Good Book?

I need a good book to read. I haven't read for pleasure in so long, I've kind of forgotten how to. Any books I should know about, or put on my list of must reads?

Still haven't finished.

Probably because I've gotten a bit distracted...

A leaf, a ray flower, and an (octopus?) flower.

I'm obviously not a fan of weaving my ends in.

P.S.

Matching socks are over-rated.

This is funny.

In case you couldn't tell.

Hubby and I pretty much peed ourselves. Hope you think it's as funny as we do. It's definitely worth taking the six minutes to watch, especially if you live in Utah, like the Colbert Report and you know who Jason Chaffetz is...

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Better Know a District - Utah's 3rd - Jason Chaffetz

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

The project still isn't finished.

So I don't have any amazing pics to post yet. Sorry.

Meanwhile, some advice for today from the back of my Pretzel Goldfish Bag.

"Isn't it great? Sometimes it's the little things that make LIFE more FUN like blowing bubbles or playing ball. If you STOP and APPRECIATE the little things, you'll probably find yourself SMILING a little BIGGER."

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at a little project I've been working on this weekend. Justin gave me a printing book for Christmas, so I decided to try out my skills with the linoleum block printing method to create some wall art for our guest room. Right now the project is on hold because I need to buy one more tool before I can finish it. But here's a glimpse!

I drew this on the block and then cut it out with a special knife. I'm going to print this design, as well as another floral one (I'm still making that), randomly on the canvasses with the same colors the canvasses are printed with. I want to use the same color combinations that appear in the quilt (see below).

I used the patchwork quilt in the guestroom as inspiration for the colors and the paisley print. I'll take a picture of the quilt when I post the finished project.

As always, Hobbes was there to offer assistance.

Resolution

One of my resolutions this year is to be more relaxed. Stress brings out the ugly in everyone, and I really just don't like my ugly side. When I'm stressed, I don't feel like myself. So me, the kitties, and my cupcake chucks are pledging to let go of some stuff this year. Have more fun, do more of what we like, and post all of our shenanigans here.

Hobbes is getting a jump start on the relaxing, beginning with one giant stretch.

Makin' Whoopie.

Hubby thinks it's hilarious that there is such a dessert as a whoopie pie, and believe me, every tasteless joke possible has been made regarding these. I still prefer to call them whoopie pies, however, because it's just so much more happy and delicious sounding than moon pie. But no matter what you call them, these little gems are delicious, and way too much fun to make.

There's a little Mennonite bakery back home that makes whoopie pies of all varieties. This is my first time making them myself, being inspired by the beautiful moonies on I Dream of Dessert. I think it would be great fun to experiment with different cominations and flavors in the near future, like pumpkin and cream cheese, gingerbread, spice, etc. And there are endless possibilities with the filling I think.

Generally speaking I always think I want to eat a whoopie pie. But after taking a few bites, I'm sickened by the sweetness, and completely done with the whole experience, 3/4 of the pie being wasted. I'm not a fan of the marshmallow filling, and many times the cake layers are dry and rather tasteless. This is why this recipe intrigued me. It had more of a buttercream-like filling where the sweetness was diluted a bit by a flour and milk roux, which also gave the filling a silky thick texture. Wonderful. And to top it off, they're the perfect size- bite sized. Just big enough for one, maybe two blissful bites. No over indulgence and post-pie-sugar-sickness.

You can find the amazing recipe here.

A few notes:

-I omitted the matcha powder, seeing as I don't do tea. Mine just had a plain vanilla filling, and they really are delish.

-The recipe calls for milk, and then speaks of buttermilk. This is because you mix the vinegar with the milk to create a buttermilk substitute, although the recipe doesn't specifically say so (if I copied it correctly). Just don't let the vinegar sit in the milk for very long before you use it because it can cause the mlk to curdle, which is icky.

-Once have your filling in the pastry bag, work fast because the filling is rather delicate. It will melt SO quickly, resulting in your tops sliding all over the place. Put it back in the fridge for a few minutes to let it firm back up.

-I actually got around 50 pies, instead of the 32 that the recipe said. I'm not complaining. I think mine were just a bit smaller.

Just in case you're wondering what a roux is and how thick it's supposed to be, here's what mine looked like.

The batter, a little thicker than my normal cake batter.

I prefer my whoopie pies chilled and wrapped in plastic wrap (to preserve moistness). Call me picky if you please. I think they look rather cute all bundled up though, and this way they'll last a few days longer.

And just so you, know, Makin' Whoopie by Dr. John is one of my many, many favorite songs.