One Thing

Source: tumblr.com via Darby on Pinterest

I think I need a notepad like this...because some days I need a gentle reminder that doing 1 thing is okay. Sometimes I get so stuck in the whole list of stuff that needs to get done that nothing gets done. I might start bunches of stuff but nothing gets done. So just doing 1 thing today is okay.

Throw Me a Rope

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. leaving fun voice mails with my friend Jessica. I save them to listen too later too and they make me smile.
2. the color purple
3. apple oatmeal pancakes (recipe coming soon)
4. the series of books my cousin Rachel got me hooked on - the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
5. rereading some old favorites too and having some good memories associated with the books (Anita Blake series)

Connection, Belonging and Being Enough

If you didn't catch the video by Dr. Brene Brown for Paper Coterie's Open House, they have now posted on their blog. Please take a look at it. It is so powerful and inspiring. You might look at it and think you don't have time for 24 minute video, but please take the time. It is worth it. Her message is worth it.

Being Hard on Myself

Source: absolutelywhite.blogspot.com via Cici on Pinterest

I really like this from Tiny Buddha: Being Hard on Yourself

"What helps me is to focus on progress, not perfection–to forgive myself when I’ve gotten negative, and then start anew from right where I stand."

Bright Eyes

Heard Bright Eyes on NPR when they were streaming Sasquatch Music Festival. I liked this song and now this video too which is showing love.

Breaking Dawn Pt 1

I did like this trailer although out of all 4 books this book annoyed me. The baby and Jacobs relationship with the baby creeped me. But I still am excited to see the 4th movie.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. rootbeer
2. the work that keep coming into the business
3. Byron Katie and her process called The Work - it has been very interesting reading about it and using it in my life
4. date night at Pablo's Pizza
5. that the problem with the air conditioning was easily fixed by Michael so maybe it can limp along until the end of the summer.

Couponing

A couple weeks ago when we went to do some grocery shopping and we kept running into this woman throughout the store and then ended up behind her in line. And it was an experience.

She had things out on a spreadsheet and then had an expandable file in her cart (not just coupon size - but big file paper size). She not only used coupons but she did price matching for stores. So she had things all grouped together on the check out counter - for each store and she would tell the clerk the store and price as he picked up things. And then at the end she had coupons for most of those things too.

So such as Walgreens had Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Razor System on sale $9.89 and their rewards program brought it down to 4.89. (which I guess Walmart will match that price) And then she had $4 coupon for it too. So she ended up paying 89 cents for them. And she had 4 packs and 4 coupons so got 4 packs at 89 cents each.

We were talking to her - she ended up with a 98 dollar bill which would have been 300. She told us that last week with her coupons being doubled and tripled at another grocery store that she paid $37 and it would have been $115.

Now I have always prided myself on being a pretty frugal shopper. I get all the sales. I compares prices at stores. And use some coupons. Make things instead of buying things - such as make a cake instead of buying a cake mix. Buy store brand instead of name brand when cheaper. And all that good stuff. But her method really did give me pause to maybe I should be doing MORE.

Where Did the Spring Go?

Here it is the first of June - and we're both like: "what, already???"

Work has been very good lately. It's coming in parts - but thankfully it's steady. I'm excited about some changes that are upcoming. Have been doing a lot of websites - so much so that there's a small backlog to go through. Not so many video projects at the moment, but there's so much diversity in what's going on, it's nice to switch from website work and to do investigation then work on pre-production video work.

With the weather changing - our swamp has been on for the last several weeks. Our Swampy is a little old and showing its age a bit. Things are rusting out quite a bit and so when we have water present ... I can't help but think that its time is overdue.

Anyhow - that catches you up a bit on what's happening around here. We hope and trust all is well for everyone! (sorry for not posting as often as I should be -- thankfully Darby fills in the blanks!)

It's Amazing

NPR Music

NPR is streaming the Sasquatch Music Festival live - listen here http://goo.gl/qPMFt I am looking forward to Death Cab for Cutie

Bright Eyes is on right now. And I am enjoying them. Conner Oberst the lead singer made some interesting anti-war/anti-killing Bin Laden comments. And the twitter-verse on NPR is going crazy over it.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. our little afternoon trip to the Mesa this week
2. my therapist - she has been amazing for me/to me.
3. my computer desktop wallpaper - I made a collage of my niece. She is so cute! It makes me smile every time I see her cute smiling face!
4. finding deals that allow us to have some fun special things inexpensively
5. my Mom - it is her birthday today. I am very grateful to her for being such an amazing Mom.

Happy Birthday!

Snow in May

Yesterday we went on a little drive in the afternoon to get away. Work has been so busy so a little break was needed. I packed some BLT wraps and Snickerdoodle Bars and off we went to take a drive over the Mesa. For some reason we didn't bring a camera. I think we were just both so tired and it was just thought of getting away that was important.

Anyway, last year we went to this same spot on the Mesa for Memorial Day and there was a little snow left. This year Oh MY the SNOW! I can't believe it looked like Christmas up there.

This is a photo from last year....



