Figgity Jam

Food Glorious Food - Not my local donut or doughnut

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I really have no preference when it comes to the spelling of 'doughnut'. Or 'donut'.

I just want to get my hands on several of the following doughnuts.

This is an Apple Maple Bacon Donut - from Dynamo Donut in San Francisco.

I'll be moving here soon because of this concoction. No joke.

S'mores donut from Psycho Donuts. A messy plate of good. You can get this lovely in LA.

I guess I could spend my time between San Francisco and LA. Sounds kind of cool and cosmopolitan

to trek between those two cities for donuts, right?

Oh yes, these beauties are a bit closer to me. The Chocolate Cream Puff from

Spunky Dunkers Donuts in Chicago. Yea, I'd totally eat that right now.

Beyond Glaze Doughnuts in Draper, Utah makes this Apple Crisp Doughnut. I want it.

But dang, I have to travel out west again. Donut eating is a labor of love I tell you.

And after perusing the internets, I think I have found my donut nirvana....

Doughnut Plant in NYC.

The Black Out Doughnut. I love chocolate. This doughnut looks to be made of chocolate.

These offerings are the Blackberry Jam and Carrot doughnuts. I probably wouldn't walk in

and choose either of these doughnuts right off the bat. But I would get to them

sooner or later and I would shame myself for not choosing them sooner.

And finally, these hunks of pretty....

are the Creme Brulee Doughnut. I think four would not be enough.

It may seem that I'm obsessed with doughnuts. Uh, donuts. Well, at the moment I am.

Tomorrow the obsession could be roasted asparagus with balsamic vinaigrette.

That's the beauty of a food craving - it changes on a whim and

you can always find a wonderful place to quench the craving.

Now, I must make haste! To New York.

Boots

Take in the View | What happened to Spring?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:47:00 +0000

Huh?

What just happened?

Yesterday started out so bright and sunny. And even though it was cold, there was

still the sound of chipper birds singing a Spring tune. Daffodils pushed three inches

out of the ground looking for some love.

Then.....POW!!!!

Mother Nature, you silly temptress, you got me again.

Boots!

Take in the View | Welcome Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Spring!

Ten days ago we had 5 inches of fresh snow.

Today, well, we have the fresh breath of Spring.

The change of seasons is always so exciting and energizing for me.

I hope it is for you too!

Boots

Food Glorious Food - Cat in the Hat Hats

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I may not eat green eggs and ham. But I will eat sweets. It's part of who I am.

Did you know that Dr. Seuss' birthday was March 2nd. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

My son's pre-k class is celebrating Dr. Seuss all month and on his snack day this week I chose to incorporate the Dr. Seuss theme.

I found the idea for this snack at Jill's site, Meet the Dubiens. She is so, so clever.

I did prepare my Cat Hats a bit differently then Jill. But both ways are quite easy. And it was amazing

how excited the kids were about these sweet treats.

To make, first dip the bottom third of your marshmallow into water. Then swirl into the red sugar.

Let the marshmallow set while you dip and sugar your other marshmallows.

Now, dip the top third of your marshmallow in the water and swirl this end in the sugar.

Aaahhh, stripes.

Remove one chocolate cookie side from an Oreo. Gently scrape the creamy middle with a fork.

I found that this helps the frosting and marshmallow adhere to the cookie better.

Spread on a little smear of frosting. Plop on your decorated marshmallow.

And look what you have. A whole slew of Cat Hats.

Pretty darn cute!

Thanks for a great idea Jill!

Boots

Obsession Worthy - Flat Sandals

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:00:00 +0000

It was a virtual heat wave today.
After all the snow we've had all winter. The frigid cold these last few weeks.
The temperature reached a balmy 53℉. Yipee!!!!

Ahhh....a flicker of Spring.
And Spring got me thinking about Summer. And Summer got me thinking about shoes.

Uh huh! Shoes.
Sandals to be exact. Flat sandals, to be more exact.

Lilly Pulitzer

Target

With weather like this, I could easily drift into the delusion that the wearing of

shoes like these is right within my grasp.

Darn delusions. Darn weather!

Well, a girl can dream. And when I dream of flat Summer sandals, these

are my picks for the season!

Kate Spade

Elie Tahari

My preference? One of each, of course.

(Wouldn't that be awesome)

Boots

Food Glorious Food - Sweet Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:39:00 +0000

♥ Happy Valentine's Day ♥

Boots

Food Glorious Food - Eat Your Heart Out

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Eat Your Heart Out.

In a good way!

Such an adorable idea!

Jello, sweetened condensed milk, water, cookie cutter shape of choice and time. Nothing to it.

And this basic idea can be applied to virtually any holiday or celebration depending upon

the flavor (color) of Jello you use and the cookie cutter shape you have.

