Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

Today was one of those days when I just kept having conversations over and over in my head...possibly just talking to myself, and possibly reinventing 'what I should have said'.  Most of of the phrases that kept ruminating(aren't  you proud SCL, apparently I have some smart friends too ;-)) around were "Are you kidding me?" and "What?! Do I look like an idiot".  What made these thoughts and conversations to myself exist today is no longer important, as I am Over it.  So I will turn to the positives of the day.
1. Still sticking to my healthy living plan, or operation UF.
2. Had a lovely 2.5 mile walk at lunch with a friend eventhough its a decent 95 degrees out.
3. Made another batch of yummy SpiCAY hummus.
4. I made weight watchers Turkey Meatloaf for dinner, and it smells delish. Recipe at the bottom.
5. I came home to this on top of my laptop.
Oh yes that's baby Josh

How can I not have a good day now?  I seriously busted out laughing, made my night.






WW Parmesan-Turkey Meatloaf
Makes 8 Servings
1T olive oil
1onion, chopped
1 1/4 lb ground skinless turkey
4 slices whole-wheat bread, made into fine crumbs
1/2 cup ff milk
1 egg lightly beaten
3T ketchup
2T grated parm cheese
1t minced garlic
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t dried thyme
1/4 t ground pepper

1.Preheat oven to 350F; spray 8x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray. In small skillet, heat oil. Saute the onion until tender.
2. In med. bowl, combine the onion, turkey,bread crumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, cheese, garlic, basil, thyme, and pepper; blend well.  Transfer to pan. Bake until browned and cooked through, 50-60 minutes.  Let stand 10 minutes, then cut into 8 slices.
Per serving; Cal 181, F 9g, Carb 10g, Fib 1g

Monday, August 30, 2010

UF

Well...I finally cut my hair, nothing crazy, just to my shoulders.  And for some reason I thought that was where I gained all that weight from.  I was hoping to hop on that scale and to drop a good 20lbs. Darn it.   I mean my hair is thick...it had to atleast weighed like 5lbs. 
Why is it so easy to pack it on and it takes fooooorrrr eva to make it go away?  Well I'm on a mission, Operation Surprise Getting Married Makes You Fat Now Get Unfat.  Or UF for short (unfat) or atleast UF un poco (unfat a little).
It's crazy when it just hits ya, like dang what did you do? yikes!  Well it's been a constant battle no doubt.  And if you are blessed with the ability to not eat your entire plate of food or are naturally skinny well just please be thankful and await a post on my thriftiness as this does not concern you.
What's my game plan?  Well, consuming as many whole foods as possible, as the processed kind are not exactly anyones friends (although very tasty at times), and increasing my exercise.  With the weather getting nicer it should be a little more enticing to get some walking and running in.  Wish me luck!
Have any good recipes or tips? Share SHARE!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Cupcakes

Since someone is so anxiously awaiting my post on todays adventures here it is, just for you Dad.
Don't you just love how last minute plans end up being the best?  A few days ago I got in touch with my Biz to see if she was available this weekend to meet up.  I was amazed that the two of us had a weekend day free.  We decided to check out the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, you  know me and my bargains.  While I regret taking pictures of our illigal cupcake eating at Ruby Tuesdays, and ourselves weighted down with bags of goodies, I do have some stats.
First up tip number gazillion...always do your homework.  Check out the site and see if there are coupons.  Lucky for us, Gap and Banana Republic had 30% off this weekend!

