pleasure in simple things

diy patriotic spoons

June 11, 2013

We make a lot of hand churned ice cream in my family and the batches are huge…so, ultimately we eat a lot of ice cream also. A really fun thing to do when serving ice-cream, particularly at the beach, is to decorate disposable spoons for the occasion. This is a fun and easy way to add a festive spirit to your beach or yard get together.

For our upcoming Fourth of July bash on the beach, spoons of the patriotic variety are in order!

I am providing some easy DIY directions for you to make patriotic spoons, but there are so many more ways you can personalize spoons with your own colors or themes just by using different colors, motifs, or letters…so be sure to experiment!

Here are the supplies my project required:

disposable wooden spoons*
permanent stamp pad ink in red and blue
a sponge cut into a thin rectangle, approximately ½” wide and at least 1” long
a pencil with an unused eraser
an X-Acto knife
natural twine
red & white baker’s twine
glue

I used the X-Acto knife to very carefully cut a star shape into the eraser of the pencil to use as a stamp. Then I cut a strip of sponge ½’ wide to use as my stripe stamp.

These two stamps will serve as the way to imprint the stars and stripes on the handles of my spoons.

Using the stamp pad ink, I added the stripes and stars to the spoons using my stamps. Using permanent ink ensures the ink doesn’t come off on hands or clothes should the spoon handles get wet.

Striped disposable spoons are easy to make and give a festive flair to any get together!

For a fun addition, I added some twine “finger grips” to some of the spoons by simply wrapping twine around the spoon a few times – adding a dot of glue on the beginning and ending spot of the twine.

That’s it! Easy, right? And so cute! They are hard to throw away!

Going back for seconds on the ice-cream? Don’t want to lose a favorite spoon? You can always wear your spoon as a necklace ; ) … just add some extra twine! Problem solved.

Hope you enjoyed this easy tutorial on making patriotic spoons for your Fourth of July shindig! You can easily make up some forks and knives also!

*P.S. I get my spoons at Garnish.

Thanks so much for visiting! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at City Farmhouse, The Shabby Nest, Finding Silver Pennies, and Craftberry Bush.

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celebs writing books

June 7, 2013

Last week I attended the Book Expo America in New York City. I will be reviewing some of the wonderful books I discovered on upcoming posts, but for Friday field trip this week, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the celebrities that attended the event to promote their books. Much to my pleasure, some celebrity chefs were represented, as you can see by the photo above of Giada De Laurentiis. You probably already know I am a big Food Network fan by my visit to the ‘sacred ground’…a tour of Food Network…or, by my sharing of Bobby Flay’s Vanilla Bean Bourbon Milkshake recipe…so I was one happy camper to have the opportunity to meet some Food Network chefs while attending the Book Expo America!

Giada wrote a delightful new young readers series called Recipe for Adventure available in September 2013. I read the Naples! edition and it is a wonderful story…incorporating foods and adventure and even some recipe cards! A really awesome gift for any young readers on your holiday gift list this year!

I have attended more basketball games in my life than I could ever count, and certainly more than any other sport…So, it was a thrill for me to get the chance to talk to basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and to shake the hand that sunk enough balls to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer…the hand that shot the infamous ‘sky-hook.’ Like Giada, he too wrote a book for a young audience. Already a best-selling author, the title of his newest book Sasquatch in the Paint is aimed at readers 8 to 12 years old and is loosely based on challenges he faced while growing up.

Chelsea Handler’s newest book is titled Uganada Be Kidding Me. Described as a travelogue, it is due out in October.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi of Jersey Shore fame wrote Baby Bumps: From Party Girl to Proud Mama, and all the Messy Milestones Along the Way due out in January 2014.

Debra Messing narrated the book The Little Red Hen due out in the fall. (I love that this beautiful redhead narrated The Little ‘Red’ Hen!) You go on to bigger and better things Debra, but you will always be Grace to me! A truly lovely person.

Paula and I did not discuss the cookbook she has coming out in October: Paula Deen’s New Testament – we talked about our kids! My admiration for her connection with her sons ensued a discussion of relationships with our children. I know she has a really big personality, but I don’t think on television you can appreciate what a beautiful woman she is…she is stunning!

This guy attracted an awful lot of attention! I was wondering what type of book Jim Carrey would write…a children’s book seems appropriate for this comedian and his new picture book looks to be as fun as he is! Wonderfully illustrated, the book is about a wave named Roland and is titled How Roland Rolls. This is an excerpt from a letter Jim Carrey posted on the book’s website – written to the parents of children reading his book: “I wrote How Roland Rolls specifically as a way for parents and grandparents to enjoy some quality hang-time. I hope the message of the story will help them feel connected, worthwhile, and a part of something vast and grand.”

