New Photos in the Ol’ Shop

Guess what?  There are new photos in our shop!

Nate and I are both longing for a day on the beach.  We do have a trip planned but we need tax season to end first.  So we dug out some photos from our trip to Tybee Island/Savannah, GA and did a little day dreaming.  (You can read about our trip here, here, and here.)  We thought you might want to day dream with us!

I think I’m going to move to the beach when I retire.  Next year.  Or 30 years from now.  Whatever.

I eventually would love for you to make your way over to the shop to check out the new photos.  But I would first like to show you how Lyndsay (That 70's House) displayed her Decor and the Dog Photo purchases. Lyndsay had the digital files printed onto canvas.  She then displayed them proudly on an Ikea shelf.  I am currently trying to find a place to make this work in our house!

You can read more on how Lyndsay completed this project right here!

Head on over to the shop for more information on how to order your very own Decor and the Dog masterpiece.  We have decided to keep each collection of photos listed instead of placing them in the vault.  Who do we think we are?  Walt Disney?  We wish. 

What’s your favorite photo from the Tybee collection?  Don’t you just love Lyndsay’s display?

Baked Donuts

My parents got me a donut pan for my birthday.  They also got me a heavier kettlebell.  Good combo parental units.

I have been wanting a donut pan for awhile.  Like I would remind my mom that I wanted a donut pan for my birthday every time I called her  (which is almost daily).  My parents tell me that they are sure the donut pan will end up on our next garage sale. Like any good daughter, I aim to prove them wrong.

This past Sunday I whipped up some baked donuts.  They didn’t disappoint.

Keep in mind that baked donuts are baked.  Baked means that they will not taste nearly as good as their fried cousins.  They are more of a cake donut.  I, personally, am not picky when it comes to donuts.  If it’s sugar in a ring form, I’ll probably love it.

Did I mention that I’m trying to eat better this week.  Mmm, donuts.  It’s okay.  They are baked.

I have made two donut recipes.  The following is my favorite. 

Spiced Cake Donuts

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp shortening

Preheat oven to 325.  Lightly grease the oven pan.

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking power, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.  Stir in milk, eggs, vanilla and shortening.  Beat together until well blended.

Fill each donut cup approximately 3/4 full.  I used the Wilton Dessert Decorator.  I’m still a messy donut maker but the decorator did make filling the pan easier.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until donuts spring back when touched.

Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Now to choose your topping.

Chocolate Glaze

• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 Tbs. melted butter
• 1 tbsp corn syrup
• 1 tsp, hot water

In medium bowl, microwave chocolate chips, butter and corn syrup on 50% power for 1 minute.  Stir frequently until completely melted.  Stir in hot water until the glaze is thick and smooth (~1 tsp).

Glazed

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp hot water

Mix together and dip donut in the glaze.

Powdered Sugar

Place powdered sugar in a resealable plastic bag.  Add donut.  Shake until coated.

Are you a baked donut fan?  Any great donut recipes that I should try?

Stencil Dilemma

Because I was super lazy this week-end.  (I’m going to blame the gloomy weather.)

Because I can’t make up my mind.  (This I can’t blame on the weather.)

Because everyone loves surveys.  (It’s true.)

Because people like to tell other people what to do. (Super true.)

What should I do with that white wall in my craft room?

If you’re new/catching up on the craft room, the walls are Sherwin Williams March Wind. The buffet is Sherwin Williams Agate Green. The buttons are a mix of white, coral, green and grey.  The sewing table is white with a Sun Bleached stain. The chairs are getting a paint job but I think they depend on my wall choice.  I plan on replacing the light (get over it Nate) and adding some colorful art above the sewing table.

That white wall is confusing me.  I have two stencils options that I am pondering.  Royal Design Studios Modern Chevron and Royal Design Studios Hollywood Squares. 

(This is not a sponsored post.  I won the stencils by entering our powder room into a Craftbaby contest.  RDS will offer up a stencil for a giveaway if I get my act together and get to stenciling.  Think of that as motivation for helping me out.)

I just can’t commit. Design paralysis. I’m probably just overthinking this (in true Michelle fashion). I just can’t decide.

Do I do coral chevron?  Or grey chevron (I would use March Wind.  I have decided that much.)?  But chevron is so overdone.  But I like it.

The squares are really fun but will probably take me 100 years to finish.  But grey squares. I can see it.  Or coral.  Coral is always good.

Or I could leave the walls white, find a fun fabric for a curtain and call it done.

What would you do with that white wall? 

Thanks for helping out an indecisive blogger.