Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Beautiful Day


Richard+Cheryl [Same Day Edit] from spotstudios

First of all, I would like to apologize for the lack of new postings in a couple of weeks on my part. It has been a couple crazy weeks as my summer has been filled with endless number of Weddings.

If you remember, I am part of the Bridal Party for my  BFF, Chery's wedding, (and we threw a beautiful bridal shower). Cheryl and her wonderful husband, Richard have finally tied the knots over the past weekend.

I was so emotional during the entire weekend, I think I shed happy tears in 10 different occasions! What can I say I am just over the top happy for the newlyweds! Both bride and groom looked amazing! The groomsmen were such great sports during the entire day, including during the traditional Chinese doors games (if you don’t know what door games are, then click here)

Needless to say it was the most beautiful and most perfect wedding I have ever attended.

Congratulations again, Richard & Cheryl. It was such an honour to be part of your amazing day.  You both deserve all the happiness in the world.

Lastly, make sure to check out the amazing Same day edit video of the Wedding from Spotstudios. They have captured the entire day perfectly!


Kate for F3

P.S. Katie and I will be working on some GREAT new posts in coming weeks! Make sure to check back SOON!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Dress Dilemma

Photobucket

One of our friends is getting married in September and I like to remind her that there are "X" amount of days left until the wedding. However, the lower that number gets the more I realize that I too have something to be worried about: I have nothing to wear! Okay, okay... I know my situation is nowhere near as dire as hers must be but I'm allowed to be overwhelmed too. Right?

I've gone out a few times but its hard to stay focused. Also, I have this bad habit of buying my clothes in black and I dont want to fall into the same pattern for this dress. My first round of dress shopping resulted in me trying on five black dresses! During my second round I think I squeezed in the colour grey somewhere. Thats progress right? Ugh.

And get this, Kate's got TWO dresses in mind to choose from. Jealous!

Anyways, sorry for the lack of posts! We're working on it so keep checking in!

Katie for F3

Sunday, August 1, 2010

You can call me Mrs. Fields

When I was organizing my cookbook collection recently,  I started to wonder how many recipes I had actually made from these beautiful cookbooks.  As it turned out what I have mostly tried were all Baked goods/desserts.

Seriously, I am 24/7 on Baking/Dessert autopilot.  I always just end up book marking baking websites & blogs, or flip to the dessert section of each cookbooks. (ya, my daily thoughts are shoes, bags, dresses, cookies, desserts... lather, rise and repeat)

So “When did this baking obsession start?” I asked myself.  Then I found this old gem which  was the 1st cookbook I had ever bought:

Mrs. Fields Best Ever cookie book!


 I just love the title.  Its name suggests that it is not just any cookie book, but the BEST cookie book, with exclamation point! As if the title is dying to be screamed out on the mountain top.  (This just reminds me of that Seinfeld episode)

I have this book for over 10 years, but I have only gone thru first 10% of the book.  I always seems to be stuck at Chocolate chip Raisins cookies.  I don’t know why this combination is not so popular? The hint of bitterness from the semi-sweet chocolate chip with the sweet tanginess of raisins seems to be a match made in heaven.

 This book is out of print, but if you ever have a chance to acquire one, I highly recommend it! It is easy to follow and with over 200 different recipes!

Now come to think of it… should I do a “Julie and Julia” with this cookie book?


Chocolate chip Raisins Cookies
Make about 4.5 dozens

2 cups All Purpose Flour
½ teaspoon Baking Powder
1/3 Cup packed Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup Sugar
2 Sticks (1 cup) Salted Butter, room temperature
2 large Eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 cups Raisins
2 cups Semi Sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300F

In medium bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together, set aside

Blends Sugar & brown sugars in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed.  Add Butter and mix until grainy.  Scarp down the side of bowl.

Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix at medium speed until smooth.

Add the flour mixture, raisins and chocolate chips.  Blend at low speed until just combinded, do not overmix

Drop by  rounded tablespoons onto cookiesheets (1.5 inch apart).

Bake at medium rack for 18-20 minutes.  Transfer to cooing rack to cool.

Kate for F3