Pretty foods

Our nasturtium plant just exploded with blooms; I love the idea of eating flowers and these seem like a healthy treat. From a blog called, most awesomely, Delishy Town.

This may be a surprise to most people, but I had never made a cupcake in my life before last night. How did this happen, you may ask? There are a few factors at play. Firstly, I'm not wild about cake. I much prefer a cookie, a pie, or a piece of candy. Secondly, it seemed like too much work. I haven't done much baking in the past few years.

But with 2010 feeling like a real fresh start (PS. I accidentally typed "shart" and cracked myself up before fixing it. Sigh.), the holiday gift of Chronicle Books' Cupcake Kit, the appearance of some cupcake pans in my kitchen, and a glorious month off, the time was finally right!

Yes, I used a boxed mix. Yes, I used pre-made frosting. But I'll be damned if my first cupcakes are not the greatest cupcakes ever! The little flowers came from Miette. So proud!

Sunday Stash?

Oops. I'm a little late on this one, but it's been a hard, hard week. I wish it was still last Sunday! Anyway, I think this Kokka fabric would work really well on a large totebag with contrasting red/brown for handles or trim. Yes?

Billy Ball Ring!

Hey guys! As a kid, I thought that when I was a grown-up, I would be so happy because I'd have the freedom to buy as much "sugar cereal" as my little heart desired. And while I do eat my fair share of Lucky Charms (sometimes marshmallows first, oaty bits second), sometimes I hate the responsibilities and hardships that every adult has to face. More on this at a later date.

On another, totally different note, I found this great ring by RecycledRings on Etsy that looks just like a billy ball (craspedia)! It's a little pricey, but pretty darn amazing.

Billy Balls

Billy Balls, originally uploaded by Shelby Nycole.

Craspedia, better known as "billy balls" to those in the flower know, is one of my favorite flowers. You can buy one or two and they look fantastic in a vase by themselves, or throw a few into an arrangement. I usually get mine at Whole Foods; they cost about $2.00 each. But, billy balls last forever (just take them out of water and let them dry), and my God, they're called BILLY BALLS! What more do you want in a flower?