If you look, you can see a road in the bottom of the photo. This year we couldn't even see the road. And the lake was completely covered with snow and ice. There were banks of snow on each side of the road that were hard to even see over to see that there was a lake there.

I was in a short skirt and sandals of course being bright and sunny in GJ when we left so I didn't get out the whole time we were up there around the snow. But there were people sledding up there still. It was amazing to me that it is the end of May and there was so much snow - and especially compared to last year. It was completely gorgeous though - the snow was so bright white. Usually this late in the season it looks so dirty. But they had a snow fall the night before so it was so bright white and looked to perfect. It did make me wish I had been dressed in warm clothes to go out and play in the snow in May.

Snickerdoodle Bars

I have seen variations of this recipes all over blogosphere. But any of them I knew I would like as I like snickerdoodles and I like blondies. And these are a cross between the two. Michael and I both really liked them.



2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
a pinch ground nutmeg



Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. Combine flour baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, and beat until smooth.

Stir in the flour mixture until well blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of nutmeg in a little bowl. Evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until surface springs back when gently pressed. Cool before cutting. Makes 20-24 bars.

NOTE:
It is a thicker batter almost like a cookie. I had to press it lightly into the pan.

Hair

I am one of those people that stays with a hair style for years. I have had my current hair style pretty much for 7 years. Mid-back and to just above my shoulders but basically of the same style. But I really want a new style and have no idea what to do. I have been looking at all sorts of photos trying to find that perfect picture of inspiration for my hair but nothing is really standing out. But I really need to get something done soon...as it is DRIVING me CRAZY.

Right now my hair is midback and my bangs are almost to the tip of my nose the longest they have been in 7 years. It has been hard not to trim/cut them. If I can't figure out what I want to do, I might just have to go just get a shorter version of my same style again.

Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop

29 Ways to Boost Your Creavity

Source: thingssheloves.tumblr.com via Georgia on Pinterest

Great List!

Glee

I love the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And I think Glee's version on this song is amazing!

Kate Bush on NPR

Listening to Kate Bush on NPR. I haven't listened to her in a long time - really enjoying her.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful....
1. that we had a nice time last weekend
2. for all the laundry being folded
3. and put away!
4. for smell of incense floating through the house
5. hot showers after a long day

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

We went on a picnic this past weekend. And I didn't want to just pack the usual sandwiches so I made pasta salad. It is easy and would be a good summer dinner.



I would say this serves about 4 to 6. This would be easy to double to make for a crowd also.

Ingredients
8 oz. uncooked pasta
1 cup cooked cubed boneless chicken breast
3/4 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup carrot - shredded or julienned (either work and taste good)
1 1/2 cups Ranch dressing*

Directions
Cook the pasta until done to desired tenderness and drain well. Cool completely. Toss with chicken, cheese, peas, carrots and dressing. Chill for an hour before serving.

NOTES:
* Start with 1 cup of Ranch dressing and then taste and keep going until you are happy with the consistency and taste. Also if you let it set over night sometimes the dressing can soak in so might need to add more the next day if you have left overs. I wouldn't make this salad the day before - unless just prepping all the ingredients and then tossing together an hour or 2 before serving.

* I used 1 large chicken breast that I grilled with lemon pepper on it Left over chicken would be good for this salad.

* Frozen peas work good. Running a little water over them to thaw.

Dishes

Source: eatdrinkchic.com via Jhoana Marie on Pinterest

I like that these are bright and have words on them. I am sure there aren't something I would want for everyday. But I do think of the bright ones for photographs.

Maybe

I like this video - the art/animation with her in it.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. sunshine
2. the anticipation of upcoming trip up to the falls this weekend
3. allergy meds to help me it not be so unbearable
4. Brene Brown being such an inspiration
5. photos of family and friends

Paper Coterie and Brene Brown

Paper Coterie has this great video by Brene Brown on their website as an open house gift. It is an amazing video. I am so glad they have shared it because I have watched about 10 times and am sure I will watch many more times - it is that good. So powerful and inspiring. Paper Coterie is also giving $40 gift card to use for the weekend by going to that link. I can't wait to use that as they have some really nice looking photo books.

Moving Forward

I am not sure what to say about last nights events. Part of me is very relieved and maybe feels some justice was served for all those he killed. I am not rejoicing or joyful. But I am hoping that there is some peace to come - certainly not as an end to terrorism as I know that isn't ending but maybe peace for some people who have had family members killed.

From the Maddow Blog:

"Since then, 2,441 coalition troops have lost their lives in Afghanistan. Another 4,770 have died in Iraq. God only knows how many civilians have been killed. We're so far from being out of this. And yet, somehow, through courage and perseverance, the wheel of history just rolled forward."

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. reminders of lessons that I have learned from Eat Pray Love
2. music - we stopped our cable service last summer so music has played a bigger part in my life. And I had really forgotten how much I enjoy it. Which is why I started posting music on Monday's as I am enjoying so many artists.
3. cinnamon and sugar
4. tears
5. Michael always being here for me no matter what....even when I am having a melt down.

Brilliant Women

Tara Sophia Mohr is an inspiring woman whose blog I enjoy reading. She has a post called 10 Rules for Brilliant Women that I love!

