Chonicles of Princess Hot Flash

From one obsession to another

2011-12-30T12:21:00.000-05:00

Now that my quince obsession has been quenched (sort of), it has move on to another, making jam. It has all the fitting of something I would obsess about--something old-fashion, long and somewhat complicated process, handmade and can be experimental. So now I'm a bit jam crazy.

The funny thing is I don't usually eat jam or jelly, too sweet. But I like using it in cookies or recently have been using it as filling for my cakes and cupcakes. I've been envisioning what groupings I can make with cake flavors and jams.

My jam list is beginning to grow. So far I have: quince [done--need to wait for next year], raspberry[done last weekend for holiday gifts], blackberries were a good deal @ costco and some kind of citrus fruit [I have grapefruit in refrig and I just bought meyer lemons] marmalade.

Just asked my sister if she can send me some of her citrus from the back yard. She said they are still green but now I can't wait. MARMALADE!

The whole long process of making jam is exactly how I like to cook. Something that takes long and needs tending to like Braised Lamb Shank, yummmmm--those are so delicious. WG should make those at the restaurant. that's my kind of cooking. Jam making had to join my list of what I needed to try. The sound of the popping lids makes me happy that I did something right.

Made some filling with the raspberry jam for lemon cupcakes with vanilla buttercream. I still feel the jam is very sweet. I need to work on the sugar to fruit ratio.

Here's couple of pictures of my blackberries starting the process. Berries being mushed then bottles of jams in the water bath. Like the taste of this jam. Not that sweet.

Who knew an bumpy yellow green fruit that most people never heard of would lead to this. [I still have to make make the cake with quince jam. But that will have to wait, there too many things in the que.

Test Baking

2011-12-22T15:29:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: I found the where I got the pear tat recipe. Here's the link: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/409177. And made a second one for the restaurant, pears not as ripe. Would have been better if I waited a couple days. My suggestions is to wait to the pears are really ripe, like "juice run down your arm if you bite into" ripe. It will totally be worth it.

Been testing a few things past few months when I can fit things into restaurant baking schedule. A few needs more testing, one winner on first try. I'm sure the people at work are happy with me testing as many recipes as I can. Got a few pictures to share.

Pear Tart [looks more like a cake]

Been wanting to try out this recipe for ages. Simple, with the minimum of ingredients and I had the perfectly ripen pears for it. The problem is I can't remember where I got this recipe. I'm trying my best to find because it was such a hit at work.

It's has 3 very ripe anjou pears cut into 8ths then smushed into this buttery batter. It takes a long time to bake (about an hour) and in the beginning I thought it was a disaster. Batter looked so soupy from all the juice of the pears, the batter wasn't rising and it wasn't browning. But then about 1/2 way into the baking time, the batter start enveloping the pears and the browning begins. The finish result is a cake-like tart with creamy, custardy, chucky pear center. So delicious.

French Macarons

I decide to try my hand at making these. I knew these would take a few tries to figure the consistance of the batter. So for my first try, I overmixed and underbake but the flavor was delicious. They are suppose to have "feet" but mine didn't I think because I overmixed the batter. WG loved them, even without the filling. Not sure if I would sell them at the restaurant but I would for sure make the as a dessert for a party or give them as gifts.

Here's a couple of site I used for my macarons:

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2008/09/making-french-macarons/

http://www.syrupandtang.com/200712/la-macaronicite-1-an-introduction-to-the-macaron/

Coco Puffs

On our last visit to Hawaii, we got to taste these famous sweets from Liliha Bakery. (Thank you Janice!) On top of that, WG loves cream puffs. So when I found this Coco Puff recipe from JustJenn. I had to try them out. Not bad for my first attempt, need to work on the pate choux, more time in the oven. The chocolate pastry cream is so delicious. I could just eat that. I wasn't all that please with the chantilly cream. It didn't really set up for me but it did taste good. Well, I guess I need to try again. It has to be a day when I have a lot of time as it does take awhile and lots of eggs.

Cooking measurements

2011-12-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

Just in case, you ever never to convert measurements, I just found this site to help me figure out approx. how much sugar was in my sweet potato pie per slice. Cool.

http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/conversion_tables.htm

My Quince Obsession

2011-12-05T11:09:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: I just realized I never said what it tasted like. When it was cooking up, the smell was very wine-y and intense. The taste is very hard to describe--sweet, wine, port, prunes are few words that come to my mind when I taste it. But the taste isn't intense like what the smell when it was cooking up. Texture is a little chunky. I can see how it would go well with some cheese as the Spanish would do.

hasbeen quiet, in the background of my ever crazy mind since I heardthe story on npr[Reading up on it, find bath products scented with it, never in the stores, never getting to the farmers' market to see if they have any]. Irecently spotted a lonely scrubby quince tree near my route to the restaurant and have beenplotting how I could pick me some [on private property, no where to park without getting noticed]. So when someone at work toldme she got some from our office fruit/veggie people, I jumped at the chance to buy some.

Ifyou never heard or seen a quince, it looks like a bumpy pear/apple in ayellow green color as you can see above. It's scent is incredible when it is ripe, can be almost too sweet of a scent. It can'tbe eaten raw, tastes horrible. But has lots of pectin in it, to make it perfect for jamsand jellies. NowI have 2 lbs in my hands and I will cook up some jam this weekend to addto vanilla cake or maybe some Earl Grey Tea cake with vanillabuttercream.

Fast forward, to this weekend, I made jam, had to do it or the quinces wouldn't have lasted to next weekend. Found an easy recipe on the internet, added some nutmeg and vanilla to it and cooked away. It took a little longer than it should--I think I started out too gentle with the heat. Also it was my first time making jam/canning by myself. I remember sort of helping my mom do make guava jelly but only real memory is the intense sweet smell of the fruit cooking down. Kind of enjoyed the process, loved the way the fruit changes color and comes together. And the whole canning process was was right up my alley, the popping of the lids to made me proud that I did it right.

I think I'm definitely will be making more jam [can't wait for the summer fruits]. Anyway, I got 6 1/2 pints out of my 2lbs. Here's my bounty.

I decide to have a tasting at my office since I got so many people intrigued by it. To go with the jam, I whipped up some of my zucchini bread, adding a ripe pear to that and adjusting the leavening and a little less sugar to compensate for the pear. Here's what left of the tasting once I remembered to take a picture.

Baking Powder

2011-11-30T12:42:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd share this link about baking powder from David Lebovitz blog since it is baking season. It's from one of my favorite food blogs--delicious looking food and things about Paris. How can you go wrong.

My morning walk

2011-11-09T10:50:00.003-05:00

One of the road in my neighborhood has been close for about a week, meaning all the traffic (crazy commuter traffic) is being diverted up and around to my street. So instead of torturing my carpool mate (with the crazy commuter drivers) I decided to walk up to bus station to meet her.

Just a quick 10 minute walk, past a river and a wooded area, I decided to take a pic of the fall colors on the side of the road, partially to distract me from the crazy lunatics drive up the hill trying to get to the bus station. I hope I distracted the lunatics enough to slow down for a second.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I haven't posted in over a month

2011-11-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. I've been busy, baking every chance I get and I still can't keep up. Cheesecake, cheesecake, cheesecake. aaargh! But this week, I'm hoping to cook up a cheese pumpkin, that I got from the fruit/veggie deliver at the office, to make pumpkin cheesecake and the rest for some pumpkin pancakes. I got the cheese pumpkin because it's suppose be the best to make this out of.

I was also busy baking up some Halloween cupcakes (not my favorite holiday since events of last year) for a friend's son, spiders and ghosts. I didn't realize that black frosting was so hard to make. Thank goodness for the internet. Just touch green to get my black. I hope the kids enjoy the cupcakes.

Here's some picture of the pumpkins, spiders and ghost. The light orange pumpkin is the cheese pumpkin.

The past two days . . .

2011-09-27T13:24:00.001-04:00

During lunch, I've been listening to npr music and reading on my iphone. I should have started this sooner, it is quite relaxing. I just finished listening to the Wilco and Diego Garcia in concert. And I'm reading "The Girl Who Played with Fire".

My listening continues with some jazz-Scott Colley Trio as I make sure I have all the piece for my project are ready to upload.

If work could always be like this.

Liberty and Hello Kitty

2011-09-27T10:23:00.003-04:00

I love the the prints from Liberty and how can I not like their new Hello Kitty line. I'm not the biggest Hello Kitty fan but these prints are great. I want to make a blouse with Pink Karenkubo Hello Kitty Print.

I think there are few little girls (and maybe a couple of big girls) that would appreciate handmade Liberty Hello Kitty piece from me.

Are Those Granny Squares?

2011-09-23T15:11:00.001-04:00

I was looking @ Sartorialist and saw a post about Prada Spring/Summer 2012. Are those granny squares on that pink/teal-ish coat? It makes such a cool patttern and texture. I really like. The navy/orange swimsuit coverup is beautiful. Hmmmm . . . what can I make with granny squares.

Maurice Sendak

2011-09-23T14:18:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share this Maurice Sendak interview from NPR. The interview talks about his new book and his life. It was quite touching and a little bit sad at the end when he mentions how missed people that have left.

I thought it was only fitting to pass it along as I'm volunteering at the exhibit: In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak at the New Brunswick Public Library.

If you have a chance you should come by and see it. It's a small exhibit that will not take too much time. Also there's closing reception on October 11 at 7:00pm with the curator of the exhibit giving a talk. I heard his talk at the opening was great. I'll be there.

