Friday, March 30, 2012

Easter Egg Dying Ideas

My plan for this weekend is to dye Easter eggs. Yes, I am 25 but I can't help the urge to dye eggs. I don't even like to eat them, but thankfully a lot of other people in my family do!

Typically I just get the regular dye kit and don't get super creative but this year I might just pull out the scissors, glitter and construction paper (ok so I don't actually have that laying around but that is what the dollar store is for!)

I have seen a lot of great ideas that I think I am going to attempt and want to share with you. Maybe if mine look half as good as these ones, I will post pictures for all to see.

This looks really simple but so creative!
To make these, all you need to do is roll the eggs in cake icing and then in sprinkles, colored sugar or edible decorative beads.

I think these are just super funny and would make my family laugh when they opened the egg carton. Simple enough. Stickers or markers and regular egg dye.

Email us your Easter egg designs and I will post them for others to see! WWB@yahoo.com
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Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Jackpot is Still Up For Grabs

Winning the lottery would be a dream come true. The $500 million lottery prize keeps growing and is at an all-time record high. The jackpot is the largest in U.S. lottery history. No one has matched all the numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing so the stakes keep getting higher!

Having an extra few thousand (or even million) dollars in my piggy bank would be welcomed with open arms. However, I must face the fact that the chance of actually winning the large sum is slim to none. Today before I left for work I caught a couple minutes of Good Morning America, according to lottery officials, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are estimated at about 1 in 176 million. The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are approximately 1 in 40.

The estimated jackpot is based on national sales up to the time of the drawing. In the last drawing, in which there was no jackpot winner, almost 2.9 million tickets won Mega Millions prizes.

Everyone here at my work pitched in $5.00 at a chance to win the jackpot. Most people I have talked to said they participated just because they would feel horrible if we won and they decided not to play. What would you do if you won the lottery? I know the chances are very slim but it is nice to fantasize about. I could not begin to even think of what I would do with that sort of money. I am sure I would do a lot of traveling and help out my family – oh and a shopping spree would be top of the list. I will worry about the rest of the answer to that question when I hit it big- fingers crossed!

Did you buy your lottery tickets?

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Rowing...An Amazing Sport and the Best Thing I Ever Did!

I’ve lived in Pittsburgh my entire life so of course, I’ve driven over our lovely rivers a million or more times.  For years, I would look down and see tons of rowing boats moving like centipedes up and down and I would always think to myself “boy, that looks amazing” and “I wish there was a rowing team when I was in high school because I would have joined.” 

About six years ago, I was driving across one of our glorious bridges with one of my best friends Sue and I peered down at the river and there were the boats.  I made a comment to her about how cool it looked and she said that she always thought the same thing.  For about a year, she and I always talked about it until one day, she called me up and told me that she looked in to it and they have a winter session starting in a couple of weeks.  Without even thinking about it, she and I signed up!

Its five years later and she and I are now on a Master’s Rowing Team for Three RiversRowing Association based on Washington’s Landing.  We fell in love with it from the first indoor practice.  Once we hit the water for the first time, we were even more hooked!  It’s the most amazing sport for several reasons…

1.        It’s the best full body work out you could do next to cross country skiing.

2.       You meet so many different and amazing people that we’ve become really great friends.

3.       Going to races and competing is exhilarating and fun (especially if you win a medal).

4.       It’s a beautiful way to see the city and utilize our amazing rivers.

5.       It’s incredibly peaceful and such an amazing stress reliever.

Overall, it’s the BEST thing I’ve ever done for myself and I’m so glad that Sue and I finally got off of our butts, stopped talking about it and just did it!
Now, I believe in a previous blog post, I explained that a little over a year ago, I was stung in the foot by a bastard scorpion.  That took me out of rowing for a year and to be honest, I was incredibly sad.  Rowing became such a huge part of my life and something I did just for me.  It sucked when I wasn’t able to do it.  Well…I’m back at it.  Last night was my first practice back with the team and it felt so incredibly good.  It was a little weird as I can’t feel my foot and it still swells really big with a lot of activity but I started to figure it out and it felt great!  Not to mention the fact that it was just great being out on the water with a group of people that I spent a lot of time with and traveled with.  It also felt great that they all missed me and were so glad to have me back.  Have I mentioned that I absolutely LOVE rowing?!

