Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook

Hi there! I came across a cookbook that I truly, truly love.  It's called "Back in the Day Bakery Made with Love".

It's written by a lovely couple, Cheryl and Griffith Day.

The recipes here are based on the goodies they serve at their bakery in Savannah, Georgia, also called "Back in the Day Bakery". It looks like that neighborhood spot where everyone likes to hang out. I can't wait to visit someday!

And with the name alone, you know that you'll be well fed and the flavors will just bring you back to your childhood.

Now back to the cookbook:

The illustrations inside are darling.

The choice of colors are also very uplifting.

The food styling is fun and approachable.

And there are many recipes I wanted to get my hands on.

This! This recipe for Banoffee Pie (short for Banana and Toffee) was a sure winner. 

It's made of a graham cracker crumb crust with a filling of dulce de leche, bananas and cream, then topped with chocolate. What's not to love?

I've made several versions of this and it's been received with a lot of enthusiasm. An easy go-to dessert is always TADA!

If you can stop by tomorrow, I'll show you some crafts from the cookbook. See you then. 

A Copper Jello Mold

A few years ago, I was at a New York City flea market where I found this:

It's a copper jello mold. I fell in love with its shape. Even if you didn't use it, it would be a pretty accent to a kitchen wall (see the little hanging hook on top?).

Good thing it has a practical purpose that I don't mind using. Just pour gelatin-based desserts right in and let it set.

This dessert is called Cathedral Windows or Stained Glass Cake, made of different colored Jello suspended in a panna cotta. It's light and not too sweet.

It resembles the stained glass windows you can find in many churches.

This is a strawberry panna cotta (there are diced strawberries inside).

I can't wait to make more desserts out of this copper mold. I'll find out if I can use it to bake cakes, too.

May you all have a sweet week, folks!

Dad's Day

Whether you're Daddy, Dad, Papa, Pops...today is your day! 

Thank you for all that you do!

A Tote Bag Transformation

I always have a reusable bag with me wherever I go. It's the easiest way to be eco-friendly and eliminates the number of plastic bags used when doing groceries.

Here's a canvas bag that folds up into a neat package when empty.

It's a good size, quite roomy, and can easily be thrown in the wash.

However, it looks a little blah.

I found these canvas embellishments at the craft store for 50 cents a pack. It occured to me that I could dress up my tote bag with these.

I laid them out, choosing a right spot for each one.

I did the same on the other side.

I relied on fabric glue to attach them to the bag.

And because I wanted to tightly secure them, I sewed them on using embrodiery floss.  

An embroidery hoop made the task easier.

The combination of red and blue thread added some color:

And that is how I turned this tote bag from blah to TADA!

Candy in a Clear Case

Today's post is inspired by this candy shop. They sell their gourmet candy in these clear boxes:

via Crains

via automtk

via Prime Living

Aren't they gorgeous? The colors of the candy really shine through. They're like edible jewels!

Here's how we'll turn blah to TADA!

I have this clear case. It's now sad and empty.

I think it's worthy of a new life.

Just add some candy! I chose M&M's.

I made some handpainted labels using these materials.

And look, the box is ready to be given away:

For whatever occasion or reason, this candy in a box is sure to bring a smile on your loved one's face. TADA!

Furoshiki Fun

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of gift wrapping using a piece of cloth. Let's take a look:

via Ecoshiki

via One Million Women

via Ecoshiki

via Ecoshiki

via Omiyage Blogs

Aren't they beautiful? There's no need for scissors, tape or paper. You just need a piece of fabric like a vintage scarf, antique handkerchief, or fabric scraps that can be used over and over again. An impressive craft that turns blah to TADA!

Designer Spotlight: Kendra Dandy

So I was outlet shopping one weekend and I stumbled upon these scarves:

I almost died. I love, love, love these prints! They're playful, are inspired by mundane objects, and don't take themselves too seriously. It's like they had a point of view.

How awesome that the designer is credited on the label! 

I was instantly a fan. I just had to check out her work. Here are some of the cuteness she has created:

via Anthropologie

via Anthropologie

via Society6

via Society6

via Society6

via Society6

via Society6

I think Kendra Dandy turns blah to TADA! 

To learn more about her work, you can go here, here and here.