Bday cake, swappy fun, and sweetness from blogland!

 Aaron thanks all of you lovelies for the Happy Birthday wishes!! We had a great day! We did have one little wrinkle in our plans though...our favorite Indian place is closed on Monday!! Boo Hoo!! The frowns didn't last too long...we decided to go to a fabulous Thai place called Siam Garden. Ohh the food is just tooo good!! Missy and her boyfriend Adam joined us. Missy insisted we get the "party room"! This was funny being that it was only the FOUR of us and the room is usually reserved for like 8 to 10 people. But it was a slow night and they gave us the "party room"...it was fun in that slightly embarrassing way.

Aaron hemmed and hawed for a couple of days and finally decided on a carrot cake. I've made it for him before, it's a drop dead recipe. I wanted to dandy it up with some marzipan carrots etc... but Aaron likes a classic, dressed down homestyle cake. 

In the morning Aaron went to Costco with his mom and they got new cellphones which are way too technically advanced for the both of 'em. (Aaron is strictly a paint, glue and scissors man). Usually we do all day affairs for birthdays, like trips into NYC or scouring the Jersey and Pennsylvania countryside for antiques and junk. But we had a bunch of work to do and I think Aaron secretly likes us to approach his b-day with very little fanfare just so when my b-day and Missy's b-day come around he can sulkily say "well we didn't do anything on my birthday." 

Well, after dinner we did cake at the Heid's and then went to one of Walt's Flames Games. The Flames are his roller hockey team. The games are always way too late at night and really really funny. Walt is sixteen and all the guys in the league are nearing thirty years old. He flies around them like a gnat. When the older guys get rough with him out of frustration we tell Walt to tell them " dude, you got a mortgage to pay and I have a math quiz in the morning, go easy on me."

 

 

Above are my creations for the Valentine paper doll swap, hosted by the lovely

Danielle Muller. (aka the Vintage Dragonfly) They are actually tiny versions of our 100% original girl and cake paintings embellished with some patterned papers, crepe paper, cupcake wrappers and glitter. They look so fun this scale! The mini cakes and cupcakes are my favorite! I hope that the gals who receive them like them! I myself cannot wait to see all of the different styles, and ideas! We will be getting 3 back. I will be sure to take pics of them as soon as they arrive! Oh, and we are totally gonna do new versions of these that are a bit less time intensive so we can offer them for sale as a set.

 

Ok...and now I must tell you about my blogland friend Heather Bullard!! What an amazingly sweet, generous,  and super duper stylish doll she is!! (You must must must check out her blog) This oh so sweet box of pretty pink goodies arrived the other day on my doorstep! Heather had been out shopping with her daughter and came across this  little sign which read ..."Everyday is a Holiday" she said that she immediately thought of me and just had to buy it for me! My goodness!!! Toooooo sweet!! Oh....and she just couldn't possibly send it alone!! So I received a box full of lovelies!! Deeelish chocolates from Trader Joes, a cute cute sparkly heart box full of dove chocolate hearts, pink"admit one" tickets! (perfect for all sorts of things), a Bright pink glittery "LOVE" garland, and a sweet sweet handwritten note! And boy oh boy, the presentation/wrapping/magic handiwork was beyond top notch. What an absolute sweetheart!! Thank you SO SO much Heather!! Truly so kind! Both Aaron and I LOVE everything to bits!

 

We are hard at work on all sorts of fun new things...I promise a preview soon!

