Congrats That Grad With A Free Card!

Hi, Creative Friends,

The Spring celebrations are here! If you are a bit like me, you might be looking for ways to make celebrations like a graduation or a spring birthday happy and special. Here are…

3 Creative Ideas To Make Spring Celebrations Full Of Joy.

1. Gift A Perfect Gift: If the thought of giving a graduate the gift of cold hard cash doesn’t bring around joy, try giving something personal like this beautiful silk The Poppy Silk Scarf or create a one-of-a-kind DIY like one of these cool ideas at HGTV’s “20 DIY Gifts Your Grad Will Love".”

2. A Personal Message: Writing a letter is intimidating but finding the right words to tell someone how important they are is truly a gift in itself. If you find composing a meaningful message difficult, check out the book “How To Write A Letter” by Sugar Paper. The book offers ways to make a message and find words for any occasion simple, heartfelt, and happy! If you need a special graduation greeting card, download one for FREE here “Congrats Grad FREE Greeting Card."

3. Eat Something Special: Make a birthday special or graduation memorable by sending or bringing something sweet and delicious to that special person. Try ordering a cake from Milkbar or an ice cream party from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Either will make the day joyful, memorable, and delicious!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will create to make your celebration happy!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring has all the stuff we crave to be happy. Shimming sunshine, beautiful birdsongs, and most importantly fresh ingredients. Whether it’s dinner on the patio or something healthy to energize that spring run, let’s step into the kitchen and make…

3 Creative Spring Recipes That Will Make A Happy Chef Out Of Anyone.

1. Eggselent Eggventure: With Easter last Sunday, perhaps we have a few hard-boiled eggs sitting quietly in the refrigerator. Whip up this easy “Healthy Egg Salad” from Fit Foodie Finds and make lunch easy and delicious.

2. Orange You Glad You Made Carrots: Smoothies can be an excellent way to get creative in the kitchen. The fresh bunches of carrots that spring offers, make a delightful addition to this “Carrot Cake Smoothie” by Minimalist Baker. Packed full of hemp seeds and ginger, this smoothie is bound to bring on health and happiness to the more active days of spring.

3. Rule The Day With Rhubarb: It only makes its debut in spring and there is nothing more sweet, sour, and delightful than rhubarb. Try making this Rhubarb Sauce to slather on a big crunchy slice of toast or drizzle on ice cream. There is nothing that says “Bring on Spring!” more than a dollop of this bright jammy goodness!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and a recipe you love to make in spring.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Download The Surprise Spring Screen Here

Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring is here and Easter is this Sunday! This is the season that is full of surprises like a sweet bird that sings a song at the tip-top of a tree right outside a window or a giant poppy flower found on a sunshine-filled walk. Spring is the season is of surprise and joy. That’s why…

This Week Let’s Make Surprise Joy With These Creative Easter Ideas…

1. Spring Into Friendship: Download this FREE sweet spring screensaver for your smartphone, add a message, and send a joyful greeting to someone special. It’s a great way to stay connected, renew friendships, and send a lovely Easter surprise.

2. Jam Up Easter: If you need a fast and delicious Easter breakfast, try this Jammy Biscuit recipe here. Surprise, it’s easy to make because it calls for pre-made biscuit rolls. Joy follows when someone takes a big bite of these sweet yet tart delights on Easter morning. If you are not short one time and want to dive into a more complicated recipe to try on Easter morning is Glazed Cinnamon Cardomon Buns from Epicurious. Add a few chocolate eggs such as Cadbury Mini Eggs on top of each roll and your Easter morning breakfast has never looked so beautiful!

