where i like to blog

It's Not You, It's Me.

2011-04-01T16:46:00.003-05:00

I've been cheating you, blogger. I met someone else. Wordpress and I have been having a relationship for a couple days now and I think I am ready to call it quits with you and move most of my content over to my NEW blog: www.eatpaintlauren.com. So, if you still want to read about me, stuff I make, things I do, blah blah.....join me. It's nice over there. Promise!

Signs of Life

2011-03-23T11:49:00.003-05:00

Today has shaped up beautifully so far; walked to the park with the dog and was so delighted to see things beginning to bloom everywhere. Saw these baby pink flowers getting ready to pop out and thought they were too cute to pass without taking a quick photo. Also this morning I decided to make something with won ton wrappers. Behold; mini quiches. I just put two won ton wrappers in a cupcake tin (tuck them in opposite each other for a fun flower like shape) and filled them with about half a scrambled egg plus some ham and cheese. Baked at 350 for about 20 mins. Dee-light-full.

Having a Love-Fest with Spring

2011-03-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Yum to the YUM

2011-03-20T12:26:00.002-05:00

Any excuse to go to the market; today I am making my own marinara sauce. Why not, right? While at Whole Foods I found these HUGE strawberries that also happen to be big on taste. I am in love with strawberry right now; especially strawberry with cinnamin. Sprinkled on cereal, oats, or just by the handful, it's a real good thing.

What I'm Obsessing Over This Week

2011-03-19T17:26:00.002-05:00

1. Sunrise walks in relatively comfortable temps.
2. Odawalla Pomegranate Limeade juice (It's what the gods most have drank).
3. Fully loaded (caffeinated) French Roast coffee with Truvia and skim milk. OH...Emm...GeeeEE
4. Irish Soda Bread; the kind with raisins and those weird seeds I usually pick out of pizza.
5. Justin Townes Earl's Harlem River Blues.

More on #5 later. Maybe.

:-D What are you obsessing over this week?

Oh Please Tell Me It's Not Friday

2011-03-18T12:19:00.005-05:00

This morning I woke up with a terrible feeling. It's the Friday of spring break! Oh no....my last day to not worry about work and other day to day responsibilities. And I hadn't done any new paintings all week. I wasn't too hard on myself though - I did manage to rip out carpet, visit with friends, cook a fantastic Irish feast, and spend some time in the nice weather. But really a whole week off without painting something is pretty odd. So I buckled down this morning and came up with the above 4 new paintings. Look for them to hit the store shelves soon! If I can find the time between doing nothing and nothing to get them listed.

Who's Irish Today?

2011-03-17T08:55:00.003-05:00

As you know, all week I have been having a Spring Sale in my Etsy shop. Also, if you are on FB with me you know I have been doing "print of the day" freebies each day. Today I am letting you in on the secret - for St. Patty's Day you can get a free print of "The Naturalist" pictured above with your order just for being YOU, Irish or not. That's along with your 15% off discount (MADNESS15 -> coupon code) and your free print of your choice if you spend more than $20. It's your lucky day! It's everyone's lucky day, really, unless you are stuck at work all day and not able to partake in the festivities of food and party, which I am pretty sure is the whole sha-bang, right? Have a great day no matter what you're doin!

Before and After Living Room Edition

2011-03-16T11:25:00.003-05:00

It's been one year since we moved into our very first home. The house was pretty much good to go in terms of decor and stuff so we never really painted or re-did anything. Most of the house has lovely wood floors except our living room had some really gross carpet that only got grosser after a year. Two dogs, and two children didn't help much. I know the wood underneath the carpet wouldn't be great looking because I assumed it had carpet for a reason. But I didn't care. Getting new carpet is too expensive so with the help of some guy at Home Depot I bought some tools and got to tearing out my own nasty carpet. It was a little more than I could chew but I am really happy that I did it. It was my first semi-major home improvement. My muscles are killing me today (from whacking away at nailed in tack strip) but my mind is happy that my living room is livable and since it isn't a "nice" floor or anything we can do just about whatever we want in there without worry about messing up the floors. Perfect for the artist, child, and furry friends.

And Speaking of Things that Come in the Mail...

2011-03-15T08:20:00.002-05:00

I am the proud owner of another original Karen Faulkner painting. This time fruits in her wonderful perfectly placed yet hap hazard style. As a big watercolor person myself I have to admit I like to investigate her marks and colors closely just to see how it was done. But she's got a good thing going and I don't think I can quite master the amazing quality of brush stroke. I love the color and intensity of this piece. Also, the cherries look like eyes to a huge orange smiling mouth. It's like they are looking over at the little blueberry face ;-) Maybe that's just my automatic cuteness detector. If you don't own a Karen Faulkner original yet you MUST hurry to grab one. So pretty, so perfect, so GO!

Stickers and Print of the Day

2011-03-14T09:26:00.002-05:00

Oh the things that come in the mail that make me happy. Last week I received my new order of 2" stickers. I love putting one in with each order from my shop. They are so much fun. Also - more shop news: Have you "liked" my Facebook page yet? This week I am doing a "print of the day" promotion where I am giving away a special print with each purchase for free. Go check out my page and "like" me for great deals and updates.

Art Sale Plus...

2011-03-13T09:07:00.003-05:00

There is no better time than spring break to try and have a spring sale in the Lauren Alexander Shop. Happy as I am to be on break, it is hard to feel so much joy when I know there are really tragic events going on in Japan due to the massive earthquake and sunami. Part of the proceeds from my sale this week will be donated to relief efforts. My heart aches for the people and families who have been hurt by this event.

Darlin' I don't Know Much

2011-03-11T06:37:00.002-06:00

Celebrating 5 years of marriage today. And how, you ask? Gotta sitter for the kid, and plans to go to dinner and see a band. And we can stay out as late as we want because Grandma's hosting a slumber party. Wooooooo! I am most certainly excited for cake. I am going to eat the same wedding cake that I had at my wedding - no not the actual cake, but I do know the baker and she's making a special cake top sized portion for me to enjoy. I guess I will share with my husband. Maybe. Here's the lyrics to the song that we chose as our "cake cutting song".

Darlin' I don't know much

I know I love you so much
My life depends on your touch
And my love is a river runnin' soul deep
Way down inside me it's-a soul deep
It's too big to hide and it can't be denied
My love is a river runnin' soul deep
I'll work myself to death for ya
Just to show I adore ya
Nothin' I wouldn't do for ya
"Cause my love is a river runnin' soul deep
Way down inside me it's-a soul deep
It's too big to hide and it can't be denied
My love is a river runnin' soul deep
Huh!

Sweet Boo Bday

2011-03-10T06:11:00.001-06:00

I just want to take a second to wish my sweet little dog a happy 5th birthday! She's such a big girl now ;-) I totally forgot to buy her a present. Maybe I can pick her up something on my way home from work. She's such a sweetie! She deserves a special day. Do you celebrate your pet's birthday?

Kansas is the Best

2011-03-09T16:09:00.002-06:00

Today was my day off and so I went on a stress releasing rampage of busyness. I cleaned out my child's room in preparation for her new bed arriving this weekend. Will have to share a picture when it gets here. Her room is clutter free and I made her promise she'd try to keep it that way at least until her dad comes home tonight. We'll see. Also got a lot of housework done including hanging my newest piece of art. It's not art at all really but this way cool school map of Kansas. I love it. There are a lot of towns in Kansas. I barely live in this state - right on the edge of Missouri. In fact, I work in Missouri. I can't imagine living so smack in the middle of the state with nothing but Kansas all around me. How odd for some of these folks....out there. So, I'm feeling less stressed after my cleaning. Looking forward to the weekend...what do you have planned?

