Love her!!!

Speaking of Missy.....do you see the perfect lil' sweetie (seated at our favorite vintage toy piano) above??? "Miss Bearamerica" 100% handmade.....PINK mohair!!...complete with vintagey paper sash..with a clock face button...and a darling tiara!! I almost fainted when I unwrapped her!! She is a MohairCircus by Missy Ballance creation!!  So incredible!! I adore her!! I was never a bear gal...way more the bunny type...but this lil' sweetie has sooo changed me forever!!...She is one of my absolute favorite things!! (Amazing work Missy!!...we promise she has come to a great home!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have some other super fun news.....Our vintage inspired "cardboard house" ornaments are currently featured in the "Country Living Holidays" magazine!! (not the December issue...a special holidays issue)

 

At the request of a darling editor friend of ours at C.L., they were shipped off to a photo shoot this past summer!! We were very excited to hear that they did in fact make it into a shot!! (We have had a few bittersweet experiences where one or more of our pieces were borrowed and photographed...but in the end ..ended up on the "cutting room" floor). They are indeed tiny in the photo....but they look super fun...and we love the color palette used in the shoot!! (We are also credited in the back of the issue) Both Aaron, and I are so happy to be a part of the shoot! Country Living is just so so fabulous to work with!! Mainly our outrageously talented..and gorgeous friend Jane!!!

 

We were lucky enough to host a holiday photo shoot with Country Living at our store back in 2001....it was mid July....no lemonade..or seashells were in sight..... we were busy wrapping gifts, tying bows, sifting through vintage holiday cards, and tags, and arranging ornaments!! It was hot and sticky, and we were covered in mica flakes and glitter!! We will remember those few days forever!! It was so much fun!!

 

Ohh...also in the holiday issue...

 

Our super duper sweet and talented friend Jennifer Paganelli..of "Sis-Boom" fame...is also a part of the spread......you have to check out her fabulous bauble bouquets!! They are "to die for"!!! Trust me!!! I am lucky enough to own one!! I cannot tell you how magical her work is!! Be sure to visit her site!!

 

 

Now that we have our minds on holiday ornaments ...I am even more excited for the holidays..and the decor! I am still putting together the new color scheme! The walls are a big big change....but I think we will be really happy with it!!

 

There are still a few days to sign up for the vintage Christmas swap!!! Glad to see more gals have joined!! I can't wait!! Gonna be soo fun!!

 

Well, I have sooo many of my favorite blogs to catch up on!! I can't wait to visit and say hi!! Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather!!

xoxo Jenny

The smell of Pumpkin Pie on a Fall afternoon!!

 

 

Ohh... I just had to share this incredible Fall recipe with you!! It is another twist on an old favorite that I think everyone will love!!! I would describe it as a cross between a delicious homemade granola bar and a super custardy pumpkin pie!! Really Really good!! I will be bringing these to Thanksgiving dinner as well!!!

 

Here is the recipe if you'd like to give them a try!!

 

1-1/3 cups flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) cold butter or margarine

1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, uncooked

1/2 cup chopped  Pecans

1 pkg. (8 oz.)  Cream Cheese, softened

3 eggs

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin

1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil; grease foil lining. Mix flour, brown sugar and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar in medium bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and pecans. Reserve 1 cup of the oat mixture; press remaining mixture onto bottom of pan. Bake 15 min. BEAT cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. BAKE 25 min. Lift from pan using foil handles; cool completely. Cut into 24 bars. Store leftover bars in tightly covered container in refrigerator.   I would totally recommend letting them cool all the way...Aaron and I tried them when they were still warm (We could not wait!!!)...really good!!...but the second, and third time around.....at room temp....they were sooo deelish!! Perfect for a Fall picnic!!! Hope you give them a try..I think they may become a new seasonal favorite!! xoxo Jenny

Treasure your trees!!

                                  

 

                                                                  

I can't explain how excited I get when I find a new artist to LOVE and collect!!...and then to find out they are a total sweetheart...and you could talk for hours with them...and you wish they could live next door!....My goodness!!

I was thrilled to find..and trade emails with the super sweet and talented Jenny Hernandez of The Polka Dot Pixie!!!

Her work is just so so fun!! She is a fellow artist over at the fabulous Glitter and Grunge! (Have a peek at her super cute Fall/Halloween designs!!)

 

I was lucky enough to get a preview of her Winter/Christmas 06' collection!!

 So whimsical and sweet!!  I cannot wait to own her work!! The two incredibly darling pieces above are on their way to me!! I am soo excited!!

 

She is currently working on a brand new website!!! I will be sure to post about it soon!!

