Born To Run Book Review, etc.

 Man, I really wanted to love this book.  

I had read so many raving reviews.  I began it before running my first marathon in January, 
I fully expected to finish it quickly and implement all the amazing 

running nuggets into my run and be lighter than air, etc.  

I guess my expectations were set to high.  
I was enraptured with the first twenty five pages or so, 
but shortly there after it went into a huge drag out for me.  
The last twenty pages or so were again relatable, 
and I enjoyed the ending.....  
mostly because it was the ending.  
I guess I am just not a "running book" kind of person. 
BUT WAIT.....!!
 I am NOT giving up just yet though, 
a good friend gave me a fun surprise the other day, 
Run Like A Girl....
and it does indeed look amazing. 
Can't wait! 
I will soon find out, now that I have hurdled this guy. 

The next book I will be reading looks like a pleasant, enjoyable stroll in the park.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

This will be the second book in a little book club I joined last month

with my friend Heather Hennessee,
(she chose this book).

She will be hosting at her house on the last Tuesday in Feb. the 28th.

Would you care to join us???

It would be super fun if you did!

Take a look at the book and its reviews,
(although they don't always mean much!).

See if you are even interested.

If not, maybe next months book.

What are you reading right now??

Any good?

$20 BELOW!!! Store Review.....

Friday afternoon I was headed over for a quick trip to 

Publix before the kids got home from school.

On my way in, I noticed again the 

very generic, non-eye catching 

sign from a new store called

$20 BELOW!

What caught my eye and drew me in,

was this sign out front....

hmmm....

all clothing $5 or less.

OK.

This will be a joke and probably a waste of time but I will go in 

real quick, take a look, just so I know I never need to 

go there again.

YOWSA!

I was in there for no less than a solid hour.

What a blast!!

They are getting ready for next weeks shipment,

(now this week)

they are expecting 1000 new swimsuits (they already have hundreds) 

and 3000 clothing pieces.

So honest and truly,

every article of clothing was 5 BUCKS.....or less....I got 2 for $2.

Here is the deal-io.

The store has a bare bones feel about it.

Nothing fancy.....certainly did not bother me.

Everything is new with tags on.

They have all brands,

Old Navy, Spiegel, Chadwicks, DKNY, Aeropostale,

Lands End, Dockers, etc, etc, etc.

I guess it is like a Ross, or Marshalls type of store.

Here are a few of the 11 items I purchased.

I spent $51.

So far I have worn,

 the Chadwick's jacket to a live Cabaret Show (thanks V!),

a very cute yellow Dispicable ME t-shirt to church basket ball Sat. morn,

the striped layered Apostrophe shirt on our date Saturday,

and this dress under a jacket w/ leggings and boots to church today.

I am loving it....a whole new wardrobe for $50 bucks.
(p.s. - most weekends aren't nearly so much fun!)

Check it out and let me know what you find.

When I say everything was $5...they even had prom dresses,

formal wear, shoes, coats, a small section of men's clothing, not much kids,

but tons and tons of womens.

Keep in mind, at such a low price,

I would not hesitate purchasing a dress or any other piece of clothing,

 and cutting it up, and modifying 

it into something totally different.

You know what I mean?

oh yeah,

home items, decor, was all 65% off.

I think I will go there for all of my workout and layering tanks,

they had zillions...

I recommend $20 BELOW!!!

It is right next to the Satellite Beach Publix on A1A.

Go alone, have an hour to blow.

I will babysit if you need me to.

T - ParTAY

The activity day girls had a fun little 

mother daughter T - party this past Wednesday.

It was a lot of fun.

T - standing for temple.

Sister Darting had the girls do a little presentation

about the three white dresses,

blessing dress, baptism, and wedding gown.

It was short and sweet,

and then we partook of 

T - FOR TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS

refreshments!

Wowsa!

I am going to add the recipes for us to make.

V and I, Clarie and Mac

 I will take any chance given to wear my tea party hat.

 Christie and her daughter Arielle 

Recipes we gotta try.....

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes - 

(thanks Nicole!!)

