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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Amazing Bloggy Friends!!

I wanted to take a few moments to thank my amazing bloggy friends!  I couldn’t have asked for better friends than what I have gotten here.  You stop by and I’m greeted with your comments that make me smile and laugh.  Thank you for not being “readers” but actual people that I can call friends.

It’s amazing the friends you meet here and the connection you have.  Some people may look at us like were nuts when we talk about our blog friends some we haven’t even meet in real life.  People don’t understand the bond we have with our friends here.  They will give you a call, text or email when they see something on your blog.  They know you sometimes more then the people in your real life do.  Over the years I have gotten cards and gifts out of the blue and for special occasions from these amazing ladies I have met.  I want to thank you for your support and friendship.

I have received such thoughtful gifts for my birthday.  Post card from their trips to Paris & even amazing Flip-Flop Swap Partners!  Thank you again ladies you’ll all so amazing!

Thank you again to Kimberly B (nightowl), Debby (Just Breathe) and Amy (Keeping up w/the Schultz) for the cards & birthday gifts. XOXO

Debby (Just Breathe)

for thinking of me while in Paris

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And my Poser Amy for being the Flip-Flop Swap Partner.

Love ya Poser.  I promise not to cook a piggy for a few wks … lol

(She’s my non pig meat eater … yup that’s what the pigs are for)

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Blessed I am each and everyday with people I may have never meet in real life but feel like I’ve known for my whole life.  Thank you again for being part of my everyday life.  You bring me smiles and tears with laughter and even if I’m having a funk mood your there! XOXO

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Birthday Weekend (Exploded and Over flowed)

Talk about a weekend FULL, I even missed one birthday party Sad smile which I was so sorry about.  But we did have a lot of fun and I didn’t get much sleep but all worth it!

Thursday Rick’s Cousin’s wife (trying saying that a few times fast) is a hairdresser and she was VERY kind and let me and the boys come over & I was able to get my hair done!  I’m horrible at cuts it takes me about 2 or 3 days to find my way with styling.  I think I finally got it!

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Saturday we headed to the Lowe’s Kid Clinic to make a really cool waving flag.  The staff was not organized this time, I ended up passing out the supplies to get the show moving.  We had a birthday party to go and I still needed to make cupcakes for my party.  Sadly we didn’t get my cousin’s son’s birthday party.

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I was running behind so we head right up to my birthday party BBQ.  Well that was after I made a few stops for food.  I needed to pick up the meat, cheese & dessert.  I added it all up and I spent as much for my birthday that I do for the kids parties.  I guess next time we’ll just skip a party for me (I know spending money on ourselves is so hard).  The Pie Bake off was fun, 3 of my friends brought pies.  One slice ended up on my friends foot and yes that is me cleaning the floor.  The party was a lot of fun, and as Rick said it was good to spend a little money on myself since I never do.  Friends that I haven’t seen in years showed up.  Time & Distance mean nothing to true friends as my friend Casey said.  It shows you want amazing friends you have that do that.  I think I’m good for another 35 years … lol Smile.  Great times!

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After my party we headed to my friend April’s house (our Tuesday Dinner company).  The kids had a blast with her husband coloring the driveway Smile.  We didn’t end up leaving until close to Midnight which is great LONG day.  I hope to do it again soon well with out the BBQ food cost … lol.

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Sunday was another Birthday party.  The kids had a blast and you would think they would pass out for the night but of course not … lol.

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We had another swim class, the teacher is getting better but still doesn’t have a plan for the smaller kids.  They played ring around the rosy. But no REAL take turns swim lessons like the other teacher.  I’m really wondering if we should do next month.  But Cole’s new teacher is fab so I guess we just have to be happy with one out of two?

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Cole’s classmate had his birthday also so we headed over to his house for some fun playtime.  Our gift was a HUGE hit all the kids wanted to play it so they opened it up and hour of fun they had.  That is after a 1/2 hour of us adults trying to figure out how to get it to work .. lol.

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Now for some recipes I made for my own birthday party … lol.

I made some Fancy Lime Jello Shots for the adults.  These were super strong and good.  But they took me an HOUR to scoop the crap out of them.  I guess I’m worth it … lol

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Fancy Lime Jello Shots

<p>These were a hit with my friends and so cute!</p>

See Fancy Lime Jello Shots on Key Ingredient.

