Friday, May 29, 2009

In the Kitchen: Banana Pineapple Cake

As promised, here is this week's recipe just a few days off schedule! Today I have a delicious cake that I especially love during the warmer months because it is light and refreshing and a bit tropical. Most of the recipes I share with you are very easy to make, but this one really takes the cake. Yep, pun intended. You'll find a link for a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Prep Time: 20 min  |  Cook time: 30 min  |  Serves about 18

What you'll need:
1 box yellow cake mix
3 bananas
1 large can crushed pineapple
1 tub cool whip


Prepare the cake mix as directed on package and bake in a 13x9 pan. Set aside to cool for about 20 minutes or so. You can also put it in the fridge to cool faster, if you are impatient like me.


In the meantime, drain the crushed pineapple well, reserving the juice in a bowl.


Slice the bananas into thin strips. I find it easiest to cut the banana in half first. You should need about 3 bananas but if they are smaller or you like thicker slices, you may need 4.

Soak the bananas in the pineapple juice (they don't need to soak for long). This prevents the bananas from browning. (This also works on other cut fruit, too, as does lemon juice)


Lay the sliced bananas in a single layer across the cake. You can cut them or tear them into pieces to fill gaps if needed.


Next layer the crushed pineapple on top, followed by the cool whip and you're done! Easy, right?



And since I've had such incredible luck lately (italics = sarcasm), I lost all the lovely pics I took of a finished slice of cake, so all you get to see is this whip cream. The inside shall remain shrouded in mystery, so you'll just have to make it yourself!

This cake is perfect for a summer picnic and stores well for some time in the fridge. I actually find it gets better over time as the juices soak down into the cake. It's also fun to make with the kids because its so easy. If you're really adventurous, you can make this as a double layer cake with the fruit and whip cream in between and on top. Whoa doggy. I hope you give it a try and enjoy! Find more easy and delicious recipes here.

Fresh Faces: Dragonfly Photography

Couture de Jour



Ruffle V-Neck Tank Top  Ruche $34.99
Phoebe Pendant Necklace  stormysky $46
Vintage Cuffed Boots  secretlake $54
Tiered Ruffle Skirt  Target $24.99

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Style Swap: The Ruffled Crop Jacket



This week's Style Staple is a darling piece that is perfect for a multitude of occasions, the Ruffled Jacket by Ananya. A cute alternative to a suit jacket for work or perfect for a dressy special occasion, this piece would also look great with a pair of jeans for a casual date night. Pair it with a fitted long sleeve sweater and tall boots and it will keep you looking stylish through all four seasons. Now that’s what I call versatility!

Check out the full swap on papernstitch to see two of those options 
in action.

Local Love: San Antonio, TX

This week we visit San Antonio, the second largest city in Texas and the seventh largest in the United States. It was named for the Portuguese St. Anthony, whose feast day is on June 13, when a Spanish expedition stopped in the area in 1691. Famous for the River Walk and home to the Alamo, which is the top tourist attraction in the state, San Antonio is visited by more than 26 million tourists per year. Other popular attractions are the SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks. Once home to such names as Carol Burnett, Joan Crawford and Tabitha Soren, here are just a few talented Etsy artists who live and work in the "Alamo City".


1. Cottage in the Sun  Freedom Banner
2. KClark Photography  A Night at the Theater
3. A. Speer Studio  Brown Fox Cup
4. Ruby's Lounge  Small Scrolls Wilderness Project
5. Knotty Knotty  Artisan Bread Board
6. Homebodies  Stoneware Budvase 11

Fresh Faces: Reflectionsbyds

Couture de Jour



Branching Out Top  modestmaven $40
Bee Charmer Earrings  lillyella $14
Smartfit Toe Loop Sandal  Payless $14.99
Modular Messenger Bag  bayanhippo $35

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Steals and Sales



1. Geometrie Earrings by urban legend $18
2. Vinyl Bird Decals by Household Words $8
3. Cookies N Milk CakeCup by Cupcakes in Jars $5.50
4. Vintage Cowhide Wallet from Allen Company, Inc. $4
5. Fortune Cookies Pillow Cover by Kainkain $19
6. Vintage Crepe Paper Streamers from Sweet Findings $5


S A L E S · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Trove is having a May Blow Out Sale offering 25% off marked prices on everything in the shop through the end of May. See her shop announcement for full details.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Donna Geissler Photography is having a Buy One Get One FREE Sale on all 8x8 and 8x10 prints through the end of May. See her shop announcement for all the details.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Morelle has reduced the price on all clutches and also has select bags on sale. See the clutch and sale sections of her shop.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Denise's Delectables is having a sale through the end of May with select cookies and brownies on sale. Search Sale in their shop. Yummm.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Jillry is having a huge clearance sale with select pieces marked at $6, $7 and $8. See the corresponding clearance sections in her shop.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·



Lucky Fiona is offering Buy Three Get One FREE on all collars today. See her shop announcement for all the details. 


