SherriLynn

Solution for Surplus Corn Flakes and Snickers Bars

2009-11-04T16:18:00.001-08:00

My darling husband agreed to pick the recipe for yesterday's dinner and to order the groceries from Amazon Fresh. He chose corn-flake crusted chicken. When the grocery order arrived, I discovered that we had a corn flake surplus situation on our hands. Check out the size of the box:

I started to explore corn flake recipes and settled on the Crispy Chocolate Bars recipe on the side of the box. Basically, you melt 1 c chocolate chips, 1 c butterscotch chips and 1/2 c peanut butter over low heat. Remove from heat, mix in 5c corn flakes and press into 9x9 pan. The resulting bar is very sweet and takes me back to my childhood in the Midwest.

My Facebook post about the corn flake surplus inspired my friend, Sara Jones, to share her Snickers bar surplus. She bought full-size Snickers bars for Halloween and still had a dozen left over. We jokingly searched for a recipe using Snickers bars. When the same recipe came up seven times, we decided we had to try it. Here are the ingredients (plus 3/4 c melted butter):

I'm ordinarily suspicious of any recipe involving cake mix, but these brownies are delicious. They are chewy and not too sweet. For the full recipe on All Recipes, click here or Bing Snickers bar brownies.

Pumpkin Muffins. Pass it on.

2009-10-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

My daughter tells me that she loves to play the game, Telephone, at lunchtime. I can imagine a table of boisterous kindergartners sitting around the table whispering, "Pass it on," and breaking into peals of laughter.

This week, I've been involved in my own game of Telephone. You see, a while back, the author of Smitten Kitchen made pumpkin muffins. Last week, Lecia, author of A Day That Is Dessert, made the same recipe and blogged about it. I printed the recipe and couldn't get it out of my mind. Today, I finally remembered to buy pumpkin and made the muffins.

Now I'm passing it on to you. I can't promise unstoppable giggling, but I can guarantee that your kitchen will smell delicious!

Curse of the Rosh Hashanah cake?

2009-09-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

The synagogue I attended growing up publishes a Jewish cookbook and the book includes a tasty, honey cake that is easy to make. Yet, for the last couple years, I've decide to make fancier, more sophisticated cakes.

As you may remember, the Dorie Greenspan apple cake that I made in 2008 was a flop. The entire top of the cake stuck to the pan. You can see pictures and my open letter to Dorie Greenspan by clicking here.

For Rosh Hashanah this year, I decided to make a honey cake called the "Majestic and Moist New Year's Honey Cake." I found the recipe here on Epicurious. The recipe was published originally in Marcy Goldman's book, The Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking.

Perhaps lulled by the title of the cake, I expected great results. When I opened the oven for the moment of truth, this is what I saw:

Check out the giant valley in the cake. Was my Rosh Hashanah cake baking cursed? Is this like a variation of the book of life? The book of competent bakers?

Luckily, when I flipped the cake over, it looked much better.

Hope you have a sweet new year and all your cakes turn out.

Misplaced Limitations and the Return to a Hodge-Podge Blog

2009-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

As I've discussed in the past, my goal for last year was to explore "what I want to be when I grow up" and to develop a life plan. The one thing I knew for sure, to borrow Oprah's phrase, was that I did not want to practice law. I had spent years proclaiming myself a "recovering lawyer" and discouraging people from attending law school.

During my year of exploration I spent time reading about developing life plans, talking with people in different roles and a various stages of life, and journaling and blogging about various ideas. Eventually, I had a Eureka! moment and decided on a new direction. Then a couple months later, I found a better direction. And a while later, an even better direction.

After a number of false starts it struck me that I really did want to use my law degree and move in a direction related to law. The limitation I had placed on myself -- no law -- seemed helpful when I made it, but really was preventing me from getting to where I wanted to be.

Similarly, placing a restricted focus on my blog -- community volunteering -- has prevented me from posting. Focusing the blog on a particular area seemed like a good idea, but the focus wasn't interesting enough for me to inspire new posts. Instead of launching a new direction, the limitation drained me of passion for blogging.

So, Sherrilynn.com is going back to a hodge-podge blog. I'll post about thing that inspire, interest and entertain me. Hopefully you'll find them inspiring, interesting and entertaining too.

Guest Post: The Case for Charging for Volunteer Services

2009-06-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Sara Jones was my first nonprofit board mentor. She excels in helping those in the nonprofit sector think about the financial and strategic consequences of their decisions. When I told her I was investigating nonprofit consulting and thinking of doing some projects for free, she made her case for always charging something for professional services. The organization will treat you more professionally, and you will act in a more professional manner, she argued. But I'll let her speak for herself:

Okay so I was asked to be a guest blogger and to speak about theories around the value of contribution and what is an appropriate “billable rate.” At first I was stumped as to what to write and was then advised if all else failed, talk about how to rent a flat bed and drive a truck that goes psshhhh when you step on the brakes. Personally, if you ever get the opportunity to drive a big rig its worth it and I guarantee you will never quickly pull in front of any truck ever again in your life. Lets get back on track with the original idea: your personal billable rate and how do you derive that number.

When I was first struggling with how much do I charge as a consultant, I was advised to do some research in my field and then charge a “number that made me a little uncomfortable.” To this day I still employ this formula. I continue to test and refine my theory but I think it works for most situations. Now, I am not saying price yourself so outside of reasonable that you seem ridiculous. It’s personal. Probably, there is a number that is comfortable and well within your ability to get paid such a number. Then there is the number that is just a touch higher. For example, if you are used to getting say $60 an hour, your next client go for $75-$100. Lets me just say this—even if you are just starting out never ever ever charge nothing or a cut rate. It says something about how you value yourself and how you value your work. Sure, inexperience is one thing so charge a rate that is still a little uncomfortable but it always will be north of zero.

Charging a rate that makes you feel uncomfortable also sends a message not only to your client (that you have value, worth and deserve and expect to be paid well), but also reinforces a message to yourself. For most, this uncomfortable feeling is just the sort of motivating force we need to step into and act the part. In other words, it creates a door that once you walk through you align yourself and your work product with this rate. Once you put it out there it becomes true. And pretty soon that rate will feel comfortable and then I say take it up again.

Let me know how it works for you. From my limited sample set so far my theory seems to hold---what do I know? I’m learning too.

Have fun,Sara Jones
Guest blogger, general contractor, wannabe truck driver and business consultant

My Crusade to Prevent People from Applying to Law School (And Why I Might Be Wrong)

2009-06-23T16:24:00.001-07:00

While waiting in line for preschool registration, I heard one mom mention to another, "I had a dream last night that I applied to Stanford Law School." "Don't do it!" I interrupted before it registered that I didn't know these women and that they weren't talking to me.

When someone asks my advice about attending law school or even mentions the idea within earshot, I immediately start thinking about the people I know who intended to have interesting jobs (writers, politicians, activists) and joined corporate law firms instead.

The people I talk to about law school are usually young and intent on changing the world or at least making it a little better. It's too easy to take the path of least resistance and work for a law firm, I argue. The debt burden will pressure you to take the highest paying job, not the one you're most passionate about, I cajole. The horror of hours and hours of document review, I exclaim.

But, I think it might be time to revise my stance. First, the easy and seductive path to a law firm - sign up for an on-campus interview, fly to an exciting city for an interview, wine and dine all summer at the firm's expense, accept a job with a six-figure salary - is disappearing, if not gone. Second, my opinion of what lawyers do is overly influenced by my friends and my experience as junior and mid-level law firm associates. Many lawyer friends have moved on from the positions to interesting government work at Department of Justice, US Trade Representative, and the FCC, meaningful work in the nonprofit sector, and some are even reinventing the idea of law firms.

The other argument that I sometimes undervalue is the extent to which a law degree, especially from an elite institution, serves as a certification or stamp of approval. Everyone knows that Barack Obama went to Harvard Law School and served as President of the Harvard Law Review. Closer to home, I've seen this stamp of approval substitute for close scrutiny or at least create a positive presumption many times in my volunteer experience: That board candidate, she went to Harvard Business School - Say no more!; That mom making root beer floats, she went to Yale Law school - a collective gasp!; That job applicant that went to MIT - maybe we should look at her application more carefully.

If a person's goal is to change the world, maybe she should consider a law degree from an elite institution. The credibility implied from that degree (deserved or not) could open doors and provide opportunities. Careers are long and most career paths are not linear. Starting off at a law firm to reduce your debt doesn't mean that you'll be there for the next 20 years. At the very least, other parents might be a little more respectful as they ask for a second root beer float.

How Can Volunteers Create the Greatest Amount of Social Change?

2009-06-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Before I was a Mom and a community volunteer, I was a public policy major. As a public policy major, I spent lots of time assessing the costs and benefits of various actions and considering how to derive maximum impact from limited resources.

