galette des rois

Ever had a Galette des Rois (gal-LET deh wah), otherwise known as a King Cake?

via PinterestYou may be more familiar with the version seen in bakeries this time of year; a yeasty bread ring topped with white frosting and purple, green and yellow sprinkles. In college, I once had a friend send me a king cake all the way from New Orleans! It was such a treat especially to share it with friends and see who had the good fortune of finding the baby charm inside. To try your hand at baking a traditional galette des rois (like the one pictured above), go here.

Happy Fat Tuesday!

cherries

Nothing says happy President's Day quite like cherries do. Here are a few pieces of eye candy to get the ball rolling for your holiday baking:

Clockwise, from top left: Spoon Fork Bacon, Brown Dress with White Dots, The Wedding Dish, Canelle et Vanille

height for hanging artwork

photo via Martha Stewart

Which do you prefer: high-waisted or low-rise? Ever walk into a room and the artwork on the wall looks something like pants pulled up to armpits? Artwork that is hung too high is a common issue, mainly because there is a burning need to fill so much dead space. Here is a rule of thumb: keep things at eye level and dead space will disappear.

What level should artwork be hung? Gallery standard, or 57" is the most comfortable and the most aesthetically pleasing. From the floor, measure up 57" on the wall; this is where the center of your artwork will lie. If you've been hanging your photos high for many years, this height will feel very uncomfortable at first. Go with eye level which will fall somewhere between 57" and 60". When playing with smaller-framed pieces, you may have to bump them up a few inches, but resist the desire to place them anywhere above 60" as this will exaggerate their tininess the higher you go.

If you're concerned about your high ceilings, then you need bigger artwork or you need to bulk up your artwork arrangements. By hanging your artwork at eye level, it will balance the negative space and bring the ceiling down. Any higher than this and you make the room feel taller and your artwork smaller.

on the mark, valentine

Cupid, the god of desire, shot his golden arrow and the rest is history. I'm loving all the pinning of arrows right now, especially these:

Clockwise from top left: Gold arrow bracelet, Gilt. Red Velvet arrow cupcakes, Bakerella. DIY Cupid's arrow, Creature Comforts. On the Mark necklace, Mya Brenner for Stella & Dot. Robin Hood cookies via Kara's Party Ideas. Vintage Valentine arrows, Design*Sponge. Glass cookie topper, Cookies and Cups.

my chewy valentine

Saw this clever project on Martha Stewart's site yesterday and I knew we were a match at first site. And by we I meant my daughters should totally make these for their friends! Reminiscent of Kukui nut leis, these are the valentines for us! Made by Brittany Egbert of One Charming Party, you can find step-by-step instructions here.

photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat