There's a big art & science festival happening this weekend and everybody has gone over to see the exhibits and to watch the kinetic-sculpture races down at the river. The weather couldn't be nicer for it. I usually tag along, but decided to stay home and do a little baking instead 
today. Chocolate being the order of the day...a raspberry tartlet seemed just right for a Sunday desert. Very easy: nut cookie crust + ganache+ fresh berries=heaven on earth. The main coarse, a rich wine-based marinara sauce; in the crock pot simmering now as I speak. So easy. Love that. Oh. It smells amazingly good too. All that garlic and basil is killing me.
And in the meantime. . .
. . . I've been working on a number of projects almost simultaneously and finally finished a few of them over the weekend. Very pleased about that. One of them involved the Krylon Fusion spray-paint. Beware. This is what happens when you spend too much time watching decorating makeovers and DIY television! Run your mouse over the picture to see the before and after transformation of this old microwave cabinet. The paint, btw... worked great on this laminate surface. More pictures here.
It's amazing what a little paint will do. Looks great!
And your rasberry chocolate tart - YUM! I may stop by later for dessert?
Posted by: | July 16, 2006 at 05:00 PM
Your tart looks divine!
I always find it amazing what a little paint will do...
Posted by: Shelagh | July 16, 2006 at 05:23 PM
LOVE IT! I have the exact same one, but we keep dog food and treats in it. I would love to make this for my little girl because she loves to "cook" and pretend. Thanks for the clever idea. But a questions: did you have to sand the laminate before using the Krylon because I know the concept is that it bonds to "plastic" molecules. Thanks for any further info.
me: no sanding required! the paint has bonded very nicely to this smooth surface too. i couldn't scratch it off easily.
Posted by: Rosa | July 16, 2006 at 05:57 PM
looks great! I love that paint, I have used it on several things with much success.
Posted by: jenn | July 16, 2006 at 06:18 PM
OHH yumm. I will have to make that this week. Thank you. I think Chloe wants you to be her mommy not me !! Clarice
Posted by: Clarice | July 16, 2006 at 07:04 PM
Great project! Dinner sounds yummy.
Posted by: Lauren | July 16, 2006 at 07:19 PM
That is so sweet - can I come and play? And do you have any tart leftovers too?
Posted by: Ali | July 17, 2006 at 02:35 AM
Its darling!!! Perfect for the playhouse. How many cans of spray paint did it take to cover that cabinet? And like Rosa I'd love to know if you needed to sand the laminate first.
me: i used one full can but it could've used another to cover it more evenly. it's still splotchy in places, but i figured it was 'good enough' and would take a beating anyway.
Posted by: *jenny | July 17, 2006 at 06:43 AM
What a darling little play kitchen. It seems to be very "you!"
Posted by: Amy | July 17, 2006 at 06:44 AM
that little kitchen is beautiful, what an amazing transformation! my little girl thanks you heartily for providing some inspiration to her mama. :)
Posted by: rowena___. | July 17, 2006 at 08:09 AM
yummy tart!
that cabinet looks amazing. i'm just imagining how many i've passed over at yard sales without thinking about painting them. it looks adorable!
Posted by: lera | July 17, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Wow! What an adorable little kitchen! You did a great job!!
I printed out the recipe for the chocolate and fruit tart. Yours is beautiful!
Kelli
Posted by: Kelli | July 17, 2006 at 11:14 AM
you are amazing! that looks so cute now! and the tart is making me hungry!
Posted by: victoria | July 17, 2006 at 10:30 PM
Oh my god! We have the exact same microwave cart in our garage. I am so stealing your idea (with full credit to you, of course). Now I know why it has never made it to the curb on trash day. And thank you, because I LOVE IT!
Cheers!
Posted by: laeroport | July 19, 2006 at 12:03 PM