awesome lantern I scored from Yankee
We first made a stop at Banana Republic and were amazed by the prices, Awesome!  I walked out of there with 2 shirts for the hubs,  2 shirts for me and a pair of pj pants for a grand total of $31.46, would have been  $13.49 more but I did my homework and found 30% off coupons.  Express I found another work shirt for $9.99, Gap I scored a nice jacket for $20.99, Champion I found 2 gym shorts for vball for $16.78, at Columbia nice swimming trunks for the hub $6.98, and finally Yankee Candle a surprise for me mum at $5 and 2 super cool lanterns for $10.  So for 5 shirts, a jacket, pjs, 2 shorts, swimming trunks, and candles and lanterns I spent $101.40.
The Biz also had a successful shopping trip, her hightlight was the 2 dresses she found for work for $36 total!  Looks like this outlet is legit, but as always check prices not all the stores were as good as the ones I mentioned.
We had a great day shopping and enjoying each others company.  Can't ask for more than spending time with a dear friend and a successful shopping trip!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Ugh Paper Towels

I really hate buying paper towels.  First of all I think they are expensive for what they are...paper.  Second I don't see a need for them.  However I live with someone who has a paper towel addiction so if I'm going to buy them I'm going to buy decent ones for cheap.  This 'someone' I speak of has gotten better and I'm sure the environment has benefited from it.
I know I haven't done a DOTW lately so here is one.  No, I did not buy 10 bottles of body wash, needless to say I think we are stocked from my last binge.  Here's what I got on my trip to CVS.  While not groundbreaking deals, still not too bad.

Degree Sport-  $2.50
MFC             - $1.00
Total              =$1.50

Dawn Dish soap- $.97
MFC              -  $.20
Total               = $.77

Crest Toothpaste -  $1.74
MFC                  - $1.00
Total                  = $.74

Bounty 8 Rolls-  $5.97
MFC               - $1.00
Total               = $4.97

Shopping total=  $6.98 (+tax)

Considering the paper towels alone normal price is $7.99, not bad.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Toasted Cheese


The past few days have been filled with tears, sorrow, joy, heartache, fear, anxiety, stress, smiles, hugs, kisses and most of all Love and Memories.
The love that this family has for one another is amazing.  They have been nonstop at the pops side for everything.  When I think about all the love, I get overwhelmed.  That is just in the immediate family.  The love that surrounds us is overwhelming as well.  So many people reaching out to help with anything we need, thoughtful phone calls, emails and texts, just dropping off meals with out even asking.  Sending flowers, delivering flowers, the mailbox full of cards.  Thank you so very much.
Memories are filled of hope, that everything will be okay and comfort, that everything is okay.  The past few days has been a rollarcoaster of emotions.  Saddness equaled out with happiness when talking about memories.
One memory that keeps coming up is one between Sandy and her grandson.  The toasted cheese story has been referenced atleast 3 times, probably more, in the past several days.  One day when Cameron was over, Sandy asked if he would like a toasted cheese sandwhich.  Unsure what a toasted cheese sandwhich was, Cameron said no, I'd like a grilled cheese.  And to Sandy that was a grilled cheese, so she had a few giggles and it has now become a family inside joke.
In the hard days to follow, memories and love are what we have to be strong and carry on.
Do me a favor, stop dwelling on the petty stuff and focus on what is important.  Family and friends.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Love

The past few days have been difficult, sorry I have been missing from blogworld.  The world lost a wonderful, caring, sweet lady on Sunday evening.  My mother in law passed away from a very aggressive lung cancer.  She had been going through several bouts of chemo and multiple surgeries the past year and half.  The lung cancer metastasized to the liver and there it went haywire.  The past few days have been spent helping the family make arrangement, reminiscing, going through pictures and consoling.  This family is a strong one and is doing well, considering.  They are thankful that she is not scared or in anymore pain, I am also thankful.  Tomorrow we will honor her full life with many family and friends.
While going through pictures we came across this one.  Her and my father in law at their junior prom in 1958, High School Sweethearts.
Times like this make you reflect on your own life and what is important.  Cherish the times that you have with family and friends.  Life is too short.
We thank everyone for the love they have shown myself and family through this time. We are so blessed.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

20 in a row?!

Dang girl you are out of control! 

This is my 20th consecutive post.  Happy 20th Consecutive Post Day to me!  To celebrate I will make Spaghetti.  Here's my special recipe:


What you expected me to make the sauce from scratch? Um no...it's a celebration hello! I busted out the store bought.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Buy me some peanuts and AW SHUCKS CORN...

