Friday, December 31, 2010

Looking Back at 2010

2010 Goals

There isn't too much to report on the goal front this year but I have a good reason for that. Mid-year, I decided I wanted to participate in the 101 in 1001 challenge and simply added the goals I had made in January to the new list instead. Other than "Complete one accounting course," (which I did do - in fact, I completed four accounting courses) all my other goals were just transferred to a list that gave me more time. They weren't forgotten; they will just be done at a later date.


2010 Numbers Game

I also made a blogging goal in January that encouraged me to post more entries each month than I had in the same month of previous years. Here's how those numbers looked:

January – 13/13
February – 10/10
March – 17/17
April – 14/18 (-4)
May – 14/17 (-3)
June – 18/18
July – 22/20 (+2)
August – 19/19
September – 30/30
October – 20/16 (+4)
November – 13/16 (-3)
December – 14/17 (-3)

I'd say I had a successful year; I was only down a total of seven posts. I had a lot of fun with this activity and plan on doing it again in 2011.


And last, but not least:

Happy Birthday to my wonderful father-in-law!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

May you all have a blessed day! Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010 Christmas Ornament

Mitch and I chose an "interactive" 2010 Hallmark Keepsake Christmas ornament this year.


Polar Peekbuster

All units, we've got a 411 in progress - peeking with intent to shake!


If this ornament senses motion, it lights up and a voice responds with one of five different sayings. My favorite phrase is "Red alert. Red alert. We have a P-I-P situation. Peek In Progress." It's pretty darn cute.


Have you bought any new ornaments this Christmas?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Winter 2010

Even in winter an isolated patch of snow has a special quality
~Andy Goldsworthy~


Happy first day of winter!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas Survey: Favorites

1. Favorite Christmas tradition.
My favorite Christmas tradition is one that was part of my childhood. On the evening of the 23rd, my parents, sister, and I would open presents at our house. On Christmas Eve, we would celebrate the holiday with my mom’s side of the family. We would attend midnight mass and then spend the night at my paternal grandparent’s farm. On Christmas Day, we celebrated with my dad’s side of the family. It was a very magical time and I’m so very lucky to have those wonderful memories.

2. Favorite Christmas ornament.
There are so many ornaments that I adore from my childhood and I don’t think I could pick a favorite. Here is one of the many that I love. I think the ornaments that I will come to cherish the most from the collection that Mitch and I have started are the two we bought last year.

3. Favorite Christmas decoration.
There have to be lights. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the beautiful glow of Christmas lights.

4. Favorite holiday scent.
Definitely cinnamon.

5. Favorite Christmas song.
I have two and just can’t decide between them because they are so different. The competition is between "Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Silent Night.”

6. Favorite children’s Christmas song.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

7. Favorite Christmas movie.
I have two (apparently I shouldn’t be doing this survey since I can’t decide on a favorite) – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Elf.

8. Favorite Christmas cartoon.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

9. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas dinner.
Grandma’s mashed potatoes.

10. Favorite holiday dessert.
Mint Dazzle.

11. Favorite candy cane flavor.
I’m a traditional gal and like the peppermint flavor.

12. Favorite Christmas colors.
I think the classic red and green, silver and gold, combinations are the best.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Sunday Smile

I can't believe it's Christmas this week!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Final Paper: Positives

While staying up late to work on a final paper is not my idea of fun, there are, of course, some positives to this situation.

It's comforting to be sitting here in the warm, quiet house knowing my husband and puppy are sleeping peacefully down the hall.

It's soothing to be wrapped in a soft blanket, seeing the leaning, undecorated Christmas tree in my periphery as I type at the computer.


It's breathtaking to think about the sole source for each and every last one of the positives in my life. This is the most perfect season with the most perfect reason.

