Kitchenaid Mixer Dilemma

So, I have this dilemma, I am trying to pick out which color Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer I would like to ask for as a gift and I simply cannot decide between three, beautifully retro colors. Part of the problem is I haven't exactly, 100% decided what color scheme I'd like my kitchen to ultimately end up. So far I have been going for a catch all of wonderful, 1950's pastels. I figure a mixture of pastels would look pretty against light gray walls and bright white cabinets, very Alicia Paulson. However, I have also been considering a more set color scheme, perhaps soft yellow walls and accents with bright white, inspired by the cover of the January 2008 issue of Martha Stewart Living.

At any rate, which color should I settle on for the stand mixer? I was originally totally set on the pink, but have fallen head over heels for the blue and the yellow. I do love that $50 of the profit on the pink mixers is donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. And I do already own a cute pink toaster... Help me decide! Please?


Which pretty mixer should I choose?

Craft Fair

I will have a booth set up at the 9th annual Bryan Station High School Band Craft Fair this Saturday, November 8th from 9am until 4pm. The fair will be located at the high school at 201 Eastin Road here in Lexington.

Bring your friends and enjoy a time of food, fun and shopping. Admission to the fair is free! It doesn't cost a thing to window shop tons of unique, handmade goods. This would be a great time to get a head start on Christmas shopping! I'll have a large selection of affordable, casual designs as well as some of my one-of-a-kind and higher end designs. I will also have pieces from my fall and winter collections available. There will be something for everyone. I can also work with you to create a custom design, in many cases I'll craft your piece in a matter of minutes while you watch. Gift wrap will be available for those purchasing presents.

Consider shopping local and handmade this holiday season to support real people and the crafts they love. There isn't a more thoughtful gift than one which is uniquely and lovingly handmade. Find something perfect for a friend, a loved one, or yourself.

I hope to see you there!

Vanilla Crème

I found a recipe last night for what Starbucks calls a Vanilla Crème, or what Martha calls Warm Vanilla Milk. Whatever you call it, the drink itself is absolutely delish. Light, cozy and perfect for fall. It is especially ideal for late night comforts as it's caffeine free.

Warm, Milky Vanilla Goodness

4 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar (I used some vanilla sugar I had made)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
ground cinnamon

1. Bring milk and sugar to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. Continue whisking until a well blended and a pleasant foam has formed.

3. Serve in your favorite mug. For an especially delicious experience, top with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or some festive sprinkles.

Of course you can tweak the recipe in a number of ways to make your ideal drink. Use whole milk, skim milk, soy or whatever you prefer. Adjust the vanilla, sugar and cinnamon as desired. I find that whisking the mixture constantly produces a lot of foam. If you aren't a fan of foam, simply stir. Very versatile.

I use vanilla sugar for mine as I have some made and I always jump at the chance of adding more vanilla flavor to any recipe. To make vanilla sugar I simply used two left over vanilla beans I had from the birthday cake I made my husband back in September. Never throw away your left over vanilla beans!

To make vanilla sugar:

Place the vanilla bean(s) in an airtight container with granulated sugar (two cups sugar per bean). Shake the container every day or so to distribute flavor. You will find that the sugar will absorb more and more vanilla flavor as time passes. I simply use the sugar as desired and refill the container as needed. Make vanilla sugar. Trust me, your baked goods will thank you!