Think pink.

I have been working, ever so slowly, on a list of colors that I would like to dye up myself.  One color I’ve had in mind for a long time is a certain pink.  I have lots of “sophisticated” pink in my accessories and wardrobe.  But a certain shade of pink is strikingly absent around here.  A girly pink--some would say--so I suppose it’s no wonder in this house of boys.

In my mind’s eye it is a sweet pink.  I might shy away from it in a sweater quantity because, as I said, I feel pretty uninitiated to pink.  But for a cowl to throw on in February?  I think it’s perfect.

I’m calling the color Princess Cake.

This is on BFL Aran and its squish factor is incredible. 

Chocolate chip cookie thoughts.

It is impossible to say how many batches of chocolate chip cookies I’ve made in my lifetime.  It’s a pretty big number, that’s for sure. 

Recently, I’ve found myself relying on the New York Time’s recipe—in large part because it makes a huge batch and we’ve entertained a lot this year.  But also because it consistently yields a yummy cookie that hits the right notes:  crisp, buttery outer edge; soft and chewy but cooked center.

My only mods are to add a bit more bread flour—anywhere between a couple tablespoons to a 1/4 cup.  I suspect this is because I don’t put in as many chocolate chips as suggested, thus I lose some bulk .  (My kids are not crazy for chocolate so I can go light with the chippers).  Also, I don’t go fancy on the chocolate, other than to mix in some dark chocolate with the semi-sweet.

If you haven’t yet tried this recipe, I think you should.  It’s definitely a keeper.  As for my own recipe, I hope to finalize it soon.  I wrote it for volume measurements and it turned out consistent results all summer.  But when I tried it in cooler weather, it was off.  I think it’s apparent I need to write it for weighed ingredients and so onto my to-do list it goes. 

Here are a few other favored chocolate chip cookie recipes.  Why more than one?  They each serve a purpose.

When I don’t have  have time to let the dough rest and/or just feel like using all purpose flour:  Savory Sweet Life’s Chocolate Chip Cookie.

When I’m in the mood for a browned butter version and using a saucepan:  America’s Test Kitchen’s chocolate chip recipe.

When I don’t want to use my stand mixer and am out of parchment paper:  Alice Medrich’s “My Chocolate Chip Cookies” via DedeWilson.com.

I’ll add to this list through the comment section, as should anyone else who has a favorite (I can’t resist trying out a chocolate chip cookie recipe!).

Thanksgiving 2012.

So, how was it?  Ours was really lovely.  A plentiful table with lots of plates to fill—a cook’s dream, right?  I think so.  Especially as this cook might have cooked a bit much.  Plus, we were lucky enough to have Charlie’s folks visiting us over the holidays.  It was a good week.

Some new recipes turned out to be keepers (looking at you, Clementine Chess Pie).  And chocolate dipped Oreo turkeys made an appearance.

And the next day?  Three sleepy knitters braved the Black Friday line at a crazy hour to score some deals at our local yarn store.  One knitter, who shall not be named but is notoriously NOT a morning person, was even pleasant during the wee hours (though her two former roommies were  scared to death slightly nervous to meet her at that hour).

I don’t think there are many who would understand the lure of hand dyed wool on sale.  Unless you’re a knitter, that is.  Because if you are, well, then you understand completely.  And I daresay, if you live in the DC area, you were in that line, too!

Here is my haul.  

Worth it?  Totally.

Flower fancy.

I assume I am not the only one that feels as if Thanksgiving is a big ole sneak this year.  I mean, honestly.  How can it possibly be here?

But early school dismissals and long lines at the grocery stores don't lie so I guess I better snap in and prepare for hosting duties.  It will be a bigger group than in recent years and promises to be a great gathering so I'm excited.  

I'm hoping I'll have time to pop into the wholesale floral warehouse for blooms for an arrangement.  Several weeks ago Caryn and I did a flower gig for a wedding and it was fabulous.  Definitely one of my favorites, all romance and ruffles and vintage-y, just like the sweet bride wanted.

The flowers I pick up this week will likely be in seasonal tones of pumpkin and scarlet--which is good and feels appropriate.  But then again, maybe I'll pick up something a little more unexpected.  No matter what the calendar tells me, I still feel like filling my vases with something pink.  

Sandra

Little Avengers.

Cap, Iron, and Fury headed out tonight...

And if this momma keeps eating the Halloween candy and wears green tomorrow, she'll make a fine Hulk.

