new years day party

My creation, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Hey all I hope you all had a super fun holiday season and that your all healthy and happy!

Yesterday the crafty momma's (and their loved ones) from our Richmond Craft Mafia group gathered at my house for some holiday cheer. The theme was an Italian Pot Luck dinner! YUMMO! Boy did we feast, there was artichoke casserole, pasta galore, and the best Eggplant parmesan I have ever had! BUT the best dish was the simple and delicious Peas and Pancetta. I will be getting some recipes from this party and yes I will be posting them.

We tried not to talk shop but that did not last long! What a think tank we have. When I was interviewed for the upcoming Virginia Currents show I was asked how I benefit by being a RCM member I said loads of things but I could have wrapped it all up in one idea, "think tank". When you are surrounded by creative and talented peeps you can trough and idea out and get loads of feed back. Information on things that you need to know as well as ideas you never thought about. It all makes sense we can not work in a bubble, all alone. Creatives need to bounce ideas off each other. So keep you eyes on us we all have some good stuff coming in 2008.


Here is a little clue to what I am interested in for 2008!


Here is a must try recipe for you!

Banana walnut chocolate chip cookies_
Courtesy of the lovely Martha Stewart

_1 cup all purpose flour
1/2-cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp coarse salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large)
1 cup old fashioned oats (not the quick cook kind)
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bar
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375. In a small bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (1st 4) in a large bowl use a mixer to whip butter and sugar until fluffy. On low speed, beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Mix in banana. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in oats, chocolate, and nuts. Scoop dough onto cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 12-13 minutes until cookies are just set. Let cool on sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes. Then remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy! from our dear Nikole...www.nikolesarvaydesigns.etsy.com_handcrafted jewelry