It Started with a Journal

Thank y'all for indulging my immodesty re: the bread yesterday, lol. I was obviously way too excited. I was even MORE excited last night when, after 4 failed trials, I finally made real, perfect macarons. They're a French cookie (not to be confused with macaroons) that are made up of simple ingredients, but are incredibly difficult to perfect, because it's all about technique, getting the consistency of the batter right, etc. I don't think my technique's perfect yet, even though it worked this last time (quite by accident), but I think I know enough now that I can reasonably expect to be able to make them again without all the failing. Hopefully.

After talking with my cousin I've rethought my investing strategy yet again. She's done a lot of research on money management, and has a head for this kind of stuff like I never have. She counseled that if I was interested in investing in real estate, that I ought to consider investing in REITs as part of my Roth instead, and use any extra funds I have lying around to invest in mutual funds, as stocks are at bargain prices right now due to the economy. But history has shown that the stock market, which runs the world economy, goes through cycles and of course will rise again, and I'm young enough that I can ride out the tough times (even the Great Depression "only" lasted 10 years). She, and my dad, have pointed out that at the very least, I could pay down my current mortgage, as well as look into refinancing. Anyway, lots to think about. I wish I had a head for this kind of stuff.

jade_okelani and I have finished the Mortal Instruments trilogy. I really enjoyed the universe Cassie created, and it was a fun, if slightly predictable (but in a good way), ride. Jade and I are even going to collaborate this weekend, which we haven't done in, well, YEARS, to revive our HPverse WIP, If You Only Knew.

I forgot to write about the latest Dollhouse, so ( here's some brief commentary. )

My cousin and her husband found their copperware and have given them to me. There's a pot, 2 frying pans, and a very small saucepan (I've always wanted a tiny one like this, to heat up oil and such). They are RIDICULOUSLY heavy, like my Le Creuset pots. And I looked for copper pots for the first time online and ... wowzer. Okay then. I think each piece probably cost around $200 (with the exception of the tiny saucepan at maybe half). It makes me glad that I paid for our dinner at Spring Hill.

Speaking of which ... we went on Tuesday, the last day of the Dine Around Seattle promotion. It's a restaurant in West Seattle that K. had been to before, so we didn't do our usual thing of ordering all different things and instead just ordered the stuff she knew was good. And I took my camera, like I wish I had for Crush! (Speaking of which, my lavender soap arrived. Smells so good.) I also posted this to food_porn, but they've been kind of slow with getting posts up recently. Sorry for the dupe for those who watch that community, but it's all behind a cut anyway. ( Onto the photos! )