For example, St. Patrick's Day - lime (green) Jello and a shamrock shaped cookie cutter.

The Fourth of July - cherry and blueberry Jello with a star shaped cookie cutter.

The ideas are limitless!

The recipe and directions can be found here - Familyfun.com!

Seriously. If you make this, your kids will think you're magic.

Not too shabby!

Boots

Did I mention...we made more Valentine's?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Today it was The Sprite's turn to make her Valentine's cards for her class exchange.

Today was also a snow day. So this was a perfect project for her to do!

Again, Familyfun.com offered up a really darling and different idea!

Here's what you'll need:

Colored construction paper, pipe cleaners, glue, scissors, some type of small rolled candy

or pencils and the butterfly/dot template from Familyfun.com.

They've provided a full video tutorial online as well as directions here.

I traced and helped cut out the butterflies body. Then The Sprite did all of her

writing - you know....To: Evan, From: The Sprite. That kind of thing.

Then I made a few completed cards as examples to show The Sprite what to do next.

And also because I thought it was so fun to make Valentine's again!

We used a hole punch to make our dot decorations on the butterfly wings.

I figured we needed smaller dots since The Sprite had some writing to do.

Totally cute and good times were had by all on another lovely snow day!

Boots

Did I mention...it's almost Valentine's?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:00:00 +0000

It's time to start thinking about Valentine's Day.

For many lovely reasons.

One really important reason -Valentine Card Exchange!

You're a Blast! Rocket Ships

This is what The Boy will be passing out to his classmates this year.

We worked together. But admittedly, I did the majority of the work.

Making these Valentine's was easy and fun.

And The Boy is very excited to be able to deliver these sweet rockets to his buddies!

I found this adorable idea on the Family Fun Magazine website.

You'll need colored construction paper, scissors, tape, glue gun (not shown), some type

of rolled candy (fruity Lifesavers would be great too) and Kisses.

Cut your paper to size around your rolled candy.

Add your Valentine sentiment.

Tape your paper around your candy.

Cut out your flame.

Now, grab your glue gun and attach your Kiss to one end, your flame to the other

And there you have it!

A different, interesting and sweet Valentine.

And if you know my Boy - you know this Valentine is the perfect Valentine for him to give!

Boots

P.S. - The Sprite has a Valentine exchange too! We'll share her idea soon!

Food Glorious Food - Doughnuts

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:00:00 +0000

The Sprite didn't have school yesterday.

It was some sort of In-Service Day for the teachers. Yipee for us!

What to do? What to do?

We decided to crack open her Doughnut Maker!

She received this Sunbeam Doughnut Maker for Christmas from her Mimi and Papa.

Could it be any cuter?

The process is super easy.

Preheat doughnut maker. Lightly coat the tray with non-stick spray.

Mix doughnut batter and pour into doughnut wells.

Close the lid and bake for about 6 minutes.

Here they are about half way done.

The decorating was a delicious mess.

Chocolate ganache for dipping. Sprinkles, red hots and chopped nuts. YUM!

And the eating? Well, that was unquestionably magnificent!

Enjoy the weekend!

Boots

Obsession Worthy - Good deeds and random acts of kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I came upon the amazing blog world just a little over a year ago.

I am smitten and obsessed. And thus, have two blogs of my own to show for it.

In my blog obsession I have found beautiful design blogs. Unbelievable craft blogs.

Breathtaking photography blogs. And my favorite, delicious food blogs.

I have many favorites.

I follow these favorite bloggers almost daily. And I have been impressed and inspired by so many.

Today, however, I was greeted with such beauty and kindness, I could not not share.

Katherine, of Katherine Marie Photography, is simply amazing.

Her most recent post has confirmed in me (again) that amazing, thoughtful and creative people reside everywhere. We can be touched daily by beauty and kindness. But more importantly, we can express and deliver goodness and kindness daily. Let's begin today.

52 smiles.

Fifty-two weeks of absolute goodness.

A new year's resolve to bring a smile to another's face.

Katherine has created a family project for 2011 - A year of Kindness. The family plans to each week complete an out-of-the-ordinary kind act - for a full year. This may sound daunting, but she has proved that simple good deeds can be as overwhelmingly appreciated and considerate as something much larger.

I feel one small random act of kindness can be so infectious that it can create an avalanche of goodness! You just have to simply start.

