Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Beach Help Beat the Homework Blues

Tuesday I made some banana chocolate chip cookies for my trip to the beach.  I didn't follow the recipe exactly because I didn't see the point in buying whole wheat flour that would just take up shelf space after I used the half a cup or the point in making chocolate chips into shreds. Oh and I left out the walnuts, well because I dont like walnuts and I was going to sub them with pecans, then I realized I was out of pecans.

So here's the recipe:

• 1 cup(s) all-purpose flour


• 1/2 cup(s) whole-wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon(s) coarse salt

• 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda

• 3/4 cup(s) (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup(s) packed light-brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup(s) (about 1 large) mashed ripe banana

• 1 cup(s) old-fashioned rolled oats

• 8 ounce(s) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped into 1/4-inch chunks
1/2 cup(s) (about 2 ounces) coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
 
Preheat to 375. Combine the flours, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl. Set aside. Combine butter and sugars until pale and fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla. Add mashed banana. Mix in flour mixture. Add in chocolate chips. Put on cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for about 11 minutes.
 
My way: sub the whole wheat flour for regular, forget the walnuts, leave the chocolate alone.
 
My sister who doesnt like bananas loved these! My friend, Chris, who went to the beach with me ate a lot, though I'm not sure if he was just being nice. Next time I think I want to add in the pecans and whole wheat flour.
 
Now, about the beach. Chris went for the weekend, and I went just for the day to hangout. It was not hot, but not cold. And it was virtually empty. Very nice. Lots of little kids and humorous high school drama. Apparently Briggs is gay/sexy/stupid. Silly kids.
 
I went to the beach with my girlfriends, and we flirted with the boys, but I don't remember us being that soap operaish about it. Or being so flighty.  Being at the beach made me miss those days a bit. Where I had the whole week to spend laying out, swimming and flirting- all on someone elses tab. Ahhh.
 
Back to the present. Chris and I hung out and talked. I made him read me parts of my homework. We both got horribly burnt and he had to explain to me that Billy the Kid was not a pirate.
 
Here are some pics:
 
(from the parking garage)

 
(homework didnt last long!)

 

()

A Life of Her Own: The Transformation of a Countrywoman in 20th Century France

I read this book for class and adored it. The orginal title is Wild Herb Soup, and both titles are appropriate as she is truely has her own life and is influenced by the people and places around her . The book is the story of Emilie Carles's life in France.

It details her life as a peasant girl, school teacher, wife, hotel owner and political activist. Emilie's life and personality is a combonation of her environment and her experiences. She is influenced by her peasant upbringings, her father and her husband but she is not them. She is Emilie and she has what it takes to live the life that she desires to live- a life of helping others.

Emilie's tale is artfully woven and describes the roughness of peasant life. the effects war, political tension and the consequences of standing up in what you belive in.

Updates

I've finally caught my books of 2010 list up to speed. Hopefully, I'll get the chance this week to write reviews/descriptions of the books. I'm cheating a bit and including some of the books I've read for school, because lets face it- I've a ton to read for school, and if I've enjoyed the books, why shouldn't I include them on my list?

The books I mentoned in my last ATM post have really paid of for me, at work and in school. I had to do a career project and Ogilvy's books gave me a jumpstart on the background I needed!

This week I'm hoping to squeeze in two baking products-some type of banana chocolate chunk cookie and apple pie cupcakes. I'd also like to make dinner one night but I'm not sure time will allow.

Well, off to do more homework so I can those projects underway.


OOPS! Just looked at the page, and apparently I deleted my books list.

Here they are and I'll try to set up the list tomorrow

Lawof Nines
Life of Her Own
Defying HItler
Kettle Bottom

Its been way too long

I apoligize for the HUGE gap in my blogging life, but the fact is -real life just caught up to me. I've got two more classes here then when I was in Scotland, paired with all of my social activities, my new job and managing a long distance engagement as just left me too busy to blog.

I got the chance to make my friend a birthday card today:

Outside text: Sweet Birthday Wishes
Inside: For my my favorite canadian
Envelope: Hi Cupcake!

After midterms this week it was a great stress reliever. I'm heading to Hartsvegas for Spring Break where I'm hopeing to catch up on the piles of homework I've been neglecting, finish my projects for work, read a fun book and make another card or  two for upcoming events. And I've recently won a copy of Falling into the Sun: A Novel by Charrie Hazard, that hope to read, in additon to sending out some internship applications. Oh and the bestie, her beau and I are hopeing to take a  day trip to Charleston!