M O R E  S A L E S · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

C. Gail Designs is offering 20% off all jewelry through June 3. See shop announcement for details.

Spun Sugar Vintage is having a clearance sale with lots of sweet vintage apparel marked down to $10!

Love Janice has select multi-purpose and shoulder bags on sale.

Necessity is the Mother has select jumper and pinafores on sale.

Pamela Tang has select silk cushions and journal covers on sale.

If you're having a sale this week, feel free to list it in the comments or if you're having an upcoming sale that you would like me to include here, email all the details to shopping@lillyella.com.

Fresh Faces: Rain Designs

Couture de Jour


Snow Flower Top  flutter $69.99
Nightshade Earrings  leavesofglass $34
Prari Bertha Wedges  Zappos $125
Editor Crop Pant  Express $69.50

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Spotlight: Red Ruby Rose


It's no secret that I have a deep and unrelenting love for Red Ruby Rose. You've seen her work here many a time before and I recently told you about her new blogging adventures, but I couldn't be more excited to have her in the Spotlight this week! I can't help but gawk daily at her lovingly crafted pieces and unique fabrics, but aside from that, it's Rowenas sweet, compelling, and somewhat unexpected personality that really drew me into her.

Read on to learn more about how she got her start, what's a Santa Dog and just who the heck are Barker and Corbett. You can also enter to win one of her beautiful clutches!


Where are you from - originally and currently live?
I'm originally from Somerset in the South West of England and now live in Bristol (about an hour up the road) although I spent five happy years in Edinburgh, Scotland.

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since January 2008, although I was a buyer for a couple of months beforehand to soak up the Etsy experience as a customer.

Do you sell on Etsy full time or do you have a day job?
I'm full time on Etsy, although I've never had a day job as I've been self-employed since college as a freelance illustrator.

What, if any, formal art training have you had?
I got my Ba(hons) in design from Edinburgh College of Art, specialising in textile design.


What made you decide to open up shop on Etsy?
In December 2007 I was halfway through a hefty book illustration commission and knew I wouldn't get paid for a few months. With Christmas looming I felt I should make my own Christmas presents (Xmas 2008) and these included button bracelets and little clutch bags. I especially loved making the bags and thought maybe I could sell a few to tide me over until my pay check came through from the publisher. Little did I know that it would take over my life. I actually opened two Etsy shops, my other shop is my alternative photographic prints Polaroids and Pinholes but Red Ruby Rose has become my main focus.

How did you decide on your shop name?
Spur of the moment upon Etsy registration. The Ruby part came from my Boyfriend's nickname - He's called Robbie and his Scottish mates always called him "Ruby" and I liked the alliteration of the three R's.

What inspires you?
Colour, texture, print ephemera, light, feathers, old papers, blooms and blossoms, patina, crumbling old buildings, ink spots, polaroids.

Do you have any advice for other sellers on Etsy or those thinking about pursuing their craft?
If you love what you do and feel passionate about it then you are halfway there already. I think it's as simple as loving what you do and putting the hours in. That old saying is so true: 10% inspiration 90% perspiration.


Favorite item you have bought on Etsy
I think it has to be my Oktak purse. I know it seems a bit daft buying a purse when I make them myself but I adore Oktak's shop and love her coin purse with the two compartments. I use it everyday.

What is your favorite type of accessory?
Would Johnny Depp count? (serious arm-candy)

Where is the coolest place you have ever been?
Iceland. Ethereal light, crazy volcanic rocks, bubbling sulphurous hot springs, just amazing.


What is your favorite leisure time activity?
I front an indie-pop band called Santa Dog and that's a lot of tequila-fuelled fun. Also, from the sublime to the ridiculous, we just recently got a couple of chickens and surprisingly they are just the best pets. They lovingly follow my boyfriend around the garden thinking he's a big rooster, plus they are easy to cuddle and put themselves to bed at night. Fantastic. Keeping chickens is the new Rock and Roll.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?
Although I can't think of one strange thing in particular I do think that being in a band is a strange thing. I'm not a particularly outgoing or show-offy person but being onstage feels very natural. People think that they know you from seeing you on stage and that has led to indecent proposals, long rambling letters and odd encounters. Luckily my boyfriend is in the band too which nips a lot of weirder stuff in the bud.


