Coffeecake

Book Review: The Comfort Table, Recipes for Everyday Occasions, by Katie Lee, Book

via search.barnesandnoble.com

I got this wonderful cookbook over the holidays and I am so happy with it.  Katie Lee has wonderful, unique recipes and great ideas for entertaining.  She includes ideas for a variety of celebrations including a Retro Cocktail Party, Chrismukkah, Steakhouse Night at Home, Spa Lunch and Chinese New Year.  For each event, she features a complete menu and even a music playlist. The photos are beautiful and the recipes clearly written in a warm, engaging style.  Highly recommended.  $20.80 at Barnes & Noble (additional saving for B&N members).

Craft Project: Memory "Scrapboxes" from Martha Stewart Living.

via www.marthastewart.com

The February issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine has a lot of great articles and recipes...go out and get yourself a copy if you don't subscribe (I did, as I had let my subscription lapse.  It will be well worth it as it features one of the coolest art projects I have seen, and it's one you can do yourself at home, although maybe not on as grand a scale.  Darcy Miller, editor of MS Weddings has assembled a collection of "scrapboxes" -- collaged shadowboxes that feature photos and memorabilia of her family.

The boxes feature unexpected elements and ephemera such as candles from a birthday cake, teething toys, and girl's sunglasses.  Because she has three daughters, they are very princess-y, sparkly and whimsical, but I think you could do the same for boys.  I have been toying with the idea of displaying my son's birth announcement in an unconventional way, and had been thinking of a shadowbox instead of a conventional frame and matting.  This has convinced me to do something more creative....I am just not yet sure what that will be.... Knitted booties, a crocheted bib, or something more unconventional?   You could also use greeting cards, silver rattles or spoons, small toys, party favors, perhaps even a beloved pacifier! 

I love how Ms. Miller juxtaposes the objects with an accompanying photo, bringing the photo into 3 dimensions, such as putting a real party hat in a frame with a photo of the birthday girl

For ideas, check out the MS website features Darcy Miller's entire collection of boxes and scrapbooks as well as her party ideas. 

Coffeecake mentioned in Artful Blogging Magazine!

We are excited to announce that Coffeecake is mentioned in the new issue of Artful Blogging magazine in an article about our blog designer, Sara Duckett of Sadie Olive.  The Coffeecake banner, which was designed by Sadie Olive, is shown on page 39 of the Autumn 2008 issue of the magazine.

Thanks Sara and Artful Blogging!

The Ruins Book Review

I just finished reading The Ruins by Scott Smith and it is very scary!  I don't read scary books  too often anymore, but I used to love Stephen King when I was younger and this reminded me of one of his books.  A quick read, but it does keep you up nights--impossible to put down!

FYI, This photo was taken by me in Belize (not Mexico, where the book is set) but it really reminded me of the book. Read it and you'll find out why!

Just in time for Easter--new Karen Katz Book

I LOVE Karen Katz' wonderful children's books. They feature sweet, whimsical, colorful illustrations and come in both board book and regular formats, as well as in boxed sets.  I especially love that she covers a range of holidays and cultures, as well as adoption (Ms. Katz is an adoptive mother, with a daughter from Guatemala).  Her books include Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, and many other holidays.   I have bought numerous Karen Katz books for gifts as well as for my son. My favorite is "Counting Kisses"..I love reading this to my son before bedtime.

Just in time for Easter is her new book, "Where are Baby's Easter Eggs?"  This is an interactive "lift the flap" book. It would make a great addition to any child's Easter basket.  Check out her other titles, too!!