Grown up Jello Jigglers

"Why are you taking a picture of a bowl of lemons?", you might ask.

Oh. Those aren't lemons.

Those are lemon jello-shots served in a lemon rind.

This is some Martha stuff we're talking about here.

These things are pretty, pretty exciting and taste dang good, too.

All you need is

• 6-8 lemons (depending on size)
• Lemon Jello
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup hot water

Cut the lemons in half down the long side. Then squeeze juice to help loosen the segments and scoop out remaining contents. All that should be left is rind. Then prepare jello to proper jello-shot specifications (1 cup hot water to dissolve jello and 1 cup vodka). I added about 2 TBS of the lemon juice I squeezed earlier for some extra delight.

Next pour jello into the lemon vessel you so diligently created. I placed the lemons in a muffin tin to keep them from wobbling over. Let sit for 4 hours in fridge.

Once stiff, slice once down the middle (using a straight knife, a serrated knife will cause the jello to separate).

The next step is the hardest. Try not to eat them all before showing them off.

These were a super big hit and I'm already thinking of other ways to make them. Definitely making the orange and lime version, but I think an apple and watermelon might be in the works.

Recipe adapted from Baker's Royale

Will Work for Tickets

Found out last night that Ms. Cottle has tickets to Florence + the Machine at the Greek Theater in Berkeley this June.

Just checked and there are no mas unless I want to pay double the price on Craigslist. No bueno.

Too bad...looks like we might have been separated at birth...

Who is DECOU and what is his PAGE?

Today is craft day. We're getting down and dirty with some glue, wire and paper products.


Three friends and I were asked to co-curate the Annual Senior Show/Art Ball this year and we're taking it very seriously. Very.
We have searched many blogs and expensive shops to come up with some ideas.

Tonight's list consists of:

• Lanterns out of old books and Christmas lights.
• Pause for a brief intake of wine
• Paper flowers from tissue paper and probably some more books.
• Pause for some more wine
• Maybe a little cheese and bread
• Dare I say "table runners"?
• Guess what comes now...

I am sure that we will be able to get some of these things done but something tells me it will be more of an impromptu dance/get glue in places you shouldn't party.
Either way, it should be fun and there will be some finished product photos to follow.

Food Porn

I'm not taking a lunch break at work this week so I have shorter days sitting in front of my glowing screen.
It's pretty darn nice not having to prepare lunch in the morning or spend an arm and a leg buying something at the mediocre cafeteria downstairs.
It sure as hell makes you preeetttty hungry though (especially when your co-worker leaves early to go to a pizza buffet, which then leads to a discussion of favorite toppings. Thanks, April).

So, here I sit.
I sit on an extra slow day attempting to not think about lunch.
Not think about the one hour and seventeen minutes until I am gone for the day.

It works for a bit.
That's when I realize I haven't checked my favorite blogs for the day...almost all of which are friggin' food blogs.

I wonder if food porn is acceptable at work?
Drooling over pickled grapes and pea-pesto seems almost as sad as finding out your co-worker is into S&M.

Until I can walk (power-walk/run without being awkward) home, I think I've found a new screen-saver...

Compliments of Smitten Kitchen

...and I'm not embarrassed...sort of.

New Camera

Took a walk today at one of my favorite spots, McKinley Park duck pond. I brought along a friend, my new camera (and Brian). My uncle surprised me with a Canon Rebel T2i for graduation and I haven't been able to play with it yet.
I am not a bird lover but have been trying to warm up to the idea that these massive geese can peck my flesh off at the drop of a hat. The best way I have found to do this is by feeding them. We save our scrap bread and bring it. Normally we are SURROUNDED by birds of all kinds and the sweetest squirrels you've ever met, but unfortunately the day I bring my camera a man had just emptied a Costco sized bag of feed on the ground. Still got some good shots and hopefully will able to play around now that Spring is approaching.


Some adorable couple watching the feast

The hissing goose

Just want to squeeze him

Done, done and done.

As mentioned the other day, I am applying to grad school. As tricky as it might be to get in...I'm feeling pretty easy about it now that all the paperwork is in.
This waiting process is what is really crummy.

In the meantime, I've decided to fill my time with volunteering at schools and crafting. Hopefully something good will come of it.

I've also decided to stop complaining about my travel savvy friends. I'm currently looking at flights to India for me and Brian.
Excite. Very excite.

Sheeee's Baaaack

A lot has happened in 5 months.

-Graduated
-Applying for grad school
-Still working at the State (not a change, just a miracle that I haven't gone postal)
-Made an ETSY store
-Had my solo art show
-Survived my solo art show
-Actually sold some art
-Starting helping out at Bella Vista

Okay, maybe not that much but it sure feels like a lot has happened.

I guess it’s safe to say that the few months in between graduating and trying to figure what the heck I’m doing with my life have been a tad stressful…to say the least.
BUT I’m back. Not with a vengeance, not even with a plan. Just back.
I’m finally having one of those days where I just feel like everything is going to fall into place and if it doesn't then everything will be okay.