Valentine's Day is Coming

So I thought I'd share a few of my past valentine's day projects, like this hand-made felt heart.

And this hand-made paper heart project.

And these cake projects and this one too.

So that should be enough projects to keep you busy until Valentine's Day.

Lemon Drops...and NOT the candy

They are so simple to make and ohhhhhh so yummy.

Here's how I make 'em...


INGREDIENTS:

1 and 1/2 cups lemon flavored vodka
1/2 cup Triple sec
1 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup simple syrup
2 cups ice
(Simple syrup Recipe)

1 cup water
1 cup sugar

(bring to a boil on the stove, stirring constantly until the liquid is clear--then chill in the fridge)

(SECRET TIP: Use a lime - not a lemon - to rim the glass with liquid, then dip in sugar and let set until hard)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix ingredients together and pour into a shaker (we use a Starbucks travel mug - with a lid)

Put ice in shaker and pour ingredients over ice. Shake!

Then pour chilled ingredients into a sugar rimmed martini glass and serve.

CHEERS!!!

(I put a slice of lemon on the edge of the glass just for fun...and a little extra squeeze;)

Bacon Wrapped Dates

This was the first time I've ever made these and they were oh-so yummy!

Here's how I made them.

First I split the dates in two:

Then I stuffed them with raw almonds and wrapped them in bacon.

It takes a little bit of effort to cut, stuff and wrap...

But they were so good and so easy to bake that I will definitely make them again. Plus, they would be a great appetizer to serve at a party because you could prepare them ahead of time and then simply bake them 15 minutes before your party . . . because it only takes 14 minutes for these to cook.

Set your oven at 350 and bake for 7 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 7 minutes. They were so good because they were sweet and savory with a little crunch !

MLK Day

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1/15/29 – 4/4/68) was many things and worthy of honor.

He was an American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and civil rights leader.

Born Michael King - his father changed his name to honor Martin Luther.

He led nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs. And, if you would like to honor him, one way to do it is by volunteering. If you are interested, check out this site to find some place to serve in your community.

Hollyhock - and not the flowers

I found the cutest little shop over in Sellwood ...and I'm not a big shopper but when I find a store that uses (or maybe I should say REuses) fabrics from another era (vintage material) then I tend to pay attention.

And these clothes are sooooo cute I can't resist posting them.

These pieces are so pretty and I'm no photographer but I have to share a few snapshots I took when I was looking around.

These little tutus were two cute ;D

And there are a lot of floral designs - so Hollyhock seems fitting.

So whether you're a baby or a grownup, Camp Hollyhock has something for every lady in the house. Sorry men, I didn't see anything there for you.

Book club for January - Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

He might have been a great author and an American legend but to me...he was not my favorite. In fact, I don't think I would be compelled to read another page by him.

His pages were too...descriptive. I know that sounds silly. But all things in moderation...right?

I like to get a setting, an image and then let my own imagination run wild. F. Scott was simply setting sail, he went overboard and took me with him.

I felt like I was drowning in all those words.

Maybe he was just meant for a different time...at least he was meant for a different reader...than me.

If he's your favorite...sorry. Not so much for me.

I think I'll stick with the King...Stephen :D

Worth Your Salt - A Fiction Writing Contest

If you love to write and you're looking for a challenge, here's one you might not be able to resist:

It's called Worth Your Salt and it's put on by Hazel and Wren. It's easy to enter and it's free. All you have to do is submit 2000 words by January 31, 2014 - so if you're interested, hope over to read all about it.

And, if you win, let me know because I'd love to hear some good writerly news ;D