Changes to the {2nd} Degree
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 I'm so excited to unveil my new header (those on a RSS reader, come on over and check it out!). I have been meaning to change my header ever since I started this blog, but was content with the other one until I figured out what I wanted. To be honest, dealing with CSS code is not my favorite thing in the whole world, so I was kind of putting it off. Fortunately, I made the decision a few weeks ago that I wanted something better and more in line with my vision for the blog and got the fabulous help of Caitlin over at Lark Creatif. I'm so happy with it! Of course, I'd also love to hear what you think as well, so feel free to leave your thoughts below.
As you've probably noticed, the entire layout and color scheme of the blog has also changed. Unfortunately, changing the header was a bit more complicated than I predicted with my original layout, so I had to make the move. I'm still tweaking the rest of the layout a bit, you'll notice a few things are in different places, but everything has pretty much stayed the same. I am missing the splash of colors, but am liking that it's bit more simplistic, clean-lined and less busy, all things I like.
On to the next!
What do all 4 of these items have in common?
They are all remedies for {oven} burns!
And from the looks of what occurred at the bakery this morning, I'm in need of anything I can get my hands on. Yep, those would be two huge red circles, received when I reached my arm way back into the industrial size oven to grab a piece of foil that had flown off a baked good. I think extra-long oven mitts may have just gone to the top of my Christmas list.
From my quick google search, I learned that there are a ton of natural (and weird) natural burn remedies. And believe it or not, a hefty majority of them are foods that you probably have right in your pantry. So if you run out of Neosporin or aloe vera (these will become regular items in my purse from now on), don't fret. Here is a fun list of natural alternatives. Some you may have heard of, but I bet a bunch of these will surprise you!
- Olive oil or Vitamin E tablet (squeeze the oil out!)
- Witch Hazel or Aloe Vera
And the less familiar:
- Honey
- Mustard
- Broccoli, Potatoes, or Citrus Fruits (to eat! Don't be caught rubbing these on your burns, you'll just look silly)
- Egg whites
- Milk
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Toothpaste
Of course, in the spirit of trying these out (I was obviously a willing and needy patient), I tried mustard, honey, Neosporin, and Benadryl just for kicks. My thoughts?
The order (from left to right): Mustard, Neosporin, & Honey. 
The mustard started burning right away, so I wasn't too impressed with that one. The honey and Neosporin didn't burn at all and immediately took some of the pain away! Mission accomplished. Yet another reason to stock honey in the cabinet (or within arm's reach).
After the excitement of baking for 6 hours straight today, returning home and tending my wounds (literally), I sat down to my new routine of eating a huge bowl of plain vegetables as soon as possible. Seriously, working in a bakery has made me crave vegetables like never before. This could be a problem considering half the items in my Holiday Challenge are baked goods. Any one wanna learn how to steam spinach instead? Didn't think so...
Another reason for this new routine is that it only involves a microwave and I can't burn myself using a microwave. Or at least, I don't think I can. Uh oh.
I know that this was probably the most random post I've ever written, but I promise, I will be sharing new and tried recipes soon! And as you can probably guess, it will most certainly not be a baked good. At least, for now, that is...
Reader Comments (21)
LOVE the header!!! I've been in need of a header for umm over a year!! Ouch that burn looks so painful. You are hard care :)
the new layout looks really great! I've always thought that I would gain a ton of weight working in a bakery, so that is awesome that you're craving veg!
I love the new header!
Unfortunately, I can tell you from experience that it's not possible to burn yourself on a micro but it IS possible to stupidly use non-microwaveable bowls and grab them straight out and burn yourself that way...takes talent, I tell ya
I changed my blog header and layout a couple weeks ago. It was a little more complicated than expected, but I really like the way it ultimately turned out! Your design looks great!
I really do love the new header. I think it's great that the whole site is cleaner - it showcases your photography and words in a great way! Sorry about those burns, those look curse-worthy. I probably would've lost my job on the first day screaming words sailors would cringe at if I were in your shoes:)
Thanks Allie! Working with Caitlin was great (and really affordable), so if you're having trouble figuring it out yourself (which I was), it might be worth looking into.
I'll take that compliment. However, that wasn't the word I was thinking of!!
<3 Laura
I'm so glad you like it, because it's really for you guys in the end. I was worried about the same thing too, at first, but then I realized that I'm the kind of person that craves endless amounts of savory bread & pasta...not sweet baked goods, luckily. Also--I get to smell everything, so it's almost like I'm tasting it ;) Of course, a couple bitefuls get in every now and then, hehe.
Thanks Faith!
I'll have to retract that statement, because I've definitely done exactly what you just described. Weird bowls that get extra hot in the microwave are the worst! Maybe I'll just have to stick to salad, haha.
<3 Laura
Isn't it so confusing?! You would think that someone would have tried to make it more straightforward by now...even this new layout involved changing the coding to make it fit correctly.
Thank you so much for chiming in, Mimi! I really wanted to get everyone's feedback on it.
I really appreciate all your comments and feedback, Joslyn. I'm glad to also hear that you prefer the overall layout now! I think you took the words right out of my mouth, but I was worried some people might find it too monochromatic.
A couple curses were produced, I'll admit. Luckily, my boss is on the cupcake truck throughout the day, so she didn't overhear them, but she's great, so I'd doubt if she would have minded. At least, I didn't drop anything coming out of the oven as I was acquiring them!! {worst fear}
<3 Laura
I like the header! And I know those burns all too well.. I've come to terms that getting burnt in the kitchen just comes with the territory.. I call them battle scars now.. Just make sure you take care of them!! Hope it gets better for ya! :-)
OMG great header! I know how much work that can be! Those burns look awful! omg!!
Thanks! :) Oh geez, well at least it's good to know that it's not completely me and general clumsiness. Those oven racks are so close together, it's bound to happen! They're already looking better today. Thanks for visiting!
<3 Laura
Thanks Erin! Love your header as well. It is not fun, but the payoff is worth it. The burns are already getting better. Today they just look like an odd sunburn! ;)
Ouch! Painful burns!
Your new header looks amazing. It's so unique, I love it :)
Love the header and new layout! :) Sorry about the burns though!
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much Heather! I love hearing that. The burns are already getting better, don't worry ;)
xo Laura
Sorry, commenting glut! I love the new header, so cute! I chose my blog layout specifically so I could avoid headers! I'm avoiding CSS like the plague.
Hehe, don't apologize! Thankfully I got help with the header and installation, because CSS is totally not my thing either. It's not too bad though! Let me know if you ever want to switch over and I might be able to help :)
[...] I’ve learned a lot in the process, worked extremely hard, and have more than a couple scars to prove it. Remember that day I got my finger stuck in a pastry tip? I’ve personally [...]