i had to google help with blogger and ipad and learned I had to post in the html way. so here it is.
this is Martha Stewart's muffin recipe that I could not find online anywhere. I had it from a newspaper clipping from an old co-worker. I guess it was in the New York Times around 8/13/03.
Breakfast Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
10 T. unsalted butter, (1 1/4 sticks) melted, plus more for pan
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1 1/4 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1/2 vanilla bean, split up and scraped or 1 t. vanilla (that is what I used)
2/3 c sugar
2/3 c milk at room temperature
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 1/4 c fresh fruit, like blueberries (picked over and rinsed), raspberries, quartered or chopped hulled strawberries, or chopped peeled peaches
Streusel (recipe follows)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a standard muffin tin. Place flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
2. In a medium bowl, combine butter, vanilla, sugar, milk and egg. Whisk to combine. Fold butter mixture and fruit into flour mixture, using no more than 10 strokes (if possible I must add)
3. Spoon 1/4 c batter into each prepared muffin cup; press 2 T streusel on top of each.
Bake until tops are golden, 15-17 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool in pan 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Streusel
Enough for 12 standard muffins (I like to make extra)
5 T unsalted butter, melted
2/3 c all purpose flour
2/3 c confectioner's sugar
1/4 t ground cinnamon
a pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Work it with your fingers until mixture is moist and crumbly.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Fantastic blueberry muffins
The other day at the store I bought a box of Jiffy blueberry muffins. I read
the box and it said it used imitation blueberries! Scandalous, I thought.
That's why I really love these fantastic Martha Stewart recipe fruit muffins
with blueberries. I made them and they have delish streusel on the top full
of butter and sugar:)
the box and it said it used imitation blueberries! Scandalous, I thought.
That's why I really love these fantastic Martha Stewart recipe fruit muffins
with blueberries. I made them and they have delish streusel on the top full
of butter and sugar:)
At the donut shop
This guy made me smile, and smile, and smile. We saw him at the donut shop
with a group of his friends. His hair was so awesome that I left the shop,
and re-entered to be "that goofy person who asks if I can take a picture"
and he smiled and said, "sure."
When I am old I want to be him. I want to have that great sense of humor,
and that indifference to the judgments of others. And to feel comfortable to
be silly and outrageous whenever I please.
with a group of his friends. His hair was so awesome that I left the shop,
and re-entered to be "that goofy person who asks if I can take a picture"
and he smiled and said, "sure."
When I am old I want to be him. I want to have that great sense of humor,
and that indifference to the judgments of others. And to feel comfortable to
be silly and outrageous whenever I please.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Something NOT to do when painting your new bathroom
Well, since I have a big belly with a baby inside I wasn't painting, but I was doing a little assistance for my hubby. First, I picked out the primer without help at the store. I thought I had read as much of the words on it to make this decision wisely. It was Kilz, and it was odorless. I thought that would be a great choice. Well, I also like to tint my primer before painting, and used a bit of the new Valspar Elan Kitchen and Bath paint to do so. I figured I couldn't go wrong with this, since it was the wall color I'd picked.
Fast forward- poor DH is up late into the night, nearly having to trowel this stuff on. He kept telling me how thick it was, and we figured it was just the crazy primer. He also reported that it was impossible to clean up out of my trusty favorite paint brush, so he had to throw it out. Apparently it required mineral spirits which we didn't have.
Fast forward again to the next day. Hmmm... our brand new drywall is textured now. How did that happen?
Troy thought it was the primer, since it and the paint was so thick. The contractor thought it was the paint, since it may have dried quickly and didn't get a chance to spread smooth. Late last night I was glancing at the empty primer can and read "oil-based" on it. Hmmm... that was news to me. Seems like I had mixed oil-based primer with latex paint. Like mixing oil and water, but worse. Now we know what not to do, and have to sand down the bumpy, plaster-like texture, and buy more paint to re-paint the walls. Ooops. All because I didn't take the time to stand in line and ask the Home Depot people my question.