So here’s some advice from a girl that took forever to try something she always wanted to do…If you’ve ever wanted to do something, like rowing, and was just too scared to try it…just do it!  If you’ve ever thought about joining rowing…definitely do it!  You won’t be disappointed!!!!  Even if you’ve never rowed before, it doesn’t matter.  There are beginners teams and recreational teams etc.  It’s awesome!

BTW…Weight Watchers Update:
Week 3 Weigh In:  Lost 1lb
Total Lost:  6lbs


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Monday, March 26, 2012

The Joys of Housework



Today at lunch, one of the many topics of conversation was about housework. I hate cleaning. And I am not very good at it. Some of the Working Wives were talking about the division of tasks in their households. Some husbands are on dish duty and others are on laundry duty. As a Working Bachelorette, I have no one to defer my less favorable household chores to. So either I do it, or it doesn't get done.

I was sick all last week, which made my ability and desire to do anything after work pretty weak. So now I am trying to play catch up. Of course that is what the weekends are for, right? Well, that didn't happen. So this week, I am trying to get as much done because I will be out of town this coming weekend. So there goes being able to get a lot accomplished.

Because I didn't do much in my home last week, my apartment is pretty messy. While I can stand the mess to a certain point, that point passed by a few days ago. I like being domestic. I wish I could spend more time doing the things I want to do at home, like finishing organizing my spare bedroom. But for now, I really need to get back to doing laundry!

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Friday, March 23, 2012

I'm Sweating the Small Stuff... I'm Sweating it ALL!

It’s been a while since I have talked about wedding stuff, but unfortunately, I am not much further along than my last update. My dress came in, but I haven’t even decided on bridesmaid dresses yet. Our next big items on our to-do list are cake and flowers.

I’m feeling really behind. REALLY behind! The days are flying by, and there just isn’t enough time. Honestly, I’ve seen Nick for a total of 6 hours over the last two days. Our schedules are busy, and it seems like I just can’t cram any more into my days. When do I even make time to think about wedding planning?

I looked over my wedding to-do list the other night, and reality set in. I need to light a fire under my own ass. I need to get things done – and soon. I forgot all the small detail stuff – flowers for the cake/cookie tables; programs; my something borrowed, blue, old; a bouquet toss bouquet; makeup; hair! And the list goes on and on. Wedding planning is a full-time job all of its own.

A year and a half ago when Nick and I got engaged, it felt like our wedding date was forever away, and I had TONS of time to plan. Well holy crap, apparently, my time management skills flew out the window on this one.

It’s crunch time. I need to get myself on a schedule to complete __# of wedding tasks weekly. (Maybe I’ll start with an attainable number, like 1.)

Tonight, my MOH and I are planning to construct a detailed, prioritized list of all the things I have left to do. We are going to sort through magazines, peruse The Knot, Pintrest, Etsy, get creative, and by the end of the night, I sure as hell better feel good about all this planning.

So many brides “looooove” this and miss all the planning. I, for one, am stressed out and not having fun. Nope, you heard me, this isn’t fun. It’s stressful trying to plan the most fun night of your life, and trying to guarantee it will be the most fun for everyone else too.

Help me out here ladies – how did you organize, prioritize, make it fun?

Thank God I’m only getting married once. This stress alone is enough to avoid divorce and the chance of having to do it AGAIN.

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

First cut of the grass...in MARCH!?!

So I got home from work yesterday and Adam decided to cut the grass. It needed it, but I can't remember the last time people cut grass in March, at least this time in March (and yes I know we are almost to the last week with April and Easter right around the corner!) He is not the only one to cut it in our neighborhood though. Last weekend, my neighbor to the left cut his (and he is the anal neighbor who cuts it on the reg) and the woman across the street cut hers too (she is the neighbor who is out there with the first flurry of snow shoveling her driveway).

I love the smell of fresh cut grass, would love to have that smell bottled, but is it just me or is it really weird to be doing this in March in PA? We have already hit record temperatures, and everyone is trying to predict how the summer is going to go (as Tiff likes to say, "either its going to be 114 degrees here or Texas will just basically be on fire!") I don't know what I think the summer will be like, but I can say I am a little nervous to find out.

