my new favorite treat ...

have you tried the new dreyers tart honey frozen yogurt?

yum!

it's my new favorite treat, paired with raspberries. or, any berries!

{image: 1 2}

before + after : target kids kitchen ...

i came across these great kids kitchen redo's over on ohdeedoh.

these readers took your average kitchen set from target, and made it their own. they re-painted, swapped out fabric, added mosaic tiles [seriously?], and handles to make it a custom kitchen set. darling!! ...makes me sad that i passed up one of these kitchens at target when it was on clearance for $40.

{images: blue kitchen, green kitchen}

wonton soup ...

chinese new year is coming up. did you know it's on valentine's day this year?

wonton soup brings back a lot of memories. it's a family favorite. i would always [and, still do] beg my mom to make it for me for part of my special birthday dinner. and, it is always on the menu when we celebrate chinese new year.

for the recipe, check it out on my latest post over on the zupas blog. click here.

{photo by me}

forever 21 kids ...

did you know that forever 21 has a new kids line called htg 81 kids for ages 6-14?

it just came out in january, and is available at select forever 21 locations or online.

locally, it is at the south towne mall in sandy, utah.

can't wait to check it out!

now, if only they had sizes for the little ones too...

happy mail ...

happy mail to me is having a good catalog or magazine show up in my mailbox.
i love to browse catalogs and magazines, so i was thrilled to see both my j. crew and urban outfitters catalog show up on the same day!

i'm loving all of the feminine looks!

here's a few favorites from the february j. crew catalog.

free valentine's day card printable ...

valentine's day is just around the corner.

so, if you have no clue what to get your sweetheart and loved ones, here's a free downloadable card from 74 lime lane that will make that part of the gift easier.
i love the "kiss me and carry on" one!

click here to download.

{via cafe mom, photo via 74 lime lane}

book review : the road ...

over the weekend, i read the road, by cormac mccarthy.

here's a brief library description:

it is a novel set in an indefinite, futuristic, post-apocalyptic world, a father and his young son make their way through the ruins of a devastated American landscape, struggling to survive and preserve the last remnants of their own humanity.

****

i liked this book. although disturbing at some parts. i like the story of the journey of the boy and father. it made me think of my relationships and how you'd do just about anything to protect the ones you love and keep them from harm.

curry lover ...

while flipping through the latest issue of elle decor, i was intrigued by a recipe for chicken curry that called for sweet potatoes, coconut, and pineapples, along with the chicken.

it looked amazing, so i thought i'd give it a try.

it turned out great! of course i made a few changes, but was pleased with the outcome! i love a good curry dish!

if you're a curry lover too, check out the recipe on my latest post over on the zupas blog.

click here.

{photo by me}

in love ...

.... with this white tile kitchen i spotted over on ish and chi.

designed by angie hranowsky.

just gorgeous!

(Images via Angie Hranowsky and Paloma81)

shop announcement ...

valentine's day is coming up quick!

i just added some new items in the armelle jewelry shop that would be perfect for your sweetheart or loved ones!

check them all out here.

trend alert: chevron stripes ...

chevron zigzag stripes are all the rage right now, and i can't help but jump aboard the bandwagon.

here are a few of my favorite chevron stripes i've seen out there:

1. black and white chevron pillow. $30 - from shop found studio
2. zigzag notecards. $14. linda & harriett
3. zigzag maillot swimsuit. $99.95 - from anthropologie
4. zigzag rug. $39- $649 - from west elm

camera bag ...

can you believe this darling purse is a camera bag?

i've been needing a good camera bag for a while, but i haven't been able to find one that i really like that doesn't scream camera bag.

this just might be it!

it's from a darling etsy shop called ketti handbags. love it!

