Through the collecting glass

Sigh. I think my martini glass collecting is beginning to wane. (Look above the cabinets) The space I have for them is getting very full and manufacturers just aren't coming out with as fun designs as a few years back.

Instead I think I may be turning my attention to other glass things. I suppose I am like a moth to a flame - A clumsy, barefoot girl with two dogs who likes to relocate a lot collects fragile glass things.

I love this new candy dish shaped like a fan that I picked up for a buck. I also scored a couple heart shaped glass dishes that would look great with some hershey's kisses.

Or maybe glass pitchers. This one in particular has an "A" pressed into it, which reminds my of one of my aunts. I have two other glass carafes. Not quite a collection, yet... but I like where this is going.

And then there is my cake dome. And damn Martha had to do a huge feature on kitchen domes and how hot they are right now. Shoot.

Of my three choices, these are my current favorite to begin a collection with. Of course, of the candy dishes, carafes and domes, the domes take up the most room. Why can't I take up collecting thimbles? Sigh, I'm really trying here!

Just do it already

Okay, this isn't a lecture. BUT, I think we all need to start thinking about the environment more. With gas prices this high (I'm going to start buying my fuel in TJ) and freaky weather, we've got to do something.

My effort this month? I picked up some of those reusable bags they sell for less than a buck at the grocery store. And I'm trying to remember to use them.

Every time I use them at the place I bought them, I am worried that the checker will ring me up for them. So, I added some of my own ribbon.

Another benefit? Carrying in your groceries is WAY easier! The bags fit twice as much as any one time use bag (paper OR plastic) and the have these great straps that will go over your shoulder.

That's my green effort for the day, what's your next move?

That's gonna have to soak for a minute

Oh Betty Crocker, you have done me dirty. I set out to make the boy fudge brownies on Sunday. My thought was to add the extra egg ("for more cake-like brownies") and toss them in to a muffin tin for brownies cupcakes. And for extra measure, why not throw in a few mini marshmallows and tiny chocolate chips.







There's a reason why I named my blog what I did.

The god news? Once I chiseled them out, they were the best marshmallow brownie chunks I've ever made.

Backyard at Night

In case you haven't picked up on it yet, I really love my back yard. After YEARS of apartment dwelling and a backyard under ongoing construction before that, I really appreciate what I have now.

Above is my "tweak-on-the tiki" Somehow roping these together draws more attention then single torches. Plus, it gives the backyard a bit of a Pirate theme.

Hurricane lanterns add a nice touch. BUT, I need to remember not to leave the candles out during the day, or melting can occur. (update - yesterday it was over 105 and that whole candle is mush!)

This is the canopy at night. I have tried to do what all the magazines and shows say - make the outside space a room. I even have a gorgeous Asian rug on the ground.

One might feel guilty putting a Asian rug outside, but, a) it has seen better years (doggie potty training and my aunt's kids) and b) I use it every friggin' day. The lights hanging from the corners are tea lights in mason jars hung from wire.

Thank you Martha Stewart for that one!

Go put something from the inside of your house outside. Then sit back with a glass of wine and tell me it doesn't improve your deck, patio or balcony instantly!

Sigh of relief

Dogs are hard. When I got Lulu, I joked to my then-boyfriend that she was a "practice" baby. Turns out, they aren't practice anything. They get sick, hurt, scared and now (thankfully) better.

Thank you for the calls, the emails and the flowers on our door step. Katana, aka"That damn dog," is happily digging in the garden, burying the new bone she got as a get well gift.

Is it summer yet?

Recently we replaced our canopy cover. The original one was destroyed in the Santa Ana winds. Apparently we live in such a throwaway/disposable/single use world that you cannot just by a canopy cover with out special ordering it and waiting for months. Instead of that headache, we used painters canvas for the top and fabric shower liners for the sides. Who know a drop cloth and splash stopper could come out so cute?

The scraps? Well those were used to make (free)covers for the new fire pit and BBQs.

Here is our dinner for tonite. The white paper sack is the sausage. You may notice that I have lettuce in a grill basket. That will be a grilled Caesar salad. I'll let y'all know how it turns out!