Oh! And earlier in the week, my fiance sent me these:

(The bear is the size of a four year old!)

New ATMs

The two new ATMs I added are both books on advertising, recommended by my new boss, at my ATM favorite job-working as a copywriter.

Both books are written by Ogilvy- an advertising genius. I love his writing style- its very honest, very personal and still manages to convey a lot of interesting information.

There is a lot of overlap in the books, so you might want to read just one. I can probably recommend one after I finish them both.

Our Way

Due to a long history of disagreements and abuses from my family, as well as a recent falling out, Mr. Groom and I have decided we're taking matters into our own hands. When I move to South Korea to be with him and work, we'll get married at the consulate and after a few years of work and saving we'll plan and pay for our own "renewal of vows" celebration-possibly in the Grand Canyon with a party after or a church ceremony with a party after. Wish us luck!

Recent Baking

Monday I made two different baked treats. One I can't reveal yet because I made them for my bridesmaids to be, and not all of them have recieved them. The second treat was at the request of the best friend's boyfriend who we shall call "CIT" for Comedian-In-Training. Anyway, they were coca-cola cupcakes (yuck!). So far the two people, besides me, who have tried them have liked them. I'll let you know what CIT and the rest of the crew think later.

Here's the recipe from cupcakerecipes.com and my suggestions:


Ingredients


Part One

• 1 cup coca cola or other cola drink

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup powdered cocoa

• 22 large marshmallows

 

Part two

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 large eggs, beaten



Coca Cola Cupcake Recipe Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line cupcake pans with paper liners.  These cupcakes work best with the silver metallic liners.

Part one

In a small saucepan mix cola, butter, vegetable oil and cocoa.  Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and add marshmallows.  Place lid on saucepan and leave until marshmallows begin to melt.  Stir well.

Part two

Mix flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.  Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.  Mix well.

Combine Part One and Part Two in the mixing bowl.  Spoon cupcake batter into cupcake pan liners until they are 1/2 to 2/3 full.

Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool cupcakes completely before frosting with Coca Cola frosting.
 
Frosting:
Ingredients


• 1/4 cup powdered cocoa

• 6 tablespoons coca cola or other cola

• 1/2 cup butter

• 3 and 3/4 cup powdered sugar (one 1 lb box)

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Coca Cola Frosting Directions

In a medium saucepan, mix together cocoa, cola, and butter.  Heat over medium heat until melted then bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, pecans and vanilla.  Stir until blended well.

Let frosting cool until stiff enough to frost cupcakes.  !


Suggestions: The marshmallows in the batter make the  cupcakes spineless and unable to stand on thier  own. So the heavy duty aluminum liners are a must! I skipped on the pecans in the icing and topped the cupcakes with peanuts instead. I did this for two reasons. One- I knew some of the people who I'd beg to try the cupcakes are "no nut people'. This way they can flick off the nuts. And two, I'd always heard that coke and peanuts went well together. So far, so good. Oh- and don't let the frosting sit too long or it will be too hard to frost with!

A Hartsville Wedding?

The ceremony would be a Kellytown Baptist Church, a southern baptist church I went to at a child and didn't particularly like. Why didin't I like it? 1. It was too much like a highschool, with everyone in thier own little group. 2. I'm not fond of southern baptist churches. But this is the only church in Hartsville that I've been able to find that isn't booked.

The reception?

Lawton Park Pavillion. This is an old picture before it was renovated. I want to say the outside is virtually the same. The inside upstairs is a small ballroom that holds 125 people. We'd be able to have half as a dance floor and half with tables and a buffet table/bar. There's a balcony on the back that overlooks the lake and depending on the suprising SC weather, could hold tables.                                                                           

Still looking for a DJ and Caterer but we've got 3-4 prospects for each. One being the same place that is doing my cake-CJS. I met with them today and they designed a gorgeous cake that will be similar to my dress for less than Arts Eats Bakery in Greenville. If I do my catering with them, they knock fifty cent off per slice of the cake.                                                                                                                                        

 I've started to think  about my something old, something new, something borrowed something blue (and a six pence in your shoe). And so far this is what I've come up with:                                             

Old?

My dad has a friend who has a 60something white Camero that we're hoping he'll drives us from the ceremony to the reception in. This is a picture of the type of car in red to give you an idea:

                      

New?