Rough Waters

2011-03-08T05:38:00.002-06:00

I'm curious. How do you deal with stress? I was reading online all these little cheap things you could do to make yourself feel better; look at flowers, pet your dog, go for a walk, etc. Those all seem nice but I am curious if there are some better more "out there" solutions. If you're like me, small things are always a fun pick me up. Yesterday in the mail I got this super tiny box and inside was this great little box with a small sailboat on waves. You turn the crank and the waves move. So simple and small - perfect little thing. Here's the shop where you can get your own moving sailboat to ease your pain: Cartoon Monster

From the Lauren Alexander Bakery: Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-03-07T11:51:00.004-06:00

I can't just make an ordinary home made chocolate chip cookie anymore. It's an experiment always in the kitchen for me and today's experiment went GREAT! Here is my so very yummy and soft chocolate chip cookie recipe:

1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1.25 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
(mix those up and set aside)

1 Cup Butter
3/4 Cup packed brown sugar
1/4 Cup sugar
(cream them with mixer)

1 package instant vanilla jello pudding
(mix that in)

2 eggs
1 tsp. pure almond extract
(bead those in the mixture)

1 bag of chocolate chips
3/4 Cup of rolled oats

Add the flour mix slowly and carefully
Mix in the oats
Add one bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix with big spoon and save a handful to add to the tops of cookies before baking for that perfect look.

Drop by rounded tablespoon on to parchment lined cookie sheets and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Try not to eat all the dough before baking. They are really good baked.

Spring has Infiltrated Lauren Alexander's Studio

2011-03-06T17:12:00.005-06:00

Got five paintings finished today. That's pretty darn good, for me these days. As you can tell I have the spring fever! Color, flowers, lovelyness...bring it on! Also today I went carpet shopping for the first time. Who knew there would be so many choices. It's impossible. After two stores I called it quits am thinking of just tearing out the carpet, not worrying about how ugly the floor is and just covering it with much less expensive funky rugs. Will keep you posted because I know this is of interest....

Momma Said There'd Be Days Like This

2011-03-03T19:41:00.002-06:00

But she didn't say anything about weeks like this, months like this, years like this! Oh well. Moms are not always accurate in their informative pep talks. This week is not over yet but I am ready to throw in the towel. I came down with a bit of a cold, have been running frantic getting my school ready for open house, and have been seemingly busy with otherwise annoying tasks...like managing household appliance breakdowns...it's all awful. This is a terrible downer of a post. I hope things start looking up tomorrow!

How To Make: Chicken Pot Pockets!

2011-02-27T18:46:00.003-06:00

Chicken Pot-Pockets (makes 4 large pockets)

1 boneless skinless chicken breast partially frozen and cubed (why? because it is easier to cube when partly frozen, I find)
1 C. chopped yellow onion
1 C. chopped carrot
1 C. fresh frozen peas
2 garlic cloves minced
2-3 T. olive oil
One box of chicken broth (I use Aldi's brand Fit and Active and I didn't use all of it, just pour it over the chicken till covered)
2-3 T. (maybe more) of flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour because that's what I had)
pepper (teaspoon ish)
celery salt (maybe a teaspoon)
paprika (pinch to pinch and a half)
1 package of Egg Roll Wrappers (I used the Melissa's brand found in produce aisle)
1 egg, beaten
tiny cup of water

First pre-heat the oven to 350. Then heat a large skillet on medium. Add some olive oil and cook the onions a little (not brown) and be sure to stir them a lot, add in the garlic when you feel ready.

In about a minute or so add the cubed chicken and cook till all white ( I had to add a little splash of chicken broth because it was too hot and getting sticky).

Add the carrots and peas. Cover with chicken broth, not completely submerged but pretty liquid-y. It gets thicker like gravy later. Add the seasonings to taste.

That will come to a boil pretty quickly and then I added the flour to the bubbly simmery liquid.

Cover the pan and turned it down to low for maybe 10-15 minutes...maybe more...I was just winging it- cook till the carrots are softer and the liquid starts to thicken. Just stay in there and watch it. I could tell when the sauce was gravy like that it was time to fill the pockets.

So here's what you do: Egg roll wrappers are pretty thin, so I doubled up. Lay the wrapper on a cutting board and dip your finger in water to wet the edges. Drop the chicken filling into the center. Fold over the wrapper diagonally and press the sides with a fork (like pie!) and carefully move it to a cookie sheet (I lined mine with parchment paper - love that stuff). I got 4 pockets in one cookie sheet and there was only a little filling leftover in the pan (which I ate immediately).

So then you beat one egg and brush it over the tops of the pockets. Poke a air vent hole with a fork on the top of each pocket. Bake @ 350 for 25-30 minutes - or until browned and crunchy looking. Pop them out, they will be HOT so blow on them before you eat.

Here's the deal though - the wrappers get crispy but are tough to break through with a fork. One pocket is pretty large so I cut mine in half (also because I ate the leftover filling already) and had to use a knife. You can eat them pretty much like "hot pockets" because they are easy to hold and there isn't a ton of gooey gravy coming out. If you want a really gooey more pot-pie-ish situation you might be better off making an actual pot pie. This is my relatively healthy twist. My family loved them!

Something In A Sunday

2011-02-27T10:22:00.003-06:00

This morning I got to sleep in to a late 6:30 am! Oh joy, really, it's a good thing. I normally get up at 5:15 so when my bossy first dog waits until after 6 to start rustling around I am pretty happy. Did our dog business, worked out a little, had some breakfast, showered....and then I decided to paint. Here's the weird thing though - I was determined to paint larger. All the time people ask for larger....so I tried. I drew a few 4x6 size paintings. I started to paint. It wasn't working out. I could just tell they weren't going the way I hoped. I trashed them. I started over, in ACEO size with completely different subject matter. This experience made me realize that maybe I am really stuck in this size! Maybe that's not a bad thing? I don't know.....I love small art. I think it is interesting. I just hope other people learn to love it as much as me. I am so in love with these two paintings. Can't wait to scan them. I think these might be "special" enough for some mats.

It's A Little Wintery Out There

2011-02-24T16:50:00.002-06:00

I know. I am sick of winter too! I want to go back to daily walks, random photos of nature....oh come on, I know you miss those! Today after I tucked my car into the garage and noticed all these little icy drips on everything I couldn't resist taking a picture of my daughter's bird house. It is almost the one year anniversary of when we met my daughter! Our first activity together was painting bird houses in the park. So sweet. We'll do it again sometime :-) When it's sunny!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T07:36:00.002-06:00

Canvas Prints, hmmm

2011-02-22T06:30:00.002-06:00

Someone asked me the other day if I ever print my art on canvas so that frames become unnecessary. Trouble is that I really only paint very small things so finding an affordable way to print the image and then stretch it over small bars is no easy task. Believe me, I tried yesterday morning. So in that process I came up with maybe just printing the small ACEO sized reproductions of some of my favorite paintings. But then, here I am again with small art that only a small amount of people really appreciate....so I have to figure out something to create with this expensive pack of printable canvas paper. But what?

Oh So Quiet

2011-02-21T08:48:00.002-06:00

Oh So Quiet - Original ACEO painting

Monday. Normally a day that I run all over town getting groceries and this, that, whatever. Today however is Presidents Day. A day we all celebrate by... not going to school or the bank or the post office. Lucky me I woke up in productive mode and caught up on a million things I had not had time for the last few weeks. Like scanning and organzing some art, paying some bills, packing orders, ordering new prints, giving my shop a new banner...little things that tend to pile up over time. What do you have on your agenda today? I will be entertaining my kid and trying not to go stir crazy! It's cold outside again :-(

I've Got Spring Fever

2011-02-20T19:46:00.007-06:00

I think it was over 70 degrees today. It was an amazing day. I woke up really early and made some pretty tasty home made banana bread (see recipe below) and went to the market for some fresh fruits. There are berries for a reasonable price that didn't come from halfway around the world! I have a really shameful garden area in my back yard that I felt compelled to try and clean out in hopes of planting some things. I did not get very far, but it was a start. Then a friend came by for a little brunch. Great time. Later, did a little furniture shopping and may have got my daughter a monster truck sized bed for a closet sized room. You know how that goes - impulse shopping without any measuring tape. It's what I do when I buy furniture ;-) It is in no way practical. After our shopping trip we walked to the park for what seemed to be local park liberation day! Everyone and their mother was there. Well, that's silly because really there was a ton of mothers...anyway - a good day. GREAT day.

