My Grandmother’s Award-Winning Coconut Macaroon Recipe
My grandmother made these coconut macaroons when I was a child and forever ruined Mounds candy bars for me. Unlike most macaroon recipes, this recipe does not require condensed milk. Grandma’s macaroons were dipped in melted dark chocolate and also contained a handful of chopped pecans, but my favorite version of this cookie is her [...]
My Criminal Activity Documented On Film
Ashton Kutcher produces a documentary series on YouTube called SUBCULTURE CLUB. Two weeks ago, the production team from Thrashlab Studios and Katalyst filmed part of their “Urban Beekeeping” episode in my backyard, and interviewed me about the efforts of our local beekeeping club to legalize beekeeping in Los Angeles. Because, you know, as long as [...]
Green Gift Guide: Free Books For A Year
The battle for shelf space is a constant one at Dinky Manor. Although I generally try and keep a grip on things by checking out library books, since my job pretty much consists of reading, good books are always finding a way into my house, and end up getting stacked up on every available horizontal [...]
Earth Day Question: What Is The Last Thing You Really Wore Out?
When the crown ripped in three different places, I finally had to admit that my straw sun hat was a goner. This was a conclusion that my neighbors had come to, oh, seven or eight years ago when I’d worn out the third ribbon hat band and had taken to repairing the unraveling brim with [...]
Luxecycle: Unwind With Knitting By Harvesting A Handmade Sweater For Yarn
I just spent the last hour unravelling a sweater vest I made seven years ago so I could harvest the yarn for another project. I know. I know. My April Crafty Crap Challenge is to complete as many unfinished sewing and knitting projects as I can, not add to my yarn stash. But one of [...]
Luxury Recycling: Create A Sewing Box From Vintage Luggage
I’ve been in denial that my ArtBin is a terrible sewing kit since I bought it in 1991. O.C.D. means that you never admit to any inconvenience caused by organizational products. Because if you bought it, it must mean that it works. Perfectly. All the time. I mean look at these all these little compartments. [...]
Procraftination: What’s Your Oldest Unfinished Sewing Project?
pro·craf·ti·nate (pr-krft-nt) v. pro·craf·ti·nat·ed, pro·craf·ti·nat·ing, pro·craf·ti·nates v.intr. To put off finishing handiwork because you’ve turned your beloved hobby into a chore. v.tr. To postpone or delay the completion of craft projects to the point of stupidity. I remember noticing first noticing that I’d lost the bottom button off this sweater in 1985. The original buttons [...]
