Origami Arrow Magnets and Tacks

If you have a significant other or children in your household you need these!  In my case, my husband doesn't see things in the morning.  For 7 years now he has been walking right past the full trash can, the pile of cards and bills that need to be put in the mail slot and let's not forget the ginormous bag of laundry that needs to be taken to fluff and fold on Friday's.  I've tried everything, putting the mail on his keys.  Putting the laundry bag in front of the door so he has to move it to get out. Somehow he gets out the door with his keys and the mail and clothes are still sitting there?

So today, I'm going to make some neon yellow arrows, in a cute print of course.  A little paper folding and an awesome arrow reward is well worth getting my 30lb. bag of laundry carried downstairs.

Fun Find: Swordsicles

You might wonder what it is you are looking at here?  If you have a little swashbuckler in your household or in my case a big swashbuckler then this fun find can't be missed.  It is sword shaped tray for popsicles or ice cubes!  How cool is that?  Perfect addition to any pirate themed kid's party or how about national talk like a pirate day, which is on September 19th.  No matter what booty you're chasin' this swords a must.

Link Love

Love and Olive Oil
This meyer lemon tart would look nice on an Easter dessert buffet.

LuxuryD3sign
This gallery wall and trunk combo is to die for.

Bayaderka
 Blackberry mousse...stunning dessert.

Country Living
I love these hooks for practicality as well as a great conversation piece.  I would put them in a guest bedroom..

Classic Shortbread

As I mentioned previously I went to Chicago last weekend.  I had an awesome trip and thought I would get a ton of cool blog content to share.  Unfortunately, everything at the Home + Housewares show was top secret since it was their new product lines and absolutely no photos allowed. Boo Hiss..

However, one of the things that we did was go to high tea at the Drake Hotel.  We had a great time and the tea and refreshments where delicious an inspiring.  It is of course difficult to whip up a cream puff swan at home, so I have been trying to come up with some alternatives.  When I saw this shortbread recipe which is super easy with just a few ingredients, I knew it was going into the mix or should I say tower.  Even better is that it is not to sweet which gives you the perfect vehicle for adding fun, flavorful jams.

The one thing is that it is a Scottish recipe but I trust no one will tell the Queen.

Umbrella Fun

So this has nothing to do with party planning but I thought it was cool and wanted to share.  It is an umbrella by Squidarella that changes from black and white when dry to colorful when wet.  I am not a fan of the rain especially in NYC because it always seems to rain sideways and it doesn't matter what you are doing you get soaked.  But if I had a cool color changing umbrella then I would look forward to rain.  Another plus is that I always sit my umbrella out to dry and am never quite sure when it is sufficiently so.  Now I don't have to guess.  One umbrella please.

Chic Easter Eggs

It's not to early to plan your Easter Egg strategy for this year's celebration.  After all it will be here before you know it.  I was intrigued by these gold leaf easter eggs via Sugar and Charm.  I've never worked with gold leaf before but this looks like the perfect place to start.

Perfect Poached Egg

I've never attempted a poached egg.  To be honest, it always seemed like to much trouble.  But thanks to this article over at YumSugar giving you tips for the perfect poached egg, I think I will give it a whirl-pun intended.

Link Love

Mommiecooks
Strawberry breakfast bars.

Swanky Tables
Adorable graphics for a Candyland party.

A Piece of Toast Blog
What a tub!

Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice
French Toast Roll Ups.

International Home + Housewares Show

I'm flying out today for Chicago to attend the International Home + Housewares show...YEAH!  I'll be back next week with a look at what's hot in housewares in 2013.  Stay tuned.

Tartlette

I like to experiment on the weekends with different recipes and when I saw the seared lamb chops with blood orange sauce and roasted okra with chili oil...I was sold.  Check out these amazing photos that I'm sure will inspire you as well.