504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Sunday, February 6, 2011

SPOTLIGHTS Tickled Pink No. 38...Finally!

Look at me go...I am determined to get caught up and then implement my new time management skills...oh wait I have not learned those yet! Anyway, with no further adieu...the Spotlights from Tickled Pink No 38. (dated 01/27/2011).

TICKLED PINK NO 39 - THE CURRENT LINKY IS OPEN!

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Before I move on...

*FACEBOOK*

Yes, I am still going for more "likes" on Facebook....but I made it easier...there is a little gadget over there you can click on without having to head over to Facebook right now.

*A QUESTION*

Anyone going to Blogher in August? Anyone been to a Blogher?

I want to go...should I?

*SOME THOUGHTS*

Although I have been behind in my Tickled Pink "duties,"
I want you all to know I thoroughly enjoy visiting and
seeing what you are up to.
As I try to manage my blog life and my real life,
I am working on a system so I can keep Tickled Pink going.
I also know how fun it is to be featured anywhere -
I get all giddy when one of my projects is featured on another blog,
so I do try to feature all aspects of blog life
from a lot of different bloggers
(yes, there are a few who end up here a lot).
Lastly I do know this is "just a blog" but I do take it seriously.
Thank you to everyone who links up and visits!
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Two of my favorite ladies have teamed up for a Blog Spa feature

Among other goodies...

Flamingo Toes is sharing her Spa Scrubbie and Bath Tea Soak

and

Twelve Crafts Til Christmas has a Spa Wrap!

And then - man oh man do I need this - some ideas for pampering your eyes!

Go check these out and some of the other creations and pamper yourself.

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Modern Country Style is having An English Garden Party!

I read no further than Tom Selleck and it really did not matter what else was on the post (kind of like my s'mores thing) I had to feature this...Tom Selleck Cake from Stuff and Nonsense.

Mashtinis from Moore Minutes!

A LOVE a homemade doll. These dolls from KooKoo Craft are sweet.

Christina's Adventures has an elegant pillow...just beautiful.

Simple and perfect Valentine's from Random Thoughts of a Super Mom

Conversation heart Soaps from Suzy's Artsy-Craftsy Sitcom

Pepper Steak from Frugal Follies

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie from Elizabeth and Co.

Simply gorgeous wreath from The Pursuit of Happiness

Mirror makeover at Mossy Rock Interiors

So many ways to decorate with felt hearts from Craft, Interrupted

And...another take on felt hearts from The Diary of Dave's Wife

One of my son's favorite "holidays" is Chinese New Year and he loves his Chinese food. Red Couch Recipes shares her lemon chicken!

One Pot BLT Pasta...Yum...from It's a Keeper

A Little Art re-do from Farm Girl in My Heart

Super cute album using juice lids from Cherished Treasures

Upside down Pear Gingerbread from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Super chi little black dress from dame*design*studio

Cute storage from Crationary

Saltine Caramel Hearts from Yesterday on Tuesday

You won't believe this Little Black Dress transformation from Thrift Store Creations.

Memory/Message Board Redo at Modern Country Lady

Cool list of of Interior designers read from House Revivals.

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Now...let's see if I can stay on track!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Friday, February 4, 2011

SPOTLIGHTS from Tickled pink No. 37...FINALLY!

So...here we go..I will make this short and sweet (Imagine that!).
These are the spotlights from Tickled Pink No. 37 (about 2 weeks ago)

I PROMISE I AM NOT TRYING TO CONFUSE YOU!

CLICK ON THE TICKLED PINK BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THE BLOG
or on one of these links right here in the next sentence to get to the current linky, No. 39.

The new linky for Tickled Pink No. 39 is up! (click on the on Tickled Pink)

I am having a little lovers quarrel with the linky right now
(it is not making getting these highlights done any easier...sorry!)
and you may be having one too...hopefully it will be resolved soon!

Tickled Pink No. 38 Spotlights will happen over the weekend.

Grab a Featured Button!

I have to point out this stenciled ceiling from Not JUST a Happy Housewife! It is beautiful and she was also the winner of The DIY Club Project Party for January!

Super cute tutorial on making diaper or washcloth cupcakes from The Scrap Shoppe.

Sweet Valentine frame from Yesterday on Tuesday.

xoxo from What Allie's Making Now

Timeless tips from the e-mealz blog

Fab shoe redo from Eye Spy DIY

Sweet pink baby vintage hats from Its a Shabby Pink World

Cool faux tin letters from House Revivals

Awesome cart redo at Craft and Country. I have a similar cart waiting for a little love.

Le Patisserie DIY Bakery Play set from Sarah in Akko

Fun hearts from Smile Monsters

Little bit of loving your home from Karie's Chic Creations

Charming boxes from Can't Stop Making Things

Baked donuts from Simply This, That, and the Other.