Well, almost anything can fit this bill. My dress, veil, garter, hair stuff, earrings.

Borrowed?

My mom and dad have thier "bride" and "groom" toasting glasses that they're going to let me borrow. They've got a funky flower thing wrapped around the base but my mom is okay with us taking that off and wrapping it in red ribbon.                                                                                                                       

Blue?

Got two things for this one. My engagement ring has two blue diamonds and the garter I'm hoping to buy has a small blue ribbon sown inside.                                                                                                              

   

What happened to the Spartanburg wedding? Weren't you in love with it?

I still am. But I've discovered this fact: A Hartsville wedding is about $2000 cheaper than one in Spartanburg and since I'm not paying for the wedding myself, its a fact I have to come to terms with-quickly. It won't be the wedding of my dreams (of course not- that involves castles and kilts or an ice hotel) or my more realistic dreams (in Morningside and perhaps with a photobooth ) but I think we can make it something special. After all, its not the location thats the most important but the handsome man standing with me at the altar and the gorgeous women standing ip to support me.                                                                           

                                                                                                  

ATM Favorite

Yeserday was my last day with my ATM favorite poet/poetry professor Peter Meinke. I've really learned a lot in his class. Before the class I was very skeptical about my poetry writing abilities and he has helped me, not only to grow more confident but to pick up new skills as well.

I've listed his book Contracted World: New & More Selected Poems (Pitt Poetry Series). Its the book he taught us out of and its got some really great poems in it.

Reconsidering

I was going to get married in my college town in a church I'm emotionally attached to. But I've started to think it may be better to get married in my hometown. Here are my reasons:

1. I can't get a caterer estimate for less than $14/person. My dad knows a caterer who can do prime rib for $10/person.

2. Its easier for my grandmother to come to a wedding in her town.

3. The bridesmaids could stay at my house the night before.

4. My Dad thinks we could get a better deal on a recepion venue.

5. Basically my dad has connections. He could probably figure out my bar situation.

6. The photographer I want is based in my hometown

7. I want pictures of me in various places around my hometown.

Possible downsides:

1. I don't think there is a photobooth rental place in my area and my heart will miss not having one.
2. Not sure if my hometown bakery could do the cake I want. But thats a TBD.
3. Not sure what to do for favors of there is no photobooth.

Wedding Budget

So, I finally have a budget- $5000. My wedding planner divides the budget up,advising how much to spend in different catergories. Its a nice guide but I can already tell I'm going to be over in some categories, under in others and right on the button in a few. Regardless, I'm looking for ways to cut back.

I've decided to opt for Itunes downloaded, CD played music instead of a pianist. That should save us $230.

I'm thinking about making my own invitations. I'm the kind of person who can design a good look. I just can't put it together without looking like a 5year old did it. If done correctly, I can see this saving $100. I wonder if I could convince my sister to put together the invites. I know the MOH likes to scrapbook, and this is similar but I feel like she'll be helping me address them already.

Flowers. The Church and  Reception Venue are both already decorated for Christmas, so I won't have to use as many flowers for decorations. I want to decorate the cake table with a framed "cake" recipe and a picture of me and Mr. Groom. I haven't priced an actual florist, wholesale sight or silk flower place yet, but I plan to soon. The roomie and I think we could do flowers for around $200 at Hobby Lobby.


An unexpected cutback comes in the Guest List department. We've decided to aim for 50 invitees apiece. Mr. Groom has recently stated that he thinks his list won't top 25. This means I can invite extra people (I already have a back up list) or have less guests, thus a less expensive reception. I'm thinking about just inviting ten or so extra from my list.

If you have any suggestions on ways I can get creative with the money side of this business let me know,

Descions, Descions: New Reception Venue Option

My college has an Alumnae House that they offer for rent. I'd only been inside when it was decorated as a haunted house so it never occured to me to consider it for a wedding reception. But someone suggested it so the roomie and I went and checked it out. Its small, but big enough for a cocktail style reception. The layout is nice. There is one big room that you enter into (dance floor) and four main smaller rooms (food room, band/dj room, bar room, table room) that lead off it, a kitchen in the back and two bathrooms. There is an upstairs area, but I don't think we'd need to use it. The entire place could use a good coat of paint, but with it being dark and decorated, I don't think it would be noticeable.