My flowers outside have already started to bloom. Now yes, I understand the first day of spring was this week, but again, I ask, am I the only one who thinks that these things shouldn't be happening yet? I heard on the radio the one morning that the huge blizzard of 1993 (don't quote me on the year...I was not old enough to remember) but it happened last week during that year. Oh how the world has changed.

But I will take the bright sunshine and 80 degree weather any day over a blizzard. I will take the blooming flowers over icicles and fresh cut grass over a snowy driveway in no time. I always said I wanted to live in a climate where winter didn't exist. Well...seems like I got my wish in Pittsburgh, PA!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Someone is Always Watching




I guess celebrities must be immune to the law. Imagine if we did some of the things that celebrities like Brittney Spears or Lindsay Lohan have gotten away with. This morning I heard about this story where Beyonce thought it was a bright idea to ride in the back seat of a car while holding her baby instead of putting it in a car seat.

News flash Momma Beyonce, celebrity status does not protect you or your newborn in the case of an accident! I just don’t understand why anyone would travel in a car with a newborn baby with no car seat. I can understand some of her actions from shielding her baby from the paparazzi, but I don’t understand why she has gone to such great lengths where she is now putting her baby’s life in danger.

According to safekids.org, children up to the age of 9 and up to 100 pounds should be in a car/booster seat. I know before I was born the laws were more relaxed. No one had to wear seat belts, people could ride in the back of pick-up trucks and insurance was recommended, not required. Now the laws are much different and stricter. So why does Beyonce feel that she is above the law?

Celebrities aren’t stupid (or are they?), they know that someone is always going to be watching. They have to be careful with their every move. I hope that Beyonce learns her lesson and is embarrassed by all of this.

Here are some pictures I found online, what do you think?

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring has Sprung!

How exciting is it that it’s the first official day of spring and it actually feels like spring here in the ‘burgh!  It’s amazing and kind of scary all at the same time but, as much as I love winter…I’ll totally take 78 degrees and sunny in March!

So now that spring has sprung, it’s motivated me even more on my whole Weight Watchers adventure.  Last week I shared with all of you that I had officially started the Weight Watchers program and that I successfully managed to lose 3.6lbs in the first week.  Last week (week two of the diet) I didn’t do quite as well.  I had to travel for my “big girl” job so I was forced to eat on the road.  Thankfully though I had my Weight Watchers app on my phone and was able to calculate my points when we were at a restaurant to figure out what I could and couldn’t eat.  On Sunday, I just couldn’t resist a chocolate milkshake.  It was a beautiful warm day here and I really felt like I deserved it after the absolute craziness that we had to deal with Saturday night at my bar.  Can I just say that St. Patrick’s Day is the worst day of the year to be in the bar business?!  Hence why I decided it was okay to have the milkshake.  Anywho…by the time my official weigh in came around yesterday, I was nervous that I actually put weight back on.  The good news is that I didn’t.  I managed to lose 1.4llbs and I’m officially at 5lbs lost over the course of two weeks.  Now I just have to really start focusing and working at this diet.  Not only is bathing suit season just around the corner but shorts, cute skirts and tanks are back in the daily wardrobe.  No more bulky sweaters and pants to hide my chub!

Total Pounds Lost:  5.2
Pounds Left to Lose:  9.4
Good luck to anyone reading this that is on Weight Watchers or is doing the diet thing on your own!
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Monday, March 19, 2012

So Much To Do

Me and the fam in Canaan Valley
I grew up in a house with two working parents (well, actually four working parents because of divorce). My mom worked full-time as a nurse. She was never homeroom mom. She didn't make it to many soccer games or swim meets. Our weekends weren't full of fun things to do (that's what we went to my dad's house for :-)). It was chores and grocery shopping and church.

I'm not coming down on my mom, well, maybe a little, but it's more about me as a mom and my kids these days.

My husband and I both work. My kids' schedules are insane between speech and occupational therapy, and faith formation classes. And we have a puppy that I swear requires more attention and caring than a newborn!