Munchmobile 2011 "Best of" list

2011-09-11T07:03:00.000-04:00

I'm shamelessly promoting our restaurant. But I want spread the good news. We made the munchmobile 2011 "Best of" list. And so did our Hot and Sour Soup. Here's the link to the article.

Brownies

2011-09-10T20:43:00.000-04:00

Been wanting to test this brownie recipe for a while. Thought that it probably would sell well at the restaurant. So I left the restaurant early today, [I was crabby, not a good mood for being around people] and decided to bake.

First things first, cheesecake. Needed to get this week's cheesecake done. [check]

I've made these brownies before, it is very chocolate-y. Over a pound of chocolate [no, wait, it's closer 2 pounds] divided into 20 pieces. I wanted to test them to see if the customers would like them. And of course, I'll bring some into the office. They are really my official taste testers [last weeks tasting was nutella rice crispie treats, thumbs up].

I must admit this baking sure help my bad mood [or could it be I just need a break from the restaurant].

Oh, no! Brownie emergency! Dripping the bottom of the oven! Now I remember it did this last time. I need to line the bottom of my oven. Oh well . . . guess I know what I'm going to be doing in 15 minutes.

Here's a picture of the whole pan, right out of the oven. Not the best picture [but what do you expect a large brown rectangle to look like]. The bottom left corner is where it drip in the oven. The kitchen does smell deliciously chocolate, with a twing of burnt. But now I have to wait to taste, into the refrig to cool overnight so they set up.

Recipes testing and my broken cake

2011-09-03T07:41:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: 9.10.11

I crossed off what I tested.
_____________________

With the long weekend here, I'll have some time [one day] to do some recipe testing. Here's my list of what I want to test:

~~nutella rice crispie treats~~

chocolate malted cupcakes

~~plum crumble or crisp~~

~~brownies~~

mango something

chocolate dobash--like Delite bakery in Hawaii--maybe turn into cupcake

cream puffs

mochi something

macarons

My recipe testing list is so long and always growing. Most likely, I will only get to 2 of them. I also have make up a cheesecake. That extra day isn't enough.

As for my broken cake, I tried making one of my favorites, Sour Cream Apricot Cake for the restaurant. It's a very moist and delicate [not too sweet] bundt cake with chopped dried apricots soaked in some kind of liqueur [I used some Applekorn]. I thought it would be great with dollop of whipped cream. Well, when I filpped it out of the pan [I knew it was going to be bad when I had to shake the pan to death], only the bottom half came out, the top was stuck in the pan. I guess I did a very sucky job and greasing and flouring the pan.

Oh well, not Oat and the staff at the restaurant can enjoy my broken cake. I tried it, it was delicious. Maybe next week, the customers can enjoy, too.

I'll post some pics of my testing soon.

OMG!

2011-09-02T08:31:00.001-04:00

UPDATE
The article is up! Here's the link: Munchmobile 2011: Reader's choice trip ends season
Can you tell I'm excited? Happy Reading!

Ran out earlier to the market to get the Star Ledger. Stop @ SB for an iced mocha and read the article. It was great! We got the Top Dog honors for their Reader's Choice visit. Wow! I'm feeling a little jittery--not sure if it from the article or my ice mocha.

This whole event has come as such a wonderful unexpected surprise. It makes all the hard work that we have been doing so worth it. Thanks everyone for all the support!

If you can get the Star Ledger, it the September 2 Munchmobile article. If not, here's the link to the munchmobile site. Article not up yet but will post everywhere when it is. Here's what the article looks like.

CafeBua: Star Ledger Munchmobile

2011-09-01T16:29:00.000-04:00

CafeBua: Star Ledger Munchmobile: Check out the Star Ledger, Munchmobile section this Friday, September 2 to read about us. You can also see the article at http://www.nj.com...

"In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak"

2011-08-31T20:52:00.000-04:00

Wanted to get the word out about this exhibit. I'm volunteering at the "In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak" @ the New Brunswick Free Public Library. Opens on September 7, the exhibit runs to October 11. I'll be ther most Mondays evenings from 7:00. Hope you get a chance to come and see it. Sounds like fun!

Live Up to My Superhero Name

2011-08-23T21:05:00.000-04:00

My, oh my! I'm sure doing a great job at it. Flashing here, flashing there and most flashing at bedtime, I'm so tired all the time. One day [I hope] a really smart woman will invent something to use these flashes in a productive way.

But wait! I bought myself a mini trampoline, to jump the hotness out of me. I know it's not cool like a stand up paddle board or running a marathon. But only goal right now is to get a good night's sleep and not feel so old and achy. So if you want a laugh, just think of me jumping on my mini trampoline in the middle of my living room next to my elephant chair, trying to keep my balance and not fall off.

Hope it works. Will keep you posted.

Clouds

2011-08-20T09:14:00.000-04:00

Quite often on my commute [too long], I see these crazy cloud formations from on coming bad weather that I just want to pull over and take a picture of. But I know better not to cause rush hour craziness by pulling over to take picture of the sky [rubbernecking :)].

But yesterday as I was leaving the restaurant, the clouds were in rare form and I got my picture. They almost looked photohop'ed. You could tell something big was coming, they were moving and changing shape so quickly.

boxes of cupcakes

2011-08-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to show off few more cupcake photos. I got a bit obsessed with the batches [most of my recipes make 18 to 24 cupcakes] and how I was going to get to a 100. Ended up making the last box with raspberry [1/2 batch] and red velvet [1/2 batch to event. 1/2 batch to restaurant and the customer's favorite] to soothe my obsession and putting me over 100.

100+ cupcakes

2011-08-16T13:08:00.000-04:00

And yes, I'm crazy and exhausted.

Decided to do this project/job a couple of weeks ago. I thought I could get word out about the restaurant and what an accomplishment to make 100+ cupcakes.

Here's some pics of the cupcakes I wanted to share.

Naked

Frosted

Flavors made: Red Velvet with ganache filling and vanilla cream cheese frosting; Fresh Raspberry with Vanilla buttercream; Chocolate with nutella filling and Chocolate buttercream; Chai Tea with orange marmalade filling and caradomon spice cream cheese frosting; Orange with passion fruit filling and passion fruit buttercream topped with toffee crunch; White Peach with vanilla cream cheese frosting.

Hope people enjoy it!

My Giant Weed

2011-08-05T20:21:00.000-04:00

It's back from last year. Does anyone out there know what it is. Is something good that happen to come into my yard and just doesn't want to go away even though I don't even water it? Oh well, it's going to be there for a while as I'm just too lazy to dig it out. I wonder how much bigger it will get.

The funny thing is my gardener came by the other day and to trim our bushes and weed whack everything in sight but left this one. I think it so big that he think I'm actually trying grow this plant/weed.

Only if my other plants did as well with so little care. Here's one more tomato plant picture. I got to show off something that's doing well.

My love of old fashion office supplies

2011-08-05T20:06:00.000-04:00

I had these for a while and just got around to shoot it. It's old-fashion stickies, I guess. Purple transparent tabs that you slip on to a page or sheet of paper. They are quite beautiful and don't want to use them because they'll get lost. I even love the graphic on the box. [didn't I mention I collect stuff]

Tiny holes in my t-shirt

2011-08-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

I found this link on Not Martha about finding tiny holes in the front of the your favorite t-shirt. Here I was cursing bad manufacturing for these tiny holes in barely worn tees. Come to find out, it was probably me.

I've been doing random embroidery over the holes to continue to wear these shirts. Most of time, people think I have some on my t-shirt that needs to be brush off. I'm just going to continue with the embroidery when I find more holes (there are more already) and let's see where this goes. Stay tune.

Update on my vacation to-do list

2011-07-29T09:47:00.000-04:00

Things that I can cross off the list:

-worked for WG at the restaurant [I also was at restaurant almost everyday--some days were more work than others]

-baked bread pudding, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate mocha cupcakes, and cheesecake

-made shave ice syrup [can't remember what flavors]

-cleaned my house

-went to icp, had lunch with friend and learned the ins and outs of twitter

-made strawberry ice cream for me and WG to have @ home

-got a new tire for my truck

-got my hair cut and colored

-went to the farmers market got so white peaches for us

Things I didn't get to do

-find my upholstery webbing for the tote bag [I hope I didn't throw this out in one my get rid of crap days]

-layout my dress for cutting

-massage

-plant my begonias

-start twittering [though I started this on Monday]

-and the biggest thing--REST!

I was quite tired after this vacation. Too much to do plus the terrible hot weather and several bouts of sinus headaches. I need another week off.

[PS: The restaurant is on twitter now, @CafeBua. We starting off slow and been positng links to our lunch special. Will post more and come Fall hope to do some twitter-only promotion. If you are in the area or know someone that is. Let them know about our twitter or facebook.]

Random stuff in my office

2011-07-29T09:09:00.000-04:00

I was taking a picture of the second sock when I decided get a few pictures of random stuff in my office.

The Wall of me

A collection of drawings from my office mates. This is what designers do during meetings. A great b/w painting (top right) by Steve Keene that an office mate gave because he thought it would go well with my stuff. It's next to Steve Keene post card that friend sent to me.

My favorite office device

is the the silver hole puncher in the red container, next to non-usuable eyeglasses [over the counter magnifying glasses, now too weak, but nice frames]. It's an old metal, very heavy, single hole punch. That I make good use of [more for my crafting or gifts items]. I love the look and weight of it, wish they would make more things like this.

