Great find

Hard plastic cup!!

It work so nice, it's easy to clean, and keeps my drink cold.

Menopause......

the musical!

2nd show in a month

it was awesome!!

I was given two tickets for last night's show last minute

i called my friend Joan and we decided how fun!!

the audience was packed with women (4 men)

we all laughed and cheered the whole time.

the entire action of the musical takes place in Bloomingdale's, NYC

it's a hilarious celebration of women and THE CHANGE.

i would recommend every women go and see it!!

what 30 day challenge

i have fallen off the challenge game plan. this weekend i went crazy. we had the annual halloween/b-day bash and i didn't go over board with eating i did with drinking!!! we had a great time and i haven't had so many drinks in such a long time. the spiral continued until today. I am back on track and that is what part of this challenge is about letting yourself enjoy things but also focusing so you don't continue to stay off track.

my exercise has been great i worked out 4 times last week and plan to continue this week. i am going to try my DVD's again instead of just Elli. i always enjoyed them and i want change so i don't get tried of the same routine. i do get so bored just doing Elli. time goes by fast because i watch sex in the city re-runs but still i get bored.

another note we got DSL!! i was online last night from home not pulling my hair out. dail up is no longer a part of our life!!

it's been a month????

Wow, I can't believe it has almost been a whole month!!

as i look back and jump for joy that i was able to last the whole month with out running to the store i am so impressed!!

I DID it. i was able to go a whole month and only have to go for milk

i can't tell you how much time and energy i have saved over the last month

I will be making my next monthly trip this Friday

i don't go on the 1st or 3rd of the month because every rude crude person is out

this month i will need to plan the Thanksgiving meal

as of right now i will have 10 people (just found out Saturday i may have 10 more coming {more on that later})

i already have most of my meals planned out

i worked on taking inventory this weekend

i have been writing things down as i use them so it is easier at the end of the month.

things i will need to purchase more of for November:

bread, yogurt, cheese, fruits

i didn't run out but it always good to have extra just in case

over all

SUCCESS!!!

BIG news..................

I am........

going high speed!!!!!

we currently have Dial-up at home

I took the jump and signed up for high speed Internet!

The package deal with phone and Internet is such a savings

we have dial up but NEVER use it

it takes forever so why pay $15 month

instead

pay for unlimited phone and Internet for the same price

and being able to use my computer

the things i will do...

blog from home

make photo books

send pictures to friends and family

shop

Monty Python's SPAMalot

this show was great!
C won us tickets at an event this summer
we would have never gone otherwise
but we both had such a great time
the show started at 3pm we arrived and enjoy the atmosphere
we purchased the $3 water and $3 soda (noticed you can't take them in)
oh well, we entered the theatre and me a people watcher notice all types of people came
the dressed up, jeans & sweat shirt, young & older
it was great!!!
the show started and I wasn't sure what to expect......
We were both so impressed
the play was funny & the sense of humor was right up my ally
the sets are amazing they looked as if they were 3-d.
this was something that we would have never done but I am glad we did
oh and we went to dinner after and we were home by 7!!

1st full week of meal plans & monthly shopping

1st full week=success!!!
we have stayed on track with our meal plan
I didn't need to go to the store for anything extra
today i will go and pick up milk (i planned to do every week)
Example of meals
M- rib eye steak & potatoes
T- left overs (i work until 7)
W- Cali zones (ham & cheese)
Th- out night
F- chicken bake
S- pork chops
SU- roast w/ mashed potatoes

month 1 of monthly shopping

Meats: Chicken, hamburgers, ground hamburger
*I divided the ground hamburger into 5 servings*












Dry goods- cereal, crackers, chocolate chips, snacks, taco kit, corn bread, pasta














Dry goods- soup, jelly, PB, towels, Brita water systems *save $ on buying water**













Cold goods- butter, yogurt, meals, chicken nuggets, frozen veggies, tater tots, veggies













Dry goods- chips, brown sugar, potatoes, milk, soup, sour cream, stuffing, bread, cheese, tuna, garlic, vanilla, much more

First month of monthly shopping. I spent $280for the month. Note that most of my purchases will last more then a month. I stocked up on everything this month. Next month I will have other things to replace but I don't think it will be as big.

This week I plan on making my lasagna which I make 3 at a time (3 months) I will also make mac-n-cheese (3 months) the hamburgers I bought will last 5 months. I will keep you updated on how I do for the month if I need to make and grocery runs!!!

monthly shopping????

I have decided to only grocery shop 1 time a month (exception of milk). I am trying to make things easier for myself so only having to go to the store 1 time in a month will be hard in planning but will pay off.
Once my master list is set it won't be hard to work for the next month. I have planned 25 meals knowing that we will eat out or we will have left overs.
Friday is my day to do my first shopping. I know it will take a long time at the store I know my bill will be huge but I also know I won't have to go to the store for a month!!!
I am excited. I have always loved grocery shopping but I find it hard to do after I get out of work or traveling back into town on the weekend just to shop. I enjoy looking around exploring new items.
My plan is to go to Sam's and buy my soda, juice, paper products and some meat (which will last more the just this month) and then head over to Super Wal mart for the rest. I have my list made I just need to check a couple of things.
I get out at 2 pm on Friday's so it shouldn't be too busy but it doesn't matter because I know that I have all the time to shop. I will keep you posted on how it goes!!!