I think I'm a pretty good parent--weaving fun into our weekends be it with hiking, playtime at the park, going out to eat, going to the movies or science center or zoo. We have our fair share of fun. Yet, my darling mini-mes are ungrateful to say the least.

I swear, I must have heard "I'm bored" from my six year old 25 this weekend. He spent more time than even a mediocre mom would allow on the computer. Then to the iTouch, then TV. It was beautful out. We were washing cars, playing in the yard, etc. He didn't want any of it.

Then, he decides he wants to go to the park, so my husband takes him (it's literally four houses away from my house). He sees some of our neighbors there. He plays with them. Then, it is time for dinner. He comes home, inhales his dinner, takes his shower and then asks to go back to the park. We say no because we have planned outdoor movie night in the backyard. He cries. He never gets to go to the park. Blah, blah, blah. Waaaa, waaaa, waaaa. I settle it simply by saying "you should have been raised by your grandparents."

I did what my parents wanted. Always what my parents wanted. Don't get me wrong, we did trips to the amusement park, vacations, etc. but the "little things" didn't exist. There wasn't time. They didn't make time. We were raised that we, as their children, entered their lives, not the other way around.

I swore I was gonna raise my kids in a similar manner, but with a bit more fun. And we do more fun, but my kids have come to expect it and it isn't appreciated. That's where I have failed them and me.

I will try harder to ignore my children. I will try harder to not give them everything. I will try harder to let them be bored...a lot. This may make me sound terrible, but boredom is the gateway to creativity. My sister and I played some awesome things. I was always making up stories in my mind. Imagining the future, the past, everything. I was, what some would have deemed a dreamer. I wasn't living it, so I had to dream it.

Every parent wants to give their child what they didn't have. And I want to give my children all the attention that there just wasn't time for in my growing up. But, I need a break from all the fun...or maybe just a drink! Share This Post
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Saturday, March 17, 2012

These Irish Eyes Are Smiling


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

As someone who has Irish blood running through her, I have always enjoyed St. Patrick's Day. Wearing some green, although not to the extent of the look-alike Lucky Charms character that some of us girls saw while sitting outside during lunch - wish I had a picture to share. It is a random holiday to be a little festive.

While many people will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day by going to parades or drinking green beer, the tradition of the holiday started with a missionary called to minister to the people of Ireland. It is thought that he used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He died on March 17 and so, St. Patrick's Day.

I am not really sure why this saint has his own holiday and not others. But it is still fun to celebrate!!

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

I Hate Stink Bugs - The Bastards!

I actually don't know anyone who doesn't. They are a foreign bug that has been invading our space for almost 20 years now, but recently they are just bad. No one can seem to get rid of them. Why!? When it gets warmer out, the more I see on my kitchen ceiling each morning. I was even told that the other night there was one on my hubby's pillow, but he silently grabbed it and killed it before I even knew it was there. I even felt a slight tingle on my foot and low and behold...a stink bug was making love to my big toe! What are these things and how do we get rid of them? I know I hate them, really don't like killing them because of the smell and I will admit, I make the hubby kill most of them because I am a big baby about them.

I didn't know this, so I did a quick Google, but surprisingly, stink bugs eat leaves, flowers, fruit and crops. They also enjoy snacking on caterpillars. I don't know about you, but I don't have any leaves, flowers or crops in my house at the moment. I do have some clementines on the counter, but I can't say I have ever seen a stink bug near them. But if that is what they are after, I'll quit buying them!

There also really isn't a way to get RID of these annoying critters. It is advised to seal all cracks in your house and replace damaged doors, windows and screens, but I don't have any of those problems. Just like humans, they are slow in the morning, so if you have an over abundance of the bastards, get 'em early! They also don't fly very well, so if one is creeping around on your ceiling, just wait a few minutes to see if it "flies" somewhere closer to you before you waste the energy trying to get it down.

One other note, don't bother making the so called stink bug traps with the pop bottles and light. We tried it, even purposely put a stink bug in there to try to attract its little friend's to come join, but no such luck. For pure enjoyment, I left it in there to see how long it would live, even giving it a good hard shake every once in awhile, and would you believe that it lived for two weeks in that bottle?! Unbelievable. Finally I just killed it myself.