 

Another incredible site you may or may not know of is, the super SWEET Pancake Meow  !! Scrumptious realistic looking necklaces that look & smell delicious! Inspired by everyday desserts and breakfast treats!! What's not to love!! you have to check out the amazing selection!! There are sooo many pieces I would love to see in my jewelry box each morning!! Be sure to check out the incredible cupcakes..and Banana cream pie necklaces!! Amazing!!

 

My birthday is coming up..(Oct 22)..gonna be 31!! Wow! I remember when my parents were in their 30s!! Incredible!! 31 Christmas trees already!! We do not get enough Christmas trees!! I say it all the time!! Treasure your trees!!

Anyways...I hope to get some casharooni...I will definitely be doing some shopping at pancake meow!!

 

Hope everyone is having a fab weekend!! Why not join the vintage Christmas swap?!!!

xoxo Jenny

 

 

Swappy Holiday Fun!!!

 

 

 

(FYI.....the walls were NOTTT as hot pink as they look here...yowser!)

 

So how many of you have been a part of a swap? Is that the dopiest question ever? Like at this point Blogging and Swapping go hand and hand!! Duh! Well...anyways...I remember the first day I read about the "Club Little House" swap, hosted by the super super fun and sweet

Amy of Inspire Co.!! I truly almost fell off my chair!! There were only 12 spots open!!! TWELVE!! ...now I didn't even have a blog at the time... So in a way..I felt it was totally right that I couldn't join in...I  mean I was just a darn lurker at the time!!....I wouldn't even be able to post pics...or tell everyone how fab everything is!!...Ok...fast forward...round two....nope!! News and pics of round one spread like Wildfire...now it was a total frenzy!!..noway can you get into this oh so fabulously elite club!!!

Then, the darling Miss Amy decided....hey...Why not a mini swap?!!!

(Lovely brain and heart she has!!) I was in like Flynn !! yahoo!! Sooo exciting! We were only sending one item to one person..instead of giving and getting 12. Which was so OK with me!! I was so excited to come up with something fun!! (Here is where I should start to describe what you are seeing in the above pics....but nope..sorry blogeroos.... at the time..I was still lurking!! ..no pics!! boo hoo!!)

I was so so fortunate to get a sweetheart named Kassia to send to!! She was so so nice....She seemed very pleased and excited about her little gifts!! We will remain blogging buddies!! Now here comes the bittersweet part.....I never heard from nor received anything! yep..stinky winky!!.....Igave up watching for the mailman..and checking the swap bot list to see if there were any more "sent" packages. ..Then I got an email from Jackie of

Wren's Nest ... turns out..she sent to the gal that was supposed to send to me!!..and guess what?!..No word back!!! (Now that would be much much worse!! All the excitement of coming up with, gathering, creating, wrapping, and sending off your little gifts.....to never hear back!) We both just hope nothing bad is going on in her life.

Anyways....the sweet part of it all was...my new friends ..Kassia!!!...and Jackie!! ....who emailed me yesterday to tell me of a fabulous NEW SWAP going on!! Vintage Christmas!! How lovely does that sound?? Yep!! I am SO IN!!! We have until October 15th to sign up or drop out....and then we have until November 10th to ship out our gifties!! So if anyone is interested...follow the link!!..and if for any reason you cannot follow through...(stuff happens)...contact the host..or the person you are sending too...or drop out. Let's make it super fun for everyone!!! The holiday's are right around the corner party people!!!

I am so excited to try it again!! Yipee!! Hope to see the list of participants grow!!

Oh....above....are pics of our Christmas tree from last year!..Now...I have no idea what it will look like this year...being that we said Good Bye to our pink walls!! (anxiety setting in)...We shall see!! There will be mostly Pink...Cream..White...Silver....and now vintagey turquoise...set against...tan/mocha walls......(more anxiety setting in)...LOL..oh boyyyy!!

Wow...I think I better go pull out my Holiday inspiration folder...and set my mind at ease...I gotta go figure this out!!

xoxo Jenny

Give it a try!!

Ohh!....For any of you that would like to give this fabbbulous pie a try..here is the recipe!! It truly is a deeeelish twist on an old favorite!! Props to

Alicia once again!!

 

Sour Cream Apple Pie recipe

At least the pie was Fabulous!!!

                                                                            

                   

 

Hmmm....I have been wondering all morning, how on earth I would follow up yesterday's post? ...I guess there really isn't any way around it...What I will tell you is ....

