Just Because Day

Today is Just Because day.  I have always been a big fan of "just because" when it is done with kindness in your heart.  I have often said to my significant other, "I would rather have one carnation on an odd day just because you were thinking about me and loved me, than a dozen roses on Valentines Day because you felt like you had to."  I know there are some people out there who are thinking ...hell no, give me the roses.  However, I have an obscene appreciation for the simplicities of life.  Don't get me wrong, I love the extravagant things and appreciate them when they are gifted, but the things that tend to mean the most are the things done "just because." 

I like to cook breakfast for my other half and surprise him at work just because it would make him smile.

I like to surprise my girls with random nail polish and other cosmetic finds, just because they get so excited and can make their nails look like a box of crayons.

I like to make my mother miscellaneous just because it always makes her smile and lets her know how much she is appreciated.

I bake goodies and give them away just because it may make someones day.  

Life is about the simplicities and so this is definitely one of my favorite days.

  What did you do today...Just because?

$100

Have you ever considered what you would do if you were given an extra $100?  What would you do with that money?  No, it isn't a lot of money, but would you do a mini splurge and if so what would that splurge be?  Would you instinctively save it?  

Because I always spend any and every extra dime I have on my children, I would try very hard to be selfish with this extra and unexpected money. I have been wanting and needing some spa time.  I would have the mani/pedi and a nice massage.  Depending on where I got these things, I think I could squeeze in a facial.  

I know it seems frivolous, but for me, they are well deserved.  Any time an expense needs to be cut out, it is from me.  NEVER MY CHILDREN!!!  The funny thing is, I would probably still try to go get them a nail polish or something.


I look forward to hearing what you would do......

International Lefthanders Day

Did you know that today is the International Left-handers day?  Well I would like to send out a WOOHOO to all the lefties out there including my twin daughter leftie. On 13th August 1992 International Left-Handers Day was launched, an annual event when left-handers everywhere can celebrate their sinistrality and increase public awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.  It is often celebrated by left vs right sporting matches, left-handed tea parties, as well as left-handed activities where right handed parties are encouraged to try every day objects and tasks that left-handers are subjected to on a daily basis. There are several more ways to celebrate, but I think it is great thing anytime someone else is forced or at least encouraged to walk in another's shoes.  It encourages understanding on many different levels. 

 Actually, I think that left handed people tend to be quite intellectual and very deep people.  Maybe because to a certain extent they see and experience things vastly different than right handed people. 

Below is a link of an interesting article that you too may find rather cool to read.
http://www.livescience.com/17009-left-handedness-ambidexterity.html

Challenge update

Happy Monday morning everyone.  I just wanted to give a quick update on my progress. I would have taken a picture, but I have managed to catch a summer cold and kinda look like crap, so I will spare you all (LOL).

Ok back to business. As of today I have lost 4 pounds.  Now I will say that I had originally lost 6 pounds, but allowed stress to let 2 pounds creep back onto me.  That being said, I am sure I will lose the last six by the desired date. 

I have been doing some light exercises.  A little yoga, 10 minute Tae Bo (do you remember that?), and did the fit test for insanity. I am working mostly on my arms and my abs.   Unfortunately, I have a slightly crappy right knee, so I can't fully do a lot of the exercises, but I try to modify where I can. 

Wish me luck and I will check back around my birthday to let you know if I made my goal.

Son and Daughter Day

Did you know that today is son and daughter day?  This is a day when you give your children the best gift in the world:  your time.  Your sons and daughters are precious and the ability to just give them your time is priceless.  They grow up fast and you may miss the simplicities of your children after they have left the house.  Enjoy them whether they are younger or older and cherish the precious moments that you have been afforded.

My daughters and I have been making candy, watching movies, and cooking dinner for our day.  We have made a conscious effort to stay in the same room with one another for the better part of the day.  Yes, they still have their cell phones at the ready, but for the most part, our attentions are directed to one another.

How are you spending your son and daughter day?

Smores Cupcake

 

 

Ingredients:

For the graham cracker crust:

• 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cake:

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon hot water
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1-2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sour cream

For the frosting:

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Mix well with a fork.
3. Drop about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture in the bottom of each cupcake liner and press down to line the bottom.
4. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and maintain the oven temperature.
5. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and hot water and whisk it until it is smooth.
6. In another medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Then, whisk it to blend.
7. Combine the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the butter is completely melted.
8. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is cool, about 4-5 minutes.
9. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
10. Blend in the vanilla and then the cocoa mixture until it is smooth.
11. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing each addition just until incorporated.
12. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
13. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking.
14. Let them cool in the pan about 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. To make the frosting, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a bowl set over a pan of a few inches of simmering water.
16. Heat the mixture, whisking frequently, until it reaches 160 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer.
17. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk starting at low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
18. Mix in the vanilla until combined. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip.
19. Brown with a kitchen torch or broiler (watch carefully!) and garnish with chocolate and graham cracker segments (optional).

Campfire s’mores martini

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Smirnoff Fluffed Vodka
• 1-1/2 ounces crème de cacao
• 3/4 ounce Kahlua
• 3 ounces vanilla creamer
• Ice
• 2 teaspoons melted chocolate
• Graham cracker crumbs
• 2 toasted marshmallows dipped in melted chocolate and graham cracker (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Rim two martini glasses with graham crackers, by coating the rim with crème de cacao and then dipping in a shallow plate filled with graham crackers. Pour 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate in the bottom of each glass. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, crème de cacao, Kahlua and creamer. Shake to combine. Using a strainer, pour into two prepared martini glasses.
3. Garnish with dipped toasted marshmallows.
4. Serve and enjoy!

In recognition of S'mores Day

 S'mores cheesecake ice cream

Yields about 22 ounces

Ingredients:
 8 ounces cream cheese
 4 ounces sweetened condensed milk
 1/2 cup whipped topping
 1/4 cup milk
 1 cup marshmallow creme
 2 (1.55 ounce) milk chocolate bars, chopped
 2 graham crackers, crumbled

Directions:
1. With an electric mixer, combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until mostly smooth. Mix in whipped topping and milk. Transfer to a container and freeze until set.
2. Remove ice cream from freezer. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in marshmallow creme, chopped chocolate and crumbled graham crackers. (Allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes if ice cream is too hard to stir.) Return to container and freeze until set.
3. Scoop and serve in mini graham cracker crusts (recipe below).

Mini graham cracker crusts

Yields 10

Ingredients:
 10 graham crackers
 3 tablespoons sugar
 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Pulse graham crackers in the food processor until they are ground to a fine crumb.
3. In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter together.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into 10 cups of a muffin tin (about one-quarter cup scoopfuls). Press the crust into the bottom of the muffin tins and slightly up the sides.
5. Bake for about eight minutes, until browned on edges. Remove from oven and immediately tamp crusts down with a one-quarter cup measuring cup.
6. Let cool until set and carefully pop out with a knife or offset spatula.
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