Recently, I've been thinking about applying a cost-benefit analysis to my volunteer activities. In other words, what volunteer activities will allow me to have the greatest possible effect? Don't get me wrong. I love community building events like neighborhood picnics and class socials. These events bring people together, create a sense of connection and community, and set the groundwork for future cooperation. But I'm thinking about activities that really move the needle forward on social issues.

Take the issue of K-12 education, for example. Public education in Washington State faces many challenges. Sometimes the problem seems too big for one person to make much of a difference. One solution is to concentrate on a small project. Our neighbor's school recently held a hoop-a-thon to raise money to fund a PE and nutrition teacher for next year.

Another solution is to advocate for change in larger systems and encourage others to do the same. The results aren't as immediate, but they could have a much larger effect. If I make cookies for a bake sale, the benefit (say, $1 per cookie) is seen almost immediately. Advocating for school reform before the school district or the state legislature takes longer to show results, if at all. Yet, a community mandate to make education funding a priority could result in millions of dollars in money for schools.

The idea of going to Olympia to talk to a legislator or even writing a letter to the editor can seem overwhelming to an individual. Are there ways to provide smaller opportunities to be involved a la MoveOn.org or MomsRising? The work of the League of Education Voters and Stand for Children is a good start.

Fun Ideas for Bake Sales or Potlucks

2009-06-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Community volunteers, especially those who are parents, are constantly asked to provide food. With pressure to contribute items to bake sales, class picnics, teacher appreciation events, committee meetings, and board socials, it's enough to make a volunteer run to Costco and stock up on veggie trays and giant muffins.

I'm always on the look out for recipes that are fun, not too expensive and easy to make. I love the old-fashioned recipes from the midwestern synagogue cookbooks I've collected. (One favorite: Chocolate-on-a-Ritz. Spread peanut butter between two Ritz crackers. Dip in chocolate.)

Recently, I've been inspired by The Only Bake Sale Cookbook You'll Ever Need by Laurie Goldrich and Pam Abrams. The first chapter provides 23 variations on Rice Krispie Treats. I made the S'more Treats with Golden Grahams and chocolate chips for the Madrona Mayfair bake sale, and just made Cheery-Os (pictured above) with Cheerios and Nutella for an upcoming school picnic.

What are your bake sale/potluck survival strategies?

What's in Little S's CD Player, May '09 edition

2009-05-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Birthday parties, lingering colds, and end-of-year activities have kept me from posting recently, but these events have brought new music into Little S's CD player and lots of time to listen. Here's what we've been listening to recently:

1. Recess Monkey, Field Trip. This CD will be officially released on the first day of summer vacation (OK, actually June 9), but we scored an early copy by participating in the Valentine's Day recording session. It's no secret that Little S and I heart Recess Monkey. I think Field Trip is the best of the band's five CDs. The production value is high, the catchy melodies and lyrics will stick in your head, and the band's decision to expand beyond Beatles-influenced songs allows Recess Monkey to showcase its humor and creativity more fully. Perhaps the highest praise I can give: when Little S was home sick, we listened to this CD more than 10 times a day, and we still continue to enjoy it. Check out the video for Haven't Got a Pet Yet (a favorite despite my strict no-pet policy).

2. Brady Rymer, I Found It! We stumbled upon Brady Rymer while looking around Jitterbug.tv. Little S feel in love with the video for I Found It! and enjoys the other songs on the CD as well.

3. Lunch Monkey, Dizzy. After hearing great things about Lunch Money on Zooglobble.com, I was excited when Little S received this CD for her birthday. Little S LOVES this CD and it has been playing endlessly in her bedroom. It's hard to argue with songs like, A Cookie As Big As My Head. More important to me, this band is cool AND has a female lead singer. That didn't seem like a rare combination to me until Little S asked me, "Mom, Why all rock stars are boys?"

4. Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1. Little S recently started Suzuki violin. I was surprised by the high level of parent involvement required by the Suzuki method. Little S was surprised by the amount of time she would need to spend listening to Twinkle Variations and Lightly Row.

5. Reserved for The Not-Its, We Are the Not-Its. A Seattle band with a female lead singer, a love for nonprofits that support families, children and the arts, and a concert planned with Recess Monkey, Caspar Babypants, and Central Services Board of Education, called Time Out to Rock? I can't wait to listen to this CD.

The Girl Effect

2009-04-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, President Obama nominated Maria Eitel to head the Corporation for National and Community Service. Eitel is the president of the Nike Foundation, a foundation with an approach to creating change in the developing world that really resonates with me.

The Nike Foundation focuses on assisting adolescent girls in the developing world, arguing that support to an adolescent girl will create a ripple effect that will benefit the entire community. They call this approach The Girl Effect.

Check out the cool Girl Effect video:

You can find Maria Eitel's blog posts for the Huffington Post here.

National Volunteer Week: Effective Ways to Thank Volunteers

2009-04-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Happy National Volunteer Week! National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, was created to recognize and thank volunteers.

Deciding how to thank volunteers can be a challenge. Sure, I've enjoyed the lavish, thank you parties I've attended. But, I probably don't need another office plaque. And I definitely didn't need that flower arrangement that looked like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

The best thank yous I've received are personal and related to the work of the organization. Here are some of thank you's I've enjoyed to most:

Thoughtful thank you notes. For me, a personalized thank you note that recognizes my contribution means more than a doodad that will collect dust in my office. Seeing that a busy, nonprofit staff member has taken the time to think through and write out a note that goes beyond a generic thank you, makes me feel appreciated.

Insider events and experiences. As a fan of Stanford basketball, one of the best thank you's I've ever received was a behind-the-scenes tour of Maples Pavilion by the Athletic Director. It was a thrill to have access to this unique person and place. This type of recognition can be done on a smaller scale as well. A popular example is organizations that have private events with luncheon speakers immediately before or after the event.

Useful, volunteer-only logo items. PEPS board members that complete their board terms receive beautiful, personalized vases. The fact that the vase must be earned provides the recipient with an extra feeling of accomplishment. I've received other useful logo items including a pencil cup, a bright luggage tag, and cool tote bag.

Mission-related books. I discovered one of my all-time favorite books, The Art of Possibility, by receiving it as a thank you gift. This inexpensive book provided a wealth of inspiration and insight that continue to provide value to me.

What makes you feel that your volunteer work is valued and appreciated?

Free Resources for Community Volunteers available through Energize

2009-04-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

While researching a post on National Volunteer Week, I stumbled upon the website of Energize, Inc. Energize is a training, consulting, and publishing firm specializing in volunteerism. The Energize site has a library of free resources covering a broad range of issues important to volunteers. I haven't spent much time investigating the quality of the information, but it looks good and there are many resources offered. Could be a great place to start the next time you have a question related to volunteering.

Other free resources for nonprofits and volunteers are available from the Fieldstone Alliance, BoardSource, the National Council of Nonprofits, and idealist.org.

Do you have a favorite site for free resources? Post a comment and let me know.

How many "hearty salads" can one person eat?: Deciding which nonprofit luncheons to attend.

2009-04-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

In the last six hours, I attended a fundraising luncheon for the Seattle YWCA, was invited to a different fundraising luncheon, and reminded that I should be attending a third fundraising event this weekend. As the spring luncheon/breakfast/auction season begins, I'm wondering, how should I decide which events to attend? And at what point do I stop being a community volunteer and start being a lady who lunches?

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy supporting friends who are serving as table captains.

I love a great speaker, inspirational stories, and a chance to catch up with like-minded friends. I don't even mind the hearty salads that have become the fundraising luncheon standard.

But would it be more effective to write a check to the organization and spend the two hours doing something else? At the very least, it's time to develop some criteria for deciding whether to attend a fundraising event.

Here's my first draft:

1. Is the organization's mission in line with my giving priorities?

2. Are the organization's programs effective in carrying out its mission?

3. Do I have a personal connection to the organization?

4. Will the speakers be inspiring or thought provoking?

5. Will the event be fun?

6. Who is inviting me?

7. Does the event conflict with other appointments?

8. Have I attended this event before?

What do you think, am I missing any important criteria? How should I weigh the criteria?

And don't get me started on whether big events are the most effective and efficient ways to raise money. That's a topic for another post.

NOTE: For more on the YWCA event and Patty Stonesifer, please see my Twitter feed.

New Focus for SherriLynn: Helping Community Volunteers Be More Effective

2009-04-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

In my first blog entry, I admitted that I started this blog without a defined focus. I'll start blogging, I said, and we'll see where it goes. The posts have been all over the map. "Totally random," said a good friend with no qualms about speaking the truth.

Over the same period of time I've been blogging, I've been exploring career ideas. I'm not ready to go back to the private practice of law and, with firms laying off lawyers by the hundreds, this wouldn't be the right time to that anyway.

When people ask me what I'm up to these days, I often respond "making up for the bad things I did as a lawyer." Truthfully, the work I did as a lawyer wasn't that bad. But, the joke highlights my desire to help those who need it most, not those who are most able to pay.

Which led me to the question, how does one mom with a little bit of time, a passion for social change and desire to be constantly learning, leverage her skills to most effectively help others?

