Farmer’s Market Fun An Art Print for Sale At INPRNT

Hi, Creative Friends,

Summertime brings much joy with its longer days, refreshing swimming holes, and its bountiful farmer’s markets! Many fresh creative ideas can be inspired by our farmer friends at the local market!

This week, pop on over to the local farmer’s market and get creative with these 3 ideas:

1. Pump Up The Jam: Grab yourself a big box of fresh berries and whip up some homemade jam. The good news is Ella Quittner at Food 52 made a lot of jams to find “The Absolutely Best Way To Make Jam.” Not to spoil the secret, but she macerates and cooks sweet fresh-picked berries right on the stovetop to whip up the most lusciously beautiful treat.

2. Frame The Farmer: Inspiration can strike anywhere and the local farmers’ market is full of people who produce colors, textures, and beautiful muses. Bring a camera and snap a big bunch of photos. Pick a few of your favorite snapshots and have them printed at Parabo Press. Or bring a sketchbook and take a deep dive into florals like this “Farmer’s Market” art print from INPRNT inspired by teddy bear sunflowers, salmon-colored Zinnias, and petal pink Cosmos.

3. Build A Better Bouquet: The farmer’s market is filled with many wonderful ingredients to get the creative juices going. Maybe gather together mint stems with a bunch of Zinna flowers to make a beautiful centerpiece for the kitchen table? Putting together a beautiful bouquet is easy with this video tutorial from Team Flowers: How To Make Farmer’s Market Bouquets.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you get creative with your local farmer’s market.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

Happy National Dog Day! While I am firmly a cat lover, I can see from the buckets of love that every dog owner spills onto their pooches that dogs are pretty amazing creatures. So let’s celebrate the puppies in our lives…

This week, by unlocking 3 creative ways to love your pup on National Dog Day…

1. Personal Pup Portrait: A dog is a special part of any household. To celebrate a sweet pooch, why not commission an artist to draw a one-of-a-kind pet portrait like this Golden Love print on Society6? Email me a pet portrait request below or take a few selfies with your favorite pup and use Parabo Press to order a big stack of prints to frame up on any wall.

2. Pupcake Passion: Do dogs love cupcakes? Well, here might be the greatest recipe to test out if your Fido loves frosting theory: Pupcakes (Dog cupcakes) from Recipe Tin Eats. Packed with bananas and peanut butter, the recipe says dogs go wild for these sweet little treats so let’s get baking!

3. Yappy Hour: Call up your favorite pups and whip up a few Barkiritas to host the hairiest Pawty ever: The Yappy Hour! Check out all the ideas for a doggone (fur)vorite party at Tito Vodka. If you don’t have a pup to celebrate National Dog Day, consider donating to a local animal shelter to be doggone-sweet!

Yes, I Want A Pet Portrait

Pet Portraits

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you will pamper your pooch on National Dog Day!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

Doesn’t it always seem like summer will be endless? With its warm days, adventures to new places, and farmer’s markets piled high with rich, juicy fruit, summer can feel like an eternal season. Then late August rolls in and one day we step outside and feel the cool breeze of fall whisper “I’m almost there!” It snaps us from our summer slumber and we realize summertime will be packing its bags and leaving us soon. That’s why…

This week, here are 3 creative ways to soak up the last bits of summertime…

1. Apple Of My Pie: We always think of apples as a fall fruit but late summer is a great time to bake up a pie to celebrate the last bits of summer and usher in fall. Try this delicious apple pie recipe from King Arthur Baking.

2. It Can Be Arranged: Late summer flowers and grasses are gorgeous this time of year and can be made into a lovely and easy table arrangement. Try this video by Pottery Barn to make a stunning late summer bouquet that will bring the last bits of summer magic from the outside, in.

3. Tiny Summer Treats: Big memories can be made in the summer. We probably have lots of digital snapshots of those sweet summer moments such as a day at the beach or a picnic party with friends or family. Why not turn them into little snapshots with these Tiny Square Prints From Parabo press to remember the last bits of summer? They are the cutest ways to continue the magic of summer throughout the whole year!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you will soak up the last bits of summertime joy!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s that time of year when parents rejoice and kids spend the last few days of summer soaking up freedom! The shift from summer to back to school can be a rocky one but…

This week, here are 3 creative back-to-school ideas, that can create happiness …

1. Draw Up Inspiration: Pick a great quote from this Pure Wow “46 Inspirational Back-to-School So Your Kids Can Have The Best Year Ever” list and then grab some art supplies to sketch, collage or make that quote into a work of art. Post it up to make a happy reminder for the school year ahead.

