Chicago

This is one of my favorite songs from Chicago. And I love the Mormon reference in it! Too funny! :)

REMEMBER TO PAUSE THE MUSIC BELOW BEFORE WATCHING THIS CLIP!

Cell Block Tango (He Had It Coming)



Another good one. I'm not really a big Renee Zelwegger fan but I do like her in this role!

Roxie



You know I love anything from the 20's, 30's, 40's & 50's! :)

Nowadays (Finale)

Me, Myself & I

Have you ever thought of yourself & what your former self would think of you right now??? If myself back in the day met me now, I probably wouldn't like me. Remember when we shopped at thrift stores & didn't really care about what we looked like? I guess we did, but no more than spending $3 on some crappy shirt from the DI. And we use to go to shows, like at least once a week & we'd see the women, that we are now & think why are those old people here? They're like 30 years old! And we'd be like "Hey, why is your mom here?" LOL! Now I go to shows & think I am that 30 year old. And how we ever kept up with that lifestyle is beyond me. No sleep, tons of junk food & total craziness! Now i'm grandma Nay & I need my sleep! You know I don't like to be out & about after 9:00pm. Did I ever think i'd be who I am now? Not really. I don't really know what I expected. I think it's funny though that I spend so much time on trying to look good. But to be honest I feel overall better when I feel like I look like the bomb.com. I traded in my oversized "KikWear" jeans & my Independent backpack for designer names. My ball chain necklace, which i'd buy at the hardware store for $.20/ft for a Chanel necklace from Tiffany's & my black hightop Converse w/red laces & holes for Steve Madden heels. All part of growing up I guess. I miss those days though. We had a lot of good times! And although I don't see the ladies as much as I'd like i'm glad we're all still good friends. We should all get together, get sconed & go on "whore" patrol, terrorizing c-ville & btown! Hahaha! But not without a video camera cuz we need to replace the one that broke. And, wouldn't it be awesome if "Hector", "Thrasher", "The Bitch" or "The Princess" were still around? Or even be able to hang out on the bench at VIP & eat penny candy which we usually lied about. We'd be like...uh I only have 30 & we really had like 50. Liars! We were so proud of ourselves...cheating them out of 20cents. Oh ya & remember when the dentist office wasn't in the Rock Hotel & the "cute boys" would skateboard over there??? Classic! I just now thought of that. How I miss the "Poop Suit"! Anywho, anytime I wanna have a good memory all I have to do is think of the "good old days". :)

"Made you look, Made you stare....made you eat your underwear!"

LOL! My nieces & nephews are hanging out today at work & the above phrase was what one of them told me at lunch! They're so funny! I love teaching the kids all the awesome phrases. Like "Liar, liar pants on fire, hanging on a telephone wire" or "Miss me, miss me, now you gotta kiss me". The one i'm not allowed to tell them though is "Chinese, Japanese, dirty knees, look at these" or the diarrhea cha, cha, cha song. You know they'd have WAY too much fun with that! What else? The usual, later alligator or uh-oh spaghetti-o's. I tried the "I see London, I see France, I see so & so's underpants" but I probably got in trouble w/that one too, I don't remember for sure. When we're in the car I taught them "Move it or lose it" & "Hop to it car!" Hahaha! One of them just walked past me & asked me about their "nose hole" & I laughed & said that's called your nostril. Isn't that funny that they don't know some things & they just say whatever. Once I told one of them what they couldn't do & they said to me "Nay Nay, you don't just get to say what I can & can't do." Which I didn't know what to reply with so I just laughed. My other personal favorite was when one said "It feels like my hair is squeezing my head" to describe their headache. I'm just still happy they still want to hang out & have sleepovers cuz i'm going to be so sad when it ends!

"The magic's in the make-up"

I'm going to share a few of my favorite make-up tips with you! I LOVE make-up! I buy tons of it & I have a hard time throwing any of it away. You could probably call me a make-up hoarder! At least i'm not a regular hoarder or an animal hoarder cuz that scares me.

My first tip is if you wear base or foundation use a primer first! It makes the application & look of your make-up so much smoother. I love how it just fills in all pores & smooths right over any lines or blemishes so when you put on your foundation it just glides right on & then set it with powder & your skin will look even & smooth!

