I found a new friend over the weekend. His name is Marinade. He made porkchops so delicious I can't stop thinking about him and all of his saucy cousins. I seriously don't know why I've never tried it before but I am hooked!!! Here is the marinade I used for said porky chops...
http://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-pork-chops-marinade-175264
Of course, in true Schroeder fashion, I didn't measure anything I just eyeballed it. Also, instead of plain old oregano I used Kirklands (from Costco) Rustic Tuscan seasoning. It had oregano and lemon in it like the marinade so I went with it. After letting it sit in a ziploc bag in the fridge for a few hours I grilled them... super delicious!!!
Those turned out so good I decided to try chicken Fajitas on Monday. All I did for these bad boys was throw the chicken in a ziploc baggie, squeeze about 5 fresh limes in the bag, added roughly the same amount of olive oil., then dumped in some good ol' taco seasoning. I let those suckers fiesta over night in the fridge and grilled it up. I sauteed some peppers and onions on the side.Then this happened: BEST.FAJITAS.EVER!!!
As you may or may not know, when something is working for me I tend to go with it. Call me compulsive... it's cool... So my next lil chicky adventures are taking a dip in the marinade pond as we speak... Cilantro Lime Garlic, Teriyaki, and that same fabulous one that I linked to above.... ohhh the possibilities.
In other news, my first birthday gift arrived today. Super awesome! There's nothing that makes me feel better about getting older than getting new stuff!!! I'm simple like that. I seriously can't believe I am this old. I mean I know what comes after 34 but in my head I still feel like 20-somethingish....well except for every morning when I get up and feel sore, and when I have one (ha!) too many frosty beverages and it takes me down for the count for a few days. Sigh. Ok never mind that isn't making me feel any better. On the bright side, I have the day off work, get to eat cake, and I'll never be this young again!!
Just in case you need some ideas of what to make with your marinated meat here are some suggestions:
broccoli salad:
http://www.jamhands.net/2010/03/bodacious-broccoli-salad.html
and for dessert:
http://dessert.food.com/recipe/butterfinger-pie-29478
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Your very own lab rat
Fun stuff today!! I’m going to be your own personal lab rat. Some product reviews just for you!
There is nothing I hate more than spending my hard earned money on something hoping it will work- only to find out it doesn’t! So here are a few things I’ve tried lately and what I think.
One of my new favorite things in life is Birchbox. Basically, its $10 a month and they send you a box of beauty samples. Why I love this? I am awkward as a girl (I blame that on going through my teens with no sisters) and frankly sometimes I need a push in the right direction when it comes to what I should be doing with myself beauty-wise. So for $10 I get to try a few things that I probably would never have spent the money on for a full sized product. Plus, I get a box of wrapped pretties in the mail every month. It’s like Christmas –without the crazy family-every.month. So this month here is what I got:
Masqueology Pore Minimizing Mask: This was very weird but totally awesome. It was like a Jason scary movie mask. It had a thin cloth that had been marinated in a mushroom extract serum inside. Basically you lay it over your face and chill out for 20 minutes and voila! Ladies: a warning- your men do not need to see you when you do this. Frankly- you will look scary and they just don’t get that sometimes things have to look worse for a little bit to look better. So, pick a time when you have about 20 minutes of alone time and knock yourself out. I did mine before bed. The serum on it is a weird consistency but it is very soothing and doesn’t smell bad. Once you are done with the mask you just pull it off and chuck it. Then rub in the remaining stuff on your face. Every mask I’ve done before this you had to let it dry so I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t “feel” it working (you know me – I want results NOW!!!). What happens next is pretty much awesome…when I woke up the next day my skin was super soft and much smoother. Downside they are $8 a pop (as in per mask, not per box =() soooo turns out I might have to put this on my special treat list or try to find a cheaper substitute. Just keeping it real..on a budget friends!