2. Smart Foods: Packing lunches can be a good way to get creative, save money and find happiness. Try these 35 School Lunch Ideas for Teens by Taste of Home. Each meal looks like it would make happiness bloom at any age!

3. Art Supply Surprise: Gift your student with a sweet art supply surprise! Purchase one special marker, paint, highlighters, stickers, or pencil not listed on the school supply list and gift it to them on the first day of school. Watch as happiness and creativity follows through the year!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will create happiness with back-to-school.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

“The Roots Of Education Are Bitter But The Fruit Is Sweet.” ~ Aristotle

With the summer’s end near, getting back to learning can be on everyone’s mind. Back-to-school time can help us make creative leaps in our work and our lives. However, making the transition from casual summertime fun to the more structured learning days of fall can leave us all feeling a bit in a state of chaos. That’s why…

This week, here are 3 creative ideas that can create happiness this August…

1. Wish A Goodbye: Transition can be hard at any point in our lives but taking time to be purposeful in the transition can be healing. Try making a “Make A Wish” tree from Smithsonian Museum and watch happiness bloom into fall. If you need some lovely watercolor fall leaves to use for your wishes, you can find a FREE Download here.

2. Schooling Snacks: If fueling up for school and getting creative in the kitchen sounds like a happy way to start the new school year, try this delicious Yam Spice Superhero Muffin recipe from Vital Farms.

3. Don’t Worry: If you are a bit like me, this time of year can come with some worries and managing the big anxiety from our kids, or ourselves can be at the top of our school supply list. Try this book written by Shunmyo Masuno: Don’t Worry: 48 Lessons On Relieving Anxiety From A Zen Buddist Monk. Shunmyo Masuno also happens to be a Zen Garden designer and offers practical ideas on how to calm the mind and create happiness through creativity.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will create happiness this month.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the time of year when beautiful summer fruits pour in from generous neighbor’s gardens, bountiful farmer’s markets, and secret roadside stands. There are the luscious late summer bundles of fresh flowers, u-boat-sized zucchini, and best of all, mounds of perfectly ripe summer tomatoes! Since this is the peek moment of summer produce…

This week, here are 3 creative ideas, to find magic in the garden…

1. A Simple Bite: Sometimes the best things in life bring joy in their simplicity. Try this recipe classic simple summer tomato sandwich or this french recipe for a tomato salad with fresh goat cheese to make dinner magic.

2. Sip A Summer Fizz: Why not kick up the feet, sit back and sip a cocktail by the garden? Try this Summer Garden Gin Fizz to enjoy the longer days of summer and find magic in this lavender lemon delight!

3. Make It Marigold: Are bunches of marigold flowers blooming in your garden? Brighten up any room and make things more joyful by creating a DIY Marigold Garland from Midwest Living. It’s a magical way to bring the garden from the outside in!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you get creative with gifts from the garden.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Farmer’s Market Fun An Art Print for Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

Summertime brings much joy with its longer days, refreshing swimming holes, and its bountiful farmer’s markets! Many fresh creative ideas can be inspired by our farmer friends at the local market!

This week, pop on over to the local farmer’s market and get creative with these 3 ideas:

1. Pump Up The Jam: Grab yourself a big box of fresh berries and whip up some homemade jam. The good news is Ella Quittner at Food 52 made a lot of jams to find “The Absolutely Best Way To Make Jam.” Not to spoil the secret, but she macerates and cooks sweet fresh-picked berries right on the stovetop to whip up the most lusciously beautiful treat.

2. Frame The Farmer: Inspiration can strike anywhere and the local farmers’ market is full of people who produce colors, textures, and beautiful muses. Bring a camera and snap a big bunch of photos. Pick a few of your favorite snapshots and have them printed at Parabo Press. Or bring a sketchbook and take a deep dive into florals like done on this “Farmer’s Market” art print from Society 6 inspired by teddy bear sunflowers, salmon-colored Zinnias, and petal pink Cosmos.