Here are some things that Katherine and her family plan to do:

-deliver homemade Valentine's to a nursing home

-pack plastic gallon bags for the Salvation Army with toothpaste, tooth brush and deodorant

-put salon kits together (nail polish, remover and nail file) for young girls at a shelter/hospital

-donate blood

-send a box of small toys (bouncy balls, bracelets) to Iraq so soldiers can pass out something to kids while on patrol

-door holding patrol - find a busy place and hold open doors for 15 minutes

-collect canned goods for food pantry

-invite someone, who might be alone, over for a special home-cooked meal

-write a heartfelt note to manager telling him about a friendly employee

-send handmade cards to officers at local police station… signed, a thankful citizen

Some of these good deeds will cost some money.

Others will cost you nothing more than a little bit of your time.

In the end, your act of goodness will be priceless when you put a smile on someone else's face.

Boots

Obsession Worthy - Sunglasses

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I love me a great pair of sunglasses.

And, I die (hi Rachel Zoe) for tortoise shell. They are always in style!

Definitely sophisticated.

You can glam up any outfit, summer or winter, with a sweet pair. And they keep the ultraviolet rays

from damaging my eyeballs. And they keep me from squinting - keeping crows feet at bay.

But, if you ever see me out in the bright daylight, you might wonder about my eye apparel.

It is not hip. It is most likely smudged. And it is absolutely scratched.

What gives?

Well, first, I have children. And I realize that this should not be a pass for not having

some sweet and stylish sunglasses. It's a totally lame excuse. I acknowledge this.

But, when one of these small people that I have was much smaller, this smaller person took a very

beautiful pair of my sunglasses and systematically destroyed them in less then 3 seconds.

I was naive to hand the glasses to this smaller person. I was thinking that the glasses would entertain the child for a few seconds while I probably did something very important like determine that cold fusion

does exist and can be harnessed as an energy source....I digress.

The second reason I don't have some hot and happening sunglasses is because I lose them.

Yes, I said it. It's true. I have owned beautiful (and often, expensive) sunglasses and have

lost them within weeks of purchase. Foolish and costly.

So. I know what my limitations are. I buy very inexpensive sunglasses and hope for the best.

I try to be as stylish as possible. Yet - I do so yearn for these....

And these. Ahhhhh.

Any one of these pairs of sunglasses would be soooo lovely to own.

Alas, I will not cave to temptation.

Though it will be difficult with the awesome Ralph Lauren pair.

I guess my $15 cheapy sunglasses will have to do for now.

And believe it or not - I've had them for about two years. I wonder why the kids haven't

gotten their hands on these yet? Maybe, if I carelessly leave them on the kitchen counter....

Boots

Did I mention...it's 2011?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 05:34:00 +0000

It's 2011!

YIPEE!!!!

What will you do this year?

What will you do differently? What will stay the same?

Will you mold the year, or let it mold you?

It seems that at each new year we make resolutions and vow to change this or that.

To start doing this and stop doing that.

And a new year is a good jumping off point - a clean beginning.

Fresh and new. Bright and encouraging.

But.

What if things start to slip sideways? What if you feel like you can't keep it up?

No matter what 'it' is.

Here's what I say to you. What I say to me...

If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you.

You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down.

Mary Pickford

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."

Unkown

You can do it.

And if you slip - start again. And again. And again.

Until you accomplish 'it'.

Because you can.

Happy New Year!

Boots

Did I mention...pup is ready for Santa?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Dear Santa,

I have been good. Very good, in fact.

I tried hard not to put holes in anyone's socks. And I think I was fairly successful.

I kept my barking to a minimum, unless there was a threat. (You know those FedEx guys

could be up to no good leaving strange box-things at the door!)

I hope that you will bring me some tennis balls to chase and many loving hands to rub my belly.

Thank you,

Trudie

Now I think I'll wait to see the Big Guy in person. My charming ways will surely win him over!

What was that? I just heard something....

Darn it! Just that FedEx guy again.

I'm still waiting Santa!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Trudie

and Boots!

Take in the View | Snow Day, Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Another snow day.

We could start getting used to this.

Instead of going outside (The Boy is still fighting off a yucky cough) we decided

to do a fun project inside the warm confines of home.

I hadn't expected to bring these out so soon. I had planned to have a surprise craft

over Holiday break. Oh well. It was the perfect snow day activity!

These really big gingerbread man cookie kits from Trader Joe's are awesome.

$3.99. That's it.

Buy out the store people. The kids LOVED it!

Here's what you get...

Extra frosting and some red hots I included.

The Sprite carefully, patiently squeezed frosting onto her giant cookie.

The Boy did the same.

Orange frosting and sprinkle hair...yum!

The Sprite's masterpiece.

The Boy's masterpiece.

Yea! Fun!

A perfect way to spend a snow day.

Boots

Take in the View | Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Well. Its happened.

Our first snow day of the season!

I can hardly believe it. We never get a snow day this early in the season.

YIPEE!!!

Take a look....

It may not look it, but Trudie was thrilled to go out.