{via a room somewhere}

gadgets ...

are you one of those people who like a gadget for everything in the kitchen? me too!

i can't say enough about my crepe maker. la la la love it! it makes making crepes so easy!

i've compiled a list of a few of my favorite kitchen gadgets on my latest post over on the zupas blog. check it out here.

book reviews ....

i always forget to share my current reads with you on this blog.
i thought i'd review a few books i've read recently in case you are in the market for some reading material.

the time traveler's wife.
i really enjoyed this book. i wanted to read for a little while and finally got around to it after seeing the movie.
a great love story. a little much on the curse words, but still a good read!

the book theif.
i have also been meaning to read this book for a while.
and, ... i loved it!
it takes place in the time of nazi germany and it is the story of 9 year old girl narrated by death its self.
i loved the book because it taught me:
* that even in horrible circumstances people can still be good.
* words are indeed very powerful.

p.s. i've heard this [the book thief] is going to be made into a movie. is that true?

and, the last book i read recently.
actually i started and finished it last night [it's a pretty short book] is the boy in the striped pajamas.

very good as well, and also takes place in nazi germany.
i thought that writing about the holocaust through the eyes of children was a very interesting perspective.

so, there it is.

my latest reads.

do you have any book suggestions?

packaging ideas : baby gifts ...

my sister's friend laila [hi laila!] asked me the other day about wrapping up a baby gift for her friend.

i recently came across two fun ways to wrap up baby gifts. these would be perfect for a baby shower!

the first idea i spotted on design mom, this great company lolly makes darling tee's and onesies for kids. the best part is they wrap up your gift like a lolly, naturally.

how to make your own:

supplies needed:

• cardstock or cardboard cut in a circle, the size you want.


• cellophane clear wrapping.


• long wood stick [found at craft stores]


• ribbon, twine, to tie the lolly pop.

you could do this easily by cutting a piece of thick cardstock paper in a circle, then placing the item of clothing over it and tuck the extra fabric around back. even using tape if needed. then, you would wrap the item in cellophane clear wrap and place a long stick and tie the bottom with ribbon.

another cute idea i came across was from lost button studio.

jess wrapped up some burp clothes to look like little candies.

click here for instructions.

just darling!

hope this helps with your baby gift wrapping!

magical ...

i was just going through my pictures from the holidays, and i came across this one of my children in their christmas jammies on christmas eve.

oh, to be a kid again!

artichoke dip ...

i'm lovin' myself some good artichoke dip lately. pair it with some multi-grain tortilla chips, and i'm in high calorie heaven. and, it's so worth it!

for the recipe, check out my latest post over on the zupas blog. click here.

this would be a great addition to your super bowl party table!

{photo by me}

numbers ...

i just love these number pillows i spotted today on black white yellow.

they are from pottery barn.

but...

as usual, i'm thinking how i can make these myself. they'd be pretty easy with freezer paper as a stencil.

anyone know the name of this font?

a winter picnic ...

this image from design sponge by sweet paul makes me want to go sledding and have a cozy winter picnic with my family. that would be a perfect afternoon!

{via design sponge, photo by studio dreyer hensley, styled by sweet paul}

interior styling ...

holly from decor8 has created a lovely flickr group called interior styling.
i'm super excited about this group, because it's full of great inspiration.
i feel like i need a little help in the styling department. especially bookshelves... don't get me started on that.
anyhow, here's a great eye candy that i loved from the group.

from ish and chi

from simply grove

from nestled in

from ivy style 33

from imacookoo

from ninaribena1

from ethanollie

wow! i really could go on and on!

be sure to check out the group on flickr.

{via simply grove}

oh my darling clementine ...

i've been eating these little cutie clementine oranges like they are going out of style lately. i love when they are in season and all over at the grocery store. my favorite part is how they are so easy to peel, and clementines, unlike the tangerines, are seedless. perfect for my little 2 year old.

also.

did you know that only two little clementine oranges pack almost 300% of your daily recommended value of vitamin c?

check out some other facts and recipes with clementines on my latest post on the zupas blog.

click here.

{photo by me}

steel tube beds ...

i'm in love with these steel tube beds i spotted over on ohdeedoh.

we're real close to moving z man into a big boy bed. i'm wondering. could i pull this off? i mean, do you think you could make a headboard with steel tubes? that would be beyond cool!

{via ohdeedoh, via serendipity france}

puff pastry ...

my new favorite thing to use in the kitchen is puff pastry. when making my mom's famous french apple tart for thanksgiving this year. i decided to substitute my usual dough recipe for puff pastry. it was a hit!

puff pastry adds some instant fancy, and best of all, you can buy it in your grocer's freezer!

check out my latest post, all about puff pastry on the zupas blog. click here.

there are some great last minute new years recipes!