Then I found these super cute cupcakes to make.  Also another time consuming activity but again I’m worth it … lol.  I never spend time or money on myself, so why not go all out.  This one and only time … lol.  Now the original recipe called for brownies, BUT my brownies turned out a little wonky so I made cupcakes instead.

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Grill'em Up Cupcakes

<p>These cupcakes were so easy and yummy! The original was made with brownies but let&#8217;s just say my brownie cupcakes didn&#8217;t turn out so we went with plan B cupcakes :)</p>

See Grill'em Up Cupcakes on Key Ingredient.

Happy Wednesday everyone, hope your having a wonderful day!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Tuesday Dinner (Saucy-Q Chicken Soft Tacos & Frozen Fruit Pops)

As many of you know Tuesday nights is dinner with my a friend from high school.  It’s great having friends over so I can test out new recipes … Smile.  Rick loves chicken and Taco’s so this Saucy-Q Chicken Soft Tacos from Hungry Girl who is now one of my favorite low fat sites to check out.  She also includes the WW points for you who follow that program.  I really enjoyed these!  I ran out of chicken and had a ton of the salsa left over.  Next time I’ll do a 4th breast since Rick said he would have ate more if there was more chicken!

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Saucy-Q Chicken Soft Tacos

<p>These amazing tacos had a little spice. Perfect for a summer meal!</p>

See Saucy-Q Chicken Soft Tacos on Key Ingredient.

And for dessert I had to make Frozen Fruit Pops since we finally had a HOT day here in the PNW.  I made a ton so the neighborhood kids had a few too, let’s just say my house is very popular now with hands out for these Smile.  Thanks “Cole’s Mom” these are really good is what I was told.

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Frozen Fruit Pops (WW 1pt)

<p>Looking for a evening treat that is not full of calories, look here.</p>

See Frozen Fruit Pops (WW 1pt) on Key Ingredient.

Happy Tuesday everyone Smile

Monday, June 27, 2011

Manic Monday (HG's Funkadelic Chili Mac & Scoopable S'mores Bread Pudding)

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Here are a few treats I made for guest.  This first recipe I made is HG's Funkadelic Chili Mac.  I doubled it to have enough for the family and had enough to bring to my birthday BBQ party.  It was a hit with everyone. 

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HG's Funkadelic Chili Mac (WW 8)

<p>Looking for a lighter version of your favorite meal, plus a hit with the kids!</p>

See HG's Funkadelic Chili Mac (WW 8) on Key Ingredient.

When I went to get my hair done at Rick’s cousin’s house I had to of course bring along something.  This Scoopable S'mores Bread Pudding looked so good I had to try it out.  OK people WARNING … as you may notice the pre backed photo is of mini marshmallows.  Well when they say be careful when under the broil because it will BURN.  TRUST me it will burn and stink!  Now my second time you see they are on the brown side, yes I let it go a little too long again. NOT as bad as the first time that was unsalvageable!  BUT s’mores outside are a little brown so this time was perfect Smile.

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Scoopable S'mores Bread Pudding (WW 5pts)

<p>That bite was so incredible coming right out of the oven!</p>

See Scoopable S'mores Bread Pudding (WW 5pts) on Key Ingredient.

Happy Monday everyone, I need to add the link up again soon I will Smile.  I want to make sure I have a following to do the meme.

Friday, June 24, 2011

I think I may keep the SPAM comments …

Each day I believe my blog is getting around 55 to 75 spam comments in  the last few weeks. I have it set up so any comment on a post over a week old needs to be approved and thankfully the spam button in blogger catches them and I can easily delete them!  But I’m think I may just keep them to make my #’s look good … hehe.  I know it’s summer but darn it I thought I meant a lot to everyone and I’m getting no comments (just playing I know you’ll all busy). What does a girl have to do streak across the screen to get some comments … lol.  Just playing … UNLESS that is the case then I may just do it!  So brace yourselves you may see ad’s for Viagra, Enlargements and software in my comments soon … hehe!  Plus according to my email I have WON the British Lotto, so you may not see me at all because I’ll be with my winnings on some private island!