The Pie was SUPER DEELISH!!  Very easy and fun to make....plus the whole apartment smelled of cinnamon! I will certainly be baking one for each side of the family this Thanksgiving!! We ate 2+ slices each..oh and of course had to kick it up with some whipped cream on the side...well no, not really "the side" more like......the top ..and the right side...and the left side! Loved it!! Thank you Alicia!!

 

Now for the part I was dreading.....

 

We were quite dissatisfied with Mr. Abrams!!! (J.J. Abrams....creator, writer, director, producer)

I mean...please do not get me wrong....If I see a commercial for LOST, I feel I was just given a small gift...(or at least a lollipop at the bank)....but last night's episode just did not come in with the BANG we were expecting! We shoulda been falling off the couch or not noticing that we were drooling from dropped jaws! You know? We did get a big glimpse in the opening that made us spin for a second....and yes ...we truly adore the flash backs...but..for some reason..we just felt a little let down....they didn't use their budget is what I am saying...Just not enough of a roller coaster to bring in the season. Oh well....what can I do....I will be waking up next Wednesday with the same butterflies I am sure.....we better get some "good stuff"...something that can rival the first time we saw the black smoke....or heard the whispers...jeez....ok enough....the pie was so darn good...and I took both Alicia and Black Apple's suggestion...BREAKFAST today!! Yum! Yum!...saved a tiny sliver for Aaron...for tonight! (he's in the BIG city doing his writing thing)

 

I hope to get this apt. organized today...and finish putting up all of our fall/Halloween decorations...I have boxes of bits all over the place...I just need to make decisions..I am baddd at that! Well...no..I am GREAT at it when it comes to other people's lives...like my sister..or my mother..or father..or brothers.....I can tell them what they should eat...wear...buy...listen to......but me...Oh mannn...ask Aaron or my sister....they want to kill me half the time!! Do not hand me a menu!! I will send the waiter/waitress away 3-4 times maybe! (now Aaron and Missy just order right away...and ignore me....I don't blame them!) I'm not sure what it is...I'd rather be told "tonight's special is meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and a biscuit"...and I'd be the first to say ..I'll take it!!...but when I see lists of possibilities..I wanna just curl up and read decor mags or something.....(even though my stomach sounds like a sound bite from the weather channel..and I am about to die of hunger!) I usually tell myself .."pretend you are at a friends house...and their mom cooked ______". (fill in blank) That usually works for me. That really is how I finally decide on a meal. I have to imagine I had no choice ..and it is about the friends...the day...the conversation..the atmosphere! Oh boy! How'd I get on this topic? LOL!!!!

 

Enough about how nuts I am! We finally finished our annual 11"x 14" limited edition holiday theme cake for Halloween 2006!!

A rich devil's food layer cake featuring a piped white butter cream frosting border, combed chocolate icing, candy corn, festive sprinkles, and as a topper... a vintage inspired cardboard "Haunted House"! Accented by gnarly trees, and tombstones!!  I am quite pleased with it! It is now listed on eBay! 

 

 

 

 

I want to thank all of your sweethearts for your kind kind words, and darling emails!! you truly make my day!! I am so happy I decided to start a blog! I have been such a HUGE fan of so many of your blogs for quite some time now!! So happy to be able to join in the fun!! Lots of Love!

xoxo Jenny

 

There will be pie on the island tonight!!

 

                                                                 

                           

            Today I actually woke up with butterflies in my chest...or is it belly?

                    (well they seem to fly up and down and all around!!)

I am convinced now...I am such a geek!! I mean I always sorta knew...but now it is confirmed!! I actually woke up today..like it was the first day of school...and I was going to be wearing a brand new favorite outfit or something....or going to a best friend's wedding....or going to pick out a new puppy!!....NOPE..none of the above.

Season Premier of LOST!!

Yep...We got sucked in!! We missed the first season...ignored all the Hub Bub.....actually were annoyed by all the darn press...like how darn good could this show be?...people on an island...weird stuff going on...( I mean how much better than any of those awful sci fi channel movies that seem to have been made for one thousand dollars).

WOW....were we wrong...we took back every word...every eye roll....every single one!! We ended up giving in...getting the entire first season on netflix........watched the entire season in 24 HOURS!!! no lie!! We stayed up all night!!...drop jawed!! It was the best thing to enter our life!! (well..keep in mind, Aaron had been in recovery from a near fatal accident...and I was mental oatmeal from it as well)...But really ...We were in LOVE!!

Second season came and we were READY ..right along side the rest of the SUPER FANS!! Just so darn entertaining..and mind blowing....I'd be lying if I didn't admit that they have reinvented the term "cliff hanger"....every week we are left dangling!!....a week of anxiety...the only fun anxiety I have experienced!!

