The D-A-R-K

Bedtime at our house has a new development - MG is suddenly "very scared of the dark". Yup, it's true and I can't blame her. So one emergency run to Walgreens for a nightlight (fiber optic with butterflies & flowers mind you), the hall light on and lots of sweet talking, later and she's still not convinced. Nope, she wants to sleep clinging to daddy's mega huge contractor flashlight. You know, the kind that you could knock out an intruder with if you were feeling inclined!

But have no fear, thanks to Miss Allison we have a brilliant new plan. I ordered the Mobi Tykelight Glomate in rainbow from Target and it's insanely cool. Besides being a brilliant design technologically, it's the most colorful little friend you could ever hope to hang out with in the dark. He changes color constantly and MG thinks he's "amazing". She's happily gone to sleep with him tonight. Keep your fingers crossed for us ...

- HAPPY NIGHTS WITH GLOWING LIGHTS -

A Friendly Jam Tart

Sorry folks, there'll be no Crafty Kids this weekend ... I ran out of time because I was lucky enough to spend some time with old friends. Thanks Bettina for coming to town and getting us all together. It was a pleasure!

So to make up for the lack of craftiness, I'm posting my Granny's jam tart recipe. It's a family classic that she served to her tea party ladies and I remember my mom always doing the same. It's yummy, easy, pretty and sure to please.

Ingredients:
1/4 lb butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
a jar of good jam (any flavor though raspberry, strawberry or apricot are best)

- With a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar
- Add 1 well beaten egg and vanilla, mix well
- Add sifted together flour and baking powder, mix well
- Spread 1/2 dough in pie plate
- Spread jam on dough
- Press remaining dough into a ball and grate over the jam
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar, enjoy!

PS - MG met her twin Madeleine today ... in looks and personality it was amazing to see! They were very cute together - though I think MG wanted to make sure that Sam is still her man (notice her clinging to him in the group shot)

- HAPPY TIMES WITH OLD FRIENDS -

Freebies for you!

In honor of my showcase spot on etsy today, I want to give you FREE things...seriously!

So here's the scoop. My new line of cereal box onesies is finally available... I've wanted to make them for years! Each one features a very cool vintage cereal box for your favorite yummy baby. They're great for unique baby shower gifts or just for fun. Besides the great illustrations and typography, you can't help but smile at the classic cereal flavors. There's everything from BooBerry, Alphabits and Cap'N Crunch to wholesome favorites like Wheaties. If you're like me, I'm sure you have a favorite from when you were little or at least one you always begged your mom for!

On to the freebies - it's super simple. The first 2 people to comment on this post will get a free cereal onesie of their choice from my etsy store (you choose size as well). So don't be shy ( I mean it) and best of luck to you!

- HAPPY FREEBIES TO YOU -

Can you Wazoo?

I have a confession...I love candy. Yes, it's true and I'm not ashamed! All I can say is a little bit of something sweet makes me happy. It could be worse!

So the packaging designer in me is always on the lookout for new or redesigned products and when I see one of the sweet sort I have to give it a go. I spied the new Topps Wazoo bar today when I was out buying a non-leaky iron (thrilling purchase, I know) and snagged a couple bars. It's totally unlike anything else on the market, but not the yummiest of treats for me - kind of like a squishier Play-Doh colored Starburst that's covered in berry flavored yogurt with Nerd-like sprinkles. The packaging is really bright, fun and colorful though.

Can you Wazoo or do you have another favorite sweetness that makes you happy? Please let me know, I'd love to give it a whirl...

- HAPPY BITS OF SWEET GOODNESS -

It's official - I'm in business!

What's bright and happy and looking for new friends? My hot off the press Lavender Kitty business cards! I finally took a moment to design some cards for myself (which is way harder than designing for other people) and am now feeling official. I even made them 2 sided with different backs...hey, it's been a long time coming!

Hope you're all having a happy one and can't wait to share a few new things with you at the end of this week...

- HAPPY LITTLE CARDS, HAPPY LITTLE BUSINESS -

Baby Wash Scrubbies

If you love sewing and you're like me, you've probably got a stash of fabric scraps that you can't stand to part with. Seriously, I bought a bag of scraps at a Denyse Schmidt workshop and have been adding to it for years. I think it's growing overnight, but I love them all!

So what to do with them? Make personalized baby gifts of course! Maybe this little free sewing project will help you out...
1. Have fun diving through your scraps and find a few favorites.
2. Quilt them into 5 inch squares - there's no rules, so have fun!
3. Cut a new washcloth into 5 inch squares (Homegoods always has them on sale, yay)
4. Sew right sides together, leaving a gap for flipping right side out.
5. Flip and sew 1/4 inch from edge to finish.
6. Add a pretty ribbon and give to a favorite friend's baby for bath time.

PS - I'll be adding some of these to my etsy store later this week for your giving pleasure

- KEEPING BABIES CLEAN AND HAPPY -

Crafty Kids - Chirpy O's

Spring is here - finally!!!! So to celebrate, this week's craft welcomes back the birds. It's super simple and uses things you probably already have in your house. Bonus!

CHIRPY O'S (aka - a great excuse to get outside and welcome Spring)

What you'll need:
- Cheerios or another O's cereal (I love Trader Joes Strawberry O's...hey, they're pink!)
- Pipe cleaners or florist wire
Have kids thread O's onto the pipe cleaner (snacking while threading is highly recommended). Once there's a bunch threaded on, bend the pipe cleaner into one of your favorite shapes and tie a piece of ribbon or yarn for hanging. Run outside, have your kids find a great branch and hang up your Chirpy O's creation. Take a few laps in the yard and keep an eye out for the happy snacking birds.

-HAPPY SPRING TO YOU-