 

Hope everyone has a great day!

xoxo Jenny

Sunshine Key Area

Thought I would show you around a little. Sunshine Key is actually Ohio Key and is located at the eastern end of the "7 Mile Bridge"which incidentally is a great place to fish. The bridge itself is reasonably new having replaced the old bridge in the late 70's. The older parts of the bridge that are still intact offer places to fish from or walk . The water is relatively shallow and there is usually lots to see including dolphin, rays, fish and after a heavy wind Portugese Man of war jelly fish.The beach off the western edge of the key although not many swim there.The picture below was taken on the old bridge facing the campground. Note the walkers and the always present pelican waiting for someone to catch a fish for him. Note the rail for the bridge is made from old railroad rail from the original bridge which was built for Flagler's railroad to Key West.
The campground takes up half of the Key with the other half being a wildlife sanctuary. There is a large marina with a boat launch, bait & fishing shop, dive shop and fuel station. Below is the water entrance to the marina.
One of the groups that we have seen on a regular basis is the Wandering Wheels bicycle tour group that stops regularly on their ride from Key Largo to Key West. The group is very mixed relative to age and they only go shorter distances stopping here among other places to eat and sleep. They have support vehicles that follow and go ahead for setup.


Although the bicycling is kind of neat, we enjoy our many activities including another dinner and fun at the club house. Here we are with Matt and Alice enjoying.

Aaron's special day!!

Hello my dears!!

 

Aaron and I would both like to thank you all so so much for your kind words and best wishes! It means so much! Thank you!!

 

Today is Aaron's 31st birthday! Or as Mom Mom says, his "special day".  I baked his favorite... Carrot Cake, which we will be having tonight over at my parent's house. Being that Walt had school today, ice hockey practice planned for this evening, and a roller game at 11pm, (yes I know it is insanely late! He plays in a league with guys in their mid to late 20s!) Aaron decided on a birthday dinner...at our favorite local Indian restaurant. Missy will be joining us (my sister). We haven't had Indian in quite a while...we are all pretty psyched!

 

Today is still a work day...so we are working away on some orders, as well as some super duper dazzling additions to our collection....more on that in a few days! I promise fun fun stuff!!

 

For now...you must have a peek at my lovely friend

Kari's latest creations!!...boy oh boy what eye candy!! And for some super exciting news you must go visit the oh so sweet & talented  Teresa McFabulous' blog!! 

 

 

I promise pics of the bday boy...and his cake...later tonight or tomorrow! Hope you all had a great weekend!! Happy Monday!

 

Ohh...we got a little snow last night....2"!! It's a start! : )

Life is short...

For me, blogland isn't a place for sad news, so I'll try to temper this entry with a bit of the bright side. Aaron's great uncle Gene passed away, and although this is always sad and painful news, it's a little easier knowing that he has re-joined the love of his life in the next life.

Aaron's Grandma, dubbed Mom Mom, is the second eldest of four siblings, all living in the same condo complex in south Jersey. The four of them, Betty(mom mom),  Aunt Ro, Uncle Gene, and Uncle Jim have been in touch daily for decades. They breakfast together, lunch together, and take Casino trips like you and me take trips to the post office. (FIY for those outside of Jersey, Atlantic City is a fabulous place for seniors.) They live the life I pray to live with my brothers and sister...all within walking distance and all there for support when needed. Early bird specials galore!

Mom Mom is the greatest grandma imaginable and though she's not the eldest, she seems to be the chosen leader of the crew. Their last name is Jackson and  awhile back a tradition began by naming all the grandkids with J names...there's Jesse, Jarret, Jill, John Joseph, Jade, Jason, etc...It's easy and hard to remember at the same time.

Uncle Gene's passing was of course sad, but admirable in the same breath. He was at a point in his health where 24 hour care was necessary and maybe he just didn't want that burden to fall on his loved one's shoulders...We will miss him but know whole heartedly that greener pastures await Uncle Gene.

Life is short and can be measured by the friends you make along the way. A new friend of ours,  Maija, is an inspiring artist and a fabulous blogger. Recently we featured some of her creations on this here blog and they are so so lovely. We did a little swaparoo and here's some pics of what we sent Maija's way.  We had a lot of fun doing it and would love to do some custom pieces in this fashion. We've had some requests for cupcakes with babies sitting on top and we'll try to accommodate  as best we can...just shoot us an email.