No really I know it’s summer and people are busy.  I guess the same thing is true for my b-day party this weekend.  It’s sad to say when we getting older I guess we have less and less friends.  Heck my 7 year may have a better turn out for his party then me!  I don’t ask for gifts just their presence but it’s looking like sadly my friends are too busy Sad smileI just can’t compete with the town over and the log show … lol. 

As you all know I’m the person if it’s a kid friendly party I will be there in a heartbeat.  Rick always tells me Alexis you always bend over backward to attend everyone’s party would they do it for you?  I guess having rose color glasses makes my life blissful that is until it’s my turn .. ok enough pitty me!

I did get my haircut & colored for the event … oh yes so I’m stepping out into my summer do!  I’ll take the small silver lining where I can. My makeup got washed off while rinsing the color out so it’s a sephia pic until I can get one up on next week with make-up Smile.

I also sent all the flip flop partners there partner’s info.  If you don’t hear from your partner let me know I don’t want anyone getting left out!

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Partners are (Ok I screwed up and forgot to change out the names in one of the emails so one girl sorry Dawn got two partners, I’m putting how it should be but if you already have it switched let me know):

  1. Tammy  & LynnMarie 
  2. Kat  & Our Crazy Bunch 
  3. Robyn  & petrii 
  4. Shell  & JessieLeigh 
  5. Cool Gal  & Life With Baby Donut 
  6. The Blue Zoo  & Kristy 
  7. Sara  & Ma What's 4 dinner 
  8. Andrea (ace1028)  & Cassie
  9. Amy  & Alexis

I hope I didn’t screw anyone up with the swap I feel so bad I was a bone head and didn’t update my email.  My own fault for being lazy and copy & pasting … ugh.  Happy Friday everyone.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Thursday Must Reads–6/23 Addition

Well her you have it many books I’ve seen the last few weeks.  I had my share of misses and some hits.  Going to the gym sure does help me keep up on my reading!  Some of my misses you may like so I’m going to include them along with the ones I loved.  Enjoy Smile

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover

I really must stop trying to get these wizard books attract me because I have been having a bad run with them.  his one sadly was one of the ones I couldn’t get into after 30 pages so I gave up.

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover: Jazz can't decide whether to scorch him with a fireball or jump into bed with him. Jasmine Tremaine, a witch who can't stay out of trouble. Nikolai Gregorivich, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop on the trail of a serial killer. The sizzling love affair between Jazz and Nick has been off-again, on-again—for about 300 years. Mostly off, lately. But now Nick needs Jazz's help, and while Jazz and Nick try to figure out their own hearts and resist their ever-increasing attraction, they must steer clear of a maniacal killer with super-supernatural powers. They are surrounded by a hilarious cast of oddball paranormal characters, including Irma, the chain-smoking ghost who haunts Jazz's sports car, Dweezil, her ghoul of a boss, and Fluff and Puff, a pair of bunny slippers with sharp teeth and short tempers (watch your ankles)!

Banana Hammock

Now this book had a FUN idea to it you read a few pages and you pick the way it goes does he go this way or that way.  Really it sounded very cool, but I could NOT get into it either.  The humor was dry and cliché in some ways it actually was just boring to me Sad smile.

Banana Hammock is not a single, linear book, and should not be read sequentially, page by page. Instead, it is an interactive text adventure.

This ebook is meant to be read out of order, depending on the path you, the reader, choose.

Harry McGlade is a continuing character in the Jacqueline “Jack" Daniels series. At the end of each section, you decide where Harry goes, and what he does. By following different paths, you can arrive at many different endings. There are literally hundreds of variations.

You control the character. You control the fun.

The Accidental Human

Yup you know it another one that looked like it would be fun and one I enjoyed but couldn’t get into it.  It had a fun story that looks like it would be up my alley but I couldn’t get into it.

The Accidental Human : Wanda Schwartz is raking in the dough selling Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics—and she's a pro at recruiting new saleswomen. So, she's shocked when a man comes to one of her in-home parties—a very hot man. Heath Jefferson is sure to put some extra spin into a lot of women's color wheels.

When Wanda is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it doesn't have to be a death sentence. With a werewolf and a vampire for best friends, she has options that most ordinary people wouldn't. As Wanda ponders what to do about her mortality, Heath reveals he has secrets, and one of them is that his former bloodlust has turned into an old-fashioned lust—for Wanda. And he's already given up too much to lose the love of his lifetimes.

