Music that isn't depressing

I got a new car last month and it came with six-months of Sirius radio free. I kind of ignored it at first but then I got a little addicted. I still listen to my beloved WEVL on regular radio, but I've picked up on a lot of new songs on satellite radio. A lot of songs that are way less doom and gloom than my regular musical tastes.

Sleigh Bells "Rill Rill"

Passion Pit "Little Secrets"


Amos Lee "Windows Are Rolled Down"


The Naked and Famous "Young Blood"

Tiny knitted things

These are some of my finished-knitting-objects so far this year. You can read more about them on my other blog here.

Greenleaf hat done in Bee Sweet Taffy and Pom-Pom Cap in Madelinetosh DK (also all my purls are twisted because I forgot how to correctly throw my yarn for a whole project!?)

Bitty Cabled Cardigan in Madelinetosh Vintage. The buttons are little goldfish bowls! I bought them at Stash in Memphis this past NYE.

Pebble in Rowan Felted Tweed. Buttons are from a online Japanese store I can't remember the name of.

Owlie Sleep Sack & hat in Madelinetosh Vintage

I'm working on two more sweaters right now that I should have finished soon. As far as knitting for me goes, I just finished the sleeves increases for the Featherweight cardigan. I attempted to knit it last year with Malabrigo lace but it just kept getting stuck to itself. This time I'm using Madeleinetosh Merino Light from the yarn club. It's thicker than Malabrigo and easier to knit with.

Spring-y

New tiny orchid

 Hostas emerging

 Compost bulbs

 Volunteer tomato sprouts

 Garden 2011 seeds have arrived

 New spring scarf from here

Patio furniture on which to enjoy the spring weather

Tuesdays with Dorie: Citrus Currant Sunshine Muffins & Honey Nut Brownies

Last week's recipe was chosen by Lauryn of Bella Baker. I really liked these muffins but they didn't keep as well I think they should have. I made them Sunday morning and by Monday morning they were pretty tough and dry. I did not use currants because the only place around here that sells dried currants is Whole Foods and I didn't want to fight the crowds. Instead I used dried cranberries, which I think worked really well.

This week's recipe was chosen by Suzy of Suzy Homemaker. I used Orange Blossom honey in these brownies and almonds for the nuts. It could be my oven but these brownies took about 25 minutes longer to bake then the recipe called for.After 45 minutes the knife came out with wet batter on it. The top was already browned so I covered it with foil tent and baked it for 25 minutes more. After they were done I let them cool before cutting into them. The honey flavor is very strong so I would make sure to use good honey while making them. I liked these, they are not your typical brownie but they're still very good and reminiscent of a cake. They're also not very photogenic...

Traveling plans

I am alive, despite my lack of posting last week. I'm in that fun area of full-time work + part-time school + doctor/acupuncture appointments. Luckily spring break is next week so I won't have to go to school and most of doctor appointments have ceased until next month. 

We've been making traveling plans for the spring. In mid-March we're going to Columbus, Ohio for an indie comic thing (SPACE), the first weekend in April we're going to St. Louis for Adam Corolla live (Doug really likes his podcast) and in late-April we're going to Chicago for a Cubs game. I wanted to go to San Francisco for my 30th (gulp) birthday in April but it's the same week as Passover (i.e. really busy time at work) so we're  delaying that trip for a month or so until after school is out. I also have enough frequent flier miles for a Delta ticket which I may use for a Seattle trip sometime in late-summer. We've also toyed around with the idea of driving to Austin for Renegade in May but the timing may not work out.

(image from Something Cakes, found via weheartit)

Tuesdays with Dorie: Toasted Almond Scones & Chocolate Pots de Creme

Last week and this week's since I'm behind in posting.

I loved the scones, I'm a big almond fan and these were delicious, albeit crumbly. I think these would be even better with the addition of dried cherries. Thanks to Mike of Living Out West who chose the scones. Go visit his blog, you won't regret it!

This week's recipe was Chocolate Pots de Creme, chosen by Christine of Black Cat Cooking. Pots de Creme are kind of like a souffley pudding. I halved the recipe but I didn't think the two of us should have eight desserts on hand. The recipe was pretty simple and turned out delicious. Don't forget to chill it, it's much better chilled.