Valentine's Goodies

This morning I made Valentine's day gifts for friends. I started off intending to make Martha's felt fortune cookies. But, after the first two I couldn't figure out what the heck fortune cookies have to do with Valentine's day. I put away the glue (I hate glue) and pulled out the sewing machine and made these little felt pouches instead .

They each have a few pieces of candy in them and I'll add some shortbread - if it comes out of the pan without crumbling everywhere. I didn't have any parchment paper so I'm hoping buttering the pan extra well does the trick. I kinda wish I had one of those special shortbread pans - for the two times a year I make shortbread. Probably not needed. Gotta get a bigger kitchen.

Matching Baby Hat

The suite of baby gifts is done. Here's the hat to match the baby blanket.

I love how all the gifts came out.

In the Nick of Time

Oh tax refund, how I love thee! Don't get me wrong, I hate giving 1/3 of my income to the government, but tax day was very exciting this year. So exciting in fact, that I'm now the proud owner of a Nikon D80 camera. I read every review I could possibly find and went to the camera store a few times. Finally, I returned to the store again last night with the rationale that I needed the camera for the baby's arrival - he's due this week!

Without further ado I give you my first photos: seasoned toasts, which will be served with the creamy spinach dip that I made for today's Super Bowl party.