Adventure Valentines

I know its kind of last minute but in case you didn't know thats how I roll.  I created some adventure themed Valentines for Greenies.  You can head over to the Greenies facebook page for a link to a PDF or you can save the images from there and share them with the adventure-ers in your life.  I hope you all have an AMAZING Valentine's Day weekend

Mindy Gledhill. In Concert

Remember when I went to this magical concert last year?  Well she's coming back to town.  

Mindy + Christmastime.   Doesn't that sound fabulous?!  So click here so you can snag your tickets to the show.  

Presented by Marilyn Lott

Artwork by Lindsay Stoyan

Photo by Jefra Starr Linn

Valentines {monthly plug edition}

Umm did anyone NOT get the flu thats going around?!  I am so glad to be feeling better, I was even able to go to Pilates this morning, which after a week off was wonderful. 

But now I'm scrambling trying to get caught up on a few days worth of things like laundry and cleaning, and a couple of things I've been meaning to tell you about {with a Valentines twist}...

Have you made it to a Passionista Presents show yet?  I have thoroughly enjoyed each one and I know I'm going to like this one too.  The Lower Lights will be here on March 5th.  You can learn more about them HERE, and I highly recommend you get your tickets soon.  Wouldn't this be a great Valentines gift?  I can picture it now...babysitter, dinner, amazing music.  Sigh.

Get your tickets HERE

Darin is having his last Intro to Lighting class for the season on February 19th.  He'll start back up in the fall, but that is a long time to wait. So check it out.  I think you'll love it.  {You don't even need to have a fancy flash to take the class, so there's nothing holding you back!}  What does this have to do with Valentines?  Not much really unless you are treating yourself, or someone you know.  You can convince your husband it is an investment!

And lastly if you have a teenager in your house, then they would probably love this print in their room! 

Remember, its teen tested! ;)   I've got the digital file in my shop over there.  For only $2!  Just let me know the size when you check out and I'll send you the file.    Its available in 8x10, 11x14 and 20x30.  

So eh, don't you think those would be good Valentines gifts?  I'm just saying.  

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Goings On

January usually lets me down after the holidays, but I sure have been enjoying a slightly slower pace these past couple of weeks.  I've been busy, but it feels good to get things done for me and my family.  One of my goals is to be more organized and slowly but surely I am going through every room in our house.  Up this week is my craft room, and uh, lets just say I'll be in there for a while.  At some point in December I just started throwing things in there. And then everyone else started just throwing stuff in there too.

So I'm doing good on my Resolutions so far, how are you doing?
Do you feel like you need to reward yourself for working so hard? 
There are some great things happening around here and I know they would be just what you deserve...

Passionista Presents is putting on another great show next week.  Remember how much I loved this one?  Well, I know that this one is going to be just as wonderful, {and maybe even a bit more, just for the fact I'll be warmer}.  Listen to Sarah's album in full here

  http://sarahsample.bandcamp.com/album/someday-someday

and then go HERE to buy your ticket.  And hopefully I'll see you there!

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Is one of your Resolutions to become a better photo taker?  I can't think of a better way to step up your game then to take Darins lighting class.

I happen to know he is a fab teacher and you'll be rocking your flash like nobody's business when you are done.   His next intro class is this Saturday, {just a couple of spots left} and then he'll start booking for February. 

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And one last shameless plug ;)  

 Add some color to January.  You deserve it!  

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Perfect Ending

Thank you Passionista for the perfect ending to a crazy week.  Walking up the the red barn I knew it was going to be exactly what my heart needed.  I only imagine these kind of evenings, and this is one I'll love forever.

 

Thank you Mindy for covering the Cure so that even Darin was hooked.  Oh, and uh, any information about where you got your fabulous boots would be greatly appreciated. 

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Love,

I Feel Like Forest Gump

 {source}

I've told you one of my favorite things about living in the Tri-Cities is all of the produce.  Well we are up to our ears in apples lately. It is Washington after all.  And if you are here also then chances are you have that many apples too.  And if you don't you don't have to go very far to find someone who is more than willing to share theirs.  We know a couple of apple farmers and have really nice neighbors who just bring us apples so we have been getting creative.  

