Chocolate Cake Recipe

I made this simple chocolate cake recipe last weekend, and let me just tell you, it is SINFUL.  Super moist, easy to make, and you don't need any fancy ingredients like coffee, buttermilk, or liquer.  Just plain ol' sugar, cocoa, and the other regular cake stuff.  This recipe makes two 9" rounds, so if you only want one cake, split it in half.  Enjoy!

One Bowl Chocolate Cake III

2 c. white sugar

1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1/2 c. vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 c. boiling water

Preheat oven to 350.  Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the wet ingredients and mix together until well combined.  Add the cup of boiling water (the batter will be thin, almost like a thick cup of hot cocoa).  Pour into two greased 9" rounds.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Note: This cake does not need icing, and it does great in the refrigerator.

Cake photo courtesy Ayush the Cook.

Seven Ply - Skateboard Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, I'm a minimalist at heart, which is why I love Seven Ply's itty bitty stud earrings.  Artist and avid skater Lynn Weller crafts these colorful little babes using old skate decks, and offers up a fantastic selection of other upcycled skateboard accessories as well.  The black and yellow pair pictured above is my latest purchase, and it's a welcome addition to my growing Seven Ply collection.  Thanks for the awesomeness Lynn!

Modern Pom Pom Cowl Tutorial

A fun one from The Purl Bee.  Will make a nice little project on a wintery day.

Photo courtesy The Purl Bee.

Vintage Glass Slides

Check out these amazing vintage glass slides from SimonEtCie on Etsy.  Very cool : )

Photos courtesy SimonEtCie.

Kate Banazi - Screen Printer

After admiring Kate Banazi's Etsy shop, Alyoisius, for just about forever, I finally treated myself to one of her screen printed posters, which just happened to arrive on my doorstep earlier today- thanks Kate!  I was not in the least bit disappointed, and am all too excited to get the piece framed and up on the wall (I'll post some pics when it's done).  

About the artist: Kate Banazi is an illustrator/screen printer/artist who originally hails from England, but now lives and works out of Australia.  She is extremely witty and clever in both her design and her writing, and she definitely knows how to wield one mean squeegee.  I am sad to see her Etsy shop go (she is closing it indefinitely due to work related commitments), but wish her all the best for a happy and successful 2012.  Thanks again Kate!

Stamp Logo

Check out my new custom stamp from JLMould!  Pretty nifty, right?  She did a fabulous job, and I really like the fact that she sources all of her materials from manufacturers in the U.S. (rubber, blocks, etc).  You'll definitely be seeing this stamp on my bags this year. : )

ArtSpring

I'm super excited to announce that my tea towels are now available for purchase at ArtSpring in Takoma Park, MD!!

ArtSpring, a Pyramid Atlantic community arts store, is dedicated to showcasing the best in local and regional talent, carrying everything from handmade jewelry to housewares to kid's toys.  Originally located in downtown Silver Spring, they recently moved to 7014B Westmoreland Ave in Takoma Park, just off of Caroll Avenue.  Make sure to check out their workshop schedule, as they offer an array of creative classes for all ages.

ArtSpring Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday 11-6

Friday/Saturday 11-6

Sunday 10-4

A Poem for January...

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
call to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

 - Mary Oliver

NEW Bushel Totes!

Finally got my new bushel totes up on Etsy today.  Check them out!