Host-It Notes

Put A Label On It

2012-02-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

Coolest new online toy ever? The Jam Labelizer!! Created by Andy Biggs, the jam labelizer is a free jam label designer that allows you to personalize a label and select from 5 awesome styles. You can even switch up the color schemes of each design. It's pure joy!

Oh man, I've had jam fever for months—ever since we ate up the last jar of the strawberry jam I made over the summer. This sweet label generator only fuels my jamming obsession! I can't wait to try it out on this year's batch of jarred goodies.

Cake Stand Love: Mesa Home Products

2012-02-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'd never heard of Mesa before this, but I ended up here in the webosphere somehow. And taking a look at their cake stands and similar serveware I've got nothing but respect. These people understand the power of the tier. Up top is a stackable (and unstackable) three-tiered platter set. Love it. Below, a snappy little chrome number.

They've got a classic white two-tier, and a frilly cupcake stand as well. It's just nice to see this much selection in a single store. Check them out at www.mesahomeproducts.com and get your cake stand on.

Uncommonly Good

2012-02-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

Sweater Potholders ($14-$18)

It's been a long time since I checked in with Uncommon Goods. It's a favorite site for shopping and inspiration, and one I've been missing! I just clicked over and found a few things I love—and naturally I had to share them with you. Check them out at www.uncommongoods.com.

Face Mug ($18)

Bicycle Glasses ($75)

Stoneware TV Dinner Trays ($20/2)

Shop Fawn & Flora

2012-02-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

Loveable new shop alert! Well, new to me. I {heart} this little online mecca to pretties and pinks. It's called Fawn & Flora, and it's full of stationery, supplies, printables and other goodies you'll love. I can't capture all of my favorites in one post, so be sure to visit their shop for more. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorites! (Up top: Fawn & Flora's Birthday In A Box ($25)

Hearts & Dots gift bags/envelopes ($4/7

Rose Print ThankYous ($2.75/5 - nice!)

Craft Me a Note Letter Set ($3)

Circus Swirl Cupcake Liners ($1.75/20) Honestly, I could keep going. But I'll let you discover the rest at www.fawnandflora.com.

Pretty Custom Banners from Loft Life Press

2012-02-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

Loft Life Press makes beautiful handpainted wedding stationery, but when clicking through their shop my already-married eye was caught by these gorgeous custom name banners. Wouldn't they be perfect for a little girl's birthday party, or a feminine baby shower or bridal shower? I just love this soft look, and the colors can be changed to match your theme. $16 for 6 letters, Loft Life Press.

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolate

2012-02-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'm late in sharing these photos, but I think it's never really too late to share chocolate artistry. Right? Back in January my mother was dropping me off to catch the train from Sacramento to San Francisco. On the way to the station we popped in for a quick chocolate ogling at Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates.

On display that day were these to die for macaron kissing balls. Major party inspiration in my book. I also loved their handmade chocolate bows and ornaments. My big regret? I had to run to catch my train and wasn't able to taste anything! Poor me... What's really piquing my interest now is their famed "cupcake day." Rather than carry cupcakes in the store all month, they set a date to deliver the goods in a one time only fashion. This month it's Saturday, February 25th, and you can choose from flavors like Tiramisu, Salty Caramel, and Key Lime Pie Cupcake.

While you can't buy the cupcakes through their website, they do have chocolates for sale. Or just meet me at the shop on cupcake day...

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates 1801 L Street, Suite 60 Sacramento, CA 95811 916-706-1738 gingerelizabeth.com

Cake Stand Love: Now We're Cookin'

2012-02-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Oh kids, I've found a new source for my cake stand addiction. It's called Cookin', and it's a rough-around-the-edges treasure.

Just look at those cake stands! Covered in a mish-mash of saucers and sugar bowls are some gorgeous glass pieces. Hobnails and dome-topped pedestals...pinks, yellows, and blues...why it's enough to to make me want to pull out my wallet and start charging. I maintained my composure and pulled out my camera instead. Looking back, though, I'm hearing the siren song of that pink hobnail beauty on the right.

Check out that sign! "Recycled Gourmet Appurtenances." From that alone, you know it's gonna be good.

The cake stands are just a drop in the bucket! Cookin' has the feel of a grandmother's upended kitchen junk drawer. Stacks of tools, gadgets, and dishes clutter the store, seemingly willy-nilly. Vintage and antique signs and cookbooks are tucked into nooks and line the pathways. If you're looking for something hard to find, the chances are good it'll be here (unless it's the elusive Pyrex I've been hunting). If you're just looking to browse it's a gloriously messy kitchen museum. Either way, it's worth a look if you're in the neighborhood. They have no web presence that I can find, so you'll just have to come visit me in SF, roll up your sleeves and start sorting through the selection!

