COZY HOME CHRONICLES

Tutorial: Pink Sugar Hearts

2012-02-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

I have unearthed a gem, sitting of all places in the sales rack at Barnes&Noble -- a masterfully photographed book called Beautiful Cakes .

Not only does it give cake decorating step-by-step instruction, but it includes this little how to, perfect for Valentine tea!! Behold -- the heart-shaped sugar cube. Easy to make, store and beautiful to display!

The book uses a teeny, weeny heart-shaped cookie cutter in which to pack the sugar, but I chose to use a candy mold. It worked perfectly, the cubes were perfectly molded and I could make more than one at a time!
A pretty mixture of one drop red food coloring, 1/2 cup sugar and a teaspoon of water. Mix, pack into mold or cutter, let set and pop out!A few more drops of red coloring made jolly red hearts...
Such a pretty process...
Too pretty to eat in an antique pressed-glass bowl...

Ready for our Valentine tea party!

(reprinted 2010 post)

Practicing Random Acts of Kindness

2012-01-30T09:28:00.006-05:00

I loved this article on random acts of kindness in the Daily Mail today; give it a read, it will put a smile on your face.

It's amazing how many opportunities there are out there to show kindness if you are looking, big and small, that have great impact.

I've also been the recipient of a small, but meaningful act this week ~ a friend's little girl asked me if I needed help with my bags when she saw the size of my baby belly; I was sure to let her mom know how impressed I was with her thoughtfulness.

Throughout my pregnancy, my husband has been an encyclopedia of kindness. There is no selfless act too big for this wonderful man.

My little daughter will stop me in the middle of a back-breaking chore and ask if I need a hug. Or she will tell me to just sit down and rest for a moment. Every time, she brings tears to my eyes, and I can see the pride she feels in helping me.

One prominent act of kindness that still boggles my mind, happened when I was 19, studying abroad in London, riding on the packed, morning underground.

My friends and I, quietly sitting in a row on our way to school, unfortunately caught the eye of a drunk, possibly mentally ill man, who decided to make us his target. He ranted every possible foul name in the book at us and wobbled closer and closer until he was standing right in front of us, shouting.

Around us, not a soul said a word, lifted their eyes from their papers or even shifted in their seats. The car was entirely silent except for the sound of those drunken insults being hurled.

Then through the packed train, full of refined commuters, weaved a big, intimidating-looking man, rough around the edges. He made his way to us, grabbed the drunk man firmly by the arm and whispered something in his ear.

To this day, I wish I knew what he said, because the look on the ranting man's face was priceless. Shock and instant calm. When the train stopped at the next station, the big man firmly escorted the drunk man off the train, then stepped back in before the doors closed.

He never once looked at us, and kept his back to us the remainder of the journey. He didn't look for credit or thanks, he simply did what was right because he could.

I tried to catch his eye on the way off the train to thank him, but he stared steadfast in the other direction. I whispered "thank you" and made my way through the crowd off the train.

Still amazing to me, I will never, ever forget that hero.

Retro Pregnancy Styles ~ Oh the Tents!

2012-01-24T12:55:00.001-05:00

As a *ahem* lady-in-waiting, I, out of curiosity, checked into the maternity styles of the 40's-60's.

Well ... it seems smock & tent styles were all the rage. Better than today's slimline maternity clothes?

I can't decide...

But those girdle things? NOT A CHANCE.

Planning Our Retro Nursery

2012-01-21T09:12:00.001-05:00

I've been tucking pretty retro nursery photos into a folder on my computer for years, and now with the help of Etsy & Ebay, we are starting to design!

I adore these pretty planters from the 40's-60's ~ they have inspired our color scheme, pale pink & pale aqua.

Gorgeous retro books will line the shelves...

Swiss dot curtains at the window...

And last, but certainly not least, IRMI lamps, my absolute favorite is the flower cart girl!

What would you add?

Gender Reveal!! It's a...

2012-01-19T17:49:00.001-05:00

BABY GIRL!!!

And goodness gracious, it's just what her big sister Miss Cozy "ordered"! ;)

Next Stop: American Girl Store NYC!

2012-01-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

When my daughter was a mere four-years-old, she started dreaming over American Girl catalogs. We told her that when she turned SEVEN, we would take her to New York to bring home her favorite doll, Ruthie.

And finally, after what seemed to her like an eternity, that day is here! Her seventh birthday is next month, but we wanted to get there while this baby belly of mine is still a comfortable size :)

Thanks to the excellent customer service at these stores, Ruthie will be waiting, wrapped, at the concierge desk when we arrive this weekend:

We have reservations for TEA at American Girl Place -- and tea comes complete with a tiny tea set and chair for her new dolly friend.

And little does she know, but many of her doll's accessories are waiting for her actual birthday at grandma's house ~ among them, this gorgeous little Depression-era bed:

And little lunchbox full of tiny foods (I love the carrot!):

Our little girl is counting down the days!

Downton Abbey Season 2 Starts TONIGHT!

2012-01-08T18:09:00.001-05:00

Only three hours to the start of Downton Abbey, season two on PBS Masterpiece Theater!

I caught an episode from this new season while it aired months ago in the UK and it was FANTASTIC!

Anyone else watching? (As if I have to ask...)

Pretty Holiday Travel Accessories

2011-12-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

My daughter loves to travel to Cincinnati for a pre-Christmas visit with my husband's side of the family -- and her four beloved cousins!

Every year we add another little piece to her Christmas travel paraphenalia ~ little treats for better entertainment and comfort on the lengthy 10-hour car ride. From Gymboree:

For travel DVDs, coloring books, small dolls and handheld games, this small tote from Land's End (monogrammed of course... :)

A darling plum pudding hand knit hat from Etsy, to match her pretty, red winter coat:

Adorable Christmas jammies for sleepovers with her cousins at Nana's house, and for cute photo ops while they enjoy breakfast together (from Pottery Barn Kids):

Pretty luggage, in a coordinating jolly red floral, I love this large duffle bag on wheels from Pottery Barn Kids:

So pretty next to the wrapped gifts in the back of our car :)

And last, but not least, a tiny sleeping bag for her Pottery Barn Kids Sophie doll, a miniature version of her own puppy sleeping bag!

We had a great time on our trip to Nana's, but are so glad to be home ~ time to return unexpected Xmas cards, finish baking, wrapping and unpacking!

Mrs. Cozy Home is Having a Baby!

2011-12-07T07:48:00.000-05:00

A happy announcement ~ we are adding to our little family of three, this Spring!

A Cozy Baby is on its way...

Finally in my second trimester, baby healthy and active, a wonderful holiday blessing.

Cath Kidston Discount Code -- 15% Off!

2011-11-30T07:55:00.002-05:00

Don't you love wonderful little surprises like this?

Readers, as you may remember from this previous post, this is the beautiful boucle pillow that I saw while in the Windsor CK shop, agonized over, ultimately left there -- and then returned home to find it out of stock online.

Yes, I know you too have felt this brand of pain.

In the traditional primarys & pink 1940's colors, this was the perfect pillow for my daughter's bed, the one missing element from her 1940's bluebird bedroom. Sob.

Just to torture myself, with this one-day 15% discount in hand, I peeked at the cushion page on CK's site.

GASP! Did my eyes deceive me? It's BACK IN STOCK?? Oh the bells are ringing! A Christmas miracle! So I snapped it up and will be stalking the mailman until it arrives :)

Obsess with me? The pillow, one more time:

Tea Treats at Fortnum & Mason

2011-11-29T12:29:00.002-05:00

Capping off what was one of the most exciting days I've had in quite some time -- first time touring Buckingham Palace in all these years (it was splendid) to see the Duchess of Cambridge's beautiful wedding dress -- my friend and I stopped for tea!