Cupcakes

1 box white cake mix, batter prepared according to package directions

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 tablespoons sweetened pink lemonade drink powder

Icing

2 sticks margarine

1 cup shortening

8 tablespoons frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

2 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Zest from 1 lemon

2 pounds confectioners sugar

Pink icing paste or food coloring

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and line 24 standard-size muffin cups with cupcake liners. Prepare the cake mix batter according to package directions, adding lemon zest, vanilla and pink lemonade powder. Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup to ladle the batter into lined muffin tins. Bake according to package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting. Prepare the icing by creaming margarine, shortening, lemonade concentrate, milk and vanilla with a mixer. Beat until smooth, then mix in lemon zest. Gradually add sugar, mixing well. If desired, beat in a little pink icing paste to intensify the pale pink frosting. (Note: To take another shortcut, use a lemon cake mix instead of the doctored white cake mix.) 

(aaaaaaaa.....this one looks a little on the lengthy side)

Mini chocolate chip, Mint scones

• 2 3/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut in pats
• 1 cup to 2 cups mini chocolate chips, or finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or the flavoring of your choice
• 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup half and half or milk

glaze

• 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 7 tablespoons water, enough to make a thin glaze
• 1 teaspoon vanilla, optional

directions

1) In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.

2) Work in the butter just until the mixture is unevenly crumbly; it's OK for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated.

3) Stir in the chips or finely chopped chocolate.

4) In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla or other flavor, and 1/2 cup half and half or milk.

5) Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened and holds together. Stir in additional milk or half and half if the dough seems dry, and doesn't come together.

6) Scrape the dough onto a well-floured work surface. Pat/roll it into an 8" to 8 1/2" square, a scant 3/4" thick. Make sure the surface underneath the dough is very well floured. If necessary, use a giant spatula to lift the square, and sprinkle more flour underneath.

7) Cut the square into 2" squares; you'll have a total of 16 small squares. Now, cut each square in half diagonally, to make 32 small triangles. This is all easily accomplished with a rolling pizza wheel; if you're working on a silicone mat, be very careful not to press down too hard as you cut.

8) Transfer the scones to a parchment-lined or well-greased baking sheet. They can be set fairly close together; you should be able to crowd them all onto an 18" x 13" half-sheet pan.

9) For best texture and highest rise, place the pan of scones in the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. While the scones are chilling, preheat the oven to 425°F.

10) Bake the scones for 19 to 20 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven, and allow the scones to cool right on the pan. When they're cool, cut each scone in half once again, to make a total of 64 tiny triangles. Don't be too particular here; in fact, if the scones are already a size you like, don't bother to cut them again. But if you decide to cut, don't stress about making them all the same size, or perfect triangles; trust us, no one but you will care once they're glazed and on the table.

11) Make the glaze by stirring together the sugar, water, and vanilla. If the sugar seems particularly lumpy, sift it first, for an extra-smooth glaze.

12) Now you're going to coat each scone with glaze. You can dip each one individually, which is quite time-consuming. Or line a baking sheet (with sides) with parchment, and pour about half the glaze atop the parchment. Set the scones atop the glaze, swirling them around a bit to coat their bottoms. Then drizzle the remaining glaze over the top. Use a pastry brush to brush the glaze over each scone, to coat it entirely. The glaze is very thin, so this is easily done.

13) Transfer the scones to a rack set over parchment, to catch any drips. As you pick each scone up, run its sides over the glaze in the bottom of the pan, both to use up some of the extra glaze, and to make sure all sides are coated.

14) Allow the glaze to set before serving the scones.

Yield: about 64 small (2") scones.

Another Birthday for E come and gone.....

In honor of Ethan's 15th Birthday,
on the 7th,
I thought I would include one of his (our families)
very favorite You Tube clips.
Not being much of an animal lover,
I can still say this dog melts my heart.
I love his expressions....
I really had no idea dogs could talk like this.

This is a much imitated voice around here.

We have found there are countless times when 

using antics from this video come in handy.

Almost anytime someone is retelling a story is the perfect time

to pipe in with....yea, and then what'd ya do?

etc. etc. etc.

There is many a good line in this short little clip.

............

Here is one more clip for the road....

maybe not one of our best,

but here is how the birthday rendition went down.

Ethan took the day off seminary and school.

We kicked it around here.

I did his dishes,

he got two boxes of Pop Tarts, and a personal sized box of

Captain Crunch cereal,
and a few other cool items.

Later that afternoon I used a Groupon,
 he and I went to Marble Slab and got 

giant ice cream creations.....

at least I did,
I got the Brownie Blowout or something....

it had a hot brownie on the bottom (nice and gooey),

then I choose three different scoops of ice cream to top it with,

along w/ whipped cream, caramel, and pecans....
I think I am still 

sporting a muffin top because of it.

