Dec
04
Vertical Row 1: Porcelain Santa // Sentimental Ceramic Gift Tag Set // Agate Ornament // Woodland Bronze Creatures
Vertical Row 2: Dip-Dyed Apple Green Ball // Natural Himmeli Ornaments // Origami Cub // Mercury Glass Monogram // Sputnik Ornament
Vertical Row 3: Porcelain Woodland Animal Set // Golden Nugget // Sequin Bow // Birds of a Feather Set of 7
I put my tree up earlier this year than ever, the Monday before Thanksgiving (I blame it on a thing called “Blog Time”). The dogs stared at it like I was completely messing with their minds, while the cats couldn’t wait to nap under it and chew on the lower branches. This was the first year where I didn’t have to use what I refer to as filler ornaments, cheap boxes of bulbs to fill in the empty spots between the ornaments I actually like. I finally have enough baubles for my silver, clear, pink, and blue glass tree – it was sort of momentous. The only new additions were a shiny silver starburst, a big white metal feather, a silver owl, and a mercury glass K (like the monogram above). Oh, and a silver-gold star for the tippy-top.
So, is your tree up and twinkling yet? Do you always put it up on the same day every year or just play it by ear?
Dec
03
I’ve been wanting to make curd for a few years now, I even compiled a big roundup awhile back hoping to get myself into gear to cook up a batch. No dice. Then a few weeks ago I found myself with some cranberries and a little procrastination running through my system. Turns out making curd (such an awful word for such a delicious thing) is really quite easy. I’ve been eating it on everything from flatbreads to toast, literally dipping right into the jar. YUM.
Cranberry Curd
• 1/2 lb. fresh cranberries (a little over 2 cups)
• 1/2 C water
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 3/4 C sugar
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries and water over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries pop and start to bubble. Pass the liquid through a strainer into a bowl, using the underside of a spoon to press. Allow to cool to room temperature and return to saucepan. Whisk together the egg yolks and egg, then pour in sugar and whisk some more until combined. Add the egg mixture to the cranberry puree in the saucepan, and continue whisking until combined. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly until the custard thickens and can coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, one Tbsp at a time. Pour curd into a covered bowl or jar and chill for at least an hour. Keep refrigerated.
Nov
30
I voted! In and out in 10 minutes, I love my polling location.
Celebrated one year of CooperHouse!
Received the most thoughtful gift from Hank+Hunt.
Got crafty with Creature Comforts and Anthropologie.
Made cranberry curd (stay tuned for the recipe!).
Ate Thanksgiving leftovers for 5 days. It was awesome.
Put the fuzzy blanket on the bed, much to the cats’ delight.
Did a little holiday decoratin’.
Nov
29
I’m so excited to be a Merry Blogger for 24 Merry Days! Audrey from This Little Street is the mastermind who rounded up a great group of bloggers who will be doing a giveaway (or two) from December 1st through the 24th, brilliant right? After all, this is the time of year to spread a little cheer if there ever was one. The project’s site is lovely and gives you a heads up as to which giveaway is which day on which blog. (Mine is the 11th!) And let me tell you, we have some amazing sponsors giving away things you’ve been coveting all year. I’ll be tweeting which blog is doing the giveaway each day, so I hope you’ll follow along with me at @designcrush if you’re not already. I’m so ready to give away all of the things!!
Nov
29
Check out Jason Dean’s latest screen print, Day and Night at Christmas. It features a few well-known holiday movie scenes and glows when the lights go out, in true light up night fashion.
Nov
29
Baking Season! It’s here. And any baker worth his/her salt knows that organization makes for a smoother operation. I’m all about these Labeled Kitchen Storage Canisters from West Elm. I love the little spouts for easy pouring and the notched wooden lids for fast opening.
Nov
28
I’ve been writing out and sending Christmas cards since my early teens. What can I say, I love sending mail! In all those years I’ve never once ordered pre-printed cards, but I thought this might be the perfect year for it with how busy I’ve been. I immediately knew that Minted was my destination, their extensive collection of holidays cards is always top notch.
I chose this clean, modern design by Kelli Hall, I love the sentiment. Minted also offers an amazing triple thick paper as an option, it makes your cards feel like a million bucks!
The address wrap and kraft paper envelope option gave my cards just the feeling I was looking for. My only regret was not ordering an extra 25, seems I completely underestimated my mailing list!
SHARE 
TWEET
PIN
Newer