Adventures and Reflections...

So as I am getting ready to embark on my big adventure I can’t help but reflect on the year that led me to this point. I am truly blessed in more ways than I ever imagined. This year has been one of the best of my life- in a stable- self reflective -seriously great and occasionally messy-sort of way. I have learned so so much about myself. I have also learned that traveling makes me very anxious. Why is that? I have been having dreams for the last several nights about forgetting the most necessary things… and being so embarrassed. I need to remind myself that there are Walgreens on every corner in more places than just Kansas. Also, I need to monitor my television habits. Watching 12 hours of Swamp People marathon is super awesome – until I dream of myself snorkeling and getting eaten by alligators- big, fat, super toofy gators… Yes! I know I should probably focus my dreams on a shark attack but the mind does what it does… ok so I’m still neurotic- clearly that hasn’t changed! Also my claustrophobia has gotten worse with age. There is nothing more terrifying than getting on a plane with a hundred strangers. Normally, I fly Southwest. I usually do an experiment in my head about how the last people aboard choose who they are going to sit next to. I try to figure out what criteria they are using in their head. That’s a fun game until I get stuck next to a crazy person or someone who smells like they just spent a month without running water. Will assigned seats be as much fun? hrrmmmm it’s like a lottery….(realization: i've never won the lottery =( )


Ok so back to reflecting on this year. What I’ve learned…

My family is crazy… like in a funny and adorable way… but I’ve come to realize that although my relationships with them may not be Hallmark Movie material all the time or maybe any of the time -its ok… so long as I do my best to let them each know that I love them and care about them I’ve done enough. I know I get frustrated pretty easily when people/ situations don’t live up to my expectations but that’s just what they are… my expectations. I’ve been working on my relationships with them where we are at… I’ve found it to be less frustrating then trying to live up to ol’ Hallmark…at when i just can't not be frustrated... there is always booze.

“It is what it is” is sooooo over…. more like it is what you make of it….

Saying no to yourself can make you better and stronger…yeah it sucks some of the time but what you can accomplish by keeping your eyes on the prize can also be pretty amazing.

Setting boundaries is a really good concept. People will say and do things. By things I mean crazy things… like you’ll scratch your head and wonder how they made it to this point in life things, surely your parents never had any children that actually lived things, and OMG SERIOUSLY???!!! things. The beauty of boundaries is you get to determine what effect those things have on your life and what level of you they get to experience going forward. My good friend Al explains it best with his “circle”. He really has something there….This year brought changes in my inner circle… much needed changes. It’s definitely smaller but I feel strongly that it’s legit… and if I ever get arrested you know you’ll be the first people I call =)

Sitting around waiting for some big life event to happen before you start living your life is well…pretty dumb. I did this… and I admit I was dumb. I always said I’d start worrying about retirement when I had a family. Turns out there’s probably a better plan and now that I’m almost 35 (EEEEK) and I do someday want to retire… (it suits my dad well – and I think it would look good on me too) so sorry to Prince Charming and my future kids or my crazy dog lady farm-…I’ve decided to start without you…

Less is more…except when it comes to letting your loved ones know you care, puppy snuggles, exercise, and money in the bank.

So the more I think about what I learned the more I realized I learned. Getting older really is a double edged sword… its hell on this old body but good for my perspective I guess… good ol’ mother nature! Haha

I’m so excited about 2012 (and life in general)… and I plan on working on my goals when I’m sitting on the beach sipping frosty beverages and I plan on sharing them with you when I get back. I’m not positive what all will make the list but I have a few ideas brewing. One thing is for certain- no marathons or half marathons. My toenails are back and I think I want them to stay. I guess I should follow that by no blowing up like the Goodyear Blimp either. I’m just ready for something different. No noodling- there was also a marathon of Hillbilly Handfishin on the same day as Swamp People and those people are nuckin futs.

My wish for you is that you have a very merry Christmas/holiday/ or whatever it is you celebrate and a Great New Years. Like Super great!

