Santa

One of my favorite things to collect is Santa Claus.  I look for him everywhere.  Here are a few of my favorites...

Max's New Shirts

A couple weeks ago I went to a great sale at The Gene Autry Museum. While there I bought an amazing bag, jewelry and some books. One of the books was full of funny stencils. So, I'm experimenting on Max's shirts as you can see in these pictures. Not one to read directions, I slapped some tape on the edges of the stencil, put a magazine the middle of the shirt, poured my fabric paint in a plastic plate, got out some dabbing sponges and blotted the stencil. I had a little correcting to do once the stencils came off but I'm pretty happy with these....we'll see what Max thinks. 

Cake

Lots of love went into this birthday cake. I found a pretty simple recipe and baked the cake Saturday evening. The cake came out lovely however it fell leaving me with half a cake. First thing Sunday morning I made the other half which also fell. I consulted my baking guru and she recommended shortening to the recipe. This will take more testing but I plan to get it correct but then again doubling the recipe isn't a bad idea. I creamed the heck out of the butter and sugar for like 8 mins. Vanilla pudding and bananas are the filling. The frosting I also made from scratch was super simple and I pretty much just made it to taste so you can really play with this recipe....it's 1 stick softened butter, 2 1/2 cups powder sugar, 2 Tbs milk, 1 tsp vanilla. Here's the cake recipe and the cake.  My favorite part was Max and I decorating it. 

1 - 1/2 cups white sugar

3/4 cup softened butter

3 eggs

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

2 - 1/4 tsps baking powder

3/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350. Grease & flour pan. In a medium bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture, mix well. Stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 mins.  For cupcakes, bake 25 mins. 

Hot Boots!

Okay, a couple of weeks ago the man said "let's do whatever you want to do today darling" and I said "hell yes!" so we headed for Santa Monica. We visited a flea market where he found a Stetson (not pictured) for 40 bux and then headed for lunch at Enterprise Fish Co. to have my fave LOBSTER BISQUE and I capitalize this because it should be on a marque. There is a lovely puff pastry you have to break thru to the yummy-ness with a hint of sherry in every bite. This dish for me is always accompanied by a split of champagne and I am seriously considering a full bottle next time. So after this delightful meal I realize something - wait! I haven't bought a thing!!! so we find this antique mall and look out! The most beautiful pair of boots are sitting there waiting for me. 60 bux and they are mine. I did however spend an additional $28 to make them look their best. Italian made, Jill Stuart and gorgeous. I have been searching for this pair and nearly paid $200 on a half decent pair of Steve Madden boots. I know, not me at all but they weren't that bad looking on shoes.com . Anyway here's my antique mall find... 

the toe is perfect, heel is perfect, the length of the overall boot is perfect! i'm in love!!!