Smells like teen spirit (Nirvana)

Last night I've been searching and loving items on Fashiolista for hours (yes until 4 am!!!-once i start i can't stop). Some time around 3 I realized that most of the perfumes I have been looking for to love, wheren't there. So I started thinking all of my favourite fragnances. Today I decided to make a post about my top 10 most beloved to show you my preferances. They are put in a random order, because i simply like some of these the same. Tell me your opinions if u have tried them and of course I am waiting for you to also tell me your favourites. Who knows, maybe you'll give me new ideas and next time my list will be changed!!! ;) Have a great week and don't forget to follow. Kisses to all of you!

Fashionably yours 

Despina

1. D&G - The One

2. Miss Dior Cherie L'eau

3.Kenzo - Flower 

4. Armani - Code

5. Burberry - Brit

6. Salvatore Ferragamo - Attimo

7. Carolina Herrera - 212 VIP

8. Trussardi - Inside

9. Gucci  Eau de parfume ii

10. Calvin Klein - One

Getting to Know You

by Hanna ~ Seedling Design

This is a chance to get to know some of the members of HandmadeMN and a little bit more about what they make and do in their own words.

Today we're getting to know Shasta Feltman from The Traveling Cabinet who lives in Roseville and blogs at travelingcabinet.blogspot.com.

 

 

What do you make and why?

I think last summer was pretty difficult - I had just graduated from college, my two best friends fled the state for summer break, and I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I earned my degree in Intercultural Studies, but I wanted to be more financially stable before I left for the mission field.  It felt like limbo. Then, like any good unemployed grad, I was surfing the web and noticed a bunch of inspiration/DIY blogs;  I couldn't help myself.

 

My grandma had just given me her sewing machine and I began experimenting with clutches and accessories.   The clutches themselves are an amazing medium for creativity - they allow me to experiement with lovely fabrics I find and craft them in my own particular style.  Even since I was a 'wee bonnie lass' I've been addicted to traveling, history, maps and the like - and I think the clutches reflect that lifestyle in a femine way.

 

Where do you do your making?

During school I lived in pretty small apartment, so my workspace had to be compact and portable. I repurposed a low IKEA tv stand into a rolling sewing machine table. I pull it in front of an arm chair when I want to use it and roll it into the corner when guests are over.  Right now my bedroom is my creative space, so I've decorated it like a studio.  I still use the same rolling table but there are pictures for inspiration, mason jars, twine, muslin, and vintage postcards hanging everywhere. 

 

 

What is your favorite part of the process?

Hmm, I love finding unique or vintage fabrics - I just love 'em; how they feel, how they smell, discoloring is a plus.  Anything that has detail attracts my attention - I found a really lovely lace from Korea and I've been using it in everything.  If I go walking through a shop and a textile or notion makes me thing, "Ooo, that reminds me of ...", then its a keeper.  

 

What do you listen to or watch while you are working?

I'm SO glad you asked this question - for me, sewing grew simultaneously with a love for Minnesota Public Television. I've never had more than the basics when it comes to TV, and since I've never been a fan of cops or reality shows, I really enjoy TPT shows like "Masterpiece Theatre", "Lark Rise to Candleford" and "Doc Martin".  I am smitten. Now when I sew, I watch an episode or two online, or I download a podcast of a Jane Austen novel.

 

Tell us something else that we don't know that you want us to:

For me, faith isn't just a list of do's and don'ts - so when I began working on The Traveling Cabinet it was really important for me to continue contributing to the missions community even if I wasn't able to directly participate; I wanted to find a  way to apply my degree. Although its not much now, 10% of sales go to support young missionaries I graduated with and other humanitarian aid groups that share the gospel message of Jesus.  I know that its sometimes offensive to talk passionately about faith and truth in our culture today but I believe that if you let fear run your life, it will extinguish your life.
 

French Bread Pizza {tutorial}

French Bread Pizzazzzzzzzzz.......

Super easy...

Super yummy...

and won't break the bank!!!

