The Home EC Teachers Daughter

Ribbon Art

2012-02-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

So I am not an artist. I find my drawing abilities about as good as a 1st grader so I usually stick to sewing, cause my cutting skills are at the level of a 3rd grader. So a few weeks (yes weeks) ago I decided it was time to fill the void that is the white space behind the couch.

I call this piece Abstract Ribbon Art.

What you need to complete this project:

1. A picture frame (any size your willing to tackle)

2. Ribbon

3. Background paper

4. scotch tape (optional)

5. Scissors (1st grade cutting abilities are fine)

Lets Get STARTED!

1. Take the frame apart, but save the paper that comes in the frame.

2. Take your background paper and place the paper you saved from step one and place on top as your template (if you frame doesn't have paper use the backing as a template). If your paper is from a roll like mine use a few heavy books to hold the template and paper in place.

3. Cut out your background paper.

4. Get out your ribbon and scotch tape. (I have a plethora of ribbon okay too much ribbon)

5. Lay out a design and cut ribbon to length leave some overhand onto the frame edge you can tape this down to keep the ribbon in place.

6. Place the background paper over your design (overhang should still be sticking out the sides)

7. Replace the backing (overhang should still be sticking out the sides)

8. Now with the overhang you should be able to pull either end to tighten the look of the ribbon.

9. Sit back and admire your piece of art.

This would be a really fund project for a kids room with smaller frames each representing different colors. Also a great way to do something with all those scraps of ribbon I just know you have lying around!

Let's talk

2012-02-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Okay lets talk...no really lets just sit down have a nice little chat about how strange my life has become.

1. There is definitely a skunk hanging around my place in the AM. (Please don't let me get sprayed by him)

2. Apparently my bike (bicycle for all you thinking im a cool blond chick in a leather jacket) tends to attract the weirdo's.

3. When home alone I start to eating like a pregnant person (pickles and pepperoncini's on EVERYTHING)

4. I have more drama with school than I have with work.

5. Going commando is just part of life (when you forget underwear)

No Way!

2012-01-16T07:51:00.001-08:00

I bet you never thought you would see these again...Pictures!

We made Wonton's last night...and actually pulled out the camera for the occasion.

The recipe is adapted from HERE

But we used Ground Pork and skipped the Shrimp. It makes quite a few Wonton's.

Getting OLD

2012-01-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

In my old age (yes I know I'm not that old) my vision is well going down hill. Apparently new glasses would help me not getting lost on a regular basis when trying to squint at road signs as I drive past them. Yep I'm the person who slows down (mainly at night) squinting trying to read a road sign while you drive behind me waving your arm's like a maniac in frustration.

So YEAH to new glasses which are cheap hence I can order a few new pairs to keep in important places like the CAR!

Oh if your wondering where I'm ordering these from...HERE for the cheepo's and HERE for the discounted fancy stuff.

Back to the real world

2012-01-09T16:21:00.001-08:00

Its Back to the real world...waking up at 5am. UGH First day back and I'm Ready to go back on vacation.

The Jedi

2012-01-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

Another way to push my buttons: "Trust me I'm a Jedi", the boy responding to a question regarding laundry. Well I hope his Jedi skills didn't shrink another sweater.

To add to the bad

2012-01-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

So to finish off the list of the bad things from the other day...We decided to go to the DQ for a dipped cone, and it is no longer in existence! Thus spent half an hour driving around trying to find somewhere else to have desert ending up having pie at the Marie Calendars...just not the same as a dipped cone!

The Good...The Bad

2012-01-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

So there were some good things and some bad things that happened today

1. Sold my old text books on Amazon $150-Good

2. Sold Duvet and Duvet Cover $30-Good

3. Unloaded 4 bags at good will (no more hoarding)-Good

4. Pho for lunch-Very Good

5. Finished organizing closet-Good

6. Sewing machine is in slow mow-Bad

7. Serger is eating fabric and not threading-Bad

8. Work VPN not doing what its supposed to-Bad

6,7,8 causing bouts of cursing, frustration, temper tantrums and finally a beer

1-5 were good though

Out with the Old...

2012-01-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

I've been motivated to clean house. Its a little early for spring cleaning but with all the gifts from Christmas it was time to purge. 3 bags later and one trip to the recycling to drop off stuff I'm still not done. Kinda making myself out to be a hoarder arn't I?

New Year!

2012-01-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

Well what do I have to say for myself besides the fact that this year is going down as one of the fastest years to date! A lot went on so let me give you the run down...

Graduate School (almost 1/2 way done), A New Home (we are here to stay for a while), Fish, Friends, Baking, Little Crafting (thank you graduate school), Building Furniture, New Spin Bike, Hiking, Biking, Running (lots of Running), GYM (me time), Kayak, SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), Studying, Group Projects (oh how I love the group projects), Exams, Papers, Work (lots of that), Caltrain Commute, Button Pushing, Building a Planter Box, "Farming", Bicycle, And So Much More!

So this year was busy mainly on the work and school side, but I'm still living. I have some goals for the year including getting back to the blog. There are 52 weeks a year which means I WILL blog 52 times! Minimum (you never know it might go a bit crazy).

My others somewhat new years'y resolutions are:

1. Putting my clothes away when I get home (The boy is not a fan of me just putting it on the couch).

2. Packing my work bag the night before so I can get those few extra minutes of shut eye.

3. Wear my hair down a little more (or something other than a bun or pony tail)

4. Give the Boy an amazing 30th Bday party because he deserves it (He puts up with A LOT)

5. Learn some new skills to apply to the blog

6. Stay calm at work and keep a smile on my face (this is gonna be the tough one)

7. More ME Time!

This shouldn't be two bad but you never know!

A little light

2011-08-05T13:42:00.001-07:00

Running Running Running...out of steam! Almost to the end of Summer Qtr, ready for a break on and Taylor Swift!

almost 2 months...