I plan on continuing to have the best.christmas.ever! And I can’t wait to share my adventures with you when I get back! In the meantime, I’ll be sure to post a pic or two from Hawaii to gloat! =) Mele Kalikimaka suckahhhs! :P

Christmas Goodies

I love making goodies this time of year. Actually ALL times of year but especially for Christmas. This year I sort of took the easy way out though. Lets just say I made it a "semi-homemade" type of Christmas. Truth: by "semi-homemade" I mean I took a bunch of tasty treats and added chocolate in various forms. If it has chocolate it has to be good... RiGHT?!?!?!
RIIIIIGHT!!
The one thing I am a little sad about is that i didn't use my Grandma S's old tin cookie cutters. I love them - they remind me of when I was younger. I went to my friend Debbie's family cookie day. It was a blast. By the time I got done decorating sugar cookies there though I was pretty much done with frosting. You know me... I get that way. My contribution to her family cookie day was Rolo Turtles. So easy and so delicious.
The recipe can be found here...
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pretzel-turtles/

Yours truly with Rolo turtles

Home made Thin Mints

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/thin-mint-crackers/

Reindeer Kisses:

Recipe: Preheat oven to 350. Spread a layer of checkerboard pretzels on a pan. Top each with a candy cane kiss. put in oven until kisses are glossy/ soft. gently press another checkerboard pretzel on top of the kiss.

White Chocolate Covered Oreos:

Recipe: exactly as described then i sprinkled the tops with crushed candy canes for some SPARKLE!!

Here's a tray I made for a gift. I also made some Reindeer Crunch... (microwave popcorn + crushed oreos + crushed candy canes= HOLY YUMMY!)

I almost forgot the Saltine Toffee: this one always get raves... if you like the salty/sweet combo like this girl, do yourself a favor and try this recipe...the.best.toffee.EVER! (Note: I'm a slacker- I didn't bother with the white chocolate decoration on this- I just left it plain- you can also do pecans or sprinkles depending on how sassy you are feeling.)
recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/saltine-toffee/detail.aspx

Here's the moral of the story. If you've been way too busy rushing around getting your gifts bought and wrapped but still want to make some treats- there is still hope for you- Just keep it simple!! =)

Christmas Gift Ideas




1.Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer ($200 and up)

  -if I was stranded on an island with one kitchen item this would be it.

2. Coach Purse ($250 and up)

  -        these purses have all the bells and whistles and last forever… when I got mine for christmas I danced with it in the living room…love, love, love, love. Guys you probably don’t understand it so I’m not going to try to explain. If you decide to buy one of these for your lady- before you go to the mall swing by the bar have one or two and then proceed with shopping. Walk up to the store or counter if you go to Dillards or Macy’s and go right for the mid-size ones. Pick the one that most reminds you of her. This is the one- Coach has already taken care of the rest of the details. Do NOT look at the price tag! Proceed to hand the nice lady your credit card and ask her politely to gift wrap it. Close your eyes and sign. Proceed back to the bar and have another drink or two. High Five everyone you meet- you just got her the most awesome christmas gift ever!



3. Scarf ($10 and up)

  -you can find these almost everywhere these days. they are super fun!

 



4. Ornaments (these are Pier 1 roughly $7)

  -pick something that reminds you of the person you are buying it for





 

5. Gift Cards

  -whoever said gift cards were not thoughtful didn’t have a crazy aunt that bought them weird stuff… there is nothing wrong with a gift card it ensures the receiver gets exactly what they want. Some of my favorites are Amazon.com… if you’re running last minute this is great you can send it to the person via email immediately and you can get everything you could ever wish for on amazon. Also if you want gift cards for restaurants go to restaurants.com they have $25 gift cards for a lot less than that sometimes- just be sure to read the fine print.