Next up was the Stila One step Bronze. This was not just a sample! It was a full on legit full size bottle I think. I love bronzer. I think it is better than blush. That’s just me and you probably should definitely not take my word for it. I’m no frills- I want to look like I’ve tried without trying too much. I have been using only powder bronzer for as long as I’ve used it. A few swipes with a big ol’ brush and hello sun goddess… this stuff is more like a foundation. I was a little scared to try it because I silently judge people all day in my head when they look retarded in public and I do not want to be that girl. Plus I’m way too tall to pull off being an Oompa Loompa. So I used my usual foundation and then applied this over the top of that. It was just ok for me… Normally, when I do the powder bronzer I can just sweep it on the spots where the sun naturally hits and I think it looks very natural. The liquid doesn’t give that effect as much, in my opinion. Plus it’s a little harder to add more or less in areas where you might want to. So, although, I was stoked to get a full size product for cheap-o I think I’ll stick to my drugstore powder bronzer. As a side note, I just read the directions for use and apparently you are supposed to apply foundation after using this. I’m the worst girl ever! I’ll let you know if switching the order of applications finds me a whole new love for this—stay tuned….
theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac:
This is one that I would probably never have tried on my own – but I would definitely buy it now that I’ve tried it. I love love love it. I have very thin lips and am not all that in love with lipstick. If I use anything its Chap Stick or lip gloss. I used to work with a lady that wore bright arse lipstick every day and she’d always have it all over her teeth and face and I never knew a thing about what just happened after I got done talking to her other than the lipstick tragedy she had going on. I also do not want to be that girl. This gives my lips a nice natural color slightly darker than normal and helps define them a little more. I have to use Chap Stick over the top of this though because I feel like it’s a little dry. Not a problem though, because I normally use softlips like it’s my job anyways. You can also use this as a blush. In fear of looking like a circus clown I haven’t tried that yet. When and if I do – I’ll let you know.
I haven’t tried the self-tanning wipes or smelled the John Varvatos cologne yet… I like to spread out my surprises. I’ll keep you posted on that action though.
So my last product review for today has to do with something I’m VERY sensitive about. My feet. Birth defect #89. This goes back a LOOOONG way for me. I’ve had very ginormous feet since a very early age. Actually, it isn’t as bad now because it seems more common. At least that’s what I tell myself when I’m hanging out with the trannies in the big girl aisle at Payless. My problem seems to stem from the fact that I fall somewhere in between skis and pontoons. Skis are definitely too small and pontoons are slightly too big. So, I have to pick the lesser of two evils on pretty much every pair of shoes I buy. Which leads to a lot of blisters and other uncomfortable stuff going on with my feet. Good news is that you do get used to it. Bad news bears, it still sucks. So imagine my delight when I came across this:
Band-Aid Friction Block.
This is supposed to reduce rubbing on skin by forming an invisible barrier. I put this to the test today when I wore some sandals that fall into the ski category. Last time I wore them I got 2 blisters on each foot. The tube looks like a mini stick of deodorant. It smells good too!! Me likey. However, I am not convinced it is worth the money. I still feel uncomfortable rubbing where I’ve applied it (so I did round 2 halfway through the day). I do not have full on blisters but it definitely doesn’t make your shoes fit better. duh. Also it says do not use on blisters- so you’d be pretty much f’d if you decided to try it after the fact. My take on this: is save the $8.50 and buy yourself a margarita and a box of band aids.
Update on running status:
My neck/shoulder didn’t get the memo that me signing up for the 5k meant it should feel better. So, I’ve been walking –which is better than nothing I know but it’s not looking too good. I don’t imagine anything drastic will be changing in the next 9 days so I’m prolly looking at walking that sucker. =( I guess I just have to realize that sometimes you just have to be super patient in life. Sigh… I want what I want and I want it NOW!!! Pouty face.
On the bright side, it’s just about the weekend!!! =)
6/22/2012 ****UPDATE:
I would like to recant my original findings on Stila One step Bronze... I used it as directed and my results were MUUUUCCCHHHHH better. Me likey. However, I am still all in on my cheapy drugstore bronzer powder. Using it as directed was a little too much makeup for my sorry arse. And I am still cheap... so the drugstore stuff works for me... but I will definitely rock my bottle of this while i've got it!
