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I mock you with my monkey pants! - LiveJournal.com
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Caleb likes the pool.
Two years old, can you believe it? For his birthday we had a little gathering at my mom's community pool with lunch and cupcakes and swimming. That afternoon, unfortunately, he got quite sick - we think it was a tummy bug that has been making the rounds of our household.
On Monday he had his 2 year doctor's appointment; he is 32 lbs and 38 inches tall - I don't grown 'em small, you know. Also on Monday he started at his new daycare which he will be at for 2 days/week until mid-August, when he will switch to full time. He seems to really love it there. He's such a social creature, he thrives with other kids around. I am very grateful for that. On Monday & Tuesday when I picked him up, they were in the middle of singing time and it took him a good few minutes to even notice that I was there.
When he is looking for us he yells "Oh, Moooooooooooooommy!", "Oh, Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaddy!" until he finds whomever he is looking for, and then pronounces "Oh, Mommy." or "Oh, Daddy." with a little sigh. "Oh" is his shortened version of "Hello", but even knowing that, it is still the cutest thing EVER.
Applesauce-Spice Cupcakes with Brown-Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
These are from Martha's new cupcake cookbook. As an aside, I find it amusing that I've made two receipes from this book, it's been out for less than a month, and it looks as if I've had it and been using it for YEARS.
These cupcakes are quite moist and very delicious. It is difficult to tell that they are *apple*. They could easily be banana or zucchini or pumpkin, even. The frosting is wonderfully tangy with a slight touch of sweetness.
As with the last Martha recipe I made from this book (Streusel Cupcakes), this recipe was much less complicated than a Martha Stewart recipe should ever be. The measurements worked out nearly perfectly - I used a cookie scoop to divide the batter evenly - 3 scoops of batter for each cake. They do not rise much. Each cupcake also received 1 (cookie) scoop of frosting. There was a little frosting left over, but I maintain that 1 scoop was enough. Be sure to whip the frosting long enough for it to become smooth and lighter in color. Also note, this is not the same recipe for Applesauce-Spice cupcakes as can be found on the MS website. This recipe is only available in the cupcake book: Martha Stewart's Cupcakes: 175 Inspired Ideas for Everyone's Favorite Treat
Caleb
I've been catching some flack for not posting pics and all that jazz recently. So here's one I took at the end of May.
Here's a little story:
Last night, I was giving him a bath and...I farted. He looked at me and said, "Mommy! Noise!". I said "Yes, Mommy made a funny noise." He said, "Caleb! Noise!" and then proceeded to strain, forcing himself to fart. He looked very proud of himself and said, "Caleb! Noise!" until I commented that yes, Caleb had made a funny noise as well. I called Bill in, and Caleb glady demonstrated his gas-passing prowess. What a nice young man I am raising.
Ah, Livejournal...
Thou hast become somewhat of a Red-Headed Stepchild; ignored until needed and beaten upon when stressed. *sigh*
I admit that it was somewhat of a bad idea to declare May as a month of postings when May was possibly the busiest month I've had in ages. Reunion, then Artomatic preparations, then my birthday...these things pile up, you know. So for a quick version of the past month, I present you with Linkspam:
Reunion photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alyson_olander/sets/72157618354246603/
Once again, I prove myself to be very dull.
How on Earth did I totally miss posting yesterday? I have NO IDEA. I have been practically falling over from exhaustion this week, it could have something to do with it. It's 9:20 on a Friday night and I am considering just going to bed. That's just sad
Busy day at work; Caleb's last day in his current daycare situation; did some shopping today at NY&Co with my coupons and their sales, got good deals. Otherwise, I have nothing to report.
Today, I ran a 5K
I kind of had to trick myself into it. I didn't actually know I was running a 5K. I thought I was running 2.8 miles...and then they added a little extra and it turned out to be a 5K.
Never in a million years did I think that I would EVER run a 5K. Of course, it was a goal of mine, but a goal I never thought I would make.
I guess its time for me to sign up for those ones in the fall that I've been meaning to sign up for and putting off.
Missed a day, oh pooh.
Last night I passed out on the couch at about 9:15. Also my house is about 5 degrees colder than I like it to be because the condo folks have turned off the heat in preparation for turning on the air (which was needed two weekend ago, but not now!). So bundled up in blankets on the couch is where I was, and stayed, until I went to bed around 10:15 or so. Hence, no posty post. You'll get two today to make up for it.
