Dreaming of Pink

   I just have to accept the fact that I live in a testosterone-laden household.  With two boys (and no future plans for another child), I have tried to learn how to embrace Nerf guns, burping, toilet jokes, meat eating dinosaurs, Hot Wheels, and mud on my floor.  Nevertheless, when I see images of pink laden cribs, Barbie, princess playhouses, and crystal carriages with white mice I yearn for the little girl I'll never have.  I must say that when I was little, I wanted to be a girlie girl.  I loved ballet tutus, my tanning Skipper doll, makeup kits, and florescent fushia kitty barrettes.  Yet, my mother was never the super feminine type, and my father encouraged the (very) latent tomboy in me, so over the years I learned to somewhat repress my super poofy lace and satin girlie urges.  Now, as I approach 42, I find that I need that side of me to find expression once again.  I'm determined to find a space somewhere in my home that I can "girlify".  Who knows?  Maybe I'll drag out my old box of Madame Alexander dolls and install a display around my bedroom....I know my husband would be delighted.
(Photos:  Vintage Tiffani Barbie Print, Princess of Monaco Bedding, and Sophie's Magical Windmill Playhouse - all from Posh Tots, Carriage Cake by Jane Asher.)

Halloween decorating???

Yes, I know it is way too early to start thinking about Halloween but.......
"Halloween Night" by Moda Fabrics due to come out this July!

Signs of spring crushed by snow!

I just snapped this photo last week amid 60 degree weather on our front patio. Not only was I clearing dead leaves from around the emerging plants, I also broke apart the last chunk of solidified snow on the bricks of the patio. This week - snow!  I must resist those seed catalogs pouring out of my mailbox for a least another month.  Until then, I will continue to dream of fresh tangy tomatoes....

Party Cupcakes!

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Here's the cupcakes I made for my son's class birthday celebration.  I added gel paste coloring to make the frosting bright blue (food coloring drops just don't do it.)  I then put the frosting in a zip-lock bag, cut the tip and used it to ice the cupcakes.  The dinosaurs I bought by the bag at the grocery store. 

A Return to Cranford

The fog has has not lifted, and I am once again tempted to curl up on the sofa with an afghan and a nice cup of English tea. Fortunately for me, PBS (Masterpeice Theater) has a new series starting Sunday the 10th - Return to Cranford. Based on the works of Elizabeth Gaskell, a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, Cranford features a group of spinsters and widows in a quaint English town during the 19th century. The production is full of charming historic detail, and you can almost feel yourself carefully making your way down muddy horse-trodden streets, smelling the scent of fresh bread baking and the coming mist of rain.
If you missed it last night, PBS often replays in during the week, so check your listings. Part 2 will air next Sunday, 9pm (Western time).

Something To Watch

Rent Wuthering Heights on a windy storming night and you won't be dissapointed. If only for the line delivered by Merle Oberon (playing Cathy), "And yet, he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same... Ellen, I AM Heathcliff. [thunderbolt]" Perfect.

Halloween Photobook

I just found a Halloween photobook I made several years ago (prior to my second baby, when I had time!) I have made it my goal to fill it with pictures from Halloweens past. Little holiday themed photo books like this make a great decoration to leave out during those special times. People love purusing through them during parties and family get-togethers. They also make wonderful gifts.

Rustic Pear Gorgonzola Pizza

I make this pizza about three times a month. It's easy, and everyone loves it. If you have never grown rosemary, it is simple to grow in most climates. It even remains green throughout winter, so you can harvest year-round. Rosemary can be bought in grocery stores, but it is far more economical to grow your own. For this pizza, you can use a pre-made crust like Boboli, but I prefer to make my own. It is less salty and makes a bigger pizza.

Olive oil
Fresh rosemary, chopped
1 Bosc pear, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced thin and carmelized
1 tub of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
balsamic vinegar
one pizza crust

Brush crust with a little olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary. Cover with three-fourths of the gorgonzola cheese. Add pear slices and onions, and then top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar.
Bake at 350 degrees until topping is hot and crust is browned, about 15 minutes or so.