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

You know how I love a good wedding story and thought heck why not a book around it.  The book looked like it would be good but it just didn’t grab me right away the story was a little weak in the beginning it could have picked up but I couldn’t get into it.

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party: At a remote cattle post south of Gaborone two cows have been killed, and Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's No. 1 Lady Detective, is asked to investigate by a rather frightened and furtive gentleman. It is an intriguing problem with plenty of suspects--including, surprisingly, her own client.
To complicate matters, Mma Ramo-tswe is haunted by a vision of her dear old white van, and Grace Makutsi witnesses it as well. Is it the ghost of her old friend, or has it risen from the junkyard? In the meantime, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant and, under pressure to marry her, has run away. Naturally, it is up to Precious to help sort things out. Add to the mix Violet Sephotho's newly launched run for the Botswana Parliament and a pair of perfect wedding shoes--will wedding bells finally ring for Phuti Radiphuti and Grace Makutsi?--and we have a charming and delightful tale in the inimitable style of Alexander McCall Smith.

Now for a few that I love:

blissfully Yours

This book was such a great read and I truly enjoyed.  You watch as the romance blooms and the trust is built.  It has a great Christian feel but not all about that either.  A great balance.

Blissfully Yours: It was an offer I couldn't refuse: take some time off from teaching and help out at the opening of my friend's brother Mitch's fabulous Bliss Village ski resort. After all, thanks to my mother, I'd already dated most of the so-called eligible men in Tumbleweed, Arizona. What was left to hold me here?

Um, cowardice? I haven't taken many risks outside of my familiar environment. Okay, try none. Still, if risk comes in the shape of tall, blond and handsome Mitch Windsor, how can I say no?

Blonde with a Wand

Now I’m warning you this book was a great read but it was VERY graphic with adult content, the kind that will make you blush at times.  The story was funny and you fell in love with the characters and the story of what doing good for others can make you a better person.  BUT again it is an adult book!

Blonde with a Wand: Sexy witch Anica Revere has one rule: never under any circumstances get involved with a man before telling him she's a witch. Still, what's one silly rule? Especially when the guy in question is as cute as Jasper Danes. But when Anica and Jasper have a spat, she breaks an ever bigger rule of witchcraft and turns him into a cat. Bad news for him.

Can You Keep a Secret

What a fun book, you start with a terrifying airplane ride and you can’t but help loving this character that pours her heart out to a stranger.  Who knew this stranger would be her boss?  Oh yes and what is to come is great.  Are secret’s ok?

Can You Keep a Secret? Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.
But come Monday morning, Emma's office is abuzz about the arrival of Jack Harper, the company's elusive CEO. Suddenly Emma is face-to-face with the stranger from
the plane, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her. Things couldn't possibly get worse--Until they do.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

This is a cute book I totally forgot I had read it years ago (after about 20 pages into it I remembered .. lol).  The movie also is one of my favorites also.  This is a fun book that has great charm.

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it -- not any of it.
Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank -- letters with large red sums she can't bear to read -- and they're getting ever harder to ignore.
She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something...

The Manning Grooms

Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors.  She writes a lot about Seattle and the Washington area so of course that drew me to her in the beginning. The book had such a great feel to it and you loved all the characters and the mood of going with love and not waiting was so romantic.

The Manning Grooms: Jason Manning is content with his life as a bachelor, a slob and a sports fan. Then a precocious girl named Carrie Weston decides to play matchmaker, introducing him to her mother, Charlotte. To his relief, Charlotte is as averse to marriage as he is. But Jason's feelings start to change once he gets to know his Bride on the Loose.

James Wilkens was almost a Manning groom—because he almost married one of the Manning sisters. With that broken engagement behind him, he spends New Year's Eve in Las Vegas...where he meets Summer Lawton. She's just suffered a painful betrayal, and James promises her that in a year, she'll be over it. To prove his point, he makes a date to meet her in Vegas Same Time, Next Year. Except it turns out to be more than a date—it's a wedding!

the-knitting-diaries-debbie-macomber-ebook-3e3f1

Yes another Debbie Macomber book that I loved.  She has a GREAT series about knitting I’ve told you about before and this one was three books in once.  Now I would have liked them to be 3 separate books because you only got a snip it of it and sometimes a bit rushed but still good stories I just wanted more!