Second, in the summer & the warmer more humid months I would recommend wearing a cream blush. It might seem a little heavy depending on the color/brand you get so keep it light & use sparingly. I like this in the summer cuz it won't sweat off! It stays in place. For a cheaper brand I like Revlon Cream Blush in Berry Flirtatious. When you get it, it looks like it'll be really dark but if you just use a dab on the apples of your cheeks & blend outward it works great! If not then you might look a little clownish...but you'll get it! :)

And lastly, I think you should always have a great set of brushes! To me a cheap synthetic brush doesn't apply as well as a natural brush. Maybe that's just me though. I have the Sephora Collection & think they work as well as the more expensive ones. I would also remember to clean them every so often. If you have a good natural brush don't clean it with a cheap hand soap, I use Cetaphil & lukewarm water, & then leave them out overnight to dry completely. It's not too hard on them & they stay super soft. Or if they are real hair use a good shampoo!

If you have any other questions or comments I would love to hear from you! A few other recommendations are use liquid eyeliner it doesn't end up making you look like a racoon, however it takes some practice & a steady hand. Also, don't use a pencil for your eyebrows that makes them look too solid & crazy. Use a brow brush & a color that is one shade lighter than your hair color. I use a Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Twice Baked. For blonde hair though I think you should probably use a light brown. I'm guessing. Hope some of these have been helpful!!!

A recipe to try!

I just watched Ina on the Barefoot Contessa make this & I thought it looked so yummy! Except i'd leave out the tomato's. I never understood tomato's in Mac & Cheese or in Grilled Cheese. Why are you trying to ruin these amazing foods???

So, i'm going to try this sometime for dinner! You should to! :)

Mac and Cheese
Barefoot Contessa Family Style

Serves:
6 to 8 servings. Ingredients

•Kosher salt
•Vegetable oil
•1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
•1 quart milk
•8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
•1/2 cup all-purpose flour
•12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
•8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
•1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
•1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

.

"Leave me alone Weinerdog!"

Emily Strange knows just how I feel! Not very often do I feel like I just wanna do a 180 & get out of here. However, today is one of those days. And to make it worse, my Aunt Flo is in town...if ya know what I mean! That makes everything worse! I think i'm just tired. I should've just stayed in bed a little longer. Maybe? Or maybe i'm just being a whiny baby that's being too sensitive. But why can't I complain??? This blog post is like being "Debbie Downer" Isn't it funny how when you feel bad or get hurt you want someone else to feel that way too??? Or is that just me? LOL!

"I Hate the Holidays...."

DON'T FORGET TO PAUSE THE MUSIC BELOW BEFORE WATCHING THIS CLIP!




Happy Valentine's Day blog-readers! I LOVE holidays! Ya know why? Treats! Candy! Everything YUM! I think Easter has the best candy tho, I can't resist the Cadbury Mini Eggs! I'm not a fan of Peeps, but why does every holiday need a Peep? Even the 4th of July gets one. They've always been a little too much for me. I like Marshmallows but only if they're made into Krispie Treats. I hope everyone eats lots of chocolate & junk food today, cuz I know I will! :)

"Call me when you get back from Cabo!"

This picture is of the building we stayed in at the Westin in Ka'anapali, Maui, Hawaii. I LOVE this place! I wish I was here 99% of the time. It was about a year ago I was here on the beach for the best week ever! Right now, I feel like I NEED a vacation! There's too much going on! The last year & recently have been wearing me down mentally, physically & emotionally. I just need to get away for a week & relax. Or at least a few days! I've been on some amazing vacations in my life & i'm so greatful that I have. I know it's lame that I still live w/mom & dad, but honestly I don't mind it. I kinda do cuz it's like family 24/7 & it gets old but for the most part it's ok. I do have savings to move out, but to me it's money well spent to go to Australia or Hawaii or Cali or wherever. Those are experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything! So, if you have cabin fever like I do then let me know cuz i'm dying to get out of here! :)

I'm um-dumb

I think only 1 person is going to get that reference to the title. It's not very often that I watch commercials, except in the morning while watching the news. I can't stand the commercials for all the random colleges like Steven's Henager (which now has that stupid commercial of the clothes dancing around by themselves) & I can't remember the other one that does all the nursing degrees. Anyway, why do they always pick some broke down girl who says "If I can do it, you can!". Really? You don't think much of yourself then do you? If it was me i'd be like "I can do it...but you...I doubt it!" I know why they say that, but to me it always makes me feel sorry for that poor woman who just overpaid for a degree that might be useful. Anyone agree???