Great idea- wedding

I was at a wedding last weekend and saw a great idea (I wished I did this). The bride decided that the traditional guest book was not the way she wanted to go. She bought a book (in her case a book about horses that you would use for a coffee table book) and asked all the guest to sign a page that they liked!!! It was great. How often do you look at your guest book. Now you can leave it out everyday!!!!

Oreo Pie

Oreo pie-

Ingredients:
1 pkg Oreo's (I used off brand, reduced fat)
1/4 cup melted butter
8 oz cream cheese (I used off brand, 1/3 less fat)
1 pkg instant chocolate pudding
1 tub of cool whip (I used off brand, low-fat)
1/4 cup powder sugar

Directions:

Crush Oreo's ( I used my small food processor). Set aside 1/2 cup for the topping of the pie. Melt butter and add to the remaining Oreo's. Mix and pour into 9 inch pie plate. Pat down Oreo's to form a crust. Beat cream cheese for 2 minutes on high speed. Add powder sugar & 1/4 of the tub of cool whip. Start mixer on a low speed, then beat on med-high for 1-2 minutes. Pour the mixture onto the crust. Make pudding according to directions (I always use 1/4 cup less of milk. It helps make the pudding stiffer). once the pudding has set up pour over cream mix. Take the remaining cool-whip and spread on top and sprinkle with the 1/2 cup of oreo's.
I didn't have a recipe to work with so I made my own. I bought it into work for a going away party for the intern. It was a big success!!

**I made a mini pie for the HB so he could enjoy as well***

Eye- love Dior

DiorDior Mascara

Love it!

When I was in Vegas last September I stopped into my favorite store

Sephora.

I only shop online because I don't have one any where near me

So, very excited. I spent hours just browsing and I finally asked a nice sales person to help me get a great mascara.

She asked what are you looking for?

long, full, thick lashes (isn't everyone)

but...

I ALWAYS get the black circle under my bottom lash's so I need something that will stay on my lashes (I don't ever ever put mascara on my bottom lashes because it's doesn't work for me)

She told me to find a waterproof, black mascara

She showed me:

DiorDiorShow ($24)

My thoughts as she is explaining to me how to apply is: will this work?

Caution aside I bought it

Let me tell you it is great!!!!

I don't get the under the eye circle's and it makes my lashes full!!

Remember I don't have a local Sephora around so I usually wait to put one big order it so I get free shipping

I receive my email from Sephora about new items and what did I see:

DiorDior Maximizer lash plumping serum ($28)

(If you order they send you a sample of mascara)

WOW!!! It's great. My lashes look SOOOOOO long and then with the mascara. I have never had such great looking lashes!!!

I even slept in it last night my eyes still look great when I woke up.

What it does:The newest addition to the family of legendary Diorshow Mascaras, Diorshow Maximizer Lash Primer Serum instantly primes, plumps, and lengthens lashes with an ultra-light and quick-drying formula. The first "active serum" mascara primer also contains a unique cell-conditioning complex made up of hydrolyzed soy proteins that promote long-term lash growth, strength, and vitality
** I was not asked or paid to advertise this product. I wanted to share a great find***

Best Buttercream frosting!!!

"the success of this frosting is in the technique, not the ingredients.

it's so creamy and not too sweet"

recipes from http://allrecipes.com

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 (2 9 inch rounds/24 cupcakes)

Ingredients:
2 cups butter, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, Whip the butter on high speed, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. Whip until double in volume. this takes a very long time, approximately 10 minutes.
While still whipping, drizzle in the heavy cream. continue whipping until the mixture is stiff approx 2-4 minutes (it will look lumpy)
Add 1/2 the confectioners sugar and whip until smooth. At this point, you can taste the frosting and determine is you would like to add more sugar to taste.

I made 1/2 the recipe and have enough to frost 12 cupcakes with some left over. I used a piping bag with a large star tip.

To add the final touch and sprinkled cocoa powder on the tops!

Chocolate fudge cupcakes

"Rich chocolate cupcakes with a fudge-like consistency"

recipe from Allrecipes.com

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ready In: 60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

2 (1oz) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans (I didn't use my HB doesn't like nuts)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. In the top of a double boiler, combine chocolate and butter.

Heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is melted ans smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm.
Sift flour and sugar together into a large bowl.

With mix on low speed, beat in eggs one at a time.

Stir in chocolate mixture, vanilla and pecans.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. DO NOT over bake.

Tops should be shiny but give slightly when touched.

This is the Best chocolate cupcake I have ever had. It is different from your everyday cupcake. Most cupcakes are fluffy this cupcake is a little crispy on the outside but gooey on the inside. I also discovered a great butter cream recipe that I will share that is wonderful. It's light and fluffy and doesn't leave a greasy feeling in your mouth!