One of Those Students and Depression

Tomorrow at this time I will be a free woman! At 4:00 tomorrow afternoon, my final final paper is due and I'll be skipping off happily into Christmas break. I'm quite seriously at the end of my rope with researching and writing papers; where are my beloved numbers?! I haven't seen nearly enough of them this semester and I'm going word crazy. My hatred for my classes this semester has gotten so bad that I've become one of THOSE students at which I used to shake my head. I've become one of those students who calculates how poorly they can do on their finals and still maintain a passing grade. If my calculations are correct, I will need a 58% on this last, excruciating paper in order to get an "A" on my transcript. The scary thing, however, is I'm not even sure I have that "F" in me. Ugh!

In other news: It looks like I have a bright, sunshiny future ahead of me. Health magazine recently came out with a list of 10 careers associated with high rates of depression and accountants made it onto the list! Yay! I have so much to look forward to . . .

Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Survey: This or That?

1. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day has always been the big day for me. I do, however, like Christmas Eve service the best.

2. Giving or receiving?
I like receiving (who doesn't?), but I love giving. It's especially fun to give if you've found or made the perfect present!

3. Real or artificial tree?
It's always been and will probably always be artificial.

4. Angel or star tree topper?
I like the stars.

5. White or colored lights?
On the Christmas tree I prefer white lights, but I enjoy the colored lights in windows and other decorating.

6. Tinsel or garland?
Garland; tinsel is frustrating and messy.

7. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper.

8. Stockings: Before or after presents?
After presents! It's like the icing on the cake.

9. Snow or no snow?
There has to be snow at Christmas! It's not Christmas if it's not a white Christmas!

10. Candy canes: Eating or decorating?
Eating.

11. Hot chocolate, apple cider, or eggnog?
I wouldn't argue with a glass of any of these! I'll say eggnog, though, because it only comes around once a year.

12. Cookies: sugar or gingerbread?
Can I pick both? I think I might have to say gingerbread for the holiday season simply because I don't have them any other time of the year.


Get yourself in the Christmas spirit and play along!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sunday Smile

Happy 2nd Birthday to my fur baby!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Too Much Information

Am I pregnant? No.

Am I extremely bloated? Yes.

Do you need to know that I'm menstruating? No.

Did you find out anyway? Yes.

Do I care? No.


I'm in a sharing kind of mood. Sharing means caring here at our house so I guess that means I care greatly for my readers. So, let me discuss this bloating issue a little more with you all.

Mitch and I are going to Florida in several weeks. Can you guess what else will be joining me on our trip? If you guessed my dear, sweet period, you would be correct. I normally wouldn't care about this little annoyance except for the fact that I have to put on a swimsuit while we're down there. The thought of my pasty - hasn't seen the sun in YEARS (no joke) - stomach sticking out further than my boobs just doesn't sound like an awesome look. Any suggestions on how I can go about making this attractive?

On the bright side, my bloated belly will take some attention off that interesting orange-peel look I'm sporting on the back of my thighs.

I love being a woman . . .

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wanted: Bars, Not Recipes

I think I may have to drop out of the bar competition.

On Thanksgiving morning, I awoke with visions of being a domestic goddess for the day. Okay, I shouldn't go that far, but I was hoping to be a bar babe of sorts. I had plans to not only attempt a bar recipe, but to surprise my in-laws that evening at dinner with a "Look, I baked!" contribution. Well, both events happened. I attempted a bar recipe and my in-laws were surprised.

I should have known things were going to head south when I didn't have any baking powder. I'm not completely dense in the baking department and knew that this leavening agent was important, so I headed down the road to my aunt's house to borrow a whopping quarter teaspoon of the white powder.

After the baking powder problem was solved, I thought my bar adventure would be nothing but smooth sailing. Of course I was wrong. Apparently my oven hates me and decided to bake only the edges of my bars. It refused to work its magic on the center of the pan; toothpick after toothpick came out exclaiming "they're not done!"

Now, my dear husband seems to think the Broil setting on the oven is the answer for any baking problem and promptly switched settings when he heard about my dilemma. Shortly thereafter, my bars came out of the oven smoking, edges and top burned to a crisp. After seeing the disaster of my creation and hearing my husband explain "they taste a little charred," I had no intentions of this pan leaving the house. Mitch, unfortunately, had other ideas. He took the bars to his parents and presented them as if they were an acceptable baked good to eat!

