I must have an obsession with cupcakes. I mean, they are the trendy treat-of-choice right now, with cupcake shops popping up everywhere. Cupcakes were my major craving while pregnant.

Aren’t these tea towel cupcakes from Yoonie at Home adorable? I think they would make great wedding shower favors.

I just came across this tutorial at Tried and True for handmade market totes using mesh laundry bags. Super easy and practical - use them at the farmer’s market and even the regular grocery store for your produce!

I’ve been wondering about whether I could make something similar using some of the mesh bags that oranges or avocados in bulk come in - taking this project one step further by recycling. I’ve read that such bags are good for making a toy caddy for bath, too. So creative.

My hubby and I were so fortunate to have the support of family and friends as we adjusted to parenthood. A friend coordinated 6 weeks of meals for us through a cool site, MealBaby.

How does this relate to simplifying?

I believe anytime we can serve others during a time of need, then our focus is on people rather than things. For me, simplifying is about having more time for those I care about rather than my time being caught up in taking care of too much stuff. I also love the ease of coordination that MealBaby affords. Oftentimes we aren’t sure how best we can help (and not add six lasagnas to someones freezer in one week). This site allows everyone to sign-up for a date and even include the dish they plan to bring. There are other similar sites out there like Take Them A Meal. These sites are great planning resources and they make a very meaningful, useful, and affordable gift for someone.

Thanks to everyone who supported us during our sleep-deprived early days of parenthood. We look forward to returning the favor!

Life with a baby AND cooking dinner each night is a bit daunting to me, even though I’ve come to enjoy cooking more over the last few years. Several folks have encouraged me to simplify the cooking process by; use of a slower cooker. We own one. I’ve never ever used it, but I’m excited to try, because we may never otherwise eat a home-cooked meal at a reasonable hour. (I realize we still might not).

Did anyone see the movie Julie & Julia? Well a friend turned me onto this blog with a similar concept, only to try a slow cooker recipe each day of the year instead of Julia Child’s artful creations. To christen my crockpot, I decided to start with a St. Patrick’s day favorite, corned beef and cabbage. There will be Irish soda bread too - yum.

Love this sweet project idea, care of maya*made. Make some harvest jewelry (or even a garland for the Christmas tree!)

This Little Project posted an adorable handmade turkey toy this week. Check it out!

Gone apple picking lately? Need some quick hostess gifts this fall? We love giving out jars of jam or chutney and will definitely be adding this to our stash! Melissa over at The Inspired Room posted this great idea recently. Enjoy…

APPLE PIE IN A JAR!

YUM!!!

I have grown to love and be inspired by the cool ideas over at Craftynest. Monica’s DIY projects leave me thirsting for more, and looking forward to her next post each week.

Among my fave projects:

An ugly plastic mirror turned bulletin board

Reclaimed dining room chairs

Wallpapered buffet cart

Salvaged drawer turned shadowbox

I *heart* these ideas and have had fun brainstorming about what projects I can work on, in addition to my very own upgraded inspiration board and cabinet door turned serving tray. A couple projects I’m planning are

• turning a gardening bag with pockets into an garden apron
• brightening up an old wooden chair from the in-laws house

Sometimes it may seem like artists and designers use excessive materials to create their work. But many of them reuse or upcycle goods to create something made with their hands and creativity…something that cannot be mass-produced. Found Crafting a Green World recently and love their take on all things “green” craft. Take a peak for some cool ideas like recycling vinyl mini-blinds into garden markers (I am SO doing this!) or these inside/out notecards turned postcards.

Got kids? Or not? Either way, there are some adorable, easy DIY craft projects over at The Crafty Crow, a children’s craft collective. A friend passed this along, and I love it! Especially these cutie “spool people“, sprouting egg heads, and this outdoor labyrinth.