Pumpkin Favors a la Martha Stewart

Ahh...Martha, how you've been inspiring me lately...

We decided to have people over for dinner this weekend, so I decided to make it my first "dinner party." Sure, we've had people over for dinner before, but nothing fancy. I wanted to take advantage of the Halloween holiday and use some of the ideas I've been gathering from my Martha Stewart Good Things and Bad Things collective Halloween magazine. In preparation, I decided to make some of those cute, little pumpkin goodie bags:



Start with orange paper bags. Get the smaller ones, though. The first time I tried making these it was with the big ones and it seemed like the bottomless paper bag. Of course, if you want to put lots and lots of candy (think 20 mini-sized candies), then go for the big one. Anywho, fill with candy (the small fits about 8-10 mini candies)



Twist the tops. Cut a piece of floral tape and pull to make it stretchy. Wrap the tape around the "twig" of the pumpkin and leave a few inches for the curly-Q. Twist the end of the tape till it's thin.



Wrap the thin part around a highlighter to make it spiral.



The bags can be ripped into when your friends are ready to snack.



Here they are in the entranceway for our guests to see.



And they're labeled so everyone knows to pick one up on the way out. There, got at least one thing done before our party.

Rainy Day Soup

After weeks of dry weather, the rain is finally here. I'm normally not a fan of the rain, but I realize how important it is at this time, so I'm welcoming the wet weather with a nice, big, hot bowl of soup, b/c there's not much better on a rainy day than hot soup.



I saw a picture of a chicken breast and white bean soup in one of my Every Day with Rachael Ray mags, so I thought I'd try to figure out the ingrediants on my own when I realized I wouldn't have the recipe on me at the grocery store. I got chicken stock, white beans, and a rotisserie chicken, which I pulled the meat from. I also got some fresh spinach.



When I got home, I quickly found the recipe and realized that I'd forgotten or simply missed several of the recipe's ingrediants. I also realized I got some wrong...for example, the recipe called for arugula...not spinach. Oh well, I shrugged. I figured it would have to taste good on it's own.



Care for some soup?



Easy Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Soup "Recipe"
(in quotes b/c it's not really a true recipe...just something I threw together - very simple and makes a great healthy meal with minimal cooking)

Ingrediants:
1 Rotisserie Chicken (full or breast only) - meat pulled from bones
1 Box Chicken Stock
2 Cans white beans (I used Northern) - rinsed
1/2 bag fresh spinach (baby may be better, but the regular stuff was cheaper)

Directions:
~Heat broth over medium heat (add a couple cups water if you want it more "brothy")
~Add chicken and beans to stock
~Bring to boil, turn down to low heat
~Stir spinach into soup to wilt
~Serve with nice crusty bread

New Etsy Items 10/23/07

I finally updated my Etsy shop since I first opened it a couple months ago. I was going to photograph some of my new designs, but *grrr* my camera battery just died. It's charging away now, so maybe I'll have time later this week. I hope I do. We're having some people over for dinner this weekend...it will be like my first real dinner party, so while I'm' kinda scared, I'm pretty stoked, too...I've got some Halloween decorations and other fun stuff and lots of goodie bag ideas from my latest Martha Stewart. And a couple MS Halloween projects to show off.

Anywho, my etsy shop is dcelestine.etsy.com - I hope you visit soon!

Another Busy Weekend!

No sitting around and relaxing for me this weekend. I knew going into it that it would be quite action-packed. Hmm...maybe "action" isn't the right word, but I knew that my plate was pretty full. First, I went to a birthday party for a friend at a local bar where she was collecting new toys or donations for a newly opened hospital. But, I couldn't stay out late b/c I had to go to a jewelry/gift show for wholesale buyers with a friend who also makes jewelry Saturday morning. I was disappointed to see that there was pretty much only wholesale goods for resellers b/c I was there to get wholesale jewelry supplies. I ended up still spending a pretty penny on new bead strands as there was one booth with a relatively good selection, so I'll have lots to work on in the next few weeks (if not longer). It was probably a good thing that there were only a couple vendors with beads, b/c I had something special lined up at 11:30am Saturday. Something I've been dying to try for what seems like the longest time - a fused glass class (to make pendants). Here are some photos:


The instructor uses a special cutter to score the top of a sheet of glass



Then, the black clamp tool is used to completely break off the scored section into two pieces



I quickly picked out my colors - the turquoise was an obvious choice for me



Here are some of the pendants I designed in raw form. These still need to be fused together in a special kiln at a mere 1400 degrees farenheit. Hmmm...I made a bit of a mess, no?



