Let there be FEET!

I don't know if you've ever attempted to make French macarons,

but my middle needed cookies for a school project and

(after talking him out of the fresh crepes he REALLLY wanted)

he decided on macaroons.

Macaroons are the American version and 

a completely different cookie than the French classic.

So, some experimentation was in order.

This is our second attempt...

the base bubbles are called 'feet'

and apparently, they're not a real macaron without them.

But I wouldn't have known that without scouring the internet

since I've yet to travel to France.

 The first batch is chocolate with chocolate fudge filling...again, not my idea. 

They're decadent and soft (and footless).

 But the kids at school won't judge too harshly.

{I hope}.

It turns out feet aren't just decorative...the meringue 

has a completely different texture with them...

a difference you can taste, for sure.

So, let there be 'feet'! 

For the second batch, we're playing with berry concoctions

and coloring...

blueberry, raspberry & strawberry (my fave so far).

The filling is thinner than I'd like, so more 

experimentation is needed...

But I haven't heard any of the taste testers complaining.

All my best,

Heather

PS You might have noticed the cookie has a blueish appearance----that's no accident. 

CONGRATULATIONS 

to our good friends Shelly & Ruben, 

currently awaiting the arrival 

of their little BOY!!!

Playing Hooky

We are currently being spoiled by some unseasonably 

warm weather (50 degrees plus). 

*Not that I'm complaining, mind you.*

It has, however been difficult pulling myself away from the lovely sunshine 

{AND gorgeous green grass!!} 

to dig out the mess in the sewing room. 

Luckily, embroidery is portable and I'm slowly moving on the latest project.

Normally, at this time of year, we'd have a good foot of 'Lake Effect' snow 

on the ground everywhere, gray days, ice and no greenery until the spring thaw. 

I regularly obsess about retirement in a tropical location & try to make the best of 20 degrees below zero and harsh winds

that would chill you to the bones.

But not this year! We're having a

southern winter & it's delightful.

Eventually, we'll get back to what we do...

but for now, please bear with us as we 

soak up the sunshine

{and one of us, who shall remain nameless, points to some more ducks & geese}.

YIPPEE!!

It's a very rare treat to have a warm day at the lake in January.

We'll be making the most of this good fortune, 

playing hooky.

All my best,

Heather

Likes & Needs: Figural Ornaments

More of the collection....

DH surprised me with proper ornament containers this year. 

All 7 (that hold 20 each) are full and some  back in cardboard boxes for the year. 

Doing the math?

 Yes, over 200 ornaments 

and I'm just getting started!

 LOL

I'm mad for the pine cones

and houses

and birds with clips

oooooh and fancy mercury glass icicles

and vintage mercury glass garlands, too.

Yes, please!! 

Can't wait to see what finds the way to my house 

in the coming year.

Happy Collecting,

Heather

=)

Vintage Ornaments

I love the bells & started with these.

Just a few indents, always on the hunt for more of these.

Finials, Lanterns and UFO shapes are among my faves, too.

Looks like a long wait for Thanksgiving 2012----the day I get them all out again 

{and probably when I'll add a few more}.

Heather

It's hard to say goodbye.

Until next year.