My in-laws were good sports, however, as they have long known about my domestic downfalls. My mother-in-law cut out the center and served that portion to her guests. Brave souls, those who ate my bars.


So, there you have it. I think dropping out of the bar competition is my only option. Unless . . .


instead of sending me the recipes, you just go ahead and send me the baked goods and I'll try to pass them off as my own. I'll let you wear the crown if I win - how does that sound?

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sunday Smile

I'm feeling like little Zoe as of late.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Snapshot Saturday: Cuddle Buddies

Happiness is a warm puppy
~Charles M. Schulz~

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Life Day 2010

Sissy, life without you would be way too boring. Thank you for all the smiles and laughter you've given over the years.






Your passion for life is inspiring and I could never thank God enough for the amazing sister He gave me (and let me keep in 2000). Happy Life Day! I love you!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Truly Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season.

Phenomenal parents.


A silly sister.


A hilarious husband.


Incredible in-laws.


A precious puppy.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thursday 13: Brought to You by the Letter "O"



*Idea from Alisha at Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander*


1. Oatmeal – I eat mine with brown sugar.

2. Oceans – I’ve visited the Pacific and the Atlantic.

3. Olives – I enjoy black olives on their own, but not so much in or on other food products.

4. Olympics – My favorite event in the winter Olympics is ice-skating and my favorite event in the summer Olympics is gymnastics.

5. Omelet – I cannot eat these because they are just too much egg for me.

6. Onions – I’ve only recently discovered the deliciousness of this bulb.

7. Online - Four of my five classes next semester are online. It's strange not really getting to know your instructors.

8. Operation – The only official surgery I’ve had was having my wisdom teeth removed.

9. Oprah – I can appreciate the things she’s done for people, but I find her annoying on her show.

10. Orange – The color Mitch and I plan on painting our downstairs bathroom when it’s finished.

11. Oregon Trail – A favorite computer game from elementary school that I still enjoy playing. I don't think I've ever made it to Oregon successfully.

12. Ornament - Mitch and I bought our 2010 Hallmark Christmas ornament back in October. Can't wait to hang it up on the tree!

13. Oreos – I do not dunk mine.


More Thursday 13!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Snapshot Saturday: Family Fun

The family is one of nature's masterpieces.
~ George Santayana ~

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday Finds

I have found another way to waste time online: Pacman! I can't believe I've never heard of this site until this week!


Happy Friday!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thursday 13: Brought to You by the Letter "N"

Before I begin my list, I would like to thank all those men and women who have served or are currently serving our country. Happy Veteran's Day!




*Idea from Alisha at Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander*


1. Nachos – Nothing fancy on mine; just beef and cheese, please.

2. Nail polish – I own three colors, two of which are shades of purple. I only paint my toenails.

3. Naps – When I get my best sleep.

4. Napkins – Cloth napkins gross me out a bit but I like that they’re better for the environment.

5. Nativity – I have the Willow Tree Nativity set and love it dearly.

6. Neon – I used to drive an aqua-colored one. She was pretty cute.

7. Neosporin – I’m a huge fan. I put it on everything.

8. New York Times – I visit the best-seller list on a weekly basis to find novels I might like to add to my reading list.

9. Nickname – My favorite is “Pumps” (from the hubby).

10. North Dakota – The only state in which I’ve ever lived.

11. Nosebleed – I’ve only had a couple in my life and they are horrifying. It’s not just the blood, but the warm gushing feeling that makes me queasy.

12. Nouns – My favorite part of speech, probably because it’s the most simple and straight-forward.

13. Number Crunchers – One of my favorite computer games in elementary school. I bet I’d still enjoy it.


More Thursday 13!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Randomosity

Thanks to all my readers for playing along on yesterday's post!

