strawberry heaven...

I've been buying a lot of strawberries lately, and it never fails that we have a ton left over. So instead of buying green bags to "prolong" my produce, I've been coming up with creative ways to use all those delicious strawberries!

Today I made strawberry pie. I found this recipe on the internet thanks to greenprix98 at mommysavers.com. I chose this recipe for its simple ingredients and quick prep time. This pie is simply delicious and super easy to make!

pie crust:
1-1/4 graham cracker crumbs (8 whole double crackers-- more for larger pie pan size)
2 tblsp sugar
1/2 c melted butter

combine crumbs, sugar and butter, press onto bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie pan. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. cool.

Pie filling:
1 c sugar
2 heaping tblsp corn starch
1 c water
dash of salt

bring to a boil. take from stove and add 2 heaping Tblsp of strawberry gelatin. Cool, add one pint of fresh cut (and washed) strawberries. Pour into crust. refrigerate.

Top with whip cream or do what I did and just add vanilla ice cream! Yum!

Sactionals??

Normally, I don't impulse buy--especially on large purchases (ok so I occasionally impulse buy clearance items at west elm, target, ikea...anyway....) but I had to check this out.

Meet the sactional. It is made by the creator of the "Love Sac" and I absolutely love the concept of what he titles "alternative furniture". You must visit the website to get the full effect...basically you can take an ottoman, sides, buy a bunch of them and make a couch -- how cool is that? I can buy a sectional couch by the piece?! What a novel idea!

I ordered 1 base and 1 side with the basic cover, they came via fed ex in a big box marked "Naked" :) and it really is easy to put together! Super comfortable too -- A+!

I'm really eye-ing this movie lounger setup...only 3 bases and 3 sides to go!

Cicada Studio...

I have been meaning to post about Cicada Studio and its super cute products! I especially love the "Now, Later, Never" magnets and her "summer water bubbles" fabric. Michelle's work is an excellent addition to modern design and she has been a great blog friend by reading and commenting on many of my posts. Please visit Cicada Studio, Cicada Home and check out her blog too! Thanks Michelle!

it could be worse...

Check out these unique designs from Jessica Rosenkranz. Screen printed in a manageable 7" x 5" cubicle size, these prints will be admired by all of your 9 to 5 friends...$20 each or all 4 for $60.

p.s. The website is really cute too!

Discounts Anyone?

So you don't save much $$ on gas, but at least you can save on everything else!

I've been scoring major discounts lately just from checking retailmenot.com and also from merely using my visa card....I just had to share a few of the recent discounts...

$10 off $25 at Lowes (just fill out form and they e-mail you the coupon to use in stores)

30% off at Restaurant.com (click on link and use your visa -- valid till 5/31)

$10 off $100 at 1800contacts.com --simply use code "SAVE923"

$1.99 Garlic Parm Breadsticks at Papa Johns (VISA)!

25% off your entire order at fabric.com -- use code "2TRY8" (expires end of May)

Ann Taylor Loft --25% off full price items and free shipping --use code "104010029" (expires May 18th)

$10 off $50 -- Cafepress.com -- use code "cactus1050"

organize your wrapping paper...

I loved this post from apartment therapy...I've always wondered what I could do with that extra dead space!