memorial day

I spent most of this uneventful Memorial Day Weekend working at American Apparel, but on Memorial Day itself, I went out to Prospect Park in Redlands, which I'd never been to-- or even really heard about. We got some McNuggets (my fave!-- the one thing I crave at McDonald's; besides fries and yogurt parfaits) and drove up to munch them at a picnic table and played the Shrek card game that came with the box of nuggets. It was quite pretty up there, and there's this really great little outdoor theater tucked away. I wanted to take pictures there, but a theater troupe was rehearsing a loud and shout-y play. Next time, mayhaps.

So here is my first attempt at showcasing an outfit. I've been hesitant because I'm not all too comfortable in front of a camera-- I like being behind one best. The pictures are a bit blurry because I'm still trying to figure out my camera and also, it started getting dark out. I have a step down from an SLR camera, but it's a Canon and it's a good solid one. I wish I could have gotten a better floral detail shot of the jumper, because it's very intricate and pretty. (If you click on the pictures, you can see them full-size but I don't recommend it because then you have to see me up close).





White 3D flower mesh jumper
and khaki hight waist denim short: both American Apparel
Floral camera bag and sandals: Urban Outfitters


Also this weekend, I found a yummy yummy recipe for snickerdoodle cookies courtesy of Joy of Cooking and decided to try and make them. They turned out wonderfully delicious, and only after eating the pretty batch, I had the thought to take a picture and post it up, so you get to see the remains (and the recipe!)::


Snickerdoodles:

2 3/4 cups (360 grams) all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating:

1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Beat the butter and sugar until smooth (about 2 to 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is soft, cover and refrigerate until firm enough to roll into balls (one to two hours).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Shape the dough into 1 inch round balls.

Coating: In a large shallow bowl mix together the sugar and cinnamon.

Roll the balls of dough in the cinnamon sugar and place on the prepared pan, spacing about 2 inches apart. Then, gently flatten each cookie to about 1/2 inch thick.

Bake the cookies for about 8 - 10 minutes, or until they are light golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies.

the long and short of it all.

So my hair is in that middle stage where it's not long or short, but in between. Apparently, this length is supposed to be the "in" length of the moment--or so I've been reading, but it usually makes me want to cut it when it gets to that limbo area just past the shoulders. The dilemma is whether I should cut it, or if I should grow it out. Right now I'm of the persuasion to go for length. What say you? (Just click on the thumbnails for the actual size).

In favor of long::



And, the case for short. I've gotta say, I'm slowly growing more and more fond of the short, even though it makes me look ten years younger. (I already look 17 years old no matter the hair length, anyway). But I do miss my long glorious hair something fierce. So indecisive; like a true Libra ::




And last but not least, to leave you with something sweet and wonderful, and lovely and lively. . . Some new New Pornographers (Neko!!) :)

A mistake on the part of nature,
You're so fabled, so fair, just sit anywhere.
I've pencil-sketched the scene,
It's feeling Byzantine.