Also- i would like to add my review on the Self Tanning Wipes: HOLY MOTHER of BABY jeezuz!!!!!! I thought in my head they were a bad idea... but the desire to be tan and find the next great thing was just too much for me... so i whipped one of these out yesterday before work and gave myself a wipe down. I tried not to push too hard to use up all the juice too fast. I was pretty satisified with the application. It SEEMED easy enough. Fast forward to after work. (Apparently the flourescent lighting at Cube City had me mesmerized b/c I seemed to think I looked fine all day.) So I rush home throw on shorts and a tank top and zoom out the door for volleyball. I'm in a super big hurry and all flustered. I get about a block down the road and I was like wow theres a weird spot on my arm. It must be the sun reflecting weird off my mirror. Right?? Right? RIGHT????? WRONG!!! its a new breed of spotted striped hooka looking right back in the rearview at me. I seriously looked like a freak show. Worst self tan EVER... Like my daddy always says, if it sounds too good to be true - it is... (ummm remind me sometime to tell you the air car story-YIKES!) Anyways, back to volleyball.... my awesome new streaky look distracted the other team enough that we totally won... or...it could have been my teammates also played awesome. Oh well captain distraction over here did her part...
There is nothing I hate more than spending my hard earned money on something hoping it will work- only to find out it doesn’t! So here are a few things I’ve tried lately and what I think.
One of my new favorite things in life is Birchbox. Basically, its $10 a month and they send you a box of beauty samples. Why I love this? I am awkward as a girl (I blame that on going through my teens with no sisters) and frankly sometimes I need a push in the right direction when it comes to what I should be doing with myself beauty-wise. So for $10 I get to try a few things that I probably would never have spent the money on for a full sized product. Plus, I get a box of wrapped pretties in the mail every month. It’s like Christmas –without the crazy family-every.month. So this month here is what I got:
Next up was the Stila One step Bronze. This was not just a sample! It was a full on legit full size bottle I think. I love bronzer. I think it is better than blush. That’s just me and you probably should definitely not take my word for it. I’m no frills- I want to look like I’ve tried without trying too much. I have been using only powder bronzer for as long as I’ve used it. A few swipes with a big ol’ brush and hello sun goddess… this stuff is more like a foundation. I was a little scared to try it because I silently judge people all day in my head when they look retarded in public and I do not want to be that girl. Plus I’m way too tall to pull off being an Oompa Loompa. So I used my usual foundation and then applied this over the top of that. It was just ok for me… Normally, when I do the powder bronzer I can just sweep it on the spots where the sun naturally hits and I think it looks very natural. The liquid doesn’t give that effect as much, in my opinion. Plus it’s a little harder to add more or less in areas where you might want to. So, although, I was stoked to get a full size product for cheap-o I think I’ll stick to my drugstore powder bronzer. As a side note, I just read the directions for use and apparently you are supposed to apply foundation after using this. I’m the worst girl ever! I’ll let you know if switching the order of applications finds me a whole new love for this—stay tuned….
theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac:
This is one that I would probably never have tried on my own – but I would definitely buy it now that I’ve tried it. I love love love it. I have very thin lips and am not all that in love with lipstick. If I use anything its Chap Stick or lip gloss. I used to work with a lady that wore bright arse lipstick every day and she’d always have it all over her teeth and face and I never knew a thing about what just happened after I got done talking to her other than the lipstick tragedy she had going on. I also do not want to be that girl. This gives my lips a nice natural color slightly darker than normal and helps define them a little more. I have to use Chap Stick over the top of this though because I feel like it’s a little dry. Not a problem though, because I normally use softlips like it’s my job anyways. You can also use this as a blush. In fear of looking like a circus clown I haven’t tried that yet. When and if I do – I’ll let you know.
