I feel like a lost some focus this month (but no weight). The weather got warmer, and the days got longer and fuller. But I still made some new and interesting food.

I was skeptical about this because radishes are often quite harsh and bitter, but I served this over angel hair pasta with fresh broccoli and mushrooms and it was delicious!

Like most scones, these are heavy. Good, but I ate one and then didn't want to move for 8 hours.

I cannot bake! Another cookie fail. I know what happened, I over-mixed the batter. It was whipped and delicious but didn't bake-up right!

I had some buttermilk to use up in the fridge so I found this on kraftfoods.com. I was initially skeptical about this, but the trick is to maintain the oil temperature. There's not a lot of flavor because i didn't include the bacon, but i mixed a yogurt/honey/cinnamon/sugar dip and that was delicious. I think you could add flavor from like a ranch powder or something. The downside is now my house reeks of hot oil and it may prevent me from marking this as a keeper!

Burger of the Week #11

I spotted these amazing piñatas at this year's Bizairre Bazaar in Easttown.

If you want your own custom piñata, email Piñatas by Ms. Rita or call 616.516.3930

Rita said she can make any character or shape for as low as $20!

My What Colorful Tooths You Have

While touring 19windows yesterday, my friends and I wandered into the boutique Lamb where something immediately caught my eye causing me to squeal out,

"Pantone Toothbrushes?!!!"

I drooled over these for a moment then moved on to the Pantone Postcards, Pantone Notebooks, and Pantone Mugs. And as I stepped aside the next wave of shoppers came in and exclaimed,

"oooooo Pantone!"

When did everyone become a color aficionado? When did the word 'Pantone' become a mainstream term? When did PMS* become anything other than cringeworthy?

Do we blame HGTV for turning everyone into a DIY designer? Or do we thank Target for making design friendly products available and affordable?

I'm not sure, all I know is, back away from the toothbrushes lady, they're mine.

*Pantone Matching System

Burger of the Week #10

It's everyone's favorite pregnant teenager—Juno MacGuff.

Juno's constant sarcastic tone makes her awesome. The fact that she talks on a hamburger phone makes her absolutely rad.

*

Juno, (Oscar-nominated title-role role played by Ellen Page) won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2007. If you haven't seen Juno, it's probably in my top ten favorite movies of all time, which means it's brilliant. Here's a glimpse—the hamburger phone makes an appearance midway through.

Want your own burger phone? I don't blame you. Available on Amazon.

*Tee available here.

Smash it this Summer

Top row: Cut and paste books, bottom row: Digitally produced photo books from Blurb and Shutterfly. [click to enlarge]

Scrapbooking was always one of my favorite hobbies growing up. Still is. But now I do all my photobooks digitally on Blurb and Shutterfly. When I saw this new Smash Book on PaperSource I grew real nostaligc for the days of glue sticks and stickers.

I'm a little bummed, though not surprised, that all pieces and parts are sold separately*. But still, what a great activity for the kids... And you!

This summer, treasure all your memories. Smash it!

*Book comes with pen and glue stick.

Stripes & Plaid Forever

If you're looking for a last minute Father's Day gimmick, I've created a couple downloadable bookmarks dad might like!

Simply download the pdf, print on a heavy stock and cut out. These will work nicely tucked inside that new book you bought dad OR as a gift tag!

Have a happy day with Dad!

Burger of the Week #9

I initially wasn't a huge fan of the (not so) new "Aol." logo and page design. But as they've grown more creative with their logo art and application, I've grown more accepting.

And nothing earns my approval more than a mouthwatering burger.

The Aol.com page changes image on each page load. I'm not sure what the concept behind this is except, perhaps, that they want to compete with the Google Doodle. While I now welcome the Aol. art, it isn't even in the same realm as the Goodle's brilliance.

Playtime at the Beach

This Spring, I made two sets of portable beach games, which were taken from a summer issue Martha, as gifts. It was quite easy really—simply tape off the grids on a piece of canvas or a ready-made towel. Apply paint, and you're essentially ready to go! I also made a basic drawstring bag for transporting the beach games and their stones.

This would be a great gift for newlyweds about to head to a beach honeymoon, but I think it could also be a nice summer table centerpiece, especially on a porch or patio. Simply position the board with the pieces, inviting guests to play a round while sipping cocktails or conversing.

A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Father's Day is June 19th. In honor of dad's everywhere, I've carved this Gentleman's Set of block prints.

Below we have (a) eyeglasses on uncoated felt stock, (b) bow tie on stardream, (c) moustache on chipboard, and (d) pipe on linen stock.

I'm hoping to have a full set of notecards ready for Etsy soon!

Burger of the Week #8

Martha wants to know if macaroons are the new cupcake. Yes, in fact, I believe they are.

But are they also the new burger?

This kickass comestible is also one kickass burger.

Wedding Season: 2011

We are well into the 2011 wedding season. Brides everywhere are in full-on freak-out mode. I was lucky enough to work with two delightful brides this Spring—no freak-outs involved.

Both wedding collateral packages were quite simple and clean, printed on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White (my favorite ultra-white sheet). One package in black and white with minor pink accents, and the other in a flower-themed purple palette.

The packages, which included invitations, thank you cards, placecards, table numbers, seating posters and programs, were printed locally in Grand Rapids at Swift Printing.

Congratulations to Kate & Kevin, and Gina & Mike. I feel lucky to have been part of each of your very special days.

Burger of the Week #7

The work of a true artist. Check out the amazing... and delectable... macrame collection from Ed Bing Lee.

I am very impressed and delighted by not only the burger but the ice cream and lemon meringue pie as well.