Another basketball legend I was honored to meet! John Stockton played point guard for the Utah Jazz for 19 seasons and had an amazing career – playing on a team that never missed the playoffs while he was on it! In my opinion, he is also part of the reason people know the name Gonzaga! He is an all-around nice guy and I am excited about his new autobiography Assisted that shares glimpses of his personal life as well as his amazing basketball career.

My discussion with this gal started out about Alec Baldwin, but we did discuss the premise of her new children’s book, which I totally fell in love with! My Mom is a Foreigner, But Not to Me addresses the experience of growing up with a mom from another country. Like in her Freckleface Strawberry books, Julianne Moore writes from experience, which helps her books ring true with her young readers. I see this as an important book for youngsters.

Former Presidential Candidate’s wife Ann Romney was on hand to share some recipes from her new cookbook coming out this fall, The Romney Family Table.

Fellow Food Network fans will recognize ‘Rock Star’ Anne Burrell. Anne has a follow-up to her bestselling debut cookbook called Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower that is expected for release in October.

T. Colin Campbell has written a newly released book Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition. Dr. Campbell is featured in the documentary Forks Over Knives: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Save America and is co-author of The China Study. I have been strongly impacted by Dr. Campbell and his research since I saw Forks Over Knives and I am looking forward to reading his latest book.

This celebrity may not be as familiar to you, but I had to add him in my collection of celebrities since meeting illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti was a big deal to me. Highly acclaimed in the art world and a creator of comics, painting, and illustration, Lorenzo Mattotti actually illustrated something for me on the spot when I met him…so cool!

I hope you enjoyed checking out some of the celebrities that attended the 2013 Book Expo America on this week’s Friday field trip.

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at The Tablescaper and A Pinch of Joy.

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monogrammed shell package tie-on

June 4, 2013

‘Tis the season for gift giving. I know it is not December, but I find this time of year requires more presents than the holidays! There are so many showers, weddings, and other festive occasions.

I have the uncanny ability to turn any gift-giving opportunity into a ‘beachy’ moment. This summer I am truly in my element since I am invited to several beach-themed bridal showers. For one of the showers, I created a simple, diy package tie-on using a couple of shells, a little bling, and some twine…easy and elegant!

Find or purchase two shells that you like and coordinate well with the item you are using them with. The first thing to do is to put a couple holes in the top of each shell. You may want to have a couple extra shells on hand in case this part of the process should offer up any complications…aka break the shell. I am lucky enough to have a friend that has a dremel tool that can help me out with projects like this. Using a dremel with water is the optimum way to go if you make holes in alot of beach finds! If you don’t have this type of tool or can’t borrow one, you can use a nail, but there is a higher chance of cracking or breaking the shell. You can get by with one hole in each shell…for my application, I found that the shells hung better with the two holes.

You have seen me use chalkboard paint to write on the inside of shells…this time I wanted something more elegant, so I am using self-adhesive rhinestones that I bought at a craft store. It is really easy. Using tweezers, I just attached the rhinestones one at a time onto the inside of the shells in the shape of the the initials of the future bride and groom. The rhinestones are inexpensive and go a long way…I still have some left from my Easter egg decorating!

I am using my tie-on on a tote bag, so I used twine to tie a shell on each end and placed it around the handle of the bag as an alternative to monogramming the tote. (The rest of the gift will be shared on a future post.) So sweet! A wonderful way to make a gift for a special couple truly special!

I hope you can use this idea and make some monogrammed seashells for one of your special bridal shower gifts this summer!

Thanks so much for visiting! Please take a moment to click ‘like’ on my Facebook page and if you use Instagram, please click ‘follow.’ for more sharing!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Craftberry Bush, City Farmhouse, A Pinch of Joy and Coastal Charm.

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monthly book giveaway for june!

May 31, 2013

author conor grennan

Congratulations to May’s winners Lenny, Angela, and Betty! You will each receive a signed copy of last month’s selection A Diary of Healing, My Intense and Meaningful Life with Cancer written by Mary Ann Wasil. I know you will enjoy this heartfelt memoir.

Now, on to June’s selection. Since it is the last day of the month, this week’s Friday field trip will be to visit the author of June’s giveaway book…

I meet a lot of authors. And, once in a while I have an admiration for an author apart from an appreciation for his/her writing. This month’s author is one of those cases. His name is Conor Grennan and he is from my home state of Connecticut and a NY Times bestselling author.

I got the opportunity to talk with Conor on several occasions when his book Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal was chosen as a town read selection in a nearby town. He not only made an appearance at the town library, but also talked with the town in a couple of Skype sessions. In my estimation, when a town chooses an author’s book for a town read, the author can’t help but develop a special bond with the readers. The entire town, after all, is embracing his/her labor of love! I am not sure if that was the reason for my immediate admiration for Conor or if it was his genuine nature and old-school values. In any case, I liked him instantly. He also has a wonderful sense of humor for the everyday, which you may know if you have read his posts on Huffington Post or follow him on Facebook.