2011-05-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

So its been almost two month not hearing anything from me...But I'm alive and kicking! Not much besides school and work. I know you were waiting for some big over the top story but I got NADA. Oooh except for maybe the story about the train....

So yes I take the Train to work! The Caltrain. Everyone thinks I need to start a blog just about my daily commute because something comical happens almost every day like a few months ago....

I was standing on the platform waiting for the train when the man in front of me let one rip. I mean a loud tooter! I was in shock along with other passengers who had the look of "Did that really just happen?". Now the man who did this was wearing his headphones listening to music so I'm guessing if he cant hear it we cant hear it because he did it again a week later!

swimming

2011-03-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm currently swimming in paperwork and school work please leave a message after the tone...

When you leave me alone

2011-03-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

When your BF leaves you behind for Sunny So Cal for a week and your stuck in cold overcast dismal Nor Cal what happens. You eat cereal every night for dinner and go to bed at 8pm.

Yeah I'm living it UP!

someone sure does like a Mystery

2011-03-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'm sure you all think the "Mystery Box" prize isn't all its cracked up to be and your just getting my JUNK. I love a good mystery involving SCOOBBBY SCOOOBY DOOOOO....But you know I think its officially made someones year. Check it out and maybe next time you will think twice about entering my give away's? At least you know your getting something kind of cool and or something to fully indulge your crafting side.

sezya!

And the Winner is...

2011-02-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

Pulled names out of a hat and came up with CAMI at You Seriously Made That!

Ill be emailing you shortly!

Thanks to everyone for taking the survey with your help we were able to get a better sample of respondents with many different views!

Thanks Again!

Something you didnt know

2011-02-16T16:27:00.000-08:00

Something you didn't know about me...or us...We keep a Yellow Gravy Boat in the bathroom. Not because we like gravy but because its the perfect holder for Tooth Brushes...yeah we are weird

Kiddo Hates it when

2011-02-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

I guess my Bday gifts from 2 hints (PS bday is 3 months away he was asking for it!)

Fun or Practical

My guesses DSLR or Bike

And I was Right!...I think in another life I was Mrs Cleo or some equivalent!

Fridays

2011-02-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Why is it so hard to stay motivated on Friday? When all my weekend holds is homework

Help me get my MBA and Win

2011-02-08T07:12:00.001-08:00

So I'm officially recruiting help for my MBA from all of you out there! This will probably not be the last time I will ask, but please please please could you take THIS Survey? Takes about 5 minutes and is a good cause helping a poor graduate student. If you take it Leave a comment with a way for me to reach you and you are officially entered! Contest Ends February 18 12 pm...

Entered for what you might ask?!?!?! Well you never know what magical things may show up on your door step in the Magic Box!

Here again is the LINK along withe the direct Website

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DZRZN5J

Thanks so much for the help!

2 years in the Making

2011-02-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

It's DONE! Something 2 years in the making and its done! Okay almost done need to do some final clean up but then its officially done! I know your on pins and needles thinking about what it is right? Well if the sun permitting I may just have photos up this week of the accomplishment. For me this was a long commitment in which we had our ups and downs. I stared at it from time to time from afar, and then I worked diligently ate chocolate, watched movies, and kept on trucking. And somehow in the midst of working and going to school I finished it!

Yes, I am leaving you with a cliff hanger...the best I can do as a crafter!

Lately

2011-01-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

So here is the latest and greatest. First is Banana bread cake:
Use THIS Recipe, but put the chocolate chips in the food processor for a few pulses. Split the batter between two round cake pans and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until done. Allow cake/bread to cool and then ice with funfetti (compliments of Kiddo).

And then finally the crafting:

Yes, I know you can see my unmade bed, I haven't quite figured out how to get rid of the glare.

I'm Determined to get an DSLR...

Busy Bee

2011-01-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, Grad school has consumed my life (currently studying for STATS you know the probability A given B). But it doesn't mean I haven't had any time to do anything. I have done a few things in the past while like moving to a new place, craft up some art for the wall, baked a little (the boxed brownies don't count), I finished a few non school books (girl with the dragon tattoo series, the alphabet sisters, just to name a few), all while passing my first quarter with flying colors. But enough of the talk right I'm sure you actually want to see what I have done lately? Or are you really out there reading this (sometimes I feel like my blog is like my professors boring). Well tomorrow Pictures I SWEAR of some of the things I have accomplished.

On an aside if you need a good laugh watch THIS video, compliments of a coworker who actually brought this drink to our holiday party and showed the video it was a HOOT!

Ice Cream, Cinnamon, Sugar, and Banana Bread

2011-01-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Oh My...Yes I have found my new favorite thing!

1. Bake banana bread
2. Slice off a piece of banana bread
3. Warm banana bread in bowl
4. Place two scoops of Vanilla ice cream on top of Banana bread
5. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar mixture

Now EAT!

Yummo!

I see London...

2011-01-02T19:07:00.001-08:00

Okay so its Cambridge...
And then there was London...

viva MEXICO

2011-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

Funny Photos

2010-11-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

I'm Home for the Holiday's...well at least the most important eating one of the year. I was over at my grandma's when she pulled out some photos that made me laugh so hard I cried! I will try to get some and scan them in...

Cranberry

2010-11-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

I'm the girl who makes Cranberry Sauce a week before Thanksgiving to have on sandwiches to prepare for the best food fest of the year!

Bad Blogger

2010-09-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, its been a while...okay a long long while. I dont have much of an excuse besides I've been running around like a crazy woman. My days are non stop from 5am till 9pm. Just wanted to drop a line...Im hoping to put up some pictures of my trip to the UK soon...and maybe actually write once in a while. Me doing anything creative is a long shot...but you might get some good stories out of me and my rides on MUNI which has been an adventure to say the least.

one more thing

2010-08-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

So I got a new job. 3 weeks later I'm accepted into grad school. So now that I have no time for a life this blog is going to be pretty dead. I am however going to Mexico this weekend so I will have some photos of that and I'm going to the UK on business so I should have some photos of that as well. But other than that I don't know when or where I will find the energy to do anything creative.