Anyway, long weekend ahead with work and hopefully a trip to Princeton to go see Pan's Labrynth. We're gonna take Walt. He's excited to walk the same streets as the author of The Great Gatsby. 

 

Have a fabulous weekend friends!!

xoxo Jenny

 

Drum roll please....

 

And the winner is.....

 

ddccb !!

Our apologies on the poor lighting...we did the drawing very late last night and lacked the energy to pull out the spotlights. We did however, find the strength to pull the one lucky raffle ticket from the bowl. The winner didn't leave their name but we have their email address and username...(see above)

We were so sooo excited by the turnout (Thank you SO SO SO much!!) It is just so fun knowing that so many of you stopped by!! : )

We most definitely plan to do more giveaways in the future...and some blog discounts etc...

 

 

Well, the plan was to bake coconut cupcakes on the first 5" plus snowfall, but patience is a virtue I fall short of when talking sweets...so here they are , or were, right before we ate them all. : )

 

 

Today the mail truck came bearing packages and this second one felt like such a bonus because the truck stopped at our place, deposited a box on our doorstep, then left...the truck then went further along the route and about an hour later came back to us with package number two all the way from Malaysia. Aaron walked in with a little square box covered in world-worn brown paper affixed with stamps depicting birds and plant life native to Malaysia. I'm a non flyer so boxes from far off lands excite me more than most.

Will you get a load of this amazing little felt house I acquired in a trade with the amazing Esther from Flickr! The tiny door actually opens and how cool is it that she gave it a carport?!! Oh yeah, and wow about the packaging!! I didn't want to even open it...the handmade tag is just about the cutest thing I ever saw. The hand stitching on the house is impeccable...she pulled out all the stops on the detail work and from every angle it's drop dead sweet. Thank you SO SO much Esther!! You are soooo kind...and too darn talented!! We LOVE it!!

 

Once again..Thank you all so much for leaving all of those kind, kind, comments!! Aaron and I were just buzzing on all of the blogland love!! We promise another giveaway soon!! Stay tuned! ...oh..and please don't be strangers! : )

 

Have a great day!

xoxo Jenny

 

 

itty bitty snow day and some new creations!

 

 Thank you to everyone, so so much, for Delurking!!! YAY!! The sweet sweet comments are so very much appreciated and I'm just so glad that we broke the AOL ice. : ) For anyone who hasn't left a comment...you still have time to enter to win our Valentine's Art Squared!! (drawing is Sunday evening)

 

Yesterday here in Jersey we had a mini squall of snow that lasted about an hour. Maybe there were previous flurries elsewhere in the state but this was our first sighting. Our initial idea was to have Carlos go out and pose his jet black self in striking contrast against the fresh coating of white. As you can see from the photos, Carlos was neither in on the idea or in the least bit down with it. He wholly refused to leave his cave of blankets so in his stead we brought out one of our favorite plaster bunnies (we gave him a make over to closer resemble a paper mache rabbit).

 

The past fews days have been spent filling orders, and creating! Which is what we love!

We're psyched about these two new pieces. There has lately been so little time to do 100% custom paintings on request (though we'll always try to squeeze you in). These are a great "meet you half way" option...the artwork stays the same and we'll add whatever name is desired in place of Jenny, unless your name is also Jenny...boy that would make it super easy! They are now listed!

 

Tomorrow is a "Walt day". We are going to Ikea...and hoping to see Pan's Labyrinth...not sure where it is playing yet. It looks amazing!

 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Thank you SO SO much for all of your sweet words!! Aaron and I had a blast reading them all!! : )

xoxo Jenny

Sunshine Key

We arrived here at Sunshine Key a little over week ago and it seems like were home. Seeing old friends we have met over the years and catching up on all the gossip has been fun. Time is flying and I haven't been able to keep up with this blog but I thought by posting a bunch of pictures you might get some idea of whats been happening.

