Best Cookies Ever?

The New York times printed a recipe that is said to be the holy grail of chocolate chip cookies. I thought I was cool with just using the recipe on the back of the toll house chocolate chips, but I am willing to step it up a notch.

Apparently the main secret is in the chiling--as in you have to chill the dough for as long as possible. This will be a problem for me because I love the dough just about as much or more than the finished cookie. I don't know if I can trust myself with a whole bowlful in my fridge. The next step towards cookie perfection is to not use chocolate chips, but chocolate discs. Yeah, the fancy-pants kind. Also, ditch the all-purpose flour.

Luckily for me I have a Whole Foods gift card that is burning a hole in my pocket (uh, purse) so I can purchase some chocolate discs and cake & bread flour guilt-free.

I'll let you know if they are, in fact the best.cookies.ever.
Lindsay over at BabyCenter already took one for the team and made/sampled many cookies in the name of science and gave them a thumbs up. Let's see if I agree...(yes, any excuse to bake, even in 100 degree weather!)

Photos as Promised

I was able to speak with my friend from his hospital bed. He is as good as someone can be who survived a fire. His apartment building burned down, but he is going to be ok with minimal long-term damage.

I can't imagine how scary it would be to be awakened by a fire roaring outside your bedroom door.
But...in the grand scheme of things it could have been much worse so I am very relieved.

So, here are a few pictures that I had been meaning to put up.








(photo 1 & 2--mother-of-pearl circles decoupaged with Belle and Burger fabric scraps with rosary chain and German glass beads.
photo 3--vintage button earrings that I finished yesterday.
photo 4--finished pieces that need to be listed on Etsy.
photo 5--Papa cold chillin' with his boys last night as I went for a solo bike ride.)

And Today...

I got up this morning and began my usual morning routine: checking my email as I drink a cup of tea that my sweetie made for me before he left for work.

I went to my gmail first and received some very shocking news: a friend of mine was in an apartment fire and was airlifted to Seattle for treatment from his home. He is stable, but in ICU.

I don't know any more than that and those details are horrible enough to have taken up most of my mental capacity all day.

It's weird, I never knew this about myself but when I am really upset I start obsessively cleaning. On most days I have to force myself to sweep the floor, do the dishes and do all the mundane tasks that just HAVE to get done daily. But today I have been chewing my nails and obsessively straightening things that I already straightened.

I have a few blog entries in my brain...they are frivolous and random, no bad news or long musings. Just some photos and a cookie recipe. I may post those next, just to sidetrack myself before I chew my fingers down to bloody stumps.

I hope everyone is well. Call your friends and loved ones and tell them you love them.

Today--

I made ten pairs of earrings. One decoupaged, nine button earrings.
Pictures to follow!

I really want to try needle felting next. It'll be more tempting to work with fiber once the weather cools off a bit.

Clean Slate: The End of Craft Stagnation

I ran out of beading wire and we went to buy more last night. I bought a few new beads while I was at it.

As I was putting away my new supplies I realized that I haven't felt like making anything partially because my workspace was a freaking mess.

I had beads from finished projects scattered about, my calendar was still on June and everything was in general disarray.

I spent about an hour reorganizing everything and when I was done I felt...inspired! I have some new fabric from my friends and chose a piece of fabric from my Belle & Burger stash to begin a new pair of earrings. I decoupaged some new mother-of-pearl circles and woke up this morning ready to turn them into earrings.

I totally need a shower and some PMT (personal maintenance time) so I think I am going to call LeeLee's 'lady' and see if she wants to hang out.

My friend and old co-worker, M.E dropped off an assload of kids' movies and toys for the boys. It's kind of turned into a bleeding nightmare. I have no idea where to put all the movies and no idea which ones are age-appropriate for them. S put a giant bag of cars on the porch until we could figure out how to slowly integrate them, but...they saw them and now they are fighting tooth and nail over one airplane when there are at least thirty different cars and vehicles in the bag. Ugh....must.find.a.way.to.get.in.the.shower.

Ok, LeeLee's lady came over and I took a shower. Feeling a bit more sane. I am going to make lunch and then put them down for a nap so I can get down to some crafty bizness!

As I was tracing the shape I needed from the fabric I realized they were rather boobie-shaped. Interesting. ;)

I love, love, love using fabric scraps. They end up having so many lives, it's like the practice of using an entire pig during the depression. Every last bit went towards some sort of food item, ending with soup.

The first life in this case is as a whole piece of fabric used for something like an apron or a skirt.

The first scraps are used for something like a pocket or an applique and maybe something smaller like a crayon pouch or an iPod cozy.

I get the next scraps, which are usually pretty big for what I need them for. I trace the shape I need and decoupage them onto beads and pendants and lip balm tins. I make earrings, bracelets, necklaces and decorate tins with the big scraps.