Lauren's Yummy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1 C. whole wheat flour
1 C. whole wheat pastry flour
1 C. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamin
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt

2 ripe mashed bananas
2 eggs
1/3 C. oil
1/4 C. milk
2 tsp. vanilla

half bag of semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or more...why not?)
some nuts if you want them

Preheat oven to 35o. Mix the first group of ingredients in one bowl. Mix the next group of ingredients in another bowl. Combine them all in one of the bowls and then add the chocolate chips/nuts. Pour in a loaf pan that you can line with parchment paper instead of greasing - love that stuff. Bake for 50-60 mins or until toothpick comes out clean or mostly clean ;-) Yum!

Finally Some Art (but it's not mine)

2011-02-18T16:56:00.003-06:00

It's a totally wacky time of year. My main career as art teacher kind of takes over my life as I get ready for our Open House night. The halls must be filled with lovely child-made artworks. Here you can see a pretty sunflower still life a la Van Gogh in progress from the second grade. This is one of my favorite projects and always a crowd pleaser. I love it when students get to paint large. I think I have perfected the art of distributing paint which last year took up most of our art time but this year I have a fool-proof system in place. The kids get the primary colors plus white, black, turquoise, and magenta. Why turquoise and magenta? Because they make better secondary colors than "normal" blue and red. It's true. Believe me. Anyways- I look forward to doing some art of my own soon. Might just have to wait till the event of the year passes ;-)

File this Under...One of the Best Things I ever Put in my Mouth

2011-02-15T20:39:00.004-06:00

Traditional English Shortbread - Vegan by LauraEtoile

Sorry to post so much about food. But really, I'm not sorry about this post. I love finding sellers on Etsy that can bring me soooo much happiness - a vintage/handmade dress, some lovely smelling soaps, a pretty painting, and YES....delicious, homemade, natural, sweet treats like what I discovered in LauraEtoile's shop. Fast shipping and supremely yummy food. I ordered the shortbread "for my husband" but I have enjoyed them just as much if not more. Soft, chewy, salty/sweet, simple....perfect!

Have a Sweet Day

2011-02-14T12:13:00.001-06:00

What better to do on Valentine's Day then make delicious sweet things for your sweethearts? This morning I made cinnamin french toast. And dinner will be anything but gourmet; we're having last night leftovers turned into a sandwich. Yum! But dessert is getting a bit more decadent...see above. Okay I have to admit that as much as I am in love with making my own food right down to the most single ingredients...I fell a little short. I made a jello pudding pie! Oh how easy. I couldn't help myself though - adding crushed chocolate chips and a fresh strawberry. I am sure it will taste "just okay" but I am pretty sure my 8 year old will appreciate it. Speaking of my 8 year old - I am trying to last minute- er...last second plan her classroom Valentine party. Party kick off is in .....just under 2 hours. Better hop to

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-12T17:28:00.002-06:00

Did you know 2011 is the year of the rabbit? Of course you did. But what does it mean? Who knows. I guess it means this year I get to draw cute little rabbits. Next year (the year of the dragon) we'll just wait and see. Can dragons be cute? Do I try to make everything I make cute? Not really. It just comes out that way. I have an affinity for cuteness. Anyway - it has been busy busy busy here in Lauren Land. I am working Saturdays but snuck in some early morning painting for this special bunny request and a couple other things too...keep your eyes peeled! Oh and I am still running my Sweetheart Sale - go get some goodies. I am planning and adding "extra stuffings" to my Valentine's Day orders that ship on monday. So you have all tonight and tomorrow to get your special orders in ;-)

Lauren Learns about Grains

2011-02-08T21:14:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I dove into a food adventure with Buckwheat, or Kasha - its more pretty sounding name. I don't know what this stuff is, but I know it is not actually related to wheat at all so if you're gluten free you can use it. It works like oats or quinoa basically. One cup grains to 2 cups water or stock. Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat till done. Fluffy. Moist, Almost gooey. I kept mine plain and poured leftover spicy veggie soup on top. Delish.

From the Lauren Alexander Bakery

2011-02-07T13:13:00.002-06:00

I am sharing this recipe for you but also so I will remember what I did next time I want to make a delicious Oatmeal Everything cookie.

Ingredients:

1/2 C butter
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
(cream those)

1 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamin
1 1/2 C. rolled oats
(mix that up and add it to the butter mixture)

Now here's the fun part! Today I added raisins, grated carrot, dried apple slices, fresh grated ginger, sliced almonds, crushed walnuts, and nutmeg. No measuring - just whatever feels right. In the past I have added orange zest, lemon juice, dried cranberries, almond extract....it's kind of a free for all but that's how I love my cookies.

Mix all that in and bake in preheated 375 oven for 8-10 minutes (depending on how gooey you like your cookies, me - VERY gooey).

Ouch! Doh! Argh! Grumble.....

2011-02-07T09:57:00.002-06:00

I hope that isn't too gross. Yesterday I cut my right index finger while chopping some carrots for my lunch. It was pretty bleedy and I covered it up with several band aids right away. This morning it still hurt a lot so I looked at it for the first time and thought it was too gross and cool at the same time not to share. The worst problem about this is that it is right on the tip and I need that tip for painting and typing. Looks like I might have to put off some really great paintings I had planned. And of course I'll wrap it up again and have a million kids asking me what happened to my finger tomorrow. Kids always want to know about band aids. It's just part of their world. I hope your Monday is off to a better start than mine!

Favorite Shops; EllainaBoutique by Sue Bradbury

2011-02-04T14:38:00.003-06:00

Rosette Jersey Scarf

How are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions? I am doing fantastic. One of mine was to buy more handmade (or vintage) clothes. I figure it is not only a better use of my hard earned money but also I get a unique item to wear that you don't see on everyone my age. Lucky me, I came across a wonderful Etsy shop of handmade clothing that looks and feels beautiful! I have the pleasure of owning the items above and below. I get a lot of compliments on them. I love to wear them. I'm serious about how soft the fabric is. Love that. And best of all the seller is super nice and helpful. I just wanted to share my joy with you and if you get a chance go check out her store and buy some great handmade just for you lovely clothes. You'll be glad you did!

Deep V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Top

PS: check out her new shop too for great bath and body products!

Tied Up With Strings

2011-02-03T08:39:00.002-06:00

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you're feeling sad.....What are your favorite things? As a seller, I love to wrap up my little original paintings in paper and ribbon. As a buyer I LOVE getting packages in the mail with the item I purchased in a simple wrapped manner. Doesn't have to be extravagant; just a little tissue and raffia will do. It's getting a present in the mail that you knew you wanted but are still super excited to unwrap. What could be better? What are your favorite things about buying or selling handmade items?

It Was Bound To Happen

2011-02-02T15:33:00.003-06:00

You know it was bound to happen. My cute little birdies would some day turn human. Weird things are going on in my studio! Not really. But I am going a little bit stir crazy. We just got plowed out of our home but there really isn't anywhere I need to go. So. I'm just here getting tons of work done in between moments of doing absolutely nothing. Did you get some snow? Apparently most of the US did....what are you doing to enjoy it?

