One of the girls at work makes "BTS" (Better Than Sex) Cake for special occasions. It's really good. She uses a Duncan Hines devil's food cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, Heath toffee chips, caramel sauce, and Cool Whip, but basically the recipe at Cooks.com. Very yummy.
But, I kept thinking about how it could be adapted to a chocolatey-minty cake. So, rebel that I am, I am trying it out. Here's what I have:
Duncan Hines Devils Food Cake Mix
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Smuckers Fudge Sauce
Keebler Grasshopper Cookies
Cool Whip
I had intended to add Andes Mints, but for some reason Ralph's didn't have them. (Have I ever mentioned I hate Ralph's? Because I do). I am hoping that the heartburn won't be absolutely horrid. This is probably idiotically optimistic.
In any case, here's the game plan:
Cook the cake according to the directions (Duncan Hines DF takes a little water, half a cup of veg oil, and three eggs). Once the cake is out of the oven, poke it with a chop stick and pour a whole can of sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk, which I always accidentally buy) over it. This will soak into the cake and make it lovely and moist. Once I am ready to serve it, I am planning on dumping a ton of the fudge sauce over the cake, then crumbling the mint cookies onto the top, then adding a very generous dollop of cool whip on the very top.
I will let you all know how this comes out. I am pretty sure it won't be terrible, but I don't know if it will even rate anywhere near the BTS cake.
I bought some knitting needles on Friday. I know, I have no time, but I thought I could at least bring this with me to work, so I could knit on my lunch. I have made a really crappy scarf for Peanut so far. I am currently failing at making a grown-up scarf from a Better Homes and Gardens 1-2-3 Knit book. So far I like the book- it's clear and easy to understand, mostly. It would probably help if I had a few minutes to read it without having to chase Peanut or help R (he gave blood today- how nice is that?) since he was feeling woozy.
We did also make it to the Farmer's Market down at the marina today, too, so I can balance my sugar overload with the cauliflower and fresh melons. Well, I am ready to take a few minutes to sew a couple things, if I can keep my eyes open. I am so glad I have tomorrow off- we're going to the beach!
31 August, 2008
28 August, 2008
Oh Thursday.....
Well, I finished another small project today and even managed to have my five month check-up (two weeks late). Lovely.
Regarding the pregnancy stuff- although I have been worried about not gaining enough weight, the doctor didn’t seem that worried. I did lose two pounds this month, so at this rate, pregnancy may be the best diet I’ve ever been on. (Sigh).
I’ve been so worried I was going to gain a ton of weight, then I got sick last month and lost some last month, too. So I have the preggo-belly, but my maternity pants are loose in the legs. Weird. I think I am learning that life will never go the expected path- every time I think I know something I find out I am wrong. It makes it interesting, but sometimes I wish it could be a little more predictable. I find myself craving adventure and sameness at the same time, lately.
My project came out well- see? Here is my finished glasses case:
I think it came out pretty well. My sunglasses even fit inside! Surprise!
Regarding the pregnancy stuff- although I have been worried about not gaining enough weight, the doctor didn’t seem that worried. I did lose two pounds this month, so at this rate, pregnancy may be the best diet I’ve ever been on. (Sigh).
I’ve been so worried I was going to gain a ton of weight, then I got sick last month and lost some last month, too. So I have the preggo-belly, but my maternity pants are loose in the legs. Weird. I think I am learning that life will never go the expected path- every time I think I know something I find out I am wrong. It makes it interesting, but sometimes I wish it could be a little more predictable. I find myself craving adventure and sameness at the same time, lately.
My project came out well- see? Here is my finished glasses case:
I think it came out pretty well. My sunglasses even fit inside! Surprise!
27 August, 2008
Blue Sky, Green Leaves
A picture of the sky through the canopy of leaves. My child, playing in the sandbox. I can feel summer, slipping away.
26 August, 2008
Ode to My Dad
I am sure he will never read this, but I have to write about how my dad totally saved the day. Yesterday (which was horrible, by the way), I managed to dump a TON of pasta down the garbage disposal and, as a result, completely clogged the drain. R and I tried to fix it with very little success and much Draino. No luck, and this morning our house smelled delightful, really. A mix of ghastly pasta-starchy water infused with the odorific-ness of Draino. YUCK.
In any case, I moped about it all today, and whined a copious amount, and probably made my co-workers hate me. On the way home, I thought about calling my dad. I was of course reticient because I didn't want to get called out on my moronic decision to drop a giant pan full of pasta down the drain. I realized, like the smart girl I am, that eating crow was a little bit better than eating the plumber's bill. So I called.
