Constant Comment

2:30 p.m. A big mug of "Constant Comment" and Newsweek. Such a nice break from work.
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DIY Tea bags

I am enamored with this tea bag project:

She wasn't kidding when she called them the "best"

It was a lovely evening with friends and chocolate chip cookies ... Dorie's to be exact.

I also packaged a few boxes up for some good friends.

Here's the recipe. You're going to want to replace that old Tollhouse one you have.

My Best Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Dorie Greenspan Recipe

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 12 0z bittersweet chocolate or 2 cups of store bought chocolate chips
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts

Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 375. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; set aside.In a large bowl, beat butter on medium speed until smooth (about 1 minute). Add sugars and beat for another 2 minutes or so, until well blended. Beat in vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each egg goes in. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in 3 portions, mixing only until each addition is incorporated. On low speed, or by hand with a rubber spatula mix in the chocolate and nuts.Spoon the dough by slightly rounded tablespoons onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between spoonfuls.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on baking sheet for one minute before transfering to a cooling rack. Makes about 45 cookies.

I also made the oatmeal breakfast bread this week. I was an overacheiver because I was left to my own devices...Mark was finishing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Spring!

I am so ready for it! I could have posted photos of tulips (which seem to be everywhere) or another springy flower, but no. For me, it's about dining al fresco and fruity drinks. And my hammock. These are calling my name.

Pillows!

I am completely in love with this house found on Design*Sponge today. I've posted about Housemartin before, and now we get to see inside pam's house. It's definitely no surprise that it's lust-worthy. Those pillows are perfect, and I think I'm in love with the gray and pink.

Mysterious picture

I don't remember where this pic came from (forgive me), but I absolutely LOVE it!

Flower show

I went to the Philly Flower Show with my parents last night, and the highlight of the evening were these miniature landscapes. Aren't they incredible? I think my favorite is the tree house.

My favorite place on earth

Yep, it's Cape Cod! I would have killed to be married on the Cape, so I'm uber jealous of anyone who was. I love these save-the-dates from Albertine Press. They make me want to start counting down until my vacation this summer!

Thanks to my girl Mary for sending this beauty my way!

I'm making this

Found on Oh, Hello friend. I'm going to get the pattern tomorrow, purchase fabric on Saturday, and get to work on Sunday. I need a project this weekend.

(Or, you could click on the link above to Oh, Hello friend and enter her wicked cool contest!)

India Rose

I am completely and totally in love with this duvet. But, unfortunately, the $260 price tag isn't in my budget right now. Do you think I could spice up a simple white duvet? I think I might have to try.

Simply Lovely

How did I miss this blog for so long? Such inspiration! And, I'm sorry, but I can not resist her little girl!

Ferns

I LOVE this cake!


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New Year's resolutions

So, I know I'm a couple of months late for this post, but I blame it on my blogging absence. I've actually been quite good about keeping up with this year's resolutions.

One, I'm finding, is particularly popular with my family and friends. Rather than make my yearly promise to loose weigh (which is rarely an attainable goal for me), I decided instead to do a 180, throw caution to the wind, and bake! I've latched on to Tuesday's with Dorie, albeit a little late (I started in mid-January), and just on my terms: one recipe, once a week, any day of my choosing.

If you're in the market for the best baking book, be it for gift or a treat for yourself, this comes highly recommended.

Week 1: Hidden Berry Cream Cheese Torte

Week 2: Peanut Butter Torte

Week 3: Creme Brulee

Week 4: Brownie Buttons

Week 5: Carrot Spice Muffins

Week 6: French Pear Torte

Starting this week I will share my own creations with you!

And a few other resolutions - laugh if you must - 1)gym 3-4 days a week (Seriously, I'm eating a lot of baked goods); 2) read more (see previous entries!) 3) take a knife skills course (I cut myself frequently); 4) do puzzles (I love a big mug of tea and a puzzle, and I rarely take the time to myself); 5) knit more; and 6) cook a rack of lamb (my favorite meal that I've never attempted to make myself).

Cookies and milk = Brilliant

Found on Kirtsy...adorable baby shower:

I love the stitching on the bags. Such a cute idea.

My latest friend crush(es)

I wish these bloggers lived by me. We'd be great friends and would get together regularly to drink Mariebelle hot chocolate.