{photo by me}

new years treats ...

i've been surfing the web for a nice new years treat to make..
i thought i'd post my findings for you!

shrimp shau mai

lil' smoky cheese ball

petit croque monsieurs

cheese fondue

pears and camembert

lemon ricotta fritters with lemon curd

baked brie with pecans

chicken satay with peanut chutney

goat cheese stuffed mushrooms

grilled beef rolls with dipping sauce

wow! i could go on and on, but really it's making me too hungry.

can you tell i'm a fan of savory things?

looks like i have a lot of choices to think about. thanks martha!

best of 2009 ...

as the new year is approaching fast, i thought i'd put together a best of 2009 post.

so, here you have it.
the most popular posts original from the armelle blog, from 2009!

:: last minutes christmas decorations :: posted after x mas on jan 12, 2009

:: my valentine hearts on a string :: posted february 4, 2009

:: ginger carrot soup :: posted february 24, 2009

and, other foodie posts for zupas

:: my feather headband :: posted march 17, 2009

:: my little ezra's circus party invitations :: posted april 2, 2009

:: ezra's easter basket toolbox :: posted april 8, 2009

:: ezra's big circus birthday party :: posted april 15, 2009

:: a mini-me headband for baby girl :: posted may 19, 2009

:: the arrival of miss norah :: posted july 8, 2009

:: roasted tomato soup :: posted september 11, 2009

:: my little norah's nursery tour :: posted november 10, 2009

:: christmas goodie packaging :: posted december 17, 2009

:: christmas packaging :: posted december 21, 2009

i hope you like this best of 2009 post!

it was fun for me to look back some fun things i was able to make/do this year!

i really love having this blog! it's been a really nice creative outlet for me.

and, who knew that i'd get to come in contact with such nice people!

so, thanks to you all, whomever you are....

yes, you ...the one who reads this blog!

it's been fun to share my 2009 with you!

here's to hoping for a great 2010!

merry christmas to all ...

i hope you have the merriest christmas ever!

this year i opted from a traditional photo christmas card, and decided to do a faux poloroid with a card. i guess i wanted to stick with our instant photo theme from two years ago.

hope your holidays are magical!

to see what we'll be eating with our christmas feast, click here to see my latest zupas post.

so tiny ...

ok, really?

these are too much! i can't stand how cute they are! some people are so cleaver!

if i had the time, santa would be getting one of these tonight with his milk ...

{via design mom, via not martha}

count down ...

can you believe it?

only 2 sleeps until christmas day!!

my tree is feeling a little like the one above.... about a million little sticky notes of things i have to get done before the big day.

i'm trying to slow down and remember what this season is all about... click here if you need a little reminder too..

{photo via apartment therapy via living etc}

once there was a snowman...

how darling is this snowman kit?

it has everything you need! and, you can re-use it over and over!

i wish i had one a few weeks ago when z man and i made a sad little snowman. we ended up using my leftover mint leaves from my garden and he became a greek snowman, ha ha ha!

{via my favorite things}

christmas packaging tips ...

people think i'm silly, because i almost like wrapping gifts as much as giving gifts. most of the time i don't get enough time to wrap all my gifts so pretty. so, this weekend i tried to wrap as many as i had ready.

if you've been to any of my jewelry shows, you'll know i love to use vintage music sheets. i decided to incorporate the music sheets in my wrapping this year. plus, it's nice to re-use/recycle paper.

i also love all the paper doilies i've seen all over lately, and i've been using them like crazy. so pretty.

if you like this style of packaging, here's a few fun tips + things you'll need:

• brown kraft paper for wrapping gifts, or white gift boxes.
• embellishments/trimmings- buttons [a new favorite], lace, ribbon, twine.
• music sheets- i love to get most of my supplies at thrift stores. my favorite find was a vintage christmas caroller song book. on some, i was able to use actual christmas songs for the wrapping!
• paper cake doilies. the mini ones are so darn cute!