Fast forward- poor DH is up late into the night, nearly having to trowel this stuff on. He kept telling me how thick it was, and we figured it was just the crazy primer. He also reported that it was impossible to clean up out of my trusty favorite paint brush, so he had to throw it out. Apparently it required mineral spirits which we didn't have.
Fast forward again to the next day. Hmmm... our brand new drywall is textured now. How did that happen?
Troy thought it was the primer, since it and the paint was so thick. The contractor thought it was the paint, since it may have dried quickly and didn't get a chance to spread smooth. Late last night I was glancing at the empty primer can and read "oil-based" on it. Hmmm... that was news to me. Seems like I had mixed oil-based primer with latex paint. Like mixing oil and water, but worse. Now we know what not to do, and have to sand down the bumpy, plaster-like texture, and buy more paint to re-paint the walls. Ooops. All because I didn't take the time to stand in line and ask the Home Depot people my question.
latest obsessions
David Bromstad's HGTV Color Splash show- I love design with color and he is so willing to do whatever style the homeowner is inspired by. He also has lots of artsy elements to his design. He always does some type of awesome acrylic painting which makes me want to paint, and has the most amazing designs.
Here's a tip he shared on the show today, use your accent color at three different heights to create continuity and keep the eye moving.
I'll have to assess my bathroom design thus far and see if I followed it or not.
Other obsession- is Trader Joe's Triple Ginger cookies. I always like ginger, but when I'm pregnant I want more, more, more! Like the ginger cookie at Turtle Bread Co. Mmm. But these Trader Joe ones use 3 kinds of ginger including crystallized ginger. They are so irresistible I want to sit down with a tub of them and just chow!
Here's a tip he shared on the show today, use your accent color at three different heights to create continuity and keep the eye moving.
I'll have to assess my bathroom design thus far and see if I followed it or not.
Other obsession- is Trader Joe's Triple Ginger cookies. I always like ginger, but when I'm pregnant I want more, more, more! Like the ginger cookie at Turtle Bread Co. Mmm. But these Trader Joe ones use 3 kinds of ginger including crystallized ginger. They are so irresistible I want to sit down with a tub of them and just chow!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Nesting, online?
I've been told my "blogs I read" list is outdated. I have to apologize for all the dead links there. Though, really, do I have to apologize for other fellow bloggers ceasing to be so, and thus letting their blogs die out? I'm not really sure. But either way, there's an updated list of some blogs I've been reading and not sharing- and all the links should work! Enjoy responsibly!
ahhhh.....
I just took a deep, toasty bath in our brand new tub. The air tub and chromatherapy elements weren't hooked up yet, so I will later experience a full-featured bath, but this was great on its own.
Our old tub was a cast iron one, and that meant that it took some work to warm it up, like lots of hot water and patience. Also, the water cooled off quickly. This new tub is acrylic, and "warm to the touch" is known to be a property of acrylic tubs. Well, I took a bath awhile ago and the water is still quite warm. I had to get out since I was getting overheated! Oops, sorry baby. I'll try not to do that again!
DH and I should both sleep like rocks- it's his turn to take a tubby now.
Our old tub was a cast iron one, and that meant that it took some work to warm it up, like lots of hot water and patience. Also, the water cooled off quickly. This new tub is acrylic, and "warm to the touch" is known to be a property of acrylic tubs. Well, I took a bath awhile ago and the water is still quite warm. I had to get out since I was getting overheated! Oops, sorry baby. I'll try not to do that again!
DH and I should both sleep like rocks- it's his turn to take a tubby now.
free pastry day at Starbucks!
Thanks MIL for the tip! Go here before 10:30 am today. To print your coupon, or just show the baristas there the deal on your mobile.
32 weeks pregnant
And I just cast on for my first knitted item for this baby. A little hat for him to wear after he's born. Those little pink and blue generic striped hospital issues hats are for the babies with non-knitters in their lives. This baby needs a soft cotton handknit hat of his own.
It's the same hat pattern I knit for Noah, and very basic. I am considering knitting the child's first initial on it, though for some customization.
