Fabulous Food Packaging at IKEA

Yesterday, a miracle took place.

I walked out of IKEA without spending a dime.  Instead, I made a list on my phone of items I potentially wanted to pick up on my next visit, after some thought and consideration.  Some of my favorites actually took residence in the food aisle--a place I had never visited before (am I missing out on anything else?).  It was there that I discovered some fantastic packaging that I instantly took a liking to--the graphics were so clean, crisp and simple.  What a trio!  I made a mental note to pick up some of these cute mustard and ketchup bottles (no corn syrup even!) for an outdoor BBQ once the weather perks up here in Seattle.  They are seriously the cutest.  Oh, and don't get me started on those sparkling pear and apple fruit drinks...adorable.  I'm totally going to plan a party around them.

Any new finds on your end inside our favorite big box store?

images via IKEA

Pretty New Postal Stamp

My love affair with beautiful postal stamps began when the Georgia O'Keefe "Poppies" stamp was issued shortly after I purchased some "Poppies" greeting cards from a museum gift shop.  I remember my 20-year-old self wondering if anyone would notice that the stamp matched the card :)

Since it's always a nice touch to adorn a handwritten note with a lovely stamp, I was thrilled to spot these gorgeous, modern, abstract flower stamps the other day at the PO.  I inquired about them immediately and before I knew it, there lay a sheet on the counter.  They are the most colorful, cheerful and whimsical stamps I've seen in some time.  I love the bold red trim on the imperfect stool and the tiny pops of color in that folksy bouquet.  I cannot wait to pick up some more and then hoard them for a few years (they are forever stamps so I can totally do that!).  

If your local PO is sold out of them for some reason, then feel free to order them online.  It's super easy and costs $1.  I've used the service before and loved it.  Also, if you want to read up on the artist, William H. Johnson, peruse this entry briefly.  Such an interesting life he led...and a big sad too (like all famous artists it seems).  

Now off you go to write an old-fashioned, handwritten letter, okay?  Give one of your friends or family members something other than a hum-drum bill in their mailbox! 

images by me

Object

I keep reading about a new-to-Seattle boutique, called Object, in magazines like Elle Decor and the like and have been meaning to drop by for a petite look-see.  Jihan's pop-up created the perfect opportunity for a proper visit and I decided to forgo the kids' naps and seize the moment to drop by (and then pray I wasn't making a huge mistake!).  

Oh my, how nice it was to step out of my daily routine and to allow myself to feel inspired by the vision of others.  It is always a rewarding experience to witness the hard work and creativity of others in the works and Object is no exception.  It is truly a beautiful shop to step into--a place where every turn draws your eyes to a different curiosity or beautiful object.  I cannot recall ever seeing a shop anywhere that offers hand-crafted furniture (designed by Whitcomb and Co, which will also have a presence in the new Geronimo Balloons Studio), vintage clothing, art, accessories, exotic plants and vegetables--all in one space.  This truly eclectic boutique definitely deserves a visit.  I promise you'll feel inspired too! 

Object 

2316 2nd Ave

Seattle, WA

Open Thursday - Saturday from 1-7 p.m. (or by appt.)

206.459.3876

all images by me, Stephanie Brubaker 

Links to Love: Including a Simple Pleasure and + Original Art

My favorite serve ware for entertaining comes from Old Town Imports and they are hosting their annual pre-sale which boasts significant discounts.  Read more about it here...it's a good one!

Denyse Schmidt is my favorite quilt designer (see here for my all-time favorite) and I really enjoyed reading more about her in this article on the etsy blog.  If you're a fan, you should peruse it too!