   3. Dye & Decorate: What could bring more joy and surprise to this spring weekend than decorating a dozen eggs? Check out “45 different ways to dye Easter eggs” on Better Homes & Gardens. There are so many great ideas on this site but the washi tape idea seems simple and easy. I’m going to use 3 mm washi tape and create some fabulous easter eggs.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that brings joy to your Easter weekend.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

California Wildflowers Print For Sale At INPRNT

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s officially springtime! Hopefully, vibrant flowers are blooming, the sun is glowing and birds chirping wherever you reside right now. As the season turns to spring and we welcome in the longer days, we might find we need to get outside and get creative. This week here are…

3 Creative Ideas That Will Help You Make A Happy, Beautiful Spring.

1. Take Up A New Sport:  Getting outside can make our bodies and minds thrive! Why not try out a new sport like running, paddle boarding, badminton, pickleball, surfing, or swimming? Grab some gear and get outside to feel the spring sunshine and air make us happy.

2. Garden Beautiful: Managing another thing in our lives might have us saying, “No Way!” but planning a spring garden can yield so much happiness in spring and beyond. To make planning a garden accessible, check out this “Spring Garden Planning: A Beginners Guide” on Home For The Harvest. It looks like a great way to make spring beautiful and if you need some inspiration as your garden starts to grow, purchase this California Wildflower art print from my shop on INPRNT.

3. Beets & Blackberries: Creating something delicious in the kitchen is always a fabulous way to make spring happy. Try this fresh recipe for “Beet & Blackberry Salad” From Salt Spring Kitchen. to make your body and mind feel beautiful.

   Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you will make your spring creative, happy, and beautiful.

   Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Congrats That Grad With A Free Card!

Hi, Creative Friends,

The Spring celebrations are here! If you are a bit like me, you might be looking for ways to make celebrations like a graduation or a spring birthday happy and special. Here are…

3 Creative Ideas To Make Spring Celebrations Happy.

1. Gift A Perfect Gift: If the thought of giving a graduate the gift of cash doesn’t bring around happiness, try giving something personal like this beautiful silk The Peony scarf or create a one-of-a-kind DIY like one of these cool ideas at HGTV’s “20 DIY Gifts Your Grad Will Love".”

2. A Personal Message: Writing a letter is intimidating but finding the right words to tell someone how important they are is truly a gift in itself. If you find composing a meaningful message difficult, check out the book “How To Write A Letter” by Sugar Paper. The book offers ways to make a message and find words for any occasion simple, heartfelt, and happy! If you need a special graduation greeting card, download one for FREE here “Congrats Grad FREE Greeting Card."

3. Eat Something Special: Make a birthday special or graduation memorable by sending or bringing something sweet and delicious to that special person. Try ordering a cake from Milkbar or an ice cream party from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Either will make the day happy and memorable and delicious!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will create to make your celebration happy!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Download The Surprise Spring Screen Here

Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring is here and Easter is this Sunday! Spring is a season that is full of surprises like the scrub jay that sings his song at the very tip-top of a tree right outside my window every morning or the giant pink cactus flower that is in full bloom in my neighbor’s yard. Spring is the season is of surprise and joy. That’s why

This Week Let’s Make Surprise Joy With These Creative Easter Ideas…

1. Spring Into Friendship: Download this FREE sweet spring screensaver for your smartphone, add a message and send a joyful greeting to someone special. It’s a great way to stay connected, renew friendships and send a lovely Easter surprise.

2. Jam Up Easter: If you need a fast and delicious Easter breakfast, try this Jammy Biscuit recipe here. Surprise, it’s easy to make because it calls for pre-made biscuit rolls. Joy follows when someone takes a big bite of these sweet yet tart delights on Easter morning. If you are not short one time and want to dive into a more complicated recipe to try on Easter morning is Glazed Cinnamon Cardomon Buns from Epicurious. Add a few chocolate eggs such as Cadbury Mini Eggs on top of each role and your Easter morning breakfast has never looked so beautiful!

   3. Dye & Decorate: What could bring more joy and surprise to this spring weekend than decorating a dozen eggs? Check out “45 different ways to dye Easter eggs” on Better Homes & Gardens. There are so many great ideas on this site but the washi tape idea seems simple and easy. I’m going to use 3 mm washi tape and create some fabulous easter eggs.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that brings joy to your Easter weekend.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Spring Flowers In A Vase - Print For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends-

Spring is here and if you are a bit like me, this season has a way of making everything feel fresh, interesting, and beautiful with a blink of an eye! That’s why spring is a great time to rethink what’s possible, make changes, and refresh ideas. This week let’s…

Watch Spring Bloom Beautiful With 3 Interesting Creative Ideas.