Corn with salt, pepper, Cayenne and garlic is wrapped up in foil on the left. The double skewers are teriyaki marinaded portabella mushrooms.

Finished the invitations to our "kickin' off summer" BBQ. Here it is (the folded up piece of paper is covering my address - stalkers aren't so much fun).

Below is my dirt. Actually, we are on Day 5 of wild flower watch. I threw some seeds out there. Let's see what happens, shall we?

I think the Charcoal just caught, gotta run!

Kickin' off another flip-flop summer

Ahh, summer is in the air. The boy and I have decided (well, I informed him) that we will be hosting our first BIG party!

For the event we needed to purchase new patio stuff. Because pulling our indoor dining furniture outside is cool and all...

We almost put the brakes on right there. You see, patio stuff is REALLY expensive. It seems that if you want to entertain, you have to spend a damn fortune filling up your patio.

Have y'all seen gas prices? We needed a quick fix, or our little BBQ as doomed at the gate. So, the boy and I checked out the Memorial Day Sales at the discount stores.

Everything was very economical and I can't wait to warm my toesies under the new fire pit (Walmart, $44.58). We also invested in 2 cheapo grills ($19.94 & $24.38, Wally World again) so we can have "dueling grills" for our party.

Big Lots! yielded us tiki torches, extra large citronella candles and a $5 jumbo beverage (keg) bucket. And at Home Depot we scored 8 solar garden lights for under $20.

Lowe's Memorial Day sale was also a great find! Although it is a plastic set, our 6 new chairs and 36" patio table were under $60.

We also got a whole bunch of other stuff, grill accessories, fuel (torches and Qs) and a surprisingly cute top - as in shirt (Gotta love those big box stores).

I guess the moral is, you CAN have your cake and eat it too. A little extra price comparison, cute fabric to cover a plastic beige table and a "take it or leave it" attitude might get you pretty far and still be able to fill up your tank.

What I need NOW is great grillin' recipes. More then just ribs and corn, I need the GOOD stuff. So let me know, I have to outshine the plastic chairs!

“You can call her an outdoor girl if she has the bloom of youth on her cheeks and the cheeks of youth in her bloomers”

Going back to Cali

As we get ready to hop on our plane back to California, I am reflective of our trip and the nice time we had. My SIL's house is amazing, decorated to the nines tastefully yet boldly. She is raising 3 great kids - William who just starred in his kindergarten musical debut of "Tiki Tiki Tembo", Ally - who is learning sex ed with hr 8th grade class and Rochelle - who is so 15 is brings back all sorts of memories (15 is the hardest age, I think). The house is also populated with my MIL who works the overnight shift and somehow sleeps through all the ruckus in this full house, my BIL and his best friend - they joke that they would get married if only they didn't have to consummate the marriage, and sometimes my nephew - who wants to play basket-foot-soccer-wrestling-karate and maybe, just maybe ninjas.

Bless Rochelle's heart - she let the boy and I stay in her room all week so we had reasonably comfortable digs. We visited the Zoo and Pike's Market. The backyard was graced with multiple games of every sport known to little boys. We ate way too much and drank even more.

Bonney Lake, Washington is a little different then the Bay Area or SoCal...

My SIL gets her milk delivered.

All the neighbors know each other. Really well.

Some people don't have fences.

The boy bet me $10 I would not see a single person at the grocery who was not of European descent - I lost. Twice.

You cannot purchase liquor at the grocery store. You cannot purchase liquor on Sundays. The liquor store closes at 7 (8 on Fridays).

AND - if you attempt to buy booze at the liquor store and realize you left your ID in your other purse back at the house because you just flew in and are a little bit discombobulated - they will admonish you in front of the entire store, yell at your BF and SIL for trying to purchase for a minor and kick you out. Your whole group will be kicked out of the store. Welcome to Washington, bitches.

“Washington is nicknamed "The Evergreen State" because it sounds better than "The Incessant Nagging Drizzle State."” - Dave Berry

Of all the things to do...

The highlight of the trip so far?

I learned how to armpit fart from 6 year old William. He says I'm not bad - for a girl!