Noelle

Dear Giants Fans

2010-07-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Giants Fans (thats the baseball team here in SF if you were in the know),

I love the fact you are so dedicated to your team, but for the LOVE of GOD could you please obey the traffic laws?!?! Thanks to the jay walkers and cars sitting in the middle of the intersection I ran, no make that SPRINTED to make my train home. And it's not like I only had 15 mintues to catch my train from work, no I had 45 minutes. Thats how long the Muni was stuck in between one station and the next. So Please help me out!

Thanks

The Newbie to the City

In transistion

2010-07-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

Well its official Im working in SF commuting in and out of the city via the train. Its a very new style of life. And on top of that everything I own is in storage so expect the craftyness to go to zero. Other than that the new job is GREAT and I'm loving working in the city it almost feels like I am back in LA but colder. I might be going to the UK next week so until further notice my blogging with become more sporadic. But look forward to some new Urban photos instead of the Ag photos which i know you are all fond of!

Photos of Vacation

2010-07-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Phuket

Bali

Taipei Airport Hello Kitty Gate...I couldn't pass it up!

Hello USA

2010-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

6 Flights and 20 Days later I am Home! The vacation was a lot of fun and I'm happy to report I came back in one piece. Jet lag is just about to kill me so I'll keep it short for now but pictures will be later.

Patterns Patterns Every where

2010-06-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

So I've slowly been trying to get myself to go through all my sewing stuff and figure out what I want to keep and what I want to give away. I found my stash of Vintage (if thats what you want to refer to them as) patterns...and I just about cracked myself up!

First up...wedding dresses and brides maid dresses...boy am I glad things have changes those ruffles look like they could strangle someone!

Next up we have boogie nights!
Note this photo is not enhanced in any way but can anyone say Jersey Shore GTL
And the best for last...I found Princess Leia...just for you Kiddo!
On that note since I'm moving and got to donate these somewhere...Anyone who leaves me a Comment up until my return from my vacation (July 14) can get one of these while supplies last. Note It will be sent snail mail so I can save a little! And if you want more than one blast from the past just leave it in your comment and I'll see what I can do!

Make sure in your comment you leave me a way to get a hold of you to obtain your mailing address.

Pack em Up Ride em Out

2010-06-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well I have some very VERY big news for all of you out there. I'm Moving AGAIN!!! This time for a new job in the Bay area (SF/San Jose) to work for a Nonprofit. Oh the joys of packing again.

International Travel and Craft

2010-06-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

The count down has officially begun. I leave in one week for Phuket for a 2 and half week vacation through Thailand and Bali. Which means it was time to Craft. I bought new luggage and decided I needed a luggage tag that could be seen from outer space. So I whipped out my embroidery machine and got to work making this:

Yes, I know my Photo shop skills are lacking, and I'm still using my parents address. I'm debating selling these online or to friends they are easy but that embroidery machine still scares me sometimes.

Morning Drive

2010-06-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

I drive the same freeway every morning to work. And I see some pretty interesting things. This morning Batesville Casket Company...Slogan on the side of the truck "Dedicated to the Dignity of Life". I was more so afraid of the doors flying open and caskets being sprinkled across the freeway.

Found the Cord!

2010-06-09T07:33:00.002-07:00

I found the cord to the camera! Only took like a week to figure out where I had put it. But other than that I did finish a project. I've been taking notes from all you mothers out there and what you make your kids (ie colorful, interactive, and multi-use). So I made this for Kiddo's niece since she is turning 1 in a few weeks.

Damn Cord

2010-06-02T07:17:00.001-07:00

I have a project I finished. But I cant find my camera cord...And the hunt begins.

what PG wants...PG GETS!!!

2010-05-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's a cupcake kind of weekend and I'm home visiting my mom who has a plethora of decorating items...Disco Dust and little ball things...oh the fun!

Something New

2010-04-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

To answer your question C&N{co} I made myself a new bag from this tutorial/pattern. It was super easy to make I even changed it up a bit.

Kiddo's Criticism

2010-04-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Kiddo showed up to me passed out in bed after 3 beers and a bit upset about the cookies (note it was 6:30pm). I told him my story. He ate the cookies and agreed not my best!

Good news mom told me to try Betty Crocker's recipe, but to roll the balls in sugar before forking them. They turned out much better.

Next up Black Berry Pie...if I can get over the trauma of the Peanut Butter Cookies.

Baking Disaster

2010-04-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Don’t bake when your frustrated, upset, or just finished a phone interview. This is a tale tale sign of a disaster when baking. How should I know well I just did it and now I’m more frustrated, upset and went from a good baker to a mediocre wannabe. You know I’m failing at baking when the beer comes out half way through because I can’t take the look of what is coming out of the oven. Yes they look pretty don’t they but let me tell you there is an evil side to these so called peanut butter cookies…they don’t taste like peanut butter cookies!

I should really start this story off on the right foot (okay sort of on the right foot). The Kiddo asked me to make peanut butter cookies that have the crisscross fork pattern. I said “done and done”. This was after he told me “I like your baking, but I Love your cooking”, and yes I’m still confused if this is a compliment or a poke at my cooking abilities. I’m from SOCAL the land where you can BBQ any time of the year and that is how I prefer most of my food prepared. I have no BBQ living in an apartment where I feel someone would steel it off my porch (yes I’m very un-trusting). But back to my baking adventure. ..

I should have known right off the bat getting a recipes off the internet that someone says “is there grandma’s only recipe they wrote down” was a bad idea. Maybe she only wrote it down because it was the only thing she could bake that was edible? I’m sorry I’m being mean but come on!!! Secret Family recipes are a joke if they were a secret I would never be able to make my Great Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies (KFC, Hersey, and other big name products don’t count). Public knowledge now that it’s posted on the internet (or is it?). Needless to say I continue to believe that if this recipe is this old it must be good go buy some Crisco and get going Kiddo will be here in a couple hours.