Cookin'

339 Divisadero St (between Page St & Oak St) San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 861-1854

Lavender and Yellow Picnic Inspiration

2012-02-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Sources: Pillows, Shoes, Baby Bum Balm, Banner Card, Bullthistle Print, Quilt

A friend of ours is pregnant, and I'm collaborating with her nearest and dearest to put on a baby shower for her. The goal is to pull off a lavender and yellow themed picnic for a nice sunny day. I sat down to do a bit of brainstorming and sought inspirational images online—I thought you might enjoy taking a look! Stay tuned for the resulting party in a few months.

Fine Dining and Drawing

2012-02-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

I just love this creative drawing pad for kids' mealtimes. These paper placemats turn any dinner drawing into a fabulously framed work of art. Find them here at Rocket St. George and start creating!

What Valentines Are You Sending?

2012-02-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

It's been ages and ages since grade school, but I know one school "rule" that still applies. Everyone wants to receive a valentine! I didn't get it together this year to a) design my own valentines or b) print someone else's creation. Instead I went for these fabulous Valentine's Day postcards from Rifle Paper Co.

I'm sitting down now to write little "love letters" to a few of my favorite ladies and single friends. Will they be late? Most certainly. Does that mean I shouldn't send them? Heck no! A love note is a love note, any day of the year.

Cake Stand Love: DIY Hearts

2012-02-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

Looking for a "love"-ly cake stand for Valentine's Day? Even better if you make it yourself? Then click over to Say Yes to Hoboken, because you'll flip for Liz' V-day cake stands made from heart plaques, spools and candlestick holders. Visit Say Yes to Hoboken now.

Homemade Butterfinger Hearts

2012-02-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Butterfingers are delicious, but also contain dairy—a no-go in my lactose-free household. As a pre-Valentine's Day treat I decided to make my sweet husband some "butterfingers" he could actually eat. Want to do the same? Here's what you'll need:

A bag of candy corn

Creamy peanut butter

Chocolate chips — I used Ghirardelli semi-sweet, which have no milk, but you can use milk or dark chocolate as you prefer.

* As for quantities, your ratio of ingredients should be about 1 to 1, so purchase accordingly. (Example: 16 oz candy corn/16 oz jar of peanut butter/16 oz of chocolate)

To make these I toodled around a bit online to see what I should do before getting started (try here and here) . I melted an 11 ounce bag of candy corn in the microwave—candy corn is not really "in season" so I bought mine off of Amazon. Start with 1 minute on the clock, or less if you've got a microwave on steroids, stir, then heat and stir in additional 15 second intervals until it's all smooth. Add 1 and a half cups of peanut butter (mine were generous cups) to the melted candy corn and combine. Smooth this mixture into an 8x8 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Cool completely. I popped my in the refrigerator...for I am impatient.

Once the mixture had set, I pulled the parchment paper and candy out of the dish and laid them on the counter. I took my heart-shaped cutter and cut out my soon-to-be "butterfinger" bites. I also cut a few chunks in the shape of mini candy bars. Then I popped the whole shebang back in the fridge to stay firm while I melted semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in a large shallow bowl. Dip each heart in your melted chocolate, let them cool on parchment paper, and enjoy!

I've got to say, this dessert is easy and AMAZING! It really does taste like a Butterfinger! It lacks a bit of the crisp of the real thing, but has just enough crunch to make the experience very similar. It's also the easiest recipe ever, as long as you don't mind getting your fingers a bit messy with chocolate—all the better for licking, I say!

Best. Cheesecake. Ever.

2012-02-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

At least it looks like it! Seriously, how gorgeous are these conversation heart styled cheesecakes?! Find them, along with a tutorial, over at Hungry Happenings. It's a great site I'll be visiting again and again now that I've discovered it!

Ring Dish from Cats Paw Pottery

2012-02-07T00:41:00.001-08:00

I recently received a surprise gift from my best friend—this sweet little ring dish from Cats Paw Pottery. I think what I love about it most is seeing my last name, "Frank," looking so butch yet girly on this frilly, pretty dish. I keep it on my bathroom counter and stash my rings in it when I'm not wearing them. I like it so much I popped over to Cats Paw Pottery to ogle more clay creations like butter trays, dessert plates and mini serving dishes. Check 'em out at www.etsy.com/shop/CatsPawPottery

Giveaway Winner: Love Stamp Kit

2012-02-07T00:16:00.001-08:00

Hah! Clearly this cute stamp set isn't what the kiddies are clamoring for these days, as we only had one comment entry! That means an automatic win for Carrie Hamm. Zing! Congrats, Carrie! I'll pop it in the mail to you asap!

Cake Stand Love: Robert Edward Woodworking

2012-02-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Now these are some fancy-pantsy cake stands! These scrolled up beauties are from Robert Edward Woodworking in New Jersey. Something about their stands for wedding cakes and cupcakes reminds me of Beauty and the Beast, which is never a bad thing in my opinion. I can just see Lumiere dancing about on top of one! If you're planning an event and want a top notch display, check them out at www.robertedwardwoodworking.com.