"6. Question the voice that says “I’m not ready yet.” I know, I know. Because you are so brilliant and have such high standards, you see every way that you could be more qualified. You notice every part of your idea that is not perfected yet. While you are waiting to be ready, gathering more experience, sitting on your ideas, our friends referenced in rule five are being anointed industry visionaries, getting raises, and seeing their ideas come to life in the world. They are no more ready than you, and perhaps less. Jump in the sandbox now, and start playing full out. Find out just how ready you are."

I really felt all of them were so good to read and read again and again but the one above is one that I get stuck on where I feel at times - "hey maybe I am not qualified as I should be.....or maybe I should wait until it is more perfect..." When is ready? I am ready. I can't wait for ready. I need to just move. And that is why I took The Art of Action class. And it has helped me move forward. I just am still getting stuck at times. And hope that I can keep - pulling myself out of unstuck. And move forward. Because I am ready.

1,2,3,4

Cleaning Supplies

Since it was Earth Day yesterday it has made me think of all the ways I have done better in going green the past year and what ways I want to do better for the next. I know there are a lot more things I want to do.

But one thing I do is use all natural cleaning products. I think it has been about 3 years ago now that I started going to all natural cleaning products - homemade cleaning products. Growing up my Mom cleaned with vinegar a lot and I have used it on and off all my life too. I just decided to use it more and add things to it to make it more of an all-purpose cleaner.

I now have sitting on the counter 1 shaker with baking soda, 1 spray bottle with straight vinegar, 1 with hydrogen peroxide and then 1 with the following mixture. All of which I use to clean.

All-Purpose Spray
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp liquid dish soap or something like Dr. Bonner's liquid soap
10 drops of essential oil (citrus, peppermint, or tea tree - I use tea tree and lemon)
water - to fill spray bottle

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. lists to help me keep track of everything going on right now
2. Harry Potter - I had never read the books or watched the movies - I have no seen all the movies and read the first book and look forward to reading the rest of the books. Enjoying the series!
3. holding hands with Michael
4. watching our kitty cats snuggle
5. my friend Jessica - she is an amazing friend and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I am very thankful I was able to visit her last year too.

Chris Jordan

Art by Chris Jordan - Paper Cups, 2008

Depicts 410,000 paper cups, equal to the number of disposable hot-beverage paper cups used in the US every fifteen minutes.

I really enjoyed looking through the whole series....all the numbers associated with the items creating the patterns.

Pudding Pops

Source: endlesssimmer.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Recipe Here: Chocolate and Salted Caramel Pudding Pops

The Snow it Melts the Soonest

I posted a Sting song on March 21st. I have been listening to him a lot lately. I am sure it is a combination of reasons - but one is that my Uncle really liked Sting. And we are coming upon the anniversary of his death. And so I have been thinking about him a lot. It is still some time away. But early last year is when we found out about his cancer and then end of March/beginning of April is when I traveled to Minnesota to see him for the last time. So lots of thoughts of him and missing him very much. Thinking of my Aunt and my cousin often in times like this as I can't imagine all the feelings they must be going through. So my thoughts and prayers are sent to them daily as I think of my Uncle too.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Penzey's spices - we were able to take a quick trip into Penzeys while here in Denver. Picked up some for a good friend too.
2. Breakfast for Dinner
3. Moonlight drives
4. Safe trips to Denver and back home
5. Time with friends last weekend

Time Away

We were able to take some time away this weekend to have a lunch with friends. Michael has been so busy with work that I know he needed the break. And I have been caught up in stuff around the house so it was nice to get out.

Really we want to go do a day trip around here locally but we just haven't had the time. Hopefully in early May some time we can get away. A friend, who just moved to the area, wants to go with to see more of this of the state.

Also we would like to go to Iowa this summer to see my niece. We haven't met her officially yet. And I would like to before she graduates. :) It is just hard to get away when having your own business. It takes all Michael's time and with how bad things were last year - we are just so thankful for how busy things have been this year. And Michael is just working really hard. Not knowing how things will be 6 months from now we just have to be grateful of the work that is coming in right now. And we are very grateful. But that also means we don't get to plan trips very easily. But it is our hope to get to Iowa over the summer when my sister isn't working and be able to spend time with her and her family. And meet my precious niece.

Nicest Things

Brene Brown Again

Brene Brown interview on How She Really Does It

I really can't get enough of her speaking. Anytime I find her online, I try to listen.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. being able to reach out when I needed someone
2. Big Bang Theory - Michael and I are watching it right now and loving Sheldon. We don't have TV but watch DVD's of TV shows. The show reminds me of Michael often - I love nerds!
3. laughter
4. chocolate
5. Spring flowers

Party Idea

I think this is just a cute idea would be so simple and inexpensive for a party. Could double as place cards by writing names on them too.

Source: sewmanyways.blogspot.com via Darby on Pinterest

One of the Days

Just how I am feeling....it is one of those days and needing a little time for myself.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. friends who get me
2. eye drops as my eyes are driving me crazy with allergies
3. pandora.com
4. escapism in Cityville
5. humming along to music

Forgetful

Just a list of life...