Now for the good part the baking. I start just like the recipe says and start mixing. Then I start to get a little scared. I can remember making these as a kid and the batter wasn’t so “dry”. And I swear there was no white sugar in the recipe my mom used. This is the point where I grab the Crisco and check out their recipes. Now I’m telling you right now you can NEVER go wrong with the recipes printed on the back of main ingredients like Crisco (make sure you get the brand name) Nestlé Toll House, ect. They have been on the backs of the ingredient for longer than I have been alive there must be a reason the recipe hasn’t changed! And to my amazement no white sugar on the Crisco recipe. “Oh, no this isn’t going to be good” is the first thing that came to my mind. I continue with the mixing get the baking sheets out. Well this is where things got interesting I put the cookies in the oven and began to read “I like you” By Amy Sedaris a Hilarious take on entertaining. I think this is when it went down hill. I started to burn the cookies because I was reading and giggling and reading and giggling. What it was more entertaining than the cookies. First batch comes out and they look flat, flatter than what I remember them looking like. Then I take a bite. “Where is that cup of Peanut Butter I put in these cookies” I think as I debate spitting it out of my mouth. Rule #1 on Peanut Butter cookies don’t Skimp on the Peanut Butter always buy the full fat stuff its always better! Rule #2 talk to mom about the recipe before baking or better yet go to a good bakery and try to find the cookie you are going to make and taste test it so you have something to compare to. Trying to remember what these tasted like is like trying to teach my 6 fish (yup one died) to do loop de loops in the fish bowl, it isn’t gonna happen.

I decided to keep going and bake some more maybe its just the cook time. So pile more on the cookie sheet and start baking. This batch comes out they look pretty good but they are now huge. Note these cookies are deceivingly small before entering the oven. Upon exit they are at least twice as big as they were before they went in. The next thing I notice is how FLAT the cookies are. Wait why is the picture depicting fluffy cookies and mine are flat. I have yet to figure this out does Baking Soda expire?

At this point I’ve given up on the cookies and safety. Beer going down the hatch and me proceeding to touch hot baking sheets burning the tips of my fingers. Oh yes this is just gets more interesting by the minute. I put the cookies in a nice bowl to at least get some presentation point cause I’m gonna get some pretty strict criticism in the taste category.

I’m almost done cooking and note there is not really enough cookie dough for 2 cookies. What to do what to do. Well the cookies already don’t taste good and don’t look like the picture slap it on the cookie sheet and cook it all at once. Burn the ginormous cookie. And your DONE.

The one thing I have learned from this is if Kiddo wants cookies he should do the dishes its only fair. So they are waiting patiently soiled in the sink for him to wash and dry. I’m just glad they photograph well (so if you just want to photograph the cookies and not eat them this is your recipe). Other than that this was a failure. I will try to get the recipe from my Home Ec Teacher Mother who by the Grace of GOD will have a WINNER.

PS I hope you enjoyed my first NOVEL.

Sewing whats that?

2010-04-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

I actually used my sewing machine last night. I finally got the bug to make something! That and I need to start brainstorming a B-Day gift for a friend. I've got to start making a dent in my fabric stash!

Been a While

2010-04-09T10:25:00.001-07:00

Its been a while...okay a long long while. Lately my life has been Work Gym BED. Not much cooking besides rice and chicken because I need something quick an easy. Baking has been dwindling down to very little. And sewing yeah my machine has dust collecting on it (scary I know). But I am attempting to finish a project by the end of the month (one of the ones on my to do list). Other than that the weather is finally nice and warm. I even ventured out in a bathing suit! Im getting ready for my vacation in June/July. 3 weeks out of the country 1 week with the Fam the rest of the time with the Kiddo (ie the newish boyfriend). And where might you ask I am going?!?!? Phuket and Bali! Yup I'm spoiling myself and work even allowed it.

Other than that same thing different day. I did take a break from work and venture out in the fields the other day and got some new shots...I think its about time I start getting these printed.

Im Not

2010-04-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not on hiatus I swear...just busy...very busy

More Baby...

2010-03-22T08:05:00.001-07:00

I'm destined to make baby blankets for the rest of my life...Next up is stroller liners

Cupcake Anyone?

2010-03-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

1/2 Marathon Photos

2010-03-18T07:30:00.001-07:00

Before the run I look happy...but cold

During the run not so much

Done and Done

2010-03-15T07:29:00.001-07:00

2 hours 14 minutes later I finished my first half marathon. I'm debating a full marathon but my body is saying NOOOOOOOO! So maybe just a break for now. I'm hoping to get some photos today or tomorrow up of me huffing and puffing my way through Sacramento.

2 days and counting

2010-03-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Only 2 more days left until the half marathon.

If anyone can guess what movie fom which my saying 2wksleft (2 weeks left) you are in for a surprise. First one to answer wins.
PS Its one of my favorite movies and is a story about 2 friends in high school.

Skiing

2010-03-08T06:46:00.001-08:00

It was a ski weekend! I have never slept so good in my life!

More projects

2010-03-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is a doll for a coworker. Her daughter had something like it when she was little and she wanted a replica for a friends daughter. And what did I learn from this project? Dolls are hard to make even when they are triangles with arms.

Blankets...and mad Bow Tying Skills

2010-03-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

It was baby weekend a few weeks ago. And yes I have mad bow tying skills

12 days and counting

2010-03-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

12 days and counting till I run a Half Marathon. I'm tired of running and am ready to get it over with!

Its Raining its Pouring...

2010-02-24T06:43:00.000-08:00

But I took these before the rain.

couch

2010-02-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

I know you have all been wondering about the couch...so here it is.

