Just watch these. Do it!!
Hope you are all smiles now.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Get-a-way, Revisited
Toward the end of last week, I was getting really antsy for adventure. I was also running really low (I mean seriously low) on cash. And in my experience, I've determined that usually, cash available directly influences distance (and sometimes duration) of adventure. Therefore, I was feeling hopeless and stuck.
But it was not to be so! My parents (who have a much more vibrant social life than I) had planned a trip to the beach to stay with another couple in their condo Friday night! And since they wouldn't outright tell me I would be crashing their party, I invited myself along!
Friday night included sea food, drinks, and fresh night air on the balcony and this is what I woke up to on Saturday morning:
How stinking gorgeous?! It really was wonderful. Now that I live in suburbia, I've found that I need to be more intentional of seeking out beauty in nature and this will definitely tide me over for a while. I started this glorious morning off by walking to a coffee shop with my dad. Then we spent some time wandering used book stores and historic buildings, and I finished off my stay floating in the pool overlooking the beach. It was glorious. Not a huge, grand adventure but some lovely time with my parents and a nice view- it's restored my soul for a little while, at least.
-Magpie
But it was not to be so! My parents (who have a much more vibrant social life than I) had planned a trip to the beach to stay with another couple in their condo Friday night! And since they wouldn't outright tell me I would be crashing their party, I invited myself along!
Friday night included sea food, drinks, and fresh night air on the balcony and this is what I woke up to on Saturday morning:
How stinking gorgeous?! It really was wonderful. Now that I live in suburbia, I've found that I need to be more intentional of seeking out beauty in nature and this will definitely tide me over for a while. I started this glorious morning off by walking to a coffee shop with my dad. Then we spent some time wandering used book stores and historic buildings, and I finished off my stay floating in the pool overlooking the beach. It was glorious. Not a huge, grand adventure but some lovely time with my parents and a nice view- it's restored my soul for a little while, at least.
-Magpie
Friday, August 12, 2011
Get-a-way
Help me, Rhonda!
Where are all the quality sugardaddies when you need 'em?!
Le Sigh,
Magpie
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Baguettes!
"Marie! The baguettes! Hurry up!"
Name that movie and we'll be friends forever!
Au Revoir!
Magpie
Friday, August 5, 2011
A Very Spongey Experiment
Hello all - So I have been quite busy the last week or so with some great baking. I am to make a few different items for a wedding shower coming up and have been experimenting with some recipes.
The first thing I made was a batch of Madeleines. I have never made Madeleines before (and actually had never even tasted one) but considering the fact that they are a French stand-by, I simply had to learn. I researched several different recipes and finally settled on trying one for a honey variation.
I always get super nervous when I first try a new recipe because I put everything I have into them (I'm an emotional baker) and if they come out wrong, I take it personally. I'm not saying this is a great attitude with baking, but at least I'm honest with myself, right?
Right.
So anyways, I was quite pleased with the batter as it smelled absolutely delicious. The first batch that I took out of the oven, looked great. They were golden and beautiful and had the signature hump. The flavor was great, but I was a bit unsure of the texture. Was it too dense? Too dry? This is where the fact that I had never eaten one really became a disadvantage. I tried cooking my next round a little less, and then the third round I cooked even less than the second batch. I was most pleased with the texture of the final batch, but once they rested for about 24 hours, the texture of the batches that were cooked longer may have been a bit better. (I finally ended up buying a package of madeleines at Starbucks so that I at least had something to compare them to).
All in all, I feel like they need a bit more work, but my first try was not a failed one. The honey flavor was a perfect compliment to a hot cup of french press or a steaming cup of black tea. Next time I try them, I am going to work on the bake-time again. I also might try a lemon-almond variation. I will be sure to update my progress!
Happy Friday!
- Eagle
The first thing I made was a batch of Madeleines. I have never made Madeleines before (and actually had never even tasted one) but considering the fact that they are a French stand-by, I simply had to learn. I researched several different recipes and finally settled on trying one for a honey variation.
I always get super nervous when I first try a new recipe because I put everything I have into them (I'm an emotional baker) and if they come out wrong, I take it personally. I'm not saying this is a great attitude with baking, but at least I'm honest with myself, right?
Right.
So anyways, I was quite pleased with the batter as it smelled absolutely delicious. The first batch that I took out of the oven, looked great. They were golden and beautiful and had the signature hump. The flavor was great, but I was a bit unsure of the texture. Was it too dense? Too dry? This is where the fact that I had never eaten one really became a disadvantage. I tried cooking my next round a little less, and then the third round I cooked even less than the second batch. I was most pleased with the texture of the final batch, but once they rested for about 24 hours, the texture of the batches that were cooked longer may have been a bit better. (I finally ended up buying a package of madeleines at Starbucks so that I at least had something to compare them to). All in all, I feel like they need a bit more work, but my first try was not a failed one. The honey flavor was a perfect compliment to a hot cup of french press or a steaming cup of black tea. Next time I try them, I am going to work on the bake-time again. I also might try a lemon-almond variation. I will be sure to update my progress!
Happy Friday!
- Eagle
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday Confessional.
I unashamedly admit that I love the song 'The Climb' by Miley Cirus. So here you go-
Listen to it alone and sing it at the top of your lungs like I know you want to. *wink*
Let it carry your through through the rest of today and into the homestretch for the weekend!
Love,
Magpie
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