Ever wondered how some people can get those little pictures by the link in the address bar?
FAVICON FRENZY!
I have had my little typewriter favicon for quite some time. I think I used this site, But since I can’t remember, I go by Katie has a fantastic post about why and how to get your own!
In this series of posts, called “Books I Cherish,” I wax poetic on a certain story, book, or even author who has touched my life in a profound/silly/profoundly silly way. As everyone’s experience is different, my views will differ with the “critics” and others views.
My well-thumbed and cherished copy.
Today I learned that 42% of people who graduate from college never read another book. That is pretty mind-blowing to me.
Rereading this once or twice a year is always enlightening. I love reading it and renewing a sense of being a lady and being a badass.
What I have learned through this book:
+Only keep things that you adore and bring you joy. If someone gives you something you aren’t in love with, set it free. Give it to someone you know will enjoy it, or donate it to the salvation army or like place. Don’t sell it. But the fact is, things you don’t like are taking up valuable place for something you could enjoy.
+Also, holding back…in general. The author notes that it took her two years of being friends with a Frenchwoman for her to open up to her. I like the idea of not spilling over-information to everyone you meet. Not everyone is special enough to enjoy your company and life stories. Curate what you want to share.
+Lastly, all the notes on food in here are fantastic. Enjoying a meal with friends is a whole experience beyond just food or just friends. Choosing your food, not constantly thinking about calories but being mindful of your food, oh, it’s all good!
What is a non-fiction book you can reread every year?
This is my pile of amazing cookies. I wouldn’t let The Beau eat that perfect one in the center until I photographed it. What a wench I am.
So, I made some terrific cookies a couple weeks ago. Seems like uneventful news. But these cookies, man – they were the best cookies I have ever produced. I could not believe it. Even The Beau commented about their superior cookie-deliciousness.
So, enough about things you can’t tell for yourself and onto the recipe!
I used David Leibovitz’s recipe on Serious Eats. When I started getting all my dry ingredients together, I did a double take with the amount of salt required. It was less than half of my usual amount. But, I wanted it to be true to the recipe, so I kept the faith and followed it. I am so glad I did.
Here are the ingredients:
Tips and confessions:
One thing he did that I did not was freeze his dough. I am impatient in that when I go to make cookies, I am expecting to eat them in 30 minutes. I don’t have the forethought to do this the day before, but I recommend it. I know it helps keep them all uniform and in turn makes them cook evenly, so if you can wait for gooey cookies, follow the freezing directions.
Chunks, not chips. Better yet, chop your own! It doesn’t take much longer to accomplish, and the taste makes up for the labor. Chunks allow the flavor to spread out, and also chip chocolate is not the best quality. So try some chunks, baby.
Well, since it is now well into 2011, I started cleaning up my craft room and decided it was time to change my inspiration board. Here’s a couple shots of my 2010 board:
Inspiration boards are fantastic to have around in a space in which you occupy quite a bit of time. They cheer you up when you’re feeling blah, they keep you focused and just plain give you…well…inspiration!
I love my Wonder Woman.
2010 was all about kicking out the jams and psychedelic pure fun! Well, at least my inspiration board helped me to remember to keep up the tempo like that! Want some more inspiration board pictures? Sift through this amazing flickr pool.
I will post pictures of my brand new 2011 board very soon!
I am not a militant journaler. Ever since I was little, I loved the idea of diaries and notebooks and journals, but I am way to undisciplined and wild horsey to write in a diary every. single. day.
Here are a few of my tips for getting through the mental block and just putting the pen to paper:
“Monday – Beau made coffee. Only good thing about the day. Tuesday - babysat and the girls were delightful. Wednesday – went to Breadfruit with Coco. Photobooth pics and fun. Thursday – cleaned up half the craft room and was able to put sewing machine in proper place! Friday – made homemade pizza and accidentally put too much garlic on it. My breath may smell bad but I am uber-healthy!”
“The lady I ride the bus with always has something to knit – does she have a zillion grandkids, or is she clothing homeless kittens in booties?”
“This week was nothing but bollocks – under the weather, dropped my bagel, living room dancing and stubbed my toes. Let’s go for broke next week.”
Thankfully I am not alone in the fear of the blank pages everyday. Karen Walrond is an amazing character and has brought up some tips on her site as well.
Happy notetaking!
This is a picture my cousin took of my sister and me a whiiiile ago. She looks about 4 here, and she’s 21 now. Whoa.
Anyway, we loved staying up late (like every other kid) on Christmas Eve, and my favorite thing was watching a regular boring program like CNN News transform into something worth my time when they gave their NORAD Santa Tracking updates. THIS IS LEGIT PEOPLE! SANTA IS NEWS!
Anyway, Happy Holidays and hopefully you will feel at peace instead of anxious and stressed.
Love, Peppered Thought
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