One recent hot August night we gathered a bunch of our friends and family for a good old fashioned baseball game.  Everyone (I hope) had a great time, lots of laughs. 

Sometimes at the expense of others. ~but really...if my zipper was busting out of my skirt I honestly would give you permission to make fun of me for it. literally busting at the seems~

The Hubs' sister rented out part of the Party Patio a few months back at Coca Cola Park for the Iron Pigs.  What better way to spend a summer night with a bunch of your favs!  On top of spending quality time, we lucked out in getting to see Victorino play in the game.  Here he is first time up to bat and making it to first.

For those of you non-Phillies fans (shame on you) he's on the baseball team, the Phillies.  That was almost embarrassing to even type, shame on you.
Oh and what is Aw Shucks?  Only the best corn on the cob you could ever possibly buy.
Ps. did I get Take Me Out To The Ball Game song stuck in your head?  Good, me too.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Balance

Have you read the ever so popular book these days Eat Pray Love?  If not pick it up today, or ask me to borrow my copy. Excellent read about a woman who is reevaluating what is important in life and putting everything in balance.  It made me step back and look at my life.  I strive for a balanced life, of course it doesn't always happen, but for the most part I hope to achieve it.  When you are stressed just a little re-balancing can make things a little easier.  It's a juggling act, no doubt, and these days with so much going on it can be very difficult.  But if you take yourself out of the stressful situation and look to see how you can make it better, it is usually re-balancing something in your life.  Something that has either taken up too much of your thought or time or has not taken up enough.  And when balancing doesn't work, go for cookies.

Namaste

Monday, August 9, 2010

Priceline

Travel Tip #3  Priceline.  No not the roaming gnome mascot, the William Shatner one "Priceline Negotiator"  Well after getting rave reviews from our friends, we decided to check out what kind of deal he could negotiate for us.  Now keep in mind we didn't really care what area we would stay in, just as long was we were in a central location to wings and waterfalls.  Thinking we wouldn't get the bid we started at $40/night for a 3 1/2 star hotel. Well good old Willy negotiated pretty good cause he got that deal for us.  Yes we stayed at a 3 1/2 star hotel for 3 nights for $120.  Doing more research, this hotel normally goes for about $120/night.  So not too shabby!
The hotels location was great, actually right in the middle of it all.  Lots of restaurants and shopping centers were with in a short drive/walk.
After staying there it was def. a $40 room.  If we paid $120 for it I would have been very disappointed.  The carpeted floors were stained.  The coffee maker didn't work, the tv was not flat screen, and it took 3 days to get an extra pillow, oh and our phone didn't work.  Granted all we did was sleep there, we really didn't spend much time in the room.   It could have been much worse! 
I think back to a classic family vacation from back in the day.  On our way home from Virginia Beach in the middle of the night when the van broke down and the only hotel/motel nearby was one out of  a horror movie.  I remember sleeping on our sleeping bags on top of the beds, my Mom telling us to not touch anything.  I think we did touch the wall by accident and yup it was nice and sticky.  The window in the motel room was smashed in, and if I remember correctly it stormed that night.  When we woke up and walked outside I remember the sign said, "Newly Renovated".  Hmm..
Anyway, Priceline is definately an option when you are traveling.  I will use it again if we go somewhere, where we aren't being picky.  Have you tried this yet? 

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Buffalo/home day 4


As I sit here waiting for the mister to wake up so we can bust out of this popsicle stand, and more importantly get some anticipated dunkin coffee, I am happy to have made this trip.  While it wasn't a full out exciting, edge of your seat type of trip. 