At 29 years old, Conor Grennan decided to spend a year traveling the world, beginning with three months as a volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal. After arriving at the orphanage, Conor soon discovers that the children are not orphans, but had been taken from their families by child traffickers. And what starts as a volunteer assignment to help legitimize a trip traveling the world turns into an experience that shapes Conor’s life…as well as the lives of the families he reunites.

Little Princes is a true-life story documenting Conor’s experience and demonstrates how one man can truly make a difference. It is a remarkably inspirational memoir that is sure to captivate. A signed copy of the book will be given away randomly at the end of the month. Just leave a comment to win! Good luck!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Have a fabulous weekend, Jackie Instagram users, please read on…

In an attempt to promote some sharing on Instagram, I am posting prompts for each month…share one day or every day! Just add #pleasuregram:) to your photo! I put the :) on the end to be sure our hashtag is totally unique! Have fun with it! Here are the June prompts:

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homemade nautical gift wrap

May 28, 2013

Do you want to create some gift wrap? A nautical design? A certain color scheme? Done, done, and…done! All easily accomplished with kraft paper.

I have a thing for brown kraft paper…I admit it.

I love the way it looks and it is just so versatile. I actually have two commercial size rolls housed in my basement as you read this.

I recently created some gift wrap using kraft paper for a beach-themed shower coming up and thought I would show you how easy it is to create.

The supplies needed to create this anchor patterned gift wrap:

kraft paper cut to the size(s) needed for the gift(s) you are wrapping
off-white (or desired color) acrylic paint
anchor (or desired motif) shaped sponge*
ultra fine point black permanent maker

*Note: You can use a precut sponge or cut one yourself. Popular shapes are available precut at craft stores. If you want an unusual shape, you may need to cut the sponge yourself. (I once wanted one in the shape of the Tin Man for a Wizard of Oz party theme – needless to say, I had to cut it myself – I still have it though, if you should ever have the need to borrow it!)

Directions: Cover one side of the (moistened) sponge with paint and blot onto a paper towel. Press lightly onto the kraft paper to print the design. Continue to print the motif in the pattern desired on the paper, filling the sponge with paint as needed. After letting the paint dry thoroughly, outline (messily) each anchor design with the marker.

You are ready to use your paper as gift wrap! Just tie with some twine, rope, or raffia and you are good to go! You can also add a starfish or some other ‘beachy’ item if you are so inclined.

Hope you enjoyed this simple kraft paper gift wrap tutorial. One of the many great ways to use kraft paper! Use the motif and color you desire and have fun with it!

Ahoy & happy giving!

Thanks for visiting, Jackie

Sharing at Coastal Charm, Pinch of Joy, and Craftberry Bush.

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congratulations 2013 graduates!

May 24, 2013

A great thing about living in Connecticut is the large number of colleges and universities located here. It is so easy to frequent great libraries, lectures, author appearances, performances of all types, art exhibits, museums, sporting events, etc. because of the easy accessibility to so many institutions of higher learning.

This past weekend may have been one of the times where living near so many schools had a down side…traffic in Connecticut was made worse by all the graduations across the state. If you were lucky, you weren’t on the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95 at the time any of the many ceremonies were concluding!

Congratulations to all the 2013 graduates and their families!

In the spirit of celebrating academia, and in tribute to all the 2013 graduates and their families, for today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing some of the beauty I find at Connecticut schools…all are photos I have taken within the past month on a Connecticut campus…there is so much beauty, it was hard to choose just a few photos! Enjoy!

And, for those of you welcoming home a college student for the summer, you may enjoy these Five Tips for Surviving Summer with Your College Student Home from the archives. Good luck!

Sorry I couldn’t get all the campuses in! Please feel welcome to share your favorite college campus photo on my facebook page.

Have a wonderful weekend, Jackie

Sharing at The Tablescaper and Mona’s Picturesque.

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thoughts and prayers to moore

May 23, 2013

no comments

patriotic marshmallows

May 21, 2013

The patriotic holidays always motivate people to create red, white, and blue food creations. Who hasn’t made a flag atop a cake using strawberries and blueberries? Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries can all become elements of the creative process come Memorial Day or the 4th of July.

Me? Although I have been know to make a red, white, and blue fruit skewer, I am more apt to cut food into star shapes (like in this watermelon salad) or use linens to create the patriotic spirit.