Fortnum & Mason's tea room is all a tea room should be -- welcoming, comfortable and full of little nooks where one can have a private conversation!

I had the afternoon tea -- light & refreshing -- which I am also coincidentally drinking right this moment as well!

Oh ... just looking at these cakes and tart make me wish for another plate!

Regretting not bringing a jar of this preserve home with me -- it tasted homemade.

What, I ask you, is more delicious than a scone with one's tea?

A perfect place to snuggle in on a cold, winter afternoon!

Old-Fashioned Confectionary Counter at Fortnum & Mason

2011-11-28T09:13:00.002-05:00

Oh the beautiful things to see at Fortnum & Mason's Confectionary Counter! We enjoyed a good shop and a break for afternoon tea while in London.

Past the footmen -- candy straight ahead!

Oh the pastel heaven ... homemade marshmallows cut in generous blocks, fruitcake and turkish delight...

Beautiful pastels...

Gorgeous, vibrant glace fruit -- how beautiful as part of a Christmas table centerpiece.

And the beautiful marzipan (my always favorite) -- look at those mini fruits, but I think I like the mini carrots the best.

And in the main hall, the beautiful tea displays -- I chose a light afternoon tea from this display, which I had enjoyed upstairs in their tea room!

Gorgeous, carved banisters along the staircases...upstairs to tea!

Windsor's Beautiful Cath Kidston Shop

2011-11-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

Join me on a tour of the fantastic (two-floors!) Cath Kidston in Windsor! My wonderful friend took me shopping in pretty Windsor during my recent trip to the UK and we *GASPED* when we saw the town's CK branch!

First floor -- kitchen, bathroom, bags & kids' supplies!

Moving up the stairs to the second floor -- even the business office is pretty!

Stationary, linens and haberdashery were on the second floor. I think we would spent the afternoon there if they let us.

Please join me in my regret that I left this pillow behind -- now sold out online. Deep, deep regret.

Gorgeous royal antiques -- from books to plates, tins and pincushions!

This gorgeous tea towel was framed over the mantle.

We were so sad to leave, but as you can imagine, walked out with an armload!

One last peek at the shop's autumn-themed window display...

And off for another round of shops in Windsor!!

Wishing You a Cozy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

The Thanksgiving pageant was adorable (I for one think we should be dressing children up as pilgrims more regularly).

Always in the spirit of the holiday, my little lady and I just watched "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" while baking up a batch of gingerbread turkeys! Mr. Cozy will like walking through the door to this delicious smell, and he's coming home early today, hooray!

Tomorrow we spend the holiday at my parents' house; my daughter is looking forward to her pumpkin pie! (I am a stuffing fan myself.)

And maybe, if we're REALLY lucky, our little family of three will get to wish on the wishbone -- who knows what kind of wonderful luck it will bring this holiday season!

Thanksgiving is always the perfect time to celebrate one's blessings...

Weekend Baking & Thanksgiving Pageant Prep

2011-11-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

Spent a happy, relaxing weekend baking with my daughter, cleaning the house and admiring the gorgeous leaves still hanging around in our neighborhood.

Have a busy week of volunteering at my daughter's school, doctor's appointments and starting the pre-Christmas clean at home!

Excited to help the first graders sort out their pilgrim costumes for the pageant this week ... honestly, what is cuter than a group of 6 year old pilgrims? :)

Cozy Autumn Recipe: Spinach-Chicken Lasagne

2011-11-11T13:51:00.001-05:00

Here's a warm, cozy recipe that had them singing this week!

Spinach-Chicken Lasagne

9 lasagna noodles
1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups chicken meat (I just used a grocery store rotisserie chicken.)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and rinse with cold water.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the butter until tender, stirring frequently. Stir in the flour and salt, and simmer until bubbly. Mix in the broth and milk, and boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with the black pepper. Remove from heat, and set aside.

3. Spread 1/3 of the sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles, all of the cottage cheese, then all of the chicken. Arrange 3 more noodles over the chicken, and layer with 1/3 of the sauce mixture, all of the spinach, and the remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Arrange remaining noodles over cheese, and spread remaining sauce evenly over noodles. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven.

I made this the night before and stored it covered in the fridge, so I ended up baking for 50 minutes, then it sat for about 10, so it cut into perfect squares. Enjoy!

Grocery Store Images from the 40's, 50's & 60's

2011-11-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Cozy Home has been a very busy girl.

October and early November turned out to be party time here at Cozy Home; we hosted a Halloween get together, a dinner party for six, and last, a larger potluck for the parents in our daughter's first grade class, as well as their teacher, principal and headmistress. Whew!

As you can imagine, I spent quite a bit of time at grocery and gourmet food markets. None, however, quite as inventive as the one above :)

Enjoy these images from the 40's, 50's and 60's with me -- it's fascinating to note the things that have changed and alternately, the things that are still shockingly the same!

Which image speaks to you?

Though, what couldn't you live without from modern grocery stores today?

Retro Travel Exhibit at the Smithsonian

2011-10-06T13:52:00.000-04:00

The Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum has this fantastic exhibit in place -- a review of air travel's "golden age." I thought you'd like to come along for a look at these nostalgic images...

A sample meal ... and real silverware!

Air hostess uniforms from the various airlines of the day...

New Retro Show: Pan Am

2011-09-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

Did you watch on Sunday night?

What did you think?

I loved the sets & costumes, the era details thrown in and the characters aren't bad ... (*in hushed tones* ... it's no Mad Men though, is it?)

I adore images of retro travel -- a time when people dressed up to travel and airlines included all the extras as a matter of travel.

Watch this space for great photos from the Air & Space Museum's current exhibit on air travel in the 1950's, my daughter and I fit in a trip to the Smithsonian museum before school started.

Come Fly With Me!

Tutorial: Embroidered Vintage Vacation Album

2011-09-23T09:09:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite projects of the past few years is making personalized photo albums for my daughter celebrating birthday parties, school years, travel and years of friendship with her little buddies.

Her bedroom is decorated in a 1940's light blue, red, pink and splash-of-yellow color scheme (with a whole lotta Cath!), so I try and personalize each album using vintage fabrics and embroidery to match.

My inspiration for her photo album of our recent trip to Mexico is the movie "Easy to Wed" starring Van Johnson, Esther Williams and Lucille Ball -- in fact, it was aired during TCM's tribute week to Ball.

The movie took place in 1940's Mexico, chock full of fabulous retro swimsuits, poolside antics & Mexican performers in colorful costume.

Loving the striped umbrellas and fantastic, ruched swimsuits!

Gorgeous straw hats & a dapper leading man!

A chenille-monogrammed, terry swimsuit robe, I might have to find one of these for ME!

So I went to the home of all fabulous vintage things, Etsy, and found this great length of linen from the 50's, intended to be cut up for dishtowels I believe. Goodness, I loved that cheery flower cart...

I measured the fabric around the photo album, positioning the graphics where I wanted then to show on the front and spine and cut the piece out.

It was a thick linen, so the color of the album didn't matter in this case, it didn't show through -- but if you choose a thinner fabric, you might want to try and find a close match.

Next, I took the cut out piece of fabric and centered it in an embroidery hoop. I penciled in the word "Mexico" and started outlining the letter using simple, small stitches in a coordinating red floss.

When the embroidery was complete, I lined up the fabric with the photo album and used a simple glue stick to secure it, overlapping the edges on the inside covers and spine. Don't worry about the raw edges showing, we'll cover that up with coordinating paper!

Here's a shot of how I did the spine: I tucked the fabric right in and used loads of glue to secure. It's surprisingly easy and there's plenty of room to maneuver.