* Taking an e-course - well trying too - been fitting it in around other things. It has been incredibly inspiring and has had so much useful information. It is overwhelming though too.

* My brain is on information overload with everything I am trying to get in there and remember. My focus and just remembering things has been really hard for me lately. I have to write everything down. I have to save everything. I have to keep everything so that I can go over it again and again. It is very frustrating. I used to be one of these people that you tell me something and I will remember it forever. Now I don't. It is odd the things that stick but the majority of things don't stick.

* I haven't had to use my inhaler for over 2 years (I have asthma) and about 3 weeks ago I started needing it daily. Last week to 10 days ago - I started needing it 4 to 6 times a day. So I called to make a doctor appointment and my doctor was booked up for 2 weeks but they have a new doctor starting there and asked if I wanted to see her. And so I said yes. I mean I can't breath what choice do I have. My doctor and my therapist are right in the same clinic. So last week when I went to see my therapist, my doctor saw me come in. And so I told him I couldn't get into see him and was having asthma problems. He came right back to my therapist office with me and listened to me breathe, talked to me a bit and called me in a new prescription for an inhaler since mine was OLD. (no charge for seeing me either.) We think it is just a bad allergy season but it is odd - that I haven't had to use it in 2 years and now have had to use it so much. But it has calmed down in the last 4 days - so that is good. I just am so thankful for the great health care providers I have because really I don't know what I would do without them.

* We have been in Denver a lot this past month. It was a lot of up and back so it felt rushed. But it had to be that way because of business. And also our little boy cat is having bad allergies too so he is on an allergy pill schedule so we had to get back to stay on that so that he doesn't have set backs. So we did a lot of drives back in the moonlight which was actually kind of nice. And the roads were very empty. But on our way over the last time the weather was kind of bad and we saw 3 cars off the road even one totally flipped. We came out of the tunnel and could barely see the car in front of us so it was very scary. But it cleared up not to far away but it weird because it hadn't been bad and then all of sudden is bad and all these cars off the road and then it was fine again.

* In between traveling, Michael and I had a chance to meet some friends I have known online for years. I have known the woman of the couple for many years and they were thinking of moving to Grand Junction so we met for the first time face to face when they were in town. It was so nice to met her/them. They were so nice and we had a great time with them! But their plans for moving here fell through as his allergies were so bad here. The junipers were making it impossible for him to breath. And as I said above my allergies have been the worst this year so I could totally relate to that and didn't blame them for not wanting to move here. They are retired and want to stay in Colorado but just don't want to stay up in the mountains where they are as it is too much maintenance for them. So although I understand not moving here - it did make me sad. We all got along so well - it would have been really nice to have them here. She does have family here though so I know we will see them again thankfully.

.... So life has been busy. And moving along. Sometimes too fast so I should try to capture some moments so that I don't forget them.

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

I saw this recipe first on Baked Bree and then also on Tasty Kitchen. And it looked so easy and with ingredients that I have on hand always.




For the cake:
1 stick butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs, separated
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups (16-ounces) sour cream
3 cups flour
1 teapoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

For the middle and top:
1 bag chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine all of the cake batter ingredients. Mix for 1 minute at low speed; mix 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour 1/2 of batter into greased pan. Generously sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over batter, making sure to get the corners, and then sprinkle with 1/2 bag of chocolate chips. Pour remaining cake batter on top and spread across bottom layer. Repeat with cinnamon and sugar and chocolate chips.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs.

NOTES: Be sure to check this cake around the 30 minute mark as you don't want to over bake it. It was a super moist cake. My middle part didn't seem to be noticed that much. There were some chips of course but I couldn't taste the cinnamon-sugar. And after putting lid on this cake the moister make the crispy cinnamony top become moist. I liked it more crispy so not sure if baking it a little longer would help keep it crispy. But over all this was a good cake. Nothing fabulous but good solid cake recipe that was easy to make and great because I have all the ingredients on hand almost all the time so could be made spur of the moment if needed.


(if you want the printer button to work click on the title of the recipe at the top of the post and then click the print button)

1 2 3 4

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. all the work the business is getting. I am so very grateful for that.
2. saving money with coupons
3. the color pink
4. lemon grass essential oil
5. talking with friends on the phone

Annie's Mac-n-Cheese

I picked up some Annie's Mac-n-cheese for 49 cents a box and although I know I could make homemade for very cheap sometimes convenient food is exactly that convenient. Annie's is organic and all-natural alternative to the kind with preservatives. We had never had Annie's before and it was good. But I didn't want to make it on the stove top so I compared directions online for it verses Kraft Mac-n-Cheese and found they weren't off that much except Annie's offers tangy alternative suggestion such as yogurt instead of milk. So I just used Kraft's microwave directions and it worked great for Annie's.

So the microwave directions that I used for Annie's....
No Drain Microwave Method:
1. Pour Macaroni into 1 1/2 or 2 quart microwavable bowl. Add 1 3/4 cups hot water.
2. Microwave, uncovered, on high 8 to 10 minutes or until water is absorbed, stirring every 3 minutes. Continue as directed on box at step 4 where you add the milk.

