don't forget your 2012 calendar.

happy newwwwwwww year!

Last day this little baby is FREE.  Get it here...

2012 calendar :)

Got some photos of the 2012 freeeebie calendar for you!  Funnily enough there are no photos of it on a wall, but, you get the gist ;)  head HERE for downloading & instructions!  I think my favorite version is with mix & match paper.  It only takes 3 sheets so use 3 different (light) colored card stock papers for fun variance.  ENJOY!

Gretens!  Thanks for your lovely time, home, slab of wood & flash :)

designs © homeseed 2011

happy december (& a gift for you)!

Well, well...it's December 1st!!  Ah!  I can hardly believe it.  To celebrate the start of one of my favorite months I have a gift for you!  It's a printable 2012 Calendar :)  Unfortunately I haven't had time to take photos yet, but I will post some as soon as I can.  So for now, here is a little digital preview (and a silly photo booth preview):

There are two versions!  One that's all color and one that's almost fully black & white (I figured some folks might not want all of the color).  Now, it does require a bit of work on your end.  Each page has 4 months, but is meant to be cut in half down to 2 months per mini page (there is a cut line for you to follow--it's easy!).  These will be free the entire month of December and then I'll be charging a tiny fee (...on Etsy maybe?  If I can make that happen by January :D).  But, if you download it now it's yours for the keeping.  Print a ton!  Give them away as gifts!  Enjoy!

click to download:

COLOR  and/or B & W 

Please be thoughtful and give credit where credit is due.  Share the link (please) and link back here! Thanks!

HAPPY DECEMBER!

designs © homeseed 2011

***this calendar is no longer available for free***

ATTN.

homeseed free printable (free for the month of December!) coming to you on the 1st!  

Check back on Thursday ;)

valentine's day freebie reminder!

Daniel, Job and myself are headed to Cincinnati for the weekend.  His parents both have February birthdays so we're going to hang with them and celebrate those.  I just wanted to make sure you printed out some free valentine's day postcards/cards!  I suppose for this year it's sort of your last chance to use them...

I wanted to leave you with some reminiscent photos of smaller Job.  Ohhh my do I miss those days!  What a goober...

Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

homeseed valentine's day freebie!

Here you are, friends!  I hope you like it.  There are two color options, and 4 print to a page (2 of each color).  They are postcard size, so you can print them out on a nice cover/card stock paper and mail them to your loved ones :) or...do something else with them!

(to print, click on the image above)

Enjoy!!

music monday: FLEET FOXES! (link to free mp3 here!)

Oh my!!  What delightful news!  Fleet Foxes have (finally) announced the release of their new album and with the excitement they're generously giving a FREE song from the new album! GO get it, it's lovely :) The album will be out May 3rd.

Unfortunately, they won't be coming through Chicago for their tour...I am very saddened by this!  Anyway, I hope this news excites you as much as it excites me!

PS...tomorrow, I'll be posting a valentine's day FREEBIE for you!!  Come back & get it :)

honesty.

Sorry about being away for a couple of days.  Sometimes you just need that, you know?  I find that with this blog I go through regular feelings of excitement and disheartenment.  One day I will find a plethora of things that I can't wait to share and then when the day comes where all of those things have been shared, I feel a terrible pressure to be inspired.  As much as I like the idea of communicating through this regularly, I don't want to be a designer that essentially gets paid to update!  I have no idea how the folks that DO do this are so consistently inspired (and really, I already waste much more time than I should going from window to window finding new things that I like...I don't want to do that all the time just so that I can have something to say or share!).  Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is any problem with posting something wonderful everyday and getting paid to do it---but for now, it's just not for me.  

Well, the point of my rambling is that I want this to be a thing that feels good.  A thing that I am excited about and not discouraged by!  And even though I know how much more fun it is to click on a page in my bookmark bar and see a brand new post, I hope that you'll be along for the ride here, whatever it is and whatever it looks like :)

Despite my lack of posts about 'homeseed' things and work...I am actually working on some things!  Those things include...a save-the-date and invitation suite for a wonderful couple (that I really really like and can't wait to share...in, September ;D), a valentine FREEBIE for YOU! (thank Valerie), and some invitation/stationery templates!!  I am also feeling quite close to being able to make a BIG purchase.  A camera :)  So, that brings all kinds of excitement to my heart and little business.  That means I'm getting much closer to being able to list things in my etsy shop!  Woo!