All you need is a loaf of French Bread, pizza sauce {I use Prego Traditional spaghetti sauce}, grated cheese {I use a 5 cheese mix}, and whatever toppings your lil' heart desires!!!!

After you slice your french bread spread sauce over each piece.  You can use a lot or a little...depends on what you like.

Sprinkle with cheese...we like lots and lots of cheese in my household {maybe that's why we are all so cheesy?!?}.

Add toppings.  I usually mix it up between just cheese and pepperoni {I have picky eaters in my house}!!

Bake at 400 degrees {farenheit} for 15-20 minutes {or until cheese is browned and meat is curled at edges}.

And watch your French Bread Pizzazzzzzzz disappear!!!

Check out my sidebar for all the coolio parties I link to!

HandmadeMN Giveaway - FreshStash

By Jessica of Clay By Clay

Congratulations to our latest giveaway winner! Thanks to all who entered and we wish you good luck with this week's giveaway!

This week's giveaway is from Lisa of FreshStash.  Lisa is giving away this fun fabric bundle.

This giveaway includes a half-yard each of 5 charming new prints from Aneela Hoey's Sherbet Pip collection for Moda fabrics.  The fabrics are in lovely shades of pink and grey. 


Open to US residents only. 

How to Enter:

Visit Lisa's shop, pick your favorite item and leave a comment on this post about it. (Scroll to bottom of post and click on Comments)

Please make sure we have a way to contact you!

For Bonus Entries:

Please leave each in a separate comment, as each comment is an entry (To qualify for extra entries you must do step one above).

1. Visit other HandmadeMN team members shops (listed in the sidebar here) and leave a comment(s) here with your favorite pieces.

2. Blog about this giveaway with a visible link back to this posting and comment here with a link to your post.

3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment(s) with a link to your tweet(s).

4. Follow our blog (you want to do this anyway to learn about upcoming giveaways!). Leave a comment here letting us know you are a follower. If you are already a follower, leave a comment anyway, as each comment is an entry.

5. Follow HandmadeMN on Twitter. Comment back here with your Twitter link. Existing followers just leave your Twitter link here.

6. Become a Facebook Fan of HandmadeMN. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

7. Become a Facebook Fan of FreshStash.  Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

Contest ends Saturday, June 11, at 12:00 noon Central. One winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Good luck!

HandmadeMN members are not eligible to win.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake...Out of a Box {recipe}

If I am suddenly MIA you know why...

From the vault, I give you 

the most de-lish, fantabulous, moist, special

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

you'll EVER taste!!!

NOMANOMANOMANOMA!!!

Ingredients:

                                    1 Lemon Cake Mix                                1 tbsp. Vanilla

                                    4 large Eggs                                          1/4 cup Poppy Seeds

                                    1 cup Sour Cream                                 Whipped Sour Cream Frosting

                                    1 stick REAL Butter {softened}

Directions:

 

1 ~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees {farenheit}

2 ~ Spray pan with Pam {I use a bundt stone and Pam Baking}

3 ~ Mix everything except for the poppy seeds in a large bowl.  I use my KitchenAid {I'm in LOVE with that darned thing...shhh...don't tell Boo~Bear}. 

4 ~ Add poppy seeds and mix on low

Mixture will be thick...

5 ~ Pour mixture into pan and it's ready to go into the oven.

6 ~ Bake for 35-40 minutes {gas ovens are generally 10-15 minutes longer}

7 ~ Once removed from the oven, let the cake cool in it's pan for 5 minutes.

You'll know the cake the cake is done when your tester comes out clean. Like my cool Diet Shmiet tester?!?

8 ~ Flip over onto a plate and pound it down on the counter.  This will release the cake.  

Doesn't it look FANTABULOUS?!? 

If your curious about how moist the cake is, simply press down with your fingers {gently}...

amazingly moist right?!?  

Told you so...

9 ~ Let cake cool completely before you put your frosting on.  If you don't your frosting will clump and your tasty cake will look CA~CA!!!