I shared one of life's simple pleasures over on Kimberly's blog recently.  Kim is a photographer and mother of 4 who attended our workshop in France last year.  She lives on a little farm and documents her day-to-day happenings on her blog...a truly fun diversion :)

And last but not least, artist Katherine Sandoz (who paints the prettiest abstract landscapes in the world!) is hosting a works-on-paper sale on her website.  You can receive 60% off with the following coupon code Katherine created just for you: SUMMERofART

Have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. is it me or are cherries and paintings on my brain this week?!



image 1 - me  |  images 2, 3 - Denyse Schmidt

Restocked: Deluxe European Twine + Cherry Lollies

It's been a big week for my little etsy shop...a new style of pie box was introduced, more cherry lollipops and deluxe European twine have been added (my last shipment on the twine fyi) and the pie boxes received a mention on the Martha Stewart Weddings blog.  I'm feeling pretty excited about all of the above.  Happy party planning for the summer!

images by me for petit moulin; more cherry birthday party images here 

Cherry Coffee Cake Muffins

Last year I formed an addiction to Jaime's Tart Cherry Crumb Cake...it's an amazing recipe and always a crowd pleaser.  But this year, I've been playing around with the coffee cake recipe my husband grew up on and decided to create a muffin version (my kids love them, plus it helps control portions) that is inspired by Jaime's recipe.  These have quickly become the most requested muffins in my home, even wooing my husband who isn't necessarily a muffin-kind-of-guy.  When I caught him going back for seconds I knew this recipe was a keeper :) 

I am sharing my recipe for Cherry Coffee Cake Muffins over on the Cafe Zupas blog this week.  Enjoy and Happy Thursday!

images by me - stephanie brubaker

Linda Donohue Original Art GIVEAWAY

Your response to this giveaway confirms my suspicions...we are all united in our desire and appreciation for the presence of original art in our lives!  I'm so thrilled you all appreciate Linda's work.  It is truly lovely.  

Carrie, would you please contact me about winning this giveaway?  Thank you! 

Today I have something lovely to offer one of you...a piece of original art from artist and sponsor, Linda Donohue.  What a lovely and unique giveaway, don't you think?!  And perfect timing considering last week's post on acquiring original art on a budget.  I find myself smiling as I write this post because I just know this piece will bring great joy to the lucky recipient.  There is something incredibly rejuvenating and energizing about hanging a work of original art in your space.

Linda painted "Spring Lake" specifically for this giveaway and it measures 11 x 14 inches.  The value of the painting is $145.  You can peek at her other paintings here.  Enjoy!

Giveaway Guidelines

- You have 5 days to enter this giveaway (closes Saturday, June 23rd at midnight).
- Make 1 comment on this post to enter.
- Anonymous comments will not be considered, so please make sure we know who you are.
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced next week at the top of this post--so make sure you peek back and see if you're the lucky one.
- If you win, please respond within one week of the winner announcement to secure prize.  Thank you!

New in the Shop: Lidded Pie + Tart Favor Boxes

Time to celebrate!  I have a couple new products in my shop and I'm super excited to share them with you today....



After Karen styled my pie/cake/tart boxes like this, I had many requests for a functioning, lidded version.  I thought it a grand idea and am thrilled to now offer this alternative style of pie box in the shop...because sometimes you want an open top and sometimes you don't!  Two different looks, but both are oh so sweet.  Both the  lidded version fully encloses the pie/cake/tart slice and is sturdy enough to be tossed in your handbag for a mid-afternoon snack.  You can purchase the boxes separately or in a kit with wooden spoons or wooden forks.  I simply styled several of them to give you an idea of the vast customizing possibilities that are in store by simply adding labels, washi tape, ribbon, blooms, painted forks, etc.  I start getting really excited when I allow myself to think about all the ways to present a piece of pie, tart or cake.  It makes me want to throw party after party after party...

Both the lidded boxes and open top boxes would be lovely for parties, weddings, or a little bakery business.  If you're hosting a BBQ on July 4th, these would be really fun for serving dessert or as a favor.  Also worth noting--a time-saving improvement has been made to the open top pie slice boxes.  The boxes now have self tabs--requiring no double-sided tape for assembly--and can be put together in just a few seconds.  Hooray!

View the entire shop here...thank you and enjoy!

images by me 

Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Crumble

Where I live it still feels like Spring (my kids are still in school and I have to wear a coat almost every day), and Spring to me equals rhubarb.  So forgive me if this delicious vegetable has come and gone in your neck of the woods.  It's still alive and kicking in these parts and I simply cannot get enough of it!