I've been working part-time and it seems like every client feels the need to acknowledge how much bigger I am at this session, than I was at the last. I decided once my belly width measures my height, then I will know baby-time is right around the corner! I'm 5'10 so there's a ways to go by that standard!
It's the same hat pattern I knit for Noah, and very basic. I am considering knitting the child's first initial on it, though for some customization.
I've been working part-time and it seems like every client feels the need to acknowledge how much bigger I am at this session, than I was at the last. I decided once my belly width measures my height, then I will know baby-time is right around the corner! I'm 5'10 so there's a ways to go by that standard!
I had an inquiry for the marshmallow fondant recipe that I used- here it is. I have to admit, I sampled it a bit when it was finished- without the cake!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Noah's favorite art project at Grammy and Ba-pa's house
Having a blast, making a mess. Don't worry mom, we cleaned it up! Dot dot
dot!!!!
dot!!!!
Marshmallow fondant, a cake for elzbieta
I wanted to make a fondant-ed cake for my friend's big b-day. I went to
walmart and saw ready-made fondue from Wilton cake decorating. I read the
ingredients. It horrified me to see that glycerin was listed amidst many
other weird non-edible sounding things.
I put that package back and went online to read for a fondant recipe. I
found many but also read that many people think fondant tastes rather
inedible. Well, that sounded unpleasant. Then, I came across marshmallow
fondant. I picked a recipe and made it 2 days in advance so that it could
"set". It was made of tons of powdered sugar, marshmallows, and a little
water and vanilla extract. It tasted like a gourmet Peep easter candy. My
friend loved her daisy mmfondant cake, and I enjoyed some too.
walmart and saw ready-made fondue from Wilton cake decorating. I read the
ingredients. It horrified me to see that glycerin was listed amidst many
other weird non-edible sounding things.
I put that package back and went online to read for a fondant recipe. I
found many but also read that many people think fondant tastes rather
inedible. Well, that sounded unpleasant. Then, I came across marshmallow
fondant. I picked a recipe and made it 2 days in advance so that it could
"set". It was made of tons of powdered sugar, marshmallows, and a little
water and vanilla extract. It tasted like a gourmet Peep easter candy. My
friend loved her daisy mmfondant cake, and I enjoyed some too.
Marshmallow fondant, a cake for elzbieta
I wanted to make a fondant-ed cake for my friend's big b-day. I went to
walmart and saw ready-made fondue from Wilton cake decorating. I read the
ingredients. It horrified me to see that glycerin was listed amidst many
other weird non-edible sounding things.
I put that package back and went online to read for a fondant recipe. I
found many but also read that many people think fondant tastes rather
inedible. Well, that sounded unpleasant. Then, I came across marshmallow
fondant. I picked a recipe and made it 2 days in advance so that it could
"set". It was made of tons of powdered sugar, marshmallows, and a little
water and vanilla extract. It tasted like a gourmet Peep easter candy. My
friend loved her daisy mmfondant cake, and I enjoyed some too.
walmart and saw ready-made fondue from Wilton cake decorating. I read the
ingredients. It horrified me to see that glycerin was listed amidst many
other weird non-edible sounding things.
I put that package back and went online to read for a fondant recipe. I
found many but also read that many people think fondant tastes rather
inedible. Well, that sounded unpleasant. Then, I came across marshmallow
fondant. I picked a recipe and made it 2 days in advance so that it could
"set". It was made of tons of powdered sugar, marshmallows, and a little
water and vanilla extract. It tasted like a gourmet Peep easter candy. My
friend loved her daisy mmfondant cake, and I enjoyed some too.
Marshmallow fondant, a cake for elzbieta
I wanted to make a fondant-ed cake for my friend's big b-day. I went to
walmart and saw ready-made fondue from Wilton cake decorating. I read the
ingredients. It horrified me to see that glycerin was listed amidst many
other weird non-edible sounding things.