And last, I lined the front and back -- with scrapbook paper! (Remember those striped umbrellas from the movie above?) It took a total of 4 pieces of 12 X 12 paper to line up the pattern and cover both ends.

I measured the first piece of paper on the inside cover, cutting to shape, and it does a great job covering about 2/3 of the inside.

Then, I took the second piece, measured and cut to shape, lining up the pattern, and trimmed any edges that stuck beyond the original inside paper lining. Repeat with the inside back lining paper!

I always inscribe a little message to my daughter about the trip and put a label with "Handmade with Love from Mommy" in the back!

It does seem quite a bit of work when albums are so easy to grab at Target.

But to my surprise it was promptly brought in with excitement to show-and-tell. Even though she's only six, I am proud that SHE takes pride in the special-ness of something handmade.
She gets it :)

Thank You, 195.

2011-09-14T19:25:00.002-04:00

Ever-amazing to me, my dear, loyal followers have jumped to a whopping 195 -- a number I hadn't thought possible when I first started this blog.

As a landmark 200 approaches, I wanted to pause to say thank you.

Thank you to those who take the time to comment -- I value your insights, kind words and creative ideas.

Thank you to those who "lurk": that is, those who simply read, and have followed our tales through the years. You make up the bulk of this substantial number.

Thank you so much, from our little cozy home, to yours.

First-Day-School Gift: A Dear Little Burberry Hand!

2011-09-08T11:10:00.002-04:00

As room parent to my daughter's fantastic first grade class, I look forward to being able to help out, to "give a hand" if you will!

I popped this first-day-of-school teacher gift in my daughter's backpack for her new teacher -- antibacterial gel for busy little hands in the classroom in a warm, homey scent from Bath & Body Works.

For the little hand tag, I traced my daughter's hand onto a re-purposed Burberry carrier bag (a great plaid to match the fall-tones on the bottle), then cut it out, punched a hole in the base and used the back to write a note.

A helping hand!

But before I close, let me thank Jina at the WONDERFUL blog Pink Picadilly Pastries for a "Versatile Blogger Award" I am honored!

The rules for this award are: 1: To thank the person who gave you this award with a link back to them and 2: tell seven things about yourself. So here goes seven random facts:

1. I was born in Washington. D.C. as was my daughter.

2. My favorite color is red, and it has always been.

3. One of my treasured possessions is a monogrammed, quilted, silk bed jacket I bought to wear in the hospital when my daughter was born. It is wonderfully warm and light!

4. I will be visiting Buckingham Palace on Oct. 3 to see the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding gown with one of my bestest friends. I can't write more about it, because I will become unruly and over-excited :)

3. When my daughter sees me in school carpool, through the car window, her whole face lights up in a beaming, toothless smile. This is my favorite part of every day.

2. Our master bathroom is pale pink with silver and crystal accents.

1. When my sweet husband and I first started dating, I was so love sick that I couldn't eat. Luckily, we have rectified this problem :)

Back-to-School Cozy: Kitchen Hutch

2011-09-07T20:14:00.003-04:00

Little apples falling from the tree perched on her grandmother's old plaid lunchbox ... happy daisies smiling above red gingham bows ... a blank chalkboard just waiting to be drawn on.

All are little reminders to my anxious, rising first grader that a new school year presents us with a blank slate, fantastic memories and an inevitable fall or two :)

Little, pretty visuals to transfer into a new season.

Compiled not only to help along a little girl who resists change...

...but also for her mamma, who feels quite the same way :)

Back-to-School Front Door Wreath

2011-09-07T13:49:00.002-04:00

Cozy Home's simple, cheery back-to-school wreath was easy to make and a great backdrop for first-day-of-school photos!

You'll need: a grape vine wreath ($5 at A.C. Moore), wired gingham ribbon ($4 a spool at Michael's), paper mache apples ($8 a bunch at Michael's), floral wire and your favorite school supplies!

There's still room on our wreath for a few more supplies, though I'm on the lookout for a little red schoolhouse!

Wind ribbon around wreath, tucking ends into vine.

Next, make coordinating bow and wire onto wreath, I taped the wire to the back of the ruler and pencil bunch and wrapped the ends around the back for a firm hold on windy, rainy days like today!

Back-to-school cozy!

Back-to-School Week: Pencil Vases

2011-09-06T08:46:00.000-04:00

I love decorating the house for back-to-school; a visual reminder that summer is winding down and new sneakers, uniforms, backpacks & lunchboxes soon will get an airing.

Here's one of my favorite crafts -- pencil vases. SO easy to make:

OK -- visualize this: You are going to line the pencils up surrounding the vase, tucking each (yellow side out) inside the rubber bands you have wrapped around the middle of the vase.

Next, I tied a wide red gingham ribbon around the middle, hiding the rubber band, and popped some pretty, fresh daisies inside!

The pencil vases are part of the back-to-school set up on my kitchen hutch (I'll show you later this week), they are pretty, inexpensive to make and definitely unique! :)

In the Dark for a Short Time

2011-08-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

My heart goes out to those millions East Coasters still without power after the hurricane; many have been told it will be weeks until they have electricity.

Our power went out for a mere five hours and we have had no damage to property or cars. We consider ourselves extremely lucky.

While the wind whipped and bent our trees, rain thundering down, our little daughter slept peacefully.

From Earthquake to Hurricane: In the Path of Irene

2011-08-26T17:04:00.003-04:00

Never a dull day ... well, as soon as we finished straightening pictures on the walls and cleaning up drywall from the earthquake, reports came in about threatening Hurricane Irene, due to hit DC sometime late tomorrow.

Irene's a monster; our energy supplier has already called with a recorded message warning us that our area may face days of no electricity, as winds are likely to play havoc with lines.

DC appears to be in the "high threat" color zone, with our coastal cities being hit the hardest. I have wonderful friends in many of them I am greatly worried about...

I will post photos when the storms start (if we keep power long enough); I've already been to the ransacked grocery store for water and non-perishables.

Here's the emergency list FEMA posted; my prayers go out to those in the most exposed areas, may this pass with all safe and sound.

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunisation records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

source:nhc.noaa.gov

So How 'Bout That Earthquake?

2011-08-23T16:27:00.003-04:00

See that little red bull's eye? That's the epicenter of a 5.9 magnitude quake that hit the East Coast. And of all days, we chose to go South for a little back-to-school shopping at Potomac Mills Outlet Mall, located right outside that epicenter in Virginia.

Happily browsing the shelves at Stride Rite for back-to-school shoes, the floor began to shake and the bolted-in wall shelving trembled.

Shoes were shaking everywhere!!! Everything waved and no one said a word...

When it was over, like someone turning off the earthquake switch, everyone stood staring wide-eyed at one another, and the air was heavy with dust & drywall floating down.

We moms stayed steady to calm down our children while the adults around us freaked out.

My daughter and I MOVED it to the cash register and the very kind man gave us a 50% discount on the shoes (earthquake discount? very kind). He told us to skee-daddle out of the mall; he was concerned about potential structural damage.

We hustled through the never-ending hallways of Potomac Mills, managers letting their staff go and shutting their shops with a BANG! of the security grill.

No one's phones -- cell or landline -- were working as the network was on overload. We traveled back up 95N and then 495N, and I swear cars made it through all that construction around Tyson's Corner faster than usual!

Back at home, farther from the quake, books and frames fell off shelves, my daughter's beloved angel figurine broken (haven't told her), drywall to clean up and things on tabletops have shifted around.

A fire engine is down the street in my brother's neighborhood checking for gas leaks...

Who felt it? How far did it stretch?

