Friday, December 23, 2011

Good Grief.

So... I got a new car a few months ago, and I've been trying to sell my Jetta ever since. The car ran perfectly when I had it...I loved it. But suddenly, all of these problems started coming up. Typical. I have put SO MUCH money into it in the past few months...new starter, spark plugs, coils, rims, etc...  and my selling price keeps going down and down and down. I'm starting to think it's costing me way more trouble than it's worth...especially after what happened today...

I had two people coming to look at it today at 10 and 11. At 9, I went to put some gas in it and get a car wash. Two men greeted me and wanted to inspect my windshield, look at my tires, blah blah blah. I wasn't in the mood to buy anything. While I was in the car wash, I noticed that my heat wasn't on. Then, as I was under the dryers, the battery light started flashing. OH. GREAT. IT'S. DEAD. I was so worried! I kept thinking that if my car is dead, it won't move...so the car behind me will smash into it! Luckily, it rolled a little and got out of the way. I tried starting it again and again, but it was dead. Completely. I reached into my pocket to grab my phone and realized I had left it at home. The one time I actually need it for something important, I don't have it.

I grabbed my purse, locked the doors and speed-walked back over to the guys who tried to lure me into spending even more money on my car. "Do one of you have a phone I could borrow? My car died and I left my phone at home." I called my dad, and one of the guys offered to look at my car. Then, he jumped it for me. I called my dad back and told him he didn't need to come. Thanks car wash guy!

I pulled out of the driveway and into the turn lane, waiting to get in the right lane to be on my merry way. But then...it died again. At this point I was still rolling, and hoping to be able to roll across the street and onto a side street...but of course, there was no break in the traffic. So I was stuck in the middle of Plainfield. I grabbed my purse and locked the doors again and ran across the street and into a tanning salon. I asked to use the phone, and then I told the girl behind the counter how frustrated I was. I was especially frustrated because I had to call both of my prospective buyers and tell them that the car was dead! Her cheery response was... "Do you want to tan while you wait?" ... ... ... really??? I decided to go stand near the street instead of wait in the salon.

A nice woman pulled up and asked "Is that your car in the middle of the street?" Why yes, yes it is. "Do you need some help? Why don't you go wait inside where it's warm?" With the annoying tanning girl? No thanks. "How long have you been out here? You'll get sick in this cold!" Appreciating her kindness and concern, I replied with, "Yes, that's my car. I'm fine waiting out here, and my dad will be here soon." My dad showed up seconds later. "See...he's right here. Thanks for stopping, though."

After deciding not to hook up the tow strap for fear of an oncoming car rear-ending mine and crushing my dad, and after I insisted we did not push it across two lanes of busy traffic, we jumped the car again. It started and ran just long enough to get it into a nearby parking lot, where it was picked up by a tow truck just a few minutes ago.

After those shenanigans, I needed some retail therapy...so I bought this Charlie Brown tree.
What a morning. Good grief.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Not-so-crafty Cookies

*It's the most bu-u-u-sy time of the year*
I am very much looking forward to my eleven day break from work!

The weekend was a nice little preview of what's to come. I got to see Brad, went out with friends, went to a work Christmas party, attended the candlelight Christmas service at church, decorated the tree, and spent a whole day baking cookies and wrapping presents.

It's funny though...I imagined the outcome of the cookie baking day to be platters of delicious and beautifully decorated cookies like I see on other blogs. Well...they sure are delicious, but faaaar from beautiful (as far as cookies go...) I don't think I'll ever be crafty. But that's ok! It was lots of fun making them with my mom and sister :)



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Baked Chocolate Doughnuts

I crave sweets sometimes all of the time...hence the reason for my beat the treats post.Tonight, I had a tough decision to make....  mint, dark, or caramel Ghiradelli chocolate. But then, I had a brilliant idea! Why not roll up my sleeves and bake something instead? I visited (never home)maker's blog because I think her recipes always sound interesting and healthy, and I wanted to make something that I wouldn't feel that guilty eating.


I found a recipe for baked chocolate doughnuts. They are healthy(er) than regular doughnuts, and are very rich, moist, and delicious. The frosting is very sweet, but the actual doughnut is not, which gives it a nice balance and doesn't make your stomach feel like it's going to rot. I made mine as cupcakes because I don't have mini bunt cake pans.


Doughnut Recipe: 

  • 1 cup rolled oats, processed into flour 
  • 1/4 cup pecans (processed with oats) (Note: I used extra oats instead because I didn't have any pecans.)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup 
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (Note: I used half percent milk because sadly I think I am allergic to almond milk) 
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Ener-G egg replacer (plus required water) for one egg (or egg/other substitute) (Note: I used one regular egg)
Preheat to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Put in greased mini bunt pans (5) or separate into greased muffin tins. Bake for 12-14 minutes.