Sweet dreams will come true

CUPCAKES!!!!!!

I have this idea of making gourmet cupcakes.

I love seeing beautiful cupcakes it makes me smile

I have sat back long enough and I am going to head out on a mission to make what I believe a great cupcake.

I want to try different flavors, decor, presentation

I have SO many ideas!!

I can't wait to start on the adventure of CUPCAKES!!!

Truth???

truth??

Are you truthful?

I am a truthful person

but.....

Sometimes I don't speak my truth

I just don't say anything

WHY???

I'm afraid that people will be hurt, that I will offended or get a negative response

WHY???

I don't like confrontation

I don't like attention on me (positive or negative)

I don't like disagreements

I don't like disappointment

STOP!

2010 has been a turning year in my life I vowed to try new things

I stopped and evaluated me

STOP

missing out on things I like

STOP

sitting back and not taking care of myself

STOP

being afraid of not hearing the answers that I want to hear

STOP

wondering what if.....

I vowed that 2010 is my year for trying new things

I have kept this vow and it feels so good

I need to still work on this vow

I will continue with this vow

sitting back and not enjoying things in not an option it's

Time

to start being me

Time

to do the things I want

Time

to enjoy everyday

Time

to be truthful out loud.

love. without the handles......

Can you beat the heading..???? love. without the handles!!!! I was shopping at Wegmans the other day and spotted POP chips. What does POP chip mean... Healthier, delicious, all-natural. they are all that and a bag of chips. How do they do it? Well, first, let's talk about how they don't do it. They don't ever fry our chips. That just puts a lot of stuff in there that we could all do without. They never bake their chips either. That just takes a lot of flavor out, which, as snackers, we simply can't do without.

The Magic of Popping
They start with wholesome potatoes, add a little heat and pressure, along with a little snack magic. And pop! It's a chip.

No fake flavors, colors, no preservatives no wiping your greasy hands on your jeans anymore.

With so many flavors and can't go wrong: original, BBQ, salt-n-pepper, sour cream and onion, cheddar, salt & vinegar and Parmesan & garlic.

I loved them!!! I tried the salt-n-pepper they are GREAT!!

Blog Remodel!!!!!!!!!

One of my goals for this Blog was to make it interesting. Yesterday I started to explore other Blogs that I follow and was trying to figure out how they came up with such cute Blogs. Well I have found out how they do it and couldn't be happier with my kitchen (Blog) remodel!!!!! If you didn't see my Blog before it was plain, plain, plain.

Can you get any more on topic!!! It amazes me that people are so creative and share (free) the ideas that they have. I went to thecutestblogontheblock.com (if you click on the words on my Blog {up on the left top}it takes you right to them) they have so many ideas!! They also walk you through the whole process (that's good for me because I have NO clue).

Hope you enjoy the new remodel!!!!!

Wendy

Sushi, Sushi read all about it!!

This past weekend I tried Sushi for the first time (thanks Amy). As I have mentioned before I am trying new things this year. I only tried the California Roll (no raw fish) I was greatly surprised that I liked it!!! As I was eating the first piece I thought what a great taste. Then my second I thought it can't be that good well it was. So, thanks to Amy I tried Sushi and liked it. I know there are some many more types of Sushi out there and the California roll is a great way to introduce yourself to Sushi. I did some research and found some helpful hints on the Sushi World.

PORTION DISTORTION: Quite often sushi is served by the piece. That makes it easy to over-order. If you want to save calories, carbs and/or points, order "light rice." To make your meal more filling, bulk it up with an order of oshitashi (boiled spinach with soy sauce).

RAW DEALS: Heads Up! Look out for the following words. They'll clue you in that you're about to order something not so diet-friendly...
"Tempura" - Tempura is basically Japanese for "batter fried." Tempura = a fatfest!
"Spider" - Spider rolls are usually greasy fried crab rolls. They sound good, but they really pack in calories and fat.
"Dynamite" - In sushi-land, the word "dynamite" basically means, "baked in a sea of gooey mayo." Skip it!
"Crunch" - Yet another cute & clever way of saying "fried & fatty."

ROCKIN' ROLLS!
Cucumber Roll - This crunchy, healthy delight packs in just 130 calories & no fat!
Spicy Tuna Roll - If made with a small amount of mayo, one of these will likely contain between 250 - 290 calories, and 5 - 10g of fat.
California Roll - Order without mayo, and this one will set you back about 275 - 300 calories, and have 5 - 10g of fat.

EXTRA, EXTRA!
What about those extras?
The Good: Wasabi, Soy Sauce, Seaweed, Ginger, Edamame
The Dangerous: Mayo, Cream Cheese, Various Oils

More Sushi Tips...
Save calories by asking your sushi chef to go easy on the rice.Some sushi restaurants offer brown rice, which is better for you than white. If you see it, got for it!In need of another healthy sushi starter? Go for edamame. A 1/2 cup serving contains 127 calories, 6g fat and 4g fiber (2 points).

I am not a Sushi expert but my first experience was great! I would defiantly try it again!