Fruit Slice Cupcakes

2011-08-22T16:16:00.000-04:00

A fantastic summer treat ~ fruit slice cupcakes, another creative idea I borrowed from the always-inspirational blog, A Little Loveliness.

I picked up fruit slice candy at the grocery store; you can also buy them here. After embedding the slice in the vanilla buttercream-topped cupcake, I shook on color-coordinated sugar sprinkles.

These sweet citrus confections elicited a GASP! from my six-year-old, who carried hers around a while, just nibbling the edges, not wishing to disturb the sugary orange slice ;)

Citrus happy!

Vanity Table Primping in Movies, Current & Classic

2011-08-12T07:02:00.000-04:00

Oh I do adore a good primping-for-a-night-out scene in movies ~ here in The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) vanity tables are used to illuminate the motives of two women.

Click to enlarge any of the photos below to study the fantastic details on each table!

One, who has cheated on her soldier husband the entire time he's away, is shown excitedly preparing for a night out with this skunk below.

Again, primping away at the vanity at a nightclub.

Ah, contrast her behavior with her counter character, the doting wife ~ readying her soldier husband, and in front of a gorgeous array of perfume bottles.

In the English film Genevieve (1953), this couple is readying for the next day's race to Brighton in their "veteran" car. If you've seen this, I know you love her "travelling-in-car" wardrobe!

In another British film, Gosford Park (2001), the most bea-u-tiful vanity tables (or should I say "dressing tables"?) are used, oh look at the wonderful lamps and the silver-capped dresser bottles...

AND POWDER PUFF!

In Relative Values (2000), maid tends to Lady of the Manor...

...and then plays Lady herself when obnoxious sister comes to visit.

But perhaps the biggest and shiniest vanity of them all is highlighted in the movie Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)! All the best features ... big mirror and lipsticks...

Perfume bottles and pearls...

Spanning the width of the wall ~ complete with pouf vanity chair.

Come visit later this week when I share my own vanity table & retro accessories!

Things I Love: Vanity Tables

2011-08-10T17:00:00.000-04:00

Is there anything quite as wonderful as a vanity table?

Such a perfect feminine domain. Both decorative and useful. A perfect home for pretty perfume bottles, everyday jewelry & make up.

Pretty vanity lamps are a must...

As are photos of loved ones (or teen idols!)

A great place for important discussions...

And getting ready for a fab evening out!

Emergency vanity in the kitchen? Love it!

Come visit tomorrow for a fun photo look at gorgeous vanity tables in movies we love!!

Found! 1950's Back-to-School Scarf

2011-08-06T14:24:00.007-04:00

OK creative minds, I need your vision.

I found this truly awesome back-to-school hankerchief (1950's) on Etsy. It's silk and in great condition (no holes, just a small tear on one end).

I love back-to-school decorating in late August to delight our excited daughter, she adores the start of school. I would love to incorporate this -- how should I use it?

Thoughts?

Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun!

2011-08-03T11:18:00.004-04:00

We celebrated my daughter's summer half-birthday with some golden, happy sunshine cupcakes!

It's a delight to celebrate in the sun, as her actual birthday usually coincides with heaps of snow.

At six-and-a-half, my little buddy is a bright, jump-ity, happy, loving little soul ~ in fact, it's quite hard to say her name without smiling!

Have a dear, little sunshine in your life? Try this great recipe...

INGREDIENTS

Cupcakes

1	box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix
	Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

Frosting and Decorations

	Yellow food color
1	container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
	Powdered sugar
48	large yellow, orange and/or red gumdrops
	Betty Crocker® black decorating icing (from 4.25-oz tube)
	Betty Crocker® red decorating gel (from 0.68-oz tube)

Save $$$ on your favorite brands

1Heat oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes, using water, oil and eggs. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
2Stir 15 drops food color into frosting until bright yellow. Frost cupcakes.
3Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar on work surface and rolling pin. Roll 4 gumdrops at a time into flat ovals about 1/8 inch thick. Cut thin sliver off top and bottom of each oval to make rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half crosswise to make 2 squares; cut each square diagonally in half to make 2 triangles.
4Arrange 8 gumdrop triangles around edge of each cupcake for sun rays. Using small writing tip on black icing tube, pipe sunglasses on each cupcake. Using red gel, pipe smiling mouth on each cupcake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store covered in refrigerator.

Dainty, Quaint & A Great Conversation Piece!

2011-07-31T19:27:00.005-04:00

I received my first charm bracelet for my First Holy Communion and knew, even then, that it was something special, something to build on.

It was this bracelet -- which started with only the Communion charm, with date engraved on the back ~ a gift from my aunt.

And since then, bit by bit, I've added a little phone (teenage years), sorority letters (college), figure skate (I skated throughout college & on Boston U's team in grad school), pineapple (many family vacations in Hawaii) and last, but not least -- my gold vintage heart, which belongs to my husband & daughter :)

And my other treasured piece -- a vintage 1950's souvenir charm bracelet from my hometown of Washington, D.C., a gift from my mother-in-law who received it as a child.

Some recognizable landmarks to most!

So detailed and dainty -- who knows what charm my life story will lead me to next! :)

So Charming: My Favorite Bracelets

2011-07-25T15:51:00.001-04:00

A lifelong fan of charm bracelets, I was pleased to see one making headlines at the moment, on a quite famous wrist.

Worn with a conservative military-inspired dress coat... great write up on Her Royal Highness Catherine: Fashion & Style Daily blog.

And tennis white at Wimbledon.

My very favorite charm bracelet wearer, however, is Jackie Kennedy. Pictured as early as high school in hers (right arm), she collected charms throughout her life.

One can even buy a replica, though I would argue much more fun to collect charms representing one's own life story...

Do you have a charm bracelet story? I'll share mine this week!

Monkey Dinner Guests in Mexico

2011-07-20T18:35:00.000-04:00

To our extreme excitement, being that we love all things simian, a pair of monkeys (with a bitty baby riding on mama's back) joined us for dinner last night!

Our restaurant ran alongside jungle, and the large window we sat next to gave us the perfect perspective (though forgive my blurry shots), and vice versa. Those monkeys looked hungry!

There they sat, right outside the window looking in -- much more inquisitive and sprightly than the captive monkeys at our National Zoo in Washington!

Eating a leaf after starting my daughter down while she ate HER dinner...

Monkeys really do make excellent dinner companions...

Breezy, Blue Cancun at Night

2011-07-19T10:54:00.003-04:00

Day One: Sunny Cancun Mexico

2011-07-18T17:56:00.003-04:00

We arrived safe & sound in Cancun, just a three-hour flight from Washington!

Everything moves just a bit slowly here, so it took us a while to get to the hotel, but when we arrived, we were rewarded with beautiful, turquoise ocean views.

Our daughter played happily in the resort pools and on the beach with her beloved cousins for something like 7 hours yesterday, complete with sandy hair and shriveled fingers & toes.

And this fine fellow, a huge iguana on the move, greeted us as we walked to breakfast!

Greetings from sunny Mexico!

Wardrobe: Re-Creating Retro Mexico

2011-07-15T14:39:00.005-04:00

My family of three soon will meet up with my husband's family for a vacation in Cancun, Mexico.

I worked to re-create a modern, resort version of the fabulous retro images I've seen; here are a few pieces I found -- many of which were happily on sale!

Boscov's Jane Ashley Peasant Embroidered Shirt -- now on sale for $9.99!

Classic Jack Rogers Navajo Resort Sand als

Beautiful turquoise drop earrings from NYLightMetals, just $38.

Cath Kidston's Box Basket Bag, now in the sale!

