Bakesale Day

Words can't begin to describe how proud and elated I am to have participated in such a wonderful event.  We exceeded our bake sale goal and raised over $11,400 for AmeriCares in support of the relief efforts in Japan!  How amazing is that??  I get choked-up just thinking about it...  It was truly moving to see our community come together.

For a breakdown of how much each location raised, please visit the Austin Bakes blog. 

*Also, the bake sale might be over, but you can still donate online!!

I am in absolute amazement of Kathryn of The Austin Gastronomist, who deserves all the credit for creating, planning and executing such a successful fundraiser.  To me, she is Wonder Woman.

So, what did I make for the bake sale??  Dorie Greenspan's infamous World Peace Cookies - I thought they were fitting. 

World Peace Cookies

Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

11 tablespoons (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

5 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 85% cacao), chopped 

Directions: 

1. Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda into medium bowl (*HINT: I whisk my dry ingredients if I can't sift)
2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth but not fluffy. Add both sugars, vanilla, and sea salt; beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. 
3. Add flour mixture; beat just until blended (mixture may be crumbly). 
4. Add chopped chocolate; mix just to distribute (if dough doesn't come together, knead lightly in bowl to form ball). 
5. Divide dough in half. Place each half on sheet of plastic wrap. Form each into 1 1/2-inch-diameter log. Wrap each in plastic; chill until firm, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.
6. Preheat oven to 325°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 
7. Using thin sharp knife, cut logs crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. 
8. Space 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. 
9. Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies appear dry (cookies will not be firm or golden at edges), 11 to 12 minutes. 
10. Transfer to rack; cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Now, for some pictures from our West Austin location!!  The following were taken with my iPhone - the quality is hit or miss.

Quik Print was kind enough to donate a sign for our West location!  

They are my go-to place for printing, and do an amazing job - the staff is super friendly, too!

These healthy "yoga energy cookies" by Melissa of Kitchen Ayurveda were quite popular!

I was so happy to meet and work with Carly of My Life in Cocktails!  She made Cookie Monster's dream cookie: Oreo-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Look at these adorable mini pecan pies by Lala of Ooola-la!

Kayo of Sushi-A-Go-Go spread the word about our bake sale and recruited the BEST volunteers.

Yes, we even had treats for your furry pals!  Shiner says "thank you," Paw Bakery!

I LOVE Instagram and had to take some IG photos.  The ever fabulous Jennine of IFB and The Coveted wrote an article on why fashion bloggers should love Instagram.  It's a great article that I feel applies to all bloggers. 

I'm obsessed with Confituras goodies!

Pies from The Pie Society flew out the proverbial door!

Kathy is truly Phan-tastic!

(Me!)

The wonderful photographer, Nathan Russell, was kind enough to take pictures at the bake sale.  Here are some of his beautiful shots of my cookies.

Sneaky Peak: Bakesale for Japan

The terms "stressful" and "draining" don't even begin to describe what I've been experiencing lately at work.  I can't point to a specific event, but it just feels like I'm hitting a wall repeatedly. It also doesn't particularly help for people to remind me that the majority of those who have held my position either haven't lasted this long or left around this time period...  

Instead of dwelling on my supposed, impending, potential burn-out, I decided to bake.  I find the act of baking and cooking soothing - a little odd, yes, but so am I at times.  I discovered this personal relaxation technique during grad school - one of the most stressful and chaotic periods of my life.  There's something about measuring ingredients, following a recipe and the repetitive movements of chopping, whisking, etc. that lulls my nerves. 

I feel ashamed for complaining about my trivial work woes when there's something far bigger and more important I should focus on - raising money for the humanitarian relief in Japan.  My problems seem so petty in the light of such tragedy.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm participating in a bakesale fundraiser this Saturday.  If you're in Austin, I hope you can come out to any of our locations and show your support.  You can also visit the AmeriCares website and make a donation online. 

So, what did I decide to make for the bakesale...?  Here's a little sneaky peak:

Do dark chocolate and fleur de sel give you any ideas...?

