Friendship Bracelets

I have a new obsession. I came across this post and immediately went to Hobby Lobby in Austin to grab some embroidery thread. I already had tons at home, but I had to make one right away! I have never ever made one, not even in middle school. In fact, I don't think I've ever even received one. I followed the tutorial and was hooked. My first one took several hours, but now I can make one in about an hour and a half. It's similar to knitting to where you can sit and watch law and order and make them at the same time. So far I've made 13! My favorite one is reds and pinks and extra tiny. See Bitsy wearing it. Her mom cut off the ties so it would stay on "permanently" like in middle school.  It's so cute to see her wear a bracelet. She also likes that we all have one on too, she fits right in.


That cool thread holder was giving to me by my mom's bff when she moved. I just threw it in my craft closet. When I got back from Austin, I got it out and got it all organized. I only purchased a few new colors. I don't know what I like more, making bracelets, or winding the new thread on one of those paper spools. Who needs a bracelet?

weekend in pics

 I had the best meal at this new place in Plano called Whiskey Cake. Everything was so good, especially my cocktail. It was like a Mojito with basil instead of mint. 

 On Saturday we went to White Rock Lake. I jogged while Hank rode.

 I went to my first Ranger game in about 10 years. It was just as fun as I remembered.

 I'm sporting an apron top that I made. Ranger colors!

 I made Hank a soft boiled egg with little soldiers. They remind me of the continental breakfasts I had when I visited Paris.

I scored two Easter baskets! I don't know how I managed that.

south by spring break

 Here's Hank on St. Paddy's day looking wicked Irish.

 We went to Stubb's for the SPIN party. We saw (or I actually paid attention during) The Kills, OMD, and TV on the Radio. It was awesome. I came close to having an anti social heat related meltdown, but CJ kept me chill with some nerdy dancing, some free crap from sponsors and good people watching.

 We stopped by Flatstock at the official SXSW convention and I was totally blown away by the amount of posters created by actual artists. I could not decide. I left with a small fruit print by Burlesque. I definitely want to go back next year with money to shop.

 Here is OMD singing the eighties classic "If you leave." It was pretty awesome.

 CJ and CJ in our toms. I had to give mine a sponge bath after that show.

Back at home and trying to mentally prepare for Monday aka the END OF SPRING BREAK, I made a pasta dish for the potluck at my mom's. I saw Giada make this on tv and I knew it would be a matter of hours before I would be making it myself. 
penne with butternut squash and goat cheese

spring break part two

 We went to the East side for some trailer food. We had fish and chips. Not bad. I hear they are the best in Austin.

 Macy was my buddy all week.

 I found my Toms. I wanted to get a printed pair, but those don't have leather insoles AND are more expensive. So Hank picked these gray twill faded ones. I like.

 This is what happens when you bake in a cranky mood. I was tired from driving in Austin traffic and wasn't happy with the baking materials selection at Target. I had to buy a bunch of stuff for Hank's house since he is a boy, and therefore doesn't bake or own anything baking related. I didn't have to buy him stuff, but I spend enough time there and I want to be able to bake on a whim.

 I made peanut butter icing using this recipe. It was the TOTAL OPPOSITE texture of store bought icing. I never make my own because it seems complicated. But never again will I buy the mystery icing from the grocery store!

 I dusted half of the cupcakes with powdered sugar for those that are not icing fans (like me). Cranky mood over.

Here's CJ and I hanging out in the backyard while the boys grilled. It was so fun to be able to see her almost every day. She inspires/motivates me to cook, exercise, go out, and be a sport! Like do two days of South by Southwest amongst the thousands of people. 

my spring break so far

Several of us hosted a baby shower for my cousin, Sara. I put the candid pics on facebook, but I wanted to share this sweet tablecloth that my mom found in Houston. Katy is using vintage tablecloths at her wedding. We are all on the lookout.

My Aunt Connie sent these cute animal balls that she made. She is a sneaky crafter. I keep getting on her about blogging her creations so we can get ideas from her!

My spring break officially started this weekend. I met Hank for lunch at Walton's. I have been dying to try their pretzel bread. I was not disappointed.

Other spring break highlights: 

Date night pizza at Homeslice

hotwings with Hank/CJ/Mark at Pluckers

5k (walking and running) around Town Lake with CJ

Watched Saving Private Ryan and The Social Network

Tennis with Hank

Toms shoes hunting (no luck)

slept in until 10:40am two days in a row. 

I hope to do a little south by southwest while I'm here, too.

I made pork fried rice for the first time using the recipe from Everyday Food. It was so easy and was under $10 for four people.

Pork Fried Rice 
serves 4
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp plus 1/4 tsp soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp minced, peeled fresh ginger (I keep ginger in my freezer, it's easier to grate, and I just leave the peel on)
1 bunch scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
1/2 ground pork
2 carrots, shredded
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups cooked white rice (about 3/4 cup uncooked)  The rice should be cooled before using
2 tbsp rice vinegar

Directions:
1) In a wok or large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over high. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with 1/4 tsp soy sauce to combine. Add eggs to wok and swirl to coat bottom of pan. Cook, without stirring, until almost set, 1 minute, then fold in thirds with a spatula. Transfer cooked eggs to a work surface and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.

2) Add 1 tbsp oil to wok and swirl to coat. Add garlic, ginger, and scallion whites and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add pork and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add carrots, peas and rice and stir to combine. Add cooked egg, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and vinegar and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is coated, about 1 minute. Let cook, undisturbed, until warm, about 1 minute. Top with scallion greens and serve. 

Lakehouse Weekend-Happy V-Day!

 I embroidered Hank some hankies.

 CJ and I made our guys a five course (french style) meal on Saturday night. These are the menus.

 Bay Scallop Gratin via Barefoot Contessa.

 Rack of lamb with fingerling potatoes, carrots, and shallot vinaigrette 

Caesar salad with homemade dressing and heart croutons (thanks, Martha)

Saint Ager blue cheese with dates, almonds, and honey drizzle

 We made a fire and played some board games.

Creme Brulee via Alton Brown. We used the broiler instead of one of those torch thingys.

Crager Weekend

 Friday Night we got right down to it. We had dinner at Louie's, stopped by our friends' house for a cameo, and started sewing. CJ got a new machine (exciting). She made napkins and I made a diaper changing pad. All of our friends are having babies, so most of the stuff we made is for them. They shall remain nameless.

 I made two sets of napkins. The first is a set of six from a fat bundle from Joann. The second is a set of four (same as CJ) from a fat bundle from Stitch Lab in Austin.

 We both made tag blankies. These were super easy. CJ's is the cowboy one, mine is the one with the fruit.

 Here are my two finished diaper changing pads. One is lined with houndstooth oil cloth. 

 I finally mastered bias tape. You have to go REALLY slow.

 Saturday night, we went to Park for a creative cocktail. The bartender thought we were pretty cute until we started drawing purse patterns on napkins and started talking about seam allowance.

 Here is CJ's finished stash: pillowcase purse, tag blankie, receiving blanket, two bibs, burp cloths, and a set of napkins.

Here's my finished stash: a quilt top (basted to the batting and backing), two diaper changing pads, two sets of napkins, two bibs, a tag blankie, a quilt square for my personal quilt, a knitted washcloth, and a secret item that I have blocked out until Valentine's Day.


We used some of our own patterns, but most of our ideas came from Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts and Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter.
I'd also like to give a shout out to Redbull.