Now, if you follow me on instagram (I'm new to it and loving it!), then you know I made this strawberry, rhubarb and basil crumble recently.  But what you don't know is that I ate one for breakfast three days in a row (so good! couldn't resist!).  After all, the recipe does call for oats and fruit...

If this looks like something you'd enjoy as well, feel free to peek at the recipe.  Enjoy!

images - me

Growing an Original Art Collection on a Budget

A couple of months ago, a few artists and art collectors who attend the same congregation as I do, hosted an "evening of the arts".  The room was packed and I left feeling like my evening was definitely well spent.  Recently one of the artists who shared her story that evening, Jenny Vorwaller (also mentioned here), posted a link to an article about why it's important (and easier-on-the-wallet) to collect art from emerging artists.  I love this subject and wanted to share a few personal thoughts with you after reading the piece.

Perhaps the point I appreciate most is the author's stance that collecting art is not just for those who are "well off"--not everyone needs to collect Picassos!  Collecting art is certainly an endeavor that can be successfully executed on a budget.  I have a handful of little, original pieces and most of them were purchased for an extremely reasonable price on Etsy, Big Cartel or off the street.  In fact, one of my favorites is a small painting my husband and I bought from an artist set up in San Francisco's Washington Park.  You see, the value of an original work of art is not related to a fancy price tag or location.  If a piece of art speaks to you and it's only $5, then it's a worthwhile purchase.  So you spend more on the frame...so be it (tips on that here).  Art is not to be judged on its price tag, but rather on how it makes you feel.  Does the piece of art calm you?  Give you energy?  Excite you?  Evoke a positive memory?  These are the types of questions you want to ask yourself before acquiring an original work.



Of course acquiring art is a personal experience and not everyone will love and appreciate the same type of art.  But in case you're looking for some inspiration to get you started, I'd like to share a few artists that I love.  If there are any emerging (or established) artists that you know if, feel free to share in the comments.  Thanks!

Katherine Sandoz  |  Lauren Adams  |  Linda Donahue  |  Jenny Vorwaller  |  Paul Ferney  |  Kelly Neidig  |  Chad Wys

image 1 - Katherine Sandoz  |  image 2 - a painting by Jenny Vorwaller  |  image 3 - Lauren Adams  |  image 4 - Paul Ferney

My Favorite Gift Idea for Guys

If you're looking for a birthday or father's day gift for your man--one that he will love and one that will evoke surprise--then this may be what you're looking for.  A t-shirt reflecting your love for him!  A couple of years ago I had this one made for my husband and wore it to a birthday party I hosted for him at our home.  He was so happy when I walked in wearing my new "I love Ben" tee and I could tell it made his night based on the ear-to-ear grin on his face.  A little thoughtfulness goes a long way~

You can have one made online, or at your local embroidery/silk screening shop, depending on your time table and budget.  I opted for a more fitted top, versus the usual baggy/boxy sports tee shirts that aren't flattering on anyone.  And although it's shrunk over time, the husband hasn't complained (I can't ever seem to remember to take anything out of the dryer!).  Looking back I wish I'd made more of an effort to find a better font for the tee; hopefully you can find something a bit more stylish :)

These days the tee is usually nestled in with my pajamas, but it makes me smile every time I wear it and I have thought many a time how this was perhaps my greatest gift purchase yet.  In fact, since it's Father's Day on Sunday, I think I just may have to whip it out again!

image by Justin Hackworth

A Treats + Terrariums Workshop

Lately I've been enjoying the sprinkling of terrariums around my home very much.  These little creations make me so happy and I've realized more fully that it's the little things that fill the rare, quiet moments in life with steady doses of joy.  Feeling inspired, I've decided to host a workshop and spend a few hours focusing on two things I love most--treats and terrariums.

Since terrariums are typically pricey to purchase, learning how to make one on your own is a wonderful, useful skill to have.  I'm so excited to share my knowledge with you and help you create a beautiful little universe to place in your own living space.  Of course, no workshop is complete without treats so we will be indulging in some delicious, homemade desserts as well (stretchy pants welcome!).