The model is right before me. One of my favorite Seattle organizations, Social Venture Partners (SVP), helps nonprofits strengthen organizational capacity. A stronger organization can more effectively and efficiently carry out its mission, SVP thinking goes.

The same should be true with community volunteers. Nearly every parent I know is involved in some volunteer activity: planning a school auction, serving on a nonprofit board or committee, or collecting donations for those in need. Some received fantastic training for these volunteer positions. Other don't. What if each of these volunteers was a little bit more effective? How much could more knowledgeable volunteers boost the ability of organizations to better serve their mission?

I plan to focus this blog on providing ideas, resources and inspiration to community volunteers. There are lots of great resources out there. So, I plan on pointing volunteers in the right direction and sharing my personal experience, not necessarily reinventing the wheel. I'm also hoping some friends will provide some guest post to share their ideas and experiences.

And, for those who love the random posts, don't worry. I'll be sure to toss in an occasional Barefoot Contessa recipe, kindie rock or Recess Monkey review, and story about Little S.

SherriLynn, Community Volunteer.

2009-03-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

When we moved back to Seattle, I joined the board of Passages Northwest, an organization that helps girls build confidence through outdoor adventures and the arts. One day the Executive Director said to me, "We're updating the letterhead to list board members and their job titles. We're going to list you as a 'community volunteer.' Okay?"

This very innocent question set off an internal crisis. My inner dialog went something like this: Community volunteer?! Anyone can be a community volunteer. I'm an attorney! I was on Law Review! I have national security clearance! The title, community volunteer, minimizes my experience and contribution to the organization.

Looking back, it's easy to see that this thought process had very little to do with the letterhead of a small nonprofit. Instead, it was a reflection of my struggle transitioning from D.C. lawyer to Seattle mom.

In the years since that conversation, I've noticed that "community volunteer" is a common description for board members that are not currently employed. I've also realized (but really known all along) that the contribution of nonprofit volunteers is measured in terms of impact, not in terms of title.

Community volunteers provide valuable assistance to many nonprofits. I'm proud to be one of them.

Bakeoff: Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten vs. Orangette's Molly Wizenberg

2009-03-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Reading Molly Wizenberg's fantastic new book, A Homemade Life, I noticed many similarities between her recipes and the recipes of Ina Garten. I considered having a bakeoff: baking similar recipes and comparing the differences. As the weekend slipped away, it became clear that a marathon baking session was not in the cards. Maybe you'll be inspired to try a comparison or two? If so, leave a comment and tell us about your results.

Here are the similar recipes I found:

1. Lemon Yogurt Cake. A Homemade Life (AHL) pp. 204-05. Barefoot Contessa at Home p. 168.

2. Coconut Macaroons. AHL pp. 94-95. Barefoot Contessa Family Style p. 163.

3. Coeur a la Creme. AHL pp. 33-34. Barefoot in Paris p. 189.

4. Fruit Nut Balls/Fruitcake Cookies. AHL p. 80. Barefoot Contessa at Home p. 195.

5. Fennel Salad. AHL pp. 238-239. Barefoot in Paris p. 99.

Starbucks Annual Meeting 2009

2009-03-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Seattle activities is attending the Starbucks Annual Meeting. This morning's meeting was much more subdued than in years past: instead of a musical performance, the CFO spoke; instead of sampling Frappuccino, the company offered brewed coffee; and instead of celebrating soaring stock prices and expansion, Howard Schultz spoke about cutting costs and providing value.

The more mellow tone felt appropriate for the economy, and Howard discussed challenges and opportunities in a humble, forthright manner.

The most entertaining part of the meeting was watching meeting attendees stuff their bags and purses with Starbucks pastries. With the stock price around $11 and the 52-week low around $7, free pastries might be the only return shareholders see for a while.

For more on the meeting, check out my twitter feed.

Emmett Carson encourages philanthropies to capitalize on upcoming structural changes

2009-03-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

If there is anything I love more than thinking about non-profits, it's eating free food. When Sofia M. from Social Venture Partners invited me to a *free* lunch sponsored by Philanthropy Northwest with Emmett Carson from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, I readily agreed.

I wasn't familiar with Emmett Carson before this invitation, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I left feeling inspired, challenged and deeply impressed. Here is a brief summary of Carson's main points:

Carson trained as an economist. Economics is perfect training for a career in philanthropy, he said, because it focuses on allocating scarce resources to unlimited wants. Economics also taught Carson to understand market failures and he views philanthropy as a response to market failure.

Carson lamented the lack of diversity in the boards and staffs of philanthropic organizations. These organizations have not diversified in more than 30 years, he said. During the same time period, corporations and other organizations have diversified to a much greater extent. Why do philanthropies feel insulated from the cultural forces that are impacting the rest of society?, Carson asked.

Carson discussed President Obama's proposal to reduce the tax deduction allowed for charitable donations. Carson said, foundations, organizations and donors need to understand that charitable donations don't "belong"to them. Because tax deductions subsidize the donations, government has a right to regulate or place restrictions on how the money is spent. And, if philanthropies don't evolve and become more reflective of current society, it is likely that government will step in and mandate that evolution.

The current economic situation, Carson said, is more than just a cyclical low in the business cycle. It is an inflection point in history. Just as the Great Depression caused society to rethink the social contract, Carson expects a significant redrafting of the social contract in the near future.

Non-profits and philanthropies need to realize that this is a critical moment. "This is our moment," Carson emphasized. We can't be so focused on planning for when the economy returns to normal. We need to capitalize on the opportunity to participate in the revision of the social contract. In a sense, Carson said, we all need to adopt the California (I'd say, West Coast) mindset and embrace structural change. Instead of worrying about self-protection, philanthropies need to be willing to change and identify new opportunities for relevance and effective social change.

This description only begins to capture Carson's thinking on philanthropies. Fundamentally, he urged the people in the room to take a break from the day-to-day rat race, and think big thoughts and take bold action with respect to paradigmatic shifts and responding to structural changes. Thinking about my own board experience and the ongoing struggle to have more generative conversations, I wonder if foundations will make the effort to prioritize this type of thinking. I agree with Carson that they should.

Little S, scientist

2009-03-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tough economic times are forcing parents across the country to consider whether the benefits of private school are worth the cost. For the New York Times article on this topic, click here.

One of the things we love about Little S's independent school is the way it helps her see herself as a reader, a mathematician, and a scientist. When she begged for a chemistry set for Hanukkah, we readily agreed. Here's a picture of her preparing for science experiments:

Safety first!

If you love Barefoot Contessa puff pastry recipes . . .

2009-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

you might want to check out Martha Holmberg's cookbook, Puff. Sample recipes can be found here, on the Relish magazine site, and at Project Foodie.

The recipes look a little more complicated than Ina's, but very tasty.

Miscommunication

2009-02-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

Somehow, I don't think this is what Little S's ballet teacher meant when she asked her students to write their names on their ballet shoes.

Jitterbug: A great source for kindie rock!

2009-02-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Just heard about Jitterbug, a clearinghouse for kindie rock videos. This site includes many S and Little S favorites including Recess Monkey, Justin Roberts, The Sippy Cups, Princess Katie and Racer Steve, and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.

Check it out!

Where Are the I'm-Saving-The-World Books Written by Women?

2009-02-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

While I was in Ethiopia, I read some very trashy books (thank you, LB). I also read Leaving Microsoft to Change the World by John Wood. In the book, John Wood describes his decision to leave Microsoft and found Room to Read, an organization that builds schools and libraries and funds scholarships for girls in the developing world.

In many ways, the book reminded me of Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. In both books, a man visits the developing world and decides he needs to do more to help. Both men found organizations, create opportunities for needy children, and write successful books that tell their stories and help raise piles of money for their organizations.

Inspired by the potential money and publicity a similar book could generate for Water 1st, I approached the Water 1st Executive Director, Marla Smith-Nilson, with the suggestion that she write a similar book. She graciously declined stating that she preferred to use her limited time to work on water projects and fulfill her many other organizational duties.

Which made me wonder, is the decision to write a book touting your philanthropic works influenced by gender? Are men more likely to choose a big, flashy solution to gaining more publicity and dollars? Are women more likely to shun the spotlight, aim slightly smaller, and focus on getting the work done? I'm not sure which option is better. The book approach focuses on the personalities as much as the organizations, but the resulting publicity is amazing. At the same time, Water 1st does great mission-focused educational pieces.

Maybe I'm just craving more female role models . . .

Women's Work in Ethiopia

2009-01-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I get together with girlfriends, we complain about the chores that fall on us. Why is it up to us to pick up toys, organize playdates, buy birthday presents, plan meals (insert your least favorite task here)?, we moan.

Before I went to Ethiopia, I knew that my woes were fairly trivial. Seeing the back-breaking, monotonous work women do in Ethiopia, I vowed to complain less.