"Hi. Are you going to come out and play with me?"

"Seriously. Get The Sprite and The Boy and get out here. It's awesome!"

"Look. I mean it. RRRrrrrrrrrr."

"Sorry Mom."

"Please come out and play with me."

We'll be right out you crazy pup!

Boots

Out and About | Orlando

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:00:00 +0000

I've been missing this space.

I have been away. With my family.

To magical places.

It was lovely. And warm. And exciting.

But there is another place we have been.

It holds magic that we have yet to understand and discover.

Hogwarts.

We went to Ollivander's.

Thousands of wands that choose their wizards.

And we were able to send some letters via Owl Post.

A bit messy but quite efficient.

And look! We saw a Mandrake!

They're so whiny.

Hagrid wasn't home. Fang was, barking like mad at us.

Hogwarts. Until we meet again.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald,

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.

Did I mention...I am thankful?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:00:00 +0000

I am thankful. Yes I am.

For these two gorgeous angels...

I am thankful for this day.

For this life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Did I mention...this man has wisdom to share?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

✫

Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.

Dark and difficult times lie ahead.

Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.

Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth.

-APWBD

My heart is all aflutter. One week from today - the beginning of the end.

Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows

Veteran's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:48:00 +0000

Men and Women of the Armed Forces

past and present...

Thank You!

Obsession Worthy - Soup Crockery

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 +0000

"Do you have a kinder, more adaptable friend in the food world than soup? Who soothes you when you are ill? Who refuses to leave you when you are impoverished and stretches its resources to give a hearty sustenance and cheer? Who warms you in the winter and cools you in the summer? Yet who also is capable of doing honor to your richest table and impressing your most demanding guests? Soup does its loyal best, no matter what undignified conditions are imposed upon it. You don't catch steak hanging around when you're poor and sick, do you?"Judith Martin (Miss Manners)

I love soup.

I love soup in pretty, fun and cozy bowls.

Today, my obsession is soup crockery.

I'm starved for French Onion Soup. Lobster Bisque. Chicken Corn Chowder.

New England Clam Chowder. Chicken and Noodle soup. My Grandma's Bean Soup.

And I want this soup in all of these lovely bowls.

These are actually "12 days of Christmas" cereal bowls from Williams-Sonoma.

Wouldn't they be perfect for Wonton Soup or Chili?

Even a simple mug makes a lovely soup vessel.

This is my Creamy Broccoli Soup - it's nutritious and delicious.

Seriously. What wouldn't I put in this little covered crock.

Leek and Potato? Baked Potato Soup?

Oh! How about some Matzo Ball Soup here?

What type of soup crockery is your favorite?

And what soup would you be eating right now in that soup crockery, if you could?

Longing for some French Onion Soup in a sweet handled crock,

Boots

Food Glorious Food - Halloween Treats, again.

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:50:00 +0000

So. Are you Halloweened out yet?

I'm getting there.

Trick-or-Treating will be our last hurrah on Sunday.

Today however, we celebrated in the classrooms.

I was able to be in both classes today. The Boy and The Sprite.

Very fun!

This is what I contributed, snack-wise, to The Boy's class.

Brownie Pops.

They were a hit with everyone.

Chewy brownie inside. Chocolate ganache with festive sprinkles outside.

There are none left.

My giggly stomach wishes to thank those that ate up!

Boots

Did I mention...Halloween is going to the dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:21:00 +0000

Do you dress your dog up for Halloween?

I don't. Yet.

But Trudie (our dog) would very much like to dress up. This I am quite sure of.

If you don't costume up your pup for Halloween, maybe you could try this....

My "Aunt" sent me these pictures today.

I could not resist.

Happy Halloween!

Make it a doggone good one!

Boots

Take in the View | Joy in the Sky

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:52:00 +0000

Where has the time gone?

I've been wrapped up in joyful chaos.

Things will slow down after Saturday. For about a week.

Then the beat quickens and we will again be moving at light speed.

But, we will enjoy the pace and the good things that come with it.

And we will recognize the beauty.

We will relish these moments.

This moment took place about thirty minutes ago.

Boots

Food Glorious Food - Halloween Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Cares and Mimi) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:08:00 +0000

Do you need to bring something to your child's school Halloween Party?

Here's something simple I made last year.

Witch Hats!

I thought they were pretty darn cute.

So, I'm making them again.

I used Keebler Striped Cookies, Hershey Kisses and an

Orange Icing tube (a small tube with pointy tip)

Turn cookie over (stripes down) and frost a ring around the hole.

Place the unwrapped Kiss centered on the hole.

Fill the seam around the base of the Kiss and the cookie with frosting.

Make a ribbon shape and tah-dahhhhh!

Boots