 

6. Earrings (these are Silpada $42)

  -or any jewelry really from anywhere. They have a ton of super fun costume jewelry out these days. and remember- Diamonds really ARE a girls best friend.

 

 

7. Essie Nail Polish ($8)

  -this nail polish is the best. It goes on good, last a long time and comes in super fun colors…size does matter, bangle jangle, and marshmallow- what’s not to love about that?

 

8. Calendar ($6.50)

  -what I love about this particular calendar is that its unique. I always get comments on it. Added bonus is that it fits on that weird small wall in your kitchen b/c its long and skinny. If you want ordering info let me know and I will pass it on to you.

 

9. Chia pet ($12 and up) 

  -these are fun…and they make me smile. I sorta want one for my desk at work…



 

10. Pooping Penguin ($3)

  -call me immature its fine… I still think these are silly!



 

11. Home made gifts

  -I love homemade gifts. If you need ideas check out Pinterest.com. Please be advised- that site is highly addictive. You do need an invite to join and I’d be more than happy to send you one if you need it!

 

12. Wine Charms ($8 –these are Pier 1)

  Pair these with #13. so cute!

 

13. 2 Buck Chuck ($2&some change- Trader Joes)

  -for somewhere between $2&$3 this is where its at! And for the price so much more sophisticated than Maddog 20/20.

 

14. Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish/ Jalapeno Jelly ($6 / jar)

  -this stuff is delicious and they have recipes on the jar for amazing dips. Like we won’t allow Ms. Sarah Martin to come to a BBQ without her famous Jalepeno Jelly dip amazing. Holler if you need recipes- I’ll be happy to provide!

 

15. Scratch off tickets ($1 and up each)

  -these are fun and could make you rich…just maybe…

 

16. iPhone4/4S ($99-$400)

  -Now offered from Sprint…. If you need details let me know!! =)

 

17. Pedicure or other fun shared adventure 

  -my new favorite gift is to take the person somewhere and spend time together. A lot of times everybody is always so busy that just spending time together is the best gift of all. And you never know what kind of adventure you might have. I took my stepmom Jan for pedicures for her birthday this year. We still laugh about the crazy old oriental cougar beating up her husband in the front seat of their truck right out front. Those memories are priceless!!

A Change of Pace

I know you’re probably thinking who is this girl? For those of you that know me, you could say the holidays aren’t really my thing. I have potentially said that out loud and yes, I meant it. That was also me who puked in my mouth a little when my cheery friend Alyson proclaimed, “Christmas is love”.  I squirmed a little just typing that. Well I’ve come to a new conclusion. As much as it pains me to say it… Christmas isn’t so bad. Maybe I’m just saying that because I’ve managed to wiggle my way in on my awesome brother and sister-in-laws Hawaiian Christmas vacation (Mele Kalikamaka) but I think I might have finally figured out what works for me. Ahhh the beauty of getting older.  Christmas lost its sparkle for me somewhere between the time when I found out about the whole Santa Claus thing and becoming an adult (or at least realizing that it takes a lot of work to pull off the holidays.) I guess all those Christmas I spent dreading and loathing was not all lost. I realized that I have learned quite a few things. So here’s what works for me.

1.)    Put aside perfection. In the past, I was always worried about being perfect, find the perfect gift, perfect this, perfect that. Truth: There is NO such thing- so do what works for you! I would walk around the mall for hours scouring for the perfect gift. It had to be great – nothing less. I also wanted it to be a surprise… I passed by plenty a useful and good enough gift. How I learned this was dumb: I spent 2 weeks of one December of my life in search of the “perfect gift” for a beloved sister in law. When I found “the one”,  I doubted it but it was getting to crunch time so I got it, sent it off, and left it at that. The next Christmas at our work White Elephant exchange guess what I got…. That “perfect” gift. Turns out – what we make out to be “perfect” in our heads is someone elses gag work gift the next year.