Oh My Lemon Loaf

2010-02-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

I literally had to keep myself from cutting off a slice if this bad boy till the AM. Why because the lighting in my place is awful and I wanted to give it the lighting it deserved. Its Tart and Tangy just the way a Lemon Loaf should be! Plus moist and the Icing well its to DIE for. Or at least that is what my taste buds are saying. You be the judge...

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups flour
1 package Vanilla Jello
1/2 teaspoon baking soda, baking powder, and Salt
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons Butter Softened
1 Tablespoon Lemon Extract
1/2 cup lemon Juice
Zest from 3 lemons
1/2 cup Veg Oil

1 Loaf Pan well greased.

Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees F

Dry Ingredients: Mix Flour, Jello, Baking Soda, Baking Powder and Salt in bowl and set aside.

Wet Ingredients: Blend together Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Lemon Extract, Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest.

Mix together the Dry and Wet ingredients. Add oil and Mix well.

Pour mixture into Loaf Pan and place on middle rack in oven for 10 minutes.

Lower temperature to 350 Degree's F and continue to cook for another 40 minutes or until when tested knife comes out clean.

Tarty Lemon Icing
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 Tablesp0ons of Whole Milk
3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

Mix all together and pour over Loaf. Note I did this by sight so be careful with Milk and Lemon Juice if you make the icing to watery its harder to get it stiff by adding powdered sugar so go SLOW!!!

Cookies

2010-02-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Confessions

2010-02-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have a Confession...I LOVE Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. And I've been in love with them since I was 5 years old.

Ever since I was 5 they would be in my lunch box (minimum of 3), waiting on the counter after playing outside, in the car on a long car ride, or in the freezer for midnight chocolate binge.

They are a bakers best friend! They always turn out just perfect (as long as you follow the directions). But skip the Nuts. When did Nuts enter the world of Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes, I'm baking them as I type...pictures tomorrow PROMISE!!!

VDay

2010-02-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

So in a few short days it will be V-Day. Have I done anything to prepare? NO. Do I plan on doing anything to prepare? NO. Am I so busy I cant see straight? YES.

Don't get me wrong I am going home visitng the family in wonderful 75+ weather, kayaking around the bay, and eating ribs (yes, my favorite). I don't know...if that doesn't sound like a good V-day weekend/Prez day weekend I don't know what does!

my student assistants are spoiled

2010-02-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

Okay so I spoil my student assistants, but it keeps them happy and well fed...

Recepie Exchange

2010-02-10T06:22:00.000-08:00

So I'm doing a Recipe Exchange. It's through email so I thought I would share the recipe I have submitted.

Chocohotpots

Ingredients

* 1 stick unsalted butter (don't throw away the wrapper)
* 4 ounces semisweet Chocolate, with 60 percent cocoa solids (a little over a handful)
* 2 eggs
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* Special equipment: 4 (2/3 to 1-cup capacity) ramekins
* One Baking sheet

Directions

Preheat to 400 degrees F.

Butter the ramekins with the wrapper from the one stick of butter.

Microwave or in a bowl the dark chocolate and 1 stick butter, Mix together with a whisk or spatula and set aside to cool a little.

In another bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and flour with a hand whisk and beat in the cooled butter and chocolate mixture. Divide the mixture between the 4 buttered ramekins. Bake for about 20 minutes, by which time the tops will be cooked and cracked and the chocolate gooey underneath.

Serve Hot in the ramekin or do what I do and get Vanilla ice cream and put in a bowl and pour the chocohotpot over the ice cream using a spoon to scrape out the inside...Yes I'm a FATTY!!!

Its one of THOSE Days

2010-02-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

Its one of those Chocolate and Coke kinda days...I'm at work...its 6am...

Ikea

2010-02-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

I have a love hate relationship with Ikea. I love their Fabrics and Lighting. I pretty much hate everything else about that place. It drives me crazy to go there it's a visual overload! This weekend took a quick trip to look at tables for my computer. Ended up getting something from the As Is Area which will need to be "Hacked". I did however stop myself from purchasing every form of fabric available their. Ikea has some of THE BEST fabrics! I had to literally stop myself from even looking this time because I got a sneak peak online. Don't ask me how but I was able to abstain from purchasing.

favorites #5

2010-02-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

How about some easy skirts?

Grosgrain Skirt

Twirly Skirt

Simple Gartered Skirt

Circle Skirt

Market Skirt

Pencil Skirt

Ruffled Skirt
Does this make anyone else wish it was summer and their legs were tan instead of pasty white?

Have Cake Will Travel

2010-02-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

So a friend of mine at work likes okay LOVES when I bake. We have gone so far as to strike up a deal where he provides something and I bake it up! This week it was Lemons and I'm Addicted to the Lemon Loaf at Starbucks so I attempted to recreate it and came up with this.

Its close but not exact. Its a little denser and might need a little more lemon flavoring. Hopefully he will give me more lemons for me to try.

But here is the Recipe:

Starbucks Hack Lemon Loaf

3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
4 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk (take milk add 3/4 teaspoon of lemon juice allow to sit for a few minutes until curdling)
1 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon extract
No stick spray
1 12 cup bundt pan or 10 inch angle food cake pan

Pre-heat oven 325

In bowl mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt (dry ingredients)

Melt butter in microwave if you dont have time to let it sit out and soften. Mix together butter and sugar add eggs one at time. scrape sides as you add eggs to ensure proper mixing.

Alternate addition of buttermilk and dry ingredients (buttermilk, dry, buttermilk, dry)

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Make sure it is mixed in well.

Grease pan add batter place in oven to bake for 1 hour.

Allow to cool.

Glaze
1 1/2 cup powedered sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
Lemon Juice to taste (for me 1 1/2 tablespoons)

Mix all ingredients together until you get a consistency you like. Add milk to get more runny but make sure to add slowly its easier to make it more liquidy its harder to make it stiff if you add to much.

Pour over cake as you choose!

Cut a slice sit on the couch and enjoy the fruits of your Labor!