Message in a Bottle

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a good trip over the mountains to Denver
2. Michael's Mom getting me a French Silk Pie...March 14th is Pi (3.14) and so it is called Pi Day. I said I wish I could have my Mom's chocolate pie and JoAnne bought me a French Silk pie since I couldn't have my Mom chocolate pie. That was so sweet of her! Pie from my other Mom!
3. Noodles and Company! We don't have it in Grand Junction so a rare occasion when we get it but it was so good!
4. meeting our new neighbor - who seems very nice
5. enjoying the bright moon lighting our way home tonight

Uncharted

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. 750words.com for being a place where I can just write and get things out when my mind is spinning
2. watching Mad Men with Michael
3. spring cleaning - cleaning out everything always makes me feel good
4. adorable photos of my niece my sister and brother-in-law post on facebook so that we can see her precious face
5. all the great work the business is getting

Philadelphia Cooking Creme

A convenience food that I tried....Philadelphia Cooking Creme. I had seen these in the store before they were really advertised and thought they looked good but didn't pick it up because well at the time wasn't sure it was worth the money. I then saw ads and found a coupon for $1 off so decided to try one of them out.

I really liked how easy it was as well as the flavor being very good too. It was really quick when I needed a meal on a night where I was short on time and energy. I look forward to trying other blends.

Day 3

It the end of day 3 of The Art of Action and my head is swimming with so many things. I can say with complete confidence I am overwhelmed. I have a lot on my plate right now so trying to do all I can to keep up with all the posts and along with keeping the action end of things going too. I know it is going to be an inspiring and amazing class but I do wonder if I put myself into a situation which I wasn't up for right now. But at the same time I wonder if that is my fears cropping up or just the pushing something good for me away because I am not feeling I deserve it. Which both things would be somewhat typical for me. And I really don't want to fall into that pattern. I want to do this because I know it would be very good for me and I am already learning so much and can't wait to see what things will come from this class.

Natalie Merchant

This is Natalie Merchant singing from her album, Leave Your Sleep. The lyrics are from 19th-century poetry.

I wish my memory was better. Because I know I saw 10,000 Maniacs when they opened with R.E.M but I would swear they were at Ranch Bowl in Omaha also. Seeing her dance is what brings up a faint memory. I remember my friend Shurie and I dancing and I have this memory of Natalie (or someone very similar dancing style) coming off the stage at Ranch Bowl and dancing. The stage at Ranch bowl was tiny so she needed to move. But when I look at the dates she was in Omaha - it only lists the one with R.E.M. So it must have been someone else. I know that I saw a lot of bands at the Ranch Bowl....many before they made it big and went on to the Civic years later.

Anyway...I love this performance she did at TED. It is very much Natalie's style and I just love it.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. water
2. clean sheets
3. warm fuzzy socks
4. kleenex and my inhaler as my allergies are really bad
5. Thai Steak Wraps that I made earlier this week and still craving

Millionaire's Shortbread

This recipe is from the cookbook Baked:New Frontiers in Baking by Matt Lewis and they are the only thing I have tried but all the photos in this book make me want to try everything but I am not sure I will. I have checked this book out from the library and I going to admit this out loud or I guess more like in black and white print....I loved the look of this cookbook. It was the typography, the graphics, the styling just made me want to pick it up and dive into baking! And in reading the recipes I want to make many of these recipes. But I won't touch some of them because they are just going to take too much time for me. I am not a patient baker. I love to bake but I am not patient. And some of these recipes (including this one I am about to tell you about) include patience. And although I am sure the recipes in Baked:New Frontiers in Baking are worth the patience - I just am not sure I am the woman up for the job of testing that out. But I did for this recipe and the bars in the end were worth the effort. OH MY!

These are not bars you can just easily whip up in 30 minutes to an hour. This requires a whole afternoon. They are time consuming and messy to make. As I said I wasn't sure they were going to be worth all the effort but Oh MY! These bars are HEAVEN! Probably the best bars I have had in a very long time. If you are wanting rave reviews, have the time and don't care to make a mess, take the time to create these.

And I suspect that many of the recipes from the cookbook would end up this way - with rave reviews and worth the time and effort.

These reminded me of an upscaled Twix candy bar so I cut them in long skinny bars instead of squares.



for the Shortbread
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 /12 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg yolk, slightly beaten

for the Caramel Filling
28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (two 14-ounce cans)

for the Chocolate Glaze
6 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, cut into cubes

for the shortbread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. butter the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and butter together until blended.

Add 2 cups of the flour and beat until well combined. Add the egg yolk and beat for a few seconds, or until just combined.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Dust the top of the dough and your hands with a little flour. Use your hands to gently work the dough into a 6-by-6-inch square. You will have to turn the dough and sprinkle the top with flour as you go. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup flour on the surface of the dough. Fold the dough over and knead until incorporated, then flatten the dough into a rectangle. Transfer the rectangle to the prepared pan and press it into the pan.