Ethan got 3 scoops of peanut butter ice cream?

At least one of us went all out on his B-day.

I will take any excuse.

His birthday went down hill from there.....

kind of a long story that had to do with long waits, forgotten wallets,

and a wasted late night stuck in the car.

Anyway.....parents aren't perfect.

Happy B-day Eth!!!

Love you!

We will go big on your 16!!!

It was 3 years ago!!

Last night was an intense evening around here.....

I am certain that is not unique on Super Bowl Sunday.

It is a night fraught with emotion.

Extreme highs and lows.

This year I really had planned on sitting in and watching 

football with the gang.

I had envisioned taking in many a game with the boys.

 Eating cheese toast-wiches with tomato soup,

just like when I was growing up.

I don't remember any particular game.

Or really even paying attention to the actual playing on the field,

but I do remember the feeling during football season.
The feeling of being together.

BYU college football, and then Chicago Bears with....

 Jim Mcman...maybe?
I remember some huge guy
called "The Fridge".

Anyway, the other day Kev said, 

hey, don't you remember saying that you were excited to be 

able to sit and watch football

with the boys and I?

What happened to that dream?

oh yeah.

I did say that....

 I meant it to......when I said it.

Dang it.

I was going to make it happen.

Superbowl Sunday I was going to go for it.

Well, one thing led to another, and time began slipping away,

and next thing I know the boys are home from their

annual mile run during half time and 

then there was suddenly only 8 minutes left.

It was now or never.

I had to get in there.

I was totally engrossed.

I noticed Ethan and Kev were extremely on edge.

Their team, EVERYONES team in the house, for this game,

the Patriots,

was in a precarious position.

Time was running out,

the other team.....who? 

oh yeah, the Giants, had possession.

Phones were being slid across the carpet in exasperation, 

balls squoze for stress relief, 

and then thrown at a missed catch or bad call.

It was fascinating just to watch the happening in the room.

But the game was also really good,

there was one instance I happened to be watching, where 

the opposing team's man had the ball, he made it through our team,

and went, 

turned around and sat in the endzone.

I burst out laughing.....it was so startling and unexpected.

I couldn't help it.

Wow!

That was crazy.

Bad move on my part.

They were like that is it mom!

We are sick of you being against us!

What?

What are you talking about?

Three years ago you prayed for the Giants kicker during the superbowl and

they won.

Now here we are again and you are voting for the 

Giants.

Who?

No I'm not.

Wait.... this is the team with the kicker?

Back Story- 

Not last year, but the year before, these two teams were 

duking it out at the Superbowl.

I was amazingly enough watching the game with the boys.

I think K must have been out of town.

Anyway, the kicker on the Giants team kept missing the field goals he kicked.

Time and again.

I felt so bad for him.

I kept thinking about how he would feel after the game.

I couldn't help but have a soft heart for what the mother must be 

going through watching her son struggle and fail again and again.

Next thing we know he is up again to kick,

 I said I am going to 

pray that he makes this kick.

The boys tried to stop me,

but they couldn't.

 It was a successful kick, 

which did play a large roll in the outcome of that game.

I can imagine I shed tears of joy.....

but not for the team,

for the family.

For the boy.

The mom.

So,

since that time they blame me for that win.

It comes up often.

So here we are again.

I didn't even realize it was the same two teams.

Anyway, the game is over.

Ethan abruptly vacates the room.

Next thing I know they are after me again.

Ryker says, you even got a Giants Jersey for yourself mom!!

How can you say you don't like them?

huh...?

Oh yeah....I forgot I bought a jersey.

I thought it would be fun to have a jersey like the boys,

and watch football together while we drank our hot chocolates and stuff.

Hey, I wonder if I still have that.....

I came back in wearing it.

Yep I have it, and what do you know?

It was Giants!

I reminded them that I couldn't have cared less what team it was.

I would have purchased any team that was on sale.

It was the luck (or bad luck) of the draw.

shhhhh....don't tell Ethan.

I asked Kev later when the next game was on,

that was a really fun evening.

I got really pumped up.

He looked at me.....

August.

Oh dang it!

Voting Day in Florida......

whoohooo!!

Big day in Florida.

We pick our Republican Representative today.

I don't remember being as excited as I was today

....ever....(to vote that is).

