Classy Crochet

I've tried my hand at several different needlework trades over the years - most recently cross-stitch and needlepoint.  I'm now ready to learn to learn the third needlework pioneer...crochet! My mom and I are starting a month long class that teaches the basics of crochet.  I love the idea of making a huge comfy blanket, an ornament or a scarf with my new skill.  It's like learning tennis, you just never know when someone might ask you to crochet with them over lunch...

This class is part of my New Year resolution - "Improve My Work-Life Balance."  School is a part of my life but is not my whole life (it's so easy to let it run everything!).  So, to keep up my resolution - Crochet 101!

Here are a few pinterest finds that make me excited about my class tonight!

I think those "sticks" are called hooks...I clearly have a lot to learn.

Wish me luck!

The Ultimate Chocolate Pudding!

I went through a faze of loving those little jell-o pudding cups (made for toddlers...) and would eat one every day with my lunch.  At some point - weariness moved in and I wasn't able to look at one for awhile.  My eyes have recently been glancing back to the pudding in the grocery store...ready to go back.

When reading February's Real Simple, I stumbled across their "Ultimate Chocolate Pudding" recipe.  Once I looked through the ingredients and realized we had EVERY single thing in our pantry (seriously...how often does that happen?), I deemed it an omen and made it.  Feast your eyes - look at how delicious! It was insanely easy to make and is currently chilling in the fridge for the next two hours.  I know just from licking the spoon - it's going to be goooood.

 It will be the perfect dessert while watching our Friday night movie - Moneyball (anyone seen it?!).

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch kosher salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• whipped cream, for serving

Directions

1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk, then the egg yolks.
2. Cook the milk mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened to the consistency of mayonnaise, 7 to 8 minutes. Continue to cook, whisking, for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and pour through the sieve into the bowl, pushing the mixture through gently with a rubber spatula or spoon. Add the butter and chocolate and stir until melted. Mix in the vanilla.
3. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days. Before serving, gently stir the pudding to loosen it. Serve with the whipped cream.

Enjoy!! 

Flora is 100!

On our summer trip to Napa in August, we visited the most perfect vineyard, Flora Springs.  We were treated to a private tour of the vineyard, a dinner under the terrace and a dreamy wine guide who was kindly filling our glasses with both old and new wines from Flora's vines.  C and I had been waiting for a vineyard that we both equally loved to become a member of their wine club.  Flora Springs was it - she made us swoon.

We LOVE our Flora Springs wine club.  Every two months, we are sent two bottles of their wine and can get great discounts on reordering (which of course we haven't done yet...rats!).  The matriarch of the vineyard, Flora, just spent her 100th birthday clinking glasses in Napa.  In honor of her birthday, their most recent bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (her favorite) was shipped our way.

Just look at this bottle - gorgeous.

Does anyone have a full proof way to get this label off without destroying it so I can frame it and keep it forever?? :)

You can find Flora Springs in specialty wine shops.  If you ever see it, please pick up a bottle, slice into some cheese and crackers, put on your slippers, cut on the fire, and enjoy.

Eliza Jane Giveaway!

I am simply in LOVE with these gorgeous custom maps from Eliza Jane!  

How amazing would one of these maps be in a simple white frame? I would love one of my hometown, especially as C and I are about to pack up the moving boxes in a few months (gulp!).  A reminder of the place we both call home and of the city where we shared our beautiful wedding day would always bring one of those ear to ear smiles :)

 Make sure you check out their blog: www.elizajaneink.blogspot.com 

ElizaJane (courtesy of Megan and her cute blog, In This Wonderful Life) is giving away an 8" x 10" custom hand-drawn color map suitable for framing and a digital file of their map. 

These are $125 in their Etsy Shop!

To Enter: (required) Leave a comment with Megan at In This Wonderful Life letting ElizaJane know what you would get your map drawn of and why :) You can also blog, tweet and Facebook about the giveaway for additional entries.  

Winner will be picked and announced next Sunday!! 

Ohhhh, I'm so excited!! Fingers crossed :)