No place like home

I'm in Japan for work, but no matter how long or how far I travel, there is no place like home and Skype. Cutest thing is that Maya knows the Skype ring, freaks out when I call and loves to watch me on the computer screen. Love and miss you, Jason.

Everyone needs a little Peanut Butter and Chocolate in their lives

I've been on a baking kick lately, last week I made pumpkin creme cookies, this week I baked Milk Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies. It's my creative outlet, so I've been thinking of trying a new cookie recipe a week, what do you think? I'll keep you posted. Until then, here is the amazing recipe. These will not disappoint.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen sandwich cookies

Be sure to use regular peanut butter — not old-fashioned or freshly ground — for the best consistency in the cookie batter and the filling.

Cookies

• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/3 cups (about 8 ounces) milk chocolate chips

Filling

• 3 ounces high-quality milk chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), chopped
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons whipping cream

Preparation

For cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat powdered sugar, dark brown sugar, and butter in large bowl to blend.

Add peanut butter; beat until creamy. Gradually beat in vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then egg. Add dry ingredients; mix just until blended. Stir in milk chocolate chips.

Drop cookie dough by level tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake cookies until puffed and golden brown, about 12 minutes. Cool slightly, then transfer cookies to rack to cool completely.

For filling:
Place chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt in medium bowl. Bring whipping cream to boil in heavy small saucepan. Pour hot cream over chocolate mixture; stir until mixture is melted and smooth. Chill until filling is thick and spreadable, about 1 hour.

Spread about 1 rounded teaspoonful chocolate-peanut butter filling on flat side of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, forming sandwich. Repeat with remaining filling and cookies. (Cookie sandwiches can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

Oxford obsession and my amazing find

These oxfords were found on Free People.

My new beautiful Italian leather oxfords thrifted for $5. SCORE!

Since summer I've been obsessed with oxfords and knew it was going to be my must have for this fall season. I've seen them styled with everything from skirts to the boyfriend look. So I searched high and low to find something classic and, of course, affordable. Well, I found them in the least expected place for (drum roll please.....) $5!!!! I was at the Dress for Success sale back in early October and low and behold these beauties were there. Made of genuine leather from Italy, barely worn, pristine condition and in my size! We know those Italians can cobble some shoes. Anyway, there's nothing like a great find. Thought I'd share.

xoxo Winnie

Just a reminder....

Daily reminder

Right on!!! Thanks Solene for the reminder.

Necklushes

Another successful craft night with the ladies. This time we made Necklushes, which are scarf/necklaces made of fabric. They are super easy to make and they look great. I wore it yesterday and I had several people requesting that I make them one, so I might start a little side business. Place your orders soon for the holidays. Love, Winnie

FOUND!!!!

As you all know, we have been in the midst of a bathroom remodel, which we are doing finishing work this week. I eluded to something we found during the demo and decided it's too good not to share.


These pictures were found in a brown bag hidden under the floor boards of our bathroom. J was reaching up from the basement and the brown bag feel straight on his head. For a split second, he thought maybe it was a bag of cash. These aren't cold hard cash, bit not a bad find. I think they are GORGEOUS!

We are making PROGRESS!

Well, it's been an interesting 9 days without a bathroom, but Jason and I have come out stronger. We worked well as a team until late at night and we now have a working bathroom only 2 days behind schedule. There's a lot of finishing to do, like hanging the mirror, shelves, painting and trim, but at least we don't have to use the "Schultzy." Here's some more progress images.....can't wait to show you the finished product! Until then, here's the tease.

So you remember the demo that happened, that was the easy part. Remind me in person to tell you what Jason found in the floor boards when we demo-ed. It's an awesome story, but better if I showed you in person.

Can you believe it, proof that I do dirty work, covered in construction dust.

My awesome husband

My acrobatic husband.

Let the Demolition begin...

The "Schultzy" for the next week or so. It's deluxe, flushable toilet, working sink. I've even added some reading material and some flowers to make it more cozy. HAHA!

The fun part...demoing the bathroom. Bye, bye mismatched toilet and tub.
Bye, bye ugly faux wood floor. I will not miss you!

My best hire, my husband. He took the week off work to do this. He's so amazing! Isn't he adorable?

So I've been dreaming about a new bathroom since moving into the house 5 years ago and we're finally doing it. Here is the progress so far. Today will be day 5. I think we'll have a working toilet and tub by Monday. Can't wait to post the results!

High Adventure

Let the adventures begin.

Some of the lovely ladies. My friends and co-workers!

The Deschutes River. The river was packed.

Laura and I taking command of the boat on one of the many rapids.

This weekend to celebrate Jason's graduation, I planned a full day white water experience on the Deschutes River. Can you believe he's never been white water rafting? We got 23 of our friends to join in the fun. An unforgettable day in Oregon.

Bike babe

I love the matching Brooks saddle and handle grips.
I got into naming my bikes since I got back from Amsterdam.
Her name is Scarlett.

This Bianchi was Jason's friends dad's bike,
Jason fixed it up and made it a single speed.
It's light weight, uncomplicated and just plain fun to ride.

Jason and I rode our matching Schwinns to a wedding reception.
I love the detachable basket in front.
I'm bringing some Euro influence back to PDX.
This bikes name is P.D, short for PDXy a combo of PDX and sexy.

