{Giveaway} houses & squirrels....

Pheewww, it's finally the weekend and in case you find yourself cruisin' around on the computer, I wanted to let you know about a few giveaways that Chris & I are participating in here in cyberland that end soon. The first one is for your squirrel lovin' kiddo. Over at the la petite magazine blog, I have an organic toddler tee with a thread drawn squirrel, ready to giveaway. These are super soft and the color is gorgeous. Pop on over to la petite to learn how to enter & this tee can be yours (enter by Monday the 21st)! 

This next giveaway is particularly special. You may remember me posting about these beautiful houses that Chris makes for hutch studio. They're so cheerful, unique, & pretty. There is a garland of houses ready to be given away over at kickcan & conkers right now! This one can't be missed so head on over to see how to enter (ends Sunday the 20th).

Good luck! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! 

{Fun} the big four- zero...

Today was a good day. I turned 40 & it wasn't that bad. Actually... I liked it. I feel like I sort of earned it really. It feels good to know who I am & to have learned a thing or two along those bumpy roads to here.   

One of the things that my birthdays continuously remind me of (other than the reality of gravity), is that  I have some truly wonderful people in my life. - Remarkable people who make me feel so lucky & brighten my every day. I find that I'm surrounded by friends who always go out of their way to make me feel special & I'm genuinely touched. On a day like today, I want to give something back- something simple & sweet for those that I care about.... 

Mini Cheese Cakes

24 Vanilla Wafers                                             

1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

2/3 Cup Sugar                                                   

3 large eggs                                                      

3 - 8oz. Philly Cream Cheese (Original)

Large can Cherry Pie Filling

1/2 tsp. Almond Extract

* Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.  Place one vanilla wafer in each.

* Beat sugar, eggs & cream cheese for 5 minutes until smooth.  Add vanilla.

* Divide into muffin cups & bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes.  Will crack and brown slightly.

* Cool and chill overnight.

* Mix almond extract into Cherry Pie Filling to cover "tiny" taste.  

Put 3-5 cherries on each serving. Can be eaten with fingers or spoon.  

Makes 24-28 cheese cakes.

I'm telling you - this is goooooood cheesecake. I've requested this cheesecake for my birthdays since the days of braces, rollerskating, & slumber parties. Tonight, was no exception. We introduced Sayer to the wonders of these little gems & tomorrow (as tradition dictates) they will be my breakfast. This secret weakness of mine lies in your hands now... enjoy!  Thank you for your friendship- it means the world to me (& it's not just the wine & cheesecake talkin')...

{Good Read} Uppercase Love #8....

I'm a firm believer that a child is never too young to appreciate good design. Of course, nice books & magazines fall into that category. My UPPERCASE magazine #8 came a little over a week ago & I've been just itchin' to sit down and read it cover to cover. But, as things go around here, I haven't had a lot of time to really savor it's brilliance. That's when I decided that it was time to introduce Sayer to my favorite magazine. 

This kid is definitely is a chip off the ol' block. He knows a stellar publication when he sees it. He even gravitated towards the same pages that I did. I think deep down he was just as  inspired too. 

The first thing I notice when I opened the magazine, is the picture of my bike that I took for one of my UPPERCASE love posts! I have to say, it sort of made my day. But that was just the beginning of my delight. Again, this magazine is always so timely- everything is just what I'm interested in right now. Here is a glimpse of the first 4 articles that I had a chance to read and truly enjoyed.

1. {Fine Print} Children's books: beautiful books enjoyed by those big & small. by Frances Atikinson- pg14-15 

2. {Sketchbook} Ed Emberley's sketchbook by Mignon Khargie page 58-62 - I actually remember vividly trying to learn to draw from the "Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals" when I was a kid. I may even have my old book in a box somewhere.

3. {Beginnings} How successful creatives got their start ~ Poketo by Erin Loechner page 12-13 - I found this article so inspiring & helpful.

4. {Field Trip} The Dollhouse: Artist Heather Benning creates an installation that toys with scale and memory. pg 86-89 

I have a lot more of the new UPPERCASE to explore, but I  can confidently say that both Sayer & I are intrigued & looking forward to discovering what is on the next page...
Do you have a favorite magazine that you love to share?

{Music Monday} Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day full of sweet surprises. Sayer helped me pick the music selection for today & he announced that this is the song & video that he loves. Happy Music Monday!