1. The Decorated Egg: The tradition of coloring eggs dates as far back as 2,500 years ago when the ancient Persians celebrated Persian New Year, Nowruz. More can be read about the history of decorating eggs in the article Kitchn: Why Do We Decorate Easter Eggs, Anyway? Then try your hand at making “Pysanky” or Ukrainian decorated eggs, which are an interesting, beautiful, and creative way to celebrate spring.

2. A Rose By Any Other Name: Is there a spring flower that is more beautiful than a rose? Well, probably not if it’s a David Austin rose. David Austin sells the most interesting, beautiful, and creative rose bushes around. Try planting roses like the “Jude The Obscure” and the “Tea Clipper.” What would be a better way to make spring bloom than to watch spring bloom for years to come?

3. Everlasting Boquet: Creating with kids is a great way to make spring beautiful and fun. Here is an interesting project everyone can enjoy: “Giant Paper Flowers.” Whip up 1 or a million this project is a terrific way to create something sweet beautiful to celebrate the season of possibilities!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you are creating for springtime.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

It is March and things feel dark in the world right now but something that can add light to this deep moment is tapping into our creative spirit. I’ve noticed in the last few weeks this newsletter isn’t getting opened as frequently. Maybe everyone is busy, tired of hearing my creative ideas, or feeling like they don’t know what to do next! That’s why this week I’m turning this newsletter over to you and asking…

What Are YOUR Super Creative Ideas That You Want To Share…

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and your three creative ideas for March. I’ll be rounding them up and telling them about your ideas next week on the blog. If you have a link to a project you want to include feel share it.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

“Poppies In Spring” Art Print at Society6

Hi, Creative Friends,

Most people are ready to spark spring joy with a big adventure. Traveling to someplace new sounds pretty dreamy right now after 14-months of pandemic life. However, if adventures are still on hold, don’t worry, I have 3 ideas for the creative weekend warrior like you.

This week, spark spring happiness and stay at home with 3 ideas that inspire bits of creative joy.

1. Kid Cosmic: If you have kids at home and need a mental break, fire up Nexflix and cue up “Kid Cosmic.” It’s an American animated series created by the same super-cool geniuses that made the animated series “The Power Puff Girls”. “Kid Cosmic” is another dynamic series, where the writing is stellar, the art direction super and it’s an all-around terrific story that takes kids of all ages on the next great adventure! If a little more time for a mental break is needed, have the kiddos try making themselves into a Power Puff character here at the site Powerpuff Yourself.

2. Rhubarb Sauce: Spring is here which means it’s Rhubarb season. For those not yet familiar with this beautiful vegetable, the story of Rhubarb can be found here at “The Kitchen Project: The History of Rhubarb.” Rhubarb is one of the tastiest spring surprises and if making a pie seems too daunting, try this 2-ingredient Rhubarb Sauce recipe. Just remember, the leaves of the Rhubarb plant are poisonous. Just use the red stalks for any Rhubarb recipes.

3. Ecoline Markers: Mother’s Day is right around the bend. Why not create a personal drawing for the lady who does everything and more? Ecoline Markers can be used wet or dry and have a broad and fine tip. Pair them with Canson Watercolor paper and other drawing supplies. Mama bear will swoon with pride when she is presented with a one-of-a-kind piece of art on Mother’s Day. If short on time is the meme this year, try gifting Mother a lovely art print like Poppies In Spring from Society6.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that sparked adventure and joy for you this week.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring is here and Easter is Sunday. Are you falling short on simple ideas to make this time of year special?

This week, in the spirit of Easter, here are 3 ideas that inspire & lift up the Spring creative spirit.