I just do not understand why a company would put 17 items in a package. Why 17? Why not 15 or 20? I don't even mind that it's an odd number (okay, I mind a little), but that it's an odd number that doesn't make sense! There is no way that there was any type of rational thinking involved in that decision-making process.

Anyhoo, on to other random things:
  • I have been obsessed with Gobstoppers lately. Unfortunately they're not of the chewy variety, but they are still pretty darn good. In fact, I've been craving them and have had very little interest in chocolate!
  • I haven't had a haircut in almost a year. I'm thinking it's about time.
  • I cannot wait for this semester of classes to be over! It has been less than fun. I only have one accounting class (which is torture at its finest) and the rest are business courses. I honestly can't handle much more busy work or assignments that in no way apply to me and the degree I'm planning to get. UGH! Next semester I do not plan on taking any business courses and will avoid my current accounting instructor at all costs. Only five more weeks . . . *sigh*
  • I never got around to decorating for Halloween and have yet to do anything for Thanksgiving. Not sure if it's going to happen or not. I am actually ready to start dragging out the Christmas tubs and pulling out all that sparkles and twinkles. I've got a bad case of the Christmas bug but I refuse to be on of those people who ignores the Thanksgiving festivities. Only 16 more days and then I can go nuts.
  • Speaking of Christmas, I'm still accepting recipes for my family bar competition. Please help a girl out!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Baffling Pack

Can anyone guess what drives me batty about this pack of ponytail holders?

Monday, November 8, 2010

101 in 1001

I have jumped on the 101 in 1001 bandwagon and I'm extremely excited about it! I've even convined a few others to start a list! I hope to blog about each task so we can all see my progress.


A couple of important numbers:
Start Date - November 7, 2010
End Date - August 5, 2013


Here we go!


ACTIVITIES
Embroider something
Applique something
Sew curtains for the dining room
Sew an article of clothing
Give my scrapbooking desk a facelift
Learn how to use a round brush
Learn how to tie a tie
Organize all my computer files
Make a background for my blog
Celebrate 25 days of Christmas and blog about it


AROUND THE HOUSE
Plant a vegetable garden
Hang a birdfeeder in the yard
Decorate the yard with plants and flowers
Mow the lawn
Learn how to use the snow blower


BOOKS & MOVIES
Read a nonfiction novel
Read a classic novel
Read a memoir
Read a book series
Read a book in one day
Reread a book
Listen to an audio book
Read a short story
Watch a classic movie
Watch a documentary
Watch a foreign film
Watch a movie series
Watch an entire television series


FAMILY & FRIENDS
Have a “professional” family photo taken
Send out family Christmas cards
Play catch with Mitch
Ride with Mitch during a day shift
Set up a play date for Crickett
Go on a strudel ride with dad
Visit every thrift store in town with my sister
Take a road trip with the girls
Give five handmade cards
Give five handmade gifts
Meet a blog friend


FIRSTS
Dye my hair
Try dry shampoo
Go shopping on Black Friday
Ride in a hot air balloon
Play Bingo at a bingo hall
Attend an estate sale
Go cross-country skiing at night
Go snowshoeing
Try a vegetable I’ve never had before
Try a fruit I’ve never had before
Listen to five new musical artists
Eat at five new restaurants
Earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting
Attend a church service led by Pastor Nate
See a comedian
Ride a horse
Buy a piano
Buy a sewing machine


HEALTH & WELLNESS
Run a 5K
Run a 10K
Run a half marathon
Run a marathon
Complete the one-hundred push-ups challenge
Complete the two-hundred sit-ups challenge
Complete the one-fifty dips challenge
Complete the two-hundred squats challenge
Become flexible enough to touch my toes
Reach my goal weight
Take a spinning class
Attempt yoga for 30 days
Find out my blood type
Give acupuncture a try
Visit a dermatologist
Find a family dentist


