The April Collection | Lilacs, Robin's Egg Enamelware, Aprons, French Candles & Essentials

The April Collection

Dew covered green grass on cool mornings, warm afternoons, dirt under my fingernails, mud on my boots and air scented with lilacs. April, I'm so glad you are here.

For this collection, I've put together some classic favorites like the Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware and Willow Vases and added some fabulous Lilacs in the form of pot holders, aprons and table linens. I love the combination of these soft colors that are ushering in a casual and relaxed spring season that calls for dinners outside, too much time spent in the garden, fresher, lighter recipes (except those chocolate cupcakes!) and time spent playing in the grass.

Shop all of the new additions to the Spring Collection, here >

Lilac Print Aprons, $34

Perfect for Mother's Day, a birthday or just yourself.  I love the cottage prints on these aprons - even makes my mudroom look charming : )

Block Print Linens

I can't get enough of this lilac pattern in our house right now.  This airy repeated pattern is giving every room in my house a cottage feel.  I normally lean to stripes, or blocks of muted, natural colors, but this entire collection has turned my house into a quaint english cottage, and I LOVE it.
The Lilac print is just a touch feminine with tiny bits of a lavender/pink shade, but reads green from a distance making it the perfect, understated way to use a floral pattern.  I am just smitten and love how transforming it is for each space in our home.

Lilac Napkins, $34

Set of 4.

The favorite lilac pattern is repeated here with a triple band border around the perimeter.  































Lilac Tea Towel

No collection is complete without a tea towel!  I'm contemplating turning some of these into cafe curtains in Emma's bathroom.  Yes, I'm addicted to this pattern.




























Lilac Meena Potholders, $24 
Everyone needs a fresh set of potholders.  I've never seen a fresher version!  Now this is a potholder I would actually use when we have company... instead of the very tattered ones that were in my kitchen drawer!  These would make a great gift for a wedding shower, too.





























Lilac Jasna Potholders, $24

Here is my pattern again : )












































Lilac Cushion Cover, $34

Our white and ivory bedroom now feels like it is a cozy cottage room with just the addition of this lilac covered pillow cover and some fresh lilacs on the bedside.  






























Lilac Meena Tablecloth, $68
The other tablecloth that coordinates with this collection is the Lilac Meena Tablecloth.  It has a small graphic floral print in a pale lilac/pink color with the lacy lilacs at the border.  You can see it coordinates beautifully with the Lilac Napkins.

Lilac Jasna Tablecloth, $68

I already have my table set for Mother's Day : )  It would also be the perfect setting for a baby or bridal shower, or birthday.

Lilac French Tumbler Candle, $28.50

The scent of soft lilac is so precious to me.  My neighbor has a huge collection of lilac bushes, and when the warm sun hits them it perfumes my entire backyard.  I walk out onto our porch and breath so deeply every chance I get.

Poured in a Fleur de Lys French Tumbler, this is my favorite essential.  The tumbler can be used as a drinking glass or vase when the candle is finished.

Magnolia French Tumbler Candle, $28.50

This candle is just luxurious.  When I burned the sample, I just couldn't keep away from it.  The breeze coming in our window, swirled in with this candle is so peaceful and special.  It is clean, it is floral and fresh at the same time - one of those candles that fill your nose and you just can't get enough of.

Small Willow Vase, $10

This vase gives such an earthy and casual look to anything it contains.  I will use it for flowers and also to put candles in 

Cooking Utensil Essentials, $12

You know I love basics - essentials.  In fact, I love basics so much that in my kitchen you will only find the basics - when it comes to cooking utensils.  I stick with wooden spoons and white rubber scrapers.  I am a stickler, constantly whittling down to the basics so things don't get overcrowded.  

Set includes two wooden spoons, one wooden spatula, one large scraper and one small scraper. 

Bath Brush, $14

I had a massage a couple of years ago and the therapist shared insights on body brushing.  There is nothing more exhilarating (or exfoliating!) than using a body brush on your legs, feet and back when you are in the shower.  Completely transformative and helps circulate energy throughout your body. 

