One of these things is NOT like the other

It's true. I should've guessed the outcome before I even put the yogurt in the shopping cart yesterday. Ryan was even hopeful. But alas, there is only one REAL Red Velvet. The kind eaten with a fork or wrapped in a cupcake liner. It has real cream cheese frosting and is made with fairy dust and hopes and dreams. Yoplait has not created a substitute, but it was worth a shot, right? For 100 calories, yes.

Little things for little girls

I have been having so much fun with applique lately. I did my first one on a t-shirt for Madelyn Demaray for her birthday in November, just a swirl of fabric with contrast stitching over the top. The next ones were two t-shirts for Ryan for Christmas that ended up with Daniel because they fit Ryan like "sports bras" as he said...

Then six (yes six) onzies for nieces Cea and Ivy for their first birthdays. Wish I had pictures because I thought they came out pretty cute. I only hope they hold up to washings...

Then Madelyn's onzies, and a jacket for Jacquelyn! Here they are! It always makes me feel like I'm doing these with mom when I'm surrounded by threads, buttons, needles, and fabric. I feel like she would really love this idea and we would do a lot of this together.

Easter

Ryan and I celebrated spring this morning with our own Easter brunch. Complete with Sunset's recent recipe for quiche, a beautifully-colored fruit salad, tulips from Ryan, and two Easter Pugs!

Old Crow Farm on Etsy is recycling old farm junk. So much of this is hiding in the barn the orchard. I rescued these beautiful blue Ball jars a couple of years ago. This place has put them on a board and made a wall vase display...I likey.

Maitakes!

We discovered this wonderful little fungus at the Portland Farmer's Market a few years ago and have fallen in love! I have also found it in bulk at Whole Foods. We simply saute it with some corn kernels and leeks and serve on Saltine crackers (per the vendor's recommendation) or simple bread. It is very flavorful by itself and shouldn't be shoved in any old dish you would normally add button or white cap mushrooms to.

Look for it and try it!

Pure Bliss...

Pine State Biscuits here in Portland has just turned Ryan and I religious again! It's sent strait from Heaven to either their main location on SE Belmont, or to the Portland Farmer's Market on Saturdays--which is where we waited in line for about 30 minutes to order TWO Reggie deluxes! Yes, homemade cream-top biscuits, fried chicken, bacon, cheese, sausage gravy, and an egg (that's the deluxe part). You might be cringing to yourself if you're a weakling or have never seen Food Network's Diners, Drive-in's, and Dives. They did a feature on the Reggie recently and Ryan and I knew it just had to be.

Great Artwork

Really cool artwork from Ork Posters.

Best Homemade Granola Bars

Here is the recipe link to Eating Well's Almond-Honey Power Bar. I've made them twice now, and until my brother Daniel gives me the "thumbs down" report, I'll keep making them. Maybe next time with pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and dried cherries?

Oh Winnie!

This is Winston and his girlfriend (she has no name). He makes me laugh almost daily--look at that crazy face!

Re-reading

My junior year in high school I read The Color Purple by Alice Walker for a project. I even remember buying the copy in a book store at Standford when my friend Lynell and I visited her sister during spring break. So I've picked it up recently and love it all over again. But I can't help wondering what my 17-year old self thought about it. The content is pretty mature. What strength, what courage.