Adios amigas ~ hope to bring you some pretty images from the resort, we'll see how well the Internet is working! :)

First Grade Prep: Sugar Pink Supplies

2011-07-08T18:04:00.004-04:00

In anticipation of my daughter's first grade school year, we've started gathering all the necessary supplies in advance -- in her signature pink of course.

First, my absolute favorite, a pink:

Westclox Big Ben Moonbeam Alarm Clock

- Vintage 1950's style Big Ben Moonbeam

- Blinking Light Alarm, followed by a bell - the "Considerate Alarm Clock"

- Stay-lit dial stays lit all night

- Quartz Accuracy

- Features Battery Back-up (uses 2 AA batteries) for reliability even in the event of a power outage

Next, a gorgeous Cath Kidston lunch box, in the provence rose pattern. I bought this in the sale and went back to look for the photo and *WHOOSH* sold out. So feeling relieved I was type-A enough to buy in in June!

Pottery Barn Kids lunchbox cold packs, free shipping right now! Our trusty blue rectangle packs are too big for her new lunchbox!

Small Hello Kitty water bottle saves money -- and no late night runs for emergency juice boxes!

And last, but not least, personalized pencils in her very favorite color to surprise her with on her first day of school!

In other news, we're off to Hersheypark tomorrow ~ may we not melt in this heat!

Red, White & Blue Star Sparklers!

2011-06-29T11:43:00.001-04:00

We had so much fun making these; they're a great afternoon activity, and a pretty holiday dessert to boot!

You will need: strawberry & berry blue jello, white fondant (try your local craft store) and small, star-shaped cutters. I used the ones intended for fondant.

First, roll out the fondant until it's about 1/8 inch thick, and cut out stars. You may need a little cornstarch or powdered sugar to keep it from sticking to the pin and rolling surface.

Next, sprinkle one side of star with a little water and push that side onto your transparent serving bowl. We used Anchor Hocking's footed dessert bowls.

Next, make Jello as directed on package, starting with blue, letting it set, then pouring red over top, making each stripe of color after the last one sets.

We topped ours with whipped cream -- they almost certainly won't last until the holiday!! :)

For more patriotic ideas, check out: http://isavortheweekend.blogspot.com/

Countdown to Fourth: Tabletop Flag Holder

2011-06-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

Pretty as a Fourth of July centerpiece on a table, fireplace mantle, buffet or patio table, this flag holder is affordable, can be customized and is sturdy!

The holder itself is a fence post finial; they come in loads of pretty shapes and cost about $4.50 at your local Home Depot.

Mark the wood where you'd like to be able to stick the flag in, and then drill holes -- test with the end of your flag -- and then drill again if need be.

When complete, I painted my finial white with craft paint.

You can drill for as many -- or few -- flags as you'd like to display.

Mrs. Cozy Super Patriot used every side of the finial and fit nine flags, held upright by the sturdy wood finial!

I even loved it in our formal living room!

Happy Fourth Week!

Ballet Recital Tea Party

2011-06-26T06:36:00.005-04:00

The night before my little girl's dance recital, she couldn't sleep, counting down the hours before she could show us her new ballet & tap steps in costume!

At the recital, she was pink-cheeked with pride in her pretty tutu, and afterward we celebrated with a ballerina tea-for-two!

Little jam sandwiches and her favorite ballerina doll decorated the table.

The candy-pink carnations we gave her at the end of her performance went into a pretty milk glass vase, each just as pretty as the tutu she wore!

And the night before, I made ballet slipper cookies to mimic her own little, pink dance shoes.

Our pretty Hazel Atlas pink crinoline ruffle plates made an appearance, so crisp on the white server.

Mr. Cozy Home surprised us all by sneaking away from work to watch the recital; when Little Miss Cozy saw him, she pounced on him, her face full of sunshine.

We are so proud of our little dancer ;)

Last of the Summer Strawberries

2011-06-24T10:42:00.002-04:00

Last week my daughter and I took a trip over to Butler's Orchard in Germantown, MD to pick the last of the summer strawberries.

They were only wee little fruits left, but we didn't mind a bit. Perfect for strawberry pie :)

So much more vibrant than the cartons of strawberries from the grocery store...

Rows of hunting and picking in nice, mild weather.

A relaxing afternoon in the beautiful Maryland countryside.

Coconut Buttercream Cupcake Happy

2011-06-20T20:46:00.003-04:00

A Father's Day treat: Coconut cupcakes!

Yellow cake with vanilla buttercream icing & coconut flakes pressed on top.

Thank goodness I made enough to share with my dear readers!

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

(Martha Stewart Living, February 2009)

YIELDS
4 cups

INGREDIENTS
3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition, about 5 minutes. (After every 2 additions, increase speed to high, and beat for 10 seconds, then reduce speed to medium-high).

2. Add vanilla, and beat until buttercream is smooth. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. (If refrigerated before using, bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth.)

Enjoy!

Found! Hazel Atlas Candy Stripe Tumblers

2011-06-19T09:42:00.004-04:00

A recent shop at an antique mall in Hershey, PA yielded these addictive Hazel Atlas red & white, candy-stripe tumblers...

And I can't...seem...to stop...trying them everywhere BECAUSE...

...they look so smart wherever they roam :)

Especially with turquoise nearby!

Happy Father's Day ~ we've spent the day baking & celebrating!

Cozy Summer Travel: Treat Bags!

2011-06-03T20:49:00.004-04:00

Three pink cheers to Such Pretty Things for this fantastic travel idea for kids: travel treat bags!

This idea allowed for great peace and quiet on our recent trip to North Carolina; here's my post from last year's Hawaii trip with a few travel treat bag ideas:

Here's the beauty of it: instead of having all the travel treats accessible throughout the trip/flight, you pull out a single bag every few hours full of a few surprises, and the kids must pace themselves until the next bag!

We have 22-plus flight hours round trip to Hawaii, so quite a few treat bags were in order for my super-trooper five-year old daughter! I organized them by theme, using large Ziploc bags with themed labels printed off the computer!

Darling Strawberry Shortcake with a fruity snack...

Barbie goodies...
A unicorn & ballerina treat bag with activity books & play figurines:

Disney princesses...

Art supplies and Kindergarten workbooks:

And my personal favorite: A bevvy of English treats, including beloved Smarties!

I figure each bag will (hopefully) last for around 2 hours and 15 minutes, with two bags per flight, four flights round trip total! Whew...I get tired just writing that.

reprinted from 8/2010

Little Daughter's Royal Wedding Tea

2011-05-30T13:40:00.003-04:00

We're having a relaxing day -- my six-year-old daughter and I just re-watched portions of our recorded royal wedding and remembered the fun of our after-school tea party on the day!

For our fun afternoon, I incorporated things we had already around the house -- a beloved Cath Kidston mug, tiara-graphic teapot and dear little soldiers to protect the red & white stripe tea cups!

Pretty pastel macaroons, meringues, mini Battenburg slices and chocolate digestives went beautifully with our "tea" -- apple juice was served in pretty tea cups!

My daughter wore her very own royal sapphire ($1 from Party City) and enjoyed a sweet surprise -- her very own Angelina and the Royal Wedding children's book.

Inside, I inscribed a special message for my very own little princess to commemorate the day, including the following quote:

"Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale."

--Hans Christian Andersen

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T12:02:00.003-04:00

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

--Arthur Ashe, American social activist

Looking Ahead: Cozy Summer

2011-05-04T08:49:00.002-04:00

In just four weeks, my best little buddy will nestle back into her at-home routine; three-months break from the early morning bustle, homework, sport practices and early bedtime.

We look forward to picking fresh fruit at Butler's Orchard and baking our favorite recipes...