He not only NEVER said anything about me being dumb (which was actually quite deserved) but he dropped his own home improvement painting project to come help me. He stuck it out, even though he had to go back home to grab plastic gloves, and my stepmom watched Peanut while I ran to the store.
By the time I came back with the kid's dinner, the garbage disposal was good as new, the pipes were clean, and Peanut was playing happily while watching Dora the Explorer with her Nana.
So in short, my dad is pretty awesome. My stepmom rocks, too. So, in short, we got away with only spending the $568.00 at the mechanic's yesterday. This little plumbing adventure somehow makes it seem a little easier to bear that expense, though....
Thanks, Dad.
In any case, I moped about it all today, and whined a copious amount, and probably made my co-workers hate me. On the way home, I thought about calling my dad. I was of course reticient because I didn't want to get called out on my moronic decision to drop a giant pan full of pasta down the drain. I realized, like the smart girl I am, that eating crow was a little bit better than eating the plumber's bill. So I called.
He not only NEVER said anything about me being dumb (which was actually quite deserved) but he dropped his own home improvement painting project to come help me. He stuck it out, even though he had to go back home to grab plastic gloves, and my stepmom watched Peanut while I ran to the store.
By the time I came back with the kid's dinner, the garbage disposal was good as new, the pipes were clean, and Peanut was playing happily while watching Dora the Explorer with her Nana.
So in short, my dad is pretty awesome. My stepmom rocks, too. So, in short, we got away with only spending the $568.00 at the mechanic's yesterday. This little plumbing adventure somehow makes it seem a little easier to bear that expense, though....
Thanks, Dad.
25 August, 2008
What Have I Been Googling?
Mechanic Los Alamitos California
Brakes Camry 2001
Plumber
Clearing Clogged Garbage Disposal
Loans
....
.......
....
.
(Well, the last one was a joke. I wish the rest were).
Did I mention this week sucks? I also missed my last doctor's appointment because I was late and the doctor had to leave early to do a surgery. Awesome. Oh and many Braxton-Hicks contractions, yep.
Super awesome.
Brakes Camry 2001
Plumber
Clearing Clogged Garbage Disposal
Loans
....
.......
....
.
(Well, the last one was a joke. I wish the rest were).
Did I mention this week sucks? I also missed my last doctor's appointment because I was late and the doctor had to leave early to do a surgery. Awesome. Oh and many Braxton-Hicks contractions, yep.
Super awesome.
21 August, 2008
Bend it Like Angry Chicken
Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew by Amy KarolMy review
So far, I've made the bibs, the charming handbag, the pleated beauty handbag, and the no-cash wallet.... and they've all been relatively easy and fun to do. Amy Karol has written this in a generally clear way (although the hand-drawn diagrams could sometimes be clearer) and the projects are fun to do.
I really like that everything takes only a little bit of time and fabric to accomplish- it really is encouraging to have finished projects to spur you onto trying something new. It's very satisfying to actually finish projects for once- and the small amounts of fabric needed make it easy to jump into the projects without a huge investment. It's very confidence-building, and I really have enjoyed myself. You should also check out the Flickr Bend The Rules Sewing group, too, for fabric ideas and to see a huge variety of things other readers have made.
View all my reviews.
13 August, 2008
More Stuff to Make and Why Plastic Doesn't Freak Me Out...
I am officially on a making-stuff-bender. I can't drink, smoke (well, I quit a while ago, so it's not like it's a thing anymore) etc. Adam Ant asks, "What do you do?"
Idle hands, right? If I believed in the devil, maybe.
In any case, idle hands are just bored hands. So I keep trying to figure out what I am going to make next. I just ran across this tutorial for reusable sandwich wraps. I think I mentioned some of these I saw on Etsy a while ago.
I was reading a couple of the comments on that post on the Small Object and wondering about how anyone has the energy to be so worried about chemicals in plastic that touches your food. (To explain, if you haven't been over there, she used a vinyl covered material for the inside of the food wrap). I mean, I get being worried about "safe" plastics, but I think we probably aren't going to die from lunch baggies, either. Mr. Bush's actions seem a lot more dangerous than, say, a ziploc. My perspective, of course. (I can't call him the president, since he didn't win. And yes, I am petty and generally a bit immature, too, in case you were wondering. I am also a championship grudge holder).
I am sympathetic to feeling crummy about wastefulness, (please note I am only environmentally sound when I can be so in a lazy way) but I think that the fact is I hardly ever bring sandwiches for lunch, so the plastic bag thing isn't really an issue. I usually use wax paper, anyhow, when I do bring a sandwich. (Which you can reuse a bunch of times before you chuck it- I use a small piece of scotch tape to hold it shut). I have found that as my budget gets tighter, I am bringing my lunch more often, but I tend to just make an extra portion of whatever we are having for dinner. That way we waste less food, too, and I don't have to use more gas to drive five blocks each way for lunch.
