The Influence of Alberto Alesina

From Businessweek.

bridal shower gift

What's this, you say?  Something not baby-related?!!!  How refreshing.

I'm going to a bridal shower this week and wanted to add something handmade to the not-so-exciting cake pan from the bride's registry.

This simple hostess apron should do the trick. The shape has kind of a retro-vibe, but the print is bright and modern.  It is similar to the hostess aprons I have made in the past, except it isn't gathered, has a rounded bottom, and there is a very long sash at the waist that wraps around the back and ties up front.  It's kind of sassy.  I just made it up as I went along yesterday afternoon, so maybe I'll post a pattern for it someday.  But not today.  :)

I'm also including the recipe for my favorite chocolate cake (my sister's recipe) that uses said cake pan, and some blank recipe cards to match. I made these using my favorite photo-editing site, picnik.com. 

Here's the yummy cake recipe, if you're interested:

And some blank recipe cards, if you like them:

 Just right click to save the file and print as a 4x6 image.  You should be able to fit two per page.

picnik love

One of my favorite blogs, I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar, posted some great photo editing tips today using my favorite site, picnik.com.  She even made three little instructional videos to highlight some of the better features.  I've been a long time picnik user, but I still learned several helpful tips.

Here's one of my favorite baby photos of Oscar at 2 weeks old, edited using Cheri's baby photo tips.

It makes a big difference!  Just thought I'd share.  :)

Federal Tax Rates by Income Quintile

Recently updated by CBO.  Click on the graphic to enlarge.

Links

Here are a few things readers sent me while I was away:

1. Economics is harder than most bloggers think.
2. Merle Hazard's latest song, Legal Tender.
3. A Cash Award for Nice Professors.
4. Ten Commandments for Fiscal Adjustment.
5. The BP Coffee Spill.

My Latest

Click here to read my article in the new issue of National Affairs about the recent debate over fiscal stimulus.

Infant Sun Top and various unfinished projects

The little infant sun top was finally rescued from Oscar's closet today for a photo shoot.

It is a tiny little thing, made using the instructions in the From An Igloo tutorial for a shirred sundress (the fabric is Heather Ross Mendocino Kelp Stripe Blush).  I opted for a single layer instead of a double, and my straps don't tie at the top, which may be a mistake (they look a little long, no?).  Anyway, this was my first attempt at shirring and I LOVE it.  I was all bent out of shape while I sewed it, thinking the elastic thread wasn't gathering as much as I wanted.  But then I pressed it, and presto-chango! it was perfect.   Pressing is key.

I also want to try this Sweet Shirred Sundress pattern from Prudent Baby, and of course, the Summer Vacation Dress and Shortie pattern that I purchased at MADE.  Now that I am not afraid of elastic thread, I have a feeling that will be an addictive pattern.

I have to admit, I made this little top about two months ago.  It took me this long to post because a) I kept forgetting to take a picture, and b) I have a half-sewn pair of bloomers that I wanted to pair it with.  See?

After looking at my unfinished project pile today, I am admitting defeat.  I have trouble committing.  There are half-sewn bloomers, unfinished baby booties, and most importantly, the half finished blessing dress (have I mentioned I want to make a bonnet and shoes to go with it?).  They'll all get done.  I just have to commit.

You know what I don't have trouble committing to?

I finished them off while I was editing photos for this post.  I'll call it a successful afternoon.