3. Build A Better Bouquet: The farmer’s market is filled with many wonderful ingredients to get the creative juices going. Maybe gather together mint stems with a bunch of Zinna flowers to make a beautiful centerpiece for the kitchen table? Putting together a beautiful bouquet is easy with this video tutorial from Team Flowers: How To Make Farmer’s Market Bouquets.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you get creative with your local farmer’s market.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

The Ultimate Apple Pie Milkshake Recipe

Hi, Creative Friends-

“In the era of handshakes and headshakes, I prefer milkshakes.” ~ Unknown

The end of summer is drawing near and it’s time to get big! Let’s blow out the remaining summer days of everyone’s favorite season in a BIG way.

This week, here are 3 BIG creative ideas, to find joy & happiness in creating…

1. Shake It Up: Creating in the kitchen is a great way to dream up BIG ideas. Right now, Zeal Grass Milk Creamery is sponsoring “The Great American Milkshake Competition.” Get a team together and dream up the ultimate ooey-gooey milkshake. Make BIG flavors come alive and enter your concoction here at Zeal Grass Milk Creamery The Great American Milkshake Competition. My daughter and I had an awesome afternoon planning out and whipping up our secret milkshake and the recipe can be found here: The Ultimate Apple Pie Milkshake For bigger inspiration watch “Ben & Jerry’s Clash of the Cones” show on The Food Network to see how joy and happiness can come from creating different ice cream flavors.

2. Greetings For Fall Y’all: The cool days and big, bulky sweater season is almost here. Get a BIG jump on greeting fall with this “Happy Fall Y’all” art print and other fine gifts such as this beautiful autumn leaf-inspired wrapping paper from Society 6. These lovely artifacts will spread joyful greetings and happiness in a BIG way.

3. Breaking Big: It’s usually easier to start small and get BIG but sometimes it’s better to start BIG and get small! The incredibly talented artist Rebecca Green breaks down her bigger process in her blog “My Blank Paper” where she talks about colors, steps, and thoughts on creating. Rebecca has even teamed up with Holbien to create an Arcylca Gouache set that is absolutely stunning! This paint set is a limited edition so purchase it while you can Creative Friends and let BIG make ideas that invite in joy and happiness.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what BIG milkshakes you have planned.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Create Everyday & Keep Learning: Try Skillshare

Hi, Creative Friends-

“The Roots Of Education Are Bitter But The Fruit Is Sweet.” ~ Aristotle

With the summer’s end near, the start of school might be on everyone’s mind. We might think school is only for certain ages, learning something new if for anyone. Getting back to learning can help us make big creative leaps and develop new talents well into our golden years. That’s why…

This week, here are 3 creative ideas, to make learning easier and happier for anyone at any age…

1. Create Voyersium: If we watch a cooking show or how-to video does it make us more creative or is it creative voyeurism? Find out by reading this article from the Harvard Business Review: “Watching an Expert Do Something Makes You Think You Can Do It Too.” and then watch the new show on Netflix: Bake Squad. On this show, watch experts create and bake incredibly creative deserts and then decide for yourself if creativity is contagious or purely inspiration.

2. Class It Up: Learning something new gets our creative ideas flowing and creates a sense of happiness but where do we start? If watercolor interests you, check out Dylan Mierzwinski “Still Life Lifes Are Cool: Contemporary and Traditional Art In Acryla Gouache.” With just a few supplies, which include a basic set of Acryla Gouache, a sketchbook, and these fabulous paintbrushes from The Pigeon Letters you will be painting and creating in no time. If Skillshare is too much of a commitment, bake your heart out one class at a time with Molly Wilk’s Virtual French Pastry classes. The September classes just launched and each class looks deliciously delightful. Since apples should be at peak season, try this beautiful Tarte Tatin class. I can’t think of a better way to create happiness than through painting and pastry!

3. Draw Big Lines: Did you know one pencil can draw a line 35 miles long? If you are looking for pencils that can go the extra mile try Statler’s Mechanical Drafting Pencil Set and then check out this article on NPR about Chuck Close, the American artist with big dreams who passed away this week at the age of 81 but never stopped learning.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will create happiness with learning.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Find The Classic Tomato Sandwich Recipe Here

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s that time of year. It’s when beautiful summer fruits pour in from generous neighbor’s gardens, bountiful farmer’s markets, and secret roadside stands. There are the luscious late summer blueberries, u-boat sized zucchini, and best of all, mounds of perfectly ripe summer tomatoes! Since the tomato is at its peak of perfect this point in summer…

This week, here are 3 creative ideas, inspired by tomatoes, to make life magical and joyful.