For now, You get a list of super quick, Twitter-like, updates.
- participating in NIH Take a Hike day today by running the trail - 2.8 miles.
- made fajitas last night for Cinco de Mayo; every day should be Cinco de Mayo.
- made proper use of the Macy's coupon on Monday evening.
- will make proper use of the NY&Co coupon tonight or tomorrow
- going to
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=88.9) ninthraven's Touch Drawing class this weekend.
- can't believe reunion in a week away.
NIH Juried Art Show
I submitted 3 pieces to the NIH Juried Art Show this year. Last year when it came around, it was advertised as only for NIH "SCIENTISTS" and while I could technically argue that I am a computer scientist, having a degree in that field, I didn't overly care. This year, it came around and was announced as ANYONE with NIH in some form or fashion and since I am an NIH contractor, I fit the bill.
They chose the piece that's been around the block and back, the purple swirly one in the icon here. I was serious about retiring it after this show, if I can. I might even retire the icon. I'm that sick of it. And no other quilts seem to stand a chance against it.
Anyway, I have to admit, at first I was a little disappointed. The "reception" was some plates of cookies and bottles of water. My quilt was in a "gallery case" through another set of doors, along with 8 other pieces - the rest of the pieces were located in a separate but attached length of hallway that seemed to gather much more in the way of crowds. AND they spelled my name wrong, making it impossible for anyone to contact me if they wanted to.
But then things improved. A few of my co-workers showed up, then Bill, then some of the people I am friendly with and then some Important People Whom I Am Friendly With. And then I finally went and spoke to the guy who had done much of the work on the show, to ask him to take my picture with the quilt. He told me how much he loved my piece and that they really wanted to display 2 of them, but that they were trying to go with only one piece/person (they had 500+ piece to chose from and only 40+ places). And then he asked me if Lillian had contacted me because she really wanted me to do a PRIVATE SHOW. Like...a show, all to myself, at NIH. Um. *blinkblinkblink*
We are not holding our breath.
But it was really nice to hear.
Busy, busy day.
I promise these posts will improve. I'm so out of practice. I worked on this piece today. I know you can't see much of it here, but it will be in Artomatic between May 29th-July 5th, so iffin you want to see it, you should come for a visit. Or, I will probably post a full pic when it's done, so you could take that route as well.
Also, we made a pilgrimage to Ikea for Artomatic lighting and a myriad of other fun things. I want everything. In particular, a new kitchen; but also, everything.
The NIH Juried Art Show Starts tomorrow. My purple swirly quilt that's already been everywhere is in that show. While I am very excited to be accepted to a juried art show, I have to admit to feeling disappointed that the other submissions were overlooked in favor of the purple swirly one. I think it's getting retired after this show, I'm tired of looking at it.
Off to go work on some more stuff for Artomatic. I think it is possibly a bad idea for me to leave all of the hand-sewing till last...
Month of postings: day 2 - Oh my God we're not gonna make it!
Ok, clearly, I need to work on scheduling time for this. The day has disappeared! Tonight we are having dinner at a friends and by the time I get home, it will be late and I will be tired.
Things I wish to discuss about today:
- ran two miles this morning
- free comic book day
- lunch at "the burger joint"
- drive by visit from my daddy-o
- making cupcakes for the pot luck tonight
- making ravioli for the pot luck tonight
...and that last one is the reason why I can't go more in depth at the moment. Ravioli! ACK!
O Hai, livejournal!
I've been away for a long time. Like, a month and a half. I hope you all didn't forget about me. I've decided that May will be a(nother) month of postings, so expect to see more. I had planned a long comeback post for today with all sorts of juicy details of life hidden away in it, but, well, life ran away with all of the time I thought I had to post. Which is pretty much par for the course, as you can guess. So instead you get a photo of me and Laurie and Julia at Laura's wedding this past weekend. Please don't ask me what I'm laughing at, I don't know. But it was probably pretty funny.
But...month of postings...yeeeeeeeeeees.
Recipe: Potato, Zucchini & Carrot Pancake
Not the best picture, but I had to take it with my cell phone - left my camera card at work.