We have had fun as a family following the candidates a little better

this go round.

It made all the difference.....duhhhh!!

It was awesome to have discussions with the kids about who we 

were supporting and why.

Discussing the talk we heard around town,

at the Club, school, and work.

Watching a few debates together...

(thanks mom and dad for starting that while we were out in Utah.)

Thanks Tina for alerting me to when they were on.

I am starting to get a little taste as to why T gets so excited 

around voting time.

I am starting to realize that when I (WE) are more informed, 

we are a PART of something big.

If you don't care, or don't understand, or know anything

about the different reps, what is there to be excited or,

scared or, 

PROUD to stand behind?

It is just another day.

I tell you what,

our early morning work out group certainly 

have strong opinions on the debates and different 

republican choices.

If you aren't following the debates....

you were a clueless idiot,

found that out rather quickly.

It was good to get on board and have a voice and an opinion

to share.

To make this day even sweeter, it is a gorgeous day out!

It isn't cold....it's not hot.

It is PERFECT!

Breezy, Balmy....

makes me love our state even more!

After riding bikes with the kids to school, 

I decided to get out and rock the vote early and ride over to the 

nearby church....or the 

114 Precinct where we cast our vote to be counted.

There is no way to get lost or turned around once you 

actually make it to the location.

I love how the volunteers are always decked out in 

their american apparel....

I tried to get a good shot of this american's tall Abe Washington hat,

but she looked up too soon and pretty much caught me.

 I appreciate how clear cut this vote is.

It doesn't have page after page of other stuff and amendments,

and garbled mumbo jumbo that you (I) am

not even sure what the question is asking me to vote on.

(I know, I know....research, study, learn).

9 names.

pick your man.

fill in the oval.

follow the foot steps to the exit.

insert your vote into the hightech counting machine.

apply your sticker.

walk away.

60 seconds to be heard.

 Have you voted yet???

How soon will we hear the results???

6pmish?

HB.....when is Utah's vote??
If I got to sing the National Anthem out loud, I would sing it like 
Carrie Underwood....
freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEE!
That is how I do sing it around the house for fun.
You?

Been biding your time.....?

It is the perfect time because I finally have Choffy on hand +

a ton of Choffy Presses!!!!

They are soooooo HOT!!

SLEEK, SHINY, SMOOTH!

I am loving these beautiful specimens.

I was rummaging around my favorite store last night....

Dillards!!

and came across this Mother Load.

I bought all of their presses.

I didn't even know they carried them!

Are you asking yourself.....

what in the heck is Choffy??!

Please click HERE.

A quick 30 second "Elevator Pitch"is that

Choffy is BREWED CHOCOLATE.

It is 100% ground, roasted Cocoa bean.

Prepared like coffee,

but much better for you.

It is delicious!

It is less sweet than hot cocoa.....because no sweetener is added...

no chemicals or additives of any kind,

you get to decide what to add and how sweet to make it.

HERE is a short clip from Dr. Oz on how fat is burned faster

with CHOFFY!!

My husband Kevin is a big fan of Choffy.

He severed a 2 year LDS mission in Argentina....many years back,

and this is what they drank living there....

only it wasn't called Choffy.....it was just the 

brewed Cocoa bean.

Do you ever wonder what to get your special someone for that crazy 

weird and kind of fake holiday known as 

Valentines Day???

Hmmmmm.....here's an idea!

You can nail it this year!

or who am I kidding....you can just get some for yourself.....

maybe you can share??

A quick run down - 

12 oz bags of Choffy - $15

Presses $28 - (these are 4 cup presses, in

3 colors, chrome, purple, or red)

You can save by purchasing them both - $40

OR

Host a tasting at your home or business 

(I will bring the Choffy, creamer, and cups.....you supply the testers)

and you can earn a press for FREE while I have them in stock!!!

Next weekend (Feb. 3 - 4), 

Tina and I will be at the 

Come and see us!!

It is open to the public. 

You can use this coupon, and get a big

yummy cup of Choffy to try!!

Plus a discount to use on any purchase.

Plus you can snatch up other sweet deals at the EXPO...

Chomps, Power Bars, Energy Beans.....Galore!!

at a much better price than any stores.

Plus it would just be super fun to see you!!

P.S. - I support Mitt Romney for President....
(Google ad has a negative ad on my blog,  I want it off, so I am stating my support.)