If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be?
Wow, what a question. I would love to experience being one of the Beatles at the height of their fame in the 1960s, whilst they still liked each other. That must have been incredible to be in the eye of the hysterical storm. I couldn't choose which one, I don't have a favourite Beatle, they're all demi-gods.

Share some of your favorite music
Prefab Sprout. Their album Steve McQueen is unsurpassed and Paddy McAloon is a songwriting genius. Everything by the Beatles. Blondie, The Pretenders and the Smiths. One of my favourite recent bands are The Changes from Chicago.


What makes you angry?
Copycats.

What would you like to learn to do?
I'd like to be better at the things I currently do first, before I start thinking of new things!

On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you?
10

What does the future hold for Red Ruby Rose?
I'd like to keep it small and handmade rather than outsourcing and expanding. I simply get a thrill out of knowing I've made someone's birthday or wedding by making something unique and cherished.


GIVEAWAY TIME!
Rowena is offering one lucky winner a $75 voucher toward the clutch of their choice (and free shipping)! This will cover the full cost of most of her pieces but you can also use it towards a higher priced luxury clutch and pay the difference.

Here's how to enter:
Leave a comment on this post with your favorite Red Ruby Rose clutch. You can enter once per day and you must include your first name -and- Etsy username or email address with each entry.

For additional entries, you can do the following and post in the comments to let me know:
> Twitter about this feature
> Follow/Subscribe to my blog
> Follow/Subscribe to the Red Ruby Rose blog
You only need to post about these additional entries one time.

You have until 10 pm (est) on Sunday, May 31 to enter and I will announce the winner on Monday morning. Thank you so much for supporting my Spotlight artists, I hope you enjoy browsing Rowena's shop and find something you love!

May Name Game Winners!



Thanks to everyone who stopped by to vote for their favorite entries in this month's Name Game. It was a close race for much of the weekend, but after a record number of votes (almost 300), I have the winners!

Princess Bride and Sweetpea Trellis

Congratulations to Krista R. and Kristin S. for coming up with these winning names! Many people commented on how hard it was to pick a favorite this month, it was a really great batch of ideas, so thanks again to everyone who entered! 

These earrings are now for sale in my shop on a limited run basis.

Here are the final voting results:



I'll be changing my schedule a bit next month to make room for more Spotlights (yipea!), so I can't give you an exact date for the June Name Game yet, but it will be around the middle of the month and I will surely keep you posted.

And speaking of Spotlights, a new one starts this afternoon and trust me when I say, you don't want to miss it — see you then!

Fresh Faces: Lucia Apparel

Couture de Jour



Gemmy Vintage Earrings  AnniesWearableArt $14

I actually bought this dress over the weekend after seeing it in the store and I highly recommend it. It's really cute and comfortable and also comes in a couple other colors. It does seem to run big though, as I am about 5'9"/140lb and wore an extra small. Thinking I need the rest of this ensemble now!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Red, White and Beautiful



1. Stars and Stripes Bunting by saltwaterkids $8
3. Patriotic Partypoms by PartyPoms $29
4. Samba Glass Orb Earrings by ShinyAdornments $21
5. Upcycled Mini Briefcase by GetReadySetGO $82.50
6. Sailor Dress by LooseTeeth $90

Change of Schedule

Since today is a holiday (for those in the states), and most people are out frolicking in the sunshine and grilling meat, I'll be waiting until tomorrow to post this week's Spotlight. I do hope you stop back to check it out! In the Kitchen will then move to Friday with a yummy new dessert recipe.

There's also still time to vote in the May Name Game if you haven't yet! Vote here by tomorrow at 9 am, I will be announcing the winners shortly after the voting ends. 

I hope you all have fabulous day and take a few moments to remember and honor the men and women who have died to make this country what it is for us today.

Fresh Faces: Sabinea Jewelry Design

Couture de Jour



Upper East Side Dress in Red  Mod Cloth $87.99
Vintage Flower Brooch & Earrings  LifeTravelsDesigns $16.99

Friday, May 22, 2009

May Name Game Vote

Thank you to everyone who entered this month's Name Game! You all once again succeeded in making the job of picking my five favorite names really hard with almost 200 fabulous entries.

Now it's your turn, please vote for your favorite name for each pair of earrings below. You may only vote one time for each pair but you can ask others to stop by and vote, too. The voting will be open until Tuesday morning at 9am (est) and the results will be kept hidden until I announce the winners shortly after. The earrings will then be listed for sale in my shop.