The Knitting Diaries: The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber

Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, Ellen, have each written a list of twenty wishes— which included learning to knit. But Ellen has added a twenty-first wish: that her mom will fall in love with Tim, Ellen's birth father....

Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery

When Robyn Mulligan's dreams of becoming a star give way to longing for home, she returns to Texas, running her grandmother's knitting store. But handsome, hot-tempered T. J. Passman isn't making it easy. If he can learn to trust Robyn, and overcome his past, they might discover a passion like no other.

Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye

After a car accident, Caro McNeal is welcomed by a community of knitters on Oregon's Summer Island. She also finds purpose in the letters she exchanges with a marine. But when life takes another unexpected turn, will Caro pick up the threads of hope, opening her heart to wherever it takes her?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Busy Busy Weekend (The one my B-day Didn’t land on Father’s Day)

As many of you saw my post about my b-day already but had to add it in my rap up … lol.  I had a rather nice day, I did work but my job is from home so I can’t EVER complain!  I did get a chance to get my toes done (She even put a little jewel on my flower on my toe – see below). Flan Rick picked up my fav dessert. Hard Cider which I get maybe once a year and a cute card!! Of course my camera too Smile.

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With Summer suppose to be upon us (In the PNW we have been having more rain then usual) the kids play with the neighborhood kids and I hate leaving the door open with the flies.  When Cole was 4 wks old I left the house for 2 1/2 hrs to come back to find out my front door was kicked in!  Yup we were robbed and the jerk broke my door & the screen door.  Well we fixed the door since I kind of needed that right away but the screen door didn’t get fixed until now.  Poor Rick I told him to just pick up a screen door he wanted a storm door.  Let’s say after 6 HOURS he got the screen cut and fit to our door, let’s just say he would have paid the $30 more for the storm door that was PRE-HUNG … lol.

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Sunday was Father’s day, Rick sadly had to work so I took the boys with our church group to take your dad to the game day.  The boys love to go and the Rainiers is a fun minor league team.  Caden thought he’d keep score, you know in scribbles!

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Sunday we also headed up to my dad’s to give him the peanut jar we made for both him & Rick.  They played down at the waterfront for a few minutes you know throwing my dad’s expensive rocks into the water … lol.

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We are also back to swim class.  Sadly our regular teacher is teaching elsewhere for the summer.  We had a girl for Caden’s class that just started to be a teacher.  Poor thing I don’t think is cut out for teaching small children she was not in the playful mood and got a little pissy when the 3 and 4 y/o weren’t sitting listening to her.  They sadly didn’t have fun and either did she.  We can hope our next class will go better or it’s going to be a LONG summer!

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Happy Wednesday, I’m having problems posted so this will hopefully be up sometime today … UGH.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Tuesday Dinner (Carne Asada w/ Coconut Cream Pie)

As many of you know Tuesday’s here is dinner with my friend from high school and her son.  The boys get play time and we get time to sit and chat about our week or the husbands Smile.  Last week I made my first Carne Asada and Coconut Cream Pie.  I know two first time recipes, believe me this situation has not ALWAYS worked in my favor.  Just ask Rick we have had to scrap the meal and pick something up, I’m glad to say this wasn’t the case with this meal.  The dinner was delicious the only thing that happened is the kids left more cheese on my floor then in their bellies … hehe

First on the menu was Carne Asada Marinade that we then put on whole wheat flour tortilla’s.   The marinade was to make and my favorite was it was made the night before and then the next night I was able to throw it on my indoor grill.

Recipes

Carne Asada Marinade

<p>This was a simple marinade that was very delicious. (Sorry the photo is a little off in color my camera was dying a slow death)</p>

See Carne Asada Marinade on Key Ingredient.

And for the dessert I made HG's Crazy-Amazing Coconut Cream Pie.  I have been lead to Hungry Girl’s website and I am VERY impressed!  She has the book 300 under 300 (calories) and is on the Food Network.  Her revamp of meals is amazing plus she gives WW points for those who follow that program.

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HG's Crazy-Amazing Coconut Cream Pie

<p>A great twist on a classic with out all the calories from Hungry Girl&#8217;s website.</p>

See HG's Crazy-Amazing Coconut Cream Pie on Key Ingredient.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!  Thanks for stopping by Smile.

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