1. Traveling to far-off places has always been a source of inspiration. The food, the architecture the people can light up the old grey matter and bring on unique ideas. What do we do when we can’t travel? Try watching “Searching for Italy” by Stanely Tucci on CNN. It’s a feast for the soul. It’s bouncing full of so many creative ideas like Stanely’s Easter bread which has been added next to my creative bucket list. It looks delicous!

2. If the Easter bunny is cramped for time and needs something fast to make for Easter breakfast, try my Jammy Biscuit recipe here. It's a super easy recipe since it calls for pre-made biscuit rolls and it brings joy and delight to everyone who takes a bite on Easter morning. Another great recipe to try on Easter morning, Glazed Cinnamon Cardomon Buns from Epicurious. Add a few chocolate eggs such as Cadbury Mini Eggs on top of the recipe and your Easter morning breakfast has never looked so beautiful. Be warned this recipe is a bit complicated but nonetheless delicious.

   3. Who feels like getting a bit messy but keeping it simple with a spring forward craft? How about checking out “45 different ways to dye Easter eggs” on Better Homes & Gardens. There are so many great ideas on this site but the washi tape idea seems simple and easy. I’m going to using 3 mm washi tape and hopefully create some fabulous easter eggs.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that puts a spring in your step.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Who’s enjoying hints of spring this week? Perhaps the flowers are blooming, the sun is glowing and if you are a bit like me, Spring is an amazing time to renew the mind with creative ideas.

This week, in the spirit of Spring, here are 3 things that inspire & renew creative thinking:

1. Take in a good book about empathy and renewal, as you soak up the sweet spring sunshine and read “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed. ” by Lori Gottlieb. This book offers an interesting perspective on what really drives the behavior of others and their struggles through the lens of a therapist. If renewing a sense of childhood creates joy, the book “Charlotte’s Web" By E.B. White, is a classic. Not only did my 7-year-old find it lovely, but it also provided a renewed sense of friendship and empathy that carries through and speaks to adulthood.

2. Spring days are longer, which means we spend more time outside soaking up the sunshine. The time to make dinner is now limited. Here is a secret, simple recipe that will create so much joy even when the sun has set and bedtime looms. Cacio e Pepe, the simple Roman pasta dish appeared centuries ago among shepherds tending their flocks in the spring and summer. Read all about the history of this amazing dish here: “Cacio e Pepe: Italy’s Beloved 3 Ingredient Pasta Dish.” at BBC Travel. Make this dish tonight with 3 simple ingredients and my favorite Cacio e pepe recipe found here.

3. Spring landscapes all but call us to go out into nature and sketch what we see. This is a great weekend to dust off the old sketchbook or pick up a Stillman & Birn Zeta Series field-sized sketchbook and a package of Markart Colour Charcoal Pencils and head outside to just breath, renew and sketch the spring world around us.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that renews you.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Copyright: Andra Weber Creative LLC

// Hello, Friends -

Here we are again, right on the edge of saying hello to spring! If you are a little bit like me, it takes some serious effort to shake off the cold, dark days of winter. This time of year, I prefer to leave my house strictly for two things:

#1: To Catch A Ray Of Sunshine

# 2: A Party

And #2 always gets me out of the house more than #1. Who can resist a party? That’s why when a friend shared how to create an easy and fun brunch, I had to share, especially with Easter, Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation and Wedding season popping up soon.

To make things even more festive for our brunch a bunch you will find fun and festive printables that can be downloaded for FREE!

Let’s take a look at some of these Brunch Ideas…

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Photo Credit: Zola

Spring is right around the corner which means (like tulips) outdoor events and parties are back in season! With so many reasons to celebrate, we are always looking to share new party ideas to treat the people in your life. Today we’re sharing tips for hosting the Ultimate Brunch party filled with yummy bites, spring-inspired decor and activities to try! Since spring brings a feeling of freshness, beautiful flowers and warmer weather, a brunch themed party is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion! 

There are also tons of benefits to throwing a morning celebration like a sunny garden atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets. Brunch events are also more intimate, making for a wholesome memory, and are full of delicate daytime details. One of the best parts of a brunch party is the fun puns you can incorporate into your special day. To help you start planning your own brunch themed party and ensure you don’t break the bank on your way, Zola has created free brunch printables for you to utilize like DIY decor and themed party favors! Keep reading for all the inspiration! 

