From Auntie B's Wax I wish you all a wonderful holiday and offer a salute to the men and women who believed so ardently in the protection of our great land.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Don't Forget To Remember
Between hotdogs and s'mores, amidst the yard games and watermelon spitting contests remember the reason for celebration. Today we celebrate our freedom and honor the lives it cost. Today we remember all those who fought for their country ~ those who died to make us free.
From Auntie B's Wax I wish you all a wonderful holiday and offer a salute to the men and women who believed so ardently in the protection of our great land.
From Auntie B's Wax I wish you all a wonderful holiday and offer a salute to the men and women who believed so ardently in the protection of our great land.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday Favorite
Today's favorite includes this...
...and this...
...lots of this...
...and everything from this...
to this...
Drinking, crunching, slurping, and listening to any kind of music as loud as I want. For hours on end. Today's favorite...the solitary road trip.
...and this...
...lots of this...
to this...
There's nothing quite like taking to the countryside road alone with your thoughts, your music, and your munchies.
Off I go...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
This Above All...
Today my nephew Paenney graduates from high school. With such an accomplishment I hope he is proud. He learned to play music and to blow stuff up. He found his passions and fought his enemies. He is on the brink of being, yes I'll say it, a grown-up.
Lately I've been feeling some frustration regarding world circumstances as well as situations in my own little part of the universe. The overwhelming theme seems to be following the herd. Sometimes things just don't make any sense and I can't figure out why no one else can see things don't make sense. I feel dismay in unchallenged ideas, policies, and practices. Fear and submission have caused illogical things to become the accepted norm.
So on this day of Paenney's graduation I'd like to share a commencement speech given to the graduates of Emerson College. The advice given to these young people can be taken by young and old, CEOs and blue collar workers, and entrepreneurs and support staff. The message can be applied to anyone and should be heeded by everyone.
I hope you'll take time to listen to this speech; it's less than ten minutes long. Take to heart the message it gives. And Paenney, congratulations. Husby and I are happy for you and your accomplishment and think you're quite a wonderful young man.
Lately I've been feeling some frustration regarding world circumstances as well as situations in my own little part of the universe. The overwhelming theme seems to be following the herd. Sometimes things just don't make any sense and I can't figure out why no one else can see things don't make sense. I feel dismay in unchallenged ideas, policies, and practices. Fear and submission have caused illogical things to become the accepted norm.
So on this day of Paenney's graduation I'd like to share a commencement speech given to the graduates of Emerson College. The advice given to these young people can be taken by young and old, CEOs and blue collar workers, and entrepreneurs and support staff. The message can be applied to anyone and should be heeded by everyone.
I hope you'll take time to listen to this speech; it's less than ten minutes long. Take to heart the message it gives. And Paenney, congratulations. Husby and I are happy for you and your accomplishment and think you're quite a wonderful young man.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Featured Shop - Plushroom Soup
About twice a month I contribute an article to the HandmadeMN blog featuring the HandmadeMN members' shops on Etsy. I thought it would be nice to have those articles on my blog too, as I really like the artists and shops I feature, and their wares might add a bit of class to my little corner of the blogosphere.
Jessica of Plushroom Soup is "stewing strange softies." Strange indeed, and yet so loveable. Plushies are a wonderful thing, and Jessica not only can create them with bits of fabric, some thread and a needle, she actually designs the patterns herself. Her creations are inspired by fantasy and her shop not only offers the cute plushies she has in stock, but also custom work. Let's see what's stewing in the pot...
Fernando is furious, or so his title says. How can one creature be so ferocious and so friendly at the same time? I love his squiggly arms.
Stella is precious and almost vintage-looking. She's so cheerful! This froggie design will simply steal your heart.
Jessica of Plushroom Soup is "stewing strange softies." Strange indeed, and yet so loveable. Plushies are a wonderful thing, and Jessica not only can create them with bits of fabric, some thread and a needle, she actually designs the patterns herself. Her creations are inspired by fantasy and her shop not only offers the cute plushies she has in stock, but also custom work. Let's see what's stewing in the pot...
Fernando is furious, or so his title says. How can one creature be so ferocious and so friendly at the same time? I love his squiggly arms.
