Links, links, and more links

The problem with reading lots of blogs is that it makes a person feel slightly envious of the many talents of others, and also quite ambitious to improve oneself by learning new things and undertaking new projects. To that end I have been assembling a list for some time of places to go, recipes to try, things to learn, and craft projects to attempt. I thought I might share them here in an effort to give myself a little bit of accountability--sort of like New Year's resolutions or 43 things. So please don't hesitate as the year goes on to check in and ask me, "have you finished knitting that cowl?" or "whatever happened to those caramels you planned to make?" I'll appreciate the encouragement!

Projects on the Agenda:

• Felted nesting bowls:Amy turned me on to these cute bowls that were showcased on Design*Sponge, and I already have some bulky navy blue yarn bought just for the purpose.
• Building a light box: SouleMama posted about this recently and got me thinking about how easy it would be and how useful for taking flash pictures--the question is, where would I keep it?
• These before and after shots of refurbished furniture from Design*Sponge and How About Orange have inspired me to try refurbishing a homely little chair that floats around our apartment.
• This cashmere cowl from Purl Bee has been on my mind for a while, and now that I've seen this sample on MamaCraft, I can't wait to get started on one. I'm thinking I will do it in a nice lightweight baby alpaca yarn.
• Recipe Greeting Cards: I saw these on Steamy Kitchen--what a cool idea!

Things to Learn:

• What del.icio.us is all about (from Unclutterer): I am forever printing out web pages and bringing them home, and then losing them in our clutter. Del.icio.us is just what I need.
  
• How to graft two pieces of knitting together (via Not Martha)
• How to make stretchy bind-offs (via Not Martha): I found this just in time to finish the ribbed scarf I'm working on.
• How to get rid of junk mail forever (from Unclutterer): I think about this every time I pick up the mail.
  
• HDR Photography: I have been browsing the HDR pool on Flickr lately and feeling inspired, but after speaking with Christian last night, I am ready to take the plunge and try it out.
  

Places to Go:

• Brooklyn Flea: Amy first turned me onto this exciting Brooklyn development, and I have been following it on Brownstoner. Doors open on April 6th!
• Bust Magazine Craftacular: I found out about this crafts show coming up in Williamsburg in April from Not Martha.
• New York Transit Museum: It's right in my own neighborhood, and you get to sit in old-fashioned subway cars! What could be better?
• Tenement Museum: I have been wanting to visit ever since I read Five Points by Tyler Anbinder.

Recipes to Try:

• Hazelnut Brown Butter Cake (from Smitten Kitchen): Doesn't it just sound like something to swoon over?
  
• Tuscan Bean Soup (from Start Cooking): I would like to add a few new hearty soups to my repertoire, and this one seems quite easy.
  
• Baked Scallops (from Simply Recipes): I am looking for things to do with scallops. I have never tried cooking them this way before.
  
• Lightest Chocolate Mousse (posted on Gothamist by Danielle of Habeas Brulee): It looks melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
  
• Spiced Eggplant with Peas and Yogurt (from Orangette): "Spiced" and "eggplant" in the same line means it's a recipe for me.
  
• Crispy Skin Chicken (from The Paupered Chef): If I could ensure crispy skin on my roast chickens, it would be life changing.
  
• Quick Pickled Cucumbers with Chili Bean Sauce (from Habeas Brulee): A perfect next step in my pickling journey.
  
• Hot Fudge Pudding Cake (from Nook & Pantry): I'm a sucker for any of those gooey-in-the-middle chocolate cakes.
  
• No-knead Nutella Challah Bread (from Jaden's Steamy Kitchen). I have been wanting to try the no-knead bread for a while. A swirl of Nutella may be just the thing to get me to do it.
  
• Roasted Feta Cheese (from MattBites): Matt's description won me over, it sounds so delicious.
  
• Red Velvet Cupcakes (from Vanilla Garlic, via Simply Recipes): The last dessert I made inspired by these two amazing food blogs was such a success, I hope this will be the same.
  
• WHO Bread (from SouleMama, also via Tea and Cookies and Love This Life): It has already been made by (at least) three of my favorite bloggers. Clearly that's a sign.
  
• Pecan Maple Caramels (from The Chocolate Gourmand): We are suckers for caramels in this house. They also sound like they would make a nice gift.