It was our first road trip as a married couple.  Really all we wanted was to spend 4 solid days together, eating good food and seeing some of America's lovely nature offerings.  Mission accomplished.
We had a great time keeping each other company.
he is so strong, look he's actually holding the mountain in place.
Bff's for life

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Buffalo Day 3

As we wrap up our mini vaca in Buff to the Lo we kept it pretty low key.  Our massive hike and then walk around the falls did us in.
First stop the local AMVETS Thrift Store. This place was HUGE!  Didn't find much, but did score a nice work shirt for myself, and a Pottery Barn Kids blue gingham bumper pads.  Then we checked out the local Wegmans for some coffee and bagels.
We drove around for awhile just checking out the sites.  Then stumbled upon the Buffalo Museum of Science, so we thought we would check it out. Boy were we in for a surprise...
Robatic dinasours anyone?
I met a friend
And not really sure what was going on here...I would not have wanted to be in that totem pole.
I do believe we were the oldest people there that did not have kids.  I can't say we'll ever go back.
Next up, we did some downtown walking in Buffalo.  Came across the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site.

And found all these really neat churches.


I've never heard of a church for sale, and a gorgeous one at that. 

Buffalo is a wierd city/town.  Lots of rundown sections. Gorgeous buildings that are for sale or have graffiti on them.  It's sad.
For dinner we consulted our fine spikey haired friend Guy Fieri and checked out Grover's.  It used to be Pres. Grover Cleaveland's old hunting lodge. 

This place is tiny but mighty!  When you walk in you have to put your name and number in your party on the chalkboard.  The place was packed at 4:30p. 

The hubs got the Bruiser Burger

ignore his crazy face, the blue cheese was making him wacky.
and I got the bacon cheeseburger,

 but first we shared their famous cheeseburger soup.

Soooo goood! Everything was delish!  I ate about half my burger, it was gigantic! If you are ever in the area check this place out.
We finished the day by walking around the Walden Galleria Mall that is in the same parking lot as our hotel.  And tomorrow we make the trek back home, Peace out Buffalo.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Buffalo Day 2

Mission Niagra Falls.  As we left the hotel, we made a stop at Tim Hortons for coffee and donut holes...
which were pretty tasty...guy at the drive thru...not so much.  I think I will stick to my dunkin'.
With just a 20 minute drive we were in Niagra Falls, and just a little further we made it to our first stop, Devil's Hole State Park.
This was an awesome hike, gorgeous views of the Niagara River. 

We hiked down and then up the 300 Foot Gorge.

The Gorge was quite impressive, I was happy to make this stop and would advise anyone going to the falls to make this stop.  The color of the water was amazing.  So clear and blueish green.
We were just about ready to head back to the car when a kind Ranger told us that just another mile and we would be in Whirlpool State Park.  We did lots of boulder hopping to get to the whirlpool.


Needless to say we were a little sweaty after our almost 7 mile hike.  Totally worth the sore muscles and sunburn we now have.  Best of all both of these parks were FREE.
Next up big ole Niagara.  About 5 minutes down the road was Niagara. 



This next pic is the horseshoe falls and a view of Canada.


It cost $10 to park, yikes!  But really that was all we spent there, oh almost forgot the $4.25 Dippin' Dots.  No, we didn't go on the Maid of the Mist, or the Cave of Winds.  We decided to just enjoy the sights from above the falls.  We have decided we like the American Falls more than the Canadian Falls.  Yes the Horseshoe falls are bigger.  But can you get this close to them?

We had a great day, lots of walking, lots of amazing and Awesome views of lovely good ole' nature.
On our way back to the hotel we made a stop at a Guy Fiere suggestion for dinner, Pizza Junction.  Josh got a stuffed banana pepper, I got a side salad and then we shared a white pizza.  Delish!  After dinner we made our way back to the hotel and took showers and just relaxed a little.  Then we remembered all the cute ice cream stands that we passed on the way here and ventured out for some well deserved ice cream.  We came across Frosty's. 

 I got a Junior Mint Ice Cream and Josh got a PB & J Actic (cross between a milkshake and a blizzard)
It was so yummy!  And that pretty much ended day 2, we were spent.