Brunch Bites

Elevate your brunch menu with adorable spring-themed treats like donuts covered with edible flowers and warm pancakes with fresh berries. 

Donut Display

For an Instagram-worthy dish, doll up some donuts with edible flowers and fresh berries! These tiny treats will be easy to share and an adorable photo opp!

Photo Credit: Zola

Cinnamon Roll Cakes

Ditch traditional birthday or celebratory cupcakes and opt for individual cinnamon rolls covered in warm glaze. Brunch is the perfect time to explore fun sweets like pancake stacks and waffles!

Biscuits and Gravy Bar

Add some delicious southern charm to your brunch menu with DIY biscuits and gravy bar. 

Photo Credit: Zola

Omelet Station

A make-your-own omelet station is an eggcellent way to get guests excited for brunch! Level-up your omelet station with options such as salmon and avocados or local ingredients.

Daytime Decor

Capture the pretty morning dew with daytime decorations. These can be customized for whatever you are celebrating and are idyllic spring details. 

Citrus Centerpieces 

Use fresh citrus to create edible arrangements for your centerpieces. This will help you cut down on your planning budget while still adding tons of beautiful colors to your table.

Balloon Archway 

Another great way to add pops of color to your decor is with bright balloons. Pastel balloons photograph well during daytime hours and can help add height to outdoor event setup.

Photo Credit: Zola

Chic Tablescapes 

Vintage glass and serving ware is a great style for a daytime celebration. You can also add personalized details such as name cards or printable drink coasters like the ones found at the bottom of the post. 

Brunch Themed Activities

DIY DJ

To encourage dancing during your party, invite guests to submit song requests using the free printables previewed below. Put it on shuffle or let guests act as DJ to mix up the music!

Photo Credit: Zola

Themed Favors

Have some fun with your party favors and hand out gifts with a brunch theme. Whether this includes personalized coffee mugs, coffee beans, plastic sunglasses, or homemade jam, you can tag your favors with the adorable gift tag printables below.

Coffee Station 

Thank your guests for attending your morning brunch event with a coffee station. A coffee station will also help invigorate everyone’s spirits and curb morning yawns. Decorate your coffee bar with our free printable sign at the bottom of the post. 

DIY Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar

Consider setting up a DIY mimosa bar or bloody mary. Cover the champagne and liquor bottles with our printable bottle labels below.

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Send out those invites and Friends, let’s get our brunch on!

Until soon. //

Day 95 - Hello Monday. Who's up for greeting Monday with a high five and a smile? Me neither. Monday's and I don't get along. I will give Monday a lack luster pat on the back for being a good day to start a project such as spring cleaning. There is nothing like the feeling of letting go of the old to make room for new. Let's dedicate this Monday and this week to cleaning out and moving on.

Today's project is to start this week off by picking one item to clean on the outside of your dwelling. Maybe it the windows, the garage or killing off those pesky weeds? Create space and make room for new. It's amazing how one small action can, create space add a fresh perspective.

I can't stand weeds in the sidewalk. They drive me crazy like a spec of dust on a camera lens. Today, I mixed up a DIY weed killer which is white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap to kill off those sneaky plants. Sorry weeds. You are outta here!

Well, let me know how the outside tidying up  goes. Tomorrow we will keep cleaning out and moving on. See ya tomorrow!

Day 84 - Ta Da! How's that for an intro to Thursday? Let's throw in some jazz hands for a little drama. You can't see me but I'm waving my hands wildly. Speaking of drama, who's hosting a holiday dinner at their house this weekend? I always love to dream about perfectly arranged spring tablescapes. They are always cue the start of spring and renewal. When they feature beautiful spring flower arrangements, an array of pastel colors and gigantic dark chocolate bunnies these spring tablescapes make me sigh.