I put that package back and went online to read for a fondant recipe. I
found many but also read that many people think fondant tastes rather
inedible. Well, that sounded unpleasant. Then, I came across marshmallow
fondant. I picked a recipe and made it 2 days in advance so that it could
"set". It was made of tons of powdered sugar, marshmallows, and a little
water and vanilla extract. It tasted like a gourmet Peep easter candy. My
friend loved her daisy mmfondant cake, and I enjoyed some too.
walmart and saw ready-made fondue from Wilton cake decorating. I read the
ingredients. It horrified me to see that glycerin was listed amidst many
other weird non-edible sounding things.
I put that package back and went online to read for a fondant recipe. I
found many but also read that many people think fondant tastes rather
inedible. Well, that sounded unpleasant. Then, I came across marshmallow
fondant. I picked a recipe and made it 2 days in advance so that it could
"set". It was made of tons of powdered sugar, marshmallows, and a little
water and vanilla extract. It tasted like a gourmet Peep easter candy. My
friend loved her daisy mmfondant cake, and I enjoyed some too.
Making rice krispie bars
With my being pregnant I have been getting tired really easily. So, I have
been trying to come up with fun at-home activities to do. One morning we
made rice krispie bars. I never realized making treats could also incite so
many tantrums. He wanted the marshmallows, the PB, then the marshmallows
again, and then finally, the chocolate chips. Since you can't just make them
plain! I added a little PB to the marshmallow/krispie mix to add some
protein, then melted more PB with some chocolate to top them. He was happy
at the end though, as he got to lick off a yummy-coated spatula.
been trying to come up with fun at-home activities to do. One morning we
made rice krispie bars. I never realized making treats could also incite so
many tantrums. He wanted the marshmallows, the PB, then the marshmallows
again, and then finally, the chocolate chips. Since you can't just make them
plain! I added a little PB to the marshmallow/krispie mix to add some
protein, then melted more PB with some chocolate to top them. He was happy
at the end though, as he got to lick off a yummy-coated spatula.
Vintage bathroom pics
Goodbye pink and black tiles...non-ventilated bathroom and the mildew you
left us...
left us...
Vintage bathroom pics
Goodbye pink and black tiles...non-ventilated bathroom and the mildew you
left us...
left us...
Vintage bathroom pics
Goodbye pink and black tiles...non-ventilated bathroom and the mildew you
left us...
left us...
Vintage bathroom pics
Goodbye pink and black tiles...non-ventilated bathroom and the mildew you
left us...
left us...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
bathrooommmmmm!
We've been exiling ourselves to various places- though the bathroom project just began on Monday. Our neighbors are already wondering where we are.
Monday- demolition day- Tuesday, tile removal and electrician came to get some wiring up, wed. and today insulation with some special high-tech rf 15 insulation made of recycled steel and volcanic rock. I've been told it's virtually fire-proof. Our contractor was really excited to get to use this special material for the first time in our bathroom. He saw it at a trade show where there was a blow torch blazing on it all day and it didn't burn. Cool, I thought.
Today, was an inspection of some sort, and the hole was cut for our skylight which is round and will be located above my new air jet tub (which is at home in a box on the landing). Yes, a skylight. And a heater/vent/fan/nightlight to replace the lack of bathroom fan. I am so excited to add additional heat to the bathroom and extra lighting. It should be amazing. I just have to be patient.
Right now there's just a toilet in the bathroom, and I filled an ice cream pail with water and set a towel with some rosemary goat soap next to it, atop the air tub box in our hallway. It actually works well enough for the middle of the night when I don't want to walk downstairs to the kitchen sink k.to wash my hands.
Pregnancy wise- I am 30 weeks along, blood pressure is great, and everything else is tracking along just fine. I'm big enough, that's for sure, and I just keep on growing.
Noah is as intrigued with the bathroom project as we are. He likes to go upstairs and we hold him and give him a chance to look around.
Tomorrow some extra talented friends of ours are tackling the plumbing. Fantastic. Perhaps my tub will see the light of day soon instead of the darkness of the box.