2.)    Ask for help, suggestions, etc. If you don’t know what to get someone- ask them. Nothing says “Hey I think you’re great” like getting someone exactly what they want. If they say I don’t know, or I’ll get back to you and then never do… never fear… do your best and send a gift receipt. Gift receipts were the invention of a very wise person. When shopping- get one for everything!!! Tape it right to the tag/ item. Don’t be afraid ,you are everyone a huge favor. Along these same lines, if someone asks you what you want for Christmas- tell them… as in send them the link to exactly what you want, a picture, or hell even go out and buy it yourself and send them the bill. I’ve found you won’t get what you REALLY want unless you ask for it. Don’t be the person who whines about not getting what they really wanted because they wanted someone to read their minds. Yes friends you know we do this. Be realistic though or have a solid plan B. Like if you tell your man you want a brand new car…. Also send him the link to the really great earrings you saw online. I know those commercials make it look like everyone wakes up to new Lexus with a big red bow in the driveway but chances are this might not be your year.

3.)    If you don’t love it…just say NO!  This is true in real life as well as for the holidays… you should use this tactic when shopping, when committing to events, and when eating cookies.  When shopping – if you don’t love it don’t buy it! You work hard for your money! When committing to events don’t be afraid to say no and don’t feel bad about it. Be honest and say no upfront. There is nothing worse than counting on someone to help you or be somewhere and they text you at the last minute, “sorry, insert lame excuse here”. So don’t do that to people either. If you don’t want to do something just tell whoever “no” up front. No excuse necessary. No thank you! Repeat after me, No thank you! If you are a perpetual yes girl like me, the first few times you do this it will be super akward. Get over it – FAST! You’ll also find people will think something is wrong with you- that is also fine. They generally won’t voice their concern to you- you’ll find out from someone else.  If people think you’re mad at them because you turn down an invite, that is not your concern. Truth: people respect you when you are upfront. So say no when you aren’t loving it and if you commit, honor your word.
As for the cookies or other sweets on that holiday buffet if you don’t LOVE it after a bite- be done with it! Save those calories for something you find fabulous- or proceed to the bar and have another drink.

PLEASE- Do not use this tactic in regards to your job, paying your bills, or otherwise necessary evils. While it may feel super good to tell your crazy boss to take a flying leap- you may not love the consequences of that later in the day. Keep your eye on the prize…for now…

4.)    A little planning goes a long way. I am not a planner by nature. I don’t like to commit to things too far out or fill my calendar too full like some people I know. All I’m suggesting here is to make a list really. It may already be too late for you here for this year. In that case, promptly go buy a big bottle of booze and proceed to panic. Sometime around August (this is only what works for me… another month may be better for you) write down everyone that you plan to buy for and put a dollar amount by their name. Start saving cash and getting ideas. Better yet if someone mentions something they’d like you can buy it early. My goals in life these days are to pay for Christmas with cash only (no credit cards) and be done shopping before December 1. I absolutely will not shop on Black Friday. It never fails that someone will invade my personal bubble and I’ll start sweating profusely and storm out of a store after I’ve waited in line for an obscene amount of time. This makes me feel bad so I don’t do it. However, I like feeling like I get everything on sale so I generally get all my shopping done someone between the Saturday after Thanksgiving and December  1. I will take a day off work to do this if it means avoiding the mall on the weekend or whatever. Also shopping late at night during the week works. The less people I come in contact with in public the better. I think shopping makes people rude… could just be me. I know I am very fortunate in the fact that in my family we generally do group gifts – in that case count on the natural planners in your life and send them cash to make the magic happen. There is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating others natural abilities.

My plan for tomorrow is a list of totally great and reasonably priced gift ideas! I cleared my mind of my holiday humbug and freed up room for all this other fun stuff.  In the meantime, if you have any helpful holiday tips feel free to share them in the comments below.