My earlier post about coffee included a picture of rows of women hand sorting coffee beans. This job seemed cushy compared to some of the other work we saw. To start, homes in the villages and many in the city don't have running water. Women and girls walk to public water points or other water sources, stand in line and wait for a turn to fill a 20-25 liter containers, and carry home the water their families will use for the day. In some villages, girls spend so much time collecting water, they don't have time to attend school.

Driving up a long, steep road to a church built above Addis Ababa, we saw women carrying bundles of eucalyptus on their backs. These women start walking up the road at 4 a.m., we were told. They gather eucalyptus branches in the woods, tie them into large bundles, and carry them down the hill where they sell the bundles for firewood. The reward for this day long process? About $1.

On one drive, we saw scores of women sitting outside the Sudan Embassy. Our driver told us that they were waiting to get work visas so they could go to Sudan to look for jobs. Don't they know how dangerous it is?, we asked. No, he said. But they usually come back within a month or two.

An avid bird watcher on our trip asked our Ethiopian guide about a bird she saw. After stating he couldn't answer her question, he said, We don't watch birds. We survive.

NOTE: The UN Millennium Goals seek to eradicate poverty and hunger by achieving decent work for all, and to promote gender equality. For more details, click here.

Coffee in Ethiopia

2009-01-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about Seattle is the availability of incredible coffee. When I heard that Ethiopia considers itself the birthplace of coffe, I knew I would enjoy my trip -- or at least be wide awake to experience it.

The coffee in Ethiopia is amazing! Even the hotel coffee was strong and delicious. The waitress at our hotel in Addis Ababa came to our table each morning with a pitcher of thick, dark coffee and a pitcher of hot milk.

In Ginchi, our group ordered macchiatos by the tray. These drinks came in small cups with a shot of coffee and a little steamed milk. The cost of 20 to 30 cents per macchiato was a welcomed break from the $3 lattes. I found impossible to have less than two. Some members of our group had four or five a morning.

Americans are not the only ones who appreciate Ethiopian coffee and the ritual of drinking it. Ethiopians welcome guests with a coffee ceremony. At this ritual, a woman dressed in a traditional white gown, roasts coffee over a small fire and then brews it in a clay pitcher called a jebena. The hostess burns incense during the ceremony and serves the coffee with popcorn. We asked, but never heard a satisfactory answer, how a seemingly New World food (popcorn) made it into this traditional ceremony.

Noticing our love of coffee, our tour guide arranged for a visit to a coffee wholesaler in Addis Ababa. At the wholesaler, we watched men carry large sacks of green coffee beans to sorting machines:

After the beans were sorted by machine, they went through a hand-sorting process. This picture shows women hand sorting the beans:

The wholesaler exports the coffee beans unroasted. It does, however, roast small batches for local customers. We were lucky enough to taste some of these coffees. We sampled coffees from Sidamo, Yirgacheffe. and Lekempti. We were told that Yirgacheffe is very popular in Ethiopia. I liked the Sidamo the best.

You may recall a dispute between Starbucks and Ethiopian officials over the sale of Ethiopian coffee in the United States. This article explains the dispute. Basically, Ethiopians, encouraged by Oxfam, were looking to share more of the profit from the sale of Ethiopian coffee in the United States. Eventually, the two sides came to an agreement. I must admit, however, that the Ethiopian coffee I purchased at Starbucks didn't come close to the coffee I enjoyed in Ethiopia. Hopefully the coffee I brought back will taste better.

So, what's it like in Ethiopia?

2009-01-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

My trip to Ethiopia generated so many potential blog posts. Before I get too deep into water and sanitation needs or Ethiopian coffee, let me tell you a little about what it's like in Ethiopia.

We started our trip in Addis Ababa. Addis has approximately four million people, many traffic circles and only two or three stoplights. The streets are crowded with cars, blue and white minibuses, people and, every now and then, donkeys. This picture gives you a sense:

UPDATE: The picture above was taken by Sam Effron. I found it through a Google search and thought it provided a great illustration of traffic in Addis Ababa. Many apologies to Sam for not providing credit in the original post.

Driving down the road, we saw men playing Foosball on tables out in the middle of dirt sidewalks, buildings under construction with wood scaffolding and cement floors that didn't seem very level, vehicles loaded with people and goods. One pickup truck we saw near The Mercado was stacked 10-12 feet high with sacks and sacks of items from the market. A goat balanced on top of the tower of purchases.

Our hotel was relatively fancy with an elevator, wi-fi and flush toilets. We saw many people in town standing in line to get water at public water points. And power outages seemed like a common occurrence.

The second part of our trip was spent two hours outside of Addis. We stayed in a town called Ginchi and visited two nearby villages where Water 1st sponsored water projects. The courtyard of our hotel in Ginchi looked like this:

During the day, donkeys and other animals wondered into the courtyard. At night, our drivers parked their 4x4s in the courtyard. And inexplicably started the engines hours before we were supposed to leave.

The countryside near the villages we visited was beautiful and reminiscent of California.

The villagers live in one room huts with no electricity or running water, dirt floors, and very little furniture. Frequently, animals spend the night in these homes. Women build cooking fires in these poorly ventilated homes, creating a very smoky environment.

Trip Anticipation

2009-01-07T22:18:00.001-08:00

I leave for my trip to Ethiopia with Water 1st in about 36 hours. I've packed super-duper bug repellant, supplies for the schools we will visit, and crisp $20 bills. I've tried some Ethiopian Sidamo coffee from Starbucks (a little chalky and bitter for my taste). I even have a new hair style that doesn't require a flat iron.

Sometime the anticipation of a trip is as much fun as the trip itself. I've enjoyed learning about Ethiopian history, politics and society. But really don't know what to expect. We went to Botswana in 2002. I came back thinking, the experience was unlike anything I'd ever done. And, that was a posh, touristy trip where everyone spoke English and catered to tourists.

Several people have told me, This trip will change your life. I'm not quite sure what that means. Will I come home cured of my Lego Batman and Gossip Girl addictions? Will I come home knowing what I should be when I grow up? With a passion for international development?

People told me law school would completely change the way I thought and approached problems. It didn't. Maybe in the era of Oprah and reality television, it's too easy to say an experience is life changing. I'll happily settle for a deeper understanding of Ethiopia and a chance to help people in need.

BabyCenter Ovulation Alerts aka Booty Caller

2009-01-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what I think about BabyCenter's new text service, Booty Caller. Sign up for the service, answer a few questions, and you will receive texts during your ovulation window.

I get that people are busy and modern conveniences should make their lives easier. Still, text messages as foreplay seem a little much.

For more information on the Booty Caller, look here.

Best Puff Pastry Recipe Yet! Barefoot Contessa Easy Sticky Buns

2008-12-18T10:51:00.001-08:00

After a delayed start and a snow day with no snow, we finally have a snow day with lots of snow. The perfect day for a leisurely breakfast.

So, I used my last sheet of puff pastry to make Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics' Easy Sticky Buns. The recipe is very simple. No need to rolling, crimping or fussing with the puff pastry. You unfold it, brush it with butter, sprinkle on brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon. 30 minutes later you have ooey, gooey sticky buns that melt in your mouth.

The family voted this recipe the best of the puff pastry experiments. Little S asked if we could have it for dinner too. I'm hoping for something at least slightly more nutritious.

Seriously, do they know it's Christmas time?: time and dates in Ethiopia

2008-12-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

One of the more interesting tidbits I learned from my Ethiopia guidebook related to telling time.

According to the Bradt guide, Ethiopians measure time in 12-hour cycles starting at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. So what I would consider 7 Seattle time, Ethiopians would consider 1. Also, Ethiopians only worry about gradations of five minutes - so four minutes past five become five minutes past five.

The calendar in Ethiopia is different too. Again the Bradt guide explains, in 1582 the Christian world dropped the Julian calendar in favor of the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia never made the switch. As a result, Ethiopia is seven years and eight months "behind" the rest of the world. (Right now it's 2001 in Ethiopia.)

Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7 and New Years on September 11. Looks like I'll be arriving in Ethiopia right in time for the after-Christmas sales!

Cookies and Connections

2008-12-14T19:24:00.001-08:00

At Chez Sherrilynn, I've been busy making cookies and connection.

A friend told me that the Gourmet Magazine website is featuring the best cookie recipe for each year from the 1940's to the present. My favorite is the mocha cookie from 1990. The cookie is shaped like a thin cookie, but tastes like a brownie. In fact, the recipe is strikingly similar to Barefoot Contessa's Outrageous Chocolate Brownies. I also made the chocolate chip cookies from the cookbook of Macrina Bakery. The recipe is very similar to the chocolate chip cookie recipe discussed in the New York Times this summer, but much less fussy.

Over the last couple weeks, I've spent a lot of time networking and learning more about legal academia. I've meet some great people and received some very helpful advice. It all boils down to this: if you want to be a law professor, you need to write a lot and it needs to be good. If you want to write good articles, you need to spend a lot of time researching and writing. "Don't wait for a lightening bolt," advised one mentor. "Get into the library and read everything you can." And so, that's what I've been doing.

