Mochi Making

Raoul and I made a batch of daifuku mochi! It was very simple to make, and was really yummy to boot.


We used the recipe from my candy making book. We also read some recipes online before beginning.




We added some pink food coloring to our mochi dough. Here are the pictures of how it looked when we removed the dough from the microwave. It looked like Play-doh!




We rolled and kneaded the dough after it cooled off some. Careful when it comes out of the microwave, this dough is like lava!


We added some strawberry jam to the center of the mochi, not the usual red bean paste. I was trying hard not to over fill the mochi, or else the jam would ooze out of the ball when I rolled it.


Here is the rolled mochi!

Flying Trapeze

My friend Allison and I are taking on trapeze lessons for this year! We are really excited to be doing this together. I took trapeze and silk aerials for 8 years, then I took a break. Allison wanted to get back into it, so we decided to start a class together.




Even though I have not been on the trapeze bar, I feel pretty good about remembering things. I do not feel as strong as I was before, but I am getting back onto the "swing" of things - haha.


Here are some pictures I took of Allison as she was on the trapeze! Looking good!

Snuggle Bunny Monday - Pet Party

Here I am having the best Pet Party with Oreo and Jumbles! I love these little guys!

Happy New Year 2013

Happy New Year! Go 2013! We are off to a good start here at the Ranch. I have a few goals for this year, and so far I am doing pretty good keeping up.


I always want to get organized, so my mom gave me this vintage Rolodex! I am entering in my friend's addresses, then I am going to enter them into my computer and iPhone.


To make it more fun, I have added a cute biscuit sticker on to each entry!


Along with filling my address book, I have been trying to write more snail mail this year. So far so good, I have written three letters to my pen pals! I am also trying to use my Japanese stickers and stationery that I collected over the years.


This year I am trying to work on a craft for myself each month of the year. January has got me learning how to embroider. So far it is pretty easy, sort of like drawing with thread! I am enjoying it so far!

Happy New Year 2013!

Happy New Year from us! I hope everyone had a fun and Happy New Year!


We had a New Year's pretzel and other New Year's foods, like hoppin' John and sauerkraut!

Winter Walk

My Blythe doll is happy taking a winter walk in her chef bear suit.




I got her to stand perfectly in the show! I had to hurry up and take these pictures.




Then she slowly tipped over!


And totally bit it and got snow in her face!

Merry Christmas

Just popping in to wish you a Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has a merry one!