Another coin container

Yet another coin container that is slowing disappearing. I think I had purpose for collecting the coins for years. Now with the restaurant, I'm finally making good use of them.

Jade Elephant

2011-07-25T16:50:00.000-04:00

Working another pouch prototype. Just starting to lay things out. I really like this brand of rice bags. Love the imagery and words, but this bag ravels so much. I need to singe the edge to make it stop. Found this check fabric in my crazy fabric stash, thinking of making a front pocket and adding some trim. Not sure what I'm lining it with, most likely a rice bag. Will post the finish piece.

Still looking for my upholstery webbing for my tote. I have a little bit of this red webbing but I still need more. I think the upholstery webbing would add more contrast to it. The red webbing is a bit too matchy for me. Maybe I have some other crazy fabric to make into handles.

Wish I did more when I was on vacation. Just wasn't motivated when I realize I would have to hunt for the webbing. Stay tune for the finish piece.

Cherry Tomatoes

2011-07-22T02:47:00.001-04:00

cherry tomato, a photo by april_yurie on Flickr.

This is second batch of ripening tomatoes. Tomato plant like this very sunny spot near my front door. To the right of it, is my ever ripening chili pepper. It quite giant, only produced this one fruit and has been taking it sweet time to ripen. But at least, I'm getting something unlike last year's zucchini :(

Hats and Old Ladies

2011-07-21T18:40:00.000-04:00

I decided to wear a hat into the city today. On top of being very hot [provides good sun protection], people wear hats in the NYC, so I wouldn't stick out like a odd soul. I've had this hat for years and have tried to wear it on many occasions but never found the right time or place. [bought it right before I started to work in NJ] It has as small brim with a tall crown and leather band. It fits me perfectly and I just like the shape of it on my head.

Fast forward to Port Authority [Bus station NYC], I'm waiting for my friend, hat on my head and people watching as I observe there were lots of people with the same idea that I had--good day for a hat. What I also observed was the majority of the hat wearers with asian, ladies and old.

Sigh. . . . I guess I just have to accept the fact, I'm one of those old Asian ladies with a hat. [but at least my hat was cool!]

What I've done so far on my vacation

2011-07-20T10:42:00.000-04:00

It's Wednesday and haven't done too much on vacation to-do list. Let's see if my list is getting any shorter. [I won't mention the previous Satuday and Sunday--too crabby]

-worked for WG at the restaurant

-baked bread pudding, red velvet cupcakes and chocolate mocha cupcakes [this is still in progress waiting for my chocolate frosting to firm up before I pipe it on the cupcake]

-cleaned the first floor of the house

-scheduled lunch with friend and icp

-made strawberry ice cream for me and WG to have @ home

-got a new tire for my truck [the 4th tire this year and 1 year before. My commute is hell]

Today

-making my appt for hair cut and massage

-making cheesecake [I'm hoping I can get two done, one to freeze]

-find my upholstery webbing for the tote bag [I hope I didn't throw this out in one my get rid of crap days]

-layout my dress for cutting

-vacuum upstairs

Thursday

-lunch in NYC

-show @ icp

-learn how to twitter with style

Friday

-haircut and massage

-farmer's market

-start twittering [Yes, I've decided to do this for the restaurant--who knew I had this much to say, 2 blogs, 2 facebooks and now twitter. I'm so tired]

Let's see how much more I get done. Stay tune! Hope to post some pictures of the chocolate mocha cupcakes on Cafe Bua blog and fb. [for me, this is my kind of cupcake]

By the way, green highlight text in brackets, [was blue before but conflicted with the links color] is sort me talking out loud to myself, adding more information or rambling. Maybe a sign of being crazy! :)

My summer vacation

2011-07-18T11:23:00.001-04:00

Today is my official start to my summer vacation. Hopeful it will not be anything like my Saturday and Sunday--working with a headache and massively crabby.

I have a huge list of things to do for myself this week. If I can get half of it done, I'll be happy. My vacation to-do list:

-get set up with Twitter
-organize my office (so I can find things easier)
-work on some bag prototypes
-plant a few more plants
-cut my hair
-get a massage
-have lunch in NYC with a friend
-see a show @ icp
-sew a dress for myself

Add my weekly to-do:
-bake
-laundry
-clean the house
-bills

And on top of that I'm giving WG break and working for him on Tuesday. I guess I'm going to be busy. At least I know, I have lunch and icp scheduled. Yah!

I hope I can get some pictures from this week.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Flower One Dot coin purse

2011-07-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

I found a pattern for these crocheted flower that are joined into a larger piece to make a bag, Mollie's Flowers. I thought it was beautiful and I could make up the flower in my spare time between project. My idea was to make a bag in a neutral color, charcoal or beige so the flowers becomes a texture and just highlight one flower center on the bag as an accent.

First the flowers. I needed to try out the flower pattern with scrap yarn. To see if it was possible to make tons of them in to the bag I wanted. These turn into into pins for x-mas gift for the office. I got a little crazy with the centers and add contrasting yarn and some beading.

After finishing the pins, I kind of realized that I think I needed to downsize my idea. The bag I envisioned would take 100s of flowers and I don't think I have the stick-with-it-ness to make all of the same flowers over and over. So I decided on a round coin purse. Fast forward a couple of years.

Tah dah! Flower One Dot coin purse. An early birthday present for my niece [I'm alway late with gifts--like 6 months late] since she came for a visit a couple of days before her birthday.

The inside is lined with some Japanese crepe fabric and the back is a plain crocheted circle in rusty red with red zipper. Hope she can use it.

Sunday in NYC

2011-06-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

Kind of got a Sunday off. Took a friend's daughter up to Columbia, she's attending their summer program. Went in by train with all the happy crazy people going into the Gay Pride Parade. The train was mobbed.

Took a cab up (Man! That cab driver made good time) then stood in line for few minutes (I have to say, Columbia sure had their act together) and into the dorm we went. I've been my share of dorms these past few years and these were quite nice. Your own room in 2 floor suite with 3–4 rooms per floor. Rooms were a decent size with air condition (lucky girl). I left her to set up room, she was one very excited young lady.

Then I decided to walk downtown, to look for some place to eat and get my train back home. Walked past St. John the Divine, so beautiful. Was thinking of stopping but just kept going. It was a beautiful day, low humidity and sunny, just a great day for walking. I walked down to 72 St. subway by then I was a bit hot and sweaty. So I found a diner to eat at then a short hop on a subway to Penn Station. Nice day off with some exercise to boot.

Just wanted to share something from my walk downtown. I saw this beautiful blue door with black scroll work. The color was so beautiful. I think it help that it was against all that white.

Upcycling

2011-06-24T10:24:00.000-04:00

Upcycling: taking something that would be thrown out and making something out of it just as good or even better.

I've been always fascinated with upcycling. I think it comes from three things:

my parent's no throwing out policy [ ". . . it still good, you can use it." as they weed through my trash]
love of old stuff
fear of being a hoarder.

So I'm giving upcycling a try as I attempt reduce my many piles of stuff. Using up my yarn is first on my list and I've been making stuff with what I have and not to buy any new yarn (I've already failed in that task).

Project 1: Not a upcycle project but my attempt to make piles of yarn smaller, I started with WG's yellow socks, I'm on sock 2 and it's looking good. I guess toe-up sock has just enough challenge to keep me interested and but not make too much mistakes. Self-striping yarn rules!

Project 2: My bag (pocketbook, handbag whatever you call it) is always a mess, especially with the cords and the chargers all tangled up in a ball. So I decided to make a cord bag for myself. I frogged (took apart for you non-knitter) a red wool shrug I made years ago that I never wore (too hot for me these days). Decided to use a seed stitch pattern knitted with 2 strands, I love the beautiful simple texture the seed stitch pattern creates in bulky yarn. I knitted in the round for less seaming (yeah! for me, two less seam to finish) I also gave it a flat bottom in stockinette stitch and tucked in corners. On the inside, I lined it with a rice bag, gave it a lime green zipper with red trim. This turns out to be a double upcycle project (shrug and rice bags). I'm thinking I may be making up more to sell on Esty, stay tune.

Front view

Inside view

Offshoot from my cord bag project: Another thing I collect is vintage trim and I got an idea while I as constructing my cord bag, zipped pouches bags using my vintage trim, rice bags, and contrasting zippers.

Flat view

close up of zipper and trim

I want to try out a tote idea I have with the rice bags and some upholstery webbing (I told you have have a lot of stuff). More to come.

Project 3: have not started yet but will be constructing my secret collaborative blanket for a special Star Wars character. Got the pieces, got the idea how to combine applique, patchwork, crochet and knitting together. The upcycle part: still need couple more square and I may just repurpose some old shirt to make a couple of crazy patchwork squares. Stay tune for sneak peeks of it coming together.

Other ideas in the the upcycle que: turn old mens dress shirt to sleeping shorts, old hole-y sweaters patchwork blanket, vinyl banner (our grand opening banner) tote. I hope I can get to at least one of these ideas by the end of the year.

Farmer's Market goodies

2011-05-27T14:32:00.001-04:00

Strawberries for this weekend's baking. I'm thinking cheesecake.

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A Giant Spider

2011-05-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

in my basement.