I'd show the finished product, but the pendants go in the cool kiln, which is then heated up in a slow process. Overall, it takes a few hours to completely heat up, fuse and cool back down. I won't be able to pick my pendants up for a couple days since the instructor needs to bring me some bails so I can make these babies into wearable art.



The instructor said we could take a peek at the pendants about an hour or so after she put the first batch in. To kill time, I grabbed a quick bite to eat at a local market - very funky...I should have taken pictures, but was too timid to ask and didn't want to offend anyone by just whipping my camera out. Anywho, see that Famous Pumpkin Roll? It was quite tasty...I knew when it said famous, it'd be worth trying...they were right.



As you can see, the sandwich was quite yummy, too. I had chicken salad on marbled rye. After lunch, it was back to the bead store to peak at my new creation...which is beautiful (I suppose nearly all artists say that of their own work when they're super proud). Can't wait to pick it up...even if it will take a couple days.

No problem for me as I had lots more to do Saturday. Next, I made a quick trip to Salvation Army to do some thrifting

I found this vintage-y floral bowl - quite used - but that makes it easier to actually use it, an interesting plate, a gravy bowl (maybe?), some yellow gingham fabric, and a couple baskets.

Then, it was back to the house to clean before we went to a charity BBQ dinner for a friend who passed away a couple years ago. They had a golf tournament, the dinner, and a silent auction to raise money for scholarships that have been set up in her name. I donated a necklace/earring set with Swarovski crystals for the silent auction. The event was at a golf course, and all around were signs of fall.



Then, it was to the bar to hang out with some of my SO's friends to watch some games. Then, a tennis lesson Sunday morning. Phew! I'm exhausted! Can't wait to see my pendants, though...yay!

Halloween Costume Idea

Can you tell I'm up late blogging all night. I felt so bad neglecting my blog for several months like I did, and there are really so many fascinating things for me to write/photo/blog about...if only there were more hours in the day. I'm sure we all long for that. I suppose we can call these multiple posts in one day making up for all that neglect.

Anywho, I've been trying for years to come up with a unique idea for a Halloween costume that would be perhaps memorable to some, while still not being the same thing everyone else does. I'm a bit of an 80's girl and I grew up watching all those fantasy-themed movies like The Labyrinth, Neverending Story, and Legend (with young Tom Cruise). How cool would it be to make a costume to resemble "Dark Lily" from the Legend movie from this scene?

What's that? No one else will know who I'm supposed to be? Oh well, at least it would look pretty cool and be different. I wonder if my sewing skills will be up to par so I can make this by Halloween? Prolly not - this idea may have to wait until '08.

It's weird how certain clips you saw while growing up and watching cartoons and movies stay with you. This is one of my all-time favorites - very enchanting.

I should add that if you've never seen this movie and like a good fantasy-themed movie, you should def check this movie out sometime. Otherwise, this scene will be completely random...lol.

I Can't Get No...(Instant) Satisfaction

I'm all about instant satisfaction - especially when it comes to crafting. Sure, I appreciate the long-lasting craft as good as the next girl, but every once in awhile, you want something you can throw together quickly. Kinda like those pre-formed cookies they have the grocery stores these days. Just break apart and bake...mmm. I suppose it's too late for cookies tonight, huh? Anywho, I think part of my desire for the quick projects stems from my busy life. Most people out there are pretty swamped these days - I don't really know any people who just sit around all day with nothing today (sounds boring to me anywho), but you busy girls know what I mean. Sometimes, you don't have time for a project that takes days and days. Personally, I wouldn't mind having one of those going on in the background (and I guess I kinda do with my embroidery), but it's nice to be able to completely create a couple little things here and there in no time.