How about a little montage of my process so far...?

OK, so it's pretty obvious they're probably cookies...  chocolaty cookies...  with a hint of salt... mmm...  

Fundraiser: Austin Bakes for Japan

Austin bloggers, foodies and local businesses are teaming up with AmeriCares to raise money for Japan relief efforts this Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 10AM-2PM.  I'm hoping to help out however I can (either baking or manual labor). 

Please visit the following locations to help the cause:

• DOWNTOWN: Woof Gang Bakery Austin, 1204 N. Lamar Blvd.
• NORTH CENTRAL: Foreign & Domestic, 306 E. 53rd Street
• SOUTH: Hotel San Jose, 1316 South Congress Avenue
• EAST: Nomad Bar, 1213 Corona Drive
• WEST: The Shops at Mira Vista, 2785 Bee Cave Road, Suites 336 & 341 (I'll be at this location)

There will also be a Community Block Party from 10AM-5PM in West Austin location at The Shops at Mira Vista!

View Austin Bakes for Japan in a larger map

If you want to help, contact:

Kathryn
AustinGastronomist@gmail.com
(512)695-2242

For more info, please visit the blog and follow on twitter.

You can also donate directly on the AmeriCare webiste.

Tech Tuesday: LinkWithin

If you're interested in showing past stories under your blog posts, it really doesn't get any easier than this.  In fact, I feel pretty silly writing this tutorial, but figure there has to be at least another tech-illiterate blogger such as myself out there - I can't be the only one... right...?

Adding a LinkWithin widget  is as simple as 1, 2, 3:

1. Go to the LinkWithin website
2. Enter your blog info (email, blog link, etc) and click "Get Widget!"
3. Click "Install Widget," click "Add Widget" when prompted, drag your LinkWithin box under your "Blog Posts" on your layout and SAVE.

That's it.  Seriously.  OK, maybe view your blog to make sure it appears.  After that though, you're done for reals.

PSA: Coral and Scalloped Edges

As I've mentioned here, here and here - I'm not the best at taking pictures of my outfits.  So, I'm starting a new project: Personal Style Assignment (PSA).  I'm hoping the goody goody student in me from my youth will hold me accountable to post an outfit each week...

coral woven top: vintage/thrifted | scalloped shorts: Queen's Wardrobe (read about my zipper fiasco) | metallic wedges: Target circa the '90s | wooden lion necklace + stone necklace: vintage via mom | bracelets: vintage/thrifted | purse: vintage Bvlgari

blurry close-up of my necklaces and bracelets

(If you follow me on twitter, you know Lionel bought me a brand spankin new SLR!  However, I'm waiting to read the manual and take classes before tinkering with it.)

In keeping with the "sea theme" of my coral and scalloped outfit, Lionel and I went to the first crawfish boil of the season at Lustre Pearl in the Rainy Street neighborhood.

To say there were a lot of people would be an understatement...  I guess that's what happens when you have 1,176 confirmed "yes" attendees to a Facebook event!! 

We also heard they boiled through 1,000 lbs worth of crawfish and ran out towards the end of the evening.  I'm glad we got there early because I would have been cranky without some mudbugs in my belly!

Lustre Pearl will host crawfish boils the first and last Sunday of every month during crawfish season starting at 2PM.  Catch the next one on April 3rd.  FYI - they might raise the $5 cover to $10 to purchase more pounds of crawfish.

I Got Peached - And I Liked It!

I remember when the first handful of food trailers popped up on the Austin food scene.  I was a tad skeptical because my experience with food served in trailer form was limited to hot dogs, tacos and construction sites - not the most gourmet visual image.  Over the past few years, I've been pleasantly surprised by the creativity and quality of food that our now HUGE trailer scene has to offer.  The only problem is, with so many new trailers popping up each month, how is a girl to try them all and know which ones are worth it?  I wish I had multiple stomachs like a cow...