I've been trying to get my house together, cleaning things out, everywhere in my house. And the basement is the perfect place on hot humid first summer day. So I started vacuuming stairs and then was going to tackle around my washer and dryer when I saw something in the corner of my eye. I look up at the side of the steps to see a giant spider, inches away from me. Now any spider to me freaks me out, but this was bigger than the usual ones I see.

I screamed.

[Now that was useless. Screaming only works if someone can hear you. No one else is home with me, I still had the very loud vacuum running and I was in the basement with the basement door closed.]

I backed away, unloaded the vacuum (had enough sense to turn it off) and ran up the stairs, where I have been since.

I wanted to do a load of laundry today but. . . what if it's still there. . . .or even worst what if it isn't there. So now I have to wait to Sunday, when Oat comes home early, to make sure the spider isn't anywhere near the washer and dryer.

[maybe I'm be brave and go down later this afternoon. I'm hoping it was just as scared as I was and ran away somewhere far.]

I didn't run away

2011-05-27T10:23:00.000-04:00

I know it's been more than a month since I last posted something. I guess I've more busy than I thought I was.

Mom and Dad's Visit

Mom and Dad have come and gone from their visit. They are even back home from CA. Well, here's a few details.

Pre-visit preparation included a major cleaning of the house with rearrangement of the furniture in the living room. Now I really can use the elephant chair.

We visited Princess Annika in Queens. Mom and Dad's first meeting with the Princess. Had a great time. Got slightly lost going home because I missed my exit. No gps, no navigator. M/D are no help. Thank goodness I didn't freak out, I would have still been in queens if I did. Found my way back, lots of traffic. But made it home

Mother's Day went to Rutger's Garden Plant Sale. Got a hanging plant and few herbs to replace the ones that didn't survive this winter. Mom was oooing and ahhing at the azaleas that were in bloom. Here's a picture of M/D in a sea of azalea.

The only snag of the whole trip was the last day when I took M/D to the mall. D decided to not to come to J. Jill as M and I shopped. I guess we took too long and he decided to find the bathroom without tell us he was leaving. When we come out of the store, he was no where in site. Long story short--D was missing for awhile (well in my mind he was), I walked the whole mall (really fast) looking for him and he doesn't a cell phone or have my cell number. In the end I find him walking back towards where were. I don't think he even knew I thought I lost him. What I learned from this trip to the mall, stop at bathroom before we separate and maybe get a disposable cell just to in case.

Knitting

In between a lot of unfinished projects. Just can't finish anything especially any pattern that needs a lot of attention. Too tired, make too much mistakes, rip, rip rip. But I'm making attempt at toe-up socks for WG. Maybe this toe-up pattern will keep my interest. Here's a pic of the first sock.

Will try to post more often and take more pictures.

I'm so tired and full of anxiety

2011-04-18T13:59:00.000-04:00

I need a day of doing nothing. My anxiety is through the roof with taxes and perfomance appraisals. Can't I have one day of sleeping in to 8 and nice massage.

My day as waitress

2011-04-16T17:28:00.001-04:00

Worked the lunch shift and now waiting for the dinner crowd at the restaurant. The waitress got sick and no one else could come in.

After that I go home to make birthday cakes for the restaurant. Everyone get birthday cake tomorrow while suplies last. I'm forcing everyone to celebrate. Haha!

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Location:Cafe Bua

Exhausted!

2011-04-03T12:29:00.001-04:00

And that's why I haven't posted in a ~~why~~ while. I think things are catching up with me. I just feel so tired and just can't seem to make it go away. On top of being tired, I've been fighting a headache and anxiety. I need to workout to get it out of my system but when can I fit in my schedule. I wish I had a week of doing nothing but I really don't see that in my near future.

In my crazy baking life, been trying out some new recipes and adding to some old favorites.

-Earl Grey cupcakes with orange marmalade filling and vanilla cream cheese frosting
-Chocolate cupcakes with Nutella filling and chocolate cream cheese frosting
-Sausage and veggie strata (savory bread pudding)
-strawberry cream cheese scones

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Day off from baking

2011-02-14T22:44:00.000-05:00

Tonight I have a day off from baking. But I'm still baking in my head. Trying to figure out what I should test next. Macarons, coco puffs, mochi, sweet or savory empanadas. . . The list is endless. On top of that I'm finding interesting savory baked goods (eggless quiche--so like a savory cheesecake). Hmmm . . . Where should I start. Probably tomorrow as it really too late to do anything. I need to get to bed, to get some sleep. If only I wasn't so hot (temperature-wise, that is).

I'm so proud of myself . . .

2011-02-13T20:31:00.000-05:00

that haven't had a baking breakdown yet with many potential disaster just waiting to happen (But I was very close to tears a few times). Thanks to the handy thing called a the internet. I found a great solution for broken frosting (butter too cold). If you every need the solution, here's the link for broken and too hard frosting.

The latest disaster is a smoking oven as I was powering through chocolate cupcake batter and a cheesecake in the oven. Forgot to put foil around the springform pan and butter dripped in the oven. Suddenly, I turn to see smoke pouring out the vent of the oven. I don't know if it was because I'm so tired or I'm getting use to thing happening. I calming opened the oven, pulled the cheesecake out, I turned off the oven, turned up the oven fan, jiggled the cheesecake to see if it was down, pulled the racks out and started to clean the mess (waited a little bit for it too cool). Thank goodness the cheesecake was done and I think I save it from the trash can. Now I'm just resting my mind from a close call and will start the cupcake in a bit.

2 days off from work at the end of the week. I hope I get back in to better form. I have some much on my list to do and try. Let's see if I can get some of it done.

UPDATE: baked the chocolate cupcakes without a incident but the frosting... Just when I thought I was minutes away from finishing up the baking for the night, the stupid frosting started to acted up. Got the the consistency that I wanted, 6 cupcakes done, 6 more to go and the piping tip goes haywire. Tried to unclog it but it just didn't want to work. So the last six looks like it got a bit of a perm. A little bit of curly top. But no tears, so I guess I win.

New flavor cupcake flavor

2011-02-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

Chai cupcakes with cardamon spice cream cheese frosting. Trying to be creative with what I'm baking. Saw a recipe for Milk Tea cupcakes from justjenn and thought I could adapted it to a using Chai tea and with a cardamom frosting.

Here's some picture of the cupcakes, before frosting and after. I just took a bite and this may be a new favorite. Nice mild chai tea taste with a little bit of spice from the frosting. Not overly sweet. Added so lemon zest to the frosting. Hope people like as much as I do.

Granny Squares needed

2011-02-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

I just read about the crochet a rainbow project on sarah london's blog. She asking for donations of granny squares to make up blankets for the people who were affect by the flood in Queensland and Victoria, Australia.

I usually go to her blog to see the bright and color images she has up of things she is making. I have such fond memories of granny squares. And have done many projects with them. I thought I send out the word to my crochet friends about this project.

Go to crochet a rainbow on sarah's blog for more info. You need to sign up. I'm signing up today. Hope you can join me on this project.

Finished Product

2011-02-07T06:25:00.000-05:00

Here it is after it's chill overnight. Pretty easy cheesecake or could it be that I didn't have to glaze all those strawberries that made it seem easier?

Serving with a quick and easy fresh blueberry sauce. I hope they like it.

I've baking up a storm

2011-02-06T21:06:00.000-05:00

for the restaurant that is. I'm trying to keep thing separate but it is very hard when most of my life as of now revolves around the restaurant. And of course, I suck taking pictures of the final product. But I thought a list would be a great way to show off what I've up to with thumbs up/down if it did well.

So for the last 2 weeks I've baked:

2 apple pies (traditional)--thumbs down

1 apple pecan crumb pie--thumbs up-sold the whole pie in one shot

2 strawberry cheesecakes--thumbs up

1 bread pudding*--thumbs up

1 mango bread pudding*--thumbs up

1 peach bread pudding*--thumbs up

1 recipe strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting-thumbs up

1 recipe chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting--thumbs half way. I wasn't that happy the way the frosting turned out. Need to rethink that. Taste great if you love chocolate.

2 chocolate haupia (choconut pudding) pie --thumbs up

2 rice pudding--not sure

And in the oven right now is lemon curd marbled cheesecake. I'm about to make a fresh blueberry sauce to serve with it.

Cheesecake seems to be the customers favorite. And of course because it takes the longest to make. I'm trying this new one (the one in the oven). I hope people like it.

On my list of recipe testing:

Thai tea milk shakes--in process**

Matcha milk shakes--in process**

Chai cupcakes with cardomon cream cheese frosting

Matcha macarons with azuki filling

Matcha syrup for our shave ice

Mochi with azuki filling and if that work and people like it maybe whole strawberry with azuki filling

Off to check the cheesecake and to start the sauce.

* can be served with vanilla sauce made with condensed milk

**there goes the stress diet pounds.

Hawaiians in the middle of NJ

2011-01-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

I know I said I wouldn't post about the restaurant here but I thought this story would be more of an appropriate at Princess Hot Flash.

It's so funny why draws us Hawaiian's together. I knew there were a few running around in Central NJ but in the middle of winter after 6 snow storms, who would have thought shave ice would be the drawing point.

After seeing the article about the restaurant in the Courier News, Several Hawaiians have come in the past few weeks. And how we could go on about the our love of our favorite icy sweet. I've been serving up a ice cream, azuki beans, fresh fruit, shave ice top with either strawberry or brown sugar syrup and condensed milk. And so far, it seems like a hit.

Hope more Hawaiians drop by and give us a try.