Notes on the recipe: I drained/pressed both the zucchini AND the potato - my potato seemed particularly water-logged. I made the salad with shredded romaine and super thin sliced onions and used only 1 T of oil in the dressing. The salad (& dressing) were the perfect accompaniment for the pancake, don't skip it because you don't think they go together. The pancakes were difficult to turn in the pan; they don't stick together well, but once you get them onto the baking sheet, they are fine. Also, it needs more salt.
Recipe from: www.bhg.com/recipe/vegetables/potato-zucchini-and-carrot-...
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes per batch
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 medium zucchini, shredded (about 1-1/4 cups)
1-1/2 lb. baking potatoes, peeled and shredded (about 4 cups)
1 large carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 large eggs
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 recipe Spring Greens, below
Mixed peppercorns, crushed (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat two small baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. Drain zucchini in a colander; press to squeeze out excess liquid. In large bowl combine zucchini, potatoes, carrot, flour, 1 of the eggs, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. In extra-large nonstick skillet heat half of the oil over medium heat. To make a pancake, spoon about 1-cup portion of potato mixture into skillet; evenly press and round edges with back of spatula to form a pancake. Cook two pancakes at a time, 4 to 5 minutes each side or until golden brown, turning once. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining oil and potato mixture.
4. With the back of a wooden spoon or a 1/4-cup measure gently press each pancake, slightly off-center, to make a 3-inch-diameter depression, deep enough to hold an egg (Pancake Nests, below). Pour one egg in each nest. Place pancakes with eggs in oven, being careful not to tilt baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, 10 to 12 minutes or until eggs are cooked through. Transfer pancakes to serving plates. Serve with Spring Greens. Sprinkle with crushed peppercorns. Makes 4 servings.
5. Spring Greens: In large bowl combine 3 cups watercress and 1 small carrot, peeled and cut in long strips with vegetable peeler. For dressing, in bowl combine 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and dash of black pepper. Slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Toss with watercress and carrot strips.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 362, Total Fat (g) 20, Saturated Fat (g) 4, Monounsaturated Fat (g) 12, Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 3, Cholesterol (mg) 264, Sodium (mg) 599, Carbohydrate (g) 34, Total Sugar (g) 4, Fiber (g) 4, Protein (g) 13, Vitamin C (DV%) 76, Calcium (DV%) 10, Iron (DV%) 17, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Project Post (4/52): Spiral Bound Calendar Cover Complete!
This was just a quickie project for myself that may end up turning into more. I bought one of those spiral bound calendar books this year in order to keep myself better organized. I immediately thought of covering it, but I didn't have the time, the inclination or the material I wanted on hand. Luckily all of those things came to me about a week an a half ago.
The fabrics are 100% cotton, the prints are from Jay McCarroll's line for Free Spirit: Woodland Wonderland, which I got from Fabricworm on Etsy. The cover was really simple, and I feel good about it because I designed it, start to finish, myself. Plus it only took me a couple of hours to put together, including designing and measuring, which really is half the battle. The only thing I'll keep in mind for the future is to maybe add some of the stiff interfacing just to the front and back covers so that they will be even more protective of the flimsy little calendar. But either way, I <3 it.
You can see more pictures of it on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alyson_olander/3339549097/
Stay tuned for:
Project 3/52: Jacket
Project 5/52: Quickening Moon
Project 6/52: Quilting samples
Project 7/52: Ribbon belts
Project 8/52: Storm Moon
Another 5 things
I'm feeling unmotivated to post, so I asked ldthomps to give me 5 more things for this meme, partly because I wanted to see what 5 things she would come up with, as opposed to the 5 things owlfish came up with.
A getting-to-know-you meme. "Comment to this post and I will give you 5 subjects/things I associate with you. Then post this in your LJ and elaborate on the subjects given."
ldthomps asked me about:
Creativity with color
This is the hardest one to write about! I like color, really I do. But I think when I create, I tend to stick to a particular palet. I'm looking at my journal quilts from a couple years ago and there's the purple one, the brown one, the grey one, the green one and the red one. I didn't mix within each individual quilt. I'm always attracted to blue - I have a ridiculous amount of blue fabrics. I have quite a lot of green as well.
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