Working on crafts at her little table -- we've collected craft sets all winter!

Chores (new this year!) including helping prepare dinner, cleaning and yard work.

Play dates, camps and fun excursions with our friends...

And one of the best parts of the day -- running to the door when her Daddy's key turns in the lock in the evening -- he always, ALWAYS, comes home with hugs and good cheer.

He misses his girls during the day and we can tell.

I think I'm just as excited for summer ;)

"Oh, Wow!"

2011-04-29T11:18:00.001-04:00

The newly-dubbed Duchess of Cambridge's words, upon stepping out onto the balcony to face the shocking sea of well wishers below.

People gathered in humbling numbers to wait for THE kiss.

They got TWO.

Perhaps a nod to Grace Kelly's classic gown -- the other famous "commoner" to marry into a royal family, and pull it off without a hitch.

What a truly spectacular day... what was your favorite bit?

Tutorial: Royal Wedding Bunting

2011-04-28T23:59:00.001-04:00

With a few, easy steps, bunting is a great way to add customized color combos to whatever you're celebrating -- here's my take on bunting for our wedding tea;

the original was featured in The Lady magazine.

I used blue gingham scrapbook paper, two varieties of red ribbon and a glue stick -- easy!

Using a template, I cut the paper into triangles and glued on two strips of red gingham ribbon -- the beginning of my Union Jack!

Next, I glued, in cross formation the remaining two strips in a contrasting solid red print, trimming the ends for clean edges.

Last, I attached my hanging ribbon, stapling it to the embellished triangle (the staples are almost invisible when hanging, and keep a sturdy hold on the paper!)

Union Jack bunting in under 20 minutes!

For those in the U.S. waking up at 3a.m. to catch every moment live, to those in the U.K. with a lucky day off and some rockin' street parties, CHEERS...!

Royal Wedding Countdown!

2011-04-27T11:01:00.001-04:00

Union Jack-lined streets, people camping out for the best views, dress rehearsals -- the big day approaches!

What a pleasure to see familiar, packed shopping streets transformed to honor the couple -- Regent Street during this spectacular sunny week.

Famous at last -- the little Abbey Shop, adjoining the Abbey, where I picked up novels for my British Literature course when I studied in London.

I smiled to see it in the background in photos of decorative trees being delivered to transform the aisles of the Abbey into a "fairytale forest".

My little gal, who likes a bit of fairytale magic, is looking forward to her Royal Wedding after-school tea on Friday -- we'll watch the best bits together from the DVR.

I, on the other hand, will have been up since before dawn catching every moment! :)

(Photo Source: The Daily Mail)

Things Dainty & Sweet

2011-04-24T07:28:00.005-04:00

Wishing you and all the loved ones in your nest...

A day of pretty things...

That spark the imagination!

And last, but not least, enjoy your pretty, new Easter finery...

Happy Easter from my cozy dear home to yours!

In Great Company...

2011-04-20T12:19:00.002-04:00

How awesome is this shot? Outside Cath Kidston...

Magical Memories: Ritz-Carlton Easter Tea

2011-04-18T13:41:00.008-04:00

(click to enlarge)

My little girl and I enjoyed tea at the Ritz-Carlton with friends over the weekend; the setting was warm & cozy and our little ones enjoyed the Peter Rabbit menu!

Cozy 1950 Doll's House Pop-Up Book

2011-04-08T11:54:00.005-04:00

Click to enlarge these gorgeous illustrations from this Doll's House "carousel" pop up book, printed in London in 1950; we enjoyed looking at this sweet book during a recent visit to the American History Museum's paper engineering exhibit.

Look at that snuggly eiderdown!

Night night!

Pretty Candy Shop & Our Favorite Princess

2011-04-07T08:50:00.005-04:00

Disney's Confectionery Shop was pink perfection, and as it was on our way into the park, we of course had to stop every morning ;)

The shop had started preparing Easter treats and decorated in pastels, it was awesome eye candy!

Pretty pastel fancies!

But no doubt, the highlight of our trip was meeting Cinderella (twice!), Miss Cozy's dream come true. Cinderella is her most special princess.

I think Cinderella can tell ;)

We had dinner in the castle (above) with all of the princesses, which had our little one starry eyed and unable to eat very much of her dinner!

And we also had a great lunch in the beautiful Grand Floridian Hotel, where a handsome Prince Charming, Cinderella, the Stepmother and Stepsisters joined guests.

Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's Evil Stepmother, didn't take KINDLY to the napkin that had fallen off my daughter's lap into her path.

I never saw a napkin snatched up so fast ;)

Creating Disney Trip Magic: The Reveal!

2011-04-06T13:28:00.006-04:00

Disney really is the most magical place on earth ... we enjoyed our trip and can't wait to get back.

But shall I start at the beginning?

Like stealthy little mice, my husband and I packed the night before we left while our daughter slept, blissfully unaware that her life's dream would come true the very next morning.

I laid out her Disney travel clothes and set up a princess breakfast, along with THE reveal sign (above)...

Collected pretty Disney Princess books, games, toys and pretty candy to enjoy on the short plane ride...

And made a customized luggage tag (which she later put on her carry-on backpack) so that no one was in doubt of the very magical journey this little girl was embarking upon...

And so we woke her up in the morning, and with big eyes still sleepy, she struggled to read the sign at first.

Mrs. Cozy Home: Can you read the sign?

Little Miss Cozy: nooo

Mrs. Cozy Home: It says 'Disney...

Little Miss Cozy: ...is today'? (completely still and staring)

Mrs. Cozy Home: Mmm hmm

Little Miss Cozy: Disney is TODAY? Really? (stunned silence ... then... wait for it...) AAAHHHHHHHHH!!

Cue frenzied breakfast gulping and dressing!

And so, a very jolly band of three, we high tailed it to the airport!

Join us again tomorrow to meet our favorite princess!

Tutorial: Cath Kidston Fabric-Covered Stacking Boxes

2011-04-05T11:30:00.006-04:00

My favorite shop, Cath Kidston, sells beautiful fabric-covered file boxes -- my inspiration for these customized, larger-sized stacking storage boxes for my daughter's bluebird-themed bedroom.

Here's how I made them!

Step 1: Choose sturdy boxes that are proportionate when stacked, I chose this larger "trunk-style" box, and topped it with a smaller photo-file box (not shown), both from Michael's.

Step 2: I used a staple removed to pry off the trunk hardware.

What's left behind: small holes -- we can patch that up!

Step 3: Patch up the holes with paint-able tape, I used simple edging tape.

Step 4: Ideally you want plain-colored boxes, a pale pastel or white, so no pattern shows through the fabric.

I found my boxes on mega sale, so I fixed the print problem by spray painting them a pale shade of pink and white!

Step 5: Once dry, center in chosen fabric (I used Cath Kidston's "Pastel Flowers") and cut with enough left around the edge that you can wrap it easily around the sides of the box.

I used a simple glue stick, coated the box top, placed the fabric over the top

and smoothed out wrinkles.

Step 7: Next, I folded the edge of the fabric over the side of the box, securing again with glue stick. I held it in place to dry with curl clips, but you probably don't need them.
Steps 8a&b: Trim the leftover flap down to a small flap and glue down to short side.
Step 9: Next, take longer flap and glue down to box, overlapping the small flap. Seal edges with small amount of glue.

Step 10: Trim the fabric as neatly as you can to have a straight edge inside the box.

Seal with glue.

Use the exact same steps of the larger base of the box. Next, adding ribbon!

Step 11: I, again, used a simple glue stick to wrap the box with ribbon, cutting it at the top of the long end of the box, and again at the bottom of the lid, as shown:

Last, Step 12: I made tightly-tied bows, sealing the ends with craft glue. I glued each on to the box top, securing the bow while drying with curl clips.