With the scraps of scraps (that's what's in the plastic bag in the picture) I make thank-you cards, decoupaging the fabric onto pieces of paper.

The final scrappy-scraps that by this time look something like confetti go back to Chas to use to stuff her stuffed animals that she sometimes makes.

Nothing goes to waste and during the lifespan of one piece of fabric there are at least a dozen projects made with it.

Wedding Cake: Now That's Awkward!

Last night we were laying in bed and LeeLee spied S's and my wedding photo on my shelf. I said 'yes, honey that is the photo from when Mama and Papa got married...do you know what happens when you get married?' and he said 'yes. cake.'

I said 'well, yes, sometimes you do have cake.'
S and I had a civil ceremony with just the two of us, then we had a fancy dinner that night. I remember the pastry chef gave us free dessert but I don't remember whether or not it was cake.

LeeLee then jumped up and rummaged through my photos on my bookshelf and triumphantly pulled out one of me and G cutting our wedding cake. I was holding the knife upside down and he was all 'hellooo....knife's upside down' and I was all 'heeheee...oops!' (I was only 22 after all!)

It wasn't at all awkward with S, he's met G and he's not at all jealous or threatened by the fact that I was married before.

It was just a bit strange to try and explain it to my not-quite three year old. I never really thought I would have to mention that I was married before at all, or at least not for years and years.

Maybe I should put those pictures somewhere else! (But that's one of my favorites....I think wedding are a colossal waste of money and energy, but it was fun to be a bride in a giant white-ish dress at least once!)

**My former-sister-in-law helped me make my veil, one of my first crafty forays. I did it for the money, though...my mom gave me money for it and I figured it would be cheaper to make. I passed it off as store bought, even with the glue still wet. It turned out well! My mom knows the truth now, though, don't worry! ;)

Lip Balm Winner(s)!!!!

Ok, so I did the drawing for my lip balm giveaway!

I drew two names and therefore have two winners because the first name I drew is a friend of mine, B.

This seems a bit unfair, not that B doesn't deserve to win but she's the (proud!?) owner of a few of my prototype lip balms so I drew again and the second winner is, yay! A fellow twin mama!

Thanks so much for everyone who entered, keep checking back I will do more giveaways in the future!

DIY is Punk Rock

"The ultimate goal of the artist is to create more artists, to help others see themselves as more than just consumers."

-Jean Railla, Craft: Volume 4

I was reading an issue of Craft magazine on loan from my pal, Chas. (she has a subscription! I'm jealous!)

I haven't often read this magazine and now I'm sad that I haven't been reading it all along, it's rad!!

An article in the beginning of Volume 04 really jumped out at me. It really speaks to how I've been feeling lately.

I was apart of a small punk scene in my late teens and twenties. It was the first time I really felt empowered and inspired.

I met my future ex-husband, G in 1995 at a show he had organized--a really incredible band called Inquisition was playing. Just watching this gives me goose bumps, they really blew me away:



At the time I had no idea how to integrate the punk rock ethos that I felt so passionately about into "real life"--how did I become a "responsible adult" and fit into society with all these ideals that didn't exactly fit in to growing up, paying the mortgage, etc. ?

I am an adult now. I have all the trappings of adulthood, marriage, mortgage, children but the spirit of the music and lifestyle that I was so passionate about in "my youth" still applies to my life. Instead of listening to Inquisition on a ratty audio tape I listen to them on my Ipod in my Volvo on the way to the grocery store.

But I've found a way to integrate the punk rock lifestyle and philosophies into my life through crafting. By going to my craft bin instead of to Target when I need a birthday gift, for example I am transcending my role as a consumer.

Of course, I bought a lot of the supplies that are helping me create, but I am able to make exactly what I want and put more effort and meaning behind my gift. (Not that I don't shop at Target, I do and I enjoy it but it feels good to know that I am confident enough in myself to know that I can make something as good if not better than I can buy)

I also really love that the arts and craft movement is generally very welcoming and encourages free access to knowledge through groups and classes.

When I first started using plastic bags to knit with, I knew that others must be doing the same thing. What I found online were many helpful tutorials that helped me do it easier and avoid mistakes that would have been frustrating to me.

Armed with that knowledge I was free to create my own patterns for the different bags I was making, therefore making them special and unique.

I don't have any illusions that my crafts are special beyond my personal touch. A lot of people are making lip balm, and "upcycled" accessories/jewelry. And if I ever meet these people, we will have a lot to talk about!

This is so freeing for me because it is so easy to get discouraged or stuck in the mindset that I have to compete with everyone who is doing similar work. The only reason I am crafting as much as I am is because I was inspired by the rad women I have met who are also following their own crafty endeavors. They helped me raise the bar on my own stuff, to try new and more difficult things and realize that I can do it too. Austin is a very crafty town and it's very inspiring.