Friday Giveaway: Love Stamps

2012-02-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Express yourself through stamps this Valentine's Day (or any day) with a Love Stamp Kit! I'm giving away these 16 heart-shaped, love themed stamps to a randomly chosen commenter. So, leave a comment below—tell me something you love!—and I'll randomly choose a giveaway winner next Tuesday the 7th.

Contest ends at midnight (PST) on Monday, 2/6. Be sure to leave an email so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!

Farm Fresh Desk Calendar!

2012-02-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

I would say I'm not someone who says "that's so stinkin' cute." It's just not a phrase that rolls off the tongue for me. But dang—is this not just so stinkin' cute?!! It's the latest 3D calendar creation from Scout Creative's Calendar of the Month Club. Download one for your desk now!!

Peachy Keen Printables

2012-02-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Another Tuesday, another great printable from Love vs. Design. Are you following them yet? Because you don't want to miss out! Click here to head there now. These printables make great drink tags and cupcake toppers.

Little Love Notes

2012-01-30T19:35:00.001-08:00

Gorgeous printables here, people! I spotted these over at One Charming Party. What I love about them is they are perfect for any day, not just Valentine's. This is the kind of note to tuck in with a bouquet for a friend or loved one, or top a package you've put together for someone who is feeling down. "I love you because..." is something everyone wants to know the answer to! And the matching envelope is adorable. The printables are designed by Becca of Cake. and Michele of Cakewalk Baking. Love!

Major Valentine's Day Card Inspiration

2012-01-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

If you're shopping for sweet cards for Valentine's Day—or just in search for some insanely great ideas—be sure to click through this lovely Valentine's Day guide from Discover Paper. It's nothing but V-day paper and card goodness, and you'll adore it all.

I particularly love the section on crafty cards (p. 55). It's chock full of great ideas you can put a twist on for your own cards. Equally great? Plenty of links to free printables start here!

A Mini Baby Shower in Aqua and Red

2012-01-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

This week I helped plan a mini baby shower. I call it mini because the mother-to-be works in an office full of tech guys and has a proper shower planned in the coming weeks. But I couldn't let her slip away to maternity leave without at least a little fanfare, could I?

To bring a bit of festivity to the day I fired up my sewing machine and created a fabric garland, which I anchored with two fabric covered oatmeal containers. I sewed a placemat of red chevron stripe to lay below the garland.

As part of my gift I sewed baby bowties onto little white onesies. That'll be one dapper little man when he arrives! But who cares about all that when there is: MOCHI!

This is no ordinary mochi. I ordered it from Simply Mochi, though there's nothing simple about it. For those who are new to mochi, it's a Japanese sweet made of glutinous rice pounded into a paste and shaped. When filled with something sweet it's called daifuku. Linda at Simply Mochi in San Francisco makes scrumptious mochi/daifuku in AMAZING flavors. Get a load of this mochi menu:

Oreo Cheesecake

Choconuts

S'mores

Nutella

Salted Caramel

PB&J

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Chocolate Mint

And that's just to name a few! We tasted Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Curd, Chocolate, and Chocolate Strawberry and each one was off the charts delicious. The Cheesecake and Lemon Curd flavors were super creamy, the chocolate had a rich frosting-like filling, and the Choco-Strawberry had a full fresh strawberry surrounded by a thin chocolate with the consistency of a liquor. I would recommend them all—particularly the lemon curd and strawberry cheesecake. Every mochi is handmade that day, and which means the flavors are super fresh.

Finally, we raised a toast to the new mom (guests only of course!). Best of luck to her in her new role as mother!

Matchstick Candles

2012-01-26T00:39:00.001-08:00

I love this crafty take on birthday candles. Plain candles and a dollop of red beeswax come together to create burnable "matchstick" candles. There's a simple elegance to them that most birthday candles lack. Find the tutorial here at Poppytalk.

Beautiful Book Plate Printable

2012-01-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'm a complete book hound. My dream is to have a library with floor to ceiling shelves devoted only to books, with a long rolling ladder that slides up and down the room. But really, isn't that everyone's dream. For now I'll have to settle for a dapper looking library collection, which I can have thanks to this lovely downloadable book plate designed by Erin of BerinMade. Visit Poppytalk for the download of either this "Ex Libris" book plate or a "This Book Belongs To" version. Gussy it up with a pretty paper background and insert it into your books. Looking good!

Cake Stand Love: Pretty in Pink

2012-01-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

Pink Round Cake Stand ($75)

Have you stopped by Sweet & Saucy Supply lately? Ever a great party supply stop, this online shop frequently stocks any number of gorgeous cake stands. For me these three pastel pinks are the styles that take the cake.

Pink 10" Square Glass Stand ($115)

8" Square Pink Glass Cake Stand ($55)

Not a pink fan? Click here to see the rest of their colors and designs.