I've had The Peached Tortilla on my to-try list for quite some time now due to Michelle of Foodie is the New Forty's post and constant tweets about pork belly and Nutella wontons.  I was also intrigued by the owner, Eric Silverstein, who hung-up his lawyer suit to pursue his passion for food.  Personally, I know how hard it is to change careers paths and the criticsm that follows.  For this reason, I'm a big supporter of people who decide to follow their hearts in lieu of prestigious jobs, social status and expectations - because what is life really, if you're not happy?

They offer an Asian fusion menu with items such as pad thai tacos, brisket sliders and pimento cheese fries.  With so many saliva-inducing options to pick from, I decided to tweet the executive chef, Lou, for recommendations: banh mi sliders, fish tacos and sweet potato fries with peach mint dipping sauce - done and done! 

Luckily, I was in close proximity to their downtown location behind Star Bar that eveing for my friend's birthday celebration.  The birthday boy told me he reads my blog, so I can't pass up a shout out (FYI: ladies, he's 27, single and absolutely adorable):

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLIOTT!

Random sidenote:  I forgot to announce that we have a winner for the husband's blog name.... LIONEL!  Sigh.  The hubs is delighted with his new name.  It's going to take me some getting used to...  And no, I'm not going to name my first son, Lionel. 

*Warning: the following pictures were taken late at night with an iPhone after some drinking...  Sorry in advance.

You can see my friend, Seth, in the picture - the tall one!  

You can also kind of see Eric behind the partition.

L to R: Banh mi slider (braised pork belly (drool) with pickled daikon and carrot salad, sriracha mayo and cilantro on a sweet Hawaiian roll), sweet potato fries w/peach mint dipping sauce, Crunchy Catfish tacos (spiced cornmeal encrusted catfish with creamy slaw, spicy mayo and purple cabbage garnish on corn tortillas)

I attempted to take pictures of my Banh Mi sliders and Lionel's Cruncy Catfish tacos - the top two.  They didn't turn out so well, so I also included pictures provided by PT so you can get a beter idea. 

Lionel and I agreed that the Banh Mi slider is where it's at.  The pork belly is SO tender and flavorful, and when paired with the pickled veggies...  Oh my.  One thing I'd like to note about the pickled vegetables - they're not too pickled, which I like.  You can still taste the freshness of the veggies and they're not overpowered by vinegar.  Also, the sweet Hawaiian roll seals the deal.  You get salty, tangy and sweet in one fantastic little slider that packs a punch of flavor.  

*If you haven't had Hawaiian rolls, you're seriously missing out.  My mom and I recently bought the mega pack from Costco and managed to eat half of it in one day.  Soft, buttery, slightly sweet - they're like little heavenly pillows in your mouth.  

The crunchy catfish taco was delicious as well, we just personally preferred the pork belly - but c'mon, how can you go wrong with pork belly?!

And then we have the sweet potato fries...  I am a SUCKER for anything sweet potato and this was no exception.  The only thing I wasn't 100% about was the peach mint dipping sauce.  The mint flavor is strong - something I wasn't expecting, but it paired well with sweet potato.  The flavor of the dipping sauce grew on me, but I could see how it wouldn't be for everyone - like Lionel, who preferred the peach BBQ sauce.  

I have to say this is one trailer you shouldn't miss (and I've eaten at a TON in Austin).  I believe they have 2 trailers now that travel around town, so follow PT on Twitter or check their website to get you some yum yum!  

Tech Tuesday: Customized Horizontal Navigation

Yes, this post almost didn't make it to Tuesday...

Let's begin by stressing that I am NOT tech savvy AT ALL.  I want to make this clear because all of my "tech" posts will be the result of trial and error (usually after many, many errors).  I probably won't use appropriate tech lingo and I apologize in advance if my explanations are more stream of consciousness and not really coherent.  Additionally, these are tech-related things that worked for me in my blog re-design "adventure" (or rather, disaster), and they haven't been tested anywhere else...  Also, my advise is strictly limited to Blogger - can you imagine what a mess I'd be if I tried to figure out Wordpress, TypePad, Tumblr, etc?!?!