But, with Memorial Day so close, I used some red, white, and blue sprinkles as an easy way to add a little patriotic flair to these simple-to-make marshmallow sweets. Perfect for a post-parade picnic and sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

This marshmallow creation came about after receiving a gift of the extra large marshmallows from my mom last year…seems like a strange gift? Not really. It was motivated by my love of gourmet s’mores. I found the marshmallows were too big to create the correct proportions for my ideal s’more.

So, in experimenting with how to use the extra large variety marshmallow in the best way, I came up with marshmallows on a pretzel stick dipped in white chocolate…the white chocolate and extra large marshmallow are the perfect combination! The extra large marshmallow makes for the perfect proportion of marshmallow to chocolate ratio. For Memorial Day, I just added a few sprinkles.

Do you have a favorite way to make a picnic food patriotic for Memorial Day?

Thanks for visiting.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at A Pinch of Joy, Craftberry Bush, Little Red House, and Coastal Charm.

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a hip brunch in philly

May 17, 2013

peanut butter chocolate dessert tapas at Continental Mid-town in Philly

Enjoying the tapas-style desserts at The Continental Mid-town in Philadelphia.

When you say the name Stephen Starr in Philly, it means two things: good food and long lines. Starr is the restaurateur who owns over a dozen restaurants in the city – all hot spots. For this week’s Friday field trip, we are visiting one of Starr’s restaurants.

On my last trip to Philadelphia, we were looking for a different place to go to brunch and decided on The Continental Mid-town. We knew it was a Stephen Starr restaurant and that was enough of a recommendation.

Trendy, fun, and looking like a perfect set for a Mad Men episode, Continental is easy to spot by the big martini olive adorning the outside corner of the restaurant.

We were in a breakfast mood, and ordered some ‘brunchy’ type food, but with all the creative tapas-style desserts on the menu, we couldn’t resist trying some out after our meal – which ended up being our favorite part since we felt justified in ordering several ‘tastes’!

s'more dessert tapas at The Continental Mid-town in Philly

A S’more tapas-style dessert at The Continental Mid-town in Philadelphia.

lime cotton candy at The Continental Mid-town in Philly

The cotton candy chef’s selection (lime) of the day on our trip to Continental Mid-town in Philadelphia.

After finishing our food, we investigated the three floors of the restaurant before we left and decided it must be a popular Rittenhouse Square nightspot since it has a really cool rooftop dining and lounge area on the third floor.

A fun spot to visit on your next Philly trip!

The remains of a flavorful salad during brunch at The Continental Mid-town in Philadelphia.

Thanks for visiting today’s Friday field trip to The Continental Mid-Town in Philadelphia.

Have a fabulous weekend, Jackie

Sharing at The Tablescaper and Little Red House.

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displaying a special treasure

May 14, 2013

The most valuable piece of jewelry I own is probably made out of stainless steel. It is my grandmother’s wedding ring.

Most valuable because it is a symbol of the generations…because of my grandmother’s wedding came my mom, because of my mom came me, because of me came my children….how can you measure the value of a symbol like that?

This symbol was the one piece of jewelry I never took off…until recently…when I was getting a medical exam and I was asked to remove it. Well, you know what? I could not get it back on! It seems my finger had miraculously grown in an extremely short period of time! I certainly was not cutting the ring. So, with Mother’s Day still fresh on my mind, and memories of generations of moms filling my thoughts, I decided to create a way to display my prized possession.

I had a beautiful Pottery Barn frame in my closet for a long (too long) time, waiting to be used. I had ordered a bunch of frames for a series of photographs and one had arrived to me broken. The nice people at Pottery Barn quickly replaced it and told me not to go to the trouble of returning the broken one…So I was saving it for a future project. Displaying my grandmother’s ring was the perfect use for it!

To make it look a little more modern, I decided to cover the mat and headed out to the Paper Source that just opened in our area to select a suitable paper. They have such a large selection of archival quality papers in an amazing array of patterns and colors. Rather than choosing something nostalgic looking, I decided to go with something more modern and chose a paper that had a brown matte background with a silver metallic nature design.

It was an easy project. I just glued the paper onto the mat board and sewed the ring onto a piece of linen after adding a piece of ribbon. I love this project…so fitting for a nostalgic Mother’s Day activity.

I hope my next nostalgic project will be one of wedding songs…The songs from my mom’s and my grandmother’s wedding….I asked my grandmother when she was still alive and 92 years old, the title of her wedding song…I wrote it on a piece of paper. I asked my mom the same and added it to the list. My intention was to create something special using the two song titles and the title of my own wedding song.

When I recently went to look for the song titles in the ‘safe place’ I had left them, I discovered I couldn’t remember where that ‘safe place’ actually was! I hope to run across that slip of paper one of these days…I can no longer replicate it since my mom no longer remembers what her song was and my grandmother is no longer with us…maybe I will find that slip of paper before next Mother’s Day. Hope so :)

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