Need some new ideas on what to do with your apples?  Here is a little taste of what we have made so far. {And what has kept me so busy this weekend!}

Applesauce, apple pie filling, apple butter, squash and apples, dried apples, can't forget EATING apples {I think Ivy eats three every day} and one of my faves  ~ apple cinnamon rolls.  My friend Kim so kindly requested the recipe so I thought I would share it here for all of you!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

{via Gooseberry Patch}

FILLING

1 c. brown sugar packed

2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 cup apple butter

2 c. apples, cored, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup butter, melted

Make roll dough according to your favorite recipe.  I like this one because it is a lot of dough, so you can make rolls and cinnamon rolls at the same time! Because we don't need that many cinnamon rolls around here.  Although regular rolls are just as bad since I can't resist them hot out of the oven, can you?!  But back to the recipe. ;) While your dough is rising chop your apples and mix together your filling.  

When the dough has risen, punch down and place on a lightly floured surface.  Divide dough and let rest 10 minutes.  If you are making rolls also, then go ahead and do those first.  Then using your remaining dough roll into a  big rectangle.  Top with the filling.  

{The recipe is for a full batch of dough so you will have some left over}

 

Roll up your dough , jelly roll style.  It is going to be messy and squish out the sides but thats ok.  Cut your roll into slices and place cut side down in a greased 13x9 pan. 

Let rise until double, then bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. 

{Since they take longer to bake is why I suggest doing your rolls first}

After you take them out of the oven and are waiting for them to cool, go ahead and make a glaze for them...

APPLE CINNAMON GLAZE

1cup powdered sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 to 3 Tbsp. apple juice or cider

Mix together, slowly adding the juice to desired consistency, then drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.

Seriously so good.  And definitely going on the I shouldn't make those again any time soon list!

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Any other fabulous ideas for apples?!  I would love some new ones.

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PS:  If you want or need apples I would check Craigs List, ask around, or let me know!  I've got connections! ;)

Project: Craft

Ok, so I really have nothing to do with this awesome event but I'm super excited to finally tell you about it!   Two of those Local Lovelies I told you about are having a fun little get together.  Did you notice the location?! We are opening the doors of Greenies for all you local crafty folks who want to get together with other crafty folks and be crafty!  I hope to see some of you there!

{For more information about Project: Craft, visit HERE and HERE }.

Changing It Up For Market Day

Another Friday, another market.  I'm gonna keep this short and sweet but I wanted to show you some things that I added to the mix for this week.  First up summer buntings.  I added some doilies and really like the looks of it.  Very sweet.

Instead of taking a bunch of frames to goodwill I added some spraypaint for some cute chalkboards.

Since its the farmers market, these reversible market bags are a must.  

I enlisted my sister's help to cut out some cupcake wrappers.  One of the only downfalls of being left handed is I am nearly worthless with a pair of scissors! Thank goodness for rotary cutters, paper slicers and die cuts on my big shot!

And lastly those cute paper straws I have been swooning over. Cute. Biodegradable.  Awesome. 

{and now available at Greenies!}

Happy Fourth Everyone!

Go Local!

Last week I stumbled on a fabulous website called The 3/50 Project.  It is a website dedicated to promoting independent retailers and restaurants.  Of course this kind of thing directly affects {or effects, not really sure, its early!}me, being a local business myself, but it is such a great cause so I want to help spread the word.

The goal of The 3/50 Project is to get you to think about supporting your community.  Here's what you do.  Every month spend $50 at your favorite local shops.  Not $50 at each one.  But $50 during the month.  Easy peasy right?!  Their website will tell you all the reasons why this would be so awesome if everyone did that. 

Like... if half of the employed population did what I just mentioned, it would generate over 42 BILLION in revenue.  And that for every dollar you spend locally 68% of it returns to your community.  But if you buy it online.  NONE of it does.  Crazy huh. 

So head to the Farmer's Market this weekend, or eat at your favorite little restaurant for me.   Grab their button (mines on my sidebar) and help out this awesome cause.  I'm not the only one who would appreciate it!