There are good things on the way, they just might be a while.

Enough from me, here are a couple of things to share:

The 2011 brownie bags from twig & thistle are done!  They are the same as last years but with the correct year ;)

This brand new online magazine is super neat!  There is an interview of Rifle Paper Co.'s Anna Bond and her husband Nathan.  So sweet:

2011!

Well, happy new year!!  I hope that your Christmas was full of love, joy, receiving and giving. I hope that your celebration of bringing the new year in was hopeful!  I have never been very into the concept of having new years resolutions, however I do think that the realization that it is a new year is feeling a bit more important or meaningful this time around.  Perhaps it is because I am not a student anymore?  Or because in 2010, Daniel and I went through so many new and big changes...well, whatever it is, I am excited to see what is to come in this year.

Part of me really doesn't want to do this, because in some ways I might be taking away from potential business opportunities, BUT...I feel excited to know that these kinds of things exist, and if they might help friends and folks (brides in particular in many cases) then I would be happy to do that.  I came across How About Orange, a designers blog, and discovered that she has a whole lot of freebies (her own and her discoveries from others) listed in its own section.  I hope that you find something you like!!

Here are my two favorites so far (I haven't made it through all of them yet!):

(1) a free calling card by Jessica Jones (How About Orange)

(2) a free wedding invitation suite!!!  WHAT!?!  and, they are actually cute!  ridiculous...& so generous!  from e.m. papers...

Also, a moment of honesty with you, I am happy to be back to posting here.  It is a fun way to share findings and ideas, thoughts and new stuff...but I have been discouraged that I will not be inspired daily!  It is tough to have something to share 5 days a week!  I say this because I hope that I can in some way bring excitement and inspiration, but I fear that I may not be able to do it so regularly, as some of the blogs that I follow do.  Well, regardless, I'm happy that you're here and I hope that you are feeling renewed as we enter a new year and season.

OH yeah!  And, hopefully my free mini calendar is still just as exciting, now that I've shared these other freebies with you.  If you haven't printed one yet, they are HERE.

homeseed (mini) calendar photos.

Here are some photos of the (mini) calendar I posted for you yesterday, as I don't feel like some of my explanations were clear enough (and I didn't have time to get this together earlier!):

Sorry for the terrible photo quality.  I'm working with what I've got! 

After a little more research, this is the camera I'm saving up for now...hopefully I can get it sooner (rather than later...what a silly phrase!) :)

a homeseed 2011 (mini) calendar, for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!  I'm thankful for YOU! Here is my little gift to you (descriptions & "instructions" below):

The calendars should print on letter size paper (just click on the image twice and it will become full-size, then print!).  The first one would be better for hanging in my opinion, but the second has a couple of options.  It could be folded in half and propped on a desk or table (or some other fun surface), or, with a little bit of effort it could be printed on both sides, cut into a single strip, and then folded up accordion-style.  The latter could fit in a planner or purse.  

ps...there are 2 separate calendars on the second image.

I hope you enjoy them!  Share with friends and family!

real simple recipes & 'the meal deal' calendar (free template!).

For the past 3 and a half months (since we've lived in Chicago) I have started doing weekly meal planning and I am in a place now where I feel content and settled into it!  It has made life quite a bit simpler...It allows me to plan ahead with timing...knowing what stays fresh and how long, giving me a better understanding of how much time I will need to prepare meals, and maybe the best part-knowing exactly what I need when I get to the grocery store!  Also, here is our little calendar that hangs out on the fridge, if you are so interested in using it/trying meal planning out (click on the image to enlarge, save, and print!):



I wanted to share some recipes (5 from Real Simple and 1 from Rachael Ray) that the Dake home has really enjoyed, and that I have really enjoyed making-because they're quick/easy! I almost always head to Real Simple for recipe searches...

TURKEY MEAT-LOAF & MASHED POTATOES (Real Simple)

Serves 6, Hands-On Time: 25m, Total Time: 1hr 00m

Ingredients

                  1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey

                  1 onion, diced

                  1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed and leaves chopped (about 4 cups)

                  1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

                  1/2 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs

                  2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

                  1 large egg white

                  Kosher salt and black pepper

                  1/4 cup ketchup

                  2 pounds red potatoes, quartered

                  1 cup buttermilk

                  1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1.      Heat oven to 400° F. In a bowl, combine the turkey, onion, spinach, parsley, bread crumbs, mustard, egg white, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

2.      Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and form it into a 10-inch loaf. Spread with the ketchup. Bake until cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes.

