Great Ideas: List No.1

1. Check out TOMS shoes. Or better yet, forgo the classics and go for the new summer wedges. Cute, cute, cute. Of course, the wonderful thing is that when you buy a pair, a pair goes to a child in need. 2. The Stockton Art Collective Art Show is at Plea for Peace Center this week. If you go to one of the concerts you can go see it at the same time. Check it!!

3. Live Jazz at the Blackwater Cafe!

4. Subtly suggest this website to all your guy friends to encourage cute, stylish nerddom everywhere: nerdboyfriend.com

5. Update your resume. Better yet - make it off the hook (click the link for ideas). Then, get hired somewhere cool. Then, get paid. Hmm...I maybe simplifying the process a bit. But the resume part is pretty easy!

6. Make these and tell me if they are good:

Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
¼ cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 egg, beaten
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ c. finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut
½ c. Heath toffee bits (optional)

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, nuts, and toffee if using. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.

Middle Layer
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 Tbsp. and 2 Tsp. half-and-half
2 Tbsp. vanilla custard powder or powdered vanilla pudding mix
2 cups powdered sugar

Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

Top Layer
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer. Chill in refrigerator for several hours before cutting and serving. Cut into small pieces, they're rich!

Lots of Love and Lightbulb Moments,

Caitlin