It costs $600 for the full day, but I'm not sure if that includes tables etc. Although, I did snoop around and found tables and linens in a back closet. I'm hoping to get all of my questions answered today, so that the MOH  and I can stop by and look on Thursday and make a descion. $600 is less than half the price of the other venue. But the other venue comes mostly decorated. So I need to figure out if I can decorate the place for less than  $600. Which I think I can, if we make a good bit of the decorations, spruce up the staircase with some ribbon, prop some picture frames and candles on he mantels, (maybe haul in a Christmas tree) and create a snowstorm in the windows.

Other wedding updates: I've booked a church. The roomie has drawn out my dream cake design with and impossible to find cake topper. I've bought tickets for me, the roomie and the MOH to go to a wedding expo. I've found some gorgeous invitations at an affordable price (http://www.rexcraft.com/) . And I've contacted a few caterers. Oh, and I've decided how I want to "formally" ask my bridesmaids to be bridesmaids, as well as what I want to give them as gifts.

Food room:

main room view from staircase:

"Lyric" in the table room:

Band or Bar Room

Bar or Band Room:

The Purple Bathroom (other bathroom was normal so it didn't warrant a picture):

New ATM Favorite

I added the song Jackson sung by Johnny Cash and June Carter. Why? Mr. Groom and I sing this song to each other. Now, we do it over Skype. I'm hoping to use it for our entrance into our reception. Now go listen!

Book: The Law of Nines by Terry Goodkind

I am a huge fan of Terry Goodkind and my love for him and his writing continued to grow as I read his newest book. Unlike the Sword of Truth series this book is set in what seems like our world and our present. I'll do my best to not giveaway plot aspects but consider this a warning that I might.

The book follows Alexander R.  It starts around his 27th birthday, the same age his mother was when she was institutionalized. She was deemed crazy because she thought people were watching her and demanding information from her. Alex inherits some land on his birthday with lots of strange stipulations and meets Jax who claims to be from another world. And then the book really takes off.

If you've read the Sword of Truth series you may think this book starts a little slow, but keep going! And keep in mind its not a part of the series. Finish it and you'll see how clever Goodkind is. (Theres one thing I haven't  figured out, so if you've read the book please let me know and I'll tell you what it is, I dont want to post it here and spoil the book)

The Great Dress Debate (And Reception Venue Hunt)

Today the ladies and I set off to the Davenport and David's Bridal.


The Davenport was lovely, lovely, lovely. I'm just worried that it would be too small if we decided to do a sit down style dinner with 150 people. (Note: we have no firm guest list number for me to consider because my family is refusing to talk numbers with me until the end of the month. Strange huh?) But is very pretty, hard woods with a small upstairs area perfect for a band. And at Christmas time it comes with a Christmas tree and white lights on the banister. It was a tad pricey, but I think it would be workable. Oh and it came with the option of rentingthe above apartment by hour, which might be a good idea since I'm having a few children who might need to go nap the last two hours of the reception. Oh, and they'd let me do sparklers which is what I'm considering in place of rose petals etc, as it will be dark when Mr. Groom and I leave the reception.

the upstairs/band area

view from the stairs:

see how narrow it is?so gorgeous though....

We shopped at Davids Bridal today and I went in thinking I wouldnt find anything I liked, but I wanted to try on a few different styles and make sure I really liked the dress I found yesterday. But I found another dress I liked. Now I'm not sure which dress I like better. I'd love your opinions! There are certain things I like best about each dress but I'm not going to disclose them here until I make a decision. But here are the photos:

Note: I don't like this veil!!

The lovely lovely ladies who went with me got to try on a few bridesmaid dresses as well:

Ms. Maid of Honor:

(our favorite so far, the front has beading around the chest area, but I didnt get a good shot)

Ms. Bridesmaid/Roomie "Lyric":

(I think this one was our favorite on her)

Lots of Wedding Planning

Today two of my friends and I went to two different reception venues and to a local dress shop.

The first reception place was a complete disaster-I wasn't sure how they stay in business. The woman was a fruit loop, the house was a mess, and she didn't want to give me any sort of prices. I could not wait to get out of the place. I was really dissapointed, because the place was the closest place I'd found  to the ceremony location so I had high hopes.

After our appointment with the venue from hell, we went to a dress shop. The lady who helped me was so sweet and offered several alternative venues that I'd never thought of. She picked out a lot of gorgeous dresses and I fell in love with  the first one she picked out, although it wasn't the first one I opted to try on. And it didnt have any red on the dress which I went into thinking I really wanted.

