D's first experience at a Japanese restaurant. He did not think that the "fire" was very funny! Try to ignore my obnoxious laughter, but his reaction is worth it!!!

In joy, Troye

Brownies with Coconut Ice Cream

I'm not a huge fan of chocolate. Okay. Now that the confession is out there, you may all scrape your chins off of the floor. I realize that it is not a part of the female DNA to not like chocolate, but anyone who knows me knows that I am a little off anyway. I do like chocolate if there is another strong flavor with it (like peanut butter, caramel, ect).

I do however like the flavor of coconut- but not the texture. I promise that I am not picky. I am just a little bit Sally. "I like it the way I like it."

The combination of these two recipes is perfect for me, and I think that you will enjoy them as well. Chocolate lovers and coconut lovers alike!

Brownies
1 cup butter
2 cups sucanat/ rapadura
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder (the cocoa bean is one of the most heavily processed and sprayed plants, so this is one area that it is worth it to make the switch to organic)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder

Melt butter and combine all ingredients. Spread into greased 9x11 pan and bake for 20-25 min at 350 degrees. Top with homemade coconut ice cream!

Coconut Ice Cream
1 can coconut milk
2 cups whole milk
1 cup cream
3/4 cup maple syrup
2-3 tbsp coconut extract

Mix all ingredients together and place in ice cream maker according to manufacturers instructions.

Nice Photo Op and A First!

Nice Photo op...
My friend Laura at Baby Dolls and Beer Bottles tagged me for a take-a-picture-of-yourself-right now-and-post-it meme. She did not tell me what it was for and just messaged me that I had been tagged. So, like an idiot, I went straight to it.
And, here it is...

Cute, huh?

I've been asleep on the sofa since 8:30 because I have been puking. I woke up to puke some more at 11:30, and decided to use the hour of felling better to catch up on a few things on the laptop, and I stumbled upon Laura's message. Thanks, girl!

If you are reading this message, consider yourself tagged. I don't have the energy to go through and link everyone right now.

and A First...

I have been a Premier Designs Jeweler since 2000. It has been 8 1/2 years, and for the first time ever, I puked at a show. I have probably only hurled two or three times in that whole 8 1/2 year period, and this time, I had to break it down at a jewelry show. Lovely! I left my jewelry at my hostess' house. I hope the guests had fun playing in my jewelry box tonight!!!!!!!!!