Portland is one of the most bike friendly cities. So this summer Jason and I have been biking a ton. We bike to all over and it's always an adventure. It's a great way to get a little exercise and see the city in a whole new light. Here are my two bikes. The red Bianchi was a Valentine's day gift from Jason and the green Schwinn is my Sunday cruiser which Jason also has a matching version of it. Cute, I know!

Reason #151 I love Oregon

I can't even believe I've lived in Portland for 9 years now. It seemed like yesterday that a college friend of mine packed up a U-Haul and moved out West. There's just so much to see and do here, that it'll take at least another decade to discover. Anyway, J "discovered" this Oregon utopia and we ended up camping there over the 4th of July. Mind you, I don't typically do nature, but J loves it, so I slowly loved it too.

Few things we look for when we camp.
1. no overcrowded camp spot with screaming kids
2. a place where Maya doesn't have to be tied up
3. swimming holes
4. nature
5. peace and quiet

This spot definitely meets all our requirements.

Here are some of our pics from our fun adventures in Oregon. It's our secret camping spot, so I'm not telling you where it is on this blog. Yeah, it took us 9 years to find it.

We call this Backpackers Delight, surprising good. We even filtered our own water from the stream.

One of the many swim holes, the water is amazingly clear.
Our goal was to find all the swim holes and jump into them. I think we succeeded.

Maya loved our camping trip too.

My creative outlet

Most people who know me, know that I love to bake. It's my creative outlet and nothing is better than getting a reaction of when people try your tasty treats. This post is dedicated to my brother Alvin who reminds me that my everyday adventures are exciting to others. Thanks for the reminder. Love ya!

I made two keylime pies last week. One as a practice run for the "real" one I made for my friends Eric and Rene's wedding on Sunday. They both turned out fantastic, so I've been told.

Click here for the recipe. The secret ingredient is the almonds in the crust. Delicious!

CrafTuesdays

So a few friends of mine have started a weekly event to get some design energy out. Our first project was potato stamping, inspired by this article we saw online. Here's a glimpse into our evening.

Cutting out our pattern in the potato.

Practicing our pattern on our material.

Stamping.
Don't talk to me, I'm in the zone and will mess up if I break my concentration,
especially after a glass of wine.

Color-gasm

Oh Kanye....I don't really think you write your blog, but I read it anyway because occasionally there's some really inspiring stuff. Like this post today. I love the smart use of color and visual happiness that it gives me. Looks like the sun is radiating from within the building, which is designed by Rojkind Arquitectos, located in Querétaro, Mexico.

Tricycle Town USA

Portland is a city of bikes, but this is interesting. Seen at 1st Thursday in the Pearl District. I love the locked up tricycle and the knitted bike post!

Explorer

I love this little inspiration. Click to see the image.

Silliness

This made me laugh this am. Click on the photo for a up-close view.

Fashion HOT OR NOT?

I read this on trendcentral.com: In times of financial uncertainty, values of precious metals such as gold and platinum tend to stay high even if the market for fine jewelry takes a downturn, as we're seeing in this recession. One piece of jewelry worth investing in, The Paracord Survival Bracelet, while not made from the earth's most precious natural resource, can potentially protect its precious inhabitants. Made from 15-26 feet of highly durable 550 lb. test paracord (originally used by the US military as parachute suspension lines), the bracelet can be unwound for use in multiple situations - from tying down a mattress to your car roof to securing a tent or temporary shelter to throwing a line to a person fallen overboard - in a pinch. Traditionally worn by US military personnel, a growing number of civilians are also now sporting the woven nylon bracelets (or some variation of it) in the chance that they find themselves in a bind. (Plus, even if you don't expect to find yourself in an emergency situation, its surprisingly hip look makes it look like the kind of high fashion accessory that would be sold in a concept boutique like Opening Ceremony or Oak.)

My question: Fashion HOT or NOT?

Happy Valentine's Day

Ok, I actually never really celebrate Valentine's because I think it's a made up commercial holiday which makes single people feel lonely and makes people in relationships feel the pressure to express their love on a certain day. Anyway, I saw this and it reminded me that it was, indeed, Valentine's and that LOVE should be expressed any day. Click on the image for a better close up of Russian artist, Yulia Brodskaya, who creates these beautiful images out of ribbons of paper. They are so perfectly crafted that it is hard to believe that they are hand made. The paper sculptures are an inspiration for what could be made with everyday materials accessible to all of us. I bet they are more amazing in real life. Check out more of her inspirational work on her website.

Affordable art?

Long gone are the days of cheap prints and band posters hung by sticky tack. Now a days, my tastes have evolved to be a little more "adult." I'm paying a mortgage and bills now, those qualities puts me in the "adult" category I think. Anyway, I digress. I found this website that has great original art for CHEAP. $20 for a limited edition print. The people who run this site scope out new and emerging artists and have a nice selection for you to choose from, prints, photos, etc. Check it out www.20x200.com.

Happy New Year!

Yeah, I know, I know....I haven't posted in over a month, but I'm back and better than ever. Maybe not, but that sounded good, right? Anyway 2009 looks like it's off to a great start. Yesterday's inauguration was inspiring and I think all of us will remember this historic moment for the rest of our lives. As it relates to color, I thought a lot of color cues were cues of optimism. You be the judge. The red, white and blue could not have been brighter on this day.