Prick the dough all over with a fork and bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 22 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

for the caramel filling:
Stovetop Method: Put the sweetened condensed milk in a medium heatproof bowl and set it over a saucepan of boling water over low heat. Cook for 1 to 2 hours, until thick and caramel colored. Remove the bowl from the pan and beat until smooth.

Microwave Method: Put the sweetened condensed milk in a large microwave safe bowl. Cook at 50 percent power (medium) for 4 minutes, stirring briskly halfway through, until smooth. Cook on 30 percent power (medium-low) for 12 to 18 minutes, until very thick and caramel colored, stirring briskly every 2 minutes, until smooth.

Pour the caramel filling over the cooled shortbread and place the pan in the refrigerator until cooled, about 2 hours.

for the chocoalte glaze:
In a large nonreactive metal bowl, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is completely smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and stir for 30 seconds to cool slightly. Pour the mixture over the chilled caramel layer and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Put in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until the glaze hardens.

Remove the pan from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving so as not to crack the chocolate glaze. Cut into squares and serve.

The bars can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.

NOTES:
- made caramel via microwave method and much like when I make my maple fudge recipe - it boils up and over the bowl - so be prepared for a mess in the microwave
- I would add 1 tsp vanilla to caramel
- I added just a bit more chocolate as I used dark chocolate chips instead and had a little left in my bag and didn't want to put them back in my cupboard so used the rest so my chocolate is a little thicker then pictured in the book
- I just melted the chocolate mixture in the microwave instead of on the stovetop and it worked fine

Migraines

Unfortunately I have had set backs on my migraines. Not sure I am just getting "used" to my medication or what is going on with them. But it is irritating me. With my Doctor's permission, I am able to up the dosage on my medication and hopefully it will work well. Crossing my fingers and toes.

Migraines diminish my quality of life and so many of my days just kind of blend into each other. I don't like living that way. I want to be present and enjoy each day - see each day.

You Were Mine

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. I thought it was just me by Brene Brown - it has given me so much food for thought and insight to myself. And helped me open up and be vulnerable.
2. my understanding therapist
3. Michael always being so supportive of me
4. steak and baked potatoes here at home - that were oh so good and such a great price!
5. confirmation to an online class - The Art of Action - I am extremely grateful to those putting this course together as they gave me a truly generous gift. Thank you!


* art by me - from a little book I made Michael for Valentine's several years ago

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1 lb. bacon, diced
1/3 cup onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups chicken stock
3 tbs. butter
3 tbs. flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Sour cream for garnish, optional

1. In a large stock pot, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain and set aside. Drain all but 2 tbs. of bacon grease from the pot. Cook the onions and carrots in the remaining bacon grease for about 5 minutes, until tender.

2. Add potatoes and chicken stock to pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer about 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender. With a slotted spoon, remove a few scoops of potatoes. Mash potatoes with a fork and set aside.

3. In a small sauce pan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, bring to a boil and simmer until thickened. Slowly stir in to stock pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer and then stir mashed potatoes back into pot.

4. Add 1/2 c. shredded cheese, three-fourths of the bacon and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook an additional 5 minutes.

5. To serve, ladle soup into individual bowls and top with some shredded cheese, bacon and optional sour cream.

Rolling in the Deep

Tattered Photograph

It is an anniversary for me - 25 years today. A memory that is like a tattered photograph taken out looked at and never seems to fade. Often I wonder if I will hang on to it my whole life but at the same time I never want to let it go as it hold special place in my heart - always.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael making up songs and singing
2. being with someone who makes me laugh
3. beautiful bright moon on Wednesday
4. hot showers
5. homemade banana bread

OkGo - Last Leaf

I love OkGo's videos. I wanted to find a Muse video after hearing they did so good on the Grammys last night, but they are allowed to be shared from youtube. So went for another favorite - OkGo.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a wonderful date night - we went to dinner and then saw North by Northwest on the big screen. It is one of our favorite movies so that was very cool to see on the big screen.
2. homemade loaded baked potato soup
3. Brene Brown podcasts
4. a little stone owl that sits on my desk from my sister's that I love and see everyday
5. night out with friends

Cream Cheese Cookies

I made these cookies at Christmas because they are so easy. I like that you can change the flavor on them easily too. This one I used lemon extract. And they turned out really good. But I still want to try other flavors. These cookie really good cookies to make for high altitude - they keep their shape really well because it is cooked in a log before cutting.



1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. (lemon) extract --- use whatever flavor you like
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 350ºF. Beat cream cheese, butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs and extract to cream cheese mixture; mix well. Gradually add combined flour and baking powder, beating until well blended after each addition.

DIVIDE dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into 12x1-inch log; place, 2 inches apart, on large ungreased baking sheet.

BAKE 25 to 27 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks; cool slightly. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut each log into 12 diagonal slices.

Reading Along

I caught the end of a Q&A teleseminar with Brene Brown today and I told Michael after that I wish I could hear her speak more. My wonderful love Michael said google her name plus mp3. I hadn't even dawned me to do that. Nothing much comes up but the first link is a quality link because it is her site. I have read a lot of things on her site but not everything and well this part I hadn't read or noticed. It is a workbook/podcast to do a read along with the book I am reading right now. I am so excited to have found it. I did notice that the book cover of my book is a little bit different - different subtitle but after listening to her first podcast - it sounds like it is the same book.

