The Clay Magnets Project

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The Clay Magnets Project

I know, I know, my presentation is a bit "Christmassy" when we are barely into November- there's a good reason. I designed this DIY for Apartment Therapy's Homemade Holiday Gift Idea Exchange, a clever series where bloggers share their ideas for making handmade holiday presents. I chose to share this project, because it's something that kids and grown-ups can work on together. Fancy magnets make a great all-purpose gift for teachers, co-workers, friends, and as stocking stuffers- they aren't something you buy for yourself, and they can really spruce up the fridge. Get creative! Use different shaped cookie cutters to personalize your magnets.  I used white clay, because I love Jonathan Adler, but oven bake clay comes in a variety of colors. My project will be up on AT later today.  Here's the link to the entire series: Homemade Holiday Gift Idea Exchange.

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The Fallen Leaf Lantern

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The Fallen Leaf Lantern

I don't know if I ever formally announced this on Poppy Haus, but I started a visual display internship with Anthropologie last month; the best part of which is the opportunity to create three dimensional art installations out of ordinary materials "as a job", because as you know, I really like doing it for my home. Today's post has been in the works and a little delayed because of my ever tightening schedule with school, interning, blogging and kid wrangling.  I am very excited to share this new paper lantern project, particularly because it's a project that you can do with kids, at least the leaf collecting part (we got our leaves from Jasper's school). The lantern can hang from a string or can be illuminated with a light cord. Here are some more pictures and a tutorial. 

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Miso Porridge with Charred Bok Choy

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Miso Porridge with Charred Bok Choy

This is the time of year in California when it finally starts to get chilly. I've pulled out my sweaters and tall boots and I've been making more comfort foods like soups and stews. One of my very favorite warm-you-up comfort foods is Risotto, an Italian style porridge made with Arborio rice and stock.  It's actually very easy to make, and once you know the technique, you can experiment with your ingredients.  I sometimes make this Japanese version using a ginger-miso broth(found at Trader Joes) and shitake mushrooms. I thought I'd share this recipe today along with a simple technique for making charred bok choy, which I just add straight to the bowl. Stay warm and have fun tonight, Happy Halloween!

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How to Be A Tenenbaum

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How to Be A Tenenbaum

This is such a ridiculous picture, I just had to share. In keeping with our now two year tradition, Adam and I dressed up as a Wes Anderson movie couple for a Halloween party over the weekend.  Last year we went as The Fantastic Mr. and Mrs. Fox, this year, Margot and Richie Tenenbaum. The possibilities are vast with this theme.  Moonrise Kingdom, Rushmore, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou to name a few, and most of what goes into being these characters can be found at a thrift store. Ironically the same night of our costume party, SNL did a pretty funny skit about said films.  Here for your enjoyment:

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Salted Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cookies

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Salted Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cookies

I'm in the middle of two projects right now, one that I'm working on for Apartment Therapy's Holiday DIY Gift Guide, the other a new iteration of the paper lantern project that involves collecting hundreds of leaves.  I hope to bring you at least one of those by next week.  In the meantime, here's what we were snacking on this week.  I followed my usual peanut butter cookie recipe, and added a couple of ingredients to the mix to give them a little something more, one being baking cocoa, the other cracked sea salt. The result is a soft at center, crispy at the edges cookie with a peanut butter cup flavor. Here are some glamour shots of cookie eating and the recipe.  Have a great weekend!

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