Sunday, January 30, 2011

Dress Preservation

I was nervous I'd never really be able 'see' it again, but it looks beautiful in its box with the veil. My Mom took it in and my Dad picked it up last week. So happy :)

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Sham Shuf

It's incredibly hard for me to stay active (read: out of fat pants) during the winter. Who wants to run with snow and ice on the ground? Yeah, not so much. And I hate running more than 2-3 miles on a treadmill.

Anyways, I registered for the April 10th Shamrock Shuffle 8k again this year to keep me motivated. I'll continue working out and running normally, but "official" training will start 8 weeks before on Feb 21. Hal's 8 week 8-k program -- http://www.halhigdon.com/8K/8kintroduction.htm

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Banana Phone, Piano Phone?

I have a MagicJack that I occasionally use for conference calls. Right now it's plugged directly in to my docking station and I'm using headphones straight through my computer for VoIP.

But I just put a bid on this phone for my desk.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Gym Etiquette Flowchart

Original post by Slate Fitness --- http://www.slate.com/id/2281368/

Hilarious and all true, especially about the 90-pound-terrifying-yoga-instructor. The one on Monday at my gym sounds like Magda from There's Something About Mary.

Gym Etiquette chart.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Guac Formation

I think this is finally the year. I am going to make a guacamole football field for the Super Bowl. Cross your fingers for "BEARS" "JETS" end zones.

Friday, January 14, 2011

the next adventure?

Tyson's goal was to make it to all 7 continents before age 30. He obviously lives in North America, has been to Europe twice, Africa for an architecture project, Australia and Asia with me. He turns 30 in September. This is turning into one of those fourth grade Algebra word problems. If you are following along that leaves South America and Antarctica. The dream to set foot on Antarctica was smashed once I started doing serious research and the very least expensive cruise & tour I could find was $5k per person ranging to $15,000. Yeah bleeping right.

So Antartica is out of the question anytime in the near future. That leaves us... you got it! South America! We hope to go this fall between 3 Sept-10 Dec (low season). It'll be a joint 1 year anniversary/birthday/possible Thanksgiving celebration.

I've been stalking the Central & South America Travel Zoo deal section every day -- http://www.travelzoo.com/vacations/south-america/ and have found some great ones so far. It's still too early to book and get great deals for our dates, but I'm getting a feel for the market and options we'll have once we get closer.

I'm not incredibly picky, but ideally we'll get to Argentina, Brazil and/or Peru. Chile and Easter Island seem to be a little more expensive so far with airfare. Let the research continue!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

New Office Chair

I've been needing a new office chair for a very long time. Other than it being worn out, I have terrible posture sitting in front of my computer all day.


So I took the advice of friends and ordered an exercise ball.


We'll see how this goes. I plan to start off in half hour increments - no way I can sit on this blob for 8 hours the first day...

Monday, January 3, 2011

Rasp-Lemonade Cake

Stelz and I wanted to stay in this past Saturday, so we made this cake and watched movies. It's a Betty Crocker meets Sandra Lee type recipe. Enjoy!



1cup very hot water
1box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin
1box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® whitecake mix
1/2cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate
1/4cup water
1/3cup vegetable oil
4egg whites
1container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped vanilla frosting
1cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
1 1/2cups fresh raspberries, if desired
Lemon peel strips, if desired

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. In small bowl, mix hot water and gelatin until gelatin is completely dissolved; cool slightly.
  2. In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1/4 cup of the gelatin mixture, 1/4 cup of the lemonade concentrate, the water, oil, and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Reserve remaining gelatin mixture and lemonade concentrate.
  3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Poke warm cake every inch with fork tines. Remove 1 tablespoon of the reserved gelatin mixture to microwavable custard cup or small bowl. In another small bowl, mix remaining gelatin mixture and remaining 1/4 cup lemonade concentrate; pour slowly over cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
  4. In medium bowl, fold together frosting and whipped topping; frost cake. Microwave 1 tablespoon gelatin mixture uncovered on High 10 seconds to liquefy. Using 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, place small drops of gelatin mixture over frosting; with spoon or toothpick, swirl gelatin into frosting. Garnish each piece with raspberries and lemon peel strips. Store covered in refrigerator.

Isn't she lovely?

Mesdames et Messieurs... le divan!