Microphone cake balls

Last week I had the opportunity to assist my friend Sari with a very special cake ball project for a very special little girls American Idol themed Birthday party. Sari and I were roommates back in good ol' Manhappiness, KS. She is one of those girls that has the best taste....I've always admired the eye for style that girl has. Needless to say I was so excited when she asked me to help with these cakeballs. She sent me a picture of some she found online and we went from there.... sooo fun!

she also constructed the "stage" stand - completely adorable....

here is the cake she made as well....

I told you that girl was good! =)

Sandy and Patricks Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

6-13-2011 updated with Pictures from the event! thank you Sandy for sharing! Much appreciated

Princess's Birthdays

for a 3 and 6 year old birthday whose favorite colors are green and purple....
Thanks Amanda and Mike for thinking of me!!!

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever!!!

It doesn't get any easier than this folks...
3 ingredient peanut butter cookies....
de.lic.ious!
1 cup of peanut butter
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
throw it in a bowl and give it a whirl...
scoop and roll then give it a criss cross press with a fork if you like or press down with a glass dipped in sugar....
bake at 350 for about 8 minutes....

 and then you could add some chocolate if you like.... me likey....

Have a great week everyone!!!! 

Easter Eggstravaganza

For Easter, I got the notion stuck in my head that I wanted to do something with Cadbury Creme Eggs. I'm not even quite sure why- I really don't even like them... but apparently I am definitely in the minority. Anywhoo's they're a classic and here is my ode to them.

what you'll need...
a chocolate cake (baked in 2 8in rounds)
a yellow cake (baked in 2 8in rounds)- i added a little extra food coloring to mine to make it look especially "yokey"
2 white/ vanilla cakes can be made in any pan
buttercream frosting
a dozen Cadbury Creme Eggs
other easter candy as you see fit for decorations

once you have all your ingredients assembled cakes baked its time to begin construction...ahhh the fun stuff

take the white cakes and mash them up and add a little less than 2 cups of frosting ala cake ball mixture...
mix it well.
take an 8 in round pan and line with plastic wrap. **tip** smudge a little frosting on the bottom of the pan it will keep your plastic wrap in place. Press a thin layer of cake ball mixture down along the bottom of the pan just enough to cover. Like this...

Now its time to add your surprise inside!! Unwrap those chocolatey eggs and place them in your pan.

Now cover with as much of the cake ball mixture is necessary to completely hide those treasures....

What Cadbury Eggs???

Make sure you push it down firmly and give yourself a nice flat top. Pop this bad boy into the freezer to help it set up. I left mine in over night however- if you don't give it enough time to thaw completely cutting through this later could be problematic.
Ok now that thats in the freezer I would suggest you go for a run or something to stave off some of the damage this cake may potentially do to your waistline... also level the other cakes for stacking...
once you feel your cake/ egg concoction is amply firm lets start construction... I wanted my cake to resemble

the egg itself so i did a chocolate layer on the bottom. A little frosting. A yellow layer. The cake/ egg concoction layer. A yellow layer. A little more frosting. And top that baby off with a chocolate layer. This is what mine looked like.

This picture tells you a couple things... A. my cake was not level B. I used canned frosting for the cake ball mixture C. this is a whole lotta cake

Then I did a quick crumb coat and let that sit up for a bit. Final step is to slather this baby in frosting and decorate it however you see fit.

when it was finished the lid did not fit on my cake keeper....

this is what it looks like when you cut into it

so here's what i learned from this experience...

you need to allow plenty of time for the middle layer to thaw or you won't get the ooey gooey egg ooozing effect that i was hoping for upon cutting into it. sooo sad =(

this may have been complete and total overkill... a good concept but even the most advanced and serious sweet eaters comments have been ... "it was good but it might have been too much".

a cake of this stature needs support- this baby imploded on itself after about 12 solid hours of bearing the weight of the middle layer ...

lessons learned... i guess i'll try to tone it down a bit for the next adventure.

here are a few cute bite size nuggets for easter as well

i've also learned i really need to work on my picture taking....
enjoy!!!