Sunday, December 22, 2013

Ornament Swap 2013

This year, I organized an ornament swap amongst some friends. I've swapped with strangers via Swap-Bot before but I found half the ornaments I received turn out to be disappointing. I figured if I hand picked participants, I'd increase the chances of receiving all nice ornaments and a broader variety. Looks like I was right! I received all lovely ornaments in the mail this year.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!
^_____________^

Saturday, December 21, 2013

iPad Yule log.


The office was closed early yesterday around noon for our holiday break. I spent the morning making a fireplace to make an iPad Yule log for a holiday party. Did a Google search on "Christmas fireplace" and this image popped up. I re-sized it to fit my iPad, printed, laminated it onto some chipboard for some structure and taped it onto my iPad. I folded some origami Christmas stockings with guests' names and decorated the mantel. Found a great three hour video of a fireplace on Youtube and voilá! Yule log for an urban apartment that has no chimney.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Cookie Trio

[Shot by Tony]

In preparation for a little holiday party, I baked cookies for my friends. I made a variety of three kinds: chewy ginger, chocolate crackle and lemon ricotta cookies. I packed them in separate Ziplock bags as I've heard cookies end up tasting the same if you put them all together. Target had super cute holiday treat bags and sticker labels to package the cookies nicely.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Chevron throw.


I spent most of August and September knitting a new throw for my couch. Purl Bee has a fairly easy knitting pattern for a chevron baby blanket. I added a few more stitches to make it a little bigger for an adult. Finished just in time for November cold weather.
 I quite like it!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Chocolate & Pumpkin Cake for Ve.

[Shot by Tony] 

"A party without cake is just a meeting."
                       - Julia Child

Veanne is leaving for London in a couple weeks. I baked her a chocolate and pumpkin cake for her farewell potluck. I am notorious for leaving an ingredient out when trying new recipes. This was no exception. Cake turned out okay though.

[Shot by Ve]

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Every time I visit my mom, she always loads me up with some kind of fruit.
This time, she gave me 2 pints of blueberries. What do I do with all those blueberries?
I found a recipe for blueberry upside down cake and baked for tea time with co-workers.
Turned out pretty yummy!
But I think next time, I would like to make the cake portion thicker.

Friday, August 02, 2013

Wedding Box for Helen


This is the photo Helen texted me last month:
"How do I paint it now... Tips pls," she said.
"OK. I'm coming over," I said.
Helen wanted to make a nice box to collect cards and gifts in for her upcoming wedding.

We bought some extra supplies.
Once I got back from London, I spent a night putting it together.

I lined the inside of the box with fancy glittery paper from The Paper Source.
It matched the color palette of Helen's wedding.
I get nervous at the thought of working with brides.
I understand planning a wedding is stressful.
So it was nice when Helen gave me her trust and let me simply work.

CONGRATS HELEN & ARNOLD!

 (Photographed by Albert Cheung Photography)

Monday, July 22, 2013

Postcard from London


I met some new friends while in London.


Of course, since I'm on vacation, I ate ice cream every day.

I decided to bring tea time back to America.
What is clotted cream? And why does it taste so damn good?


 I tried on the Queen's jewels!

Also became a Street Fighter.

England is known for excellent literature:
Pride & Prejudice.
Romeo & Juliet.
Melvin (the unlucky monkey) & Bertie (the rude pig).

It's also known for royal corgis.

Picked up some Paddington swag.

And some London souvenirs.
Also picked up some English tea for the co-workers.

I had lots of fun in London!
Hope to visit again some day soon.