Puff Pastry, Barefoot Style

2008-12-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

In her new book, Back to Basics, Ina Garten frequently calls for puff pastry.

I'll admit it. I've always been afraid of puff pastry. Maybe it's the admonitions to keep it cold, not to overwork it. Maybe it reminds me too much of some of the sketchy pie doughs I've made.

When I found puff pastry available through Amazon Fresh, I decided that this week I would conquer my fear. Over the last two days, we've had three Barefoot Contessa puff pastry recipes.

Day 1: Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry & Apple Dried Cherry Turnovers

The pastry was delivered in the morning and I put it in the refrigerator. By dinner time, the pastry was still semi-frozen. This meant that instead of unfolding into one large piece, the pastry broke into three rectangular pieces. The turnover recipe (from Back to Basics) suggested cutting the large sheet into four square pieces and making each square into a turnover. I tried to stick the three rectangular pieces together with minimal success. Instead, I ended up cutting the rectangles in half, making some small turnovers and using some of the smaller squares to make sandwiches instead of turnovers.

The turnover filing is very reminiscent of the Apple Crisp filling from Barefoot Contessa Parties, but with cherries instead of lemons. Here, as there, the filling is delicious. The apples break down into gooey goodness and the cherries add a nice tang. Overall, the recipe was a big hit with the family.

The sausage in puff pastry recipe (from Barefoot Contessa) was good, but not as well received. The recipe called for a 1/2 inch thick sausage and the only one I could find was a chicken breakfast sausage. This sausage was a little too bland and didn't add enough zing to the puff pastry.

On the positive side, this recipe was incredibly easy to make. Even with the pastry rectangles, I just cooked the sausage, spread some mustard and rolled the pastry around the sausage. There is a lot of room for improvisation here. Different sausages, mustards, even cheese could add a lot.

Day 2: Spinach in Puff Pastry

Having properly thawed my puff pastry, I felt ready to conquer the spinach in puff pastry recipe from Barefoot in Paris. Truth be told, I'm not a French food fan and never really loved Barefoot in Paris. That said, this recipe was delicious. It involves a little more prep work: toasting pine nuts, sweating onions, grating cheese. But, the effort pays off. The flavorful spinach filling adds a nice contrast to the puff pastry. When the pastry is thawed, it is much easier to unfold and roll.

Day 3: Something Else

Today at dinner, Mr. S. looked at me with sad eyes and said, "Are we having puff pastry for dinner again tomorrow?" There are more Barefoot Contessa puff pastry recipes I would like to try, but maybe we should take a break.

Some recipes I look forward to making:

Easy Sticky Buns (Back to Basics)

Tomato & Goat Cheese Tarts (Back to Basics)

Savory Palmiers (Back to Basics)

Cheese Straws (Barefoot in Paris)

Elephant Ears (Barefoot in Paris)

What's in Little S's CD Player, Dec. 08 edition

2008-12-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

We went to the neighborhood library to raid the kids' music section. We found some great CDs (and a couple clunkers). Here's what's playing in Little S's CD player this month:

1. Princess Katie & Racer Steve, Songs for the Coolest Kids. One of the few kids' CDs that our entire family enjoys. Princess Katie has a mellow voice and sounds a lot like Natalie Merchant, without the angst. I checked the CD label twice to make sure she wasn't Natalie Merchant. The songs work in positive messages, but not at the expense of the music. Little S and I agree that the three skits on the CD are a little random.

2. Baby Loves Jazz, Go Baby Go. Little S's first introduction to jazz. The songs are geared for younger kids: jazzy interpretations of Happy and You Know It, ABC, and Old MacDonald. Yet, Little S enjoyed the music, especially the songs that emphasize particular instruments (trumpet, piano, saxophone).

3. School House Rock! Rocks. On this CD from the mid-90's, popular bands like Blind Mellon and Better Than Ezra reinterpret School House Rock! classics. Little S had no idea why I kept singing "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, get your adverbs here" until she heard this CD. Little S likes to play this before she goes to bed, but it is not a lullaby album.

4. Recess Monkey, Aminal House. Recess Monkey classics like Aquarium, Zoo zoo zoo, and Pet Shark along with some entertaining chit chat by Mayor Monkey and Mischievous Monkey.

5. BNL, Snacktime. As a long time fan of BNL, I'm happy to see that Little S is a fan too. Vegetable Town is a particular favorite.

6. Reserved. This spot is being held for (in the near future) the Johnny Bregar album, Dragonfly, that's in the Hanukah present pile and (in the more distant future) the Recess Monkey CD that is being recorded now.

Lucy

2008-12-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of the Water 1st trip to Ethiopia is visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia. At this museum, visitors can see a replica of Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old fossil found in Ethiopia that proves our ancestors were walking 2.5 million years earlier than previously thought.

Few visitors to Ethiopia are allowed to see the actual fossil. Happily, Lucy is touring American museums and is featured in a fantastic exhibit at Seattle's Pacific Science Center through March 2009. We went to see the exhibit last night.

The exhibit begins with an explanation of Ethiopian history and culture. Many people of my generation (myself included) associate Ethiopia with famine and "Do They Know It's Christmas." The exhibit reminded me that Ethiopia is famous for so much more.

According to legend, Ethiopia was the home of the Queen of Sheeba ,who visited King Solomon for diplomacy and, some say, romance; possibly one of the lost tribes of Israel ; and the Ark of the Covenant. The final Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, aka Ras Tefari, inspired the Rastafari movement.

The second part explains Lucy's role in evolution: she provided conclusive evidence that bipedalism came before big brains. And how scientists can deduce bipedalism and other characteristics from a very partial skeleton.

Lucy, by the way, got her informal name from the fact that the scientists who discovered her listened to the Beatles' song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamond" over and over again on the night of the discovery.

Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics - The Missing Review

2008-12-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

When I heard that Ina Garten was coming out with a new cookbook this fall, I rushed to preorder the book, I scoured the Internet for advance recipes and I tried to figure out a way to attend a book tour event. In a previous post, I discussed the butternut squash salad recipe that was released before the book. The recipe dazzled my dinner guests and I couldn't wait to see what other wonders Ina had created.

Then Back to Basics arrived. I flipped through the pages. The photos are gorgeous, but I found very few recipes that I would make. Many recipes call for bacon, prosciutto or red meat, ingredients I don't eat. Others, like Garlic Ciabatta Bread and Mache with Warm Brie & Apples, seem too basic to be called recipes. Most disappointing, many of the recipes seem derivative of previously published recipes. For example, Indonesian Grilled Swordfish is like Indonesian Ginger Chicken (BC). Maple-roasted Butternut Squash is like Caramelized Butternut Squash (BC). And, Confetti Corn is very reminiscent of Sauteed Fresh Corn (BC Parties).

To be honest, I haven't made enough of the recipes to pan the entire book. I look forward to trying Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Chicken Bouillabaisse, and the Celery Root & Apple Puree. Still, if you don't have Barefoot Contessa Parties, buy that book instead. Or, if you're looking for an easier approach, try Barefoot Contessa At Home.

I love you, Ina. This book is not your best work.

An Effective Way to Ensure Parental Supervision

2008-11-30T18:06:00.000-08:00

I'm Going to Ethiopia!

2008-11-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

In January, I'll be spending a week in Ethiopia with Water 1st. Water 1st helps some of the poorest communities in the world implement community-managed projects that integrate water supply, sanitation, and health education.

My parents think I'm a little crazy for going on this trip and offered to send me to a Marriott timeshare instead. A friend suggested I might be happier going to a spa for a week. I'm looking forward to the adventure, the chance to gain perspective on and appreciate the stability and comfort of my life in Seattle, and the opportunity to help others.

Hopefully, you'll enjoy learning more about Ethiopia with me, hearing about my preparations and reading about my journey.

Lonely Planet describes travel in Ethiopia as "testing, awe-inspiring, and heartbreaking." I can't wait!

For the geographically challenged, here's a link to a map of Africa.

A Source for Missing Kitchen Appliance Thingamajigs and Doodads

2008-11-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

A friend from high school sent us a great blender for our wedding. We thought we'd use it a lot to make margaritas and other festive drinks. In reality, we used it mostly for pesto, protein shakes and the like. Still, it worked well and always reminded me of my friend.

Then, one day, I turned on the garbage disposal and heard a terrible sound. Whirl, whirl. Clunk, clunk. Sc-r-ape.

The knob on the blender cover (you know, the piece that allows you to slowly add olive oil, but keeps the blueberry smoothie from spraying all over your kitchen) popped out of the blender top and into the garbage disposal. In a few fateful seconds, it was mangled beyond recognition.

I stashed the blender on a high shelf. Sayonara, fruity drinks, I thought.

Then, the good folks at Williams-Sonoma introduced me to The Gourmet Depot. The Gourmet Depot sells every random piece and doodad that you would ever need to keep your kitchen operating. With a few clicks, I found a replacement for my "knob," actually called a fill cap.

