It’s been a really fun week starting this blog – but I have to tell you, I’m exhausted. It was my original intention to sit down every night and spend 20 minutes on a paragraph or two about thoughts I had that day. But due to some strong OCD tendencies, I find it very difficult to just whip something up. Do you know that the two longest posts I wrote were the ones that I expected to be quick, amusing anecdotes about my family? Either because they involved my children or because I automatically felt the need to over-explain my initially unimpressive parenting style, I just couldn’t keep it brief. And then I had to obsessively edit them – making changes even after I had posted them to my blog. I work full time, have three children AND just happen to have had a week on my own while my husband was traveling for business. Who do I think I am – a professional writer? I can’t stay up all night blogging! So future weeks will bring some attempts to simplify things a bit. I’ll restrict myself to just a few rambling stories and the other days will be devoted to something else. What that will be…I’m not really sure yet – but hopefully it won’t involve too much scrolling.
My brief thought for today is that while writing this week, I enjoyed reading other blogs even more than I did before. On my own blog, I have a short list of sites that I’ve stumbled across and I have an even longer list bookmarked in my favorites. And they are incredibly diverse. Of course I love the design blogs with their pretty pictures and products I might never have found on my own. But I’ve also discovered a number of personal blogs that I find inspiring. Some of them are fashion or art focused, some of them have a journal format, some are written by people much younger than me, and some are straight up humor. But they all create a feeling of community – one in which all are welcome to comment and keep coming back. People that might never give each other a second glance on the street have this whole world of ideas and pictures and laughter – and everyone is invited.
Before taking a break this weekend I really feel like I should include at least something about cake. Here it is. When I make my own cake, I refuse to use frosting from a can. I don’t care much for it, and I know a really easy recipe for something SO much better. Buy a box of Domino Confectioners’ Sugar. On the back or the side you will find the recipe, but if you use a different brand, these are the directions:
Ingredients
I lb. confectioners’ sugar (approximately 3 ¾ cups)
½ cup butter softened
3-4 tbs milk
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Combine in large bowl, with mixer at low speed, confectioners’ sugar, butter, milk and vanilla. Beat at medium speed 1-2 minutes until creamy. If desired, add more milk until frosting is spreading consistency. Makes enough to fill and frost 2-layer cake, 13x9x2-inch sheet cake, or 24 cupcakes.
You can add different flavorings in place of the vanilla and use food coloring as necessary. People tell me that they have never had a better cupcake when I make that icing. Try it and you too will become a true believer.
Have a great weekend!
Kate – Welcome to my world! At least you didn’t promise yourself and declare on your blog that you would right every single day for A YEAR! What was I thinking? It’s HARD…but I’ve really loved it. And I’ve loved starting a blog with you. It’s fun reading your blog, it’s like having a quick coffee together and chatting.
Also, I really like the idea of a community coming together. You know me, I’m a little more shy in terms of reaching out on other people’s blogs but in case she’s reading this…to the woman with the Paris apartment…welcome and your comments are great! :) LOL
Anastasia
http://www.anastasiaspeaks.com
OH NO, I put “right” instead of “write.” Which is quite hilarious since I’m all about writing these days…must have been a freudian slip.
Kate – the blogs are fabulous. How do you find the time? Your topics are great. Keep ’em coming!