Day Eight & Nine: Eek!

I do have so much to catch up on, but the truth is I've been out sick since Sunday night.  I usually only get sick once a year, if that, but this year I've been out sick three times now.  I hate it.  I just absolutely HATE being sick.  I know no one likes being sick but I resent it.  I know I can't help it, but it doesn't make me accept what is happening any easier.

Great shouts of gratitude to God though and great friends.  I sent out a distress call on Facebook last night asking for prayers that I get better so I could come to work today.  I have a lot going on these next two weeks and since this is partly my company it is a big deal.  And God blessed me with enough health to make it.  Now I'm just nursing a sinus infection, which isn't fun, but at least manageable.

I will have posts coming soon, but not today.  As I said to the office today I may not move fast, but I will move diligently.

PS: I did bite a hangnail off, but other than that I still haven't bitten my nails.  So another yay!

Day Seven: Shopping & Family

I did not technically get on my elliptical and work out, but I walked, a lot, today.  And I carried a baby and let him bounce in my arms.  My chest is going to hurt like a mother bear tomorrow.  That kid was my weight training, but he is so darn cute that its worth it. He has the biggest smile and unless he is hungry or tired he doesn't cry or get too upset.

Meanwhile, my second mom, Shas's mom, bought me the cutest accessory.  I'll have a picture for you later because I'm so wearing it very, very soon.  I'd say tomorrow but I never know what exactly I'll wear until I put it on.  I have this habit of changing my mind, which my dad might tell you about if you ask, or perhaps if you don't.

You need to see this video especially if you're a Big Bang Theory fan like me.  Dr. Sheldon Cooper for the win indeed.



Oh No
by Marina and the Diamonds

Well no food for today.  Tomorrow I have to make an appetizer for one Christmas party and find an elephant gift for the second.  Two Christmas parties you may ask?  Yes.  One is for my Sunday school class, the other is for the older group in our church, whom I just adore. They are sweet and have adopted me as an honorary member.  I'm very humbled by it and so blessed.  Great stories and sweet people who know how to have fun.

Also this video is from the season finale of Sons of Anarchy.  It is a different version.



Hey Hey My My
by Battleme

Day Six: Confessions of an Inexperienced Baker

I'm still learning to bake.  Most of the things I make come out well in-spite of some of the things I do.  Last night was no exception.  I know that this is the process in learning how to bake I'm not worried about it, but I feel the need to tell you that there will be no original recipes here until I'm on more solid footing with my baking skills.

For example the red velvet cupcakes I made.  I used Duncan Heinz.  There were a ton of cupcakes and although these were good I think if I do it myself it will probably be much better.  And next time I can make my own color.

The no-bakes I made "from scratch" but these cookies are so easy.  Unless of course you are me...

Confession time: So my top-stove takes a long time to heat up.  A LONG TIME.  So, last night I heated up my pot to medium heat as directed.  I finished measuring out all of my ingredients and then I went to the stove.  The first thing I put in there was butter... suddenly there was an explosion of smoke and a smell that wasn't that pleasant.  Wow.  Yeah.  So apparently the rule where it takes forever did not apply to me last night.

Needless to say  I'm glad I only put one ingredient in there first.  My no-bakes taste great, but because of a mis-read they weren't as goopy as I normally like.  Still taste great though.

So, this morning I took a picture of my creations and after tasting them this morning felt much better about the whole thing.

Of course today is Friday Night Dinner with the friends, so these delicious treats are on their way to celebrate Shas's birthday with her.

However, I wanted to leave you with this Christmas gem because I really do like Christmas music.  Even if you don't...



No word yet on the work out because Friday's are crazy, but I'm not giving up.

Day Five: Cupcakes, No Bakes, and Back Breaks

To say my back hurts right at this moment would be an understatement.  However, I have 48 red velvet mini-cupcakes and I don't know how many no-bakes but quite a few.  I'll have pictures of them tomorrow.  Meanwhile, I'm resting and enjoying one of my favorite shows, Burn Notice.  Perhaps it has jumped shark with the character, Jesse, but Bruce Campbell is still incredible so that is what counts.