The workshop fee is $75 and includes everything you'll need to make a terrarium--a gorgeous, glass vessel, plants, accessories, etc.  Your take home from the experience will be a new, lifetime skill; a beautiful terrarium, a cookbook and a full stomach :)  Workshop is limited to 8 guests and will take place in my sister's beautiful backyard in Shoreline, Washington on Saturday, June 23rd from 2-4 p.m.  It will be so fun to gather, create, chat and partake on a more intimate level with you. I cannot wait!

Please email me at stephmodo@gmail.com to sign up.  Thanks!

images by me, stephanie brubaker

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

Spotting your favorite fruits and vegetables pop up at the market seasonally is one of my favorite aspects of grocery shopping.  It's feels like a small, but thoughtful gift from nature.  When I recently spotted some pretty Rainier cherries at the store, I knew I had to take some home for snacking.  As I washed 'em up, it was impossible to not think about the beauty wrapped around these unique stems and I decided to snap a quick picture while the lighting was good.  And then of course I started thinking about the saying "life is a bowl of cherries" (forgive me if this is beginning to sound like "If You Give a Pig a Pancake"...) and a podcast I listened to earlier that day.

From my perspective, the saying appears to be true.  But, there is a caveat: there will be pits.

I started thinking about all of the pits in my life.  It seems as I age, I experience, witness and am far more aware of the "pits" in my life and in the lives of others and sometimes it's difficult to not become bogged down in troubles.  I suppose that's the downside of growing up (the upside: wisdom, feeling more comfortable in your own skin, having more gratitude, etc.).  But when you consider the amount of fruit compared to the size of the pit, you realize there will always be more sweetness than sorrow; and that the positive aspects of life will always have the capacity to eclipse the negative aspects.  You realize the goodness in your life will always be greater than that which you don't have.  Your realize that you can spit out those darn pits, and then go right back to savoring the sweet fruit.

Now hurry out and grab yourself a handful of Rainiers and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

image by me 

Whipped Chocolate Ganache + a Sprinkling of Gray Sea Salt

Today I'd like to introduce you to my new favorite chocolate dessert--rick, dark chocolate cupcakes topped with whipped chocolate ganache and French gray sea salt (seriously my favorite pantry item).  It's a slightly more sophisticated cupcake that is likely to be more appreciated by grownups than children; although mine certainly didn't turn them down :)  So, if you're feeling a bit decadent today, I'm sharing the how-to over at Cafe Zupas.  

images by me, Stephanie Brubaker

Behind the Scenes with Geronimo Balloons

A couple days ago, my friend Jihan Zencirli (creator of the wildly gorgeous Geronimo Balloons), pulled into Seattle for a whirlwind business trip.  I thought it would be fun to snap a few pictures of her setting up out on the street as she prepped for a pop up shop at Seattle's Object (more on this fabulous boutique in a couple of days).  Plus, the little outing gave me an excuse to don a pair of heels mid-afternoon...can't remember the last time I did that!  Since the whole process was such a visual treat, I wanted to share a handful of snippets of the chief balloon trooper creating the magic she is now known for~

I've been so impressed with how Jihan has built her business--she's worked so hard to make this happen and I've enjoyed every minute of her success.  Watching anyone, especially a friend, make their dreams happen is absolutely wonderful.  I think this is particularly inspiring and uplifting when it's a creative endeavor.  Here's to making your dreams happen too!  

Oh, and if you're wondering who Jihan's handsome friend is, his name is Andy and he is the creator behind Seattle-based Whitcomb & Company--a handcrafted furniture line with a warm, industrial spirit.

The making of a Geronimo balloon certainly turned a few heads on the street.  We could use a little more cheeriness out and about lately here in Seattle and what better way than with these helium head turners!

More colorful, fancy, make-you-happy-in-a-second frill and a mini balloon trooper in the making.

And then it was time to pick up the older kids at school...back to real life! :)