One week and a few dollars later, my blender was whole again. We still haven't made fruity drinks. But we could.

The antitrust angle: The Gourmet Depot recently merged with their #1 competitor, Culinary Parts Unlimited. Pretty sure David Boies sat this one out.

We're Hannukah and we're proud

2008-11-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

For the first two years of preschool, Little S attended an Orthodox school. None of her classmates had a Christmas tree, talked about Santa Claus or brought candy canes to school. Sure, we saw Christmas decorations and ate gingerbread cookies, but it was easy to say, Our family doesn't celebrate Christmas, and leave it at that.

Last year, everything changed. Maybe it's because Little S was older, maybe it's because she was at a new school, maybe it's because she had a new appreciation for twinkle lights. Whatever the cause, Little S wanted a Christmas tree in the intense way that three-year olds WANT things. She even threw a temper tantrum during school pickup: on the floor, kicking and screaming, sobbing "I want a Christmas tree!"

When she calmed down, I reminded her that our family doesn't celebrate Christmas. Why not, she asked. Why not get her a Christmas tree if she really wants one?, my friends asked. Even my parents said, at least take her to see Santa. We don't celebrate Christmas, I repeated again and again. It made me want to scream.

Then, a friend recommended the book, The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming by Lemony Snicket. The book, in an entertaining almost subversive way, reminds parents and kids that it's OK to not celebrate Christmas, even if it would be a lot easier to do what everyone else is doing.

The latke lives in a town where nearly everyone celebrates Christmas and people give the latke a hard time for not celebrating Christmas. "So you're basically hash browns," the latke is told. "Someone should write a Christmas carol about you," another person says. "Different things can blend together. Let me tell you a funny story about pagan rituals," says someone else.

Lemony Snicket explains the latke's frustration this way, "It is VERY frustrating not to be understood in this world. If you say one thing and keep being told that you mean something else, it can make you want to scream."

I can relate.

Best Kids' Music of 2008: The Fids and Kamily Awards

2008-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

(SherriLynn and Jack from Recess Monkey)

Looking to expand your library of family music but unsure where to start? Check out The Fids and Kamily Awards. For these awards, kids' music writers, radio programmers, and others in the industry determined the 10 best kids' albums of 2008.

The list is filled with Sherri Lynn and Little S favorites: Justin Roberts, Pop Fly (#1); Secret Agent #23 Skidoo, Easy (#3); BNL, Snacktime (#6) and Recess Monkey, Tabby Road (#7).

Here's to music that parents and kids can enjoy together!

Vacaciones

2008-11-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the inactivity. Mr. S and I were relaxing in Mexico.

Michelle is the new Hillary. And I mean that in the nicest way possible.

2008-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

I cringed when Bill Clinton declared that Hillary and he would be a two-for-one deal.

Maybe it's my place in life, my experience or my desire to see a mother of young children in the White House, but I'm thrilled that the election of Barack means that we also get Michelle Obama.

It will be fascinating to watch a smart and powerful woman struggle with many of the issues we all face: where to send her kids to school, what to wear, what kind of dog to buy. More important, she has the opportunity to use her experience and position to improve the lives of other mothers and children.

That's a two-for-one deal I'll take.

Check out Newsweek's profile of Michelle.

Role Models Matter

2008-11-05T18:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to a post by Sonja West on PrawfsBlawg that echoes my feelings why I'm still looking forward to the day when a woman will occupy the Oval office.

Voting is its own reward. Cupcakes are nice.

2008-11-04T12:06:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the election babycakes handed out by Cupcake Royale. In our very Blue neighborhood, only the McCain cupcake toppers were left.

Now stop reading and go vote!

Free Food for Voters

2008-11-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up, we were taught to like democracy and to love free food. On November 4, many establishments are offering free treats to voters. Here are the offers I've found: (If you know of others, please post a comment)

Ben & Jerry's: Free scoop of ice cream between 5 and 8 p.m.

Chick-fil-A: Free chicken sandwich.

Cupcake Royale: (Madrona, Ballard & West Seattle): Free babycake.

Krispy Kreme: Free star-shaped donut with patriotic sprinkles.

Starbucks: Free tall cup of brewed coffee.

Hopefully the lines for these treats won't be as long as the lines at the polling places.

Halloween Vocabulary

2008-10-31T19:00:00.001-07:00

The stylistas at Daily Candy are brilliant at picking the latest trends and informing the not-so-hip masses. They've also created a new lexicon. For example:

Costomb n. The overcoat you inevitably have to wear every year, which totally kills your costume.

Veepie Crawler n. One of the hundreds of Sarah Palin/Tina Fey costumes you'll spot this year.

Wee-atch n. That ho who copied your witch costume.

For more visit the Daily Candy site.

Happy Halloween!

Multitasking Reconsidered

2008-10-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

As a person who likes to juggle many projects, hobbies, and activities at once, I always assumed that multitasking was essential to keeping all the balls in the air. Recent news reports have shaken my world view on multitasking.

For example, a recent New York Times article states, "while multitasking may seem to be saving time, psychologists, neuroscientists and others are finding that it can put us under a great deal of stress and actually make us less efficient."

An NPR story cites research showing that "people don't do lots of things simultaneously, instead we switch our attention from task to task extremely quickly." This switching makes your brain work harder and can reduce your ability to learn and retain information.

Everyone's A Critic: Rock Daddy Rock by Chris Bihuniak

2008-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Recently, I received an e-mail from Chris Bihuniak asking me to listen to his new CD for kids, Rock Daddy Rock, and to review it. Excited to have a new blog reader, I quickly agreed.

Then I looked at his promotional material more carefully. Chris describes his CD as "comedy-rock songs about the silly, gross and wonderful behaviors of kids." Gross behavior? What did I agree to?

The CD arrived a couple days later. I looked at the song list before popping the CD in the player. Track 1: Boogers; Track 3: Wart; Track 9: Don't Pass The Gas. Ew!

Now, I'm not totally anti-potty words in music for kids. One of my favorite songs is The Poopsmith Song, by Over the Rhine. But about 30 second into "Boogers" I started wondering whether I should send the CD back to Chris. Around that time, Mr. S. walked in the room, exclaimed, "What are you listening to?" and walked out.

I kept listening. Some of the songs, like the Beastie Boys-esque "Don't Hit, Don't Spit," really rock. "When You Grow Up" and "Biter" made me want to dance and reminded me of Little S favorite The Sippy Cups. Songs like "Gun (Peace Sign)" and "Turn It Off" provided good messages without preaching. (I especially enjoyed hearing Bihuniak's kids sing, "I'll clean my room and do it with no pay and do my very best to keep it clean that way" in "Your Room's A Mess.")

I was about to write the CD off as a decent effort, highly unlikely to appeal to moms, when Little S walked into the room. She stared the CD over and listened carefully. Then, she put on her ballet shoes and tutu, replayed the CD, and danced for the entire CD. "It really makes me want to move, Mom," she said. "We should listen to it every morning to get us going." She played it five times in a row.

Two days later, she hasn't stopped listening to Rock Daddy Rock. Part of the appeal is listening to songs like "Don't Pass the Gas" without getting into trouble for using potty words. But the real delight comes from Bihuniak's hard rocking and danceable music.

I can only hope that Little S's teacher won't call asking why she's suddenly talking about boogers, warts and gas.

You can find samples of Rock Daddy Rock songs here.

Bag Lunch Blues: A Taste of my own Medicine

2008-10-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

This week I went on the pumpkin patch field trip with Little S and her classmates. I enjoyed every minute of the trip. Well, every minute except the time I spent eating my bag lunch.

On school mornings, I throw together lunches for Little S. I try to hit all the food groups, limit the amount of sugar and plastic waste, and include some favorites. But, especially by the end of the week, the lunches are a little random.

As I ate my soggy pb&j sandwich, my past-its-prime apple and a handful of trail mix at the pumpkin patch, I vowed to put a little more effort into making healthy, attractive and delicious lunches.

Here are some lunch tips I found from WebMD, Food Network, and Parents Magazine.

OMFGG:So that's what the kids are listening to these days

2008-10-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

During the worst of my writers-strike-induced T.V. withdrawal last year, our babysitter recommended that I watch The O.C. on DVD. The first season was captivating: the lush Southern California setting, the teen angst and romance, the Cohen family comic relief. I decided to watch the entire series.

The quality of the series was, to be polite, uneven. Despite the ups (Chrismukkah) and downs (that hippy guy at Brown? Kaitlyn's reappearance?) of the plot line, the music selected for the show was consistently good.

The theme song, California by Phantom Planet, is a great example. Its haunting longing embodies the unease of the main character, Ryan, and the opening is instantly recognizable. Jem's version of Maybe I'm Amazed is beautiful and well matched to the wedding scene. Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah and Youth Group's version of Forever Young -- amazing.

