Patricia Zapata (aka A Little Hut) had the best idea ever when she created her calendar as a PDF you purchase then download. I saw 2008’s, but was too slow to act. Before I knew it, it was March. Not this year – I was her first customer! I can’t wait to go all crafty on mine and get out all of the lovely little snippets of paper and things that I’ve set aside for just this sort of thing.
Isn’t it funny how artificial cherry flavor tastes nothing like cherries? I absolutely despise it. So with that thought in mind, I give you Cherry Week – involving nothing but the actual ruby red fruit itself.
We’re kicking off the week with Cherry Jam Cake. Cherry jam in and of itself is one of my favorites, so I’m pretty convinced this one is a win-win.
:: photo and recipe via Culinary Concoctions by Peabody
Posted In recipes
The week immediately following a long weekend is always endlessly long. So what better way to start it off than with a new contest?
Vinyl Wall Art has a great variety of wall decals for both adults and kiddies and I was thrilled when the lovely Holly contacted me about doing her first ever contest! The winner will receive an XX-Large matte black owl decal (15 x 23″). What I love most about this design is that it’s perfect for either a fun corner of your home or a child’s play space.
The rules are simple. Leave a comment telling me where you would put the decal if you won. Does your reading nook need updated? Having a baby and need to complete the nursery? You tell me. But do it by noon CST this Thursday, July 10, 2008 because that’s when I’ll choose the lucky winner! (Sorry, but this particular contest is only available to those who live in the United States.)
If you visit vinylwallart.com between now and July 31st you’ll also receive free standard shipping on all orders over $100!
Posted In win it
I’m verrry slooowly getting back into the groove of life after the long weekend and a nasty intestinal bug that showed up right around my bedtime last night. Blech. That means I’m running on about four hours sleep and I am most definitely an at least eight hours kinda girl.
Over the next few weeks things will be a little hectic and unpredictable here at Design Crush. I close on my house this Wednesday (woohoo!) and will be on “vacation” next Monday and Tuesday to make an attempt at putting some semblance of order to the new abode. But hold tight and I promise to get things back to normal as soon as possible!
:: image via ffffound
Posted In monday goodness
I’m mentally crashing with the long weekend just around the bend, so I thought I’d better get this last post in before it slipped my comatose mind. I hope you all have a lovely 4th of July weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday bright and early!
This Weekend:
• buy paint!
• pack
• hang out with E by the pool
• hit up some fireworks with C
• pack some more
• try to unplug from my Macbook
• grill
• yet more packing
• collect things for Goodwill
:: photo via ffffound
Posted In happy weekend
I’m not attending any 4th of July get togethers this year (that I know of at least – seems like something always pops up though!), but if I were I think this Wild Blueberries & Cream Tart would be the perfect dessert to take along. I might even toss a few sliced up strawberries on top for that extra red, white and blue touch! I wouldn’t want to be called out for being unpatriotic or anything…
:: photo and recipe via visions of Sugar Plum
Posted In recipes
16 Sparrows always has the most ingenious freebies. Like this Private Eye ID card. Download yours and gumshoe away!
I was in a real letterpress slump for awhile, but I can feel myself pulling out of it as I type. Thanks in part to these adorable birthday cards from Night Owl Paper Goods. (Psst… Order $40 worth of merchandise or more and receive a free cotton tote bag!)
Hong Kong-based designer Michael Young is the epitome of successful in his field. And so widely copied is his work that chances are you’ve come across it and not even known. I love that his work spans the gamut from large to small and everywhere in between. Young has only recently popped up on my radar, but now that my eyes are open I’ll definitely be keeping a look out for more from this amazing designer.
Negroni Punch seems like it might just be the perfect July 4th cocktail. Light and fruity for the hot weather most us will be experiencing and crisp enough for watching fireworks under the stars. Take advantage of all the fruit that’s currently in season and mix up a batch of your own!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as berries, pitted cherries, and pitted sliced apricots and peaches)
– 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar (optional)
– 1 cup Campari
– 1 cup sweet vermouth
– 1 cup gin
– 2 750-ml bottles chilled Prosecco
– Ice cubes
Place fruit in large punch bowl. Sprinkle with sugar to taste, if desired; stir and let stand 10 minutes for sugar to dissolve and juices to form. Add all remaining ingredients except ice cubes. Divide punch among 8 tall ice-filled glasses and serve.
:: photo and cocktail via Epicurious
Posted In cocktails