Girls' Night With A Twist

Sometimes you just need a girls' night...

 

I didn't know how badly I needed one until my little friend Sarah (pictured right) made me keep my promise of having her stay night at our house "sometime in the month of June."  So on the 27th, we made it happen!  We went all-out: homemade pizzas, two girly movies (Marley & Me, Aquamarine), sleeping downstairs in front of the TV (her sleeping, me getting kicked -- oh well, there were some snuggles, too!), lazy breakfast, painting, lunch out at Applebees, and making sugar cookies. 

 

I realized when she left that we had done all the things I only wish I could do, but don't have a good excuse to (on my own, at least)...because grownup responsibilities keep getting in the way.  But I had a BLAST, and this is one outstanding, sweet, smart, and FUN kid to spend time with.  I couldn't help but wonder how Tess will be at 8 years old, and it made me excited about the quality time we'll spend together and the memories we'll make.  And maybe, just maybe, she will think I'm as fun and cool as Sarah does. 

 

PS....Thank you to Sarah for the inspiration and creative outlet.  My little 4x5 masterpiece hangs proudly in our guest bathroom!

"Devotion"

This past weekend, Tess and I ventured down to SoCal, along with (Aunt) Debbie, (Uncle) Dick, and (cousin or "Auntie") Valerie, to attend a special banquet hosted by the Tri-Valley Horse Show Association.  This is the association where my beloved Aunt Mary Jane focused much of her philanthropic efforts for many, many years, and they were doing a special "unveiling" of the trophy that has been created in her honor.  Pictured below is the "Mary Jane Watson Memorial Trophy," titled "Devotion."  The TVHSA will be awarding this trophy annually, beginning next year, for oustanding membership and sportsmanship.  Those of us in the family who could attend were so happy to hear the TVHSA's love for Mary Jane, and meet Raizy, the artist who designed the trophy.  

 

 

It was a brief but fun and meaningful trip....and we enjoyed soaking up the SoCal sunshine while we were there!

Cake Decorating Class at JoAnn

During the month of August I had the opportunity to cross off another "bucket list" item by taking a cake decorating class at JoAnn Fabrics.  (I know, I'm easy to please, right?!) My mother-in-law was game to take the class with me, and we had a lot of fun laughing our way through the sessions as we tried to keep up with the teacher and not get totally covered in sticky, brightly-colored frosting!  This was my second class at JoAnn and I love that they make this kind of learning available and affordable.  I love indulging my crafty side, but I'm so cerebral that I need the "boost" of the classroom setting (Pinterest alone isn't enough inspiration!).

The class was FUN and super informative, and I learned techniques I didn't expect to.  I thought it would be all about decorating "finished" products, but the class was a "basics" one so we covered everything from layering your cake to "torting" (filling in between layers) to frosting it (and making it look smooth and pretty) to filling cupcakes and icing them.  We learned how to make frostings of varying consistency and what consistency to use for what type of project/effect....we learned "tips and tricks" for getting cakes to bake evenly....we learned how to color our frosting accurately....and we spent A LOT of money on cake decorating supplies that we will hardly ever use.  At each session we also practiced different frosting techniques (all the foofy, pretty stuff), and I was bummed that I had to miss the last class when they taught everyone how to make frosting roses! I have a rain check for session #4, though, so I will get to it eventually!

So here are the PROS from taking the class:

--Getting to sample cookies, cakes, and frosting on a weekly basis

--I now have a decent supply of cake decorating tools

--I am no longer intimidated at the thought of decorating a cake; it's really not as hard as it looks!

--I learned more of the "basics" than I thought I would, but as it turns out, these skills will probably be the most useful

--I had tons of fun with my mother-in-law every week

And here are the CONS:

--The class fee of $27 is misleading; by the time I bought all the required supplies/tools (and I didn't even buy all of them!) I probably spent closer to $100

--There is a TON of prep work every week that is not disclosed in the class brochure (they don't provide you with cookies/cakes/cupcakes/frosting -- you have to make your own ahead of time)

--The class was very FULL, and there was a lot to cover each week; Barbara and I both felt our learning was rushed

All that being said, I am eager to eventually get in my 4th session and then take the next class in the series!  I have an adorable little one to make all kinds of birthday cakes and cupcakes for!

Below are just a few pics I snapped with my phone during class sessions 1-3.



Trip To Earth Arts Studio

Last week I took a quick trip to Margaret Hudson's Earth Arts Studio here in Fresno, CA. I don't know why I forget for years at a time that we have such a great local artist here in town! A trip to her shop is always such a fun experience. Her art is whimsical and entertaining, and I think it makes a great gift! Here's the bio from her website...

Margaret Hudson's love of nature and art came together as she began creating with clay the birds and other animals native to her Central California home and the nearby Sierra Nevada. By 1980, Earth Arts Studio was established. Today over 600 designs are available, including sculptures, planters, fountains and large garden pieces. Margaret's commissioned works grace Valley schools, hospitals, libraries and parks. In 1990 Margaret expanded into painting, creating giant flowers on canvas or paper, with oils, acrylics and oil pastels..She experiments with 3-Dimensional works in painting, printmaking and combinations of the two. Creating beautiful spaces is her passion. She shares her art, philosophy and enthusiasm for life with 2000 school children a year who participate in field trips to her backyard, studio and gardens. She also speaks frequently to adult groups in the San Joaquin Valley.

I snapped some pics (below) while walking around the studio. The middle pic is of her signature quail figurines -- I love them! Her backyard art (fountains, statuary, etc.) is also a treat to look at. If you're in Fresno and you've never been to Earth Arts, check it out! It's near Ashlan and 41.

Cooking Up A Big Birthday Dinner

Last weekend we had a great family dinner to celebrate my Dad's 61st birthday. It was also great to have Susi with us, and my sister-cousin Valerie was home for the weekend. Lately I'd been excited about the idea of making Eggplant Parmesan. It's such a rich and tasteful dish, and it's interesting to me for a couple of reasons: 1) eggplant is kinda stinky and unappetizing when you're a kid, and 2) how can something have no meat and still be so delicious? So, after talking with some ladies in my life who are EP veterans, I decided to give it a go. Little did I know that 3 hours before my first EP debut, I would find out I was making it for 20 people!

I think it was a hit. At least I got a lot of compliments on it; many of which I believe were genuine. (I had a LOT of leftovers, which Chad enjoyed for a full week after the party and raved about each time.) When you make something for the first time, you learn what you'd do differently the next time around. And since last weekend, I had the opportunity to make EP again, a little differently, with a friend who uses some different techniques/ingredients. So, I'm fully equipped for round two, as soon as I get the opportunity! Cooking is so much fun!

See pics below of "the process," along with Valerie enjoying her first few bites, the family dinner, and a beautiful shot of my parents' cozy home in Reedley, taken from the backyard looking in. It was a wonderful night with family (Susi included). The big highlight (aside from the EP, of course) was the framed art my grandmother gave to my Dad -- a water color of a New Orleans scene that she painted in the 70's, which was just hangin' out in a scrapbook somewhere, waiting to be discovered. It is just gorgeous! Susi took a great pic of it, which is also posted below.