I am just so excited to listen to the podcasts and read the blog posts that go with them. The book has just given me so much insight to my life and I have had many light bulb moments.

Linkin Park on SNL

I am a Linkin Park fan and really liked their performance on SNL last night...

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Krista - the person who drew blood from me today to check for med interferences - it didn't hurt at all, only 1 stick and NO BRUISE! 90% of the time it takes 2 sticks or more on me. And I always bruise. This was the first time I have never had a bruise after a blood draw.
2. nightly ritual of snuggling on the couch and watching an episode of something. We don't have satellite tv anymore. So we just watch dvd's. Right now we are going through our Battlestar Gallactica seasons. During the winter it is nice to snuggle up, watch and enjoy it together.
3. roasted vegetables
4. plastic storage bins
5. celebrating 8 years with Michael! I feel blessed to have shared these past 8 years with him. And look forward to our future.

Amazing Life

A friend wrote me saying I have been quiet again so she was worried something was wrong. And in fact it is completely the opposite. I am doing really good. I am feeling a peace that I have felt in a long time. I really feel like I am doing good and on the path I need to be/want to be. I have been side tracked by some things I needed to help Michael with but I am just glad I can help him as he has so much on his plate right now. And I know that I will make time for the things I need too.

Michael and I took our change jar in and cashed it in - we had $100. We decided to use that money for us - for a few date nights. Here in Grand Junction on Tuesday's the Avalon theater has what is called Dinner and a Movie. If you have dinner in one of the downtown restaurants and bring the receipt to the movie theater, they will give you 2 free admissions. A few weeks ago Michael and I went to the Rockslide and then went to the movie after. The movie was Serenity. We are Serenity fans. Seeing the movie with other Serenity fans was so fun! I loved it! The whole evening was SO MUCH FUN! We have been talking about it since. North by Northwest is going to be playing February 8th and it is one of my favorite movies. And so we are going to go see that too.

On top of date nights, we had a chance to go to Durango this past weekend. Leaving Friday and coming home on Sunday. So a quick trip but really nice. Michael has been working really hard and this weekend he didn't do work or check work things at all. It was really nice just to have a weekend for us. We just relaxed, talking, walking around and enjoying each other's company which was perfect for the weekend before we celebrate 8 years together. Today Michael and I celebrate 8 years of being together. Wow! We both are very blessed to have been on this journey together. He is an amazing man that I have no words to capture how much I love him and how much he means to me. But each day I feel joy in my heart of being with him. And happy to celebrate 8 years with him.

Amazing life and amazing journey!

Life Questions

A good fun article - simple questions but good questions

20 Questions that Could Change Your Life

This is a really good blog too...How to Make a Life List You’ll Actually Do: A Comprehensive Guide

2011 has been about me answering some of those 20 questions and making that list. I have started it and keep adding to it.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. an amazing drive to Durango - so beautiful!
2. Colorado Mountain Pie for dinner! Yums!
3. Godiva Chocolate
4. beautiful inspiring book on collage
5. music

I thought it was just me

I am soaking up everything Brene Brown writes and says. Yesterday she was on VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network - Real Recognition Radio and I have played it several times - link to her interview.

I really want to be reading The Gift of Imperfection but the library doesn't have it. But they had her other book I Thought It Just Was Me - that is about shame. And although I know have shame - I felt that the other book would be better for me at this time. But I was wrong. I am sure the other book will be great for me as well but this book I think is very helpful for me right now too. I am only a chapter in have several flags in it. Many of her definitions have been like light bulbs for me. The illuminate many places in and how those experiences have effected me today. Even in my art which is why I wanted to read The Gift of Imperfection because I suffer with it having to be perfect.

I am sure I will have a lot of flags sticking out of this book by the time I am done with it.

What Memories?

Someone on Facebook was talking about how she wanted to find the Vice Principal of our elementary school. I was thinking later that I don't remember any of my elementary teachers names except my 3rd grade teacher as she lived across the street from us and her family was friends with our family. But otherwise I don't remember any of my elementary. And I don't think I remember any junior high. And only a handful of high school teachers. I don't have a lot of memories that others seems to have and it bothers me. It just feels like chunks of my life are missing.

Valentine's Subway Art

Click on it this image to download a higher resolution printable image...

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. talking to my Grandma
2. warm French Bread
3. date night with my sweetheart - movie and dinner
4. seeing the movie Serenity with other Serenity fans
5. dreams

Green Shopping

Just some recent finds that like....



Nature Bags - green sustainable bags - look good and not a bad price on them either.







And then these are from the Green Heart Shop

Popcorn

I made these popcorns as gifts for Christmas the last 2 years. They are always well received and requested.



Zesty Popcorn
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn
6 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 salt
1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups pretzels - optional
1 cup nuts - optional

Pop the popcorn. Place in a large bowl with pretzels and nuts if you are adding those (or 2 bowls if you don't have anything large enough to to place all the popcorn).