Facial Brush, $10

I use this face brush every morning and night along with my facial cleansing oil.  It exfoliates and smooths my entire face - without a huge price tag of an electric one.

Wooden Hair Brush, $14

Why are simple, pretty essentials so hard to find?  I love the natural colors and materials used in this brush.  It keeps my bathroom feeling soothing, instead of something bright and plastic.

Dish Brush Duo, $10

I use all of the brushes in my Kitchen Brush Set, but these are the two that I need to replace on a regular basis because they get used so much.

Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware

Brought back by popular demand, a favorite from last summer's collection - Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware.  

Nothing says summer entertaining like enamelware - especially, in this perfect Robin's Egg (better known as Seaside around here) Blue color.  It is the perfect lightweight service-ware for using outdoors or on picnics.  Every time I use these, I love them even more. 

Each piece of Enamelware will hold its own characteristics and slight blemishes, due to its casual style.  Please see closeup photo for reference.

Oval Platter with Handles, $18

15x10"

This platter is just the perfect size to display veggies from the grill, a big slab of brisket (shown here) or a long pound cake going down the center with whipped cream and berries piled around.  

Large Basin Bowl, $16

I use this bowl all of the time.  It is perfect for a big salad or vegetables, like this french potato salad, or...

I love using the Big Basin Bowl ice as a cooler for beer or presseco. 

Round Platter, $16

Last year I showed this large round platter with piles of fresh seafood, potatoes and corn - our favorite summer seafood boil.  The options are endless for this - even filled with chips and a bowl for guacamole would be perfect.

Colander, $18

This is fun for anything (and always the first to sell out!)- especially a big pile of freshly washed berries.

Rectangle Platter with Handles, $22

Great for appetizers or a veggie platter.  This also is a great way to display rows of sliders, or cupcakes. 

Mini Dessert Pots, $24, Set of 6

The cutest thing for summer.  I use mine for small scoops of ice cream, or individual crumbles... also topped with ice cream. 

I put peach ice cream in the mini pots and topped them with tiny, super soft snickerdoodle cookies - a favorite combo.

Appetizer Plates, Set of 6, $24

I love these little 6" round plates.  There are always what I need when we are entertaining - to put out with snacks, appetizers or next to a tray of cupcakes.  Since they are enamelware, they add just enough of color and charm to any setting, whether it is inside for Mother's Day or outside for a BBQ.  





Shop the entire Spring Collection, here >

The Best Super Soft Buttercream Icing + Robin's Egg Enamelware is Coming Back Tomorrow!

Super Soft Buttercream Cupcakes

As I get older, I find that I am particular about the strangest things.   A recent development is too thick, too sweet, too much icing on cupcakes.  I mean, how strange to care!  Get a life, right?!  Except.  Except, I no longer look forward to eating cupcakes at bakeries or birthday parties because I know they are all going to be the same - a huge amount of very sugary, very thick icing.

The worst part is that I've been a culprit.  I've shown you how to pile big swirls of buttercream on top of cupcakes because they look great - "just like a professional bakery."  Well, I'm sorry.  Today I'm redeeming myself.  Today, I'm showing you how to make a soft, luscious, creamy buttercream - the kind that you can't see teeth marks in after you take a bite, the kind that swoops and sags a little because it is so soft and delicious.  The kind that looks like a homemade cupcake - and looks better for it.

Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware & Lilacs... tomorrow!

Some of you might have noticed the Robin's Egg Blue Tray ($22) that these cupcakes are sitting on... that's right the Enamelware is coming back in stock tomorrow!  I will have the same items I've had the last couple of years, as well as some new pieces.  There are also some new Lilac Linens that I'm crazy about (and are so so great for Mother's Day!).  I'll see you in the store tomorrow morning at 6 AM CDST.

UPDATE : These are now available!  Visit my store to shop >

See how the icing falls a little.  Soft and so yummy.  To achieve the look, I've provided my recipe, then follow it with the method for achieving the look - super easy.

Super Soft 
Buttercream

Makes enough frosting for 14-18 cupcakes.