Gave myself a present

2010-12-27T21:02:00.001-05:00

A day of rest--aside from digging out from the snow, I did nothing but stuff for myself. WG even cooked and served me dinner.

Tomorrow back to the grind. One day of work, a load of laundry, getting the files together, more baking and helping out at the restaurant for the rest of the week.

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The sun has come out

2010-12-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

and it's a beautiful morning. But I think it will be a killer dig out as the snow is partially up the breezeway door. The 2 snow bumps in the middle of the pictures are our cars.

Right out of the pan

2010-12-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

the monkey bread. No icing. And I don't think I'll add it. I think it has enough sugar for my taste. Had it this morning. Pretty tasty gooey messy.

I must be dreaming bake goods!

2010-12-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

Even my bushes look like cupcakes. Out my front door. Looks green tea cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. YUM! Now that sounds like something I should make.

A bit stir crazy?

2010-12-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

You would think I would be taking a rest from baking after all the baking I've been doing (2 loaves of lemon cake, 1 batch of chocolate white chocolate chip cookies and bake mochi yesterday and bread pudding this morning). But I just put in the oven some Monkey Bread. Someone from work told me about this--I loved the name and decided I had to make it. Recipe is a adaptation/cheater version from Martha Stewart. I bought pre-made bread dough and didn't use nuts. I hope it comes okay--I would think it would with all the butter and brown sugar in it. How could it be bad.

Here's the Monkey Bread pre-oven, after it's rise. I ran out of brown sugar topping but the amount I made, I don't think it will hurt it. This snack will come in handy after our dig out tomorrow. I'll post a pic of the finish version with an review later.

The restaurant got a facebook page

2010-12-22T18:29:00.000-05:00

Our wonderful neighbor, Brian put up our facebook page. I'm so happy. I've been so swamped at work that I couldn't even get to that. So thank you, thank you, thank you Brian. You have just made my day.

Here's the the link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Cafe-Bua-of-Piscataway/180139312015830

I wanted to let all my readers know what a great neighbor and about his restaurant in Jamesburg, NJ. It's called Fiddleheads Restaurant. Please visit his restaurant website to see what going on at his restaurant: http://www.fiddleheadsjamesburg.com/ or facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FiddleheadsJamesburg.

I also wanted to let you know that I'm going to stop posting about the restaurant here and move all of that to cafebua.blogspot.com. It's purely the happenings in PrincessHotFlash. Hope you keep reading.

We're open!

2010-12-09T07:32:00.000-05:00

As of 6:00am, 12/9/10, we are officially open. Still working out things. Started a blog for the restaurant to feature new dishes and things that are happening there. Here's the link: CafeBua.blogspot.com

Still have posted anything there. It has a banner. Will try and get to it this weekend.

Restaurant Update

2010-12-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

Got new tables and chairs a week before Thanksgiving and we passed one of inspections last Wednesday. 2 more to go.

Recipes testing are starting in full force. 1) Dumplings with fried garlic and sweet soy 2) Roast duck on steam bread with hoisin sauce, cucumbers and scallions.

Very productive long weekend

2010-11-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Took Friday off to get WG's organized. This was for me, so instead of freaking out because I can't find that piece of paper he gave me 3 weeks ago, now I have somewhat of a system.

FRIDAY
I started off moving things around and just getting rid of more stuff that we don't need. Then putting things in places where WG can find it (without me). Finishing up minor tasks that I don't have time for like changing the toner in the printer. Last I finished up the latest draft of the menu and sat with them to delete and clarify things. Went over to the restaurant and got a pictures of the signs in place (see last post).

SATURDAY
Went to the eye doctor. Got a new pair of glasses. Kind of giving up on contacts. This past year hasn't been great for the contacts and I thought I'd be good and save a little money and just go for the glasses. I made my way to the asian store for my supplies for this weekend's recipe testing (cucumber kimchi and maybe some chichi dango). Then another round of corrections to the menu.

SUNDAY
Woke up with a headache. Kind of moving slow. But I really want to try that cucumber kimchi recipe. First to clean the kitchen. That has become my ritual before I start making anything. This time I even tackled my refrigerator. I got rid of old stuff and wipe, wipe, wipe. I can't believe how clean and empty my refrig. looks.

Now I'm ready for cooking. Chop, chop, chop all the ingredient for the cucumber kimchi. Got the recipe from [no recipe]'s blog. SIDE NOTE: [no recipe] is beautiful blog, the images are great. This is my first recipe I'm trying. I'll let you know what I think. It smell very good when I was making it. The only thing I didn't follow in the recipe is I didn't use kirby cucumbers. Probably would have been better but I had the normal ones and wanted to use it. Here's the link: http://norecipes.com/2010/10/10/oisobagi-kimchi-recipe-stuffed-cucumber-kimchi/. I thought I had everything for the recipe but no. I had to stop and run out to the asian store to get miso, sesame seeds and honey. Had a good stopping point when all the ingredients were chopped and salted cucumbers were sitting. Here's a picture of the my kimchi before it go into my clean refrig, to sit for a while. Hope it turns out good.

Right out of the oven is Applesauce Cake. Instead of raisin and currents, I added craisins and chopped prunes. Will put on a cream cheese frosting.

I'm hoping to make a chocolate white chocolate chip cookie dough tonight to bake later in the week. Look I already forgot about the chichi dango. Maybe I'll make that to take over for thanksgiving dinner.

Signs are up

2010-11-13T09:30:00.001-05:00

We are getting there but not quite open yet.

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My Summer Job

2010-10-31T19:15:00.000-04:00

I was driving home one night in this past summer, listening to NPR when the summer jobs segment came on. It got me thinking about my summer jobs. I guess they were pretty typical: fast food place, summer camp, with the exception of pineapple cannery.

I was a trimmer (big knife) on the last shift (overnight to 6 am). Took the job because it paid well and a group of friends were going to do it. On top of that, I still could work at the fast food place (If I only had that energy again).

A trimmer trimmed of the bits of skin still on the pineapple after it ran through the skinning and coring machine (the ginaca machine, cool name). You would sit at the conveyer belt as the pineapples would roll by. You picked one up by sticking your thumb in the core hole and trim the extra skin off the other end. Then you would flip the pineapple (remember you have a big knife in the other hand) to trim the other end. This flipping part took some time learn and after the first night, I had a terrible rash on my stomach from the pineapple juice because I was using my body to help me catch it.

After a quick trip to the infirmary, because of nausea and my rash, the old timer suggested that we wear a garbage under our clothes to protect our skin. After a couple week, I could flip and catch those pineapples like a pro.

I did have few "Lucy" moments. There were 6 of us per side, that meant, you need to pick up 1 of every 6 pineapples that came down. The smaller the pineapples, the faster they would come. If you couldn't keep up, you would have just grab them and put them on the side. The supervisor would either come by and help you (annoyed, lots of sighing) with your pile or they would stop the line for you to catch up (more annoyed, more people sighing). The ladies from the first shift were always so nice, letting us go a little earlier. I think they did it because they just didn't like they way were doing it.

A healthy muffin

2010-10-31T18:47:00.000-04:00

My sister was sprinkling flax seed meal on her morning bagel. I decide to try it to see how it taste. I had flax seed before but not the meal. It tasted the same a little nutty. I decide to buy it when I got back. There's a recipe for Bran Flax muffins. Just the name alone almost scared me away but as I read the recipe I thought it had promise.

Grated carrots and apples, how bad could it be. The only thing is that it didn't have a whole lot of fat in it. It had 3/4 cup of milk and 2 eggs. I was a little nervous.

Well, 17 muffins later the jury is still out. The taste isn't bad, and it is quite moist but the texture a little strange. It could be the flax meal and oat bran. I still think it need some fat (butter or oil). Here's some pictures, before the oven, done, and inside the muffin. The before and after pics look only slightly different.

Mischief night

2010-10-31T15:32:00.000-04:00

struck our house last night.

Ding dong, my doorbell is ring at 10 last night. WG is passed out, doesn't even move. I start making my way down to the front door, looking to throw something on over my pj.

Ding dong, ding dong, knock, knock, knock.
I'm coming, I'm coming. Who is it? I asked with a little concern.
It's the New Brunswick Police, from the voice behind the door.

Now I'm even more concern and I hurry to open the front door. There he was Mr. Policeman and another person with a bucket.

He tells me that there were kids in the neighborhood egging the houses and cars. And our house was one of them. The young man with him was one of the kids they caught and he was here to clean up some of it.

The young man wipes my screen door off and makes an utter mess. Then give me a half-ass apology with a smile on his face after the Mr. Policeman asked him to do it. And now there were off to other house to clean up.

Now this all came as quite a whirlwind and much confusion for me to absorb in the moments it happen. After they left, I had screen door with a soapy mess on it. It took 20 minutes to clean up. And I could figure out why it had such an aftershave smell.

So I woke up this morning thinking I could use this morning to start baking early and testing more recipes. But I forgot to get eggs and I think I need more butter.

So out the door I went at 10 to find out that I had a flat tire. I have no proof of who or what made the tire flat but I just find it an odd coincidence that the flat tire is where there is crap on my car from those outstanding young people from my neighborhood. And by the way, that stinky aftershave smell, is that awful men's bodywash. I have evidence as they threw the container down near my front door. Here's some picture some pictures of the evidence and my flat tire.