When The O.C. creators, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, announced that they were creating a new show, Gossip Girl, I ran to set my DVR. Gossip Girl is much lighter on the teen angst. It focuses on the lush Manhattan lifestyle of the characters and is the TV equivalent of cotton candy (in the best escapist fantasy sort of way).

Once again, Schwartz and Savage have found incredible indie music to orchestrate their show. Next week, the Gossip Girl CD, OMFGG (Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl), will be released. I can't wait.

Truth be told my music selection is anything but hip these days. NPR and songs about backpacks and loose teeth have taken over my car stereo. I can't wait to put OMFGG in the CD player, listen to what the kids are listening to these days, and spend a moment in the alternate universe without home repairs, carpools and juice boxes.

Or maybe I'll download the iTunes version right now. This version features two bonus tracks: Glamorous by the Constance Billard A Capella Choir and Everytime by Lincoln Hawk.

xoxo,

SherriLynn

Smart Sisterhood: Women's Forum for the Economy and Society

2008-10-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today's New York Times has an article on Women's Forum for the Economy and Society. The Forum is described as a female-friendly alternative to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In addition to discussing timely public policy issues, the assembled women considered the challenges facing women in the workplace and elsewhere.

The number of female leaders at the highest levels in politics and business are very small. And the conversation continues to whether this problem is caused by individual choices or structural societal problems.

Meanwhile, the Forum participants interviewed in the story were energized by the networking, support and role models. Seems like a step in the right direction.

Barefoot Contessa BtB: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

2008-10-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Rarely, in our house at least, is salad the highlight of the meal. This salad, from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, stole the show at dinner tonight.

The salad provides a combination of flavors, textures and temperatures that meld together well. Roasted butternut squash and a warm vinaigrette wilt the arugula and melt the parmesan cheese just the right amount.

Preparing the salad requires more dishes than Mr. S would like to wash: a skillet for toasting the walnuts, a saucepan for warming the vinaigrette, a sheet pan for the squash. But the result is worth the effort.

Note: Kitchen novices might want to learn more about cutting a butternut squash before tackling this recipe. I hacked mine apart. You might opt for a more graceful approach.

Can't wait to see the full cookbook on October 28. In the meantime, I'll be stockpiling butter.

The Effect of the Economic Downturn on Non-Profits

2008-10-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

I serve on the board of a local non-profits and am involved with many others. One question a lot of folks involved with non-profits are pondering these days is, how will the grim economic news impact non-profit fundraising?

Experts argue that the impact will be limited, especially in historical context. Yet, stories are circulating about non-profits struggling to raise money and feeling pessimistic about fundraising efforts.

Next week I need to motivate my fellow board members to keep working on our largest fundraising campaign of the year. It's hard when every time I turn on the radio or open the paper I seem to learn more depressing economic news. My usual motivational tools, cupcakes and tokens gifts, are only so effective.

I plan on looking deeper into the advice, tips and suggestions that seem to be everywhere. A number of sources agree that continuing to ask, cultivate and acquire new donors is essential.

Has the economic news changed your giving? What does effective solicitation look like to you in this economy?

What's in Little S's CD Player, Oct. 08 edition

2008-10-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

If you've seen my post on Lecia's delightful blog, A Day That is Dessert, then you'll know that Little S and I are big fans of the Seattle band, Recess Monkey. We listen to them all the time, attend their concerts and even appear (briefly) in their video. But, as Jack from Recess Monkey told us, if you don't rotate your CDs, you'll get bored of even the best music.

Here's what's in our 6-disc changer:

1. Central Services Board of Education. We have a pre-release version of their upcoming self-titled CD. With songs questioning whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable, sharing fun facts about the number eight and imagining a post-global warming world where lobsters live in Space Mountain, the music makes me smile and I often learn something new - like the story behind the inventor of pavement. Don't miss their CD release party, Nov. 15 at Town Hall in Seattle.

2. John Vanderslice, Pixel Revolt. Recess Monkey loves John Vanderslice and includes "shout outs" to him in nearly every album ergo . . . Warning: this is not kid's music!

3. Recess Monkey, Wonderstuff (Disc 1).

4. Justin Roberts, Way Out. Justin Roberts was my first introduction to cool kids music. He is a great musician and storyteller. We play his Picture Day song every Picture Day. It makes the hair brushing just a little easier. Justin will be in Seattle, Nov. 14.

5. Recess Monkey, Tabby Road. Did I hear the voice of Little S's friend during Under My Bed?

6. Justin Roberts, Pop Fly. Pop Fly will stick in your head for days. So will Stay At Home Dad, just ask Mr. S.

Happy listening! Sherri"Just Say No to Purple Dinosaurs"Lynn

Farewell to Lisa Belkin's print column, Life's Work

2008-10-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

I love the New York Times: the insightful Supreme Court and legal reporting, the economic and political analysis, the in-depth international articles. My "must reads," however, are a little lighter: the Sunday Styles section starting with the wedding announcements, Mark Bittman's recipes, and, until now, Lisa Belkin's Life's Work column.

Lisa Belkin is well know for writing a 2003 article on the Opt-Out Revolution. This article described the phenomenon of female high-achievers who opt-ed out of the working world to raise their children. The article evoked a lot of strong reactions. To me, it rang true. Many of my friends with Stanford, Yale and other fancy degrees decided to opt-out from the working world. For a while, at least.

Lisa's weekly column dealt with many work/life balance issues. In announcing the end of her regular column, Lisa said "[W]hen I was first asked to take on this column, I thought it would be about answers. I figured I would call smart people and ask them the secrets to balanced working life, and then I would put that in the newspaper and be a hero. It didn't take me long to realize there were no answers -- just endless and penetrating questions."

Lisa will continue writing for the New York Times magazine and in the blogosphere. Best of luck with your new endeavors, Lisa. I'll miss your column!

Kindergarten Admissions Season

2008-10-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yes. It's that time of year when concerned parents are frantically visiting independent schools, writing essays about their darling children, and wondering whether they can justify paying five-figure tuition for kindergarten.

Little S is at an independent school and we love it! If you're considering applying to an independent school, I highly recommend reading Kindergarten Wars by Alan Eisenstock. Eisenstock interviewed admissions directors, educational consultants, teachers and parents, and then wrote a compelling narrative following a number of families through the admissions process. He addresses many of the bigger questions (Does elite kindergarten start your child on a path to an elite college?) and offers admissions tips (Be nice to each other and the school staff.) You can read the first chapter here.

If you're really into "Admissions Lit," check out The Ivy Chronicles and Admissions too.

Countdown to the New Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

2008-10-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

When I was in college and law school, I thought it was un-feminist to cook. At some point, I got tired of take-out burritos, moved into a house with a real kitchen, and started buying kitchen gadgets. It was time for me to learn to cook.

I asked one of my fabulous-cook friends her secret. "Ina Garten," she whispered. I promptly went out and bought Ina's Barefoot Contessa cookbook.

I worked my way through that book and through nearly all of her following books: Barefoot Contessa Parties, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, Barefoot in Paris, and Barefoot Contessa at Home. Some of the recipes challenged my nascent skills (see the marshmallow disaster of 2003), but I learned a lot about making simple food delicious (roasting) and embracing butter (see any Barefoot Contessa dessert).

Ina's latest book, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, comes out on October 28th. For those of you, who can't wait to try the new recipes, here are a few: butternut squash salad and mustard roasted fish, easy sticky buns, roasted turkey roulade and baked sweet potato fries. You can find more new recipes by watching Ina's show on the Food Network, starting Saturday, October 18.

Music To Your Ears

2008-10-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

While I'm atoning and traveling, why don't you mosey over to Lecia's blog, A Day That Is Dessert, and check out our joint post on kids music that will be music to your ears too. And while you're there, check out the amazing pictures of Lecia's family, adventures and Seattle.

SherriLynn. Floral Designer?

2008-10-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

In line with my desire to try things out of my comfort zone, I agreed to take a floral design class at Fiori Floral Design. One cut finger, several chocolate cookies, and 3 1/2 hours later, I now understand why seemingly "small" bouquets cost more than $100.

Check out the arrangements we made:

Why Twittering is Good Practice for my Upcoming Reunion

2008-10-07T12:31:00.001-07:00

My 15th college reunion is this weekend. I went to my 5th and 10th reunions and had a blast. It wasn't at all like Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.

This time, I have dinner plans with some of my dearest friends and genuinely look forward to catching up with classmates I haven't seen since the last reunion.

Many reunion encounters, however, come with the obligation to summarize the last 5, 10 or 15 years of your life in 60 seconds or less. At the 5th reunion it was easy: federal law clerk enjoying the Seattle scene. The 10th too: traveling with husband to exotic locales after working at DOJ and appellate litigation boutique. Accurate summaries that appeal to the competitive, achievement-oriented alum.