1. A Simple Bite: Sometimes the best things in life bring joy in their simplicity. Try this recipe classic simple summer tomato sandwich or this french recipe tomato salad with fresh goat cheese to make dinner magic.

2. Paste & Stamp It Beautiful: Who knew tomato paste tubes could make beautiful art pieces. Check out this DIY video from The Printed Peanut on “How To Make A Golden Bird From A Recycled Tomato Paste Tube.” It’s a fun project that creates lots of joy that can be passed on as a gift or hung up in an office. Try making art by using sliced tomatoes or other vegetables like here at Hallmark’s Think. Share. Make. Blog. If you need some creative supplies, this acrylic paint and watercolor paper from Arteza are magic additions to a creative arsenal.

3. Dabble In Red: Did you know seeing the color red can make one’s heart beat faster? Try decorating something tomato red to get the heart pumping and add some joy to life. Consider painting a door red with these beautiful red door suggestions from The Spruce. Or find a lovely red heavy art print such as “La Fraises des Bois” to fill the heart with magic and joy!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you get creative with tomatoes.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Farmer’s Market Fun An Art Print for Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

Summertime brings much joy with its longer days, refreshing swimming holes, and its bountiful farmer’s markets! Many fresh creative ideas can be inspired by our farmer friends at the local market.

This week, let’s get over to a farmers market and get creative with these 3 ideas:

1. Pump Up The Jam: Grab yourself a big box of fresh berries and whip up some homemade jam. The good news is Ella Quittner at Food 52 made a lot of jam to find “The Absolutely Best Way To Make Jam.” Not to spoil the secret, but she macerates and cooks sweet fresh-picked berries right on the stovetop to whip up the most lusciously beautiful treat. To sweeten the look and bottle up the jam right, try these La Parfait Super Terrine canning jars.

2. Frame The Farmer: Inspiration can strike anywhere and the local farmers market is full of people and produce with colors, textures, and beautiful muses. Bring a camera and snap a big bunch of photos and have a few of the favorites printed at Parabo Press. Or bring a sketchbook and take a deep dive into florals like done on this “Farmer’s Market” art print from Society 6 inspired by teddy bear sunflowers, salmon-colored Zinnias, and petal pink Cosmos. Bring the art to a wall with these easy magnetic poster frames.

3. Build A Better Bouquet: The farmer’s market is filled with many wonderful ingredients to get the creative juices going. Maybe gather together mint stems with a bunch of Zinna flowers to make a beautiful centerpiece for the kitchen table? Putting together a beautiful bouquet is easy with this video tutorial from Team Flowers: How To Make Farmer’s Market Bouquets and this sweet little white ceramic vase.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you get creative with your local farmer’s market.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

This Post Contains Affiliate Links.

Life can get messy.

We can find ourselves brimming with opportunities, tasks, and possibilities. Wadding through what is important can seem just as challenging as reaching the finish line at an Iron Man triathlon. Our lives get sticky; we get overwhelmed and distracted. Emotions can start to percolate as things become murky and undefined. Before we know it, we second guess ourselves. The task list and priorities become longer. We shut down and find ourselves firmly planted on a couch, numbing our lives with a can of Pringles as we mindlessly scroll through our social media accounts.

Being human is hard and being organized enough to find what brings meaning to our lives isn't black and white. 

Or is it?

The Panda Planner {affiliate link} is the answer to getting us off the couch and back onto a meaningful life path. This planner is a great way to filter what brings happiness and joy to the everyday. The creator of The Panda Planner, Michael Leip, struggled to find meaning too and has created this planner to help with "the motivation, the inspiration, the system - or whatever it is that you need - to set aside your stress and challenges and start living a fulfilling life and crushing your goals!" More like a meditation tool than a planner, The Panda Planner will clear the mind, ready emotions and get the task list defined. Paired with Meru Meditation beads {affiliate link} these tools will help us create an unstoppable force to add clarity to life.

Personally, I have found both an invaluable instrument for sorting through and setting an intention each day.

Let's put down the Pringles, get off the couch and start working toward our goals. Only then will things become black and white.

Until tomorrow Panda Power friends!

Hey! It's Wednesday and it's a good time to sneak in something fun right in the middle of this crazy week. Remember the game Mad Libs? If you are too young to remember pre-electronic fun, Mad Libs were a, fill-in-the-blank, good times, everyday game. I spent hours with my friends filling a paper pad with hilarious stories using adjectives, verbs and nouns. I would ask a friend for a word and then jot down the word in the blank on the pad. I would then read the story out loud and burst out laughing. Today, I made a Fill-In-The-Blank story just for you. Go ahead and create a "special" story today with a friend. Here is a the file where you can fill in the blanks: "Bad Day" story.