Nutella

2010-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have this thing for Nutella...Okay its an obsession. It seems to make bad day magically melt away with one spoon full of chocolaty nutty goodness. But when your out of Nutella what's a girl to do? Brownies and ice cream to makes that frown turn upside down :)

Favorites #4

2010-02-01T14:10:00.001-08:00

Okay do you know how many different pillow tutorials there are out there??? A LOT and I mean dauntingly to many. So here are a few of my favorites.

Pillowcases
The Magic Pillowcase...Ive made these before and I love them!

French Seam Pillow Case...French seams can seem a bit scary but trust me they are EASY

Holiday Pillow case

Note: The french seam pillow case tutorial could be applied to all of these tutorials

Envelope Pillows

Easy Envelope Pillow Cover...These are super easy I can attest to that!

Silhouette Pillow tutorial with piping

Gathered Pillow Cover

Euro Sham Pillow

Ric Rac Pillow

Zipper Pillows...yes im still afraid of zippers!

Easy Pillow Cover with Zipper

Zipper Pillow...click Enter Gallery to see step by step with Photos

Decorative Pillows

Bolster

Pillow with Ties...I'm in the middle of making these for the couch that I continue to promise to take photos of

Felt Flower Pillows

Pleated Pillow...note the zipper and the great link to a tutorial!

Scrappy Pillow

Reverse Applique Pillow

Ruffle Pillows...I used it to make these

Button Throw Pillow

Next...maybe some zipper tutorials to boost my confidence?

And the Winner is...

2010-02-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

First off thanks to each and everyone of you for entering! I really appreciate all the support and getting to see all your blogs!

And the Winner is comment number 25

Carol said...: Congratulations on 200 posts! I love stopping by and seeing what you're up too! I remember when we bought our first couch, I thought my husband was going to have a heart attach when he saw how much a couch costs! LOL Stop by and visit me sometime!
http://songberries.blogspot.com

Mystery Prize will be sent out later this week!

Keep your eye out for another give away soon...

One More Day

2010-01-30T16:30:00.001-08:00

One more day to enter the Give away!!!

Photos

2010-01-28T13:57:00.001-08:00

I was in search for spring...but came up with this instead

Friday

2010-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Come out Come out wherever you are?!?!?!

I wish it was Friday!

Break in the Weather

2010-01-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

So we have a break in the weather and what do I get to do??? I am ditching my accounting duties and putting on my safety hat. I'm going out to one of our facilities to look at a building that needs to be removed. In other words I will be walking around in the mud taking pictures and figuring out how to get rid of this building.

Oh Fun!

Favorites #3

2010-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

How about some Bed Basics?

30 minute Bed Skirt

No sew Bed Skirt

Another bed skirt...i think im addicted.

Duvet Cover Twin

Duvet Cover any size

Sheet Duvet Cover

Mend a bed sheet

Bed Caddy

Next up pillows...

Rainbow

2010-01-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

So I've seen 3 full blown rainbows since last weekend and I was able to catch one on Saturday. Let's hope my luck is changing for the better.

Its Not Really Lasagna

2010-01-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

So I love lasagna, but it takes a while to make and can be quite a mess. So I decided to do a rehash and make it a little easier on myself. So here is Its Not Really Lasagna

Ingredients
1Lb of Rigatoni Pasta
1 Jar of sauce of your liking
1lb of mozzarella 1/2lb cubed 1/2lb sliced
3/4cup of Parmesan
1lb of Italian sausage sweet or spicy depending upon taste

How to
Preheat oven to 400 F
Cook pasta until it is Al Dente (it should be soft but not squishy). While pasta is cooking brown the italian sausage. Note you will not need to add any oil as it should cook in it own oil.
Once cooked drain oil and place meat on paper towels to pull out more oil. Once the pasta is cooked drain from water and pour into an 9x12 pyrex pan. Pour sauce, meat, cubed Mozzarella and parmesean on top and them mix in. Place the sliced Mozzarella on top. Place in oven for 15 minutes on TOP rack then turn the broiler on for a few minutes until the top is golden brown.

Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve.

Okay its not the healthiest thing in the world but on a cold rainy night its delicious!

ottoman cover

2010-01-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

Now I know you all think I'm a deadbeat Crafter. I havent published a tutorial since well August. But I'm back in action. Heck I even have a new recepie for you but I'm waiting on photos. And I have a give away going on. Also before I get bashed on my photo taking abilities I have an excuse. 1. its been raining all week and the sun was not cooperating. 2. the lighting in my new place is well awful. 3. maybe just maybe I wanted to give it a 70's vibe okay?!?!? So bear with the photos and ill try to get up some better ones of the finished project once the sun shows its smiling face once more.

Ottoman Cover

So I have this

Yes its a card catalog that I got for FREE. It is now converted into this...

And This is the tutorial so you can make an ottoman top for a piece of furniture you might want to transform.

Materials needed
Sewing machine
Scissors or Rotary Cuter
Thread
Pins
Pencil
Glue if you make boo boo's like me
Bread knife or if you have a electric turkey cuter it will be quicker
Marker
Foam: you pick a size
Fabric: you pick how much of what
Accessories: ie ribbion or buttons or whatever you want to decorate with.

Lets get started with that lovely green foam (did I mention foam is expensive I mean like this one piece was almost $30 yes I chocked when I went to the fabric store)
So for my ottoman I wanted it to fit inside the little lip at the top so I measured the inside of the lip which came to about 31 3/4" x 17". So i got a piece of foam that was 32"x24"x5" I wanted it to be extra thick. From there I had to measure out my square. I decided to skip trimming off 1/4 inch because it just seemed like a waste of my time. So I measured out the 17" and marked off with a pen.

Now this is your new best friend. Be nice to her be kind and most of all Be CAREFUL she is sharp!

You now get to cut down as straight as possible and remove the excees foam

Or you can be like me and not cut so straight...its okay just cut off some extra foam and glue it into the holes. No one will notice its going to be covered anyways!