The boxes provide excellent storage for my daughter's birthday cards, keepsakes and awards.

Plus, they're just pretty to look at ;)

Ballet Slipper Cookies Tutorial

2011-03-25T17:58:00.010-04:00

Right after Christmas, my friend and I took our girls to see a beautifully performed Nutcracker Ballet Puppet Show during the girls' holiday break.

I wanted to bring a small something for my daughter to give her friend as a holiday treat and thought immediately of these ballet slipper cookies, an inspired idea from A Little Loveliness.

They couldn't be easier -- start with a package of gold 'ole Nutter Butters, and some white chocolate, which you melt in a double boiler.

Next, add two drops of red food dye to turn the chocolate pink and dip the cookies in, tapping off excess. Once dry, pipe a long oval in white royal icing, and fill it in. Once dry, add royal icing bow.

I first packaged the cookies in a plastic cookie bag (they stack beautifully) and then added pink bow and glued silk flowers to the bag and ribbon. Let dry.

Then, re-purposing a little carrier bag in a complimentary aqua, I popped them in and added a Cath Kidston label with holiday greetings!

Not only are they pretty as can be, they are also DELICIOUS!

Inspired! 1950's Little Ballerina

2011-03-19T12:44:00.002-04:00

Little Ballerina by the wonderful Dorothy Grider is arguably one of the sweetest 1950's children's books, and very hard to find in good condition!

With my own little girl poised to continue her ballet lessons at a new dance school starting this summer, she too loves to study these pretty illustrations and use her new reading skills

to follow the story.

We were so excited to find that this sweet book has inspired a line of pretty retro ballerina accessories from Dolce Mia Designs!

And they're even more beautiful in person than on the site! We have this photo album to keep sweet photos of my daughter performing and in everyday ballet pink at her lessons...

And I recently found this beautiful monogrammed leotard by Pink Taffy Designs; it will look so pretty paired with

her floaty practice skirts.

And there is fantastic retro ballerina inspiration to be found on Etsy and Flickr ...

Like this beautiful hankerchief:

Lunch boxes (so much prettier than modern ballerina lunch boxes!)

Paper dolls...

Some sweet things never change :)

Tutorial: Preppy Argyle Shamrock Wreath

2011-03-17T13:00:00.002-04:00

I've been wanting to make a yarn wreath forever, I was so excited to finish this project in time for St. Patrick's Day!

Here are the materials I used: yarn in a lime green and white, kelly green felt, foam wreath form, glue stick and shamrock cookie cutter to trace!

I started by wrapping the form with the lime green yarn using a little glue to hold the first few loops in place; it only took half the roll of yarn to cover the whole form!

Next, I traced shamrocks out of the green felt, cut them out and glued them on the form using craft glue -- the glue stick wasn't strong enough! I let them dry...

Next, I used white yarn (just a little) to make the "argyle" cross over the shamrock, bring it around the back and crossing over the next shamrock.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patty's Week: Pots of Gold

2011-03-17T07:48:00.006-04:00

Little pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, perfect for take-away holiday gifts for guests,

or as a classroom treat!

I started with Rolo chocolates (any gold foil-wrapped candy would do), St. Patty's mini erasers, tiny black pots (www.partycity.com) and pipe cleaners.

I chose red, yellow, green & blue to represent my rainbow, cutting about 3 inches off the end of each for a short arch. Last, I tucked the pipe cleaner ends into the pot and filled with treats!

My daughter took a bag of these into school today to pass out to her friends!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patty's Week: Lucky Charms Treats

2011-03-13T19:01:00.005-04:00

Lucky Charms treats are delicious & make a cute holiday hostess gift or classroom treat; to make, follow the same steps you would for Rice Crispie Treats.

I used this recipe!

They are pastel heaven...

Can be cut into beautiful, sharp squares...

Don't have Lucky Charms on your grocery shelves? Try using a basic oat cereal,

and adding these! Enjoy!

Retro St. Patty's Images!

2011-03-11T14:04:00.004-05:00

I was on a hunt...

A hunt for 1940's-1960's St. Patrick's Day images (approx)!

I've posted a delightful motley crew for your viewing pleasure... ;)

My daughter would run in panic if she saw that many vegetables on the dinner table at once... but "A"

for creative effort Libby's!

Darling wall die cut...

Slightly disturbing baby, but still on topic!

Wizard or leprechaun?

Fantastic retro cocktail napkins...

And dear little stickers...

I'm kicking off a week of St. Patrick's Day crafts, baking & celebrations here on Cozy Home Chronicles; check back each day this week for a great new holiday idea!

Pink Nut-Allergy-Safe Candy Fun!

2011-03-09T10:12:00.006-05:00

Three of my daughter's Pinkalicious party guests had severe nut allergies, so I had to hunt down safe, pink party food -- both nut free AND not processed on equipment that has been exposed to nuts.

Here's what I found: Strawberry Milkshake Whoppers

Pink & White NABISCO Iced Animal Cookies

(other name brands were not nut safe, like Target's brand)

And Valentine Dots, which even included nut-safe info on its packaging!

I picked these up early.

I was disappointed to find SO many beloved candies and treats unsafe ... M&M's, pink wafer cookies and most pink ready-made bakery treats at our grocery store and Target.

I am happy to report no allergic reactions at or after the party (whew!), but please do a personal double safety check before using the "safe" items I've listed above if your party kid or guest has an allergy.

How to Make a Ribbon Topiary!

2011-03-07T12:24:00.000-05:00

Ribbon topiaries are a great, inexpensive way to create a centerpiece for your party table that pulls all of your colors in -- plus they're really fun to make :)

(click to enlarge)

Here are the supplies you need: straight pins with a large-ish head, styrofoam ball, a Styrofoam block, a pot/box/planter, paint, thick dowel, ribbon and glue!

1.) I started by pushing my Styrofoam block all the way to the bottom of the pot, trimming the sides where needed. I squeezed glue around the bottom edge to secure it; it took some time to dry, so I just kept working!

2.) Next, I painted the pot with white paint, down to the inner rim of the pot, took two coats to make opaque.

3.) Third, I used the same paint to cover the dowel, it took about two coats as well.

4.)When dry, I pushed one end of the dowel into the Styrofoam ball and the other end into the foam in the pot.

5.) My favorite part -- the ribbon! I cut 3 inch strips from 6 different coordinating ribbons, looped them and stuck the pin into the overlapping ends, with the sharp end into the styrofoam. It's so fun. :P

And on and on you go until all the spaces are filled! You can cover the top of the pot, around the dowel with a number of things: shredded paper, moss or in my case, polyfil to give it a

cotton candy-look next to the candy bowls!

Up next: My favorite 100% nut-allergy-safe pink CANDY!

Tutorial: Pink Pedestal Candy Bowls

2011-03-02T12:03:00.005-05:00

As my daughter's 6-year-old Pinkalicious birthday party was all things pink, we collected a delicious assortment of nut-free pink candies and cookies to include on the table!

A separate candy table was less practical as the kids would likely stay at the lunch table, so I made candy pedestal bowls to display the confections.

Here's how I made them:

1.) I bought glass candlesticks from the dollar store and on a sunny day spray painted them "ballerina pink" -- found the can at Michael's craft store.

2.) Once dry, I used Elmer's Stix All Gel to adhere the now pink candlestick to a great clear acrylic bowl I found at Target for about $1.50.

The thick texture of the gel glue was perfect as the candlestick rim surface was not completely even; the glue allowed me to fill in gaps and still keep the bowl straight on top.