Spring's Herald

2011-02-01T07:56:00.002-06:00

Spring's Herald - original ACEO painting

If you live in the midwest you know we are under some kind of end of the world the sky is falling kind of snow event. But the intensity of the storm remains to be seen. I am more worried about the single digit temps and winds freezing up my power sources. What would I do without heat? Where would my dogs go? These questions and more kind of make me anxious. So I am riding out this winter event at home, with power, not worrying....maybe will have to make some feel better chocolate chip cookies....and maybe do a little more relaxing paintings like the one up above. Tomorrow is Groundhog's Day...will this winter be over soon?

Virginia Says it All..

2011-01-31T07:44:00.001-06:00

It's Time for a Sweetheart Sale

2011-01-30T16:50:00.003-06:00

Okay, January is about over. It's time to feel the love and be thankful that it will be warm again soon! From now until Valentine's Day you can get 10% off your total purchase plus a free small print of your choice! Put the name of the small print you'd like in the notes to seller during check out. Add the coupon code "Sweetheart10" for your 10% discount! Just sharin' the love here in Lauren Land. Thanks for being in my world, everyone.

You're Getting Very Sleepy

2011-01-28T13:04:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I made this treasury inspired by how I was feeling. When Etsy said at first that they were going to allow anyone to make a treasury at anytime I was a little disapointed because it was taking away the magic of waiting till just the right time...watching that number drop - then clicking away a title so you could nab a treasury spot. But really - that's no big loss because now I can make a treasury whenever my heart desires about whatever my heart desires. Yesterday I desired sleep. Today, tomorrow...who knows!

PS: if you want to take a snapshot of your own treasury you can do it at www.craftcult.com and click on widgets.

Is This the Prettiest Song Ever?

2011-01-26T19:23:00.000-06:00

Yes, maybe.

A Sight for Sore Eyes

2011-01-26T09:30:00.003-06:00

A Sight for Sore Eyes - Archival 3.5"x5" art print

It's been a good week for prints in Lauren Alexander land. This week I received these lovely new items from my favorite print source; www.iprintfromhome.com (make sure you mention my name as a referral) and I think they make a great addition to the numerous cute little prints I have in store. I am getting quite an inventory in and am happy that I can still offer my super good bundle deal of 10 small prints for only $25! And as always - you can go GREEN on any purchase when you order more than one print; save 10% off your entire purchase when you enter the code "green10" at check out and I will safely package your prints with less cardboard and clear packaging.

The Night Belongs to Us - Archival 8x10" art print

Thinking Oustide the Fry Daddy

2011-01-24T19:45:00.003-06:00

Sorry, Mom. I'm going to have to call you out on this one. I know you worked full time and took care of two kids and life was not always easy. And I know your two girls were extremely picky, and probably downright bratty about the foods we wanted to eat. But I really think you could have been a little more adventurous than the fry-daddy chicken strips and french fries. Sure, we had taco night, spaghetti night (with each ingredient separated oh so delicately into its own corner of plate). But I really think we might have missed out on some vegetables. Good thing I am not missing out anymore! I love my veggies. I crave them. Now when I am cooking dinner I try to think of the smallest amount of meat and bread that I need and most of my spread is delicious wholesome veggies; roasted, steamed, seared, souped, raw - I love it all. For Christmas my thoughtful husband bought me the book above and it has really helped me find new things to chop, cook, season....fill with love and tenderness and serve to my family. The best thing is that my child who has an affinity for all things fried and meaty is starting to like her veggies too. It's just the way it is here in these parts. Things change and we move on. So grab this book if you ever see it out and about. It is filled with great recipes and interesting bits of info about other parts of the world. A great read!

A New Look

2011-01-24T07:31:00.004-06:00

Well what have you been up to lately? I consider this time of year pretty dreadful. It's really cold. The snow kind of slows me down a little. Can't just up and go whenever you want. Waking up freezing cold isn't pleasant...there is one good thing on the horizon; chocolate. Valentine's Day is coming and if there is one good thing about it, its that the holiday's central candy figure is chocolate. Lately I've been avoiding candy as much as possible and trying to save my chocolate indulgences for special occasions. But then I was at JoAnn's crafts and spotted these little beauties. And winter got a little less dreadful.

Been a While...

2011-01-19T19:07:00.002-06:00

Since you seen my boo? It's snowing like crazy here in Kansas. My little fluffy baby does not know what to do with it . Frankly, it's much too cold to do one's business outdoors. But she's gotta do it. Anyway...enjoying being snowed in a little; I thought I did my best to keep the storm away by running all kinds of errands this morning in preparation for being snowed in. But the snow came anyway - enough to cancel school more than 12 hours before it starts. Yes! A snow day on a day that I can actually appreciate it. And what will I paint with all my spare time? I already have some sketches laid out. See you soon...

Going Big and Going Home

2011-01-17T19:34:00.004-06:00

This weekend I needed to buy some new watercolor paper. The supply store was out of the size I usually buy so I had to snag a large pad. That was fine, just more cutting for me to do...but I am so proud of myself because I decided to go LARGE for the first time in a long while. I painted a picture that is 11x14 inches! Wow - that is like like 14 of the small paintings that I usually do. Above you can see just part of the painting. I wanted to go large but I wasn't sure what to do - I was smart enough to stick with something comfy; owls at night. But these are some newer more fun owls, I think. The only problem with painting this large is that it is hard to photograph and digitize the image. So that's why you are only seeing part of the painting above - please don't judge it too harsh. With this and my little fox success from the day before - I am feeling like I did my job as an artist this weekend. On to the next...

Painting Start to Finish

2011-01-16T14:22:00.002-06:00

This afternoon I decided to paint a little foxy thing. My camera is actually working for the moment so I thought I'd snap some pictures of the process. I don't have a name for this little on just yet. I really like my little fox - my daughter says it looks like a bird. I guess that is to be expected.

Bundles of Prints

2011-01-14T18:45:00.002-06:00

The Outsider - 3.5"x5" print

Hey there! How have you been? I'm great. I just uploaded several new prints to my small print section including all my latest little paintings. Check them out! And don't forget about my special bundle listings. Did you see my Eco-Friendly pack? How fun is that...get some great art and not worry about stuffing the trash with plastic and cardboard. Hope you are up to something fun this weekend!

The Chocolate Bandit

2011-01-11T07:50:00.002-06:00

The Chocolate Bandit - Original ACEO

Here's another foodie owl. It was a snow day yesterday and today is another snow day (on a day that I normally work ---wahoooo!) So, I'm hanging out at home not really wanting to go anywhere, except the grocery store. I'm a little obsessed with the grocery store. Just painting, cooking, and enjoying the beautiful snow outside. I'd take a picture but I still don't have a camera. And yep, I'm still sulking about that. So maybe I will paint today. After all, it is 1-1-11 and since I always put the date on the back of the painting I just can't wait to write it. It's my number thing - just weird. Hope you're havin' a good day! Snow or not...

The Apple of Somebody's Eye

2011-01-10T06:18:00.002-06:00

The Apple of Somebody's Eye original ACEO

I painted this yesterday but haven't listed it yet. It's kind of special to me. Not just because it has food. But that's part of it. I just like this owl better than other owls I have painted. So he or she will be mine for just a little while, until I make some more. Which might be today - it is a "snow day" here in my area and my kid is off school. Oddly I can paint more when she is around because I feel the need to keep busy doing something either cooking or painting while she traipses around the house doing whatever it is that 8 year olds do. Here's to a fun day for everyone! What are you up to today?

Save My Love For You

2011-01-09T13:55:00.001-06:00

Save My Love For You - Original ACEO painting

Are You A Food-Oogler Like Me?

