Riot and Frolic

List of Last Week’s Labors of Love

September 12, 2011

– the nicest freakin' forecast of all time. You must read the descriptions. Maybe they could have checked out the thesaurus for "sunny," or maybe they were trying to make me laugh.

– the next best place to find a laugh: The Happy Place. The best responses to misspellings on Facebook: hilarious!

– a new daily activity. The ladies and I head for an hour outside. Sometimes it's the playground, sometimes a walk, or maybe a little "pork chalk" (sidewalk chalk) in the front yard, but we get a bit o' fresh air. The walks aren't so much walking as the ladies sitting down every few feet and looking at stuff.

The two blocks we have traveled from our house, in this picture, took us a half an hour.

– running. It's soooo good and bad. Like eating raw cookie dough. But the healthy version.

This whole post-baby body is messing with me. My top half is rather buff and normal looking, but then my bottom half is all… not. Maybe I should lay off the wine and butter…

09 Bad Body Double

– realizing everything is better if wine and butter are involved. Doh!

– yeah, we'll keep her.

– my tomato plant is still alive. I had really given this thing up for dead, but I walked by it and saw fruit! Woohoo! This rascal had better give me at least one Black Krim heirloom tomato, or I will officially declare myself a Black Thumb.

– I don't like all crochet. Take for example the little square below…

It seems pretty. But I hated making it. It was a little piece of this seemingly cool pattern for a scarf that converts into a shrug. But it sucked. I really hated every single stitch of it. Next!
Pinterest Project- Twofer

September 8, 2011

No, no. Not this guy…

What? You don't watch 30 Rock? Get on the wagon. That show is up there with, in chronological order, Alias (isn't it time for a little marathon?), The Office (season 7 is now on DVD… and I don't own it… hint, hint), Arrested Development (yeah, that movie is never going to happen), and How I Met Your Mother (the only show I currently watch premieres September 19!).

Anyways, I didn't mean to do two Pinterest Projects at a time, but I happened to pin two little dishes that I made for dinner last night. I was going to do a hair post, but since I already made the food…

"Cheddar Bay Biscuits" from Pennies on a Platter. Her featured recipe compares to a treat at a certain restaurant which we will refer to as Blue Crab.
Darling Nikki (haHA!) over at POAP has a recipe for Fried Ice Cream on her blog. Sign me up! She is clearly great.

I fell off the wagon (not the 30 Rock one, I'm still ridin' that bad boy) this week. I couldn't follow the directions on this one in any way. I read the ingredients and threw them all in a bowl, THEN realized the butter was just for brushing-on-later purposes. I hadn't mixed it up yet, so I brushed the Bisquick off the chunk o' butter and melted it for the marinating of the biscuits. THEN I realized the garlic salt and parsley was supposed to be in the melted butter bowl, not the main ingredients bowl. That's also when I realized it said GARLIC salt and not just SALT. Drrr.

Oh, and I used pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar since I had used all the cheddar for homemade mac 'n' cheese two days ago.

They still taste good.

I'll def make these again, but maybe try to stick closer to the actual directions. Anything that you brush melted butter on multiple times is a pass in my class.

And the "two" of "twofer"…

Crispy Peanut Butter Cups from Iowa Girl Eats. I wrote about these the other day.

Once again, not doing well with following directions, but this time it was because I didn't have the equipment (that's what she said). Kristin at IGE has a mini muffin pan, which now I can't stop thinking about the millions of ways I would use. I threw my concoction into a 13 x 9 pan. It kind of fit.

But it didn't really work in a pan. You have to eat them directly out of the pan with a fork. Darn.

I'm not sure I would make these again. I couldn't make a decision about them, so I kept eating them. I thought they would be sweeter, but I felt like I was just eating peanut butter and chocolate chips. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Maybe the wine messed with my decision-making ability…

Nah…
Scattered

September 6, 2011

I was supposed to write y'all a recipe today… Or yesterday. But I'm having trouble focusing.

There's fun-ness happening, people. Yes, fun-ness.

First of all, I ran today. It was a little scary, because I've heard some stories from former pregnant ladies about women's… junk moving around. Just look up "prolapse" and you'll get my somewhat rational fear of rapid movement. Ew.