Frosting Recipe: 
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons almond milk
Mix all ingredients together with a fork. 

To see (never home)maker's full recipe, blog, and photos of what the doughnut version looks like, click here









~ ENJOY ~

Monday, December 12, 2011

Secret Santa

About a month ago, I signed up to be part of the secret santa gift exchange on Reddit. For those of you who don't know, Reddit is an online community devoted to social news. Users can submit content in many different categories, choose what information they want to read about, participate in discussion, build a profile, etc. Brad loves this website and visits it daily. He participated in a Halloween gift exchange and encouraged me to sign up for the Christmas one. It's a HUGE exchange...like 80,000 people or something like that. I had a very hard time choosing a gift for my recipient, but I ended up buying an anime book because that's what he's interested in. I paired it with some chocolate and a nice card.

A week ago I got a message saying that my present was shipped to me! I spent the following few days wondering what it could be. I had to fill out an interest form when I signed up, but I was kind of vague. I listed: travel, photography, Italy, chocolate, the color purple, coffee, and dogs. I wondered how someone who has never met me and knows virtually nothing about me could pick out a gift for me...but my gift arrived on Friday and I LOVED it.

Taped to the front of the box was a card that not only wished me a happy holiday, but told me all about the sender, who's name is Jamie. When I opened the box, I was so surprised...she got me something relating to  each of my interests on the list: a dog calendar, a book about Italy, purple gloves, purple duct tape, two boxes of chocolate, a package of Stabucks coffee, a picture frame, and to top it all off...a picture that her daughter painted!

It just really touched me that someone would put so much time and thought into a present for someone that they don't even know. True holiday spirit :)  Thanks Jamie!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Beat the Treats!

Yesterday the first of the holiday treats arrived in my office, and I know there will be many more to come. Let's face it...food is a big part of the holiday season. Christmas cookies, truffles, peppermint mochas....... great, now I'm craving sweets :)

For those of us who consistently try to eat healthy and stay fit, but L.O.V.E. sweets, Christmas time is a huge deterrent. Who wants to give up the delicious holiday treats? Not me! But guess what, we can still enjoy treats without gaining weight. The main idea, is DO SOMETHING. Whether it's a full fledged cardio and weight lifting workout at they gym, pilates when you wake up, or the choice to drink a glass of red wine instead of a stout beer. Every change will contribute to your health!

Here's some ideas I have come up wtih improve/maintain your health during the season (and beyond!):

1. Workout videos - this time of year is very busy. I personally find it a struggle to get to the gym. Luckily, you can get just as good of a workout at home. Find a DVD that's sitting around, or find a video on youtube...anything that gets your heart rate up and your muscles hurting will work! I recently came across this website. Haven't tried it yet, but I plan to! http://www.bodyrock.tv/category/daily-workouts/all-workouts/

2. Fitness classes - If you do have time to go to the gym, but can't find the motivation, join a class! They're really fun and they mix up your routine. Also, there's a sense of accountability when you are working out with others on a weekly basis.

3. Less lattes and more coffee. I have been buying peppermint mocha flavored creamer for my coffee. It usually satisfies my latte cravings, and by avoiding them I'm cutting out a lot of calories and sugar.

5. Eat oatmeal or a fruit smoothie for breakfast (or put oatmeal IN your smoothie.) These foods are healthy and filling.


6. Drink lots of water! Lately I have been horrible with drinking water, but it's very important! It flushes out toxins and keeps you full. If you struggle like I do, try adding some crystal light powder to it. Or, as my dad says, just chug it!

7. Keep your eye on the prize. Here's some motivation for you (and me):



More ideas and tips? Share them in the comments box :)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Angel Tree

I know I change my blog theme a lot... but it's December 1st... time to get in the Christmas spirit! There's no decorations in our house yet, but the lights are up outside and the Christmas music is on!

As you are doing your holiday shopping this month, consider adding another recipient to your list. As we go about our usual Christmas traditions, it is easily forgotten that there are families who can't afford to Christmas shop. They can't celebrate with presents, lights, trips to see the family, etc. While Christmas isn't about all of these extra luxuries, I think we all know how comforting they can be.

Help those in need experience a little extra joy this holiday season - donate time, money, or gifts to someone in need, and make a difference in their lives. One way to help, is to choose a tag from an Angel Tree.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but over the years the holiday season has also become a time to give, love, and celebrate. Donating to a family in need is great way to spread God's love, share some compassion, and celebrate the season.

Angel Tree

*Edit: I just found this convenient website (from Hollie Takes Notes) where you can see angel tree lists online! Check it out! Angel Tree Online