So instead of baking, I'm writing my story about mischief night and those outstanding young people in my neighborhood. And by the way, they suck.

recipe test #1

2010-10-31T14:57:00.000-04:00

Fruit and Savory pies

I was having a conversation one day about coffee and bake goods when someone mentioned the pineapple empanadas from that famous coffee place and that they don't make them anymore. The way he describe them, they sounded really good, something I would like to eat. So I did a little research and this first test is a result of that conversation.

I really don't like making pie dough but think this would make a great appetizer or dessert for the restaurant. I made up a pineapple pie, tart apple pie and savory mushroom pie.

For the pineapple pie, I sauteed the pineapples in butter and brown sugar and add grated lemon zest. I like it but it need something else. Maybe some thyme or mint.

The apple I just added lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon zest. Kind of traditional. Maybe a pear version would be better.

And the mushroom pie, both WG and my favorite. Made with chanterelles mushrooms, shallots, thyme, sauteed in butter, with grated manchego cheese. It was delicious. I've been drying to make this. WG said we should add truffle oil.

Above all, the crust was really flaky and buttery. But I'm testing and recipe to see if it will work better.

Next in my line up for these pies will be another try with the pineapple and mushroom, a new flavor: potato, chorizo and pepper combination. I'm making up the dough today and will bake a batch tomorrow.

Today's baking: peanut butter cookies, some kind chocolate chip and more zucchini bread. I'm trying to adjust my recipe, I think it is a bit too sweet. Stay tune for more pictures.

Here's some pictures of my fruit pies:

A good cleaning

2010-10-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

That's what my kitchen got this morning. I needed to do it. Got rid of junk that we would probably not use and reorganized cabinets and shelves. Now I have space on my counter to do something. If it only could stay that way.

Tonight will be a big baking session to test a could of a ideas for the restaurant. Hope one of my ideas turn out tasty. Pictures to come.

I'm on a new schedule!

2010-10-28T15:40:00.000-04:00

I get an 1/2 hour extra of sleep (if I want), get to exercise in the mornings (if I want), and now I have time to do things that I was too tired to do when I got back from work.

But the best thing is I'm not sitting in as much traffic as I was trying to get to work by 8:30. And I was leaving close to 6 every night (if not later), that it made sense to change my schedule.

Now I only have inspire myself to get running in the morning. Stay tune.

Got the keys!

2010-10-17T18:45:00.000-04:00

We officially got the keys on Friday. Saturday started the major cleaning and it continues on. Power washing and degreaser are our new friends.

Got a couple of pictures. All the furniture is moved around because we are cleaning the kitchen and need to move equipment out. Will post more as we have more progress.

Belated Birthday cake

2010-10-06T00:35:00.001-04:00

For my sister and brother-in-law. A chocolate loaf cake. Got the recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Overall, not too bad, could be a bit more moist. Good chocolate taste. Not sure how I would alter, maybe another egg, maybe more butter? Would make again but would adjust a little. Here's shot of the cake.

UPDATE
I forgot to add the link to the recipe: http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/08/everyday-chocolate-cake/

I should take better food images. But with my iphone and my forgetfulness, I take what I get. Maybe I pick up a little point and shoot soon to get better pics.

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The rest of my short vacation

2010-10-06T00:22:00.001-04:00

I spent in Orangevale CA @ my sister's. Did some shopping (candy and yarn), didn't make to auntie k's because of all day headache. But spent my day with Mira the dog (2nd niece) try to chase this headache away. Tomorrow all day travel day--drive to sf airport from Orangevale then a flight to newark. Back to work, bright and early on Thursday for day of way too long meetings. I hope I survive. Here's picture of Mira looking annoy because I'm taking a picture of her.

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The Marin Headlands Center for the Arts

2010-10-03T12:03:00.001-04:00

The wedding I attended yesterday was at The Marin Headlands Center for the Arts. What a beautiful place, secluded amongst the hills of northern CA, wildlife running around. It was an old military facility and it still has all the fixtures and charm. Wish I had more time to go and explore. Worth a visit.

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Trying to take a picture of myself. . .

2010-10-03T11:52:00.001-04:00

With my iPhone, in the middle of the redwood forest. I got 4 different versions of me looking confused and unsure if I got a shot. Note to self, close your mouth next time you try this.

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Being an adult

2010-09-29T22:30:00.000-04:00

I guess since I'm now 50 years old, I should behave like one. So I've decide that I'd stop pouting (or my exact word--stop being bitter) over a something that's already done and I can't change. Things happen for a reason and I guess there was a good reason for it to happen.

I truly believe there is no such thing as "lucky" and luck is what we make it. So I better get on with what luck I want to make. I've been feeling that "making" spirit lately and I hope that grabs hold soon and I can start turning one my passions into something bigger.

Stay tune . . .

2 more days

2010-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

then off to quick trip to Northern CA. First to a wedding then off to see my sister's new digs and a quick visit with a friend. Hope this will be a restful trip because I sure need it. I think my life will becoming quite busy in the near future.

more food research

2010-09-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

I got a little bit of 5 sandwiches for dinner last night.

-Cambodian beef sandwich

-Cambodian pulled pork sandwich

-Cambodian catfish sandwich

-porchetta sandwich

-mozzarella/sundried tomatoes/salsa verde sandwich

All the cambodian sandwiches has creamy chili sauce, pickle shredded carrots, cucumber, and cilantro, with siracha chili sauce on the side on a french bread. Sort of like bahn mi. I liked the beef sandwich the best, good asian style bbq flavor on the beef, cooked perfect with a little pink showing, perfect portion to the bread and condiments. Wished the carrots were more flavorful, maybe more vinegar-y. The chili sauce was the right heat for me and went well with the beef and fish. I didn't like the pulled pork texture, kind of mushy. I think it would have been better as sliced grill pork. The fish was okay but not spectacular.

The other 2 sandwiches were okay. Like the fish sandwich nothing spectacular. The best thing about the sandwich was the bread, chibatta. The pork in the sandwich was tasty and had nice texture (way better than the pulled pork) but that was it. There was no sauce or and veggies in the pork sandwich, just meat. I think it need some other texture (crunch) in there and maybe a little bit of acid-y taste. The mozzarella sandwich the cheese was soft and creamy but the salsa verde had no taste so the sandwich was quite bland.

Here's a picture of the catfish sandwich. Once again forgot to take the picture of sandwiches right away. We ate part of the beef sandwich by time we realize let get some pictures.

my making stuff queue

2010-09-12T16:58:00.000-04:00

My ever growing making-stuff queue is hopefully getting smaller (if I can only stop buying yarn for new project). I've finished a few things and getting very close to another. And of course, I've started several more. I just wanted to share my queue. (btw: love the word "queue" ever since working with my british art director many years ago. I'm happy I got to use it in my blog.)

Finish project: Tiger team scarf
It's made of linen/merino wool blend. Got the yarn in Boston on a business trip. Need a project for the long train ride home. It's actually more like a wrap so I think I can wear to the wedding in October.

Work in Progress: Crazy Yarn Ball Scarf
I started this on Saturday. I was looking for something mindless and this fit the bill. The yarn was a gift and all I had to do is knit. It even comes with the tassels for the ends. I started off bigger but I think this will be fun longer. So I ripped out everything I did and made it 6 stitches shorter. Hopefully that was enough to make it as long as I would like it. Feels very warm but not sure what I'm going to do with it. I've notice I've making a lot of scarves lately. It's not as if I needed them.

My yarn stash: Suri Alpaca

This is from my local farmer's market. Making a lace crocheted shawl for a gif with the 1st skein (yes, I bought 2, thinking I was going to make another scarf but changed my mind in the process). I tried to take a picture today of what I was making. Didn't work. Photo to come.

My yarn stash: Sea Cell (seaweed) and Silk Blend

My birthday gift from my sister. I know I'll make a lacy wrap/scarf for myself. I know I just said I have too many scarves but I don't have a seaweed/silk blend one. Plus it has the shiny silk-iness that make it so beautiful and rich. The hard part will be what pattern to make. The other 2 thing in the picture is a retrackable tape measure and stitch markers to help keep track of the pattern--these are really nice. I'm usually cheap and have used paper clip instead.

That's all the stuff for now. Will post more late.

Why all the baking?

2010-09-05T20:36:00.000-04:00

The other day WG was out @ one the big box store and came home with 4 dozen eggs and as he was taking it out of the car, it drop out of his hands. The first top layer was cracked, 24 eggs. So I tried to rescue as many as I could. And this is the reason for baking so much. I'm trying use up the eggs.

This is what I've made so far:
Banana cake--2 loaves
Crack pie--2 pies
French Toast-10 slices of bread (I used my leftover ends)

Tomorrow, I'll use up the last of the eggs making a brown sugar cake (did I mention I have too much brown sugar, too. This what happens when you don't look before you go shopping). It takes 5 eggs. That will be it.

I'm trying to test stuff I want to make for the restaurant. But this batch was just about making the eggs go away. Somebody will be happy with all the stuff I've made.

Baking up a storm

2010-09-05T13:44:00.000-04:00

I've been dying to try the Crack pie recipe that I've been reading so much about. I got the recipe from Momofukufor2. I finally gather all the ingredients together. Hardest one to find was the milk powder. The supermarket I usually go to had giant crates of it. So I end up finding some at the Asian food market.

But I started off this morning baking my banana bread/cake first. Lots of banana in my freezer. Made 1 recipe/2 loaves. While they were cooling, someone took a slice out of one of the loaves. I guess he was hungry.