Besides an extra-special vigilance on things staying where they should (the chestal region needs more support than usual these days, also), the run was bomb. The night before I had hoped I could run one whole mile in twelve minutes. And you know what? After I had converted my running app from kilos to miles, I discovered that's exactly what I did. Should have aimed higher, I guess.

Then, I found out one of my favo crochet ladies is selling super-fab yarn. It's all European and whatnot and the colors are b-u-t-ful. I mean, look at it… LOOK AT IT!

I have been looking for afghan patterns, so I can order a whole bunch of this. I suggest you do the same, or at least read her blog. She's sassy and is offering a 5% discount for this week in her new shop o' pretty yarn.

Here's some blankies I might like to throw around…

By Sarah London Textiles, from Flickr via Pinterest.

Thank you again, Yvestown! Your work is fascinating!

This pattern is written is Japanese, but I'm sure I could translate it… (Pierrot Yarns)

And a really easy one from Lion Brand Yarns. Plus, it would match everything in my house. Which makes me a little sad since it's called "70s Ripple Afghan."

The G and I practiced today and we didn't kill each other, so that was a good chunk of fun-ness. We're getting ready to compete again and I'm pumped. Scared, but pumped.

So, in conclusion, to sum things up, the grand finale, is that if I'm scared, I'm having fun. Yet I hate scary movies. Talk amongst yourselves. Give me the conclusions.
List of Last Week’s Labors of Love

September 4, 2011

– realization that my oldest might be anal retentive. The insoles from her water shoes came out when she took the shoes off. She set the insoles next to the stairs by the rest of her shoes in this orderly fashion…

– Lake Calhoun! Trying to get through our Summer List. It's a pretty short list. Lake Calhoun, Stillwater. One down, one to go. The city lakes are so BA.

– Minnesota State Fair! Yes, the Great Minnesota Get Together with the Bratts on Thrifty Thursday. Cheese curds, corn dogs, Sweet Martha's cookies, and Sno-cones. Them's some happy, tired ladies at the end of the day.

Fun facts: the fair has been open yearly since 1859 with five exceptions; it was closed because of the Civil War, the Dakota Indian Conflict, the World's Fair in Chicago, a fuel shortage, and a polio epidemic. Best new feature? A huge, shiny building full of new restrooms, sinks, drinking fountains and family bathrooms. Find it by the International Bazaar.

– a weekend without the G. He's "working." A little nerve-racking to be on my own with the babes, but all in all fun. A trip to Como Park (did you know you aren't supposed to feed the "wildlife" [read: ducks] in St. Paul parks? no wonder there aren't any around!), a night at Gramma and Grampa's, a lot of late-night 30 Rock, and a date with the Maladroit Wife.
Sweet Martha’s Revenge

September 2, 2011

I sat down last night to indulge in some Sweet Martha's cookies because I needed a little hair-of-the-dog (the fat and calorie kind) after a big day at the fair. And of course, we bought the pail o' cookies. Not that measly cup business. I think we got an extra big heap of cookies since I believe the cookie-wench thought the G was cute. Score.

Anyhoo…

Big pail of cookies… Bored… The G not home… What to do…

YouTube! Dance videos!

…

Bad combo!

Can I really enjoy these amazing cookies while watching this?

NO!

She's too fabulous.

I put the cookies away.

Grrr.

I had to make a decision.

It's not a fun decision.

I had to decide when I wanted to fit into my fab dance dress. Do you know what that requires?

Salad. Lots of salad. And vegetables. And leeeeeeean protein.

Do you know what else that entails?

No Sweet Martha's, that's for sure. Less half 'n' half and vanilla syrup in the coffee, less to no butter on my toast (which will have to be wheaty and grainy), no mac and cheese with the ladies, and lots more exercise.

Being a professional dancer is pretty kick-ass. Having to look like a professional dancer is not. It's a lot of work and self-restraint. Especially for a girl who doesn't find all that much wrong with eating cookies for breakfast.

Wish me luck, peeps.
Represent, 651

September 1, 2011

I got my update from Centsational Girl this morning and had to write a second post for today, so I could share alllllll my favo things about St. Paul. I won't even try to add in ye olde Minneapolis, because I don't want your heads to explode with all the magnificent possibilities that abound in the Twin Cities.