Knitting wise- I am trying to finish a second sock that is lime and pin
Monday- demolition day- Tuesday, tile removal and electrician came to get some wiring up, wed. and today insulation with some special high-tech rf 15 insulation made of recycled steel and volcanic rock. I've been told it's virtually fire-proof. Our contractor was really excited to get to use this special material for the first time in our bathroom. He saw it at a trade show where there was a blow torch blazing on it all day and it didn't burn. Cool, I thought.
Today, was an inspection of some sort, and the hole was cut for our skylight which is round and will be located above my new air jet tub (which is at home in a box on the landing). Yes, a skylight. And a heater/vent/fan/nightlight to replace the lack of bathroom fan. I am so excited to add additional heat to the bathroom and extra lighting. It should be amazing. I just have to be patient.
Right now there's just a toilet in the bathroom, and I filled an ice cream pail with water and set a towel with some rosemary goat soap next to it, atop the air tub box in our hallway. It actually works well enough for the middle of the night when I don't want to walk downstairs to the kitchen sink k.to wash my hands.
Pregnancy wise- I am 30 weeks along, blood pressure is great, and everything else is tracking along just fine. I'm big enough, that's for sure, and I just keep on growing.
Noah is as intrigued with the bathroom project as we are. He likes to go upstairs and we hold him and give him a chance to look around.
Tomorrow some extra talented friends of ours are tackling the plumbing. Fantastic. Perhaps my tub will see the light of day soon instead of the darkness of the box.
Knitting wise- I am trying to finish a second sock that is lime and pin
Thursday, February 04, 2010
More accurate light angles of the tile colors
This one shows the differences between the lighter and darker main tiles
better than the other pics.
better than the other pics.
Big picture look
At the bottom of the pic is the flooring choice. This is set in stone- haha,
I am using Travertine that I am in visual lust with. The subtle color
nuances and gentle organic swirls thrill me to no end. I asked DH if he was
in love with it as much as I, and he said, "I don't think that's possible,
though I do like it" or something close to that.
Moving up is the tile that is a darker gradation. I am using the art
principles of value, being the lightness and the darkness of an object and
giving the lower portion of the tile, which will be above the bathtub a
darker color than the rest. There will be a well-proportioned amount of that
tile, about a 1/3 ratio, then the scrolly transitions, then the glass tile
motif, and more scrolly transitions, then above that a lighter tile color.
This way the heavier color is at the bottom since it has more weight than
the lighter color which will be at the top.
So the voting is for the glass tile motifs, as I have selected the flooring
and the other 2 main tile colors. I don't want it to be too busy, but I
don't want it to be to boring/safe. I want it to be artsy but relaxing. DH
likes symmetry, as do I.
So, cast your votes!!!!
1, 2, or 3!
I am using Travertine that I am in visual lust with. The subtle color
nuances and gentle organic swirls thrill me to no end. I asked DH if he was
in love with it as much as I, and he said, "I don't think that's possible,
though I do like it" or something close to that.
Moving up is the tile that is a darker gradation. I am using the art
principles of value, being the lightness and the darkness of an object and
giving the lower portion of the tile, which will be above the bathtub a
darker color than the rest. There will be a well-proportioned amount of that
tile, about a 1/3 ratio, then the scrolly transitions, then the glass tile
motif, and more scrolly transitions, then above that a lighter tile color.
This way the heavier color is at the bottom since it has more weight than
the lighter color which will be at the top.
So the voting is for the glass tile motifs, as I have selected the flooring
and the other 2 main tile colors. I don't want it to be too busy, but I
don't want it to be to boring/safe. I want it to be artsy but relaxing. DH
likes symmetry, as do I.
So, cast your votes!!!!
1, 2, or 3!
Option 2
I must say, that I plan to go with the scrolly pieces in between the regular
tiles and the glass tiles as a transition piece at both the top and the
bottom of the glass tile borders.
tiles and the glass tiles as a transition piece at both the top and the
bottom of the glass tile borders.