2011-01-08T20:32:00.002-06:00

Today I realized what I truly am. I am a food oogler. I realized this as I was baking my ginger-chocolate chip cupcakes (with wheat flour and wholesome delicious love inside) and staring at them through the window in the oven for the last five minutes watching them poof, and brown....it was like magic! Then I realized what I love about my kitchen - watching things get made. It's fascinating. I am such a food oogler. When I go to Whole Foods I could just stand and look at the pastry shelf for hours and try not to let the bakers know that I am actually trying to watch them make stuff. They always ask me if I want something and I end up saying no, thanks and walk away. Maybe I'm a chef stalker...no, it's food I am interested in! I have been learning to cook so many things lately. And I wish I could show you more of what I have been up to, but my smart phone with the awesome camera broke and now I am back to a regular old camera that I always leave at work on accident. And it doesn't even work properly - must get a new camera soon! Until then maybe you will oogle with me over this new kitchen inspired treasury I made!

Feel the Love

2011-01-05T06:55:00.001-06:00

You Can Count on Me - archival 3.5"x5" print

Got several new prints in stock yesterday! Some just perfect for Valentines. See the post below for my special Valentine's Day listing. Because this year you should send valentines but not the boring old card - send something unique, special, handmade, that will last a lifetime! Something...say...made by me :-)

Valentine Special and a Green Incentive

2011-01-05T06:45:00.003-06:00

I'm feelin' the love in the air and set up the above great listing to serve all your Valentine needs! Also new (and part of my 2011 goals - yay) is to start to make my store more eco-friendly. So, if you are purchasing more than one print from my store you can go greener by letting me know in the notes to seller that you'd like the more green packing solution. This means less cardboard and clear sleeves for you, but more love and goodness to the earth. As an incentive to go green, I am offering 10% off your purchase should you choose to be earth friendly- just enter the code "GOGREEN10" at checkout time. <-- This can only work if you are buying more than one print and is not valid with other coupon code offers.

Pickin' Some New Year Goals

2011-01-03T15:45:00.004-06:00

Banjo Beaver Pickin' Critter by YeeHaw on Etsy

I don't make resolutions, really. Sometimes, maybe - but I don't hold myself to much. So, here are some things I'd like to do, try to do, think about doing, figure out....
1. Become more a more efficient, flavorful, healthful cook for myself and family.
2. Travel more, to more places.
3. See more gallery shows.
4. Drink more tea.
5. Listen to more music.
6. Earn back my smart phone.
7. Re-design my living room.
8. Plant a garden and grow some food.
9. Buy clothing that is handmade or hand-me-down.
10. Make my art store more green, more beautiful, have more art...

Rockin' the New Year

2011-01-01T10:44:00.006-06:00

Sure, the night started out with a nice dinner out and a few games of Clue. But then it got funky.

We've got some super moves.
Then we got a little tired and cozyied up to some late night TV. Buffy was zonked out by 9:30.
But she woke up to give me my new year's kiss.
Happy New Year from my family to yours!

I'm a Sucker for the Local Vintage Shop.

2010-12-31T15:39:00.004-06:00

This morning my kid runs up stairs asking for her christmas money so she can go shopping. I said no, and explained that she just got a ton of presents, also bought some jeans with her own money recently, and needs to wait and make a smart informed choice about spending her money. Then a couple hours later I went out shopping for things that I don't need with money that I don't want to spend. Fortunately my little grown up talk was circling through my head and even with all the bargains to be had out there I only made 2 purchases and they were from the vintage/antique store. So here's how I rationalize my hypocrisy: I bought this lovely old table cloth because it is beautiful, unique, and paying for it means the money goes to someone who probably needs it more than a big corporation. Also, I think having decorative tableware adds to the dining experience, makes my family appreciate our food and time together more. Right? I think so. And that beautiful silver bird holding someone's old perfume inside inscribed Christmas 1976? Well, that was indeed a 2.95 spur of the moment impulse buy. Could have been worse.

Last Day of 2010

2010-12-31T10:37:00.004-06:00

Today I woke up to the sound of thunder. Pretty weird for the last day of December. With the thunder came rain that turned to ice, which is now melting because the sun is up. I think this odd end is perfectly fitting to an unusual year. 2010 brought many wonderful amazing things to my life. But the year was not without its pitfalls. So moving on to 2011 I take the good with the bad and hope for the best. Are you celebrating tonight? Tell me what you like to do. I am a stay in and celebrate small kind of person. Speaking of small - painted three new paintings this morning with my hot orange vanilla tea and thunder and ice sounds rumbling out my window.

A New Years Gift for YOU

2010-12-30T20:02:00.004-06:00

So I'm a little late with your Christmas gift but I hope you don't mind. This year, you get to pick if you are a BIG present person or a smaller present person. Now, remember that small presents are often just as good as big ones, if not better. If you are a big present person you will enjoy receiving 50% off any purchase from my Etsy shop for one time only. Think of the great deals on original art you could have! If you are a small present person (and perhaps a frequent shopper) you can receive 10% every purchase from my Etsy shop for the entire year 2011! Yes, it's like being in a secret club with a secret code that only you have ;-) To get these delightful gifts you must first decide if you are a big or small present person - not both! Then convo or email me with your decision and I will share with you the secret check-out code you can use for your BIG gift or your frequent small purchases for the entire year! Thank you for being great blog readers. I hope 2011 is wonderful for us all.

Merry Christmas and OH NO

2010-12-25T08:48:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas to you! Thank you for reading this blog. And now I must apologize because it seems with all my Christmas hubbub I forgot to get a gift for a very special person - YOU! I am so sorry. You are so special to me and I appreciate you and all that you do for me; reading, commenting, playing along, indulging me. So, don't worry. You've got a present coming. I'm serious - I just need a little more time to get it together. Thanks for your patience. In the meantime, I hope you are are enjoying a little fun festivities, making things merry, fa la la la....

It's Snow oh oh oh ing!

2010-12-24T09:05:00.002-06:00

From my kitchen window I am watching the snow fall on Christmas Eve while I bake home made cinnamin bread and my daughter bops around with more than a little excitement. She's wearing her neon pink robe and my tennis shoes. I'm so happy to have a daughter this year to spend Christmas with.

The Christmas Pineapple Tree

2010-12-22T12:27:00.005-06:00

I'm cooking a Christmas dinner type thing today and needed a fantastic centerpiece. I give you, "The Christmas Pineapple Tree" invented by myself and decorated by my lovely daughter. All you need is whatever in the world you have around that house that you could use to decorate a pineapple tree. We used leftover halloween candy, mini candy canes, ribbon, bow, glitter glue, and some frosting. Fun thing to make on Winter Break ;-)

Heartsy

2010-12-21T06:15:00.005-06:00

Love Song - Original ACEO painting

The story behind this painting is pretty much outlined in the post below. I won't go into it again. But I will say that I really like this particular little painting because of the warmth of the yellow bird against the kind of moody blues and purples. So what are you up to these few days before Christmas? Are you traveling, shopping, relaxing? I am finishing up work and getting ready for some holiday fun this week. We will be in town for Christmas then move on to Oklahoma to see some family. Before I go, though I am treating myself to a little Etsy retail therapy (my favorite kind of therapy next to the baked chocolatey kind) These are my most recent splurges - click on the picture to see what wonderful shops I'm loving right now.

Decades

Love Songs

2010-12-19T15:45:00.008-06:00

I started listening to the Beatles when I was 14; shy as hell, terrified of school, had a mouth full of braces, and couldn’t see anything because I was too embarrassed to wear my glasses. I didn’t have many friends, or any means to get out of the house and live in the world a little. My family did though – my parents were recently divorced and re-discovering their social lives and my sister was 16 and had a car and friends to drive around with. I never felt more alone. Too young to work, too shy to call someone, too caught up in my own head to think about anything but how miserable and sad I was.

At my dad’s bachelor pad he had a stereo and a record player with a stack of some of his old records in a crate next to it. So on Saturday night when Dad was on a date with his future second wife and my sister was out and about with who knows who I was all alone in the house with the stereo. I began to listen to the Beatles. Something I felt secretive about. Yes, I was initially embarrassed to tell my own dad that I liked listening to his music. Part of it was secret because I had to crawl behind the TV to unhook the VCR and plug the record player into the stereo (and messing with my Dad’s electronics would be a huge no-no). He had one Beatles record. I was fascinated by the Beatles because there was this boy in Science class who was dopey, adorable, quirky, and cool who always wore Beatles t-shirts. I figured if I was ever going to attract this guy the first thing I needed to do was know everything about the music I assumed he was so into.

