Overpacked

I seem to have a rather persistent problem when it comes to packing a suitcase and that is I completely overpack.  Every single time I just can't help myself and the worst thing of all is that my carry-on luggage could be compared to everything 20 people would need for a 2 week holiday.  It is just ridiculous. 



However, after hauling my usual 10 tonnes of so-called 'I can't live without' luggage on a 20 hour flight from Brisbane to New York a few days I ago it was quite humorous to read an article by Amanda Fortini in the New York Times this morning in which she proclaims her obsession with the overpack too. 



I was comforted by the fact that she too has packing anxiety and as her friend kindly puts it - 'It's like you're traveling by ocean liner.  Will you be accompanied by a porter?'  I WISH I could be accompanied by a porter.  Usually my husband is around and has in the past helped me lug large seashells in my carry-on luggage from Hawaii and cushion covers, mirrors and a painting from LA but this time it is just me and my carry-on and let me tell you it is exhausting running for a connecting flight with 3 heavy bags.  I have vowed and declared that on our return flight next week I will only be bringing 1 bag into the cabin with me and the rest will be checked in.  It will be interesting to see how I go.

It is snowing here in New York which is quite amazing as this time last week I was swimming in our pool with Harry and Max in 30 + degrees.

Recent photo Miss Thailand Universe 2010 Fonthip Watcharatrakul Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture S/S 2011

Fonthip Watcharatrakul (Thai: ฝนทิพย์ วัชรตระกูล), nicknamed Pook Look (Thai: ปุ๊กลุก) (born July 19, 1990 in Bang Bo, Samut Prakan) is Miss Thailand Universe 2010. Fontip Watcharatrakul was crowned Miss Thailand Universe 2010 by Chutima Durongdej, Miss Thailand Universe 2009. Fontip Watcharatrakul stands 5'7" (170 cm) represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2010.

Fonthip was crowned Miss Thailand Universe 2010 on March 20, 2010.

In August 2010, she represented Thailand in Miss Universe 2010 held at Las Vegas and won two special awards: Miss Photogenic and Best National Costume award.

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Miss Universe 2010 Coverage

Miss Universe 2011 Contestants

Ratu Cantik Kedah dan Ratu Cantik Perlis/Universe 1975.

Miss Kedah: Susie Ong, 17 tahun, ukuran badan: (35-24-35!). even zaman sekarang pun susah nk cr org bdn perfect mcm ni cik kiah oi!.....

Miss Perlis: Suzana Eliza, 18 tahun. ukuran: 35-24-35!..ini pun ukuran badan yg amat perfect!..

1st runner up: Monna Hassan, 17 tahun

2nd runners up: Audrey Wong, 20 tahun.

Ratu Cantik Brunei 1961/1962 Menyertai Ratu Cantik Malaysia/Dunia 1963. Very Old Article

Zaman sekarang ni langsung tidak kedengaran ada ke tidak pertandingan Miss Brunei atau apa-apa ratu cantik dari Brunei. Adakah pihak berkuasa di sana mengharamkan terus pertandingan ratu cantik?. Yang lebih menarik, pemenang Miss Malaysia World 1963 adalah Catherine Loh dari Brunei!.

Miss Universe 1969-Asian Queens. Very Old Photo.

Paling depan: Miss Singapore-Mavis Young

atas tangga dari atas: Miss Hong Kong-Christine Mei Mei Lam, Miss Korea, Miss Malaysia-Rosemary Wan,  Miss Ceylon(Sri Lanka), Miss Guam, Miss Philippines-Gloria Diaz, Miss Japan.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes. . . . . yeah, you heard me.

Kiddo's birthday was last week and he LOOOOOOOOOOVES cookie dough.

{So does his mother...it's hereditary.}



I knew exactly what to make him for his birthday cake, Cheryl's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes.





Let me break these bad boys down for you....



First, there is a chocolate chip cookie cupcake. Then, they are filled with chocolate chip cookie dough filling.  And finally, they are topped with a brown sugar cookie dough frosting.



{Yeah, you don't WANT to know the WW points on these puppies.}



For the cupcakes and the filling, I'm going to link you to Cheryl's printable recipe.  The only change I made on those was to add just a *pinch* of salt to the filling.  You could totally skip that if you wanted.



I changed up the frosting just a bit, so here is that recipe...



Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Frosting



3 sticks unsalted butter, room temp.

3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed

1 lb. box powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. coarse salt

3 TBSP milk

2 and &1/2 tsp vanilla

mini chocolate chips



Cream the butter and brown sugar with the paddle attachment until fluffy.  Add in the powdered sugar and beat on low until incorporated, then increase the speed and beat until smooth and combined.  Add the salt, milk and vanilla; blend until smooth.



Frost the cupcakes. (I used a Bakery Crafts 9CS tip.)  Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.







Now, it's time for the candles.



And I have NO IDEA how this happened, but the reflection of the flames made ♥'s in the picture.  Is that cool, or what?!?!?





{Here's what 12 looks like around here.....sweaty hair, flared nostrils, fruit punch mustache and all. ♥}

DARRYL CARTER ~ DESIGN IN AUSTIN

Interior designer Darryl Carter worked closely with this Austin, Texas couple while designing their interior. Parents of two children, the couple visited antique shops with Carter before making choices of furniture. Carter also used reclaimed wood where possible to finish this gorgeous home. ENJOY!

I hope that you have enjoyed this post. Pick up your copy of this month's Veranda.

See you soon,

Teresa

xoxo

Veranda 2011