So if you have any home remedies you like to use, that seriously work for you, please let me know because I am sick of them trying to make my house their home.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Visual.ly

A fairly new website, Visual.ly offers an online tool to create instant eye candy visuals of data. This service will let users take publicly-available data such as information from Twitter hashtags or a Facebook feed and select a template to instantly visualize it into a fun graphic.

Furthermore, Visual.ly is teaming up with third parties and brands to offer other data feeds to users, for example sports statistics from ESPN. Eventually users will be able to make their own themes and templates, easily allowing the average users the needed tools to make an eye-catching infographic.

I recently experimented with the new Visual.ly Create feature and noticed some limitations. Showdown-style infographics comparing Twitter followers aren’t very useful to anyone who is not connected to the social media field. Don’t get me wrong, these are fun for sure, but the capabilities only go so far.

Think about every boring report you have even written, Visual.ly will soon allow you to easily produce a visually captivating graphic that can illustrate all of your data. Want to learn more about Visual.ly and its capabilities? First, sign up for an account; it is free by the way! In your search engine, type in Visual.ly and it will take you there. I tried to make a hyperlink for all of you but the web address doesn't seem to be linking-friendly. Have fun exploring!

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Monday, March 12, 2012

Am I Bathing Suit Ready?

So one week ago today, I decided to join Weight Watchers….the online version, not the “go to a meeting” version.  Most people who see me wouldn’t consider me overweight.  I’m 6’0” tall and I “appear” to be quite thin but believe me, I’m definitely hiding some things under my shirt and I am most definitely NOT bathing suit ready.  According to doctors, I should fall somewhere between 145lbs – 165lbs and right now, I’m on the higher end of that scale and not happy about it.  Now I’ve never done Weight Watchers before and everyone who has swears by it.  Not to mention seeing Jenifer Hudson on the commercials is pretty darn convincing.  She looks fantastic!  Granted, she has personal trainers working with her every day and I don’t but, after one week I can already feel/see a difference and I’m very anxious to get on the scale this morning.
The Weight Watchers program is interesting.  I like that it holds you accountable for everything including, what you are eating, what activities you are doing and more.  I love that it provides recipes and success stories to keep you motivated and I really love that the way it’s set-up, you almost get excited to go online and track your food.  It’s interesting to see what goes in your mouth and how many points you lose for eating something.  By the end of the week, I was no longer snacking on cookies and chips but on bananas and other fruits.  I’ve also changed what I’m buying at the grocery store.  Weight Watchers has also shown me that my biggest food issue is portion control.  I was definitely overeating!  To put it mildly, I was stuffing myself like a pig and it just wasn’t necessary.  Now, I’m not going to lie…this last week I’ve felt like I was starving to death and I really needed to show some serious self-control.  But I survived and I feel less hungry and it’s getting easier.
I don’t know how many of you out there reading this are currently on a diet, on Weight Watchers or thinking about joining Weight Watchers, but I’m going to recommend it.  I find it easier than trying to figure everything out on your own and because it’s a slower more gradual weight loss, it’s far more healthy for you.  You just need to work through the initial hunger and be patient…the weight will come off.
Okay, it’s the moment of truth for me.   After seven days, I have lost…3.6lbs!!!  Holy-cow, I really didn’t expect it to be that much.  YAY me!
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Friday, March 9, 2012

Copy Cat

I'm adding a link to a recent aritcle I read on Huffington Post that compliments my previous post about judgement (note, this was written after my post..maybe WW&B inspired it! You never know!).

I know, I'm just reposting. Copying, if you will. No original material from me today. But I'm sick. The sick like I get once every two to three years kinda sick.

Read. Enjoy. Take it with you.

Apologies To The Parents I Judged Four Years Ago Share This Post
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Leaving The Past In The Past



Social media has given people a way to stay connected and become connected over years, miles, whatever. But what if you don't want to be connected to a particular person for a good reason?

First a little background...in high school I had a terrible relationship with a boyfriend. It is one that I am not proud of and one that I don't want to be reminded of. Several weeks ago, I had a friend request from this old boyfriend on Facebook. I declined it. Then again this past weekend, I had a friend request from him again. I ignored it. On Tuesday, I had a message from him that said "I just wanted to apologize." For one thing, if you are going to apologize, please say what you are apologizing for. Needless to say, the friend requests and the message have all been ignored.

