Rock Stew

How To Throw a Cake Tasting Party

2012-02-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Dawn Alsager It was a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon in WA, which was a perfect day for tasting cake! I had six different types of cake, three frostings, and two fillings. Part of my NY Resolution is to bake a cake. So first, I picked some designs and then some recipes. Everyone asked how I did so much and the answer is to take manageable steps! Two weeks prior to party I

Gluten Free French Onion Soup w/ Asparagus Tips

2012-02-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

French Onion w Asparagus Tips Bill told me that he loves French Onion Soup and I've never been a big fan, too greasy. Of course, as soon as I dismissed it, I heard about this new book called "Ruhlman's Twenty: 20 Techniques 100 Recipes A Cook's Manifesto" and the very basic French Onion soup recipe. Rock. My. World. The recipes people are pulled toward, desire, crave, are the most basic

Understanding Baby Sleep by Sue Ann Birdwell MA, LMFT

2012-02-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes time to put baby to sleep, every parent has different ideas and different methodologies. When reading on the Internet, there are two major theories: attachment parenting and the "cry it out" style. Both are very complex theories and if you want more information, check it out Attachment or Cry It Out. Both camps practically hate each other and the net result, at least for me as

Sewing the Blocks of my Honeymoon Quilt

2012-02-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Duvet/Quilt Blocks I've finally sewn together all the blocks of my Honeymoon Quilt. Except, I am going to make a duvet instead of a quilt because we have a need for a duvet and not a quilt at this time and I can always make the quilt using the front panels. During any project I get excited about, I tend rush headlong into it and before long, I find a grievous error that could have easily

DIY Gel Air Freshener

2012-02-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

This is a great DIY gel air freshener that smells great, is cheap & easy, and environmentally friendly! It's even safe for those individuals who are allergic to perfumes and sensitive to smells because it uses essential oils rather than perfumes. Hands On Time: 10 mins Total time: 45 mins Yield: Approximately 1 8 oz jar (or 2 4oz) Ingredients 2 c pure distilled water 4 pkg

My True Love Annabelle

2012-02-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

It was getting late and you couldn't sleep because your teeth are starting to break through so I cuddled you on my chest in the hopes that the warmth and comfort would put you to sleep. You were well on your way, when all of a sudden you popped your head up and looked me straight in the eye with those big hazelish brown eyes of yours. There was no smiling, you were very serious my dear. There

Wedding Cake, Frosting, and Fondant Recipes

2012-02-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

For my New Years Resolution, I will be baking a wedding cake for my anniversary. I've finally picked some designs that I like and now I'm onto logistics. 1. Pick a Design I've narrowed mine down to two selections that I really love. What I would like to do is mix the different styles of wedding cake design but I do not know if that is possible and what it will look like. I guess we will

DIY Baby Blanket from a Crib Bumper

2012-02-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Guilty Bumper Since I found out that the baby bumpers could have potential dangers, I've removed the bumper and have it in the back of my closet. I have two of them, one from my shower and one given to me by a friend. Every time I look at them, I know they should go into the Goodwill pile, but for some reason I just cannot give them away, knowing the danger. Finally one day, it hit me

Feature Crafter: Jenise Carkonen tINY gIRL Candles

2012-02-06T11:00:00.002-08:00

Photo Credit: tINY gIRL Jenise Carkonen Hughes has a way with wax. A good way! She is this petite little thing with these awesome candles so her business tINY gIRL Candles is aptly named. The candles are gorgeous and she makes them in Redmond, WA. I was first introduced to her through an Etsy party, which is a party where local Etsy crafters get together and sell their wares to local

Proper Chicken Wings for the Super Bowl

2012-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Allrecipes.com Hot Chicken wings are hands down the one thing everyone should have at a Super Bowl party. Here are a couple fantastic recipes. Be careful of the Frank's Extra Hot Chicken Wing sauce if you're pregnant, I had some on my chicken wings and went into labor. Using a sauce: Anchor Bar, Home of the Original Buffalo Wing From Scratch: Restaurant Style Buffalo Wings

Starting up the Honeymoon Quilt

2012-02-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Shanti Stupa in Leh, Northern India For our honeymoon last year, Bill and I decided that no holds barred, we were going gangbusters. We were in India for two weeks (way north in a town Leh which is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh), Bali for a week, and then had a layover in Hong Kong for 48 hours. When I got back from the trip, I was so inspired that I wanted to make

DIY Bias Tape

2012-02-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

A month ago, I had never heard of such a thing and upon hearing such words, I would have thought I offended you somehow. Instead, what I found is it's a type of edging used on quilting, clothing, and all sorts of things to make any sewing project look 'finished.' In keeping with my NY Resolutions, I decided to make bias tape with a sheet bought from my favorite thrift store. I found a

Tiered Rice Crispies Cake

2012-02-01T11:00:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Dawn Alsager I love cheap, easy, and good looking. Desserts that is! This whole thing took me about 45 minutes from start to finish. The great thing about the smaller Rice Crispies is that we didn't have to cut anything up and it was ready to serve. For the recipe --> Hands On Time: 30 mins Total time: 45 mins Yield: Approximately 16 cupcakes Ingredients: 3

Getting The Job You Love with Ann Marie Archer, owner of Archer & Associates Recruiting

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ann-Marie Archer For moms who are going back into the workplace, you have an incredible opportunity to begin a new journey. This article will help you find ways to draw out and identify your passions and get you started in the right direction. Ann- Marie Archer is the founder of Archer & Associates, an executive coaching and recruiting firm with clients such as PopCap games and Coinstar.

