June 28, 2010

Another Fashion Request

So there's this wedding C and I are going to the beginning of August.  My original plan to make myself a dress was foiled when I realized the fabrics I found online, I didn't like in person (I had ordered swatches to be on the safe side).  Plus, I decided it wasn't worth the time and frustration to make a dress when I could find a fairly inexpensive alternative.

I haven't even attempted to head out and look around town to see what's available yet.  But my shopping choices around here are typically limited.

Here's a link to the dress I like.  (You can see more views of the dress through the website.)

These are the 2 colors I'm torn between.  Toronto blue and fuschia rose:





I found out that the bridesmaids are in "royal purple" and the groomsmen (ie. my husband) will be in a purple vest and tie.  Which do you think is the better choice for me?

June 22, 2010

Like Father, Like Son

For those of you who know my father-in-law, you'll fully appreciate this post.

We bought a new barbecue grill over the weekend.  The one we were using had served us well -- 10 years, thousands of meals cooked and many winters weathered -- but I had been wanting one that could actually hold enough food to have company over for dinner. 

After the grill was assembled, C got "the look" on his face and pulled the old one out into the middle of the yard.  I know based on his expression that I was in for some form of entertainment.

Last night after dark this is what I looked out the back window to see.




Apparently there's no need for a paper shredder when you have a spare grill in the backyard.  Silly boy.

June 4, 2010

Sourdough Donuts

Today is National Donut Day so I decided to try my hand and make my own.  This is the first time I've ever made donuts so aesthetically they're not the prettiest, but holy moly, are they tasty!



SOURDOUGH DOUGHNUTS

2 c. sifted flour
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon or nutmeg (I usually put in a bit of both!)
1 egg
1/2 c. sourdough starter
1/4 c. milk
2 tsp. oil (+ additional oil for frying)

Resift flour with baking powder, soda, salt and spice. Beat egg, beat in sugar. Combine with starter, milk and oil. Add sifted dry ingredients and mix to moderately stiff dough. On floured surface, knead to smooth out and round up dough. (I usually knead less than 5 minutes or so.) Roll out to 3/8" thickness. Cut with doughnut cutter. Place on a cookie sheet and let rise for about 30-45 minutes. Drop in heated oil (~370F). Fry til golden brown. Let drip onto paper towel and then roll in sugar.