NORTH DAKOTA ACTIVITIES
Volunteer at the local humane society
Volunteer at the library's used book sale
Go through the Holiday Home Walk
Go through the Garden Walk
Attend a local Symphony-Orchestra concert
Visit the Former Governor’s Mansion
Ride the Lewis and Clark Riverboat
Go to a barn dance
Travel the Enchanted Highway
Visit Dickens Village
Visit the Geographical Center of North America


PHOTOGRAPHY
Organize digital photos
Organize film photos
Read point-and-shoot camera manual
Read DSLR cameral manual
Read photography emails
Work my way through Photo Idea Index by Jim Krause
Work my way through a Photoshop tutorial book
Take a photo that I normally wouldn’t take for fear of embarrassing myself
Start a photography blog
Start and complete Project 365
Photograph five North Dakota towns
Give a photo of mine as a gift


OTHER
Get an imprint of Crickett’s nose made as a necklace
Write to Sally, updating her on Crickett
Donate money to a needy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Thank an employee for great service and notify the manager
Host a giveaway on my blog

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Book #24

I finally got around to blending this year's library book sale finds with the books from sales past. Today I got to choose the novel for my next read (it's always so much fun to start a new book!). Being the number nerd that I am, I used a random number generator to help me decide which book. I've been looking for a reason to use this site and it was just as fun as I thought it would be.


The generator decided on book number 24, so it looks like I'll be reading:



Have you ever chosen your next book in a weird way?

Monday, November 1, 2010

Sunday's Classifieds

Someone please buy this puppy before it's too late.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sunday Smile

Happy Halloween!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Flat Tire Friday

I'm happy that I have a husband who can come change my flat tire.


I'm sad that I have a husband who won't let me stick around to take photos of his work.

Happy Friday!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thursday 13: Brought to You by the Letter "M"



Idea from Alisha at Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander.


1. Magazine – I just signed up for a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens. So excited for my first issue!

2. Magnet - My favorite on our fridge:


3. Matte – The finish I get on my photos.

4. May – My middle name.

5. Manicure – I’ve never had one and I have no desire to have one.

6. Merlin – Crickett’s doggy dad.


7. Metric system – Hate it with a passion.

8. Milk – I once baby-sat for two girls who drank it with their popcorn.

9. Mittens – I had to get out the mittens and winter coat yesterday.


10. Muffins – My favorite are corn muffins.

11. Mushrooms – I love them but Mitch hates them so we don’t use them in our cooking.

12. Mussels – Had them once and will never have them again – disgusting!

13. Mute – I mute commercials; this drives Mitch crazy, but I just can’t handle the noise.


More Thursday 13!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Worst Book

Hilltopper asked: What's the WORST book you've ever read?

The one that came to mind right away was Sleeping Beauties by Susanna Moore, a book sale find from a couple of years ago. I read this unfortunate novel back when I felt I needed to finish every book I started. Why I was ever so foolish, I'll never know. I now understand that life is too short to fill it with books that do nothing for you.


So, I want to hear from you guys. What's the worst book you've ever read?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Thursday 13: Brought to You by the Letter "L"



*Idea from Alisha at Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander*


1. Label maker – I could have way too much fun with one of these!

2. Labyrinth – I had a large wood version growing up. I was not very good at it.

3. Lap – I love when Crickett curls up in my lap and cuddles with me while I’m doing homework.

4. Laughter – I once had a boyfriend tell me I laughed too much.

5. Legs – I often only shave up to my knee. I’d like to say this is because I’m too busy to do all of my leg, but it’s just pure laziness. I hate shaving.

6. Lettuce – I do not like it on or in my food, but I enjoy salads.

7. Librarian – I think this would be one of the greatest jobs in the world.

8. Lighthouse – Beautiful structures. How much fun would it be to live in one?!

9. Lilac – I love the smell of lilac trees and bushes. Mitch and I planted (and by planted, I mean I picked out the type of tree and Mitch did the dirty work) a Japanese Lilac Tree in our boulevard in May.