After a little bit of cleaning up (my mom taught me well), the crack pie began. It is a bit of a process, as you make a oatmeal cookie base that you turn into a crust. Then you make the milky carmel-y filling, that you bake into gooey consistancy. Then chill in the frig. There a lot of waiting for it.

Here'a pic of my crack pie fresh out of the oven. I just put my pies (it make 2 pies) in the frig. I can't wait to taste it. I have a feeling I'm going to really like it. Now off to have some lunch and maybe back tonight for more baking. Pear Cake? More Banana Cake? or maybe blondies (I found out I have way too much light brown sugar).

WG's food research

2010-08-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

One of the benefit of the starting a restaurant is the food research. WG went into the city today to get some Banh Mi to try. He did some research and found where he could get some good ones. So for my lunch today--since I'm working from home (did I mention I'm so happy today--could it be because I didn't have to get up at 5:30 in the morning and drive in for crap traffic), I got a delicious Pork Banh Mi. Yum!

Things that I don't want

2010-08-26T19:27:00.001-04:00

So nothing wrong with truck, WG decided to install the remote starter in the truck. Something I didn't want.

No wonder all the mystery. I hope this doesn't give me trouble. It's the last thing I want in the truck. Why can't somebody ask me first?
Annoyed!

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Waiting for my ride

2010-08-26T19:15:00.001-04:00

WG attempts to call me 3x this afternoon. All I hear is "hello?" "hello?"
I finally reach him. And he said, "Can you get home by 6:30?"
"I guess, why?"
"Need to drop the car off."
So I'm thinking something is wrong with his car. Not realizing I had a 4-5 meeting, I make a mad dash out of the office @ 4:50. I hit all kinds of traffic, I pull in to my driveway @ 6:35. He's no where to be found. I pick up my phone to find 2 message--Why doesn't he know I don't pick up the phone while driving. So I called him and to be told to drop the truck off at the Honda dealership.

Now wait, I thought it was his car we dropping off. What is wrong with the truck? To make this very long story shorter, it's a 1/2 hour since I dropped the car off and I'm still waiting and I need to use the bathroom cause I made mad dash here.

Why do I even try!

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Off to almost Canada

2010-08-26T01:06:00.000-04:00

I'm back from almost Canada. Went a short road trip with my sister and niece this past weekend. to move the little one (she's the tallest of the bunch) in to the dorm for her second year.

Had beautiful weather driving up. Wish we could have stopped and played tourist but had to leave later than I wanted because I had to sit in on a conference call before I left (really sucked). The weather was okay for the next day till we really left the school to go back to the hotel. Then rain, rain, rain. I'm so glad we didn't have to move her in on Sunday we would have been soaked

The little one did a really good job at packing her stuff (not too heavy) and not having too much crap (like me). I survive with 1 little black and blue on my arm. I think my sister survive pretty well, she already had a bad back and wasn't hobbling when we left so I think overall the 2 old ladies survived.

On our free morning before meeting little one's boyfriend we went off to find a yarn store in a town near by. Yea! for the hotel internet (no cell phone) and GPS to make it possible for us to find Fiber Options in Rensselear Falls. Cute shop nice selection of yarn and 1/2 the store is a quilting. Here's a pic of the yarn a bought. Going to turn it into a hat or cowl for me (but I bet it will end up in WG's collection).

A Wonderful Reunion

2010-08-17T20:33:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, I meet up with 4 girlfriends who I haven't seen in a long time; CJ from Atlanta, GA, TO and LLC from Montclair, NJ and LK from NYC. All originally from Hawaii, CJ and TO came to NYC the same time as I did, 27 years ago, this month. (By the way, I didn't remember the date exact date but TO did, she still has the ticket from when we came up. And I think I have trouble throwing things out)

It was CJ's big birthday and she was in town to celebrate. We decided to have a nice lunch @ Momofuko Ssam Bar. We did family style sharing the special bun, market greens, spicy rice cakes and lamb sausages. Everything was tasty but the special bun was delicious--I even ate the yellow tomato that was in it. After lunch went over to LK's her fab union square apt and talked, talked, a short hop to City Bakery for sweets (double chocolate cookie for me), then back to LK's apt for even more talking.

It was such a nice time. Lots of laugh. Next time we shouldn't go so long.

Happy Anniversary PHF!

2010-07-25T13:16:00.000-04:00

The day came and went but it was 2 years ago, July 21 that I started this blog. I definitely have gotten better at it as I've double the amount of posting this past year. I guess it does help that I can post on my iphone and I had a great birthday.

Look forward to postings more about food, making stuff, being hot and the new adventure that WG will be sharing with me. He starting cooking class in August and I'm sure that will come with many new stories and hopefully lots of good meals.

Thanks for reading my silly stories. Enjoy!

Cooking up storm

2010-07-24T17:45:00.000-04:00

On one of the hottest days of the year, I'm in the kitchen cooking up a storm, sort of. At least I don't have the oven on.

I just got the bug and decide to make up a nice light dinner and some tasty snacks. So I made some strawberry mint sorbet with mint from my container garden, boiled some peanut with salt and star anise, tossed up a quick green salad and started up cooking some beets from the farmer's market when WG comes barrelling down from upstairs to tell me we are going out for dinner with a friend. I wasn't sure what the main course was going to be yet so I guess this was a good thing.

I did take some food shots of the process but don't have any finish product because it not going to be done till tomorrow. This is of the sorbet start to firm up and the cooked peanuts, the star anise is in the middle. If I don't forget I'll take some tomorrow.

Artichoke Dip

2010-07-24T10:24:00.000-04:00

We had our July birthday's at the office the other day. We were trying to do something new to change it up from a bagel breakfast. The theme was sort of picnic-y--watermelon, cookies, strawberry pie and I made Artichoke dip with cheese herb crackers.

Everyone ~~one~~ at the party really like it. I think they were a bit surprised not expecting it to taste that great. I found the recipe from TasteSpotting, it's a collective of foods from other sites. It really great to look at and browser for some interesting recipes. It took me to theUrbanSpork.com's Creamy Artichoke Dip.

I kind of fiddle with the recipe because I didn't have cumin so I added chili powder (has cumin in it), added a little bit of a kick. I probably add a little more olive oil and garlic but I think that is a taste and texture thing that is up to you. I also added some chopped parsley to the pureed mixture on top of mixing in chopped parsley after (makes the dip look a beautiful shade of green). I wish I took a picture of the dip but I forgot. I bet this dip would make a great sandwich or wrap spread with some roasted veggies and salad greens. And on top of it, it is pretty low-fat. Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Creamy Artichoke Dip

This Creamy Artichoke Dip is the perfect choice for those who want a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Serve this smooth, mild and creamy dip with tortilla chips or breadsticks.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1-12 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Put the artichokes, garlic, oil, cumin and lemon zest in a food processor. Add the salt and pepper, and blend to make a smooth puree. Check the seasoning and stir in the parsley. Scrape the dip into a bowl and serve.

An Elephant in the House

2010-07-23T15:47:00.000-04:00

I mean an Elephant chair. A Thai Elephant Chair to be exact and guess who brought it home.

So the story starts out as I mention to WG that I wanted to move the chair in my office up to the bedroom so I can sit and knit and crochet more comfortably. He said "Why don't you buy a new one?" You can't imagine my excitement. We usually fight about what to get. That's why my furniture in my house looks like we just got out of college--hand-me-downs and garbage picked and a whole lot of mis-matched items. I'm like, Okay! (my mind is racing to figure out where can I look for a great comfortable chair that looks great, too.

So about a month has gone by. I haven't had the chance to look for a chair.

Then WG said "I need the truck to pick your elephant chair"
"My what?" I replied very confused.
"Your Thai Elephant Chair." WG said with confidence
"What does it look like? Where are you getting it from" I worriedly replied.
"It's Teak. Don't worry you will like it. Someone had put a sign up at Pad Thai." He replied back with no clue that about the images and thoughts that are running in my head. Does this chair look like elephant? Do I have to straddle it to sit on it? And what does it matter that it is teak?

So I end the conversation with "What if I don't like it?"
Annoyed, he answered, "Then you have to buy your own chair and we can put this somewhere else.

Which is what I thought I was suppose to do.

Well, the chair is here. And it is not really a chair more like a love seat or day bed. And it was heavier than WG and I can carry. But of course, like everything else that is heavy in our house, I had to help him carry it from the truck. There was a lot of yelling about not to drop the extremely heavy piece of furniture. But finally we got it in the house.

With both of us sweating from wrestling the chair in the front door, I asked "are moving it upstairs now?"
He looks at me like I have 2 heads and said "No, it's too heavy."

So that's why I have an elephant chair in the middle of my living room (please remember, it was only suppose to be small club chair for the bedroom). We still need to figure out where we should put it with all the other mismatch items there.

I have to say, it is a pretty nice chair/love seat/day bed. And comfortable, too. Here's a pic of the elephant. The bottom section is where it sit on the elephant's back. By the way, when WG was telling how it is suppose to sit on the elephant's back, he said this chair was too heavy to sit on the elephant. Probably the really elephant chairs were made out of rattan.

