Next up, espresso cakes with marscapone frosting. While they were cooling, I drizzled some marsala wine directly on the cakes.
For the frosting, I used about 8 oz. of marscapone, and 4 oz. of cream cheese, added (sifted) confectioners sugar, and then beat in some marsala wine and espresso powder.
These babies were amazing!
I've decided to really embrace my passion for cupcakes and set out on an experiment recipe cookbook adventure. I love to approach classic, simple recipes with a bit of innovation, making both the cake and frosting extra special.
My latest creation: Raspberry Frosting with all natural ingredients. To be frank, food coloring scares me, so I was super pleased with the lovely shade of pink I obtained with this frosting using a simple list of ingredients:
Frozen raspberries (since we're off season, fresh would be preferred)
Chambord liqueur
Cream cheese
Butter
Confectioners sugar
The frosting was incredible. Proudly plopped on some moist chocolate cakes, the combination was divine!
I really need to sign up for another metals class. Created by Mark Sanfilippo, Sydney Australia.
Find them here.
The one-lady kspell factory is in effect. I'm trying to fill my sadly unexpected free time this weekend by getting in gear for Crafty Wonderland which is a short TWO WEEKS AWAY!
I'd much rather be at the coast, but at least I can indulge in bead geek outs and maybe an eventual hot yoga session in a day or so. The good news is I'm feeling inspired. It's nice to get back in the groove. 
I finally listed new designs on Etsy last weekend and was awarded with a sale!
I hope there will be more!
I've joined the many who are now glued to their iPhones. Eric and I are a little late to the party, but I'm happy to have discovered a unique little company right here in Portland that makes the most beautiful iPod Cases you could ever lay eyes on. Grove Made specializes in handmade craftsmanship, and even teams up with artists to create a case that rivals all others. They take 6-8 weeks, but I suppose anything worth having is worth waiting for.
Another close contender (Thanks's to Robin's keen eye) were the lovely woven cases made by Chilewich. The were a close and more economical contender, but ultimately the bamboo sleekness won out.
It's been a long week. Luckily, Eric and I hightailed it to the Bagdad theatre for the early showing of these guys. I wish Wes Anderson could direct my life.
Furry creatures, tater tots, and the man I love. This weekend feels so good already.
When sitting in my home, I can visualize spaces transformed, and that transformations makes me want to keep changing my space. The problem is, this takes serious time and makes day to day living require shoes (plywood = splinters.)
I love my house, but it is lacking a fireplace. I love the mod metal numbers, but I'm afraid it might clash with the 1906 architecture.
But damn Malm, why do you got to make me want you so?
I have a serious addiction, it's BAD - but not as bad as the people at Pyrex Love (whoever you are!) Their collections gives me something to aspire to:
Watch out Eric, I've got a pattern guide, and I know how to use it.
Can you spot him?
I just picked up a set of original Audubon prints on Etsy. Now, if only I can get them in frames and hung on the wall before 2011....
Our kitchen would be just to the right, living room on the left. My photoshop skills are spotty, but I amuse myself! I gave up on inserting the crown molding, but you get the idea...
Every time I walk into the kitchen of Bonnie and Driscoll's home, I am pained with clock envy. Beyond their glimmering red lacquered cabinets tocks a pretty white Pascal Tarabay cuckoo clock. Ever since I laid eyes on it, that amazing cuckoo clock sits on my ever extensive wish list.
I love the new models, and I have my eye on the teak.
They are pricy. I'm trying to imagine it being a family heirloom that will get passed down generations. Maybe that's a stretch? In the meantime I'll just stare at this image and tickle B & D's birdie from time to time.
*Sigh*
After tearing out the built in shanty that acted as our coat closet, we discovered the worst: Our entry way has been wallpapered, painted, then wallpapered again, only to discover the last layers were put in AFTER the closet.
Awesome.
What does this mean? We could scrape, sand, prime, and paint (again, we've been through this already) or we can wallpaper. The problem is, a pattern that continues to appeal for years to come mat be difficult to obtain. We've got to live with this image and we have a lot of various textures colors in this already small space. Also, it must coordinate with this light:
Thanks to the four square nature of our downstairs living space, the patter would also need to tie in with every room. I would love to go with the same textured and paintable wallpaper in our living room, but the kitties think it's a built in scratching post.
Oh, the joys of owning a century old bungalow! All those decades have been difficult on this poor girl.
What do you think of these contenders?
I just found a woman on Etsy who deconstructs kimonos for their vintage fabrics. I want all of them. Find them here.
Unfortunately, Facebook has made me a lazy blogger. I need to step away from that little internet vortex...
Kim graduated this past month, and Kelsey just turned 16. All the little girls are young women now. Time and I have a different relationship these days, and it's always one upping me.
Graduation weekend, I stole some pictures from Kim's bulletin board to scan. After a recent iPhoto crash and burn, I have new appreciation for the real thing.
Here are some of my favorites, the first two belong to Kim, the last one is a picture of my mom that I've had on my wall for years.
What lovely women they all are!
Ah, Monday - Sunday... which one are you again? Four day weekends are the best.
After a whirlwind trip to Norfolk, VA, serious time-zone shifting and a Jäger bender, I was happy to be home on Friday.
Of course the weekend went by too damn fast, but it was full.
Grease on Saturday and and Forecast on Sunday with these two lovely ladies. Highlights of the show included Moth Love and Frocky Jack Morgan. I'm a fool for a bright red feather.
Unfortunately, the show made me shoe hungry and now I've tracked down my spring shoe dream team. Why to you have to taunt me with hassle free returns Zappos!? I'm not too much of a shoe addict... I'm a girl who finds the one perfect pair of shoes and wears them every day until they fall apart. Despite the dollars, these pairs are making me want to expand my rotation.
Here's a little eye candy for the ladies; two cute numbers from Camper and a nice versatile pair of Dansko boots:
Hope you had a great weekend! Eric and I will be grilling tonight. Stop on by if you love us!
The Power of Crystals: More Ridiculous Coins
You've got to love Seth. He's masterful at making one laugh.
He's the Laughmaster.