Combine butter, paprika, chili powder, salt, garlic and onion powder - stirring well. Pour over popped corn; stir to coat popcorn as evenly as possible. Turn mixture onto baking sheet. Sprinkle half the cheese on the popcorn. Bake at 250 degrees F for 20 minutes or until crispy; stirring once. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and toss to coat evenly. Let stand on baking sheet, stirring once or twice as mixture cools.

When thoroughly cool, store in airtight ziplock bags or container.

NOTES:
* I used butter but I am sure margarine would work also.
* My second batch of this I used Penzey's BBQ 3000 in place of the paprika and chili powder and it was even better. The first batch, as the recipe is above, was really good but the BBQ 3000 just gave it a little something extra.


Chocolate Popcorn with Nuts
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 1/2 cups nuts (last year I used just peanuts this year I added mixed nuts to it)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
6 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoons coarse salt

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Take a rimmed large cookie sheet (or jelly roll pan or 2 smaller rimmed cookie sheets) and line it with tinfoil. Spray it with cooking spray. Pop the popcorn and place in a large bowl. Add the peanuts and set aside. Put sugar, corn syrup, butter, cocoa, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.

Pour sugar mixture over popcorn and nuts; toss to coat. Keeping tossing even if it doesn't look like it is coating well. And even if you are having trouble getting it to coat "well" - it doesn't need to have chocolate on every bit of popcorn. It will be good no matter how the chocolate mixture coated the popcorn. Transfer to baking sheet. Bake until dry. Stirring every 20 minutes and cooking about 1 hour. Cool on sheet on wire racks. And then break apart into pieces. Store in airtight containers or ziplocks.



Butterscotch Popcorn
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups peanuts/mixed nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet (or 2) with tinfoil. Spray with cooking spray.

Pop the popcorn. Put nuts and popcorn in a very large bowl.

Bring brown sugar, corn syrup and butter to boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butterscotch chips, vanilla extract, baking soda and salt until blended and smooth. It will foam up when you put in the baking soda - that is normal.

Working quickly and using two spoons, pour syrup over popcorn and nuts, stirring to coat thoroughly.

Pour mixture into pan; bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Remove from oven, cool mixture in pan about 15 minutes. Turn mixture out of pan onto foil to cool completely. Break popcorn into smaller pieces; store in airtight containers in cool dry place up to 2 weeks.

Print Friendly

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the migraine med I am on....I had my 2nd migraine on Wednesday but 2 migraines in almost 4 weeks - AMAZING!
2. Godiva Chocolate that Michael's parents gave me for Christmas
3. sticky notes. I would be lost without them lately. I need a note to remember everything - my desk has them stuck everywhere.
4. book flags - This little memoir I am reading right now about depression has a few sticking out of them.
5. the nice weather we have been having - beautiful blue skies

Migraines

I am going to be seeing my doctor soon for my check in to discuss how things have been going with the migraine med. And I can't begin to express what a life changer it has been for me. When you get migraines 3 to 4 times a week, quality of life is non-existent. And with this med, I have only had 1 migraine so far in 3 weeks. And that is when we were in Denver so maybe it was just high altitude thing? I want to blame it on that instead of the med of course. But no matter what this med is working. It is giving me so much light and life. I am able to accomplish more with my day. I am able to see things differently. I am feeling better over all mentally and emotionally too and I know that having migraines so often really hurt me in ways I wasn't even aware of because I was too busy just dealing with the blinding pain. It bothers me being on meds for the sciatica and migraines and depression. But they help. And I don't want to live the other way anymore. Waking up each day without a migraine has been amazing and my doctor is my ROCKSTAR!

I am Enough

Here is another Dr. Brene Brown TEDx video that actually is more popular but I still like the other better. For me - the other one had more meaning as she has some lines int that I really needed to hear. But this of course as an equally good with the same focus.

Gratitude Friday

I thankful for...
1. the good weather over to Denver
2. fun time I always have traveling with Michael. We have good road trip talks and laughs.
3. beautiful Colorado
4. my sister sharing photos of my niece on facebook
5. having my first migraine since being on my med. It is not great that I had a migraine but it has been my first migraine in almost 2 weeks which is unheard of for me so that is GREAT!

Dr. Brene Brown

I have a button on the sidebar that says "I choose authenticity." It is from Brene Brown's site. And I love the statement that went with it. Yes that is what I want. And in 2011 it is something I am working towards.

But really what I found interesting is that I put that button up on this blog a while ago. Maybe over a year ago. But I forgot about it. I forgot what the statement on the website said. And now I have come across people quoting Brene Brown, people posting youtube videos of her, talking about her books or about seeing her speak and so on - all over the web it seems I have stumbled upon people talking about Brene Brown. It was like someone was trying to remind me about the button and also trying to tell me to read one of her books as I had been told that a few times too in the past. So I do have a book by her on hold at the library. But the thing that made me go finally put request the book was this video that I stumbled upon somewhere while surfing a few days ago and I can't figure out where now. Sorry!