The record I secretly played over and over again at Dad’s house trying to absorb every note of was a double compilation album called The Beatles Love Songs. How perfect for music-stalking a kid from class, right? It was a coincidence. Dad could have very well had Sgt. Pepper or Let it Be but thank goodness he didn’t because this record changed my life in ways that those other records that I also love didn’t. It’s visually amazing – a red leather look with a gold screen print image of the band that opens up to a large two page full black and white photo of the same image. On the back the four side track list is printed in gold. There’s a lyric book too. I adored this record. I stared at it while playing songs again and again; Yesterday, I’ll Follow the Sun, Words of Love, In My Life, It’s Only Love, You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, I Will, P.S. I Love You, and so on…

What I found most amazing about this record was that after I wasn’t ashamed to like the Beatles publicly (and had collected countless tapes and cds of theirs, made a million mix tapes and compilations, seen their movies twenty times, etc) I couldn’t ever find the Love Songs record again. My dad had married and divorced and moved several times throughout the time I was in high school in full Beatle-mania mode. It was lost. Never was it released on cd either. You couldn’t find it anywhere. This is far before Ebay would have solved this problem immediately. Time moved on and I am not thinking about that record much anymore except whenever I hear one of those songs and wonder if I would ever get my hands on that record again – if only just look at the song list and maybe catch a glimpse of that black and white photo I stared at so much, and with such a lonely heart of my own.

I must have relayed this sad story of the long lost record to a friend recently. Now I am playing the Love Songs album whenever I want thanks to an extremely thoughtful surprise Christmas gift from a very good friend. When he brought it to me and I held the record in my hands and cracked it open – everything was just as I remembered. Just as beautiful. It was like he found MY record, the very one I held and hid from my family. All that lonely emotional stuff from being young came back for second. But along with that is the comfort of those four faces who kept me company when I was alone and whose music helped me feel loved when I wasn’t sure I would ever be.

New for Free Shipping Friday

2010-12-17T06:35:00.004-06:00

Making Ends Meet - original ACEO painting

If the Fates Allow - 3.5"x5" holiday art print

It's Friday! Yessss. The best day. I'm excited that in exactly one week it will be Christmas Eve - the pinnacle of holiday excitement followed by the release and crash the next morning. If you're shopping in my store and want to get something by Christmas you should shop today! It's Free Shipping Friday in Lauren Alexander Land. Have a happy day, folks.

Free Shipping Friday Starts Now

2010-12-16T20:59:00.002-06:00

Good news if you are last minute shopping. I will ship everything in my store for free to you on one day only, Friday, Dec. 17th. All items purchased this day will be mailed no later than 12-18, with delivery by Christmas! So, grab some stocking stuffers or maybe you want to buy yourself something nice after a long month of buying for others. It's all good with free shipping!

PS: I am posting this on Thursday night - all the listings are already changed to have free shipping so shop away early if you like :-D

You Can Count on Me

2010-12-15T07:52:00.002-06:00

You Can Count on Me - original ACEO

I borrow most of my painting titles from song lyrics or titles. Most of the time the painting comes first and then I attach it to a song that I am listening to or it simply reminds me of. This painting is totally different in that I had a song playing around in my car and in my head a lot lately and driving home yesterday it hit me that if any song deserves its own painting that this was it. The song is by my friend and "Kansas City's own rock shaman" Howard Iceberg and the Titanics. I don't know if you can hear the song online anywhere because he is in the midsts of a neverending song recording project. Doesn't matter here's the lyric that made this painting possible:

When the sun in the sky

Turns away in disgust

And your heart starts to cry

'cause your soul has gone bust

I'll be beside you

in that you can trust

Honey, you can count on me

Under the Weather

2010-12-12T14:53:00.005-06:00

There's very little motivation to be had when it's in the teens outside and a thin layer of snow is covering the ground. I've also been under the weather with a bit of a head cold or something. Yesterday I made cookies, did laundry, and watched TCM for a short streak of Cary Grant movies. I caught the end of The Bishop's Wife and the whole Room for One More. Room for One More is a comedy about adopting from foster care - what a coincidence, right? And it is of course starring Cary Grant and his real life wife at the time Betsy Drake. It's a comedy but its got some heart breaking moments too. Perfect for sitting at home and doing a bit of nothing - which we all deserve sometimes, eh?

12-11-10!

2010-12-11T19:38:00.003-06:00

Three new ACEOs by me! Dated 12-11-10 too :-)

I do have a thing for numbers. I don't pay attention that much anymore but it used to give me anxiety when I had an odd number of items in my Etsy shop. Or of my feedback was odd, or just a bad non-flowy kind of number. No wonder today was an excellent day -- It's 12-11-10! A very cool date. Yep; a date is cool. I got some work done for school, made a yummy dinner, and painted 3 paintings. By the way, it's blistery cold here blowing snow and wind chills in the ones! Look for more wintery work soon.

Treasury

2010-12-11T13:50:00.000-06:00

Blast From the Past - Ginger House Love

2010-12-11T09:17:00.005-06:00

About 10 or so years ago my two bff's from my grocery store gig and I got together around the holidays to make a ginger house. The fine lady on the right is a pro baker and actually made the ginger houses herself - with candied stain glass windows! They were awesome. If you like candy decorated homes that make you feel like you're five years old then you would have been in heaven! We had a lot of fun and this year I was inspired to try and re-create the process. But I'm not confident about baking just yet (enough to make constructive walls and windows that is). I bought a ginger house that wasn't decorated. Lame. I know. But things are different these days and I opted for the easy button there. Conditions were perfect: I bought a ton of candy. My sister came over last night to watch our most favorite Christmas special; Pee Wee's Christmas Special, of course! Unfortunately I don't think the same magic was there for my final result. It's pretty, but i think the factory made house is kind of distracting. I will shoot for better another year. So, I guess the moral of the story is this: go authentic when making the ginger house for more satisfactory results. And eat lots of candy.

The Gutsy Observer - and Coupon Code!

2010-12-10T14:02:00.004-06:00

The Gutsy Observer - Original ACEO painting

I do love making owls. The take on personalities of their own. This little pretty one is enjoying a city view. Can't you just tell she's gots guts? I think so. Anyway - no good segway here but I want to let you know that this weekend would be a great time to finish up some holiday shopping so you can spend the rest of the time wrapping, cooking, relaxing, eating, enjoying your family, etc. At least, that is what I plan to do. But you... you can save money in my store! Use the coupon code "lastminute15" for 15% off your entire purchase.

The Park in December

2010-12-09T16:50:00.003-06:00

Yesterday it was up to 4o some degrees in the middle of the day so I thought I'd take the dog out to see what the park looks like in December. Turns out the park is empty. No babies getting leaves thrown at them, no brides to be getting dipped by the lake, no crazed parents helping toddlers down the slides. Just me, the dog, and some wild bird life. Tons of birds; ducks, geese, whatever. They are the semi fearless variety that walk in massive groups and poo all over the sidewalks. You might already know because I've mentioned before but I am kind of terrified of wild animals no matter how small. So walking the park with all these dog sized birds around me was a little alarming. I bucked up, and kept walking though. It was actually kind of beautiful. The ice was covering the lake and it was sooooo quiet. I won't be getting back to the park very much this season but I'll sneak back when I can. And will be patiently awaiting the return of the sun, the green, and people.