1 stick of butter, softened
1 stick of butter, melted
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
*vanilla or almond extract, optional

In a mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together softened butter with powdered sugar.  When combined, begin adding melted butter until you've reached the consistency you would like.  There is a bit of trial involved with this method - if you feel it is too thick, add more melted butter.  If you feel it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.  You are going for a tad thicker whipped cream consistency.

I've recently added a new 18" pastry bag that comes in the roll of 100 (like my roll of 12").  My sister pointed out that the 12" are too small for a typical batch of buttercream icing.  So, here you go Jill!

I started with chocolate cupcakes from a boxed mix and baked them in my Brown Jumbo Cupcake Papers.

Start with a blob of icing in the center, then continue adding icing until...



You get about this much.

Then here is the trick to loosen it up and give it that relaxed, homemade look.  Tap the icing on the counter (or on your hand) until it smooths out and spreads on its own, to the edges.

See how pretty and soft?  

I added some pansies from a potted container that sits on our picnic table.  They are edible, but your guests will probably just pick them off.

I think these are the sweetest looking cupcakes I've ever seen - and so simple to make.  

I love being able to make something at home (with very little effort) that is beautiful - and I love being able to share those ideas with you to empower you, as well.  It might not be rocket science, but being able to make a beautiful, yummy treat for your family's celebrations or Wednesday nights definitely has power : )

I'll see you tomorrow morning for the unveiling of new products including the Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware and Lilac Linens!

The BEST Homemade Meatballs | Spaghetti & Meatballs

I'm sure you already have a Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe - everyone does.  The key to making things that everyone makes - and already loves - is to make them the best.  Every single time I make Spaghetti & Meatballs, Mike and I rave - oh, these are the best yet.  If you have not tried to make you're own homemade meatballs, I really encourage you to.  They are so so so easy - and so much better than anything you can buy.

They are a staple around our house - usually on Sundays.  I make a triple batch of meatballs and have them for lunch throughout the week or put them in the freezer.  This recipe takes 20 minutes, but can me made far in advance, so is great for a casual dinner party, or cozy family dinner.

UPDATE : Some of my readers have had difficulty with using the silpat.  I've switched to using pre-cut parchment sheets that fit perfectly in a sheet pan... they are a dream.  They are non-stick and you can just throw them away after you use them.  I use them for everything - cookies, roasting vegetables, meatballs, etc.  I'm stocking them in my store as one of my favorite "essentials" - 200 sheets for $12... which should be a year supply.  No more washing the silpat! 

Using a food processor makes it a very quick process - no mincing garlic, grating cheese or chopping parsley.  Throw it all in and...

You end up with the most amazing seasoned breadcrumbs. 

Pour them on top of the meat, then add the eggs.  The general rule I follow is 1 egg for every pound of meat. 

The milk keeps the meatballs moist.

Fluff the mixture with a fork to combine - it keeps the mixture from getting compact. 

All combined.  Look at all of that flavor!

I use an ice cream scoop to portion them into the same size, then use my hands to form them into balls.

I bake them on a Silpat lined baking sheet so they come off easily.

*Silpat does not recommend using it under a broiler.  I have not had a problem with mine, but others have said it was damaged.

UPDATE : I've switched to using pre-cut parchment sheets that fit perfectly in a sheet pan... they are a dream.

I love that these are baked instead of fried in oil.  Healthier and no huge greasy mess to clean up.

Homemade Meatballs

so easy

1 pound of ground beef

2 slices of bread

2 cloves of garlic
fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese 

2 tablespoons of milk

1 egg
salt & pepper

Food Processor Method :

Begin by cutting bread into cubes.  In the food processor, put garlic & parsley.  Pulse until both are finely chopped.  Add parmesan cheese cut into 1-inch cubes (if not already grated).  Pulse until fine.  Add bread in small batches and pulse.   Add mixture to ground beef.  Add eggs, milk, salt and pepper then mix with a fork, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.


By Hand Method : 

Tear bread into small pieces.  Add grated parmeasan, minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.  Add eggs and milk. Mix together.  Add mixture to ground beef.  Mix with a fork, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.

Form into balls with an ice cream scoop and place on a baking sheet.  Cook meatballs at 400 degrees in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

Serve with spaghetti and tomato sauce - for my recipe, click here.