We checked out one of the suggested venues after the dress shop and fell in love. Bad idea. The rules are so strict and everything has to be cleaned up and out by 12am on the dot, which just won't fly for our dream reception. But its the best thing I've found so far. We have another appointment tomorrow but its further away. And it just occured to me to consider renting out my college's gorgeous dinning hall. And I'm starting to think I fell in love with all of the places to take pictures outside of the venue and not the actual venue. I could take pictures there for free though.

This afternoon we played with my hair, and even though its really far in advance I think we settled on a style!

Tonight we went to Hobby Lobby and "made" bridesmaid and bride bouqets. We also looked into making the table centerpieces. I could make the flowers for all of the bridal party for $100. I haven't priced a florist yet but I'm pretty sure Hobby Lobby is on the cheaper side. I also bought the ribbons I wanted to braid into my hair, because they were on sale for less that $2.

Magnolia Bride Bouquet Idea:

Bridesmaid's Bouquet Idea:

Food Table Centerpiece Ideas (in a bud vase):                                                                                                             

After Hobby Lobby we headed to PUBLIX to check out wedding cakes. Yeah, you heard me the grocery store. They had a few on display and they were gorgeous. They even made me rethink "my cake" idea in my head. To make sure the cakes weren't too good to be true, I bought a slice of chocolate cake for around $2 and split it with my roomate. It was rich, chocolatey and very yummy. I'm definitely going to talk to one of their decorators when I'm pricing cakes.

Here are the ones they had on display:

Did I mention I haven't booked a place for the cermony or reception yet? I'm planning on doing it this month though. Its so hard not to get sucked into all the other elements, especially since I know I'll be back in classes in February, and out of town for the summer.                                                                                               

A New Widget for my ATM Favorites

I freqently post about my ATM Favorite things, many of which happen to be products. I've decided to place an ATM Favorites Widget at the top of the page. I hope to update it about once a week, and the updates will be accompanied by a post telling you what I think.

Here are the current ATM Favorite Products:

1. Real Simple Magazine   - I love  this magazine. Its got great organizing tips, planning tips and recipes. I love to just flip through the and look at the beautiful and clever ads. I was able to score a one year subscription for $5. It was my birthday present to myself

2. Wedding Planner-- I bought this the other night at Barnes and Noble. It looks like the sticker price is cheaper at Amazon, not sure about once you add shipping and handling. I was amazed by the variety of wedding planning books. There were books, bigger, smaller, pinker, gother, DIYer than this one. I loved that this book breaks down budgets, to do lists, and a monthly checklist of things to be done.It even has color pictures and descriptions of typical wedding flowers. I browsed through a book at Barnes and Noble about how to twist wedding traditions to fit your style, but it didnt include any worksheets, which is really what Iwas looking for,

3. Darius Rucker's History in the Making-- I'm really loving this song right now. The line 'this could be our last first kiss" really struck me the other day, when I realized that I've had my last first kiss. Its a really bittersweet, tingly feeling. Details? All you get is that it was at the movies.

4. Recipe Organizer- a gift from my roomate for my birthday. She knows I'm cooking challenged and included a few of my favorite recipes of hers. I can't wait to fill it up with recipes I learn.

5. Classic Bride Wedding Planner-- also a gift from my roomate. No worksheets in this one, but thats not what she was aiming for. Its got some great ideas,as well as expectations and explainations of traditons.

6. Last but not least, I got some window markers in my Christmas stocking. My roomate and I have had a blast doodling on our floor length mirror. We turned the bottom half of the mirror into an aquarium. The top half we made into the world of Ella and Lyric, two invented characters. Lyric dress like a kindergarten teacher and sings "I'm on a Boat". Lyric looks like she was drawn by a kindergartener, sports a crown and sings  "If all the lemondrops were gum drops and....jellybeans?" She also thinks she is part spider monkey.

I have an ATM Favorite Poem: It's Peter Meinke's "Email from Tokyo" and you can find it here. Its about having children, and how parents pass on bad habits, but its never NOT worth it. Its an answer to a poem by, Philip Larkin who is answering a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson.

