Super-Easy July 4th Cake Toppers by Sarah Goldschadt of Craft-A-Day!

It seems like everyone's searching for fabulous last-minute July 4th recipes and DIYs right now! I'm right there with you: I've been digging through Pinterest for minimal-effort, maximum-reward (patriotic) projects, too. That's why I was so excited to see that my brilliant friend and author of the book Craft-a-Day, Sarah Goldschadt, posted these super-easy July 4th cake toppers this morning. Her crafts are always spot-on, no matter what your skill level! These toppers only require a little cutting, paper and toothpicks (well, and cake, but I know you can figure that out).Head over to Sarah's site for more information on this easy DIY. You can also check out the Craft-a-Day Summer Edition on your iPad or the full book, here! xo Erin

New Year's Resolutions

Here's something fun to do for yourself this year: Head over to Sarah Goldschadt's blog and print off her free template for "100 Resolutions for 2013." It's amazing how productive you feel when you set and accomplish a bunch of manageable mini-goals (and as Sarah says, it's super satisfying to cross things off lists)! Here's what I have on mine so far: 

1. Eat more vegetables. 
2. Try to practice patience every day. 
3. Learn basic Italian. 
4. Listen more, talk less. 
5. Make more time for family.
6. Make more time for friends. 
7. Wake up earlier. 
8. Budget! Save money.
9. Update professional website.
10. Organize photo-taking space in apartment. 
11. Read at least 5 new books.
12. Volunteer.
13. Go to dance class more frequently. 
14. Create a personal ritual for snapping out of grumpy mood (and use it).
15. Make blog bigger, better and more beautiful.
16. Learn how to use Photoshop and InDesign. 
17. Learn XML.
18. Sew new baskets for bedroom shelf.
19. Start working towards my first book.
20. Eat less meat.
21. Floss every night.
22. Listen to voicemails (I never ever listen to them, I just call the person back—they stress me out!)
23. Write 1 short piece of theatrical writing to keep those juices flowing!
24. Send emails/letters to family and friends, just to say you're thinking about them.
25. Put photos in frames and finally hang up at home.
26. Find new favorite pair of jeans.
27. Run a half-marathon. 
28. Teach someone something.
29. Get to know my readers better (any ideas?)
30. Let people know how grateful you are for their love-support-help-kidness-wisdom-presence-etc more often.
31. Be more proactive about chore-doing. 
32. Think thrice before snipping at someone (I get short when I'm frustrated and it's embarrassing—must change)!
33. Develop 5 to 6 new recipes and/or crafts every month for the blog.
34. Travel.
35. Pamper and protect your skin.
36. Channel positive energy.

[Photograph and resolution template by Sarah Goldschadt]

Super Simple Ghost Party! Chocolate Cupcake Recipe & Crafts!

Boo! Remember when I posted about my favorite craft book, Craft-A-Day? Well, Sarah Goldschadt (the brilliant author) and I used the ghost craft template from her book to make a little spooky part post for y'all!

The original plan was to make glow-in-the-dark cupcakes and toppers but (1) I couldn't get this frosting to work without tasting like total crud (2) The glow-in-the-dark paint wasn't quite glowy enough. C'est la vie! 

Fortunately Sarah's adorable (and easy!) ghost cupcake toppers and bat straws were just as festive in daylight: You can find how-to instructions for making the ghosts in Sarah's book, Craft-A-Day, and the bat template is available on her Etsy site, here! 

Now, for the cupcakes (these ones taste fabulous AND can be made vegan!):

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH GHOSTLY WHITE FROSTING

SERVES: 12

FOR THE CUPCAKES

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup warm water (or coffee!) 

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

FOR THE FROSTING

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 

4 tablespoons vegetable shortening 

1 1-pound box confectioners' sugar (or to taste)

1 teaspoon clear vanilla or almond extract 

1. Make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350˚. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners (I used these Wilton cupcake liners).

2. Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm water, vanilla, vegetable oil and vinegar and whisk until combined (it's okay if the batter's a little lumpy). Divide the batter between the prepared cups, filling each two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 

3. Make the frosting: Beat the butter and shortening with a mixer on medium speed until combined. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag, snip the corner and pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. 

*If you want to make these cupcakes vegan / dairy-free, replace the 1 stick unsalted butter in the frosting with 4 more tablespoons vegetable shortening—that's how a lot of grocery store make their frosting!*

[Photos by Sarah Goldschadt, author of Craft-A-Day]

The Best Craft Book Ever, Craft-A-Day by Sarah Goldschadt

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday! I ordered my friend Sarah Goldschadt's brilliant craft book, Craft-A-Day, last week and it's finally here! Sarah's a super talented crafter and graphic designer turned author and, I must say, I couldn't be happier for her. The book is amazing! It's an entire year of crafts, tucked artfully into one fabulous book, organized by week: Each chapter starts with a traceable template, then you use that design to make a week's worth of themed projects like garlands, ornaments, cupcake toppers—it's perfect. I can't wait to show you the little ghost party we worked on together :) Keep your eyes peeled! 

Oh, and Happy Friday! 

xox