Converting to a Low Carb Diet Slowly

2012-01-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Awhile back, scientist found that eating sugar is just like snorting cocaine, at least to your brain. It sparks up the same receptors and so going from a freewheeling American diet to a low carb diet is incredibly difficult. Which brings me to my New Year's resolution of losing some weight by going low carb. Going from a carb diet to a low carb diet is incredibly difficult. I do well with

DIY Fancy Lip Balm or Wood Butter

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Before I found this amazing recipe for Wood Butter by Creative Culinary & Bon Appetit Hon made from pure beeswax and mineral oil. I've added Walnut butter to the recipe which allows a natural sheen to cover scratches. (Update! I did add walnut butter, but it just sank to the bottom.) A bit leery, I made sure this recipe was food safe and yes wood butter is okay. It's also safe on humans

Handwritten Letters from the 90's

2012-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

I am obsessed with books and while cleaning out the garage, forcing myself to sell unread & untouched books back to a local second hand book store, I stumbled upon on old box which held all my old notes and letters from the early 90's and earlier. This is almost embarassing. I used to handwrite on paper these letters to people. People used to write me handwritten letters back and send them in

Wedding Cake Designs for my NY Resolutions

2012-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

For my New Years Resolutions, I decided that I was going to bake a wedding cake. I've been scouring the Internet and found 21 cakes that I like and I've posted on Pinterest. Below are my favorite seven that I'll eventually be choosing from. ONE Miche Baker Sacred Sweets Large Peony Photo Credit: Miche Baker TWO Martha Stewart Devil's Food Cake w/ Old Fashioned Chocolate Frosting

DIY Monogram Swarovski Pearls in a Frame

2012-01-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

I've been obsessed by Pinterest and also monograms for the past month. So I decided to make baby girl a lovely monogram using Swarovski pearls. I chose the pearls instead of crystals because baby girl was born in June and pearls just happens to be her birth stone. This year, my resolution is to use only things I have in the house or material that is upcycled. Because of my jewelry company

Wear2Learn T-Shirts by Melissa Curtin

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wear2Learn for adults Melissa Curtin, founder of Wear2Learn is a complex person. She is inspirational as a teacher, friend, and founder of her own business. I met her many many years ago in DC, and found her to be a fun & incredibly positive person with fashion flair. She hasn't lost any of her amazing traits! She ended up moving to LA and is now a part of the Hollywood scene,

Mosaic Greeting Cards in a Frame

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

I hate throwing out my greeting cards. Someone actually took the time to find me a sentimental or funny message perfect for a birthday, wedding shower, or baby shower. They get a small reaction, a thank you, and that's pretty much it. If I really like the card, I'll display it for awhile, but then it's in the recycling. I couldn't bear to throw away the cards after my shower, so I made a

Almost Annabelle

2012-01-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Annabelle, The word "almost" was said in this household approximately 12,842 times along with, "C'mon baby, you can do it!" You are on the cusp of being able to do things like a proper crawl and your feet touching the ground from your jumper. Luckily, we still have time in the "feeding self" category. I am not ready for this yet. Psychologically, it feels like you are already

Post Holiday Green Cleanup Tips

2012-01-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

The hubbub of Christmas and New Years Eve are a fading memory. Throughout the week, I've been slowly getting the kitchen back to a state of cleanliness. The last few years, I've changed my cleaning habits towards the greener side. While I'm no tree hugger, I do love trees! Seriously though, I think it's in our best interest to limit one's exposure to harsh chemicals and use products easier

The Babe's First Real Food

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

More Sweet Potatoes Momma Annabelle is growing up so fast already! Last week, my parents were in town for Christmas and I let my Mom be the first one to feed baby her first solid food. The process we used to determine what and how to feed her "first food" was based on her pediatrician and a website Wholesome Homemade Baby Food. In order to make this "doable" for me, it had to be simple

Happy Happy New Years Resolutions 2012

2012-01-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

Resolutions for a new year should be about doing the things you want to do. Accomplishing those things does not mean its always easy though, but in the end worth it. This year, 2012, could be our last according to the Mayan calender which begs the question: If not now then when? I'm a big believer in making dreams come true and accomplishing whatever it is you want to do - no matter how