It isn't that I haven't gotten over the relationship or am still dwelling on the past. It is because that particular part of my life doesn't have a whole lot of good memories. I would prefer if he wasn't privy to pieces my life even if it is through the superficiality of Facebook. I have no desire to reconnect or mend fences.
 

All this bad stuff happened 15 years ago. I have moved on with my life. I am assuming he has done the same. So why bring up these really negative feelings again. Maybe it is to clear a conscience, I am not really sure. whatever it is, I was content with leave good enough alone...and I still am.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Sounded Like a Good Idea

So, it looks as though I have been tricked into getting in shape to run the Pittsburgh Marathon Relay this spring. I say tricked because my best friend and fianc̩ are running, and I feel like I should too Рespecially because we are running for charity, and we get a medal!

However, I hate running. It makes my lungs hurt, it makes my legs hurt and it gives my shin splints. I’m not a fan. I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high,” and probably never will. I run for a mile as a warm up to whatever exercise I may be doing, and then I call it quits.

But here I am, all registered to run 3.5 miles, which happens to be the shortest leg of the race, because clearly, I am the most out of shape.

After I get back from my vacation (which I am SO looking forward to going on tomorrow), I am starting my regimen. Perhaps some Couch to 5K to get me in the spirit?

BUT, as I mentioned above, my team, so rightly named “Sounded Like a Good Idea,” will be running for charity.

We are running as part of the Animal Rescue League's "Paws Over Pittsburgh" team. The ARL's mission is to provide temporary shelter, food, medical attention, and comfort to all abandoned, neglected and injured animals brought to us by the community; to restore lost animals to their owners or seek new homes for them, and educate the public about humane care of animals with a goal of reducing overpopulation. An animal lover myself (as many of you know from my posts), I know how important organizations such as the ARL are and all of the good that they do, which is why we've chosen to run in support of them. Help us come to the animal's rescue!

Our team has a donation goal of $500. Click here to help my team and donate to a GREAT cause!

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

I Hate School Buses

It was only recently that I started my hate for school buses. In fact, before I never really paid much attention to them, or particularly those inside. But there was just one day...

I didn't really have that great of a day at work. It's not like anything horrible happened, but it just wasn't a great day. I was driving home my usual route and got stuck behind a school bus. We were on a major roadway, highway-type of road, but it's not. For those who are Pittsburghers, I was on Rt. 51. I was stopped at a light behind this school bus and could clearly see through the windows that kids were literally beating up on each other. There were kids standing up, cheering, jumping on each other and girls who kept dodging to get out of the way. Obviously the bus driver wasn't doing a damn thing and I wasn't about to be stuck behind a school bus watching a kid get beat up. So what did I do? I called the cops. Yup- I did. However, I don't know if anything ever happened to the bus driver, if the kids who were beating the other kids up got in trouble or whatever, but regardless, at least I was the concerned citizen and did what I thought was right.

So just the other morning I was on my way to work and was beside a mini bus at a red light. I feared what I would see if I looked over m left shoulder and of course, to my surprise, I was not happy about what I saw. There had to have been six kids all standing up, in the aisle, doing something. And since this was a mini bus, the bus driver was RIGHT THERE and could see it all and still didn't seem to care. The light turned green, the kids held on, and off they all went, standing up and doing something stupid. My evil morning mind really wanted to pull a quick lane switch in front of the bus just to see the kids go flying (mind you I said my evil morning mind...) but I didn't. I just tried to drive really fast away so I didn't have to see some other jagoff do it.

The point of my rant is that when I rode the school bus, all of a mere five minutes to school and then the dreaded hour long ride home since we decided to go to OPPOSITE way back...we NEVER stood up and if we did, it was to get off of the bus but not until it was at a complete stop. If we stood up prior, the bus driver didn't open the door. They also made sure we were quiet so they could hear the traffic around them. So why are the bus drivers obviously in lala land now days? Why don't they tell the kids to sit down and be quiet? That bus driver on Rt. 51 should've put the bus in park right then and there and broke up the fight, but no, he kept on going.

