Sneaky treats.

This is not a picture of Ian's belly button, but rather a picture of a new compartment for storing chocolate. You see, Ian came up with the brilliant Idea that if he could stuff his belly button with the mini chocolate chips we have in the cupboard, no one would know he was sneaking. As smart as he is, he still doesn't know about the "melt in your mouth-not in your hand" body heat predicament. Poor guy learned the hard way that chocolate doesn't stay in your belly button long before melting. I don't think he minded though...melted chocolate is just as good. I think he just got a thrill that his body had the perfect compartment for storing treats!

(PS: picture taken after wiping his tummy!)

Huge shop update.

In the beginning was my shop. And the shop was my world. And my world revolved around my shop. I didn't sleep. I made art and art only. And after two months was over, I crashed. And I cleaned my house. And I didn't create art because I wanted to be sane...and have a clean house. And I got very sad.

Then one day, a blessed man came and said "I will take the kids out all day on an outdoor adventure and you can stay home and enjoy a quite house." And I said, "Will you marry me?" And he said, "You already did." And then I kissed him. And then I went into my studio and locked the door and barricaded it from all distraction (including food) and got to work.

And now...I have art. It doesn't look like much when I consider I had a day all to myself. But art is SLOW folks. That is just how it is. And how it should be. And this wasn't even done in a day. It was finished in a day. I may just need to call that blessed man back and tell him my children need a second all-day-outdoors adventure. And I know he will say "yes" because that is what married people do. They give lots and lots to each other. And then after I kiss him again, I will make more gingerbread waffles.

We also have "The Rocket Launch Club" print in the shop now, with (shhh...don't tell) some free pdf downloads in the works coming soon.

And, in my efforts to get this in the shop with some other storybook dictionary prints, this one never ended up in the shop. But here it is now!

Well, there you have it folks! Whew! I can't wait to get my hands into my sketch book again. Maybe I really DON'T care about a clean house....

Meanwhile: Visit the shop!

It is my favorite time of year.

Yesterday we ventured for our fist trip this year to the pumpkin patch. I have a feeling we will be back with how much the kids loved making friends with the pumpkins...and scarecrows for that matter. Being from back east, my autumn memories are rich and full...colors, smells, and the magic of fall that only a east-coaster can appreciate. Being in Utah, there are different kinds of magical memories, and pumpkin patches are one of them.

The cool brisk air inspires my husband's culinary knack to really come out full fledged. But this morning, he was actually able to stay in bed while I made breakfast for once. And I have to post the recipe because it was just so yummy. Perfect with REAL maple syrup (not the high fructose corn syrup junk) and a bit of applesauce. Also really tasty to eat along side a cup of hot wassail or cider. Happy making! (Oh, and I must mention that Ian and I made these together...he especially loved tasting the molassas:)

Gingerbread Waffles:

(taken from the 1930's edition of Better Homes and Garden)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup shortening (or supliment with applesauce)

1 egg

1/2 cup molassas

1 1/4 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup hot water

1. Beat sugar and shortening (or applesauce) in a mixing bowl. Add egg and molassas; beat until combined well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and ginger, cinnamon and cloves. add to the sugar mixture. beat until smooth. Add hot water and mix .

2. Pour into hot waffle iron. Bout 1 cup at a time. (I used 1/2 cup...looks more like a snowflake). Bake according to your waffle iron. Make 8 waffles...approx. Dash with powdered sugar, applesauce and/or maple syrup.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Startup Princess Retreat

OK. Here is the chance of a lifetime. Mark your calendars and sign up for the Startup Princess Academy retreat featuring classes, workshops and networking with some of the most inspiring women entreprenuers. Here is what Kelly, founder of Startup Princess has to say about this event:

Women influence over 85% of all purchases, and they need to be communicated with in new ways–one size does not fit all. Please join us to Learn the Magic of Marketing to Women Online with TOP EXPERTS in a way that translates into MORE Consumers and BIGGER Profits! Be on the cutting edge in your campaigns to maximize your marketing budget for 2009 and learn how to create effective and free word of mouth campaigns.

Sounds perfect right? Well add meeting these FABULOUS WOMEN to the mix:

Barbara Jones, Holly Buchanon and Michelle Miller and my personal favorite who I can't wait to meet in person:Gabrielle Blair (aka Design Mom). Now picture that with 3 gourmet meals, slumbering in an amazing resort, and a chance to rub shoulders with women as passionate as you are, and voila! A perfect getaway. But more than that: Much inspiration and information. And from personal experience, these retreats are 450% better than just reading a blog or book. Trust me.

To view the agenda click here

To register click here

See you there!

Up-up and away!

Just when you thought I would never post new art again....We are on our way to some pretty great activity going on here. I am hoping to have a big shop update on Friday...but in the mean time...feel like making some homemade vintage-y rockets? Yes? Great! But first, you gotta join the club.

toasty, toasty.

Our first snow was this weekend...and our little ones have come to already associate cold brisk air with a cup of cocoa. Although...not until this weekend did we actually venture into making our own homemade marshmallows. Oh wow. I am not too keen on marshmallows, but these are something else! Almost like creamy vanilla taffy. The recipe we used is here. I just love this time of year!

An autumn wedding story.

This weekend was spent with my husband's sister and her charming new husband. I love weddings, especially autumn weddings. The air was cold...but no matter. Our sister bride was beautiful and we just love our new brother in law! Addie was particularly entranced by the lovely dresses, flowers and lights. She pranced around the gardens looking for her "prince" which when she called, Ian soon came to her side. My children are quite the romantics which ensured us all a wonderfully fulfilling weekend!