Kirsty Girl has some photos that make me want to pack up and head to the beach

Simoney at Great Fun 4 Kids has FABULOUS tips for photos and making your blog delicious!

Counter re-do at Wonders of Doing

Man Cave Makeover at Chic on a Shoestring

Tatertot casserole...I confess I love tatertots...from Mine for the Making

OK...one down one to go!

The new linky for Tickled Pink No. 39 is up! (click on the on Tickled Pink)

Tickled Pink No. 39...The Link Up

Happy Friday!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...

a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...

whatever makes your blog fabulous!

That is what Tickled Pink is all about!

{and it does not have to be PINK}

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So are you going to fire me? Unsubscribe? Kick me off Blogger? Of course my hubby may pay you to do those things, but...Please don't! I really like you all!...I will be getting spotlight projects posted ASAP. I'd like to promise over the weekend...but ya never know...no, I will promise Tickled Pink No. 37 will go up tomorrow some time and No. 38 over the weekend. I must do this or I will be off track forever.

Next week I will be posting about my adventures at The Craft and Hobby Association show in Los Angeles. I have some very cool things to share with you! You will LOVE them!

And I am getting giddy over my upcoming new extreme blog makeover (if only it came with a tummy tuck)..It is gorgeous and I shall reveal it all to you and the designer behind it very soon!

For now, I am Tickled PINK to be home! I loved working with DecoArt and seeing some of the action that makes the craft industry rock, but big hugs from my kids were waiting for me and really nothing beats that.

Want to be Tickled Pink? Don't be shy!

Nominate a product/person/idea/recipe/your own blog to be featured, simply email me!

It is cool to nominate yourself! I am only one person and blogland is ginormous...I would love your input...I know there are amazing finds out there that I have not seen!

PINK RULES

1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!

2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****

3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}. You can grab a button over there on the sidebar!

4. I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.

5. Visit the 3 links above you.

6. *It would be great if you were a follower or subscriber {*wink*}

7. By linking here you are providing permission to feature your post {along with a link to your blog/post}. Additionally, photos appearing here are copyrighted and property of the respective blogs featured.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Valentines-Schmalentines...But At Least I Made Dessert!

Can you tell how I really feel about Valentines day from the title of this post?

Sorry, it is the truth and if nothing else I do try to be honest. I don't get it - never have. I of course enjoy making Valentines...but alas that's it.

Could it be that in grade school...middle school...and even high school no boy ever gave me a Valentines? Could it be that I am a fuddy-duddy? Could it be that I am just not romantic? Hmmm....There was one Valentines Day (I was in my 20's) when two different men sent me a dozen roses...sound nice? Sound like the thing that could cure me of my Valentines heeby-jeebies?...Nope, just stressful.

So, I vote to avoid V-Day!

HOWEVER...with the kiddos I have tried to perk up a little...and be more excited about Valentines Day...craft and bake...

and hey, this year I even have their Valentines already to go!

In spite of all my complaining we actually do have a tradition...WE STAY HOME!

We do not go out on V-day - I do not like crowds (says the girl from Los Angeles) and we are cheap. Even when hubby and I were dating we did not go out. So what do we do...

(please, get the mind out of the gutter)

Order pizza and salad to-go from California Pizza Kitchen and eat at home!

That is it pretty exciting, eh?

We know how to live!

I do also make a fab dessert...S'mores-a-licious Mini Cakes

(sometimes they are not so mini)

S'mores-a-licious Mini Cakes

Click HERE for a PDF

Makes 12+

{I had some left over chocolate...you could probably get about 15-16 mini cakes or 6 large cakes out of this recipe}

INGREDIENTS

CAKE

-1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

-1/4 cup butter

-1/3 cup granulated sugar

-2 large eggs

-2 teaspoon vanilla

-1 cup all-purpose flour

-2+ teaspoons cinnamon {Optional..we love cinnamon and it makes for a nice flavor!}

-6 large marshmallows, cut in half or 48 mini marshmallows

-Powdered sugar, optional

CRUST

-4 Whole Graham crackers, crushed

-3 Tablespoons butter, melted

Mixing, CAKE

Add the cinnamon to the flour and stir to combine.
In a 3 or 4 quart sauce pan, over low heat melt the butter and chocolate chips until smooth.
Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
Stir in flour mixture.

Mixing, CRUST

Add the melted butter to the crushed graham crackers and mix thoroughly.

Combining and Baking

For the mini cakes, I used a mini muffin pan. You can use either ramekins or a large muffin tin to make larger cakes.
Butter the muffin tin.
Place about one teaspoon of the graham cracker mixture into each muffin cup and press down firmly to form a crust.
Fill each cup about halfway full with the batter, about a heaping teaspoon of batter.
Place a half or a large marshmallow or about 4 mini marshmallow in the center of each cup, pressing down into the batter slightly.
Evenly divide remaining batter {about another heaping teaspoon of batter} amongst the muffin cups and spoon on top of the marshmallow, covering it.
Bake in a 350 degree oven until puffed and crackly for approximately 10-12 minutes {it may take up to 15 minutes...but start checking at 10}.
Let cool for 10 minutes +/-.
Run knife along edges to release.
Dust with powdered sugar, optional.