I haven’t tried the self-tanning wipes or smelled the John Varvatos cologne yet… I like to spread out my surprises. I’ll keep you posted on that action though.
So my last product review for today has to do with something I’m VERY sensitive about. My feet. Birth defect #89. This goes back a LOOOONG way for me. I’ve had very ginormous feet since a very early age. Actually, it isn’t as bad now because it seems more common. At least that’s what I tell myself when I’m hanging out with the trannies in the big girl aisle at Payless. My problem seems to stem from the fact that I fall somewhere in between skis and pontoons. Skis are definitely too small and pontoons are slightly too big. So, I have to pick the lesser of two evils on pretty much every pair of shoes I buy. Which leads to a lot of blisters and other uncomfortable stuff going on with my feet. Good news is that you do get used to it. Bad news bears, it still sucks. So imagine my delight when I came across this:
Band-Aid Friction Block.
This is supposed to reduce rubbing on skin by forming an invisible barrier. I put this to the test today when I wore some sandals that fall into the ski category. Last time I wore them I got 2 blisters on each foot. The tube looks like a mini stick of deodorant. It smells good too!! Me likey. However, I am not convinced it is worth the money. I still feel uncomfortable rubbing where I’ve applied it (so I did round 2 halfway through the day). I do not have full on blisters but it definitely doesn’t make your shoes fit better. duh. Also it says do not use on blisters- so you’d be pretty much f’d if you decided to try it after the fact. My take on this: is save the $8.50 and buy yourself a margarita and a box of band aids.
Update on running status:
My neck/shoulder didn’t get the memo that me signing up for the 5k meant it should feel better. So, I’ve been walking –which is better than nothing I know but it’s not looking too good. I don’t imagine anything drastic will be changing in the next 9 days so I’m prolly looking at walking that sucker. =( I guess I just have to realize that sometimes you just have to be super patient in life. Sigh… I want what I want and I want it NOW!!! Pouty face.
On the bright side, it’s just about the weekend!!! =)
6/22/2012 ****UPDATE:
I would like to recant my original findings on Stila One step Bronze... I used it as directed and my results were MUUUUCCCHHHHH better. Me likey. However, I am still all in on my cheapy drugstore bronzer powder. Using it as directed was a little too much makeup for my sorry arse. And I am still cheap... so the drugstore stuff works for me... but I will definitely rock my bottle of this while i've got it!
Also- i would like to add my review on the Self Tanning Wipes: HOLY MOTHER of BABY jeezuz!!!!!! I thought in my head they were a bad idea... but the desire to be tan and find the next great thing was just too much for me... so i whipped one of these out yesterday before work and gave myself a wipe down. I tried not to push too hard to use up all the juice too fast. I was pretty satisified with the application. It SEEMED easy enough. Fast forward to after work. (Apparently the flourescent lighting at Cube City had me mesmerized b/c I seemed to think I looked fine all day.) So I rush home throw on shorts and a tank top and zoom out the door for volleyball. I'm in a super big hurry and all flustered. I get about a block down the road and I was like wow theres a weird spot on my arm. It must be the sun reflecting weird off my mirror. Right?? Right? RIGHT????? WRONG!!! its a new breed of spotted striped hooka looking right back in the rearview at me. I seriously looked like a freak show. Worst self tan EVER... Like my daddy always says, if it sounds too good to be true - it is... (ummm remind me sometime to tell you the air car story-YIKES!) Anyways, back to volleyball.... my awesome new streaky look distracted the other team enough that we totally won... or...it could have been my teammates also played awesome. Oh well captain distraction over here did her part...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Confessions of a chubster
Hi there! It’s been awhile… I know I’m sorry. Honestly, I didn't know anyone missed me until I got some crap for not keeping this up. So I’m back. I haven’t really been baking a whole lot these days. So sad I know. Long story short, I’m old and I hurt my neck. I never really thought I was all that active of a person but when you go from normal to barely moving for an extended period of time a few things happen. First, baking seems like way too much of a contact sport for your liking. Secondly, your arse starts to expand at a frightful pace- the mere thought of sweets causes you to swell unexpectedly. Thirdly, after pain meds and a little wine working that mixer and oven can cause bodily harm. So anyways… no cake balls but I’d like to think my sarcasm and charming wit are mostly still intact so I might just have to focus on that for a while. Hope that’s ok…