Thanks again to everyone who entered and for stopping by to vote! Check back on Tuesday to see the winning names and on June 15 for the next Name Game.

Get Ready, Set, Go Discount Offer


Just a reminder, today is the last day to take advantage of the Get Ready, Set, Go discount and Rachel has lots of awesome new pieces in both her shops!

Here's the details:
Save $3 on any purchase from her clutch shop
Save 10% on any purchase from her luggage shop

Just mention this post at checkout and the discount will be refunded after payment or let her know if you would like a revised invoice before paying. 

Fresh Faces: Hunt + Gather

Couture de Jour



Andromeda Earrings  The Peach Tree $20
Layered Gauze Skirt  Anthropologie $68

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Style Swap: The Tunic


The versatility of a tunic is nearly unmatchable and with so many styles to choose from, you're bound to find one that you love. They're perfect for those days when you want to be stylish but are wishing you could wear baggy sweatpants and an old tshirt all day. Yes, some tunics can look like you threw a potato sac over your head and add 10 pounds to your midsection, but find a style with some interesting detailing and shape to it, such as this week's Staple, the Boston Tunic by Flutter, and it will keep you looking great and feeling comfortable from from work to play. Heck, you could probably even sleep in it.

Check out the full swap on papernstitch to see two ideas for dressing this stylish piece.

Local Love: Durham, NC

This week we visit Durham, North Carolina, "The City of Medicine" with a diverse population of 256,0000. Education, medicine, and research are prominent with Durham being home to Duke University, Duke Hospital and the Research Triangle Park. After the Civil War, Durham was heavily associated with tobacco which fueled the city's economy with companies such as Lucky Strike & Brightleaf. Today most of the large brick tobacco warehouses have been converted into office/retail space, lofts, & restaurants. Durham is probably best known in pop culture for the movie Bull Durham, filmed on location in the city, in which Kevin Costner plays a minor-league baseball player for the Durham Bulls. A Triple-A team, the Bulls still call Durham home, along with these talented Etsy artists.



1. Sweetgum Handbags  Dogwood Ruffle Bag
2. corrieberry pie  Candy Fabricated Necklace
3. abcd images  Japanese Spring Print
4. Danielle Anthony Photography  Stapler Suicide Print
5. modernradar  Dutch Flower Card Set
6. Charmant Shop  Champagne Links Necklace

Do you have a favorite Durham area artist not shown here? Please share it with us in the comments below and let me know what cities you would like to see featured next.

Fresh Faces: Lemon Tree Photography

Couture de Jour



Aux Jumper  hierapparel $100
Sassafras Necklace  lillyella $24
For the Shoulder Purse  spongetta $42

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Steals and Sales



1. Feeling Knotty Garland No. 2 by wunderlust $10
2. Tough Ruffles Zipper Purse by madebyhank $20
3. Blue Pearl Wire Wrapped Ring by muyinmolly $13.50
4. Perilla Leaf Dish by eikcam $15
5. Plume - little block and photograph by littleputbooks $12
6. Stretch Lace Headband by GarlandsofGrace $10.99


S A L E S · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Replicca is having a Flash Flood Sale offering 30% off marked prices on everything in the shop through midnight tonight! Don't miss out on this one, see shop announcement for details.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Catherine Chandler is having a birthday sale with select pieces marked at 27 – 50% off thru May 24. Visit the Sale section.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Ferguson Pottery is cleaning off the shelves with just about everything in the shop on sale. You really can't pass up the amazing prices on these beautiful pieces.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Feral Empire is having a sale with select bags, purses and clutches marked at 30% off or more until they are gone. See the Sale section.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·


Total Radness is having a big sale with tons of mens and womens shirts on sale. Pick up one for yourself and an awesome gift for your hip dad at a great price. See the Sale sections.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·



Photography by Lori H. is offering Buy 2 Get 1 Free on all prints. I just think her work is so beautiful and dreamy.


M O R E  S A L E S · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Zorya has a few super cute girly tops on sale.

John Met Betty has select clutches and coin purses on sale.

Hey dog owners, Beantown Handmade Pet Apparel now has a sale section!

Claire La Faye is having a summer sale with select tops and dresses marked down.

Silver Dot Jewelry is having a Memorial Day Sale with all pieces marked 25% off through May 25.

Orange Beautiful Paper Goods is having a big spring sale with everything in the shop marked down through May 31. Sale prices are already reflected in listings, so shop away!

Tippy Thai has a great selection of purses and bags on sale.

If you're having a sale this week, feel free to list it in the comments or if you're having an upcoming sale that you would like me to include here, email all the details to shopping@lillyella.com.