Well, blah blah blah. I wanted to mention the adorable creature that my friend got for his birthday. It's called a "gut-creature" and it's weirdly adorable. Bon Anniversaire, Jonathan. Hope it was happy!
And congrats to Boo- another member of the family- yay!
R is concerned that his hatred and general loathing of people is abating... He has always claimed a real loathing for individuals and an affection for humanity in general. He blames Peanut for this tidal change. I have always distrusted humanity in general and liked individuals. Put people in a group and suddenly they are goose-stepping their way to "racial purity" or some other bullshit. But a lot of my favorite people are people, so there you are.
R asks that I add an addendum here- he doesn't like groups of people, either. He just is sort of impressed with where we have gotten, evolutionarily speaking. He's fond of some of our books, music, etc. He claims that homo sapiens are his favorite animal. (I actually think that might be a tiny lie- he's truly very fond of chimpanzees, as well).
In any case, good night.
Idle hands, right? If I believed in the devil, maybe.
In any case, idle hands are just bored hands. So I keep trying to figure out what I am going to make next. I just ran across this tutorial for reusable sandwich wraps. I think I mentioned some of these I saw on Etsy a while ago.
I was reading a couple of the comments on that post on the Small Object and wondering about how anyone has the energy to be so worried about chemicals in plastic that touches your food. (To explain, if you haven't been over there, she used a vinyl covered material for the inside of the food wrap). I mean, I get being worried about "safe" plastics, but I think we probably aren't going to die from lunch baggies, either. Mr. Bush's actions seem a lot more dangerous than, say, a ziploc. My perspective, of course. (I can't call him the president, since he didn't win. And yes, I am petty and generally a bit immature, too, in case you were wondering. I am also a championship grudge holder).
I am sympathetic to feeling crummy about wastefulness, (please note I am only environmentally sound when I can be so in a lazy way) but I think that the fact is I hardly ever bring sandwiches for lunch, so the plastic bag thing isn't really an issue. I usually use wax paper, anyhow, when I do bring a sandwich. (Which you can reuse a bunch of times before you chuck it- I use a small piece of scotch tape to hold it shut). I have found that as my budget gets tighter, I am bringing my lunch more often, but I tend to just make an extra portion of whatever we are having for dinner. That way we waste less food, too, and I don't have to use more gas to drive five blocks each way for lunch.
Well, blah blah blah. I wanted to mention the adorable creature that my friend got for his birthday. It's called a "gut-creature" and it's weirdly adorable. Bon Anniversaire, Jonathan. Hope it was happy!
And congrats to Boo- another member of the family- yay!
R is concerned that his hatred and general loathing of people is abating... He has always claimed a real loathing for individuals and an affection for humanity in general. He blames Peanut for this tidal change. I have always distrusted humanity in general and liked individuals. Put people in a group and suddenly they are goose-stepping their way to "racial purity" or some other bullshit. But a lot of my favorite people are people, so there you are.
R asks that I add an addendum here- he doesn't like groups of people, either. He just is sort of impressed with where we have gotten, evolutionarily speaking. He's fond of some of our books, music, etc. He claims that homo sapiens are his favorite animal. (I actually think that might be a tiny lie- he's truly very fond of chimpanzees, as well).
In any case, good night.
12 August, 2008
I Made It Myself!
Well, I am probably nesting, but my sewing machine and I have been pretty busy for the past week or so. I made these bibs (almost done- just awaiting my new snap putter-inner thingy from The Snap Source) for Dangerfeet (new baby's current nickname):
I am not sure if this one is my favorite:
or if I like this one better:
This one is the leftover material from the sling I made for Peanut once I figured out how much I hate strollers:
This is the camera case I made for our new Canon that I LOVE:
It's lined with adorable Amy Butler dots and closes with Velcro:
Also, my sister in law is expecting, so in honor of her new addition, I made some cool-kid bibs (it's too early to know boy or girl yet):
The backs of those ones are little skulls:
All the bibs are based on "Bend the Rules Sewing" by Amy Karol of the super Angry Chicken blog, which I have really already enjoyed playing with (even though all I have made is a pile of bibs and the "No-Cash Wallet" which I did a bad job at. I know there are a lot of bib patterns out there, but this was really easy for me and has helped me get a little better at sewing curves (which is not my strong point). I got the book on Friday last week and have made 10 bibs in my spare time. Fun!
Finally, I also made two skirts for Peanut, which are basically the same, only different material:
The other one is red with white polka dots. It's pretty cute, too. Both of those were based on Amy Karol's five minute skirt that I blogged about before. She has really caused me to fall in love with that fold over elastic from Sewzanne's Fabrics. So fun and easy! It makes me feel like I sew better than I thought I did.