The life summary for this go-around isn't as easy. There are the boring, obvious options: Mom, community volunteer, legal researcher. The cliche: Soccer Mom (even though Little S doesn't play soccer). The self-aggrandizing: CEO of my family, Vice President of WW Enterprises. The humorous: recovering attorney making up for the bad things she did in private practice. The slightly obscure: Recess Monkey super fan.

Maybe, 15 years out, we all realize that our lives are a lot more than titles or flashy adventures. Maybe we've been through enough ups and downs in our personal, work and community lives to look beyond a classmate's elevator speech for the real experience.

Or maybe not. In which case, I'm open to suggestions.

UPDATE: I'm back from my reunion. Many classmates are struggling with the same issue and are trying to find the right balance between work and family, overachievement and sanity. One slightly drunk friend, when told I wasn't currently employed yelled, SherriLynn isn't working?! Sigh.

Mark Madsen Was Almost my 200th Friend on Facebook

2008-10-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

I get way too much e-mail from Facebook. Usually, I flip through it and delete it without much thought. A message I received today stopped me cold: Mark Madsen accepted my friend request and became my 199th friend.

I normally don't try to friend celebrities and athletes. But Mark (sigh), Mark is different.

In law school, my days consisted of going to class and the library, eating burritos and watching Stanford basketball. My first year, I was all about the women's team: Kate Starbird, Jamila Wideman. Then something happened. The men's team started playing well. And, in 1996, Mark started playing for Stanford.

He was a tough competitor for the Cardinal. He lived up to his Mad Dog nickname. He turned in highlight reel performances during the NCAA tournament.

And, he was a gentleman off the court. One day, he noticed my friend, Ginger, buying Stanford Basketball t-shirts at the bookstore. He offered to autograph the shirts. I still have the one she gave me. (see above) I've never worn it.

After Stanford, Mark went on to the NBA to play for the Lakers and the Timberwolves. While with the Lakers, he became friends with Shaq and, unfortunately, showed the world his dance moves.

I watched Mark play as a Laker once. We had front row, center court seats, right next to Tim Russert. Tim noticed my enthusiasm for Mark and started teasing me by yelling, Go White Guy! By the end of the game, he was cheering for Mark too.

Thanks for accepting my friend request, Mark. And, good luck with your blog.

What Should I Be When I Grow Up - Part 1

2008-10-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Go to law school," my dad said to me. "I'll pay for it."

And so I did.

I met some great people in law school, and had some cool experiences during my legal career. But I never aspired to be an attorney in private practice. So, when we moved back to Seattle, I didn't look for another job. "I'll figure it out when Little S is in school full time," I told myself.

Maybe I've been waiting to be struck by a bolt of lightening. Hoping I'd wake up one morning and shout, "Eureka! I have the answer." It hasn't happened.

In his book, What Should I Do with My Life?, Po Bronson offers the following advice for those waiting for the loud clang of inspiration:

"usually, all we get is a glimmer. A story we read or someone we briefly met. A curiosity. A meek voice inside, whispering. It's up to us to hammer out the rest. The rewards of pursuing it are only for those who are willing to listen attentively, only for those people who really care. . . . It won't be easy, and it won't be quick. Finding what we should do is one of life's great dramas. It can be an endless process of discovery, one to be appreciated and respected for its difficulty."

I intend to spend some time following those glimmers. I'll keep you posted.

Open Letter to Dorie Greenspan

2008-09-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Dorie,

I love your Midnight Crackle cookies. When you met my friend, Leora, in Paris, you couldn't have been nicer. You're friends with my culinary hero, Ina Garten.

So, when you wrote on p. 184 of Baking that I'd be "struck by the urge to pin a big blue ribbon" on your Double Apple Bundt Cake because it "looks, smells and tastes as though it would take first prize in a county fair," I knew that this cake was the one that would transform my Rosh Hashanah dinner from good to great.

Dorie, I regret to say that I feel completely bamboozled! The cake might be delicious. My guests will never know. I followed your directions: buttering the pan, peeling apples, buying apple butter, making sure the butter was room temperature. And then, after allowing the pan to cool for 5 minutes (as recommended), I flipped the bundt pan for the moment of truth. And . . . only half the cake come out of the pan.

Maybe it was me. Maybe I should have let the cake cool for longer. Maybe I shouldn't have floured the bundt pan. Maybe my apples were large, not medium.

After all, this is the season of forgiveness. I will try to ice the cake and salvage the dessert. I will head to Whole Foods and buy another dessert. I will realize it was folly to try to impress a Paris-trained pastry chef.

And next year, I will make a Barefoot Contessa dessert or maybe something from the Beth El cookbook.

L'shana tova,

SherriLynn

Worldwide Day of Play

2008-09-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

As part of our never-ending quest to find weekend activities interesting to parents and Little S., I like to troll Parent Map, Red Tricycle and the local paper for ideas. The RT blurb on the Worldwide Day of Play caught my attention.

Day of Play? How cool is that? I decided to dig a little deeper. Turns out the Worldwide Day of Play is sponsored by Nickelodeon. The network (along with The N, Noggin and Nicktoons) goes dark for three hours and encourages kids to turn off the TV, go outside, and play.

Great idea. The media is full of articles suggesting that kids don't have enough unstructured play time or opportunities for exercise. And, I often feel like I'm living Recess Monkey's Busy Bees song.

But, I imagined that I would arrive at the Day of Play event and be overwhelmed by Nickelodeon advertising and product placement. Sponge Bob square dancing? Dora and Diego dunk tanks? Maybe a Backyardigans bouncy house?

To my relief, the event was entirely commercial free. I didn't see a single mention of TV stations, characters or shows. Instead, the staff set out all sorts of play equipment (a tug-of-war rope, soccer balls, croquet, sidewalk chalk, a small bouncy house, jump ropes, even a kid-size badminton court), a big container of lemonade, and let the kids play.

And the kids played. Sampling all sorts of games and activities, organizing themselves into tug-of-war teams, and taking breaks to rest in the shade when needed.

A great way to spend an unusually sunny September afternoon.

Oh, and it turns out that some researchers dispute the idea that American kids are over-scheduled.

Opening Lines of Successful Admissions Essays

2008-09-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

As someone who has applied to college, graduate schools, various scholarships and programs, and, perhaps most the greatest challenge, preschool for Little S., I understand the need for a killer personal essay.

The Stanford admissions office recently released the best opening lines from this year's successful applications. Enjoy the article.

Luckily, I have a while before the application process for middle school begins.

The Great Schlep

2008-09-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail from an NPR reporter today. She was looking for people from Seattle who are participating in The Great Schlep and willing to talk about it.

Most mornings I feel like I'm undertaking a great schlep as I lug my gym bag, Little S's backpack and lunch box, my computer, and assorted other tote bags down three flights of stairs to the garage. The Great Schlep, however, is not about parents struggling to get their families to and fro. It's about getting Jewish grandparents to vote for Obama.

The idea is brilliant. According to an article in the New York Times, elderly Jewish voters in Florida (and elsewhere) are very concerned with Obama's positions on Israel, the Middle East, and anti-Semitism. The Great Schlep encourages Jewish grandchildren to visit their grandparents and, using talking points that address these issues, dispel the misinformation that surrounds the candidate. For example, explain that Obama is not a muslim, he is a friend of Israel, and he has spoken out against anti-Semitism.

When I first read the New York Times article, I wondered, "Who are these crazy people who think Obama is a closet muslim?" Then I spoke with my sister. Turns out our dear mother, a Hillary supporter and solidly Democratic voter, was considering voting for McCain. The Reverend Wright controversy had her concerned that Obama would not be a friend to Israel or the Jewish people.

Is there a chance that this concern is thinly veiled racism? It's possible. But I'm hoping that cross-generational discussions of these issues will eliminate the confusion and misinformation.

If you're interested in learning more, check out The Great Schlep website. I've heard they're introducing some funny training videos tomorrow.

Welcome to the SherriLynn blog

2008-09-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

After thinking and talking about blogging for way too long, I decided to take the plunge.

You are probably wondering what this blog will be about. Honestly, I'm not sure yet. It will be a mix of parenting, politics, my quest to "figure out what I'm going to be when I grow up," and some foodie thoughts and recommendations. I hope it turns out to be more than a vanity, my-kid's-so-smart-and-cute blog. We'll see how it evolves.

What's with the name? Growing up, my mom insisted on calling me SherriLynn. Friends would call and ask for "Sherri." "There is no Sherri here," my mom would answer. "Sherri is so ordinary," my mom would tell me later. So, I grew up believing that SherriLynn was very unique.

According to blogger and Google, Mom was wrong. There is already a SherriLynn blog on blogspot (seems to be abandoned, but the few posts are about Girl's State and Debate camp). And, there are many professionals and products available under the SherriLynn name. Lots of lawyers, a few doctors, a photographer or two, and psychic. There is also a SherriLynn bridal tiara, SherriLynn Farms, and SherriLynn's Gourmet Food and Candles in Minnesota.

Day one of blogging and I've already learned something new. Hope you'll keep reading and see what else comes up.