Next up Iron your fabric so its nice and pretty. I have used a linen here because it was the only thing I could find in mustard yellow but you could use anything cotton to drapery whatever floats your boat.

Lay the fabric down on the ground and place your foam on top place it close to the edge but leave enough room for a 1/2" allowance. Trace the foam on the fabric.

I swear there is pencil mark but here is a photo that i added the pencil mark to be more dramatic.

So from there you need to cut a 1/2 inch seam allowance from the outline you made. I used a ruler and rotary cutter if not go ahead and use a ruler and draw the seam allowance and cut out shoule measure 32 3/4" x 18" .

Next the sides of the ottoman pieces. Now this is a little trickier and math is of the utmost importance. Now for the sides. You need to take these measurements from the piece of fabric you cut which should now measure 32 3/4" x 18". For the 32 3/4" side you want to add 1" to it for a 1/2 in seam so 33 3/4". Rember also you have to account for the 5 inch height of the foam so I went ahead and added 1 1/2" to that to make that 6 1/2". So you will need two of these pieces and the measurement is 33 3/4" x 6 1/2 inch. Now for the shorter side you take the 18" and add 1" to make it 19" and again account for the foam height of 5" by adding 1 1/2" to make it 6 1/2". You need to cut 2 pieces with those measurements of 18"x 6 1/2"

Now you want to lay it out like this so you can see the visual.

You want to pin the sides down so the right sides are together and sew with a 1/2 inch seam. Please note you will have overhang on the sides of about 1/2 inch which we will use later to sew the perfect corner. You want to sew right to the end of the piece but not onto the over hang. And make sure not to sew it down to another edge.

Once you have all the pieces sewn together get the trust iron out and iron flat.

Now lay it down and get to accessorizing ive decided to use some brown ribbon (note I had not yet realized how much my ottoman was starting to look like charlie browns shirt). I just laid it out and pinned it down and then sewed into place. You can do something like this or embroider the top or add decorative stitching.

Well your almost there you did some math (trust me not as bad as the geometry I made you do for the sleep over sac) and your about to make some perfect corners! This is probably the trickiets part for me just trying to explain how to do this but it will all come together i swear.

so when you lay the corners flat with the right side facing you you should have something like this.

now what you want to do is take the top part where my had is and pull it towards you like so

you should then be able to match up the edges and sew them down. Make sure you start right at the seam you put in to attach the pieces and go straight down with your 1/2" seam allowance.

Now turn it right side out and you have dare I say a pretty perfect corner (i should have pushed it out more because it was perfect!) Repeat on the other three corners.

Your all done now slip it over that ugly green foam and place on top of whatever you are transforming. You should have an excess which can be folded under you can pin it glue it whatever you please i just shoved it under and into the lip of the card catalog and WHOO HOOO I have an ottoman (this is when I realized my ottoman was charlie brown themed).

what one project off the To Do LIst...wha?!?!

2010-01-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yes I made an ottoman top for my gray metal card catalog. Pictures and Tutorial to come in the next day or too...get excited!

Ramdom

2010-01-21T15:46:00.001-08:00

you know she is a keeper when...she will willingly go to a strip club with you

Give Away

2010-01-21T07:58:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder 11 more days left until the give away closes.

To Do

2010-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

So I kinda sorta have this long list of To Do's. I think I am gonna be stuck just finishing up projects for the rest of this year.

1. Finish that pesky crochet afghan for the bed.
2. Pillows Pillows and more pillows for the couch and bed.
3. Ottoman pad...this one might even get a tutorial DONE!!!!
4. It haunts me in my dreams: quilt
5. Art for the walls. My walls are so white...I hate White!!!
6. Blanket for the new couch (I know I still owe you pictures but I'm moving!)
7. Make the Light.
8. Finish up those lovely PJ's that just need freaking elastic.
9. Make a light box to take better photos...maybe take a photography class?
10. Get back in the saddle with Etsy stuff.
11. Figure out something to do with THIS.
12. Recover chair
13. Split window dressings...for someone?!?!
14. Finish the half marathon in March!

I'm pretty sure there are more but for some reason I think this list is just gonna grow grow grow.

Weatherman

2010-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

So how exactly does weather.com say that there is a 90% chance of precipitation when its is in fact raining and has been raining since yesterday? I feel as though its 100% for sure its raining unless there is something I don't understand about water falling out of the sky.

Victorious

2010-01-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so I had a minor victory today. I was finishing up my last xmas gift for a friend on the Serger when all of a sudden it decides to break two needles and bend part of the plate.
Now I don't know about you but the Serger is officially the one machine I love to hate. My embroidery machine can be a pain in my side but nothings beats 4 threads going all over the place and tension out of wack. But my minor victory came in fixing the machine for the first time in under 30 minutes! So Xmas is officially wrapped up! now on to bigger and better projects for myself.

Marathon Training

2010-01-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

So it was another weekend of Marathon Training. This weekend was 5 miles around the bay area. Needless to say I have again proven I need to wear like a giant inner tube to protect myself. This time there was a pot hole that mysteriously appeared while crossing the street at the freeway entrance at The Alameda. So this pot hole appears and wants to make love to my ankle. My ankle obliges by twisting into he pot hole. As I'm falling I think "oh I can catch myself". But NO there will be none of that instead its like sliding into home plate. Arms straight out, trust me I was SAFE! I know some people got a nice view of my train wrek from their cars and they didnt even stop to see if I was okay sprawled out in the cross walk. My knee my hands and my chin got some lovely bruises and scrapes. But other than that I'll survive.

Raining...

2010-01-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

So us lucky California's are in the midst of a El Nino storm. This is probably one of the nastiest little buggers we have had in a while. The last time El Nino reeked havoc across California I was in 6th Grade and the streets flooded in Long Beach. Now I'm experiencing it up North and driving the Causeway was an experience. My little Prius was being blown around like a balloon in the wind. Yeah fun right? Ugh we have rain and wind in the forecast till Friday!