I finally had my first "A-ha! This isn't so hard afterall" sewing moment last weekend when I made my first tote - a project from The Crafter's Companion (a truly awesome book) - except for that little seam ripping incident when I sewed the strap in upside down. Oopsie! Anywho, I was so floored by that experience, I turned out a vintage-style apron - a project from Bend the Rules Sewing - as well as this zip pouch - another fab Amy Karol project from BTRS:


Picking out all the fabrics and accessories - I decided to match the apron fabric b/c I adore it and b/c it was already out.



All done and ready for zipping. Unfortunately, I need to redo the lining inside - it seems to be getting slightly caught in the zipper teeth, but no worries. I already know how to use my seam ripper...lol


I guess my only problem now is that since I'm quite the "newbie" at sewing, projects that would take AK 5 minutes take me more like 5...hours. lol. Oh well, it should get faster with time. One day I'll have my instant gratification sewing projects down pat!

My Kind of TV Dinner

Salisbury Steak is one kind of frozen food that I think is actually pretty tasty. Especially, if you get the Stouffer's version. However, if I have more time, I like to make a Rachael Ray version I saw on TV almost a year ago. Since the first time I made it (back when I first saw it), this meal has become almost a "staple" of my repertoire of cuisine choices, but I finally took the dinner up a notch by getting these cute TV trays from Tar-jhay (Target - but you have to say it with an accent to make it sound snooty...lol...not b/c it's snooty...just b/c it's funny). Here's my version of the 30 Minute Meal - Salisbury Steak with Wild Mushroom Gravy, Smashed Potatoes with garlic and Herb Cheese and Chives, Creamed Spinach (except with peas instead of spinach):


Gotta start the potatoes first - they take the longest. Although, if you're doing this recipe, don't underestimate how long those steaks will take to cook. Go ahead and get started on at least forming the steak patties next.



All the steak ingrediants go in one bowl. Mix. Form. Wait to cook.



Just a couple mushrooms. I actually don't like mushrooms - mainly the texture. But the flavor can instantly change a meal, so I always try to add at least a little bit of mushroom when the recipe calls for them. There are two creminis (baby portobellos) and 1 shitake here.



These ingrediants will make my mashed potatoes extra tasty. I used alouette for the soft cheese.



Browning the beef...mmm...lookin good! A little on the well-done side, but like my mom, I like things just a tad burned. That and I get paranoid about undercooking food. I'm working on that one.



Then, like the finale of a great musical, it all comes together. Ok, so not exactly like that, but it does look pretty tempting, no?



I think perhaps one of the best things w/ these nifty little trays is that your food doesn't get all garbled together. I saw this movie once when I was a kid...something to do w/ a kid and their toy house (can't remember the name of it for the life of me), but I'll never forget when one of the characters said, "I'm a military man. I don't like my food to touch." My dad poked fun at me quoting that line for years and years after (read he still does today), but it's true for the most part. I'm not a fan of mixing food unless you're supposed to (think stir fry), so these trays keep all my food nicely separated so my gravy doesn't get all over the peas and so my bread doesn't get soggy from the other foods. It's genius. Hmm...maybe I'll eat all my meals on these now? Prolly not - but I'll def be making this meal again soon.

Mini Donuts...Mmmmm...

Homer Simpson would be in big trouble if he worked anywhere near where I work. I recently found out that a man sets up a mini donut stand just a couple blocks from where I work every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (except today b/c it was raining...I checked). My mini donut craving will have to wait over the weekend. But in the meantime, here are some photos from my most recent visit:


The cart comes with a sort of dough holder, which when a certain button (or lever?) is pushed, creates these perfect hoops, which start bubbling away as soon as they hit the hot oil below.



They follow a path of hot oil, while gently being flipped - to brown both sides, of course.



Then, once they're done cooking, they are flipped into a metal bin where the excess oil drips off and they cool down just a tad



See? There are some cooling right now. Want him to make you a bag?