All this spring jazz got me to thinking about what I would put on my spring table, which brings me to today's project, succulent egg cups. Since we most likely have a few egg shells lying around this time of year, they are a simple and creative way to be kind to the earth and add beauty to any spring table.

Items Needed:

• tiny succulent plants 
• 3/4 egg shells
• egg carton
• green moss
• fresh cut flowers (optional)
• old tea cups

First find a work area and place down newspaper. Cut the top off the egg carton. Cut the egg carton in half if only creating six egg cups or less. Now remove the succulents out of their pots and break up the roots. Fill the egg shell with 1/2 dirt and then add one succulent plant per egg shell. Put the egg cup in the egg carton. Repeat until all egg cups are done.

Fill the tea cup 3/4 full with moss. Add a egg cup. Add a little moss next to the succulent and then add a fresh cut flower on top and bam! Place the egg cups on the a spring table for a lovely spring tablescape accent. When the spring entertaining is over, take the egg cups out of the tea cup and plant them directly in a pot. 

Who knew creating could be as simple as throwing together some dirt and eggs? Dirt & Eggs? I think I have a post for tomorrow. Kidding folks. Or am I? In any case, see you tomorrow!

Day 79 - Ya. Ya. Ya! It's Saturday! I woke up this morning dreaming of carrot cake. Oh, how I love carrot cake. Oh that super rich creamy cake chocked full of spice. Swoon. Is it just me or is there something wonderful, warm and yet tangy about each flavorful bite? Yet, carrot cake is a diet hangover waiting to happen and everyone I know is trying to get fit and stay healthy. It got me to thinking how do I create a better for you carrot cake recipe?

Today, I experimented and came up with "Date A Carrot" snack cake recipe. It's below. Now it's your turn. Today's project is to get creative with an existing recipe and modify it in a new way. How can a recipe be changed for the different? Maybe add a new ingredient? Try a new pan? Add a few pinches of love? Just get creative!

In the meantime here is the "Date A Carrot" recipe. I replaced the ton of the sugar and flour that is in a typical carrot cake recipe with dates, honey and oats. Yum!

Date A Carrot Recipe

Serves 9

Ingredients

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup pitted dates
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups shredded carrots

Topping (optional)

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons coconut cream
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8" x 8" baking pan with parchment paper.

In a blender or food processor, pour in the old fashioned oats and pulse until 50% of the oats look like flour. Pour the flour in a bowl and set aside. Without cleaning the blender or food processor, add the dates. Blend the dates till creamy. 

In the bowl with the oats, add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, chia seeds, coconut flakes and salt. Stir till combined.

Place the coconut oil in a bowl on a stand up mixer and beat for 30 seconds. Add the eggs one at a time till combined. Add the honey and beat for 1 minute. Add the carrots and dates. Blend and slowly add in the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until combined. Press the dough evenly in the bottom of the pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. 

Let cool on a wire rack. In the meantime, place the coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 5-10 seconds. Add the coconut cream and powdered sugar to the warmed coconut oil and whisk till combined. Slowly drizzle the topping onto the snack cake. Once the topping is set, remove from pan, cut and enjoy. Store for 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Report back. Did you find it stressful to change the recipe? I need to get back to stuffing my face full of "Date A Carrot" snack cake. Later taters.

Day 76 - Alright folks. How's everybody doing today? It's Wednesday and who's a bit on the cranky side today? Me! Me! Me! Man alive, I woke up on the wrong side of the tracks. Wait, I don't think that's the right phrase to use. Oh but who cares. "Bear" (Grrrr) with me on this grumpy day. 

There are two things that always get me out of a cranky funk: sugar & shopping. Well, let's throw sugar & shopping in a box, add some paint, close the lid and shake up some fun.

For today's project, we will be making a jelly bean t-shirt. Yep, that's right. We are going to paint a shirt using Jelly Belly® Jelly Beans. Yes, that's right. I have lost my stink'n mind but let's try this crazy idea anyway.

Jelly Bean T-shirt 

This post contains affiliate links.