V-Day Treats!

Every year for Valentine's Day I throw the kids a party. I like to do it for every holiday & i'm so glad that they are still excited to come to work & see us or still ask to have a sleepover. I'm going to miss them when they get older & decide they're too cool. That'll make me sad. So Syd & I have been shopping today for all our things we need for our party. Ya so I just wanted to share this recipe we are going to try to make on Friday. It sounds awesome, but i'm never too sure on first time trys. If you're wondering tho, the Game Day Dip turned out delicious! Although I might suggest using only 1/2 the amount of lemon zest, it was a little too tangy!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serves: 24

Ingredients:
2 1/2 C. Flour
1 1/2 C. Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Cocoa Powder
1 1/2 C. Vegetable Oil
1 C. Buttermilk, room temp.
2 large Eggs, room temp.
2 Tbsp. Red Food Coloring
1 tsp. White Vinegar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 lb. Cream Cheese, softened
2 sticks Butter, softened
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
4 C. sifted Confectioner's Sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt & cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar & vanilla.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 full. Bake in oven for about 20-22 minutes, turning pans once, halfway through.

For the Cream Cheese frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter & vanilla together until smooth. And the sugar & on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high & mix until very light & fluffy.

YUM!

Game Day!

Yay! It's Super Bowl Sunday! I don't really care about the game but I'm totally looking forward to the junk food & the commercials. I'm getting ready to start baking a Pound Cake & then later bake some Spinach Artichoke Dip. Yummers! i haven't made either recipe, but they sound good & pretty easy. I forgot 2 things at the store tho, so I have to go back & get a lemon & parmesan. I hope you all have a great game day & eat lots of calories. :)

2.4.11 World Cancer Day

Today is World Cancer Day & as you know it's a disease close to my heart, so please go visit this website & sign the declaration as well & read a lot of great information. Thanks!

www.worldcancerday.org

Got lunch/dinner plans?

I made this for lunch today with mashed potatoes & corn. I usually do green beans but I was not feelin' it today. And of course I substitute a Quorn Naked Chik'n Cutlet for me!


Breaded Pork Chops

Prep Time 15 Minutes
Total Time 30 Minutes
Makes 8 servings


1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
12 saltine crackers, crushed (1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
8 pork boneless loin chops, 1/2 inch thick (about 2 lb)
4 teaspoons vegetable oil


1.In shallow dish, mix Bisquick mix, cracker crumbs, seasoned salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat egg and water with fork

2.Dip pork into egg mixture, then coat with Bisquick mixture.

3.In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink in center.
Makes 8 servings

Groundhog Day = SPRING!

Today is Groundhog's Day! And Punxsatawny(sp?) Phil has not seen his shawdow which means Spring is in the foreceast. Right? I did read that Phil is only right 39% of the time. Not very good odds right? However this year, i'm going to choose to believe him because it's 9 degrees outside with a 0 degree wind chill. I LOVE spring! It's my favorite time of year! I'll admit i'm not a fan of winter or snow, & that makes me sound like a crazy person since I live in Utah. To me San Diego sounds ideal. No snow, constant good temperatures...perfect! Anywho, back to spring. My favorite flowers are spring flowers. Daffodils, Tulips, tree blossoms...all of them! And, the birds come back out the grass starts to green up & the leaves start to pop out on the trees! I just think it's a nice time of year that doesn't last long enough. Summer is great too, but it's almost too hot & i'm not really a fan of sweat. Plus, it's hard to keep my face in place & not have my eye make-up end up on my chin. LOL! So, this year i'm totally looking forward to Spring! Hurry Up! :)