Top them off with powdered or cinnamon sugar...shake around to coat...



...there! Perfectly sugary sweet little mini donuts that simply melt in your mouth.



Want one?

My First Handmade Apron!

I have a serious sewing bug! First the tote, now the vintage-style apron! I have something else I cooked up (not literally) last night, but I'll save that for later this week. Anywho, I'm not sure where this came bug came from. One minute, I was hiding the sewing machine (that I was slightly intimidated by) under the side table in my living room, the next, it's taken over the dining room table along with piles of cloth, rick-rack, ribbon, vintage buttons, and other sewing goodies. Now, I finally get to put all the supplies I stocked up on several months ago to good use.

I suppose I can credit the success of my first project this weekend and how much easier it was to do than I thought it would be...or could I could credit the most-awesome craftiness of the authors and contributors of all the crafty books I've been stocking up on...or I could consider that I may have gained some extra craftiness through osmosis by spending all day with the crafters at the Etsy Crafting Patch Market. I like to think it's a combination of all of the above that led to my second project - the Vintage Apron in Bend The Rules Sewing by Amy Karol:


Gathering my materials



Getting ready to put the pieces together



Sewing the last bit - finishing the waist band



The directions said to embellish as I wanted, so I added a simple pocket with some pretty rick-rack



It's far from perfect - the gathering wasn't so hot and I didn't sew the lines quite as straight as I could have, but I'm pretty proud of this for my first apron project. Can't wait to wear it for my next cooking adventure. Thanks Amy for the fun project!

My First Handmade Tote!

Yay! I finally bit the bullet and jumped head-first into one of my first major sewing projects. Perhaps it was the collection of talented crafters yesterday who inspired me or perhaps it's just that time of year? Whatever it is, I'm glad I did it. Oh wait, I know at least one good reason for the crafty-cravings - I just got my copy of The Crafter's Companion and noticed a couple somewhat simple looking beginner projects to try out. I went for the Library Tote by Fiona Dalton of Hop Skip Jump

The storm before the calm


Aligning the pocket


A rookie error while sewing the top sections together - serious sewing crafters are now either laughing at this photo or shaking their head - can you see what I did wrong?


Yea, that strap was supposed to be INSIDE the purse!!! Doh! After some serious seam-ripping I started the top-sewing again. Ahh...that's much better


Wow - my first tote! I'm so thrilled! I should have reinforced it with interfacing, but didn't want to waste it in the event I totally goofed this project up.


I think this tote might just be with me for awhile. Maybe forever.


That was fun! Hmm...which project to do next? Maybe I should try to finish that embroidery project from awhile back?

Pre-Etsy Show

Crafters out there will understand how not-such-a-good-idea it was that my SO wanted me to help him make these the day before my big show.

Silly boys!

I'm a Craft Pioneer!

At least that's what the girl running the Etsy Crafting Patch Market craft show told me. When I signed up for the Etsy sponsored event, I knew it was the first one of it's kind in NC. What I didn't realize was that the event I participated in on Saturday was the first Etsy craft show EVER! Can you believe that? I'm honored...seriously!

The show didn't have the traffic I was hoping for, but I had a blast and met a lot of super cool crafters. Everyone there was so nice and it was like everyone was part of a little family. People were helping each other set up their booths, gabbed all day, swapped goodies, and even helped each other take their booth displays down (even when they had a 6 hour drive to make directly after the show - thanks Michelle and hubby :) ).

One of the highlights of the day was my booth display. I didn't win any awards, but in a way I won a personal victory. It's taken me a really long time to get my booth looking in a way that I'm actually happy with, so I'm super proud to share these photos - there has been a lot of hard work and heart put into getting the booth this way:



To my left, I had the lovely Michelle and hubby with AsianCharm (click) and to my right, I had two super friendly girls with Microwave Girl (click)

I also got a fab organic shirt from Ahpeele (click)

Thanks to Angelica and everyone who helped put this together. I hope to be accepted to the Market for '08 - I'll definitely be applying! Hey to all my new Etsy friends - it was so nice meeting all of you and I hope to see you around the craft scene.