In the meantime, a friend and I filled in the blanks for your amusement. Let me know what you think of our story.

Fun and slightly juvenile right? Did it add a few giggles to the middle of the week right? Either way see you tomorrow kids!

Morning! Things are getting crazy over here. Sometimes it's difficult to keep up with the demands of life. Sometimes we need to turn to others to figure out little tricks or life hacks to get through the day. Here are a few that might make life easier and better.

1) When nervous, I say to myself "I'm so excited!" While this might seem a bit cuckoo in the coconut, studies show that we can change our anxiety and the outcome of an activity in a positive way by changing the word nervous to excited. There is more here in the Atlantic about turning anxiety into excitement: "Can 3 Words Change Anxiety Into Success?"

2) Store natural nut butter (peanut, almond, sunflower ect..) upside down. The oil will then combine with the butter. No mixing needed. It's magic.

3) Reheat leftover pizza in a frying pan. Add a little oil and turn the stove on low. Reheat the pizza in the pan. The crust will be crispy not soggy.

Today's project is to create a life hack of your own. Now share it with a friend. Here is my life hack for you. Always, put a pinch of salt in homemade frosting. It brings out the sweetness of the sugar and makes one hell of a cupcake.

Well, I gotta run. Drop me a note or leave a comment and let me know your life hacks. Until tomorrow hackers!

Welcome to Monday! If your Monday is anything like my Monday, we need to create something to make it through the day. I am going to be dropping my five year old off at Kindergarten for the first time. This is a stressful. When I get stressed, I eat. Well, I really bake. Baking is my therapy. 

I come from along line of women who have leaned in on baking to make it through the day. This also means I come from a long line of ridiculously amazing women who can bake the socks of anyone. My maternal grandma was no exception. Today I remembered this recipe she made often for caramel corn. It was sweet, sticky and buttery. It always warmed us up from the inside out. Today, I thought it would be a great day to take her recipe for a spin. I have modified the recipe a bit and added dried apples to counterbalance the sweetness of the brown sugar butter topping.

Today, create this Apple Pop! and let your emotions go.

Apple Pop!

• 4.4 oz. - 1 bag bagged salted popcorn (Skinny Pop worked great!)
• 3.5 oz  - 1 bag  Bare Baked Crunch Granny Smith Apple Chips
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• greased cookie sheet (use butter)

Step 1: Butter the cookie sheet. Crunch up the apple chips in smaller pieces into a very large bowl. Add the popcorn to the bowl. Combine the popcorn and apple chips.

Step 2: In a large pan, add the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Cook the sugar, syrup and butter on medium/high heat, stirring constantly until a stream in cold water turns to brittle (crunchy).

Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in baking soda well. Work quickly to add the caramel mixture to the popcorn apple mixture in a very large heat proof bowl. Be careful when stirring the caramel. It's hot! Mix until well-coated. Pour the caramel popcorn onto the buttered cookie sheet. When cool, break in pieces. 

I have some Apple Pop! to eat, emotions to dull and a kindergartner to drop off. See you tomorrow kids!

Hello Sunday! It's a beautiful day here in California and it's a great day to fly an airplane. Well, a paper airplane of course. Making the perfect paper airplane should be on everyone's creative bucket list. It's like a magic trick, great to have in one's back pocket for emergency fun.

Let's check off "perfect paper airplane" on our creative bucket list. Today's project is to create the perfect paper airplane. You just need a 8.5" x 11" piece of printer paper. You can download this free Cloud printable paper if you want to get fancy. 

Here is a step by step video on how to make a perfect paper airplane.

Let me know how flight school went for you. See you tomorrow Goose & Maverick!

Morning! Who is ready for an eggcellent Saturday? I'm ready to start my morning with one of my favorite meals, poached eggs and toast. Poached eggs can be intimidating and frankly turn into messy white ghosts that no one wants to eat. 

What's the secret to poached eggs? I was determined to find out. After a initial Google search, it has become apparent everyone has their secret to make perfectly poached eggs. There are chefs that add vinegar to the water. There are chefs that add salt. There are chefs that swear by the need to make a soft swirling whirlpool in the water before slipping the eggs in 180 degree hot tub. There are chefs that use strainers. There are chefs that use cups. There are chefs that say a prayer before cracking an egg. I made the last one up but you get the idea.