10. Lists – I LOVE making them! (Obviously!)

11. Lollygag – I’ve been known to do this occasionally. I even earned the nickname “grandma” from a cousin.

12. Lotion – I like using baby lotion because it doesn’t dry out my skin. Plus the scent is wonderful.

13. Lunch – My least favorite meal of the day. I really, really don’t like it. When I’m home I never know what to eat and when I’m working, I always default to sandwiches. Bleh!


More Thursday 13!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

A Failed Hug

Setting: Holly is in the kitchen making lunch, Mitch is in the office working at the computer. Holly runs into the office and gives Mitch a hug.


Mitch: What's that for?

Holly: Because I love you.

Mitch: What did you do?

Holly: Nothing!

Mitch: No, seriously, what did you break?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Fall Book Sale 2010

I think this fall had to be my best library book sale to date! I got 35 books for $2.00. That, my friends, is approximately 5.7 cents per book. I'm thrilled about the books I got, too. I found several classics and a lot of other notable books. I've never listed the books I got at a sale before, so I thought I would do it this time around. I'm always curious when certain books hit my shelves and I thought you book lovers out there might be interested as well. Let me know if you've read any of these and what you thought!

1. Garden of Shadows by V.C. Andrews
2. Bird-Eyes by Madelyn Arnold
3. Mr. Timothy by Louis Bayard
4. Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
5. Written by Herself, Volume II edited by Jill Ker Conway
6. Hello Goodbye by Emily Chenoweth
7. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
8. The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton
9. A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton
10. Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi
11. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
12. Every Good and Perfect Gift by Brenda Jernigan
13. Educating Waverley by Laura Kalpakian
14. Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver
15. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
16. Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence
17. Jewel by Bret Lott
18. Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald
19. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
20. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
21. Middle Age by Joyce Carol Oates
22. We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates
23. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
24. The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx
25. Object Lessons by Anna Quindlen
26. Cordelia Underwood by Van Reid
27. The Speed of Light by Elizabeth Rosner
28. Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
29. The Education of Mrs. Bemis by John Sedgwick
30. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
Apparently I thought this book sounded awesome because I threw another copy into my bag.
31. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
32. The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews
33. Ageless Tear by Linda Gale Vettel
34. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
35. Native Son by Richard Wright

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Snapshot Saturday:

falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly
~John Bailey~


Friday, October 15, 2010

15 in 15 (on the 15th!)

I was tagged by Caity!

Rules: Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes.

Here is my list!

1. Watership Down by Richard Adams
2. Saving Gracie by Carol Bradley
3. Ender's Game (and then the rest of the series) by Orson Scott Card
4. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
6. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
7. The Green Mile by Stephen King
8. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
9. The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor
10. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
11. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
12. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
13. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (and the others in the series) by J.K. Rowling
14. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
15. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

What books would make it onto your list?

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Trying to Find the Perfect Bar

Christmas 2009 featured The Best Dip Contest.

There were a lot of wonderful entries and the competition was fierce. My family is made up of incredible cooks and bakers (obviously I don't fit in) so it was a hard decision to make.


The winning dip was a corn dish made by my cousin Grace (which unfortunately I didn't try). We are so serious about our competitions that we even have a crowning ceremony!


Christmas 2010 is scheduled to be The Best Bar Contest. Now, I'm not looking to win this competition (it seems like an impossible task), but I would like to give the other participants a run for their money. Problem is, I have yet to find the perfect recipe. While there are many bars out there that sound delicious, they just won't be able to compete with the desserts my family is capable of creating. This is definitely a strong area for many of my aunts.

So, my dear, sweet blog friends: help me find an amazing bar recipe. I have about two months to prepare (and we all know I'll need it), so start sending me your ideas!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Charlie's Angels

A friend recently tagged me in this photo on Facebook.

Obviously, I didn't understand his instructions.


It's great to have your confusion caught on film for all of eternity.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Snapshot Saturday: October's Party

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"~


Friday, October 8, 2010

Friday Finds

Stuff No One Told Me was one of the "blogs to note" the other day. If you haven't seen it, go check it out - great stuff! Below is one of my favorites.