Sunday, March 6, 2011

Fat schmat

I do believe we will be hitting up the gym maƱana due to my husband's rising concerns over his girlish figure. 


I think it might have something to do with these bad boys:




I was in the mood today, I don't really know what hit me, but I just announced this morning, "I feel like making doughnuts". Turned out not to be nearly as intimidating as one would think. And really. SO delicious that it's actually a very horrible thing. 





I got the recipe from The Pioneer Woman, because her pictures were so tempting and it seemed like one of the better recipes I found online. Not difficult at all and 100% worth the effort/time.



Her glaze is absolutely the bomb as well. However, I only made 2/3 the glaze recipe because 3 cups of powdered sugar seemed like too much. It turned out that 2/3 was the perfect amount. 


They turned out perfect, light and a little crispy on the outside, completely fluffy and scrumptious on the inside. 


I am very satisfied at this moment. Unfortunately, I need to make some dinner now. How does one top homemade doughnuts though?? I'll whip up some chicken dish I guess. 

Here's to a new week! And rolls for thighs! Huzzah!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

His name is Joctopus

For "Share Day" the other day, one of our kids' dads brought in a baby octopus that they are raising. Basically this family is one of the coolest ones ever. The kids were pretty enthralled. As was I.

Despite the fact that one of my worst nightmares would involve a giant octopus menacingly approaching me while I'm trapped at the bottom of the ocean in a small container filled with slugs, reptiles and germs - I thought the little guy was pretty dang cool to watch. I did have the same reaction as one of my little boys when it climbed to the top of the tank and tried to wrap it's tenticles around the air vents in an attempt to escape. Aka I was friggin close to jumping backwards and making a fool of myself. Like, that thing is awesome, unless it wanted to touch me. Then, not so awesome.

Yes, I am a giant wussy when it comes to all things...gross. Slimy animals, scaly animals, animals that look like they might be either slimy or scaly. Insta-heebie-jeebies.




Joctopus 1 from The Diehls on Vimeo.


Just a little fun for your weekend pleasure!

Monday, February 7, 2011

While Greenbay was winning the Superbowl ~

I was working on this:


Few more things to finish but fun to make. And quick! However, I think it needs pockets. As almost every dress does. 

Yes, that is all I had to say today. And good Monday to you!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

When I die...

...and go to heaven, I want to magically have Sara Bareilles' voice.

This rendition of Single Ladies is rocking my Sunday:



Fun to listen to, but the real gem is her version of Sittin on the Dock of the Bay. Click to listen to that magic.

Hope Super Bowl Sunday is treatin you well.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Ah the weekend...

I have the house to myself for a little while this evening as Scott is musically occupied until 9:30 or so. I have the laundry going, the dishwasher humming, the kitchen cleaned, garbage taken out...I figure I should rest for just a sec.

Whilst resting, I would like to share with you THESE:


From Noa Noa, I really like these pants. When I showed them to husband the other day, he kind of looked at them while squinting, a face that interprets to, "Really? How should I tell you that I'm not really diggin those?" While what he actually said was, "Hmm...I guess I'd have to see them on you". Wise choice of words husband. Because I am quickly stumbling into love here.

Anyway, I will get back to thinking about more chores and watching shows that Mr D doesn't care for. Amazing how I've had somewhere around 1,300 weekends in my lifetime and yet I get excited about nearly each and every one.

I am going to sleep in till 8:00 tomorrow! Don't try to stop me!
Peace out homies.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Brightened my day

Two minute story:

I got to work this morning and went outside to greet my little monsters. I got my morning hugs and hellos in while attempting to manage 4 different mini conversations (when working with small children I think you develop the skill of being able to hear and comprehend more than one conversation that is being spoken to you at the same time) while one of my little boys kept trying to get my attention, "Miss Heidi? Miss Heidi. Miss Heeiidi?" I finally looked over at him and asked, "What's up buddy?"

His response was, "You look pretty". Then he ran off to play dodgeball.

That's how you know it's a good day.

Just thinking about it made me temporarily forget that I have just noticed my lazy eye seems to be getting worse and I think I'm two steps away from looking like Steve Buscemi in Mr Deeds. For real. But I'm not supposed to talk about it anymore. Scott thinks I'm being paranoid.

Whatever, we'll see who's paranoid when people start asking him which is my "good eye".

Happy Tuesday and to all, a goodnight.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Forecast looks a bit fabric-y

Hi all. How's it going?

Happy 2011 by the way. Forgot to say that. So far the first 14 days have flown by. For real? We're halfway through January? Absurd.i.ties. I haven't even made any New Years Resolutions. Wait, hang on a sec. I'm actually not sure I've ever made NYResolutions.

Well in place of those ... I'll just throw out a few things I'm inspired by as of late/what's worming through my brain and refusing to give my tendinitis a break.

I recently received (and also acquired) some of the most amazing books ever. For Christmas I got Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, as well as Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts. I was so giddy. I have now gingerly leafed through both books probably 3 times each. Each time I do I find myself dreaming of a craft/art corner all my own in our house someday. Eventually when we get a bigger place we'd love to have a second room that would be our studio/guest room. So hopefully my dream is not too far in the distance.

I also acquired from a wonderful donor, a 1960 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book. I nearly cried when I found it. It is that beautiful. I adore early 60's fashion and this book is a wealth of sewing and craftsman knowledge. After a week of having it I turned to the husband and sighed, "I'm on page 40 and it's only getting better and better" as I wiped away a small tear. Ok, who am I kidding...small tear? Really, me? But let's pretend because that's how the scene went in my head.

This is no novel either mind you. It is a manual. I was reading a bit about it and someone likened it to a cookbook. So if you can imagine reading that snuggled in bed, then you're with me.


Isn't it beautiful? However, now I have been forced to apologize to said husband for teasing him about reading an old Toyota 4Runner Manual in bed at night. What nerds we are indeedy.

This has spurred on a sudden desire for something new to sew (go figure). Therefore I did what any logical person would do and checked ebay for "vintage" patterns. Oh the joys to behold. I now have a few packages coming my way any day now. The excitement is overwhelming. Truly.

I plan to reinvent the shift dress. There, I said it. It's out there. I'm doin it!

Moving on, I also have been eying our poor couch in a manner that makes him quiver a twinge as I walk by these days, seeing as BHs and Gs has empowered me, telling me that, "Slipcovers are inexpensive, easy to make. New slipcovers give a wonderful lift to an old sofa or chair. Combined with new draperies, they give a welcome color change." How can I refuse? They used "draperies" in a sentence.

Oh goodness. I'm doomed. Just doomed. But so happily so. I can smell it in the air - 2011 is going to be a good year.

All for now. Hasta luego.