Let's create perfectly poached eggs this morning using the method with this EASY method that works.

You will need:

• frying pan (because of low sides. less distance for the egg to drop.)
• fresh eggs (look for a number on the side of the carton. the higher the number the fresher the egg.)
• a small mug (I used an espresso mug)
• wooden spoon
• slotted spoon
• salt & pepper to taste

Step 1: Add hot water to pan. Place pan over a high flame. Bring water to a rapid boil or about 180 degrees. Break the surface by using the wooden spoon. Swirl the water twice gently.

Step 2: Crack 1 egg into the small mug. Place the mug opening closely to the surface of the boiling water. Let the egg slowly slide into the hot bath. Repeat with more eggs if needed.

Step 3: Cook each egg for 2-4 minutes. 2 minutes should produce a very runny yolk. 3 minutes the yolk will be slightly more firm and 4 minutes will produce a firm center.

Step 4: Use a slotted spoon to drain the water from the eggs and place on a slice of warm, buttered toast. Salt & pepper to taste.

Voilà Perfect poached eggs and a great weekend breakfast.

That's it for today. See you tomorrow egg heads! 

Hey! It's Friday and who is feeling a bit stressed out from a full week? Is it just me or can stress ruin a weekend? Just as we finally start to feel relaxed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, here comes Monday! Well, today I decided to combat the stress by trying something different. I tired coloring.

Yes, it's the same coloring we did as kids. I guess all the cool kids are doing it. Type in "coloring books for adults" on Amazon and there are pages and pages of coloring book options. Today, let's dust off  the colored pencils, crayons, gel pens or markers and try letting our stress fill the pages with color. Just for you, here is a free coloring page for download. Create and color to your hearts content and let the stress fill in the lines.

Still Coloring...

I'm going to go color my world and hope Monday doesn't get here too soon. Until tomorrow!

Hey kids! We are knee deep in scouting out the best back-to-school supplies. I have been trying to locate the finest backpacks, leak proof water bottles and lunch bags/boxes. When I was a kid, taking lunch to school consisted of sliding random food into a brown paper bag. I would then pray the bag wouldn't rip as I tripped off the school bus. Flash forward twenty some years later and lunch boxes have come a long way. There are insulated coolers, bento boxes, bags, vintage tins, lunch bags, stainless steel boxes and the list goes on.

However, we didn't find a customizable lunch box or bag.  My little five year old and I, put our large and small brains together and said, how could we make an existing lunch bag one-of-a-kind?  With the help of my 5 year old and this plain lunch bag from Old Navy we created a semi-bespoke lunch bag. You can see the video here.

Today, take something and make it your own. Doodle on your notebook cover, draw a design on a t-shirt with Sharpie markers or create your own smart phone cover at Case App. The goal is to create an object that can be yours and yours only. 

My kindergartner is thrilled with her one of a kind lunch bag. Making something unique can create a great sense of empowerment and thrill.

Well, off to shop for more school supplies. Tomorrow kids!

This post contains an affiliate link.

Well, hello. Let's talk objects of our obsession today. Call me crazy but there is always something in my life in which I am obsessed. Generally it circles around great design and style. Design that really gets my heart racing is stuff that is designed and styled to last a life time.

Here is a dirty little secret. I hate to buy things. When I do buy, I want the object to last until I kick the bucket. Yet, nothing in this world is made to last. Our smart phones cost thousands of dollars and yet only last three to four years. Our clothes are sewn and designed together so they are only durable for a season or two. The tools we use, including software, need updating every few weeks. What happened to objects that last a life time? What happen to products that live up to their promise? What happened to objects that work?

Take the classic Swingline Stapler. The mechanics haven't change much since the 1930's and the design always follows the rule "form follows function." Maybe this is why a red Swingline stapler {affiliate link} is always an object of obsession like in the cult classic movie "Office Space?" Check out the history of the Swingline stapler here at the New York Times "Staplers, The Attachment That Still Makes Noise." It's a pretty interesting article.

Today, pick one object in your life that you use everyday. Think about the design thinking that went into creating the object. How much has it changed since the item was brought to market? How does it impact your life? What is it about this object that makes you obsessed? Now, create a drawing or photo depicting your obsession with the object. 

I'm going to get back locating my red Swingline stapler. Enjoy obsessing and see you tomorrow designers!