Stella is precious and almost vintage-looking. She's so cheerful! This froggie design will simply steal your heart.
This is the wise, old owl. I like the coordinating fabrics and knowing look in his eyes. What a delightful addition to a child's collection of "friends."
Such squishy wonderfulness. Jessica's choice of fabrics and talent with a needle and thread is sure to delight you, and that says nothing for her unique and imaginative designs. Visit Plushroom Soup and pick up a little cutie for yourself. They make great gifts too!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Cupcakey Goodness
As you may know by now, cupcakes are all the rage. This makes my mom laugh. She's been making cupcakes for centuries decades and doesn't see what all the excitement is about. Oh, cupcakes are good and everything, but to actually become popular? A gourmet treat? It's beyond her, yet she's proud that she's so ahead of her time.
I made some cupcakes recently that I thought were a wonderful springtime treat. Lemon. I thought I'd share the recipe with you in case you want to taste a little bit of sunshine, get in the cupcake clique, or simply revisit the fun that is cupcakes.
Ingredients:
Cake:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups sour cream
Frosting:
6 Tbsp butter
4 cups confectioner's sugar
4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp grated lemon peel
1 Tbsp milk
Frosting is always finicky for me. Adjust liquid (milk) or confectioner's sugar to reach your desired consistency. Keep the lemon juice at 4 Tbsp for really great flavor.
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon peel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon peel and milk; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes.
Makes 30 cupcakes
I made some cupcakes recently that I thought were a wonderful springtime treat. Lemon. I thought I'd share the recipe with you in case you want to taste a little bit of sunshine, get in the cupcake clique, or simply revisit the fun that is cupcakes.
Ingredients:
Cake:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups sour cream
Frosting:
6 Tbsp butter
4 cups confectioner's sugar
4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp grated lemon peel
1 Tbsp milk
Frosting is always finicky for me. Adjust liquid (milk) or confectioner's sugar to reach your desired consistency. Keep the lemon juice at 4 Tbsp for really great flavor.
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon peel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon peel and milk; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes.
Makes 30 cupcakes
I thought these were refreshing and delicious. Husby loved them too, and he shys away from cakes as a rule (one of his shortcomings I've learned to live with).
These are great summer playtime snacks for the kids or to bring to your next potluck or book club meeting. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday Favorite
Husby is a wonderful husband. He is very handy and smart and kind of handsome to boot. One thing he's really good at is gardening and landscaping. It took me a little while to trust his judgment when it came to things like tearing out trees and bushes (terminal or dead, of course) and planting new ones. Eventually I told myself, okay, he only studied horticulture and worked in the field for a time and I have never taken care of a yard in my life and can't even make houseplants grow so... let go ~ let Husby. I don't know what I was ever so nervous about. He works wonders with landscaping. Here's the best part: he considers what I would like to see in our yard when planning the landscaping. What a great guy.
About seven years ago he planted something in our backyard after hearing me casually mentioning how much I like it. Along the fence he most professionally placed three shrubs. Not just shrubs, my favorite shrubs.
This Friday's favorite ~ Bridal Wreath.
Every spring I wait patiently for the bright white flowers to bloom. I'm never disappointed. Such delicate little flowers they are.
But when the shrubs are in full bloom, they are loaded with a white so brilliant they practically glow in the dark. Literally!
Bridal wreath is my favorite today for its delicacy, its brillance, and the lovely green-and-white combination that are a sure sign of spring.
About seven years ago he planted something in our backyard after hearing me casually mentioning how much I like it. Along the fence he most professionally placed three shrubs. Not just shrubs, my favorite shrubs.
This Friday's favorite ~ Bridal Wreath.
Every spring I wait patiently for the bright white flowers to bloom. I'm never disappointed. Such delicate little flowers they are.
But when the shrubs are in full bloom, they are loaded with a white so brilliant they practically glow in the dark. Literally!
Bridal wreath is my favorite today for its delicacy, its brillance, and the lovely green-and-white combination that are a sure sign of spring.
Such a happy little shrub. Bridal wreath is my favorite today.
Leave a comment and tell me what your favorite thing is today. Links are welcome!
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