At the helm of our new boat

Out in the Atlantic for the first time.

The drawbridge at Boot Key (Marathon)

The old bridge and channel from the Gulf to the Atlantic

Our old boat....now belonging to Alice (above) and Matt from Long Island

Matt & Alice...Grumpy (Marvin) and Joann at the dinner dance.

Three wise (?) men
Dancing the night away

Marge and I with our clothes line project.

Oops! Not my fault the truck was parked at Home Depot and someone was late for work....Really!!

More soon!

Free Valentine's Day Give away!! YAY!! : )

 

 

This past Sunday me and Aar did brunch with Barb and Skip for Barb's birthday. Oh, and by the way, Barb and Skip are Aaron's parents. Super fab time, buffet style, which to us translates to eat til' you can't eat any more. And since it was a nice place, on the water, with a piano player and all that, we all felt a little less guilty for overindulging. Skip tried to eat all three meals of the day in that one sitting because Barb was taking a birthday holiday on the home front. Great time, if you happen to be in Jersey on a Sunday take a spin to Mcloones.

 

 We keep our Christmas stuff up extra long, if we did a real tree it'd be brown or bare by now. It's probably a feeling akin to guilt (for being so out of step with the world.) that finally brings us to put away the tree and decorations. Our way of softening the blow of post Christmas blues is to transition the decor right into Valentines day, keeping up anything wintry, silvery, snowy and pink and incorporating hearts and the like. Going Winter Chic for valentines works perfect in Jersey, where the cold weather seems to start around February nowadays.  

 

 In addition to our sweet Valentine's  stuff already listed we're working on some more pieces that'll be up and listed with plenty of time to spare before Feb. 14th. And we'd like to announce a  blogger giveaway of our new Valentines art squared. (now listed) Here's the catch with the giveaway: we'll be selecting 1 name from one of our favorite mixing bowls (this Sunday) and this name will come from a list of those who post a comment on this entry. What's really the catch is that unfortunately AOL makes it difficult to post comments, there seem to be too many steps to deal with, but trust me, it is possible even for non AOL users. It's free and it's all about selecting a personal username, password and email. It's a bit of a pain in the neck but once you're in, just make a note of your name and password and you'll come and go no problem. As much as I adore all of your sweet email comments I would just love if more of you could leave comments right on the blog and for trying we'll give someone a free Valentine 4x4. Added incentive: once registered as an AOL blogger you can also visit my friend Retro Rosie  on her new AOL blog.   : )

 

Please be sure to leave your email address, and a link to your blog if you have one!

 

Just wanted to thank you all so so much for stopping by everyday! It is just so so fun!

Good luck!

xoxo Jenny

 

PS My super super talented Flickr friend Lilia just started a blog! I promise you will be drooling daily!! : ) Stop on by..tell her Jenny Holiday sent you!

Whirlwind day!!

 

 

What a whirlwind day today was!! Playing beat the clock..packing lots and lots of orders to ship by 5 pm, and baking my Dad's absolute favorite cake in the whole wide world...for his B-day dinner! It is a Brown Derby. I have searched all over the web and it is near impossible to find a real deal recipe for it. I keep finding a Brown Derby grapefruit cake....weird! The Brown Derby that we know in my family is comprised of layers of rich, moist devil's food cake, layers of whipped cream, peaches, strawberries, and bananas...all finished in more whipped cream and a dusting of cake crumbs! I used a fabulous old fashioned buttermilk devil's food cake recipe, sweetened vanilla whipped cream, and oreo cookie crumbs. It was really really fab! Everyone had 2+ slices! My dad's real birthday was the 11th, but the weekend is much better for us all to get together. My mom cooked his absolute favorite meal....Sauerbraten, potato dumplings, red cabbage, and the most to die for gingersnap gravy! You can smell it from the driveway!! She makes it once a year...for his special day!