Anyone else love Bruce Campbell besides me?  I'll never forget my senior year of high school and we would watch movies during lunch before our fifth period started (and by us I mean my English class).  We watched Evil Dead 2... great camp/horror movie.  And I don't like horror, but again, Bruce Campbell made it great.

I'll have pictures of my food tomorrow when I have better light.  I really liked my pictures of the blondies in the morning light, so that is what I'm going for.  Meanwhile quick question why are there so many bad guys who have such loyal followers?  Always found that odd.

Well I worked out tonight it actually wasn't that bad.  Maybe one day it won't be as bad.  And I haven't bitten my nails.

I know I posted this on here earlier, but seriously a great song!

This Charming Life
Joan Armatrading



Much Love,
Kelli.

Happy Birthday Shas!!

Did you know I have a friend named Shas?  Well I do.  Her and I have been friends since the seventh grade.  We had gone our separate ways after high school, but she found me, put up with my stubbornness and now we're back to being friends.  I do so love this person, Shas.  So in honor of her, I dedicated my Top 5 to her.



The River
by Garth Brooks

It is because of Shas that I really got into Garth Brooks and was even able to see him in concert. When he bought free HBO for those with cable so we could see his special I was at Shas's house. Great times. Happy Birthday my dear, dear friend.



X's and O's (American Girl)
by Trisha Yearwood

So Shas had a car before I did and she was generous enough to pick me up every day for school, and we must have listened to Trisha nearly every morning. This was my favorite of the tape.



You May Be Right
by Billy Joel

So Garth Brooks was Shas's favorite and Billy Joel is mine. However, Shas did like this song. I was quite excited when she told me that. Oh if I could only recount some of the great times we had/have. Like the issue of high-waters and the movie, Emma. Or the term 'schmegma' from Homecoming. Thanks for the great times friend!



I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas
by Gayla Peevey

Christmas is another thing Shas and I share. Especially Christmas music. This is such a fun song and I so enjoy when we can listen to it and sing along. I really hope you all have a great friend like Shas in your life.



Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In
by The 5th Dimension

Now this is how cool Shas and her husband, Joe are. This was the song they walked down the aisle to after being pronounced husband and wife. Honestly awesome. I hope you have an amazing birthday and wonderful day friend, much love from me to you!

May your Thursday shine as bright as I hope Shas's does!

Much Love,
Kelli

Day Four: Break

I know what you're thinking, a break on day four?  Why yes I will take that.  Wednesday night is when I go to church and therefore it is the night I relax and don't rush to do anything.  Therefore, no I didn't work out tonight, I'm not making any dessert and I'm totally going to watch Psyche.

I will however tell you that I haven't bitten my nails yet.  Four days without is a big deal for me.  It's not easy.  My natural instinct is not to leave them alone.

Tomorrow is Shas's big birthday so I'm going to bake her Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and no-bake cookies.

Much Love,
Kelli

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies

I had a poll yesterday between the Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies (PBWC) or no-bakes.  The PBWC won until some stragglers came in and voted for the no-bakes, but I had already made up my mind.

Breaking News: Sons of Anarchy last night was BRILLIANT.  Seriously best episode I've seen.  So I have this song for you:



John the Revelator
by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers

- Great song by the way.  Really great song.

Meanwhile I made Blondies last night.  I've never had a Blondie before which is odd since I am, in fact, blonde.  However, they were delicious.  Taste like a more moist peanut butter cookie.

I did the recipe straight from Rachel Allen who is from England so the recipe is in ounces.  Thankfully I had a way to measure that.

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies

Recipe from Rachel Allen

Ingredients

7 tablespoons butter, softened, plus more for greasing

4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 ounces crunchy peanut butter
6 ounces soft light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ounces white chocolate, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter the sides of an 8 by 8-inch square cake pan and line the base with parchment or greaseproof paper.

Sift the flour and baking powder into a small bowl, and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the 7 tablespoons butter and peanut butter together until very soft. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and the chopped chocolate, and mix to form a dough.

Spread the dough in the prepared pan, and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and almost firm in the center.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan, before removing and cutting into squares.

So there you go.  They were delicious!

And this song was featured in the beginning of the episode and it was so nice I had to share this too:



This Charming Life
Joan Armatrading

Much Love,
Kelli