Option one
There are endless config's available for tile. I know because I have sat in
front of the fireplace till the wee hours of the night just playing around
with options. My goal is a look that is high-end, but I have a tendency to
select the more "out there" look over the conservative, traditional look.
This is for our bathroom, which is going to be spa--like instead of retro
peach and black soon.
Please vote for the most appealing tile configuration- and then I can make
my ultimate decision.
front of the fireplace till the wee hours of the night just playing around
with options. My goal is a look that is high-end, but I have a tendency to
select the more "out there" look over the conservative, traditional look.
This is for our bathroom, which is going to be spa--like instead of retro
peach and black soon.
Please vote for the most appealing tile configuration- and then I can make
my ultimate decision.
Friday, January 29, 2010
A few latest obsessions- new bathroom and fair isle knitting
Redoing our entire bathroom-
-putting in a Maax aerosens air tub (the sanitary version of a whirlpool-style bathtub)
- adding travertine flooring
-changing the "lovely" peach and black motif to a more natural and calming travertine-style porcelain tiles with brown metallic glass tile accents
-new toilet
-new sink, this one,
or a square one that sinks on top of the sink
-new vanity
-adding a ceiling fan/heater
-adding a skylight
-re-insulating the whole room
Should be amazing- I can't wait for all of it to happen. I have lived long enough with my non-ventilated dark peach and black tiles from 1940's. It's time to say "Hello 2010!!!!!"
Here's some inspiration photos I've found online-
1, 2, 3
In Knitting land- Kelle's one-handed stranded fair isle bug has bit hard! So addictive- I asked DH if I was out of my mind for buying this, and he said I was ready for a challenge. It's not been that hard- just takes some focus. I'm loving it!
I thought it was a bargain for that price- and now I have like 30 more balls of yarn running around our house.
-putting in a Maax aerosens air tub (the sanitary version of a whirlpool-style bathtub)
- adding travertine flooring
-changing the "lovely" peach and black motif to a more natural and calming travertine-style porcelain tiles with brown metallic glass tile accents
-new toilet
-new sink, this one,
or a square one that sinks on top of the sink
-new vanity
-adding a ceiling fan/heater
-adding a skylight
-re-insulating the whole room
Should be amazing- I can't wait for all of it to happen. I have lived long enough with my non-ventilated dark peach and black tiles from 1940's. It's time to say "Hello 2010!!!!!"
Here's some inspiration photos I've found online-
1, 2, 3
In Knitting land- Kelle's one-handed stranded fair isle bug has bit hard! So addictive- I asked DH if I was out of my mind for buying this, and he said I was ready for a challenge. It's not been that hard- just takes some focus. I'm loving it!
I thought it was a bargain for that price- and now I have like 30 more balls of yarn running around our house.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
an excerpt- Email to my son
You are too cute! You waved at all the animals at the zoo, and loved watching even the slow-moving turtles. You also loved the fish. It was like a new you at the zoo today- interested in everything! (we went on Monday the 4th. )
Sunday, the 3rd I asked you "did u sleep well?" and you replied, plopping down in your crib from a stand, "I did" :) you made Daddy and I both chuckle.
Sunday night you were into jumping. you can do little jumps, and kept telling Daddy where to stand in the kitchen, then said,' Daddy jump!" "Mommy, jump!"
Today when I was cleaning and organizing you went over to your toys on the other side of the room and said, "Mommy, sit"! and pointed to a spot on the floor next to you. I guess you were telling me to take a break! So I did. How could I resist your request:)?
Sunday, the 3rd I asked you "did u sleep well?" and you replied, plopping down in your crib from a stand, "I did" :) you made Daddy and I both chuckle.
Sunday night you were into jumping. you can do little jumps, and kept telling Daddy where to stand in the kitchen, then said,' Daddy jump!" "Mommy, jump!"
Today when I was cleaning and organizing you went over to your toys on the other side of the room and said, "Mommy, sit"! and pointed to a spot on the floor next to you. I guess you were telling me to take a break! So I did. How could I resist your request:)?
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