Music Videos!

I heard about a cool site today where you can make your own videos. 30 second videos with about 15 pictures are free. You can add music and the effects they add are fun. Looks very professional.

Sign up for your own account and start making videos at Animoto. (This link uses referral code dqjbozny, this will get you $5 off if you decide to sign up for a pass to make longer videos later.)

Jackopierce

Got to see my old favorite band from college on Thursday night. Brought back a lot of memories and they were still good. Funny, they threw a guitar pick to audience and it landed in my drink. Also had them sign new album that I bought there. Fun time!

reusable sandwich/snack bags

There are some really cute ones available on Etsy - natural and fun fabrics. Think I might buy some, so I can see the details and velcro used, and then maybe make some more myself.

Baby Backpack

Went to REI last week and tried this cute backpack on Kaiden. He looked so cute running around with it on his back. And it has a chest strap, so he might actually keep it on.

Cupcakes

I don't know if our city can support 3 cupcake stores, but someone is giving it a try. "Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company" opened last week. I went by this morning to check it out. It was just before 9am and store was quiet, just one other customer. But the owner was nice and the cupcakes were good. Tried the tomato soup and black forest variety. Like the crispy tops of the cakes and light whipped frosting. Would go back, to try other flavors.

(Trophy is opening 2nd store at UVillage soon and Royale has 3 stores now.)

Chocolate & PB Streusel Cake

A very "friendly" cake
12 servings

2 1/4 cups flour
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 13×9 x2 metal baking pan. Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Using electric mixer, beat on low speed until streusel is blended and crumbly. Transfer 1 cup lightly packed streusel to small bowl and reserve. Add eggs, milk, vanilla, baking powder and baking soda to remaining streusel in large bowl. Beat at low speed until evenly moist. Increase speed to medium and beat until well blended, scraping bowl occasionally, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup chips. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Sprinkle with reserved 1 cup streusel and remaining 1 cup chips.

Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool cake in pan on rack.

Yummy Pies

Here's a treat to share with my Dad. Homemade pies available in Seattle from High Five Pies. Available at Fuel Coffee shops locally. What is a Clove pie like?