• paper tags. i use tags, or i make them with my paper cutter.
• use a type writer. i had a fun time using my old type writer to type my gift tags. i wrote the basic to's and from's. and, some i got silly and wrote random things like "do not shake."
• don't forget to layer, layer, layer. i think the more layers the better!
• try something new! i pretty much didn't wrap one gift exactly the same. it was a lot of fun using different materials and colors on each gift!

i hope this helps inspire you to get all your holiday wrapping done!

sadly, i still have a lot more to do, but this is a start right?!

displaying christmas cards ...

i'm always interested in a nice way to display christmas cards.
this is how we displayed ours two years ago. strung on pom pom garland with mini clothes pins.

this year, they are still in a big pile. i'm still thinking of how to display them.
i hope it won't be too late.

anyone else feel a bit disheveled this year?

for more inspiration for christmas card display, click here.

roundup : christmas decorations ...

here's a little round-up of cute christmas decorations i've seen around the web ...

bottle brush trees + advent calendar via pam garrison

a modern christmas tree by black white and yellow via simply grove

this darling christmas table by ish and chi

a darling little white tree on line + live, via kenzie poo

a white christmas room, by haishai

a colorful christmas, by thompson family life

a circus themed tree, on design sponge

a darling fireplace, by life in the fun lane

tutorial: christmas goodies + packaging idea ...

for neighbor gifts this year, i decided to make caramel popcorn. {check out my recipe on my latest zupas post, here.}

i had these darling window bakers bags i've been wanting to use. so, the packaging just kind of fell into place!

i love how they turned out!

here's what you need for a cute christmas goodie package:

• bakers twine or string [bakers twine is available in my shop!]
• labels
• snowflake ornaments or box toppers [i found these cute ones at target]
• bakers bags [or lunch bags will work!] *if you are intersted, i can list a few in my shop.
• a goodie to fill the bag!

just fill the bag, and tie the top with twine and secure your ornament and tag!

..now, i'm off to make more! i've delivered a few, but still have more to go..

shop announcement : free priority mail upgrade ...

starting now, i will be offering a free upgrade to priority shipping [should take 2-3 days, usa only] in my shop!

merry christmas! and, happy shopping!

click here to start your last minute holiday shopping!

snow & graham 2010 calendar ...

i just picked up my 2010 snow & graham calendar.

it's just lovely.

merry christmas to me!

{*found locally at the darling flower basket boutique in provo}

chalkboard gift tags...

with chalkboards being all the rage, i'm surprised i haven't seen chalkboard gift tags before.

genius!

check out these ones by heart of light. a great way to re-use tags!

oh christmas tree...

how cute is ths pink christmas tree?

love it!

{via simply grove, via emmas design blog}

round-up : ikea toys...

during this time of year, a lot of us have toys on the mind.

here's a little round-up of ikea toys that we either own, or would love to own someday...

i do prefer wooden toys. my hubby thinks i'm a toy snob. but, i say that if i have to look at them covering my floor all day, and i pick them up for a good part of my day, then at least i want them to be pretty.

we have this little leka baby gym from ikea and baby norah loves it... and so does big brother ezra.

i also just picked up this little mula push toy from ikea yesterday. for $7.99, i thought it was a great little addition to our toy collection.

this ekorre rocking mouse has been on my list for a while.

my little z man has this ekorre walker/push toy and he loves it. he puts all his cars and trucks in it and pushes it all around.

this isn't necessarily a toy, but i love this rofylld mini rocker

and, last but not least..i LOVE this virre wooden slide. i've been wanting it for a while. it's darling and my little z man would go nuts over it. would definitely have to stay inside since it's made of wood. but, it's cute enough to be inside.

cheesecake you say? ...

the picture alone gets me salavating.
there's nothing better than a homemade graham cracker crust. (store bought has nothin' on this..)

a friend of mine shared a recipe for no bake cheesecake with me a while ago, and ever since it's been a regular around here.

check out the recipe on my latest post over on the zupas blog. click here.