Mini Muffins are the Bomb

2010-12-08T13:07:00.003-06:00

You know if you splash some ginger men on a mini cupcake wrapper it's a pretty much a done deal that I will impulse buy it. Got home....and immediately began looking for mini muffin recipes. Found one with ingredients I can handle. I used strawberry applesauce that my daughter won't touch because it has pieces of real strawberries in it - yuck, right? and I sprinkled some oats on top. Click here for the glorious and super easy recipe.

Have Breakfast With Me

2010-12-08T08:52:00.004-06:00

I forgot to set my alarm and overslept. No big deal, I don't have to be at work today. So after everyone left for school and work I started my morning rituals a little later. By 8:30 I am starving. I made my most perfect breakfast; yogurt with a lot of whole oats, fruits, almonds, and brown sugar. I'm in love with this breakfast because when you mix it all up it is like oatmeal cookie dough. Today I added real blueberries. Heaven. I'm glad I overslept because it is nice to eat breakfast with the sun up. Also I had a fantastic breakfast song to keep me company.

If the Fates Allow

2010-12-07T06:28:00.003-06:00

If the Fates Allow - original ACEO painting

This may be the last of my holiday paintings. I think I've had enough. But who knows, I'm trying to paint or make something every day and I am not planning on anything and just figuring it out as I go. But I feel right now kind of done. Maybe it's because I had hardly enough sleep and it's 6:30 am in the few minutes before I rush to work and teach alllllll day long. And I'm drinking a lot less coffee than I used to. Today would not be a day to skip it. But I'm going to hold off until I hit the lounge at school. If all goes according to plan. Or, if the fates allow, I suppose.

Vintage Treasury Love

2010-12-06T19:23:00.001-06:00

Christmas in Nostalgia Land - A Lauren Alexander made Treasury!

Yep. A Post about Brussels Sprouts

2010-12-06T18:26:00.003-06:00

It's hard to make Brussels sprouts look pretty. I had only had them one other time before I roasted them tonight. I grew up avoiding them like the plague (and my parents must have too because I never saw them go near one). I'm a little bit in love with vegetables right now. When I was looking up recipes for Thanksgiving this one came up. I thought it a bit to alternative for my traditional recipe loving family but I was dying to try it. Turns out they are delicious. They are like little mini cabbages - so cute! And when you roast them and salt them they are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. All I added was olive oil, salt and pepper. Roasted for a while till they looked done. So tasty, if you like salty green veggies you must try.

A Sentimental Feeling

2010-12-06T07:53:00.002-06:00

It's Monday. My day off! But my work is having a cookie exchange....what? I must go! At least to check out the cookies. Because a really good cookie is hard to find. And I'm really sentimental about cookies this time of year. One of my favorite holiday memories is watching my mom make dozens and dozens of varieties of cookies up until Christmas Eve when she would make a ton more to bring to our family celebrations. I've made a few so far and I have been a little adventurous buying organic cookies on Etsy. It's cookie mania here at Lauren Alexander land. Let the insanity begin.

Old is New

2010-12-05T17:09:00.003-06:00

The Family Tree - matted ACEO painting 8x10

Yesterday I sat down to paint and drew 3 or 4 things before I figured out what I wanted to focus on. What came up was this cute little ACEO painting with several really small owls on it. This painting took a little longer since there are a few more details but it was really fun to paint. I am resurrecting old paintings and making them new, in a way. This one goes back to one of my best loved, All Together Now. I hope you like it!

A Little Alterna-Xmas

2010-12-04T08:23:00.002-06:00

Underneath the Mistletoe - Original ACEO

Last night I had 30 minutes before my mom came over to babysit and my husband and I got to go out on the town. I decided to paint something and this is what I did. It's not particularly holiday infused except for the hanging mistletoe. I think it's sweet and understated. Just like me, perhaps?

In the Whole Wide World

2010-12-03T06:56:00.004-06:00

The Whole Wide World - original ACEO

I think I may have painted the cutest thing in the world! Maybe not exactly. But this new painting definitely falls on the cute end of the spectrum. I think it is a lot of fun and would look great in a kid's room. Or maybe just the young at heart's room!

I am thinking that every painting I make now has a story. So what is the story behind this piece? I painted it late on a Thursday evening. Earlier in the day someone brought up one of my older paintings titled Sweet Tree that had a bunch of hearts growing from a tree. I wanted to do something similar in a smaller style. After I drew the tree I thought a pair of matching birds would look good underneath. I think the colors are kind of a throw back to my earlier days. I think of this like a warm delicious cupcake; cozy, sweet, adorable.

A Nice Little Deal for You

2010-12-02T18:03:00.002-06:00

I just listed several new prints in my Etsy shop. And it occurred to me. I have something for everyone! So I created this nifty listing that allows you to choose 10 little prints that you want (some for you, some for others, stocking stuffers, teachers, etc) and get them at a amazing price! 10 individual prints would cost you 40 dollars. But if you purchase this listing you can get 10 of your choice for only $25! Each print will be signed and sealed inside a clear sleeve with backing board. I'll wrap your 10 prints with a ribbon. Click here to see the section of your choices.

The Reactor and the Charge

2010-12-02T06:30:00.002-06:00

The Reactor and the Charge - original ACEO

Started and finished this new painting last night. I really love the colors and the fun wobbly design of the owls on the branch. Would be great holiday gift for someone who likes owls!

Wednesday Weirdness

2010-12-01T16:52:00.003-06:00

What a weird day. I've felt weird all day. Mostly this looming feeling that I am forgetting something terribly major. Something to do with work tomorrow or friday. I don't know...I'm kind of winging it these few weeks before semester breaks. I don't know what it is...but something is off today! Everyone around me seems fine....what am I missing. I think it might just be that I have been busy all day but feel like little was accomplished. Sigh. I did, get one important item off my list; listing this new painting that I put in a center cut 8x10 brilliant white archival mat. Ahhh.....now that's something to smile at. Now, what am I forgetting - oh just dinner!

A Busy December

2010-11-30T21:06:00.002-06:00

If you are a seller on Etsy I hope you had a great busy holiday weekend! I had plenty to package up and I am very thankful for that. I hope to have a busy December. I just popped into the help sections on Etsy and found this great article on their blog. Check it out for some great tips! Here's to a very merry end of 2010.

The Finer Things Club

2010-11-29T18:28:00.004-06:00

Hello fancy expensive art supplies! Where have you been all my life? Oh yeah, I can't afford you. But I've turned a new leaf; I still can't afford you but I am promising myself I will make sacrifices in other ways so that I can make use of your charms. Okay, enough talking to inanimate objects. The good news worth blogging about is that I went to the fancy art supply store (yes after 15 emails in the last three days they suckered me in with their thanksgiving black cyber sales). And picked up some new colors plus my usual colors just slightly more expensive versions of them. I am in love with Antwerp Blue. The Terre Verte is a bit disappointing but I might find some fun uses for it. The Transparent Yellow looks like brown mustard but is a very light and airy yellow. And I haven't had Payne's Gray in a while. Missed ya, old buddy! Ugh there I go again - before I go completely gooey just enjoy my newest painting with new paint colors:

The Best Time of the Year

2010-11-29T10:52:00.003-06:00

Why do I wake up at 5:15am when I don't have to go to work? Because I work on my days off, of course. Today after I rose and shined (and by that I mean I had a small workout, shower, coffee) I squeezed in a little painting time before getting my daughter ready for school and heading off to my normal errands. At breakfast my daughter asked me why I get up so early and if I just sit around waiting for her to be up. I told her that I always have work to do and I enjoy being up early to get things done. It's pretty amazing what you can accomplish in the early hours. I like this painting I started and finshed this morning - another festive little darling. Hey - it's "cyber monday" which is quite a bit of hype but if you are looking for a good deal in my store you can get a pretty good one. Go to my facebook fan page or see my shop announcement. You decide which is a better deal ;-)

Food Faves on Etsy

2010-11-28T13:09:00.003-06:00

Lately, I've had a bit of a sweet tooth and am learning to enjoy my food differently that ever before. I love shopping on Etsy and my new favorite search (move over vintage) is the plants and edibles category for organic baked goods. Last week I ordered up some cookies from JannettesPattisseree. They arrived this morning. I tried the Pomegranate Mint Lime Tea Cookies and they were pretty amazing. They were bigger than I expected and the taste is equally fantastic. If you have a sweet tooth like I do I would give this shop the Lauren Alexander seal of approval!