That being said, here's what I learned about creating a customized horizontal navigation bar thing.  I'm horrible, absolutely horrible, with all that HTML stuff.  I have no idea what I'm doing and typically end up making things worse than they were. 

I began by attempting to add a HTML/Java Script gadget.  First, I completely wrecked the code that Kileen of Cute and Little explained so eloquently in her Tutorial: Creating Custom Blogger Tab Navigation.  Yes, I managed to fail at implementing the most simple and well-instructed of tutorials.  Second, I fixed my code, but couldn't drag the gadget to the top of my layout under my header.  I tried this for probably a day and a half.  Lame, I know.  Third, I finally figured out how to move the gadget to the top, but it wouldn't show itself on my blog - taunting me like the evil little thing that it is.  I fiddled with this for another day or so before I gave up (*note, it showed up whenever I dragged it to another location like above my Blog Posts or on my sidebars).

That's when I started cursing at my computer screen.  Shiner probably thought I lost my mind or assumed he did something wrong.  Poor dog.

I started scouring the internet for other options and found out that everyone is smarter than me.  Literally.  I could give myself some leeway and say that I found a handful of articles/posts about using Link List, but sadly there are hundreds.  So, let me add another one to the interweb...

This is the easiest friggin thing ever.  Click on the pictures below to enlarge.

BEFORE YOU START...
Obtain all URL addresses that you want to display on your navigation as tabs.  For instance, specific pages that already exist on your "Pages" gadget (ex: About Me) and labels that you'd like to display all related posts (ex: Fitness).

To access the URL for a specific page...  From your blog, click on the page you want.  When that page is displayed, copy the URL and save it to a document.  Do this for every page you want to link to on your navigation.  It should look something like this: http://www.fitfashionfoodie.com/p/about-me.html

To access the URL for a label that will display all related posts...  From your blog, click on a desired label from one of your blog posts (ex: I wanted a "Fitness" tab so I went to a post I wrote where I included the label "fitness").  Copy the URL and save it to a document.  It should look something like this: http://www.fitfashionfoodie.com/search/label/fitness

Don't forget to save your document! (or you'll have to go through the madness again)


FROM YOUR DASHBOARD...

1. Click on the "Design" tab.
2. Click on "Page Elements."  From Page Elements you can edit your layout.  
3. Click on "Add a Gadget" from your sidebar. 

ADDING THE LINK LIST GADGET
Scroll down until you find "Link List."  Click on "+" to add the gadget. 

Once you click "+" the "Configure Link List" page will appear.  Leave "Title" and "Number of links to show in list" blank.  Enter a link you saved earlier into "New Site URL."  Type what you'd like to appear as the name of the link on the navigation into "New Site Name."  Click "Add Link."  Repeat with each link.

Once you've entered all of your links it should look something like this:

You can move the links up and down to customize how you'd like them to appear on your horizontal navigation.  When you're satisfied with the order of your links click "Save."

FINISHING UP...

Once you save your completed Link List, you'll be directed back to your layout/Page Elements.  From here you can drag the gadget from the sidebar placement and position it under your header.

To ensure you only have one navigation on your blog, click on your "Pages" gadget on your layout to edit.  Leave the "Title" blank and uncheck all of the pages.  Click "Save" to save the new settings on your Pages gadget and you'll be directed back to your layout.  Click "Save" on your layout.

View your blog and make sure your new, fancy-schmancy, customized horizontal navigation is displayed properly and that all of the links work.  DONE!

Belated TxSCC Recap

I know it's late and it's not very detailed, but here's my quick and dirty rundown (mainly pictures) of TxSCC (Texas Style Council Conference) that I mentioned in a post here.  I'm still processing everything I learned from the conference, so my apologies for the choppy post and the lack of explanations.  Also, pardon the bad picture quality.  Tina's are clearly better. 