{photo by me}

shop update : earrings ....

sorry to be talking so much business in the last few posts.

but, i did update the shop with a few new earrings! they just might be some of my favorites! so dainty!

and, thanks to all who have ordered from my shop recently. i've been packaging orders and shipping them out like crazy!

there is still plenty of time to shop for christmas, as i've been sending out orders usually within 1-2 business days. and, i package them up real cute for you too!

happy holidays!

click here to check out my shop update!

advertising on armelle...

hello!

i started this blog almost three years ago, can you believe it?

i didn't think anyone would read my little blog, but as i check my stats i see so many hits per day from all over the world. and, 835 people subscribe to this blog in google reader alone. who knew?

anyhow, if you are starting a new shop or need traffic to your site, then becoming a sponsor may be a good idea!

email me for more info!

also, if you would like to participate in a giveaway on this blog to promote your product, please email me as well!

shop update...

just listed a few new necklaces in my armelle jewelry shop.

go have a look! click here.

armelle gift certificates ...

armelle jewelry gift certificates are now available in my shop!

a perfect gift for christmas!

decorations...

just wanted to first thank all of you who showed up at the beehive bazaar last weekend!

it was crazy packed on opening night.
barely room to walk since the room was filled with all you handmade supporters!

so, thanks again to all who bought my jewelry! i will be updating my shop with new pieces soon as well.

..........now, onto christmas decorations.

here's a few pictures of some christmas things i worked on last year. yes, last year, because i don't have my decorations up yet. yes, i'm a huge slacker. but, really i've had about a million things going on and i feel very overwhelmed at the moment. so, here's to hoping that tonight is the night to decorate the tree as a family.

here's a fun yard wreath i made last year. it was such a buggar to make, but i really love how it turned out. winding and winding yarn for hours. after all that craziness, i decided to do it again. (sometimes i don't know what i'm thinking.. )
and, i did one in white chenille.

*my wreaths were inspired by katie runnels yarn wreaths. click here for a tutorial. (it's nice she posted the tutorial on her blog now, i had to go out and by the issue of craft stylish to get it)

oh, and last but not least.
my small christmas village i made using craft paper houses. i painted and glittered them to death. i ran out of time to put on more embellishments, so that is to be this years project.
wish me luck!

the beehive bazaar ...

can you believe it's already that time of year again?

the beehive bazaar will be opening up tomorrow night! which means i'd better get all my shiz together before tomorrow, right?

hope to see you there! you won't want to miss it. be sure to be armed with your christmas list, there's some great gift opportunities! and, the best part is it's all handmade with love!

and, be sure to check out my armelle jewelry table!

{The Beehive Bazaar}
Thursday, 9 p.m. - midnight; Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Women’s Cultural Center
310 W. 500 North
Provo, Utah
www.thebeehivebazaar.com

wallpaper...

i've got wallpaper on the brain today as i've spent the entire morning searching for wallpaper for my new office.

don't you just love this wallpapered nursery. darling!

p.s. any good wallpaper sites to share?? please let me know!

{via ohdeedoh, via emmasdesignblog}

bring on christmas ...

wow!
can you believe thanksgiving is over, and it is already almost christmas?

i'm definitely in the "making a list" mode here.

i also have to make a new re-cycled sweater stocking for norah, our new addition this year.
hopefully i can find just the right sweater at the thrift store.

'til then, here's our stockings i made from two years ago. i loved making these from old sweaters i found!

what to do with left over turkey...

if you are wondering what to with all of your thanksgiving leftovers.

here's a few recipes to help:

• turkey and rice soup
• turkey rueben sandwich
• turkey cobb salad
• turkey quesadillas with chutney and brie
• cranberry pancakes
• leftover shepards pie

{all via, martha stewart}

happy thanksgiving! ...

happy thanksgiving to all!

just wanted to pop in to wish you all a happy thanksgiving!

we have SO much to be grateful for!

please check out my post today on the zupas blog on how we can give to those in need. what better way is there to give thanks by giving back!

:: click here ::

last minute thanksgiving help....

here's a few last minute tips for thanksgiving via martha stewart: [click on links]

• how to roast a turkey
• ten terrific turkey recipes
• how to brine a turkey [a must! it turns out so moist!]
• how to carve a turkey
• how to make gravy

good luck!!

and, happy thanksgiving!