In other news the weekend was good. Got some stuff at CB2 to make the lighting fixture below not an exact replica but something close.

Still working on moving in to the new place and getting it ready to show the world. I know some of you are interested in my grown up couch. An on top of that Monday was a holiday and I actually did some crafting! I made some note cards to send thank you's for my interview. Ill have pictures up later today of them.

Favorites #2

2010-01-16T08:55:00.001-08:00

You know I see this turning into my never ending list for crafts...

Walnut Wreath. Im thinking spray painting the walnuts red for VDay!

Coupon Book, This might make me start to clip coupons.

Super cute how to Vintage Cateye glasses Onsie...could even be done on a regular T-Shirt

Recreate something you already have by covering a vase in fabric

Embroider some new tea towels, good gift to keep around the house in an emergency!

Its over

2010-01-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well the interview is over. Now just to sit and wait and wait and wait. I'm optimistic but nervous at the same time. But in other news a friend is letting me borrow her sewing machine so I actually might have a craft up for V-Day! Who knows all I want to do this weekend is sleep and sleep a lot!

Todays the day...

2010-01-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have makeup on. I have the pearls on. I even straightened my wild locks! Its interview day! Maybe if your lucky one of my coworkers will take a picture so I can post it. the last time I was dressed up this much was probably when I interviewed for my current job.

So here we go!

Interview

2010-01-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is D Day. As in Interview at UCD for the MBA program (too many acronyms!). And the 5 minute Presentation. I've had 2 people listen to it and they liked it so that's good today I have to rally more troops to listen to it!

my favorite waste of time

2010-01-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Okay I know we all have those moments where we need to step back from the computer and have a little giggle. Well these are the places I like to visit for a laugh or just to get my mind off accounting.

People of Walmart....Oh yes how about a complete pick me up when I'm feeling well not so good about myself

FML...Keeps me entertained for hours and I have a moment like this every week I swear although probably not as entertaining

You Drive What...I drive a prius and now I know why I dont drive any of these

Geekologie....I'm not a geek but it still makes me laugh

Well hope I provided some laughs...

Lights

2010-01-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

I want to make a lamp or a light fixture for my new place why you ask? because its cheaper than me buying one! First I found this one. I fell in LOVE like so in Love i just wanted to go for it. Then I took a deep breath as the accountant I am an costed the thing out...$104 in just the first set of parts I gave up. If im gonna pay that much im going to buy the damn thing assembled! So now im stuck searching the internet finding directions and trying to come up with something modern.

So I have found a few and Rachel at One Pretty Thing helped me out as well.

This Bubble One is right up my alley...

Hacking an expensive one for something from Ikea im always down for a bargain!

Turn a table lamp into a hanging lamp..must find JC Penny outlet.

Lucite never heard of it but looks kinda cool

I can totally do string and a balloon or ball I did something like this in grade school

Did I mention

2010-01-12T11:26:00.001-08:00

Did I mention that my Sewing Machine is a little bit broken...UGH

Tall Tails

2010-01-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

So I know many of us out there get to work check our favorite blogs or websites. I on the other hand wait till I need a pick me up. When work is just getting to me and I need a break I head here.
It makes me chuckle to myself and on more than one occasion I laugh out loud and my boss looks at me like I'm crazy but you know what who cares!

Lately People of Walmart has been featuring people wearing Tails now if anyone out there can explain this phenomena please let me know because what is up with this? or this and finally my favorite . I mean these people have to be crafty to make these and then attach them to their pants right? But why wear them out in public. Im stumped Please HELP.

Favorites #1

2010-01-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

So here it is the first of many I hope. Im sure i could do this almost every day and who knows what it may evolve into.

Okay so you have some spare paper. So do something with it at Origami Club
Look at the cute little worm!
All I can Say is tooo CUTE...Face Pillow

Recycle Reduce Reuse...T-Shirt Scarf its not freezing cold here in Cali so this is perfect or for spring...

Learning to knit is on my to do list...And this Headband Ear Warmer looks like a good beginner project?My friend is just about to have a baby how cute is this for learning with texture?? Quilted Alphabet Letters

I'm always losing a mitten or two around the house. This is a fun simple way to make mittens especially if your losing them on a regular basis.

200 posts wow

2010-01-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

I logged in a few days ago to notice I was slowly reaching 200 posts. And today is the lucky day! Whoo hoo I made it. Now just 800 more to go to 1,000. Yeah its a long term goal but a good one. I guess this calls for a give away? So this time around be ready to recieve a mystery prize...OOOH AAAHHH so all you need to do is leave a comment by January 31 on this post and you are entered to win!

And in Other news...

This weekend was busy moving to the new place. I bought a new couch from Costco that was extremely eventful. I think owning a couch is one giant step forward in becoming an adult. That and owning a vacuum (something I still don't own and thank god the new place is hardwood). Its fun moving again and setting everything up but a lot of work. Next is decorating which will be another fun adventure of drilling holes and putting nails in the walls. Yes Manly work!

Also for this year I've decided that I'm going to post each week my favorite crafts I find online. But if you have one send me a link you might just get a special feature! This is my GOAL for the year so help me out.

sometimes the land lady can be cool

2010-01-09T08:13:00.001-08:00

So, I get to move into my new place this weekend. I thought I wouldn't be able to till February but my new land lady gave me a month FREE! Finally something good.

Craigslist Update

2010-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well This time around I've had a little more success with Craigslist. People showing up on time for one which is great. Its a blessing but a curse. Blessing to get rid of things and get some extra cash. Curse to deal with people who don't respect time. Well the adventure is still going hopefully get rid of more stuff soon.

Moving Moving Moving

2010-01-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm Moving again and this time I'm going to be all by myself in a cute little one bedroom. The hardest part right now is deciding if i want to unpack everything until I hear from all the grad schools I applied to!