Serve with a VERY cold glass of milk or vanilla ice cream!
Or if you want to be super decadent...hot fudge sauce...
but you may have chocolate overload {is that possible?}

{They look just as good w/o powdered sugar!}

What's Your Valentines Tradition?

How do you feel about Valentines Day?

Prompt #5 from this weeks Writers Workshop

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

DIY CLUB Monthly Project Party has CHANGES!

Hi all! I have some news and updates about The DIY Club.

Have you been over there we have some AWESOME bloggers crafting away.

Well, the big news is this....

You can now linkup with any product!

Although, if you make it to the TOP TEN and are in contention for the GRAND PRIZE, EXTRA POINTS are awarded in the judging for each sponsor product used...

and our sponsors ROCK! So you should use them anyway.

(check out the current sponsors)

You must still follow the rules for a qualified entry...just scroll on down to

"Who can join the party?"

AND

The party goes from the 1st of each month through the 21st!

Here is some info to clear up any questions...

What is the Monthly DIY Project Party?

It is a competitive monthly party in which DIY Club members (followers) link up quality DIY tutorials. They are narrowed down to the Top 10 and one lucky winner receives an amazing grand prize package of current DIY Club sponsors’ products.

Who can join the party?

The DIY Project Party Monthly Contest is a DIY tutorial party for DIY Club followers (members).

QUALIFIED ENTRANTS MUST:*

1. Be a follower of The DIY Club
2. Have the DIY Club Member Charm in their header or sidebar

QUALIFIED POSTS MUST:*

1. be a tutorial
2. include photos of all supplies used throughout the project
3. have the DIY Project Party button in the project post and/or sidebar
4. mention and link to The DIY Club in post
5. be a first-time entry in the DIY Project Party Monthly Contest

*If your post has been deleted from the linky party, please check the entrant and post qualifications above. Simply make any necessary changes and relink!

Nomination to Top 10

The DIY Club nominates 10 quality DIY project tutorials from the qualified posts (as indicated above). From the Top 10, one winner is selected using the criteria below.

Determining the Monthly Prize Package Winner

THE TOP 10 PROJECTS WILL BE JUDGED ON THESE CRITERIA:

1. use of sponsor products (points will be awarded for each sponsor product used and included in a post photo) (view sponsor list)
2. creativity/ingenuity of project
3. quality of project
4. quality of step-by-step instructions/tutorial
5. quality of photos

2011 Party Dates for Monthly DIY Project Party

Link up your projects starting the 1st day of each month and ending the 21st day of each month.

Here’s how to get started…

1. Hit the follower button in the Followers Gadget to become a member of The DIY Club.
2. Grab a member charm with a chain for your header or without a chain for your sidebar…
3. Get the party button into your post and/or sidebar. Go here to Grab a button!

What are you waiting for?...Go link up!

The prize package is fabulous!

GO CHECK OUT SOME COOL PROJECTS AT THE DIY CLUB!

**********COMMENTS ARE OFF*******

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

DIY Club! You'll Rock Valentine's Day with Custom Minicard Greetings

Alright...it is February 1...
that means, with this project, I am 12 (maybe 13) days
ahead of my normal Valentines schedule.

I'll cut to the chase so you can check out these cute little valentines treats complete with 9-year-old approved (sort of) messages and then you can hurry over to Moo and order your own customized Valentine cards!

My son painted this about masterpiece entitled "kind Heart" 2 years ago in school and I have just loved it ever since...the colors, the style...it stole my heart! This year I thought he would get a HOOT out of seeing his artwork on these minicards from Moo.

It was so easy to create my own card...it took minutes.

Supplies

Artwork - you own or your kids {at Moo you can upload more than one image to customize your set of cards...I just happened to just want to use one}
Hole punch (optional)
Ribbon (optional)
Treats to tie them to

DIY IT!

Create the card at Moo.
Attach the card to your treat!

Go check out the rest of the story at The DIY Club...

The New Project Party is happening.

Check out the new rules!

I attached my minicards to two different types of treats. My son has a current obsession with rock candy and we are making our own {I do confess the rock candy in this photo is store bought...who knew rock candy take like a week to make...not me!}. These minicards say "You Rock!" {ya know, for the oh-so-grown-up 9 year old!}

Then my friend Jenn over at Rook No. 17 made these A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E owl treats and "You're a Hoot!" seemed like the perfect sentiment. You must check out these sweet owls over at Rook No. 17 and guess what they are also a part or The DIY Club's January/February 2011 eZine.

I also had some minicards printed without any writing on the front, just the beautiful painting....and on the back a simple "Happy Valentine's Day" was the to-the-point message we decided on.