I haven't been crafting as much as I'd like, I have to admit I have felt a little discouraged by my slow start on Etsy, but just the act of creating something most days is enough to keep me feeling happy. It's a nice release from my responsibilities.

There are a few craft fairs coming up that I am hoping to participate in. I feel like my stuff is best appreciated when it is touched and seen in person. If I am able (pick me, pick me!!) to be a part of them, then I think my Etsy shop will naturally evolve.

But in the meantime I am feeling happy of who I am as a whole, how I have stayed true to my beliefs as a youth while still "growing up" and carving out a place for myself in this world. It's not always easy.

Last Chance to Win a Lip Balm!!!

Today is the final day of my lip balm giveaway! Go here to leave a comment to enter. I will be drawing a name at random tomorrow! Good luck!

Weekend Wrap Up: Lots of Photos, Finished Projects, etc.

Here are my latest finished earrings. I haven't put them up on Etsy yet, still struggling with the pricing.


They are vintage buttons and I LOVE both sets so much. Both of these pairs are so great on their own, just on a circular ear wire.

But I tried them on a fish hook ear wire attached with wrapped wire with a couple of beads and they are cute that way too.



Still, with the blue pair I think I'm liking them best on their own.















Or...are they cuter this way?? Why am I being so wishy-washy?! ;)















The green pair is super-sassy with the added beads and wrapped wire. There is a matching button on my date purse. I think I will do a discount if someone buys the purse and earrings together.














Here is what the back looks like.












My friend, J had a birthday. I decided to knit her a camera cozy for her brand-new camera. (why do they NEVER come with cases? Lame!)

I have only been knitting with "plarn" (plastic bag yarn) lately so I wasn't sure which yarn from my stash I would use. Hmmm...let's see.







Oh, look! Here is a cute ball of yarn sent to me by my BFF!

I taught her to knit and we knit together when I still lived in the Bay Area. After I moved away it was just too sad for her to knit alone! *sniff*

My pal, J STILL has a (415) area code, she's that fresh from California. So I thought it was apropos.







I was excited to knit with a pair of my favorite needles, a really lovely pair of rosewood straights. (I normally do circulars)














Finished product, before felting!

















Into the washer you go!
















Trimming felted fuzzies from the finished product is much like trimming pubes. (That's for YOU, Jeff F.!)













Oopsie! I forgot to do a practice swatch and that yarn felted like crazy. Now I have an iPod cozy! (hey, J--do you have an iPod??)














Ok, that's better! And it was a perfect fit for her camera! S said it looked like camo and I freaked out. Then J told me she LOVES camo so then I pretended that I did it on purpose. ;)









Lone Star beer necklace!


















You know I have to throw some decoupage in there somewhere!
















Mmmmm....Lone Star! I really like this necklace, but I am going to force myself to put it in my Etsy shop.











Did I mention that my LeeLee has a girlfriend?? She lives down the street and she's come over a couple of times to hang out with us and will probably babysit a bit too.

He LOVES her! Look at that smile on his little face!









Here he is after she left. :( He kept saying: 'My lady, my lady!!'

The next day he woke up and said: 'Mama--my lady home?' and I said 'I don't know honey, I saw her parents drive by they may have gone for a run' so he went into S's room and got his running shoes and started to put them on!

Later S took him to her house and she gave him a brownie. So now they're practically engaged. He keeps saying: 'Mama, my lady pretty. My lady: yellow hair, white teeth, white shirt. Pretty.' 'My lady brownie yum.'

She came by today too and he was so happy. He had just gotten out of the bath. They made her read them about twelve books before she could go.

I put them down for a nap after she left and they crashed right out.

It's SO NICE to have help!







We met my friend, K at the farmers market this weekend. Of course we stopped by the Belle & Burger booth. Here are the boys kickin' it with Mr. Burger himself.












I have NO idea what LeeLee was doing trying to crawl into the bottom of the stroller. The ladies at that booth behind them were CRACKING UP!

Eager*Optimistic*Impulsive

"Although you are talking up a storm, it may seem like too much effort now to follow through with your great ideas. You can see wonderful possibilities everywhere you turn. Your spirited stories inspire others to join you on your magical quest. Don't let this moment pass without taking a first step, however small it may be, on your next journey."

I haven't read my horoscope in forever even though it is on my Google home page. I am a Sagittarius and my boys are Leos--yay fire signs. (Papa is a Capricorn, if you're curious!)

With the boys birthday quickly approaching I find myself reacting in the same way I usually do when my own birthday rolls around--intense introspection and inner preparations for the "new year." I guess it's the start of the next year being a Mama.

