How's It Growing?

New Planter, originally uploaded by QuirkyCharm.

Welcome to my new gardening series on Quirky Charm. As a child I always had a bit of a black thumb (there was not a single plant that I didn't kill), but I'm determined to change that. As the condo complex where I live recently removed the grass (and many of the flowering trees) I decided that now is the time.

I have a small patio to work with and this new planter (shown in the above photo - purchased from Home Goods) will be my canvas. I'm planning on tending to three potted plants here and then I will be attempting to grow a plant from seed in a pot on the small table.

I'm in the process of researching what grows successfully in partial sun desert climate. Next up, a trip to the nursery to pick up the actual plants. Hopefully that will happen this week. Wish me luck!

Plush Toast

Plush Toast, originally uploaded by QuirkyCharm.

Over the past few years I've found that I enjoy the genre of cute food with faces. Being also a fan of plushies combining the two was inevitable. I particularly love the range of adorable felt creations that have been cropping up over recent years. Felt is such a great medium: it's inexpensive, flexible, and readily available. So began my first foray into handmade plush creations...

Why toast? I was inspired by this tutorial and compared to other foods/objects there was a small materials list and a simpler shape. Though I had purchased the materials months before it took a long morning stretching open with possibilities to get me to pick up needle and thread.

This being my first go at this sort of project it took me around two hours from start to finish (this was also my first attempt in many years at any sort of embroidery work so I had a little trouble getting the eyes not to be lopsided). Once I got in the groove of the project everything flowed well with only a few minor finger pricks. Though there are a few things I will change on my next attempt I am pleased by the end result. This was a fun way to pass the morning and a hobby that I plan on picking up more often (I'm at work on a cake design from the Softies book at the moment).

Cookie Dough Brownies

Cookie Dough Brownies, originally uploaded by QuirkyCharm.

These brownies are just about the most amazing things on the planet. Being a lover of both chocolate chip cookies and brownies, how could these possibly go wrong? These are a little time consuming, but well worth the effort. I would also highly recommend making the ganache instead of using chocolate frosting, that little detail makes all the difference.

For the recipe: Thaaank You, Betty! @ Bakerella

I hope you all have a sweet and delightful weekend!

Princess Day

Princess Day, originally uploaded by QuirkyCharm.

International Princess Day was on May 5th. Last year I spent the day with a packed schedule of activities, but this year I wanted to take the day to relax and to be inspired. This intention tied in perfectly with this month's princess challenge of using the day to focus on living in the present. That topic has been on my mind for the past couple of months after seeing it first mentioned on a self development blog. I've been meaning to put it into action, but there are times when I can be the queen of bad excuses so this was the perfect push I needed to give it a try.

I woke up early, just as the sun was beginning to peek over the mountains. Even in the desert the early morning is blissful with mellow weather and the chirps of birds (some newly hatched babies) from nearby trees. The patio was the perfect place to savor a mocha while sitting back in my chair to enjoy the sounds of the world waking up around me.

The rest of the morning was spent, for the most part, reading through inspiring magazines. While I normally flip though my stack during commercials this time I focused all of my attention on the beautiful, glossy pages. This change made such a difference, I felt more inspired than I have in a long time. I still feel that bubble of energy and inspiration, I can't wait to see where that leads.

As a part of living in the present moment I decided to go with the flow and make a spontaneous lunch to take with me to the park. Though the day had warmed up considerably it was still beautiful in the shade. While I was sitting on the bench I was even treated to seeing a family of adorable squirrels scurry between the bushes. My late afternoon activity of watching the Champion's League may not be a typical princess activity, but it was enjoyable just the same (my favorite team pulled off a spectacular victory). I'd even decided to eat the last of my favorite German chocolate that I've been saving for just the right moment.

To cap the evening off I went with my mom to see a fun movie (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past) and browse the bookstore. I may not have purchased anything, but being surrounded by books is bliss enough for me. It truly was a wonderful day.

After seeing the benefits of trying to live in the present moment it is definitely something I plan on incorporating into my life as often as possible. How was your Princess Day?