Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Random McRandomness

If I had to choose one and only one food to eat for the entire rest of my life,
I would choose bread.

I cry at every single Parenthood episode.

When my mother passed away, I clung to the few words she had written in a journal.
They were like a peek into her world. A gift left behind.
I blog so that my children will have a glimpse into my world.

I have recently accepted that I am a perfectionist,
but it still annoys me about myself.

I think Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes
are one of the greatest things about the holiday season.

If I were to change professions,
I would choose to be a stay-at-home mom.

I love romance novels,
flavored coffee creamer,
flannel pajamas,
and those cheese & sausage gift sets you see at Christmas time.

I laugh when my four year old says inappropriate things
(like when he asks me if chicken butt is a sight word...or when he asks his dad
who died and made him the king of anything after his dad redirects him to finish his dinner before leaving the table),
but I try to regain composure before my four year old notices.

I love travel mugs, but am not a big fan of regular mugs.

The game Chutes and Ladders drives me c.r.a.z.y...
as in I would rather poke my eye out than play that game for even ten minutes.

My all time favorite song is Africa by Toto.

If I were to be totally honest,
AJ may get his potty humor from his mother.

My favorite place to buy jewelry is Forever 21.

I love chandeliers,
rain boots,
and Bath & Body Works' Winter Candy Apple lotion.

I want a crepe maker for Christmas.

My favorite side at Thanksgiving every year is my sister Tami's crock pot corn.

I prefer Milky Ways to Snickers.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Santa



Sunday, November 28, 2010

A Baby Shower

My lil' sis is having a bambino this spring!
So while we were out, we had a lil' shower.
I made extra moist chocolate cupcakes...

chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients indicated on box)
one package instant chocolate pudding
an extra egg
one cup of sour cream

topped with

cream cheese frosting...

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

I also made my mother's traditional wedding mints with my fam...

4 oz. cream cheese
3 c. powdered/icing sugar
1/4 tsp. mint extract
1/8 tsp. (green) food coloring
small bowl of sugar

Mix together sugar and cream cheese well.
Add in mint(check with your sister to make sure she didn't already do this step), then add coloring.
Use a cute mold to shape mints into adorable shapes...
but when that cute little mold fails you...
just roll into cute little ball and coat in sugar.

They are so tasty,
your children will be screaming for "blue balls" all evening...
at least mine did.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Pineapple Stuffing & Pumpkin Pie

Thanksgiving in Kansas with the fam...
included...
quality time with the cousins...
lots of food...
many trips to Wal-Mart...
some boots...
lots of laughter...
& hugs.
Whoop! Whoop!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Share The Wealth

I don't enjoy doing my hair and make-up...
in fact, it rather annoys me to waste time doing both...

but

over time I have found some favorite products worth dishin' out a little extra moolah for,
that make the entire process a little less irritating.

The first is Regis Designline's Get It Pressed spray to use before using a curling iron or flat iron.

It runs about $13 at a salon.
It protects your hair from the heat abuse and smooths down the frizz factor after blow drying.

Well worth the investment if you ask this chick.
Second, is Estee Lauder's Pure Color Shimmer Gloss: Wild Sugarcane.

My MIL gave me a gift set of several lip glosses several years ago. I have nursed the Wild Sugarcane one for years...it used to be named Cider.

$20 at a department store Estee Lauder counter.

Like magic, it turns the I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look into instant glam...

What mother doesn't need this in her purse?!

Third, comes Clinique's Almost Makeup.

It's a good middle ground between the thickness of foundation and the greasy feel of sun block.

It is the perfect amount of coverage without feeling painted on.
About $23 at a Clinique counter at a department store.

SPF 15, lightweight, and a slight tint of color...

I seriously need to hug whoever came up with this one.
And last, is a lot more pricey than I like to go...
Pureology's Hydrate Anti-fade Shampoo and Conditioner.

We have a love-hate relationship.

In fact, we even broke up a couple years ago, due to the steep price tag...
but I came crawling back after trying several other brands... left disappointed...
with dry, hay-like, damaged hair.

Now, I cringe, hold my breathe, look away, and fork over the $54 at a salon...
some things in life are just worth it.

I have found this to be one of them.

If you have any little secret treasures on your vanity, in your purse,
or stashed in your make-up bag,
share the wealth...
this momma would love to know!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Thank You Paula Deen

I did not fall off the face of the planet...
I was just consumed in grades and Parent Teacher Conferences for the last two weeks...

BUT
I'mmm baaaccckkk!!!!

Whoop! Whoop!

I woke up this morning to this fabulous little treat,
as I reintroduced myself to my family as their wife and mother!


Andy & AJ MADE (as in not from the store) doughnuts...
from canned biscuits!

What?!
Back the bus up!
Did I just say from canned biscuits?!

Yes, I did
AND
they were A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Ingredients


2 cans large buttermilk biscuits

Peanut oil, for frying

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup sugar


Icing


2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided

5 tablespoons milk, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup cocoa powder

Colored sprinkles


Directions


Heat 2 inches peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven...(or a whole lot of oil in a Fry Daddy if you are like us and truly felt it was a need as opposed to a want) to 350 degrees F.

In a shallow bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and sugar and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, set aside. This is the vanilla icing. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of milk and set aside. This is the chocolate icing.


Lay out the biscuits on a cutting board and with a 1 1/2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out a hole from the middle of each biscuit. Fry them in the oil until golden and then flip with tongs to fry the other side. You can even fry the donut holes. Drain on paper towels and then toss in the cinnamon-sugar or ice and decorate with sprinkles, as desired.


Eat them all because you can't stop yourself!


Oh, how I have missed you Blogland!

It feels good to be back!


Sunday, November 14, 2010

I Kinda Really Want To Keep This One...



but I guess I will give it to the person it was intended for...

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Church Flowers Apron

An apron for a neighbor!
Now...back to grading for me.
Bummer.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Gettin' Ready!

5 out of 9 orders complete.
2 more cut out and ready to sew.
Fabric purchased for a 3rd.
Hello Holiday season!
How soon can I decorate?!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Pumpkin Dip


Super yummy!
Totally fall!
Absolutely easy!
Definitely making an appearance at my Thanksgiving festivities!

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon frozen orange juice concentrate

Directions:

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
Gradually mix in the pumpkin.
Stir in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and orange juice until smooth and well blended.
Chill until serving.


Great with ginger snaps, graham crackers, and green apples!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

November Block



Monday, November 1, 2010

Leaves