Well....tonight is THE night!! So So excited....I am going to be baking Alicia's famous sour cream apple pie that I spoke of yesterday....and taking it over to my sister's house...oh yes...forgot to mention ...we brain washed her as well....she did the netflix thing...even downloaded episodes on itunes....and is also addicted!!....We will be zombies...trust me! You will almost be able to smell the smoke coming from all the workings going on in our three heads!!

 

I apologize (sorta) for devoting an entire post to this...but if you had any idea of the amount of fun we three geeks have watching LOST. you would forgive me!!

 

I will be sure to take pics and get reviews of the Sour cream apple pie for tommorows post!!

I hope you all are having a fab day!! Thank you so much to everyone that has emailed!! Lots of love and hugs to you all....I know how stinky it is that you cannot post comments! I truly adore all of your kind words!! And I sooo appreciate all the new friends stopping by! you are making this SO much fun!! luv u!!

xoxo Jenny

 

 

Another altered cutie and Pie on my mind!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Evening everyone!! Hope you all had a great day! It was another super chilly day here in N.J. We had a bunch of work to finish today... some orders, as well as new creations!

 We received such incredible feedback yesterday from our emailing!! Lots of sales! We are so excited to know that our Art Squared pieces are a part of so many fabulous homes!! My goodness!! Thank you so so much!! We are hard at work on lots more!! Holiday 4x4s will be dazzling! We promise!!

 

We finished another altered photo collage piece and listed it last night. It is super sweet...I am loving the color palette! Pink/turquoise/cream/and the sepia of the darling photo and vintage baking book pages...with a touch of black!

Another birthday celebration consisting of a sweet child...a tiny cake, and a CARDBOARD box! At least this cutie had a sweet little chair!!....I'm loving the simple little house in back! Is that her house? I wonder!

Tonight we are putting the finishing touches on our Large Halloween Haunted House cake!!! FINALLY!! We have gotten sooo many emails!! Sorry everyone...we have been such slow pokes!! Look for it within the next day or so!! It's a fun one!!

 

I am hoping to bake a pie..maybe tomorrow....The oh so fabulous  

Alicia has a sour cream apple pie recipe she raves about.....and when

( Black Apple) gave it a try it seems she was

   very pleased with it!! (having it for breakfast the next morn!) Two ladies that darn fabulous can't be wrong!...it has to be deelish!! I'll be sure to tell you all about it..and take pics if it is a go!!

Anyways...lots to do...gotta clean this place up...it looks like a tornado hit...supplies all over!!!

Have a great night everyone!! thanks for stopping by!!

xoxo Jenny

A day in the park!

 

Today was super duper chilly, and gray....We could either have acted like chilly slugs and not have moved a muscle (except for work), or we could embrace it and pretend that walks in the park on chilly wet days are our absolute favorite thing ever!!

   We chose the latter! The park was actually full!! Families in their favorite hoodies, happy dogs, joggers and runners young and old....and a woman Aaron and I nicknamed the "bird whisperer" were all enjoying their saturday. We decided to do the whole cross country course 3.2 miles. I know I already said it the other day...but my gosh!! Those kids amaze me!! There were the "long legged Princetonesque blonde mop top" boys...and the "Laguna beach" looking girls....but my goodness.....there were some surprises crossing that finish line as well!! Some were let's just say, "less than thin", and "anything but built for running". I give them sooo much credit!! Really, If I had a pull-string in my back that day.....my repeating phrase would have been...."God Blessem" as each crossed the finish line! Which reminds me of my Mork from Ork doll that I had when I was little!! Oh my gosh!!....(it said Shazzbot, and I am Mork from Ork Nanu Nanu....nuts huh?) However you spell Shazzbot!

 

  Anyways....nice day at the park...glad to get out...although the mosquitos found us...me mostly....incase you don't know..I'm almost positive that I am the most delicious thing in New Jersey to those things!

  

We finished some new art squared....after a bunch of requests for a pink cupcake, it is now available!! My favorite is the mini "beautiful cakes",the tiny banner..polka dots...vintage baking book edging...and pink and cream stripes on the sides.....sweet! all are now listed in our eBAYstore.

 

Today was Alicia's, of Posie Gets Cozy fame, 1 year Blogiversary!! It is the most amazing blog ever! She is beyond inspiring!! I truly urge you to check out her blog if you haven't already...take a whole weekend and go through her archives...I tell you..it is better than any magazine or book!! Such a fabulous world! Her words as well as photos knock my socks off!! Happy Blogiversary Alicia!! Thank you for the daily eye candy and inspiration!!

xoxo Jenny