• 1 - 7 oz bag of Jelly Belly® Jelly Beans {affiliate}
• 1 - disposable cup
• 1 - white short sleeve cotton t-shirt 
• colors of acrylic paint {affiliate}
• 1 - medium throw away cardboard box with lid
• Scissors (optional)

If you have a happen to have a long sleeve t-shirt as I did today, cut the sleeves off with the scissors. Now, place approximately 20 -30 jelly beans into a disposable cup. Pick two or more colors of acrylic paint. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of each color on top of the jelly beans in the disposable cup. Dump contents into the cardboard box. Close lid tightly and shake. Open the box and add the t-shirt. Shake until the shirt is appropriately cover in paint. Let the t-shirt dry and then wash and dry separately. 

What do you think? Was it fun creating something crazy? Well, I need to get back to being cranky and eating more Jelly Belly® jelly beans. See you tomorrow kids.

Day 75 - Hello. Hello. It's Tuesday. At least it isn't Monday! Whew. As the weeks fly by it has hit me that Easter and spring holidays are right around the corner. I have mentioned a million times but let me say it again, holidays are big at our house. It's hard to imagine our holidays without boats full of glitter, a truckload of DIY projects and copious amounts of buttery food. 

However, as life gets more busy, is it just me or is it harder to make time to make holiday's special? It's nearly impossible to fit in a hour to create a big project found on Pinterest. Thinking about making Aunt Bettie's traditional holiday recipe becomes a chore. Creating a holiday table that is well styled and memorable isn't happening. There is just no time!

Well, let's try a fast and easy project today. The painted daises table runner project will start to to make any spring table burst with style and it should only take about 10 min, if all the supplies are available.

Painted Daisies Table Runner

This post contains affiliate links.

• 1 roll of butcher paper or art paper {affiliate}
• acrylic paint {affilate}
• 1 bunch of fresh daisies
• 1 paper plate
• 1 large paint brush (optional)

Step 1: Measure the table where the runner will be placed. Cut the paper to the measurement. Place paper on a flat work surface. 

Step 2: Cut the tops off a few daisies. Pick your paint color and apply paint on the paper plate. Now, either paint the daisy with a paint brush (optional) or dunk the daisy into the paint face first.

Step 3: Go to work stamping the daisy face down the paper. Make the daisy stamps overlap or create a deliberate pattern. Let the creativity spring. Let dry and poof! You have a super fun and stylish way to kick off a spring celebration table.

We are now one step closer to creating a special holiday table that is fast and stylist. Ok, gotta go work on that recipe from Aunt Bettie. See you tomorrow and keep creating!

Day 74 - Hey There! It's a start of a new week and it's almost spring. It's time to get down to brass tacks. In other words, let's get down to the basics today. Let's clean house, air out the curtains and hang things out to dry. Let's get back to talking about why we need to create.

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Bee Exhibit At the Oakland Museum CA. Artist Unknown.

It's been a couple of months since I started Create & Change. I keep asking myself, "Is this important? Is anyone reading this? Is it changing anyone? Are only my mom & dad reading this stink'n blog?" I always come back to a very simple, Yes. It's important because being creative fuels the change I want to see in the world. And yes, only my mom & dad are probably reading this daily but that's ok. They are beautiful people and love to create stuff too. Plus, I now have a reason to make super thick milkshakes and peruse the dollar bin at Target. So it's all going in the right direction!

Oakland Museum CA Artwork.

Going in the right direction, takes us to today's project. Today think about one thing you want to change in the world. Set an intention. Write it down in your LBNB {affiliate} and take one step to make the change you want to see. Maybe it's being your own boss? Folding all the socks in your drawer a certain way? Writing the first word of your book idea? Developing a good joke? Seeing an old friend? Sharing your favorite recipe? Starting a community garden? Writing new line of code? Developing a new yoga class? Woodworking a bench? Going for a run? Making a first brush stroke?

Let's keep thinking big and ring in spring with a creative spring forward. See you tomorrow!

P.S. The photos are from an adventure today. We explore the  Oakland Museum Of California and caught up with old friends. It was a great way to spring forward and get the creative juices flowing.