3.      Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large pot of enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with the buttermilk, oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

SLOW-COOKER BEER BRAISED PORK & BLACK BEANS (Real Simple)

Serves 6, Hands-On Time: 15m, Total Time: 5hr 45m

Ingredients

                  2 12-ounce bottles of beer (preferably lager)

                  1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce

                  1 teaspoon ground cumin

                  1 large onion, chopped

                  1 pound dried black beans, rinsed

                  1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder

                  kosher salt

                  1/2 cup sour cream

                  1/2 cup store-bought refrigerated fresh salsa

                  1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Directions

1.     In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine the beer, 3 cups water, the chilies, adobo sauce, cumin, onion, beans, pork, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

2.     Set the slow cooker to high and cook, covered, until the beans are tender and the pork pulls apart easily, 4 to 5 1/2 hours. Using a fork, separate the pork into large pieces.

3.     Divide among individual bowls and top with the sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.

CHILI-ROASTED COD (Real Simple)

(erm…we used cayenne, we didn’t have chili powder-but I bet it’s great like this!)

Serves 4, Hands-On Time: 10m, Total Time: 15m

Ingredients

                  1 1/2 pounds fresh cod fillets (about 3/4-inch thick)

                  1/2 teaspoon chili powder/cayenne :)

                  1/2 teaspoon salt

                  2 tablespoons butter

                  1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

                  juice of 2 limes

Directions

1.     Heat oven to 450° F. Lightly coat a roasting pan with olive oil/butter. Arrange the cod fillets skin-side down.

2.     Sprinkle the cod with the chili powder/cayenne and salt. Roast 5 to 7 minutes or until the cod is just opaque and flakes when tested with a fork.

3.     Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling constantly, just until the butter begins to brown.

4.     Add the cumin and lime juice and continue to cook, swirling, 1 minute longer. 

5.     Remove the cod from the oven. Drizzle the cumin-lime butter over the top.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SOUP (Real Simple)

Serves 4, Hands-On Time: 05m, Total Time: 15m

Ingredients

                  1 12-ounce jar salsa verde

                  3 cups cooked chicken pieces (1 small deli-counter rotisserie chicken or leftovers)

                  1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained

                  3 cups chicken broth

                  1 yellow onion, diced

                  1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

                  2 green onions, chopped

                  1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

                  tortilla chips (optional)

Directions

1.     Sauté the yellow onion until soft.

2.     Empty the salsa into a large saucepan. Cook for 2 minutes over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, beans, broth, and cumin (if desired). Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.     Top each bowl with a sprinkling of green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and some tortilla chips (if desired). For a soupier dish, use 4 cups of broth. 

SLOW-COOKER BBQ PULLED PORK (Real Simple)

Serves 6, Hands-On Time: 10m, Total Time: 5hr 10m

Ingredients

                  2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat

                  1/4 cup packed brown sugar

                  1 teaspoon chili powder

                  1 garlic clove, chopped

                  kosher salt and black pepper

                  1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette

                  lots of barbecue sauce!

                  6 soft sandwich rolls, split

Directions

1.     Place the pork in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Rub with the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add ½ cup of the balsamic and ½ cup water.

2.     Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and shreds easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours (the low setting will make total cooking time 8 hours, 10 minutes).

3.     Before serving, transfer the pork to a bowl, discarding the liquid. Using 2 forks, shred the meat. Mix in the barbecue sauce. Serve the pork on the rolls with the coleslaw and the pickles and chips, if desired.

PARMESAN-CRUSTED TILAPIA (Rachael Ray)

Serves 4, Hands-On Time: 10m, Total Time: 20m

Ingredients

    ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    2 teaspoons paprika

    1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

    4 tilapia fillets (about 1 pound total)

    1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

1.     Preheat the oven to 400°.

2.     In a shallow dish, combine the cheese with the paprika and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the fish with olive oil and dredge in the cheese mixture.

3.     Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until the fish is opaque in the thickest part, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve the fish with the lemon wedges.

PS...these aren't the original recipes!  They may or may not have a few modifications ;) Oh!  I almost forgot, we use garlic salt, cayenne, and cumin in almost everything we cook (find them at your local Whole Foods)!