Monday, May 31, 2010

New Favorite: Baked

I've been on quite the cookbook kick lately and this has been a new favorite. I saw them on the on the food network then found a couple of recipes in a magazine and I couldn't resist trying the banana cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. They got rave reviews in the office so when we were having some folks over this weekend I tried them again along with the chocolate mayo cake. All were awesome.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's gorgeous to look at and the recipes are yummy.



These are the banana cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. Super easy.



Chocolate mayo cake where mayo replaces the usual oil. Incredibly moist and for all the mayo haters (I have trouble even acknowledging there could be such folk) you don't taste it at all. I promise.



I think this speaks to the yummy goodness that is chocolate cake.



I also made some homemade vanilla ice cream, Philadelphia style, and I have no idea what that means but also super easy and especially tasty with the cake.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Weekend Drive

This weekend we went for a drive in the country, which we come pretty close to living in anyway, but ventured further afield (HA!) and checked out some neighbors.

I'm loving this sign and am thinking of putting it under glass for a pendant.



These guys were super sweet. I got out of the car and it was incredibly quiet and peaceful. They just munched away on the grass and enjoyed breakfast. I don't think they minded us a bit.





In fact, I'm pretty sure Maya needs a reindeer!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Sunday in NYC

I was back in New York last week. I landed Sunday afternoon and came home on Weds. Since it was mostly work I didn't get a lot in but on Sunday I did walk down broadway to the end of the island at Battery Park which was a lovely. The walk was fantastic although slightly nervous since it was late afternoon/early evening walking through a fairly empty financial district. It was perfectly safe but it was odd to see so few people.

Along the way I saw Trinity church which was amazing and I'm completely in love with the graveyard and the folk stone etchings on the tombstones. I need to go back and visit when during open hours.











The street ended at the park and I walked to the end to check out the Statue of Liberty. It was gorgeous with the sun beaming through the clouds.





It was still cool but everything was blooming and lush. Perfect Sunday evening outing.

Saturday, May 08, 2010

New Favorite

Lately I've been really loving the pottery from the 40's & 50's and been adding a few favorites to the collection.

This one was an etsy find and it's even more awesome in person.



This one I couldn't resist for reasons that I can't quite explain to the husband's satisfaction.



Mom and I picked up this guy at Canton. Seeing as how I'm an Aries and the living room has just gone pretty neutral he was a must have. I had been pricing him on ebay and etsy but picked him up for a few bucks plus shipping costs less. He's happily ensconced in the new bookcases in the living room.


Tonight I've been packing for another trip to NY and I'm trying a new approach of not over packing and not doing any serious shopping in the city. So far so good on the packing. I'll let you know how it goes on the shopping front when I get back on Weds!
Hubby and I did manage to get in a quick date night before I head out tomorrow. Iron Man 2 which totally rocked followed by sandwiches at home. Saturday greatness!

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Charm


I have a friend at work who has a daughter that's quickly becoming a teenager. Turns out, her favorite (& only lest you start to get all judgmental and the like), is quite the francophile. I made this quick charm for her with a vintage anagram letter and text from a french dictionary on the back. I'm throwing it on a long ball chain with a couple of Eiffel Tower charms so she can have a little bit of France with her everywhere.

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Random

A recent necklace that I made for my friend who's having a baby. The baby got lots of goodies so I thought it was only fair Mom did too.



Suzanne has finally headed to Austin which is awesome. Now, even more reasons to visit!



Edited to add that Suzanne is an excellent bear sitter should the need arise!