In any case, this post will probably take a very long time to load, thanks to all the pics. 20 weeks pregnant and counting. I'll probably have made a crib set next week. Oh, nesting pregnant self, you are a fickle one. C'est la vie.
I am not sure if this one is my favorite:
or if I like this one better:
This one is the leftover material from the sling I made for Peanut once I figured out how much I hate strollers:
This is the camera case I made for our new Canon that I LOVE:
It's lined with adorable Amy Butler dots and closes with Velcro:
Also, my sister in law is expecting, so in honor of her new addition, I made some cool-kid bibs (it's too early to know boy or girl yet):
The backs of those ones are little skulls:
All the bibs are based on "Bend the Rules Sewing" by Amy Karol of the super Angry Chicken blog, which I have really already enjoyed playing with (even though all I have made is a pile of bibs and the "No-Cash Wallet" which I did a bad job at. I know there are a lot of bib patterns out there, but this was really easy for me and has helped me get a little better at sewing curves (which is not my strong point). I got the book on Friday last week and have made 10 bibs in my spare time. Fun!
Finally, I also made two skirts for Peanut, which are basically the same, only different material:
The other one is red with white polka dots. It's pretty cute, too. Both of those were based on Amy Karol's five minute skirt that I blogged about before. She has really caused me to fall in love with that fold over elastic from Sewzanne's Fabrics. So fun and easy! It makes me feel like I sew better than I thought I did.
In any case, this post will probably take a very long time to load, thanks to all the pics. 20 weeks pregnant and counting. I'll probably have made a crib set next week. Oh, nesting pregnant self, you are a fickle one. C'est la vie.
06 August, 2008
Blechiness...
Peanut has a cold. I've been sneezed on, cried on, and dribbled on. We're in the wait and see part of her cold- will she be better tomorrow? Or will it turn worse?
Isn't motherhood fun?
In any case, I have been busy, while she sat and quietly watched "Dora the Explorer" and "Sesame Street" today. ("Dora" is said "DOHHH" by Peanut. It's super cute. Sometimes.) I made two totes for Christmas gifts from this really easy-peasy pattern from the "Sew Mama Sew" blog/shop. Totally a breeze to make, so I'll probably make a few more and hand them out for Christmas. I really want to have a hand-made Christmas this year- partially for budgetary concerns, partially for the idea that I love the idea of giving things that I have made, partially because I want to cut back on buying useless crap that no one wants or needs.
So, the answer?
Reusable tote bags that can be used for grocery-toting and other stuff. That pattern is really easy and super fast to make. I added a small bag to store it in, sealed with Velcro. So, a tote bag that can be rolled up into a small handy-dandy bag. Not the worst gift ever, right? I mean, it's not like when I was in high school and my mom gave me towels. Like, the ugliest towels EVER. And I did actually live with my dad. (Who did actually own a set of towels).
I also made up my own pattern for a tote bag that does have a lining. It's a little more finished style, but sort of similar. I'll post pictures soon, when I don't have a sister in law coming to stay tomorrow and my kid isn't sneezing all over the place. I'll also post pics of Peanut's two skirts I made.
Cross your fingers, maybe the kid will wake up smiling and healthy again. And maybe I'll get a little bit of sleep.
Isn't motherhood fun?
In any case, I have been busy, while she sat and quietly watched "Dora the Explorer" and "Sesame Street" today. ("Dora" is said "DOHHH" by Peanut. It's super cute. Sometimes.) I made two totes for Christmas gifts from this really easy-peasy pattern from the "Sew Mama Sew" blog/shop. Totally a breeze to make, so I'll probably make a few more and hand them out for Christmas. I really want to have a hand-made Christmas this year- partially for budgetary concerns, partially for the idea that I love the idea of giving things that I have made, partially because I want to cut back on buying useless crap that no one wants or needs.
So, the answer?
Reusable tote bags that can be used for grocery-toting and other stuff. That pattern is really easy and super fast to make. I added a small bag to store it in, sealed with Velcro. So, a tote bag that can be rolled up into a small handy-dandy bag. Not the worst gift ever, right? I mean, it's not like when I was in high school and my mom gave me towels. Like, the ugliest towels EVER. And I did actually live with my dad. (Who did actually own a set of towels).
I also made up my own pattern for a tote bag that does have a lining. It's a little more finished style, but sort of similar. I'll post pictures soon, when I don't have a sister in law coming to stay tomorrow and my kid isn't sneezing all over the place. I'll also post pics of Peanut's two skirts I made.
Cross your fingers, maybe the kid will wake up smiling and healthy again. And maybe I'll get a little bit of sleep.
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