Simple as that! Fill with happy pink candy and serve -- my small guests surrounded each bowl like kittens around a bowl of milk :)

Note: The candlesticks stay on very firmly, but CAN be removed with a little firm pressure without cracking the bowl or candlestick.

That's handy for re-use: another spray and it could be used to hold Fourth of July poppers, candy corn at Halloween -- or even a floral arrangement.

A Fairy Tale Celebration!

2011-03-02T11:15:00.003-05:00

I've long been a fan of photos from Princess Grace of Monaco's wedding...

...and I will not, simply can not hide my excitement over the run up to the wedding of Prince William & Catherine! Such an Anglophile am I, that upon the announcement of their wedding date, it went straight on the calendar; I'll be up at 5AM watching!

Love observing how her style is being carefully, thoughtfully honed...

And her multitude of beautiful wool coats...

And now they've released the web address for the official wedding

Web site: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/

It's so exciting to watch a momentous occasion unfold!

Tutorial: Handmade Pinkalicious Invitations

2011-03-01T14:07:00.007-05:00

These invites received rave reviews from their recipients; pretty enough to frame and sure to make a statement!

Here's how I made it: First, I found these white, flat scalloped note cards on amazon.com OR you can get them from Paper Source in every color! It's hard to see, but it's below, white on white!

2.) Next, I cut rectangles (about 4in x 6in) out of pale pink card stock sheets using a handy paper cutter. Using a vine stamper and a black ink pad, I stamped a vine up the left side of the sheet:

3.) Using a handy pigment pen, I filled in the vines & leaves, giving it a hand-painted effect.

4.) Next, the only time consuming part -- cutting out tiny Pinkaliciouses!! I found a cute graphic online, printed it out on white card stock and carefully cut each out -- a step that wouldn't be necessary if there were Pinkalicious stickers on the market.

Next, as the children were invited to see a showing of "Jack and the Beanstalk" after the lunch & cake party, Jack, his golden egg and harp were also included on the invite.

I don't know if you can tell from the photos, but I use tiny dabs of glitter glue in a few places to give the cutouts some sparkle!

5.) Then, I took each pink rectangle, with vine stamped on, and ran it through the printer to put the party details on.

6.) I lightly glued each pink, printed card onto the white scalloped card, using some heavy books to make it completely flat.

7.)Once dry, I used these small foam squares to adhere the little figure cutouts, and also give the invite dimension:

And voila! Inexpensive, less garish than some of the Pinkalicious invites I've seen on the market, and personalized for the party and child!

What are your favorite kind of invites to send?

Sneak Peek: Handmade Pinkalicious Invite

2011-02-28T17:13:00.004-05:00

A sneak peek of my daughter's Pinkalicious invite:

Tutorial to follow!

Spring Style: Intl' Shopping!

2011-02-28T10:05:00.006-05:00

It seems that all at once, my favorite UK chain stores have provided a reasonable U.S. shipping fee and for the first time I'm able to shop Next, Dorothy Perkins & Cath Kidston without a long plane ride! ;)

Updated my Spring/Summer wardrobe with this beautiful silk shrug from Dorothy Perkins.

And this lightweight pointelle sweater, and across-the-body tan tassle bag from Next

And I couldn't forget my little gal -- Next's children's clothes are at Old Navy prices, but with a tailored look -- a little fleece jacket to wear over her uniform in her favorite color: pink!

Spring come soon!

Ice Princesses for Good Behavior

2011-02-22T10:18:00.004-05:00

My proud kindergartener earned a trip to Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes by working for months to fill a big sticker chart aimed at encouraging positive behavior!

The reward: her beloved Disney Princesses in person for the first time ever!

The show was spectacular and our seats were practically on the ice thanks to some fast mouse clicking on the Ticketmaster site the moment the tix went on sale -- thank you Mr. Cozy Home!

Mermaids floated over the ice...

Princesses skated to their princes...

And Tinkerbell ended the show with a BANG! ;)

The faces of the children in our row were priceless!

Walt Disney World Countdown...

2011-02-21T18:40:00.006-05:00

One month countdown 'til our surprise trip to Disney World.

Can't pass up stars for my twinkly girl...

Something perfect to surprise her with -- on the morning we tell her we're heading to Disney.

Thank you to Etsy seller MyFairysCloset for the beautiful job they did on this handcrafted outfit!

Valentine Candy Box 2011

2011-02-15T10:15:00.001-05:00

Really lovely things are hard to find down the aisles of most shops these days and to obtain what you envision often means making it yourself!

I wanted to start an annual gift of a small, pretty Valentine-heart candy box to my daughter, for future use as a decoration or storage, and a token of how special she is to us.

To get started, I purchased a small, nondescript box of Russell Stover chocolates at CVS and went to work -- I traced the top and bottom heart shapes onto scrapbook paper and cut them out, gluing them to the box with a simple glue stick.

Next I found matching pink satin ribbon and pasted a strip across the box, gluing and tucking the ends under the lid for easy opening.

Next, I glued a carefully-tied bow and paper rose in the middle, both purchased from

A.C. Moore.

Valentine candy box 2011 was lovingly placed along with other heart-shaped goodies in my daughter's chair backer -- she was so excited to hunt through it to find her treasures!

Retro Valentine Fun

2011-02-14T18:57:00.005-05:00

My poor kindergartener was home recovering from the stomach flu today, so we turned what bland food she COULD eat into Valentine fun...

Heart-shaped pancakes with just a bit of strawberry syrup to dip them in...

Some pretty hand cut strawberries...

...on her favorite Valentine plate from Grandma.

She managed just a few bites, but was all smiles just the same :)

Hope your Valentine's Day was as sweet as mine!

Semi-Homemade: Cupid Photo Album

2011-02-07T14:07:00.001-05:00

I have taken the sweetest photos every Valentine's Day since my daughter was just a wee newborn (I love a holiday...), and I needed to display them!

I own several holiday-themed photo albums from Exposures, but thought I could swing my own Valentine album armed with a 50% off coupon at Michael's!

I bought three things: red album ($7 with coupon), a small gold-tone frame embellishment ($2) and sheet of fabulous gold-tone cupids ($3).

First I had to choose a cupid...tough choice!! I picked the smiling one to the top left!

Next, I used super glue to secure the metal frame, placing a stack of books on top to make sure all corners made contact with the album cover.

It worked!

Next, I placed the cupid, which came already with an adhesive strip on back, within the frame.

Voila! I love it ... simple, sweet and cheery!

What Valentine's projects are you working on this week?

A Sweet Celebration

2011-02-06T14:45:00.004-05:00

My darling girl has turned six!!

We celebrated with family & friends; my contribution to our celebration was a pretty southern belle dolly cake, complete with fan in case she's GLOWING...

I used a white tablecloth, coupled with white, matching dresser scarves with pretty fans embroidered on them -- an antique mall find!

My daughter's classmates enjoyed princess & pirate cupcakes during the school day; my daughter was so proud to have her mommy there :)

A sweet celebration for all!

Really?

2011-01-29T12:41:00.002-05:00

Between the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, days off with the flu and the most recent storm, my daughter has not seen much of her school in recent weeks...

And now this is to hit next week.

Must stock up on:

Firewood

Non-perishable meal options

Pavement salt

Flashlight batteries

Windshield wiper fluid

Coffee filters (will be entertaining rocket-like daughter indoors for 12 hours a day)

What else am I forgetting? What do you stock up on before a big storm?

Pretty Pastel Auction Hamper

2011-01-25T12:41:00.004-05:00

A wonderful task -- shopping for my daughter's school's auction!

Here's our class auction basket, not yet assembled, but pink & green pretty even just collected in the hamper!