I am feeling very, very maudlin. Not break-out-the-Cure sad...but close.
I feel very anxious lately, very wound up and with a feeling that something big is right in front of me, I just can't see it for some reason. It's a very frustrating feeling.

This may be why I haven't blogged much lately, it's hard to get worked up about what I made for lunch or the new earrings I made (although I've hardly been crafting either...gasp!) when I am feeling so much inner turmoil.

I'm fine, the boys are fine, it's just a cloud passing over the sun (ha! don't I wish! it's still plenty sunny here in Texas!) and in a few days-ish I'll be taking pictures of brownies again like usual. Mmm....brownies. Now that's not a bad idea.

Lip Balm Tins Now Up on Etsy!

My lip balm (in decoupaged tins) is now up on my Etsy page! I love having the balm in the slider tins and the decoupaged tops are so cute! (and you know how I love me some decoupage!)

So, hey! Go buy one, then tell a friend how great it makes your lips feel so they'll buy one too! ;)

Kisses!
Jen

Up Earlier Than Usual--Short Post

It's 9:30am...very early for us. LeeLee is still sleeping but I'm about to go wake him. I am tired and have a headache but I'm up.

Our schedule is out of control in a huge way so I'm going to try hard this week to get it back on track.

*yawn*

Thomas Beatie--"Pregnant Man"

**I saw this article the other day and was so amazed. Talk about fair division of labor. Thomas carried their daughter Susan and his wife is breastfeeding her. I loved being pregnant and I love breastfeeding, but really I've hogged a lot of the bonding with the boys!

From People.com

It's been three weeks since his blue-eyed baby debuted in this world, but Thomas Beatie – better known around the world as the Pregnant Man – can already say this about his daughter's personality: "She's easygoing and mellow and intelligent."

On June 29 at 8:55 p.m., Beatie, 34, a former female beauty pageant contestant, made cultural history as perhaps the first legally transgender male to give birth, bringing into the world a 9 lbs., 5 oz. baby girl named Susan Juliette.

"She's so precious, I just can't stop staring at her," Thomas tells PEOPLE in his first interview since he and wife Nancy returned with their bundle from Bend, Oregon's St. Charles Medical Center. "Just holding her is the best feeling in the world."

Susan – named after Thomas's mother and conceived through artificial insemination with donor sperm – arrived after 40 hours of labor, with Nancy at Thomas's side acting as his coach.

"When Susan finally came out, it was like in slow motion," says Thomas. "I was full of wonder." Echoes Nancy: "There were tears of joy."

Both father and daughter came through the birth in perfect health. "I weigh two pounds less than I did before I got pregnant," adds Thomas. "And I don't have a single stretch mark!"

At home, the couple is adjusting to their new nightly schedule: Nancy breastfeeding (by induced lactation, a process using hormones and physical stimulation with a breast pump) and Thomas keeping company while watching TV.

Crows Thomas, "Susan is a miracle! And we're finally the family we've been dreaming of."

She's a Bad Mama-Jama!

My good friend, Chas had a scary experience yesterday. A couple decided it would be a good idea to come into her yard and steal some things.

C thought not. She ran out, opened their door and grabbed what she could from the backseat then got their license plate number.

Now they will know not to mess around in our neck of the woods! (we're also neighbors) I hope they get caught and I hope this is a very isolated incident.

We're in some rough times now, everyone is feeling the pressure. It's terrible when there are people out there stealing from young families who are just trying to work their hardest to take care of each other.

I'm proud to know such a strong mama.

Win a red Sony Cybershot W150 Camera!

Go here for details!!! And if you are a blog reader/blogging addict like me you will LOVE this one! It will direct you to all kinds of great reading!

Good luck!

Lippy

I've made a bunch of new lip balm lately--some geranium in tubes and tins and lavender-vanilla in tubes and tins. The lavender is a clear balm so it's a nice unisex choice. I made Papa a custom tube of peppermint lip balm last night. I don't love it in my lip balm, I prefer floral aromatherapy scents rose (self-esteem) geranium (hormone balancing) and neroli (orange blossom--anxiety) but the mint was a nice change.

I am having such a fun time decoupaging the lids for the tins. All of them going forward will look like that.

I also finished my Lone Star beer necklace.

I haven't uploaded pictures but I'll post them when I do and I will be posting more stuff on my Etsy page soon so check back often!

Birthday Present for a Girl!

I love making presents, especially for children. The problem has been, though the fact that I am a mama to boys so I blank when trying to figure out what to make for a little girl.

Problem solved! I love, love, love tutus on little girls and this easy skirt would be perfect with a cute t-shirt for a birthday present. I can't wait to try it!

So much fun I can hardly stop!

Thanks, Angry Chicken!