Here's the short list:

1. The Snelby Area

Neat shops, vintage finds, Starbucks and cookies= win.

2. Summit Avenue

The Cathedral of St. Paul, the James J. Hill house, a tree-lined boulevard, and 7 kilometers of Victorian houses, bike path, colleges, parks, and history. You're making us seem civilized, Summit.

3. The Mississippi River

The completely random picture above was too great to pass up. It was taken at Hidden Falls Park, just one of the many awesome parks that are dotted along the Mighty Mississippi. Great for hiking along, swimming in (careful of the massive current), canoeing/boating/kayaking/crewing on, biking near, or looking at, the Mississippi gives us a head start on the awesomeness race.

4. The Current

A branch of MPR, the Current is an ad-free radio station that features local artists and independent labels, plus all the other good stuff. Hear Bennie Goodman next to Atmosphere or Iron and Wine, then INXS. Thanks, MN, for having pretty sweet music.

5. The Incoming Light Rail

Controversial, I know, but I'm totally stoked (thanks, bro) for the new Green Line of the Metro Transit Light Rail. It's going to run right by my house, connect the cities that are twins, and make me feel a little more European. Now go get me a fresh croissant.

6. Trung Nam

Our end of University Avenue gets a bad rap. But have you tried any of the awesome Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Phillipino, or myriad of other worldy cafes? Um, you should. Start with breakfast at Trung Nam. The G and I found this place shortly after our honeymoon in France, where we had fresh croissants every day. You know, the French kind. Then we stopped in here. Voila! We're in Beaugency! F yeah.

My short list is becoming long. St. Paulites- any other suggestions? I'd love to make a master list of awesome places to visit. Don't you hate it when visitors come into town and want you to be their city guide and you got nothing?
Pinterest Project- Make It Beautiful

September 1, 2011

Have I mentioned how much I love The Girl Who Ate Everything? Oh, I have. Yes, she was the genius behind the Saltine Cracker Toffee. So, she's a little bit of an evil genius.

Well, Christy has made ye olde blog again with her intriguing "Frosting That Will Get You Hugs." I've been looking for a recipe for frosting that doesn't use, literally, a pound of butter. And here it is! Thank you, Pinterest!

I followed directions completely. I'm making progress, people. And the results were worth it.

It's easy to make and fun, too. Maybe that's just me and my love for using the mixer.

"It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"

Yum. It's light and sweet, but not so sweet that I won't polish off the spatula after frosting my favo cake. Or let V do it. But we had a fight for it.

And she kept telling me to "make it beautiful" when I was perfecting her slapped-on frosting work. She's pretty sassy.

I've heard it's great on Red Velvet cake and carrot cake, especially if you have cream cheese haters in your crowd. And then I'd have to ask you, what kind of crowd are you hanging with?

Fun facts:

V was very helpful, but asked if she could lick the spatula every ten seconds.

The G served the cake for dinner and thought it was hilarious when he cut out a slice with the "p" of "Pass!" on it. Now we're left with… Well, you know.

My awesome cooking/baking (hahahaha) also prompted him to start thinking about buying one of those deluxe Kitchenaid mixers. Dough hook, slicer/shredder, juicer, food mill… A girl can dream…
Mary, Mary, Quite Contary

August 30, 2011

How does your garden grow? Well, the real one, with chlorophyll and all that, doesn't do so well, so I make up for it in yarn.

Way back in the day, I told you I'd write out the pattern from my crocheted flower. The following is my attempt to do so.

I've never written a crochet pattern before and faked it as best I could. If you try it (which would require reading, and then using, the pattern, Ms. Brown…), please tell me if it works. Or doesn't. The latter is more likely to happen.

Here is your pattern for a two layer, 12 petal flower. I was going to write out the one for a three layer flower, but I ran out of yarn. Ha!

I used some normal acrylic yarn and a hook a little larger than usual. I thought that would help you see the detail. Test out whatever yarn and hooks you like- there's no correct combo!

