Making biscuits

Friends, I just want you all to know that when I say I want to make biscuits, I make biscuits. I found a simple herb and cheddar recipe in my Fresh cookbook (which I've mooned over before), and got to work without a biscuit cutter in sight. When they were fresh from the oven, I thought I'd found the perfect recipe, but after a few days, they seemed a bit heavy on the baking soda flavour. Maybe this is just a biscuit/scone issue, since I noted it here too.

Making 2010 calendars (it's not too late)

Well, we didn't make this calendar, but we did print the PDF that we bought from Mibo for a whopping $4. We have one hanging in our house, and we gave a bunch away at Christmas. Other than the pom poms, this was the only DIY project I took on for the holidays.

I also printed one copy of this free calendar from something's hiding in here, which I found through WREN handmade. I have it hanging at my office. It looks like a bingo card, no?

Benign Objects has designed a free 2010 calendar too. I didn't print that one, but I do use the free computer desktop calendars from that blog, on occasion. Since we're on the topic, Design*Sponge offers free desktop calendars too, like this lovely January calendar by Julia Rothman:

The desktop calendars are a welcome sight when I turn on my work computer, especially because I haven't made too many efforts to personalize my office space.

I love this trend of offering free or low-cost files to download for personal use, especially because it's not limited to calendars. Twig & Thistle recently offered a PDF for these Valentines Day treat bags, and I've noticed a few PDFs for bookplates and prints on Etsy. Fun!

Making pom poms

The motivation to craft has been lacking lately, but last Friday I became obsessed with making pom poms. I started out by making a DIY donut-shaped tool out of two pieces of cardboard, but I quickly abandoned all that for an easier method. I wrapped the yarn around my fingers, tied the bunch together and cut the loops. This video will show you what I'm getting at. This tutorial will show you how to make pom poms with a proper tool, but it all seems much more difficult than it needs to be.

I'm using my pom poms as Christmas decorations for now, but I think I'll make a garland after the holidays have passed.

Making frozen fast forward

Michael loves a graham cracker crust. I love a recipe with a good name. I also love getting advice from my mom. She told me to make Frozen Fast Forward from Company's Coming's Home for the Holidays when I asked her what to make for a dinner party. She left me the suggestion on my answering machine, telling me that the recipe was quick and that desserts in spring-form pans are always impressive. She was right.

This wasn't the kind of dessert that I would normally make (vanilla pudding and SKOR candy bars don't make many appearances in our house), but I thought it would be popular with the guests (who I don't know very well) -- especially the six-year-old in attendance; she inhaled her slice in seconds.

Thanks Mom!

Making coffee

Michael and I are all about making coffee these days. We use a Bodum and beans from Habit or Discovery Coffee. I've been scared of making my own coffee for years, and I'm so happy that I've conquered this simple ritual.