Tomorrow is Barb's b-day (Aaron's mom) We are going to brunch with her and Skip! Should be a great time!! It is so funny...My Dad and Aaron's mom celebrate birthdays within 3 days of each other, and my mom and Aaron's dad celebrate birthdays within one day!!

My apologies on the terrible last minute photo of my dad's cake....I cannot tell you how down to the wire all of today was!  : ) ...You get the idea though!

I have gotten a bunch of emails requesting the recipe for my homemade Hostess cupcakes from our New Year's Eve celebration! Well here it is!! I'd love to see pics..and hear some reviews!! : )

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour
1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
2 large eggs, separated
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons water

FILLING
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
3/4 cup Marshmallow Fluff
1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon heavy cream

FROSTING
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened


DIRECTIONS
1. MAKE THE CUPCAKES: Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 12-cup nonstick muffin pan with vegetable oil spray. In a medium bowl, sift the flour and cocoa with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with the canola oil, 1/2 cup of the sugar and the water. Beat in the dry ingredients at low speed until smooth.

2. In a clean bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites at high speed until soft peaks form. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and beat until stiff and glossy. Beat one-fourth of the whites into the batter, then fold in the remaining whites until no streaks remain. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling them halfway. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cupcakes are springy when touched. Let the cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. MAKE THE FILLING: In a medium bowl, beat the butter with the confectioners sugar, Marshmallow Fluff and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the heavy cream at medium speed until fluffy. Transfer all but 1/2 cup of the filling to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain round tip. Beat the remaining 1 teaspoon of cream into the remaining 1/2 cup of filling and reserve.

4. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper. Insert the tip of the pastry bag about 1/2 inch deep into the bottom of each cupcake; squeeze lightly to fill with cream. Set the cupcakes on the sheet.

5. MAKE THE FROSTING: Heat the cream in a small saucepan until steaming. Add the chocolate and let stand for 5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until smooth. Spread the top ofeach cupcake with the frosting. Spoon the reserved filling into a pastry bag fitted with a very small plain tip and pipe decorative swirls on each cupcake. Refrigerate the cupcakes for at least 10 minutes to set the frosting.

TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 40 MIN
MAKES 1 DOZEN CUPCAKES

And now.....I was Tagged by my sweet and funny friend Missy Ballance of Glitter and Grunge fame!

The Rules: Each player of this game starts with "6 weird things about you". Each person who gets tagged needs to write a blog post of their own 6 weird things as well as clearly state this rule. After you state your 6 weird things, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you're tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog for information as to what it means.

Ok..here we go....

1.  I have worn some form of camoflauge print clothing or accessories every single day for the past 5 years with the exceptions of some holidays...weddings...etc

2. I have not left the house..gone to the mailbox, etc. without braids in 10 years! lol..not kidding!

3. I draw my eyebrows on....and I guess the eyebrows go hand in hand with the braids!

4.  I adore Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald  just as much as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

5.  One of my biggest dreams in life is to try to bake a "sawdust cake" This sounds absolutely crazy...I know...but everything in the recipe would be normal...save for the flour...my dad is a cabinet maker..and my whole life I was around sawdust...some of the finest sawdust you can ever imagine..super, super fine..flour like! I always compared it to flour and thought about the way it might bake up. I would love to see what happens!...would it rise...? would the texture be cakelike? Yes..I am NUTS! ohh....and along those same lines..I often wonder about picking out all of the cookie dough balls from my Haagen Dazs cookie dough ice cream..and baking them as a batch!

6. I do not drive and never plan to! 

Ok so now I have to tag 6 people...I tag:

1.Retro Rosie

2.Laurie                                
3. Pam 

4.Amanda

5.Kari 

6.Melfie

And Oh my goodness....I just have to thank the super sweet and lovely Maija!! These incredibly darling creations arrived at my door yesterday!! What a super sweet surprise!! Thank you so so much! I ADORE them! you nailed my color palette on the tin!! So so fabulous!! And ohhh how fab is this cabinet card!! My goodness!! We are thrilled to own some of your work! They will be treasured!! Your goodies are on the way!! Hope you love them to bits!