Back to the whole not doing much for the last ohhh 4 months or so. I don’t know if you know this or not but its officially swim suit season. I am finding it extremely hard to get excited about it this year. I haven’t been doing anything more than getting up from the couch to grab a snack due to above mentioned injury and amazingly I’ve been able to keep the scale about the same but holy ballz… it’s just not the same. So in true Melissa fashion I’ve decided it is time to take drastic action. Granted it might only last a couple days, but I have to hit it hard while motivation is high so when I go back to eating bon-bons like it’s my job I’ll have a couple extra days before I move back to the fat pants. Drastic action 1: Sign up for a 5k…my thinking was that will get me running again. Good call. So in real life I ran 2 days last week and now I feel guilty every day when my alarm goes off and I roll over to hit snooze because my neck hurts too bad to run. I’m not as tough as I used to be that’s for sure! If only good intentions burned some fat off this arse, I’d be so good to go. Drastic action 2: started a “diet” on a Tuesday. I’m a Monday girl. As in every Monday. And normally it only lasts until Tuesday or Wednesday before that ol’ Orange leaf is calling my name. Thankfully for the holiday this week… I might just make it to Thursday!! Drastic action 3: drink liquid a-hole…ok not really. According to Dr. Oz drinking a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar is supposed to help rev up your metabolism. I need to seriously stop watching that show…he is to the supplement/ vitamin market what Flava Flav is to oversized accessories. Turns out that once you manage to choke that sweet liquid A down – the after taste and churning in your stomach make food a whole lot less desirable- I’m gonna stick with it a few more days… this could work. Drastic action 4: I’ve been trying to work from home less. What I’ve learned about working from home is that a lot of time snacking seems like way more fun than almost everything work related. So if I get stuck on something I’m like a few crackers will definitely help me figure that out. You know what they say…once you pop… you can’t stop. The added upside of going to work for my diet plan is that because I have publicly stated laws of what not to wear to work I can’t wear my pajama bottoms or stretchy gym shorts. Drastic action 5: tried on a pair of pants that I wore for one day when I was a skinny minny. Oh.yes.I.did! This may not be advisable for everyone depending on your mental status. But I needed a reality check. They fit mostly. By fit, I mean I got them buttoned and zipped. And by mostly, I mean I didn’t have to jump off the 4th floor of the parking garage to get into them. Would I wear them in public? Hail to the no. That would be in violation of at least 3 of my fashion conduct rules.
Well I’m off to go attempt to run… I’ll keep you updated on my 5k progress, showstoppa in swimsuit status, and probably a few other life observations. =)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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
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
Thursday, December 15, 2011
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/
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!! =)
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/
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| Yours truly with Rolo turtles |
Reindeer Kisses:
White Chocolate Covered Oreos:
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!! =)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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.
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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!
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3. Scarf ($10 and up)
-you can find these almost everywhere these days. they are super fun!
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4. Ornaments (these are Pier 1 roughly $7)
-pick something that reminds you of the person you are buying it for
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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.
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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.
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9. Chia pet ($12 and up)
-these are fun…and they make me smile. I sorta want one for my desk at work…
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10. Pooping Penguin ($3)
-call me immature its fine… I still think these are silly!
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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!
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12. Wine Charms ($8 –these are Pier 1)
Pair these with #13. so cute!
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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.
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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!
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15. Scratch off tickets ($1 and up each)
-these are fun and could make you rich…just maybe…
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16. iPhone4/4S ($99-$400)
-Now offered from Sprint…. If you need details let me know!! =) |
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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!!
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Monday, December 5, 2011
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.
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.
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