Picture Window

2010-11-27T08:27:00.003-06:00

Tree's up? Check. But far more interesting; can you name one of the artists whose work is proudly on display in my living room? If you can guess both I'll give you a present!

Just Desserts

2010-11-26T19:43:00.002-06:00

Friday is not my day to cook and after yesterday's big meal I was really looking forward to not being in the kitchen. But I have a sweet tooth you see, and some pretzels, holiday chips, and almond bark in the pantry that were just calling my name. So I got a little melty and creative. Below, with what was left of the almond bark in the pan I threw in all the nuts and dried fruits I could find in my pantry. Pretty tasty!

Black Friday Coupon Code and More

2010-11-26T07:48:00.003-06:00

Gift set of Animal prints - Black Friday half off!

I hope everyone had a fun and happy Thanksgiving! I certainly did. I'm exhausted! But full and happy. So, if you're bored and don't want to go shopping "out there" with the masses of other lunatics ( I say that lovingly, of course) click on over to my Etsy shop. At the top you can search for "black friday sale" and you will find several listings I have marked down 50%! Originals, prints, pendants and more. As an extra bonus if you put the code "blackfriday" in at check out you will also receive 10% off your entire purchase. Good deal, huh? Click here to see all the Black Friday half off deals in my shop.

You Better Be Good For Goodness Sake

2010-11-24T10:27:00.002-06:00

Good For Goodness Sake - Original Special Edition Holiday ACEO

It's the morning before Thanksgiving and I have already been to the store two times. (Did I tell you I went 4 times on Monday?) Yikes. But I'm jazzed. It is all good. I have a lot of yummy comforty things to cook in the next couple days. And I have gifts to wrap - my favorite thing to do for the holidays. So have you been naughty or nice this year? Either way, treat yourself to this brand new painting I also found the time for this morning. Cute and tempting, eh?

Bring on the Holidays

2010-11-23T06:52:00.002-06:00

It's official - the holidays are here. You know how I know? I bought wrapping paper yesterday. I'm getting my holiday game face on early hoping to knock out any of the last minute stress that I usually face. I even painted a holiday themed painting yesterday in my spare post school pre dinner time. I wish I could link it to a listing for sale but someone has already purchased it. Maybe I should do a couple more holiday paintings? Maybe.

Preparing the First Annual Lauren Alexander Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T06:50:00.002-06:00

Since we've been celebrating my daughter's birthday and her adoption finalization you might think I would want to take it easy on Thanksgiving and allow a pro grandma or something to make me my Thanksgiving meal. You would think wrong! I have been really interested in cooking lately and making my own Thanksgiving meal is definitely a challenge I am interested in. I am planning, shopping, collecting recipes, tips and all that. It will be a small group - just me and my house family. So, no need to go all crazy with a room full of food. But I will be preparing quite a bit of new foods and we'll see if it is delicious or not. My mom handed down some old china she had in her attic (not used since 1990 says the newspaper it was packed in). And I am excited to decorate my table with a feast on Thursday. So what do you like to make on Thanksgiving?

Signed Sealed Delivered

2010-11-21T09:16:00.002-06:00

I can't let the weekend pass without mentioning the wonderful amazing thing that became officially official in the legal sense. My daughter's adoption was finalized on National Adoption Day, Nov. 20th. We traveled 3 hours to the city where she was born where 37 other children from the same foster agency were also celebrating and finalizing adoptions. I didn't think I would be too emotional but during the opening remarks a judge spoke and addressed the need for days like these celebrations to help them through the rest of a tough year that sees a lot of tribulations for children who are in need of family stability. Our story is pretty quiet. We wanted a family, we chose adoption, and we were so lucky to have found our wonderful daughter. She's amazing and a complete person who I believe will have a fantastic future. I consider myself lucky to love her.

Rock and On a Roll

2010-11-18T17:48:00.002-06:00

Well hello new painting. Just finished one more little darlin'. I can't believe I didn't think of this till now. Just doing one painting is easy! So what if it is the size of a credit card. It's fun. I can cook and paint and listen to music. Currently playing (or overhearing, actually) Springsteen's The Promise coming from my husband's office. It's quite nice to paint to, I must admit.

Make Your Food Pretty

2010-11-17T11:39:00.005-06:00

Recently I changed the way I enjoy food. I love food. It's the best thing in the world and I used to enjoy it so much that I didn't really think about what I chose to eat. Why not have a second brownie, it's delicious! Or; Boy this box of pre packaged food looks tasty. Let's heat and eat! Now though, I am learning to love food so much that I am really careful about what I eat. I think about what is good for me but also what tastes good and it turns out fresh and natural foods taste better. I enjoy making food. It's fun. I try to take the time at my meals to make something delicious and healthful. Before, I was hungry so I gobbled food up until I felt full. But now I am trying to treat every meal like an event, preparing it carefully (really only means adding a few more mins) and beautifully. Today I made a salad with leftovers. I had spinach, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, leftover taco seasoned turkey, and some cheese. And a honey mustard vinaigrette topped it off. So yummy. I drank water (not my usual Diet Coke!) and had a half english muffin toast drizzled with honey. Heaven. Oh, And carrots dipped in hummus. Another thing I have been doing is making sure that I put all my food on plates or in bowls and sit at the table (alone or not) and enjoy. I'm full and happy now.

Something New for the Gift Buyer

2010-11-17T06:44:00.003-06:00

Gift Set of Small Owl Prints

Trying very hard to get some gift sets listed in my shop. Time, light, the sun, all these things are not exactly cooperating. Plus I am down to one not so great camera. Argh! I did manage to get the Owl set ready and the Little Bird set ready. Coming soon; more birds, and a bunch of animals. These are great sets of 10 prints already chosen for you in a theme you might enjoy. You could use them to decorate a room or keep them and use them every time you have a teacher, baby, mother, whatever kind of gift that you need something special for. If you are interested in a set like this but already have one or two of the prints listed in the set let me know so I can switch them out for ones you don't have. I have so many prints it's easy!

This Club Can't Even Handle Me Right Now

2010-11-16T19:03:00.002-06:00

Feeling pretty fly right now. Yesterday it dawned on me that I should not try to paint like I once did and that since my life is different so should my painting habits. Duh. Only took half a year. But this is okay. No problem. Look above, I painted one picture and it is pretty awesome if I do say so myself. So, the weird title of the blog post? Well, if you spend anytime with the pop radio stations (I know you do) then you know the song by Flo-rida "Club Can't Handle Me" which I find to be extremely catchy and infectious in a good way. Kind of the way that Enrique song, I Like It, seems to be. Have no idea what I am talking about? Turn on the radio. Just for a short time. You'll see. Then go ahead and flip it back to your NPR or awesome mix tape. Those are good too. Baby I like it.....

I Think I Just Learned Something

2010-11-15T16:18:00.003-06:00

When I am trying to occupy myself between the hours of after school and dinner cooking it is a very good idea to try to paint. However, how I used to paint: draw several images, set up the paint, underpaint, layer each one in succession, repeat, repeat, till finished...etc. is not exactly conducive to dealing with a kid who has just been let out of her daily grind and wants to talk and ask about everything instead of writing spelling words. What I think I just learned is that I should paint, yes, of course! But I should only paint a little bit. Only one little painting at a time. Forget the 6 or 7 sketches. Most of them stink anyway. Just do one. One and done...that's my new motto! It might make for more painting than I think - if I can do more than one a week I am in good shape.