For more specifics regarding the panel discussions, please visit the wonderful over50feeling40!  

Random marching band entertaining the 2ND Street District before happy hour on Day 1.

{Picture taken by/from Tina of T Minus, T Plus}

Happy hour with Tina and Julie - my partners in crime during TxSCC

{Picture taken by/from Tina of T Minus, T Plus}

Obviously, this was taken after partaking in happy hour...  

DAY 1: CLOTHING SWAP BY Swap.com & The Swapaholics.

Navy jacket: Nordstrom Rack

Dress: F21

Watch: Gifted Michele w/nude band

Boots (to kick off TxSCC): Ariat from Allens Boots

{Picture taken by/from Tina of T Minus, T Plus}

More evidence that happy hour was indeed happy in this pic w/Julie...  

I didn't know I could pop my booty like that!  Scared, yet slightly impressed with myself.

HOW I STARTED DAY 2

My body reminded me the next day that I'm not 21 anymore.  The hubs took me to Hopdoddy for lunch to remedy the situation.  I had the "Llano Poblano" burger: beef, pepper jack cheese, roasted poblano chiles and apple-smoked bacon with a side of Kennebec fries.  This was a serious burger and one of the best I've had in a looong time.  They make their own buns, hand-cut their fries and use a lot of local ingredients - all magical stuff as far as I'm concerned.  

{Picture taken by/from Tina of T Minus, T Plus}

Tina convinced me to take an outfit picture - I'm still a bit camera shy.  Please ignore the gum in the corner of my mouth (I'm a hot mess).

DAY 2: 2ND STREED DISTRICT SCAVENGER HUNT + PARTY

(I didn't make the scavenger hunt...  Thanks, wine.)

Lace top: F21

Nude camisole: Old Navy

"Leather" shorts: F21

Tribal necklace: F21

Nude lace-up heels: Pour La Victorie via Last Call

Feather extensions outside of Plain Ivey Jane next door to the TxSCC party - all the rage in Austin.  They also sell the clip-on variety.  I wanted the bright pink extension, so I opted for the clip-on so I wouldn't have to commit.

I really loved the photo booth by Nathan Russell Photography. 

TxSCC party at BoConcept - posing with Tina

Taunted by the Tikkr display...  

I'm obsessed with their watches, but registered too late to receive one.  I think I'm going to give in and buy one with my next paycheck.

I LOVED the designs by Plaid Pigeon!  Look at this super cute terrarium complete with cow - MOO!

And the adorable elephant and giraffe planters with my favorite - succulents!

I had to take a picture of my favorite outfit at the party - this little number by TxSCC underwriter, STRUT.  The shorts are lacy, which you can't tell by my blurry iPhone picture.  I'm determined to get them...

DAY 3: PANELS GALORE!

Keynote: Jennine of The Coveted

Panel 1: Going Pro

L to R: Jen of Jen Loves Kev (moderator), Alessandra & Stephanie with LuLu*s, Grechen of Grechen's Closet (love her), Patty with Charming Charlie, Elisa co-founder of BlogHer (she's real and I admire that)

Panel 2: Careers

I tried to take a picture of the whole panel, but it didn't come out well (yes, even worse than this blurry pic).

Pictured here: Kelly of The Glamourai (this was my blogasm) and Janette with Store Envy.

Not pictured but equally fabulous: Brooke of Fashism, Pamela with Market Publique, Kendra with Digital Brand Architects and Nora with BurdaStyle

I attended the breakout session, Blogging 101, lead by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly instead of Panel 3: Longevity.  I was too busy taking notes and munching on sushi from How Do You Roll to take any pictures...  Oops!

Panel 4: Authenticity 

L to R: Kristina of PSS (moderator), Jen of Jen Love Kev, Indiana of Adored Austin and James of Bleubird Vintage

Panel 5: Community

L to R: Indiana of Adored Austin (moderator), Dave with Etsy (I have a new crush), Susan the mind behind ModCloth and Kendi of Kendi Everyday