Happy Halloween!!! 

Sandra

p.s.   I think I've finally found the time to make my way back to this space.  And there is much to share!

A heart grows fonder.

I know I won’t sleep well tonight, if at all.  There are a few reasons.  First, I’ve evidently hit a phase in my life where I can’t shut off my mind when it’s bedtime (and my mind is awful noisy).  Second, Charlie is away on an assignment and, well, I just miss him.  Last, and I’m dreading this one, I usually dream about 9/11 around the anniversary.

So I’ll be thinking of my sweetie, remembering, and wishing I could squeeze him tight.

I might also have a cocktail before bedtime (don’t judge). 

Be good to those Marines, honey.  You know what I mean.  And if you don’t-- what I mean is, don’t scare the junior ones (think of the stories I’ve shared of me shaking in my shoes in court!). 

We can’t wait until you’re home. 

Love,

me and these three

Some sweets.

Before melancholy Sandra took residence, I was a busy little baker.  Lots and lots of cake pops for a neighbor’s niece’s shower.

And cupcake “apples” for the staff at our new elementary school.

Have I mentioned that our children are headed to a new school this year?  They adored (and I mean adored) their former school—especially their teachers, as did we.  At first, we were heartbroken to hear we were leaving.  But this brand new school is opening within walking distance of our home.  And luckily, it promises to be something very special as well.  

I'm on the inaugural PTO board and we’ve organized all sorts of fun things for the teachers and staff.  Most recently was a luncheon and I offered to bring dessert.  96 cupcakes later, I had these.

And because I wanted them to be cutely displayed at their luncheon, I assembled tiered stands out of dollar store finds.

Hopefully, the teachers who get Leo and Max this year won’t refer to me as the crazy cupcake lady who has too much time on her hands. 

Sandra

Out of it.

Lately, I’ve not been quite myself.  Some sad and tragic events for folks I know have left me feeling rather fragmented.  They are from different walks of my life, yet the news hit one after another.   It is the worst sort of news.  The kind that involves services.  And children reading eulogies.

I’ve discovered the tears come much easier as I grow older.  I’m a flat-out crybaby, as it turns out.  I know that I will never understand why certain things happen.  And I am trying to find grace in accepting such facts of life.  I do not have to look far—there is no finer example than in the faith of the two families affected.  And this, of course, brings tears to my eyes.

To distract me a bit, I think I’ll pick up a challenging knit.  Something with cables and multiple repeats requiring vigilant counting, and heck, maybe even some color work.  That, or I will cast on a stockinette cardi and get lost in some mindless tv.  I’ve said it before but here it is again:  there is no better therapy for me than some wool and some sticks. 

I have one more week of summer with a full house of boys and noise.  I am going to try to slow it down and cherish it.  There is more to life than getting bent out of shape over Legos everywhere (though I maintain that finding them in my pantry is a bit much).

Sandra

A couple of things.

Aloha!  I will be digging my toes into the sand and (hopefully) learning how to stand up paddle board this week, but wanted to mention a couple of things before I unplug.

First, I am so thrilled to be guest posting over at the lovely Luvinthemommyhood! 

My post covers how, after realizing my knitting addiction, I went from newbie to sweater knitter in a matter of weeks.  I know not everyone is as quick to obsess as I am, but hopefully it resonates with some knitters out there.  (And if you happen to be checking in from Shannon's blog, why hello there!  And thanks so much for stopping by).

Next, guess who finished her first KAL sweater just in time to pack for vacation?  Yup--and I absolutely love it.  It is destined to become my go-to layering piece, especially for sundresses.  Notes are here.  I fully intend to take proper shots (on the beach perhaps?) but until then, here's the self-portrait bathroom shot.  I match our shower curtain, how nice.

Well, I guess that's it.  Mahalo everyone...I am off to join Charlie in Hawaii.  Be back soon.

Sandra

Summer weddings.

I had the good fortune to do two floral design gigs recently (I wear many hats you see).  I love summer weddings--especially when a bride embraces color.  Here are some favorites from the two events.  They were on the same day but so different—one was soft and romantic.  The other, bright and fun.  I loved both palettes and the resulting designs.  But most importantly, so did the brides.

 

The key to pretty flower arrangements?  Er…start with pretty flowers.  And don’t stress about the colors.  They all “go”…

Caryn and I have slowed down a bit taking on events—life and kids and real jobs and all that.  But every time I get to work with flowers, I must say, I fall in love all over again.

Sandra