And another thing, we have to have kids in a car seat until they weigh a certain amount, yet kids can ride on school buses, obviously standing up, and not have to wear a seatbelt? Give me a freaking break!

I vow this much, if my future kids ever have to ride a school bus, they will get the wrath of mom Christine and they will be told if I ever hear they stood up on the bus they will be grounded forever. I don't need my child flying through the school bus windshield because some idiot of a school bus driver doesn't have the balls to tell my kid to sit their ass down.
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Monday, March 5, 2012

Fudgy Chocolate Chip-Toffee Bars


These are delicious! Every time I make them I hear rave reviews. These will be a hit with your family and friends, I promise!

INGREDIENTS

½ cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (32 squares)
1 bag (8 oz) Heath® Bits 'O Brickle® toffee bits (1 1/2 cups)
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
1 bag (12 oz) Hershey’s® semi-sweet chocolate baking chips (2 cups)
1 can (14 oz) Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
2. In medium bowl, stir 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 1/2 cups of the cracker crumbs and 3/4 cup of the toffee bits. Press mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until firm.
3. Meanwhile, let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften. In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, milk and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Spread mixture over cracker crust.
4. In medium bowl, break up cookie dough. Mix in remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs with wooden spoon until well blended. Crumble mixture evenly over chocolate layer. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup toffee bits.
5. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, in refrigerator for about 2 hours. For a firmer bar, refrigerate 30 minutes longer. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Share This Post
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Friday, March 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

I can still remember my mom reading to me as a little girl all of the Dr. Seuss books...One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish or The Cat in the Hat.  I can even remember having green eggs and ham for lunch in preschool. I thought that was the coolest thing ever! I even remember getting Oh the Places You Will Go as a high school graduation gift.

Well, today is the great Dr. Seuss's birthday and I can't think of a better way to help celebrate than to participate in Seussville Read Across America. Random House and the National Education Association encourage everyone to spend some time today and read to a child. Click here for more information and for some cool materials to help you celebrate this special day! Share This Post
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Non-Judgemental


Ahhh, Lent. Similar to New Year's Resolutions, except this one only lasts 40 days and you have the wrath of God to contend with. Yet, most cheat or fail or don't do anything at all. That's fine. I get it. Why make a change, either big or little, that isn't going to last longer than six weeks? I understand that Lent makes it attainable, but if you are giving something up, it typically isn't something that is good for you--drinking alcohol, eating sweets. You never hear of someone giving up exercise or saying "I'm gonna spend LESS time with my family." Those are things we strive to do more of.

When I was growing up, I would give up all sorts of stuff. TV, candy, the radio--I grew up in the  pre-PC era, so that wasn't an option. My Comodore 64 wasn't something that was give-up worthy! My mom never gave anything up. Still doesn't. She always said "I'm just going to try to be a better person." I would laugh. What a cop out. I remember thinking, she's already a good person.

Now that I'm, ahem, older, I get that. I didn't give anything up for Lent. I'm trying to be less judgemental. I don't think I'm all that judgemental anyway, but I wonder if that is akin to the person you meet who emphaticcaly says "I'm not hard to get along with." When, in reality, they are impossible to get along with!

I have personal circumstances that I believe make me more open to the when's and why's of things going on around me, but I still carry negative thoughts and judge, if even in my own head. A person dressed shabily meandering down the street. The young mother buying cigarettes with her baby in hand.

I'm trying to remind myself that we all have crap. A ton of crap at times, to deal with. And we all deal in different ways. Maybe the shabby dressed man is just that...not homeless, not a loser, just not as vain as the rest of us. Or maybe he is disabled. Maybe that young mother is trying to quit smoking and has cut back and on the brink of kicking the habit altogether. Maybe she isn't the baby's mother at all!

We automatically see a quasi-negative situation and think the worst. What would happen if we thought the best? Gave people the benefit of the doubt? I've learned in my life that I can't judge. I'm judged everyday on aspects that I try to append and make better, or on circumstances I have no control over. I dont' like it.

What gives me the power or right to bestow that judgment on someone else? Share This Post
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