Kentucky Derby Day

I don't know why I love the Kentucky Derby so much. Oh, yes I do, the hats. I want a reason to wear a hat, a tea length dress and kitten heels. Sign. Maybe some day I will make it...

“There is something about riding down the street on a prancing horse that makes you feel like something, even when you ain't a thing.” -Will Rogers

Pay it forward

Due to an early morning event last week, I had to be at work at 6:15. AM that is. Now, living in Temecula, that means I had to leave no later then 5 am to make it with traffic and whatnot. Well, my butt was out of the house at 4:52, (we are still talking AM) and thought I deserved to treat myself to Starbucks.

As a girl who is cutting calories and sticking to a strict budget, this was a big deal. Sitting in line in the drive thru, I watch the car ahead of me pull forward and I roll up to collect and pay for my morning goodness.

The girl at the window says "I'm sorry, I don't have a total for you-"

Me (in my head, not out loud) What?! It is before 5 in the goddamn morning and if your are too stupid to figure out the God damn register so I can get my coffee, so help me God, I will climb through that window and show-

"Because that man," and she gestures at the car, "just paid for you."

"-" <-- this is me sputtering like my dear sweet mother

"He said he didn't know you," she continued, "and just paid for you."

"-" <--now I am pushing my credit card at her

"You'd better wave back!" She again gestures at the man's car which is paused at the end of the drive through.

As I wave to him and he waves back and pulls away. I turn to her and say,

"I feel like I am in a movie!"

"Me too," she says.

Made. my. whole. morning. No really. MADE. MY. MORNING. WITH A-CRAP-EATING-GRIN ON MY FACE THROUGH ESCONDIDO.

And no, there was nobody behind me that I could pay it forward to.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world" -Anne Frank (unless there is no one behind you in line!)

Sugar rush!

We tried to make caramel apples the other night. Here's a chocolate "jimmie" one. I used the biggest juiciest Granny Smith apples I could find.

OOoooohhh, this one was made with caramel shortbread cookies. Notice it is also squished. We put them on the plate to soon! (see blog name)

(I need a manicure!) The only problem with our cute apples was the darn caramel. I think I overcooked it because it was C.R.U.N.C.H.Y. Break your fillings crunchy. (again, see blog name)

Does anyone have a good caramel apple recipe? Mainly the caramel part, my teeth are begging you!

“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”

-George Bernard Shaw

It's all fun and games...

Until somebody starts wearing the beer box.

Isn't it fun, to just be silly?

Honest to goodness silliness.

Do you still giggle with your friends? Do they make you laugh so hard you snort?

Can you do something totally ridiculous and then have everyone else in the room do it too?

Do you have friends that you can make an ass out of yourself with no worries?

Sometimes we need to step away from all the seriousness of every day life and just be silly. And we have to pictures to prove it. So here's to letting your hair down and wearing the beer box on your head.

“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun."

-Charles R Swindoll

The roses make up for it

Remember the scrawny cotton candy trees?

Well, the roses make up for it.

I think we are the only house on the street with rose bushes out front. And they look like they are about to explode!

“I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall."

-Eleanor Roosevelt.

A Serious Undertaking

Is when I break out the scrapbooking stuff...

The good news? I finished 3 projects AND cleaned everything up!

I'm really trying here - Spring Forward Edition

Ahh, Spring is in the air.

I am convinced that when our little suburban tract was first put up for sale, it must have been exactly this time of year.


This is why..

Breathtaking isn't it?

These pink trees line our whole street. When the wind picks up, it looks like a warm, pink snow is dusting the block.

They look like big globs of cotton candy, I think. Reminds me of D.C., although this time of year I think its rainy and cold. I'll take my 70 and sunny!

I wonder if anyone else on the block has taken notice of these pretty trees?

Hmmmm, I sure do like free decorations!


Oh, I forgot to show you our tree...

It's situations like this, that make me title my blog, "I'm really trying here."

Sometimes I think I get the short end of the stick. (Keep going, it's not this one...)

Sigh. I have the runt of the litter.

Maybe he's just a slow learner.

Happy (early) Spring!

xoxo