Well my dears....It is crazy crazy late...so I must get to bed! Hope you all have a Great Sunday!!

xoxo Jenny

2006's final farewell!

Ok dolls, I am back...and hopefully this time for good! : )

It has been such a hectic hectic week for us, it is now about regrouping, organizing, and planning. We are both super excited about our newest designs, and have so many ideas swirling around in our heads! Before we move on any further....I know I had promised some more holiday photos to a bunch of you sweetpeas!

So here they are! (before it gets too late)

 

If you had seen photos of our tree, and holiday decor from last year...you can see what a BIG change this new wall color has made! It took some time..but now I really do love it! I am excited to have a new backdrop to my seasons. I think Spring will be lots of fun! My bunny collection will surely pop against the subtle tan!

 

First is our dining area, cozy, calm, yet sweet. A happy change for us.

Next, our mantel, a grouping of all things vintagey pink, turquoise, glittery, and fun! also...notice the super sweet ticking stockings from our dear friend Jennifer over at Sis Boom!

Next, a fabulously sweet vintage glass ornament tree in an antiqueteacup that I found on eBay last year!

Then we have, my favorite pink hobnail glass cake stand and dome encasing one of our sweetest vintage cardboard Christmas houses!

Next, two of the most incredible, 100% hand stitched stockings by my sweet sweet friend Rosemarie! The same gal that created the darling tags I had showed you all back in November! Aren't they just fabulous! so much time, and detail! We adore them! Be sure to visit Rosemarie's eBay auctions...she creates some of the sweetest prim Valentine's ever!

Ohh...and my happy happy eBay find! A vintage, handmade felt tree skirt! cream, pink, turquoise, silver, and gold! I was just so so thrilled to find it! I know I am so so late in posting a pic, but Pam G. , was doing a little show and tell during the holiday....so I had to post a pic! Sorry so late Pam! : )

And last but certainly not least.....these to die for...handmade altered photo ornaments by my amazing friend Laurie Duncan! How fabulous are these little Winter Angels? German glass glitter, vintage crepe, and old photos of family members! So so lovely! I adore these to bits! I will be leaving them up all winter!

 

So there you go...The holidays are officially over! We are now onto Winter/Valentine's day over here! We do in fact keep up the glittery white and silver things for a while longer...but the candy colors are sadly put away till next year! (except in the bedroom..Where Everyday is truly a Holiday)

 

I had so much fun peeking into all of your homes this season! Thanks so much for sharing! Now show me some Valentine's stuff!!  :)

 

Have a fab weekend everyone!

xoxo Jenny

 

ps...My sweet sweet blogland friend Rosemary (from Texas) just started a Blog ! YAY!! Have a peek...it is looking AMAZING!! I am so excited to see more!! Welcome to blogland Rosemary!!

Our take on a classic, and a quick hello!

Hello Sweetpeas!! Sincerest apologies on my brief disappearence! We had some sudden family "stuff" to take care of, and it was nearly impossible to sit down to the PC for any length of time. I just wanted to drop a line to let you all know that I'll be an updating machine over the next few days! More holiday photos, fun mail photos, etc. We're also working on our new line for 2007 and during this stage of the design process it's hard to bounce from drawing board to computer. I promise to give you all first glimpses of each design as they are completed and listed!

Up above is our newest creation!! Jenny's Hostess cupcakes! After baking up a batch of these classic cuties for New Year's Eve.....We knew we had to have them sit and pose for us so we could capture them in painted portrait form. They are now listed and ready to ship! We hope you love them as much as we do!!

Ohh...and I promise a real deal recipe for them as well!! ( thanks for the emails!)

I look forward to catching up with all of you tomorrow!!
Hope you are having a fabulous New Year!!
xoxo Jenny