10 ~ To prepare frosting, scoop into a  measuring cup with a pour lip {no idea what the real name is but you get the point right?} and microwave for 20 seconds. 

11 ~ Stir and let cool for just a lil' bit.  Frosting should be runny but not too 'watery'.

12 ~ Start pouring.  I pour with one hand while I turn the plate with the other.  I usually move the measuring cup in an up/down motion to get the frosting to coat evenly.  

{sorry this pic is a little blurry...I snapped it as I started to pour and then moved too quickly from holding the camera to turning the plate}

Okay, so now that I've shown you, I may have to dispose of you.  No hard feelings...

**check out my sidebar to see where I party**

Fun Friday Finds ~ Soaring Away

By Jenna Halek ~ Artistic Edition

Soaring Away

(Click on the image to go to the Etsy Treasury!)

Visit these HandmadeMN shops to see more:

Click on any of the names below

First Row (Left to Right): uniqueartpendants, ArtyDidact, greensquirrel, AdornJewelry

Second Row (Left to Right): WildDogStudio, sparkflight, DreamingTreeCreation, maebyknot
Third Row (Left to Right): cayennepeppy, birdfromawire, oodlesofcolor, SteampunkVintage

Fourth Row (Left to Right): Omooreart, TCWitchcraftFactory, risingsunstudio, westernartglass

Deep Purple

Days go by incredibly slow... Most of the times I'm pretty much bored. No friends around but too much free time. Just waiting for something new to come up and make things seem brighter. Hope insists but logic laughs ironicly to me. I know I may sound a bit disappointed but I can't really go against a situation that never changes. Weather is sunnier and warmer lately but rain is here every day. Summer is closer than ever but that doesn't seem to cheer me up so much. I guess my lovely readers you are having much better time than I am... You sure do! This is just a simple post (I did my best being fun and smiley-I even wear white). Aside all that i hope you like it. Please send me your possitive thoughts. I really need them this time :)

Fashionably yours

Despina

cardigan (aggressive), top (naf naf), pants (bsb fashion), bag (sisley), shoes (xc-xacaret), belt (tally weijl), necklace (handmade by my best friend Mary), brown  bracelets (vintage), beige bracelets (gift) 

Chicken Tortilla Soup {recipe}

This is one of the one of my favorite recipes.  It's SO easy and uber yummy!!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients
2 tbsp. Butter
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup onion chopped
3 15 oz. cans of chicken broth
1 3/4 cup thick and chunky salsa, mild
1 cup frozen corn
1 can black beans, about 75% drained
3 chicken breasts, cooked an shredded (I've cooked my own chicken and have purchased the rotisserie chickens from the grocery store ~ both work fabulously)
Tortilla chips or strips (optional)
Garnishes for topping: shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime juice 

Directions
Melt butter in large skillet/saucepan. Add green pepper and onion. Simmer until tender. Stir in broth, corn, salsa and beans. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and cook for 5 minutes. Add chicken, heat through, and serve with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. Top with garnishes of your choice.

I know this is a little funny since this is a recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup but I actually don't put the chips in my serving...I add the shredded cheese and a dollup of sour cream.

Yummy in my tummy!!!

Leighton Meester # 2

Lovely readers part 2 is finally here!!! Well for those who didn't read part 1, you can catch up here. The first one was focused on Leighton Meester's popular role, in Gossip Girl tv show, Blair Waldorf. Today's post is exclusively about her. She's my favourite young upcoming actress. I noticed her from the first GG episode and i absolutely loved her. 5 things that made me like her so much: great acting skills, lovely singer, beautifull face, brunette (most of the times-extra points for that!), wonderfull taste in fashion. Also I've already had enough with all these blond girls in Hollywood and I believe she's that someone different. I can't wait to see her in other things, particularly in movies. But since then, let's see why Leighton is a remarkable fashion icon. Below I posted some of the most beautifull close ups, outfits, magazine and street style photos of her. So my dearests fashion lovers what do you think??? Send me your thoughts! Kisses to everyone :)

Fashionably yours

Despina