Two Layer Crochet Flower

Start with a slip stitch Round 1: Chain 6, slip stitch into 1st chain to form a circle

Round 2: Chain 2 [counts as DC], DC 11 into circle, SS into 2nd chain to finish round [12 DC]

Round 3: Chain 2 [counts as SC and chain], (SC 1, Chain 1 into each DC) 11x, SS into 1st chain to finish round [12 SC and chain combos]

Round 4: (SS into chain opening, chain 2, DC, chain 2, SS) around [12 petals]

Round 5: Working behind piece, (SC around post of SC of round 3, chain 2) around, SS into 1st SC to finish round [12 SC and 2 chain combos]

Check out the following pictures for help on this round.

The pic above on the left shows how it should look when you're done. On the right, it shows you the little loops from a different angle. This is what you'll work into on the next round…

Round 6: (SS into 1st "chain 2" opening, chain 3, TC 2, chain 3, SS) around [12 petals]

Finish off by weaving in ends.

Voila!

I'd write more, but I just got back from a MAJOR grocery excursion. I have tons of food to put away before the ladies wake up!

Mwah!

P.S. How lame is the permalink address of this post? I tried to edit it, to no avail. It looks like code…
Something from Nothing

August 29, 2011

You know what I love? Something cheap and easy…

There's a joke in there somewhere…

But it's Monday, so let's get down to business.

My cupboards could rival Olde Mother Hubbard's right now. Someone needs to go grocery shopping. Volunteers?

Until my imaginary cabana boy becomes a reality and starts bringing me cocktails and fully-cooked meals, I had to dig through my mental recipe box to see if I could whip something up for lunch today.

And behold! One of my favo recipes could be fulfilled!

Tomato Bisque

Ingredients:

– 1 onion, chopped

– 1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes

– 1 chicken bouillon cube

– 1 tablespoon dill

– salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise

In large saucepan, saute garlic and onion in butter until soft, but not browned. Add tomatoes, bouillon cube, dill, and salt and pepper. Simmer for awhile. Remove from heat and add mayo before serving.

Fun facts:

The G broke into my apartment on our first Valentine's Day together and cooked a huge feast for us in my tiny kitchen. This was one of the courses. I have no idea where he got this recipe.

The original recipe calls for this soup to be served chilled. I have never done that. If you decide to try it that way, let me know how you like it.

"Bisque" usually describes a seafood soup, but it can applied to creamy, pureed vegetable soups as well.

I used to use canned whole tomatoes and then blend the soup before adding the mayo. I liked the soup creamy and not chunky. But it was messy. Just this time, I used crushed tomatoes. Duh. Awesome!

I was grossed out when I first learned the magic ingredient was mayo. But I got over it quickly. Because I love mayo.

This is the second time I've written this post. I'd love to tell you the second time is better than the first. Maybe I'll learn to save my drafts. Maybe not. Mystery!

Don't forget to vote me by clicking on the link up in the left corner! You can vote EVERYDAY. On multiple computers/phones/iPads/typewriters! Yay!
List of Last Week’s Labors of Love

August 28, 2011

– in two hours: the breadmaker hummin', pizza dough rising, buttermilk pancake batter mixed for the next morning, white sauce for the pizza whipped up, three happy ladies and one productive evening.

– several trips to the "hippo and alligator" playground-park. I'm not sure why V is so infatuated with this park; she doesn't even play on the hippo and alligator pieces for which the park is named. One trip included a picnic with the G. Score!

– sunlight to take a photo of my fun fingers. You know who liked my mani?

– this girl…

Yes, those are little V's toes. She sat still for it, so she totally deserves them.

– cakies. It's a new invention I made accidentally. I tried to make sugar cookies for the first time. Late at night. When I really wanted to eat them. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but they look like cookies and taste like cake.

– my first practice round for ballrooming. Oh, man.

– our first trip to the amazing Target Field. Now I get why people like baseball. That fence behind us? That's so no one falls off of the incredibly high, discombobulating "terrace level" onto 7th Street down below.

I don't know how much of the game I watched. I was too busy trying to figure out where NE was, what cities' water towers I could see, reading all the big screen stats and player fun facts, talking to the drunk fellow next to me, and eating. Totally fun, though.

– a nomination for CBS Minnesota's Most Valuable Blogger Awards! Eeeee! I made the Top 10 in the "Lifestyle" section. You can vote for me by clicking here. You can vote once a day until September 9.

Rad.

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