Chic Critique

One of my favorite blogs to read is Bye Bye, Pie, written by the hilarious and talented June GonnaEatThat - formally June CutOffCash of Bye Bye Buy. And now she is collaborating with dcrmom of Musings of a Housewife on a new blog - Chic Critique. Sorry - I know that was a lot of name dropping and linkage - just had to get all the relevant info in there.

Chic Critique is a beauty product review site - and I love beauty products! Keep a watch on this blog for tips on looking gorgeous. These ladies even mentioned they might be adding guest reviewers eventually - sign me up for that job. So far the reviews have been of some pricier products - department store and luxury items. I'm hoping to add my two cents on the things that every woman can afford. I'll be adding some new posts here soon that I hope will impress them. Leave lots of comments mentioning what a great addition I would make to Chic Critique.

Book Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club

I first checked out The Friday Night Knitting club by Kate Jacobs about 2 months ago. And then I started reading. Then I stopped. Then I started. Which was different for me - I usually finish a book in the first couple of days. But it wasn't because I didn't like the book - I was just pregnant and easily distracted; I spent a lot of time blogging. I kind of feel that my slower start into The Knitting Club actually allowed me to appreciate it even more. The characters grew on me, got under my skin and made me identify with their point of view. In fact, the POV was one of the things I liked - we get to hear the thoughts of all the many characters.

By the time I got into it I knew I loved it and wanted to recommend Kate Jacobs' book to others. I haven't read a book I enjoyed this much in the past year or so - hence my lack of a review on this blog. Although I want to change that. I am not going into a well-written analysis because, let's face it - I'm a new mother and I'm tired and I write posts in the middle of the night. My friend Susan has a great blog for that kind of thing though - Bloggin' 'Bout Books. She's a great writer with thorough reviews.

The plot of The Friday Night Knitting Club was a little bit predictable, but still interesting. What I loved most were the characters. Georgia was realistic and compelling - others were quirky and fun. I love how one hobby can bring together so many different types of women and create a bond for them. This book even made me want to learn to knit. I'll add it to my list for someday.

Daily Delight

Inspired by other blogs like Little Sussy and Dooce - I am starting a daily (usually) pick of things that delight me. Dooce has a daily photo, a daily style pick, and a daily doggie item. I am not so ambitious and will choose a variety of things.

Keep an eye on the link to the right, on my sidebar. Look for these fun delights to start in the next couple of days!

Date Bars

I'm pretty sure my best friend during Roland's early days will be my Baby Bjorn. Or rather, my cheaper equivalent; I think it's a Snugli. I'm finding if I want to accomplish anything at all, this baby has to come along. Unless he's locked in his room, I run the risk of his older brothers torturing him in the name of love. And since a decent portion of his hours are spent sleeping, but only if you hold him, I'm breaking out this multi-tasking device early. Today I decided I was craving date bars, so Roley and I went to work while Emmett was napping.

I love date bars (mom's recipe again) and somehow dates seem healthy, although I don't know much about them except they are a fruit. I think. Obviously I love these bars because they have tons of sugar & butter in them. And I love an oatmeal crust, crumble, topping, etc. Even if you think you don't like dates - these bars will win you over.

Bottom & Top Crusts
1 c. butter, softened
1 3/4 c. oatmeal
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. brown sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all together until crumbly and press half in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 pan.

Filling
1/2-3/4 c. sugar
3 Tbs. flour
2 c. chopped dates
1 1/4 c. hot water

Cook in a saucepan on the stove and stir until thick.

Pour filling over crust, sprinkle top crust on and bake for 30 min. at 350 degrees.

Let's pretend this is my baby...

Let's face it - I'm not the world's greatest photographer. And as much as I would love to be more accomplished, I figure I'm good enough to chronicle our family and taking a class is low on my priority list right now. Although I would love to develop this skill when my time is a little more flexible, i.e. when the boys are all in school. One of my favorite blogs is A Little Sussy, by Nicole Hill. She is a fabulous (and professional) photographer who actually teaches classes on the side. Too bad she lives in Utah. As I checked her blog today I found this little gem of a photo shoot. Let's just pretend this is my new baby. I swear he looks just like that. And his pictures would too if Nicole had taken them. But Roley will just have to suffer through his mother's unprofessional enthusiasm, just like his brothers.

My Son

I am pleased to announce the birth of my third son, Roland Flynn Carpenter. He was born easily on Wed. Jan 30th at 3pm. 7 lbs. 14 oz. 21 in. We love him dearly! Please see our family blog, Carpenter Clan, for more pictures and details.

A big thanks to all the people who have treated me so well already. My sweet husband, Aaron, who continues to help take care of everything, despite being sick and definitely being on his last nerve with our two monkey sons. Our families who have pitched in tons with babysitting, housecleaning, and general sweetness. And all the ward members, friends, and family who have brought flowers, food, and good company! Roland is a lucky boy.