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Block-printing fun

A couple weeks back, I hosted a block-printing party and invited all my girls over to partake in the stamping fun. It rained all day but that didn’t stop us from setting up our craft station under my carport. I was on a mission to get some of my Christmas gifts done, so I came with blank kitchen towels and geometric patterns for inspiration {more on my Christmas gifts later!}. . .

 

 

Heather brought all of the supplies, including the Carving blocks, ink, pencils, sketching notebooks, rollers and paint plates. Each of us came with material or fabric we wanted to print on — a note here, block-print on linen or something with a little bit of texture. As I mentioned, I brought towels to print on for holiday gifts. The girls brought a little bit of everything – blank totes, make-up bags, gift tags, blank cards and napkins. After doing some idea sketching and drawing out our designs, we started carving them into our blocks:

 

 

The rain came and went, and out came the rainbow — just in time for us to start stamping! Actually, we were all kind of in our own worlds. Some spent most of the time carving, others moved right into stamping once their block design was ready. The best part about block-printing with friends {in my opinion} is the ability to use each other’s block designs. Do a little wash, pick a new color, and you can mix & match block designs. Instead of using all my time on one design, I was able to use multiple designs for my towels {thanks, girls!}. I really wish I would have taken more “after” photos. Everyone’s projects came out so great. For a really great how-to on block-printing, visit this page. It’s pretty close to how we did it.  Or, you could spend a whole day browsing all of the block-printing designs on Pinterest. Lots of DIY inspiration there. I think I’m completely hooked. I’m already dreaming of my next project . . . onesies, totes, note cards, everything.

 

 

{Even Rob got in on the action}

 

 

 

 

{After the stamping I hung my towels up to dry. Then ironed them the next day to “lock” in the color. Can’t wait to share my gift idea with you later!}
November 19, 2014 by
Friends, Guerneville, Russian River Valley, Sonoma

Fall in the Russian River Valley

On a brighter note, I had the most amazing Fall-infused weekend last weekend with my best friend, Heather. Last Saturday morning we started off early, but not before some ocean rolls, peppermint mochas and a quick drive to meet Rob to get my wallet {that I forgot}. Sort of need your ID to drink wine, right? {Oddly enough, I was never carded, now that I think of it. Funny how wrinkles can make you look older;)}. As soon as we got in the car we started blaring the Christmas music. No matter that it was November. It’s already that time of year for us. I put together a slightly flexible itineary for us for our stroll through the Russian River Valley of pinto noirs, chardonnays and sparkling delights. And of course took lots of pictures:

 

Our first stop was Red Car Wine, voted one of the best Pinot Noirs in West Sonoma. And it didn’t disappoint. The entire flight was incredible. Sonoma definitely has it figured out. Instead of only a flight of 4 tastings in Napa, you get like 8 in Sonoma. {That is said for all the wineries in Sonoma, in case you’re taking notes!} Makes for a lot of wine to drink though. Our curator at Red Car was heart-felt and inviting. The best way to start off our day, really. Their tasting room was so unique. A cozy couch full of printed pillows, fur chairs, handmade jewelry, cool light fixtures – everything. This is one wine club I would consider joining, next to Medlock Ames. If you ever go, definitely try the Roussanne.

 

 

Second stop was Dutton Goldfield, right across the way. They had the Zin I’ve been waiting for. Zinfadels don’t usually do it for me, but this one blew my socks off. Immediately bought a bottle. The tasting room was light and open, the charcuterie very tasty — I could eat cheese all day and these cheeses were delectable. We met a new friend, too.

 

 

Then things got awesome. At Iron Horse Vineyards. By then, the crowd was getting “bubbly” you could say. Lots of people at this one, and what a gorgeous vineyard and patio tasting bar. Breathtaking view of the fall colors in the vineyard.  By far the best atmosphere of the three. We decided on the sparkly flight and were in bubbly heaven. My favorite was the Rose Brut – I basically threw my debit card at them for 2 bottles for us. Saving it for New Year’s!

 

 

{Heather took these gorgeous shots!}

 

Even if you don’t go up for the wine, you should go to Sonoma in the Fall just to see the colors. Smell the smells. Take in the surroundings. Although I loved the wines we tasted, my favorite part might have been driving to and from everywhere. The vines and fields and farms and trees . . . so beautiful. I also loved our hotel! We found boon hotel+spa on TravelZoo {also read about them in one of my Sunset Mags}.  It was so wonderful catching up with my friend. I could have spent another night up there, exploring Guerneville and talking about anything and everything. Living so close to all this great wine reminds me why I love California so much. Sonoma forever.

November 15, 2014 by
Family, Friends, Jace

This summer

How in the world can it be September already. Where did this summer go?? I feel like I haven’t been documenting enough on this here blog. A blog I truly cherish and look back on. So, what have we been up to? So much that it’s a blur. Just this week I was thinking we hadn’t really done a lot this summer, compared to the last two summers here in California, but we really have. Looking back, no wonder it’s September. These last few months of summer have been jam packed. What was I thinking?! Ha. Here’s a photo explosion of our busy summer of friends, family, weekends and travel:

{We kicked off summer with a beach day with friends. We barbecued, played in the sand; passed the babies around and just visited until it was time to go to Marianne’s for ice-cream.}

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September 15, 2014 by
Aptos, Food, Friends, Heather by Hand

A birthday bonfire

A dear friend of ours celebrated a birthday in July and we wanted to make it extra special. This gal means the world to us {in case you can’t already tell, she’s plastered all over my blog half the time}. I know she’s not going to like something sappy written about her, but she’s seriously a beautiful person. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Miss Heather wanted a low-key birthday so we did just that. We brought the party to the beach for a sunset bonfire with Smoked Chocolate S’mores, champagne . . & hot dogs, hahahaha. Jace didn’t want to miss his Auntie’s birthday so he came along for the party, too. I know this is a little back-dated, but Happy Birthday Heather. Hope you enjoyed!

{the lovebirds <3}
we love you so much heather w!
August 20, 2014 by
Food, Friends

Smoked chocolate chip s’more cookies

I’m so one of those girls who work out on the weekend so I can eat really bad on the weekend. And  the other weekend I had a friend to help me indulge! We decided on smoked chocolate chip s’more cookies. You are going to love this recipe. If you like smoked, chocolatey S’mores, this cookie is for you. And baking around my house now involves Jace. Pretty sure we took more pictures of him than we did of the actual steps of the recipe, ha. I just know he’s going to love food as much as me. What a sweetie.  I really couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday afternoon. Baking outside, with my bestie and son? And then I got to eat fresh out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies after? Amazing day in my books.

 

 

{Jace face hanging with the ladies}

 

 

{Best bib ever. Foxes on mint?! Love}

 

 

 

 

{Baking sure is tiring}

 

 

 

 

And just when you think you’re getting some great food shots, your 9-year lhasa apso decides to take a pee right in the camera’s view {lol}. Nice, Lucy.

Now, here’s the recipe!!

 Smoked Chocolate Chip S’more Cookies

 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (from about 7-8 whole crackers)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 oz (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup of Hot Cakes’ smoked chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows 
Preheat oven to 325 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper {always a must in my book!}.
In a medium bowl, whisk the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt together. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture and beat just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
Drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets {I use a cookie dough scooper}, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes (I did 1 tray at a time), then remove from the oven. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Eat right out of the oven for the best flavor, with milk of course. 
July 22, 2014 by