Needing some attention

2010-07-18T11:48:00.000-04:00

While I was taking my pictures of my unfinished projects, C-nP was walking in and out of the pictures. I guess she wanted some attention. So she got it. Here's she is sitting on her favorite blanket. Loves the quilting on the blanket. Whenever I bring out in spring, she just rolls around and plays on it. Her sister loved it, too.

my unfinished projects

2010-07-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

I'm having a lot of trouble finishing project lately. Maybe too many going on at one time?(These are on top of Baby Ribby's Blanket and another secret baby blanket project.) Keep making mistakes then having to rip the out. But I wanted to share what I've been working on beside cleaning out the crap from my house.

Projects:

1. A's new shoes. One is bigger than the other. I have to rip apart one side and try and make it match. This is why I hate making pairs of things. They never match.
2. Tiger team scarf. Needed a project for my long train ride home from Boston and wanted to treat myself for having to attend week-long meeting stuck in a conf. room when the weather was so beautiful. So I fell in love with the yarn first, it is so beautiful. Kind of gun-metal gray with a little bit blue.
3. Purple ivy. Bought this yarn last winter when this color was so hot. I hope by the time I'm finished it will still be in fashion to wear it. It's a great looking pattern but not good to work on when tired (which I'm always tired lately), too many mistakes.
4. A colorful cap. Another baby gift. This is taking a really long time; skinny yarn, small needle. But it is really fun and playful.

Working on a new look

2010-07-17T19:10:00.000-04:00

So I decided to update the look of my blog for it's 2nd anniversary. Picked a new template, fiddled with my banner (too lazy to come up with something this weekend, need more time). So for now, here it is.

I do want to do something different but I need to think on this more. Like everybody else birthday, I'm late as always. ~~But you~~ Why would~~n't~~ I think it would be anything different with my blog.

ps. I'm hoping for some food pics this weekend. I want to make a Hawaiian sweet--chichi dango. Been craving it since my trip in April. Let's see if the recipe I found stand up to the ones I had in Hawaii.

Last square

2010-07-17T10:41:00.001-04:00

This is the last square for Baby Ribby blanket. I'm on the road to a finish blanket. I laid out all of the 4-squares, made a map, and took pictures of each for reference. Will post the finish product hopefully soon. Have another baby blanket waiting for me to work on.

Last square

The map

The layout

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Cleaning out crap

2010-07-02T13:01:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: 6 boxes of of crap went to Goodwill yesterday. 5 boxes of books and a box of housewares. Still have more to get rid of. I'm on a roll now.

I'm on a break from cleaning out crap from my garage. I just loaded 5 boxes of books (roughly 75 books) and a box of housewares in the car. I still have a lot of stuff.

Here's some pictures of my goings-on.

WG's "Keep" books. I gave him 3 full boxes to look through and this is what he kept.

My pile of books, not bad for someone that has 5 boxes in the car to go to goodwill.

And a box of reference books to give away to any takers.

Now I have to figure out where to put all the things I'm keeping. I don't like it in the garage. Hard to get to. And I have to break down the boxes that don't have anything in it. I wished I could get rid of more stuff. Maybe one more sort, and I'll eliminate even more.

Need to figure out what font to use

2010-07-01T19:57:00.000-04:00

As you can tell from past several posts, I can not figure out what font to use. I know the size but the font keeps changing. You would think a designer could make this decision easily but I can't. And it doesn't help that when I post from my iphone, I don't have a choice. Maybe one day, something will inspire me to choose. But for now, I still can't pick one.

A Creative Idea for Medium Fed Ex Box

2010-07-01T19:41:00.000-04:00

My office was freezing for the past 2 days. I need to upgrade the air condition vent deflector. With the help of 2 tall people, here is our creative use of a Medium Fed Ex box.

We cut a hole in the back of box the size of the vent and used the cutout as shim. Then push the box on to the vent and inserted a the shim. Add a push pin at the top to hold it in place.

I didn't tape up the box tightly, there is still few small holes for cold air to escape for when my super hero power come on and I don't melt away.

Vinegar in My Wash

2010-06-26T16:11:00.000-04:00

I finally tried it, 1/4 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. My clothes feels soft and doesn't smell like vinegar. I even bought those dryer balls and now I'm softener and dryer sheet free.

zucchini take two

2010-06-24T20:55:00.001-04:00

I decide to give zucchini another try. Got two ~~place~~ (I meant plants) from the flea market--ten times better looking than last year's plant and much cheaper, a dollar a piece. So far so good, but I could be jinxing myself by posting. Here's a pictures of the plants. I kind planted in a odd area to shield it from the ~~varies~~ various wild life that live in my yard.

I've also have potted herbs and a giant weed that I have to pull out one day. If there was a sport to grow weeds, I would be in competition.

See how beautiful my weed grows!

My Salsa recipe

2010-06-23T08:41:00.000-04:00

I also made some salsa for the Saturday party and brought extras to work. People asked me for the recipe so here it is. No pictures--sorry. Most of the amounts are rough estimates as I kind do it by eye. Enjoy!

Salsa

8 plum tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced (you can use any type of tomatoes, the plum tomatoes looked good and cheap)
1 medium onion, diced
juice of 1 lemon or 2-3 limes (watch the seeds)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tsp dried ground chili (more or less depending how hot you like it)
1-2 fresh chilies, minced finely (you can use whatever fresh chili you like, jalapenos, serrano, thai, add more or less depending how hot you like it)
Salt to taste

The proportion to tomatoes to onions should be 2/3 tomatoes to 1/3 onions. Mix ingredients together. The longer you let it sit, the hotter it gets.

Strawberry Layer Cake

2010-06-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share my strawberry layer cake recipe with pictures. Few people asked for the recipes and what a better what to get more people reading my blog by making them go to it for the recipe. The strawberry cake is an modified version of my banana cake/bread. I had some strawberries that I need to use and I was feeling like baking. After a little bit of research on Internet, I decide that I already had great cake/quick bread recipe that I could alter. So 2 loaves and 1 layered cake later, here's the recipe. It is delicious on it's own but with the cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries for decoration, it makes a great presentation. Hope you enjoy it. This recipe in now in the rotation of cakes I make.

cooling cakes

Cream cheese frosting

Finish product

Strawberry Cake

Bake: 325º
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

2 loaf pans or 2 9" round cake pans

2 cups of cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream, buttermilk or yogurt (I used vanilla but you can use plain)
1 cup strawberries, slice half and mash the other half (you can use frozen strawberries)
1 tsp vanilla
Additional whole fresh strawberries for decorating, if frosting cake

Sift together dry ingredients, place on the side. Cream together butter and sugar to light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time to butter/sugar mixture. Make sure egg is mixed in well. Then add dry ingredients and sour cream (or buttermilk or yogurt) to butter, sugar and egg mixture, alternating the dry and wet ending with dry. Be careful not to over mix. Mix in your strawberries and vanilla to combined. Pour into loaf pans or cake pans. Bake for 45 min.–1 hour. Cake test should come out clean. Cake should be cool before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

I kind of improvised after reading a few recipes and blogs. Mostly all cream cheese and not too sweet.

2 8oz. package cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup powder sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Whip cream cheese and butter together until nice and fluffy. Add powder sugar a little at a time (so your kitchen doesn't become one big powder sugar mess) till all is mixed. Add vanilla. Whip until fluffy. I didn't put this in the frig but I think it would have been better if I did to stiffen up slight. You can add more powder sugar if you like your frosting sweeter. This makes just enough frosting for a 2 layer cake.

Putting it together

I slice a few strawberries and put them between the layer on the frosting. I decorated with few whole strawberries on top. Just a simple presentation. I think it worked out well. Cake is slightly pink from the crushed strawberries. I think it serves about 12 + depending on how you slice it.

Still hot!

2010-06-14T19:49:00.000-04:00

So I got the portable air condition. Happy! Got great sleep for about a week, then last night happen. I was hot, hot and more hot. Couldn't get comfortable all night and woke up with a terrible headache that lasted all day and I still have it. Feeling nauseated but got through the day without having to throw up. I guess that was one good thing that happen today! Who said I'm the girl with the glass half empty. Ha!

I hope I can make through the night without sweating to death. You would think I would be the skinniest thing with all the sweating I'm doing. But no, I'm just a chubby girl (okay, middle-age woman) that kind of stinks. Old sucks!

So I got a portable air condition for the bedroom

2010-06-06T16:02:00.000-04:00

Because I've been struggling with being incredibly hot and waking up with terrible dream of being unable to breath. I've tried sleeping on the cool wood floors but that get's painful after a while. So, I'm sure WG just wants me to stop complaining about being hot and got it for me.

I'm looking forward to sleep tonight. Nice and cool with maybe the covers on me.

Construction begins

2010-06-06T08:20:00.001-04:00

Baby Ribby's blanket has taken much longer than it should. It is much harder than I thought to stay motivated. But I'm back with 1 more square to go.

I've decided to start the construction as I block the squares. Here's the first big square. 11 more to go.

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Princess Click-Click

2010-05-14T20:28:00.001-04:00

She's so cute for a old lady. But I am her owner.

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Candy

2010-05-13T21:43:00.001-04:00

I'm such a candy girl. My current favorite is Skittles. I even got some as my lunch on the train back from Boston. Japanese candy alway makes me happy, just a little hard to find.

What's your current favorite? (yes, a cheap tricky to get some comments--ha!)

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Tomoe Ame

2010-05-13T21:32:00.001-04:00

I forgot that these tasted so good. Kind of fruity, a bit orangey, slightly gummy in texture with a edible rice paper wrapper. Toys not as fun as before but the sticker is kind of kawaii (cute).

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