Sis Boom Splendor!

How lucky am I to live in Connecticut? The state of Sis Boom! Jennifer is in the midst of her spring show and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit her today. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera but I did take photos of some of my wonderful haul. First, let me say, Jennifer is so sweet! She gave me the vintage wallpaper pack shown below on the house. She also loves my Yuppy Puppy Pawtisserie treats! Jennifer basically takes her home and transforms it into an absolutely breathtaking boutique for three days. One of the very first things that caught my eye was this dreamy vintage bouquet. It is made up of all sorts of fabulous vintage finds and wrapped beautifully. I think I am going to place it in a glass bowl in my dining room. LOVE IT!
I was also lucky enough to snag this beautiful handmade top. The fabric is of course Sis Boom and is from Jennifer's Girlfriends line. I'll be bringing this up to the Cape with me in a few weeks. The fabric is just divine!

I also came home with 100 yards of vintage seam binding in a great teal color and a bag chock full of Sis Boom fabric scraps. These will be great for lots of little projects.

Here is the vintage wallpaper pack. More project ideas coming to mind!
Last up is this beautiful green floral print apron. I didn't get the greatest picture but it is beautiful. The fabric used is definitely my favorite in the Sis Boom line. I could decorate my whole house using it! If you live anywhere near Wilton, Connecticut, be sure to check out Jennifer's show - it is from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. today, tomorrow, and Saturday. I just may have to go back!

Miscellaneous

I'm feeling kind of random today so I apologize if this post goes off in too many directions! I have a good friend that will be moving to sunny Florida in a few weeks. She is making a major life change so that her husband can pursue his dream. I'm excited for her but will miss her terribly. I have many friends and family moving lately. In addition to my Florida friend, my cousin is moving to Georgia, another friend is moving to North Carolina and yet another friend may be moving to Pennsylvania. I'm envious in a big way. I would love to strike out and try a different state (preferably one with no winter :)) but I don't have the guts. Plus my family as well as my husband's family are pretty much all right here in Connecticut. Hubby and I have been tossing the out-of-state move idea around a bit but I don't think we would do it unless there was some fantastic job offer for one or both of us. I do hope to have children in the near future and would like to be a stay at home mom so if Hubby does get a great job offer, hmm... Okay, I digress. The photo above is of a collage I made for my Florida bound friend. I used some vintage wallpapers as well as some Martha Stewart paper. I found the vintage 1950 FL postcard at the flea market. The note on the back is to a friend informing her of the sender's sister's death - I won't let my friend know that part! Can you imagine getting a postcard with a sunny FL illustration only to read about death?! The crepe paper ruffle leaves a bit to be desired but I've gotten some great tips from Heidi and Natasha so I'm well equipped to better my ruffle skills for future projects! The entire collage was inspired by a circular collage Andrea recently showcased. Speaking of which, Andrea is opening her own web boutique! Check out her blog for all the details.

This adorable little guy is from Natasha. I just love her work! I had thought I missed out on her new batch of soap holders but she saved one just for me! It is looking quite at home right by my sink. Natasha has requested some photos of Connecticut so I hope to take some scenic shots this weekend and post them early next week.

Above are some photos from a lovely home/shop featured in the latest issue of O at Home. I apologize for the photo quality. She converted a barn into a hat store - I LOVE hats! I'm one of the only ones (okay the ONLY one) that will still wear a hat to Sunday mass. My family thinks I'm out of my gourd but I tell them it takes someone with confidence to pull off a hat when no one else has the guts! What are some of your "gutsy" habits?

Raspberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Buns

There is nothing like the flavor of raspberry and cream cheese together. I made these this morning and they were quite well received! The recipe is courtesey of the Magnolia Bakery.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Buns

1 3/4 C all purpose flour (I use unbleached)
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 C sugar
2 lg. eggs, at room temp.
1/4 C milk
1/2 t vanilla extract
1/2 C raspberry preserves
Confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour 9 bun pans or large muffin cups. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, butter and sugar until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and beat well. Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. Spoon the batter into the bun pans or muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Drop 3 small dollops (about a teaspoon full each) of raspberry preserves onto the top of each bun and, using the tip of a sharp knife, swirl the preserves into the batter, forming a decorative pattern (if you are using muffin cups, cut the preserves in half or they will become too soggy). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the buns to cool for about 30 minutes before sprinkling with confectioner's sugar and serving. Yum!