My Obsession

I'm not a big TV watcher, but ever since my parents introduced me to the Big Bang Theory (from hereafter now as BBT) I just can't get enough. The show follows a group of brilliant but nerdy men friends through out thier daily lives and there interactions with the hot waitress/ aspiring actress next door. The show features  Jim Parsons(I think he's cute),  Johnny Galecki( I think he's cuter), Simon Helberg, Kaley Cuoco, and  Kunal Nayyar.  If you want a funny, fresh show, this is the program for you! Its on season three right now and a new episode airs tonight!! (We're having a viewing party!!)

Facebook's 25 Random Facts

This has been floating around facebook for ages. I've given into the peer pressure, except I'm posting mine on here.

1.I'm a lefty= I find it impossible to cut in a semi-straight line.
2. I can't drive.

3. I want to be an editor of a magazine.

4. I have a shoe obsession.

5. I love to read.

6. I despise censorship.

7. I'm addicted to chocolate.

8. I love to scrapbook and make cards.

9. I also love looking at scrapbooking materials. Seriously, I could live in Hobby Lobby

10. I sometimes relive the Sunglasses Posse's glory days.

11. I don't drink soft drinks.

12. I could live at the beach.

13. If I did I'd be broke and live under a lawn chair.

14. Red and turquoise are my favorite colors. Partly, because in MY world, turquoise is my birthstone.

15. I don't watch a lot of TV.

16. I LOVE getting mail.

17. I'm a country music fan.

18. I adore pina coladas, daiquris, bahama mamas, hot chocolate with brandy/rum, and mudslides. Basically, I'm what happend to the rum.

19. I can't paint nails.

20. I want to own a cupcake shop. But first I have to become an amazing cupcake baker.

21. I enjoy taking pictures.

22. I want to write greeting cards for a living.

23. My Barbie dolls were whores.

24. I LOVE Grease.

25. I'm still friends with someone I met in kindergarten.

ATM Favorite is Chocolatey Goodness!

Do you like fudge? Do you like Snickers bars? Then do I have a winning combination for you! Introducing...

SNICKERS FUDGE! Its got chocolate inside and out as well as a yummy peanut butter nougat.Get it while you can because its advertised as "limited edition". http://www.snickers.com/

My Reading Life

In 2010 I'm determined  to read more books for pleasure and to keep a record of somesort. Right now, that recordss running down the side of my blog. I want to post my thoughts about the books as well. Right now I'm reading Terry Goodkind's newest book  and I'm loving it! Want  a copy: The Law of Nines

Here's a list of books I read last year and enjoyed. If you want to know more about a certain book, just leave a comment. Also, please feel free to share any of your favorites.

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan. A southern woman's struggle to live in the racism ridden south.

Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Novel by Elizabeth Noble.  A mother dying of cancer writes letters to her daughter. A heartbreaker.


The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Its too good for  a summary. Its an interesting puzzle of a book that you must read!

The Babysitter by Diana Diamond. Loved this one too. About the babysitters relationship with her employer and what happens when we ass-ume.

Letting the Creative Juices Flow!

This week has definitely put my creativity in gear! I had my first masterclass with Peter Meinke on Wednesday. Last year I dreaded my night classes but I'm loving this one! Meinke is so witty and open. He really makes the class enjoyable.

We have one class a week, and then a one-on-one conference with Meinke. Mine was great. Meinke had read my poems in advance. He had me read some of them aloud for practice, which made me feel good. I mean, if I'm practicing now then maybe some day I'll be reading them for real, with an audience. He then went through my poems and told me what he really liked and why. Which gave me an awesome feeling as well. He then suggested a few (minor!) changes and wished me luck! I'm really looking forward to this Wednesdays class. Check out his website at: http://www.petermeinke.com.  I've  read poems from his book the Contracted World and really enjoyed them.

Friday, I took myself to Hallmark on a research trip, so that I could get in the right frame of mind to work on my internship application. I spent an hour in the store just reading cards. And then I took a break and found a really cool "something blue" themed wine glass, that I really want! It has  handpainted blue swirly roses, and a real garter along the top of the glass! Totally adorable! I also went and saw a free showing of  500 Days of Summer at my favorite library.

Today I woke up and went to a seminar given by the wonderfully talented, Sarah Kennedy. I own a copy of her Witch's Dictionary and love it! So it was amazing to be able to attend her seminar. In the seminar we learned about dramatic monologues and how to write in the voice of another speaker. I wrote parts of poems there and came home and expanded further on them . I also wrote the first fifth of my internship portfolio application.  I see some card making in my future!

What happened to working out?

Fine. I'll admit it. I've been a slacker lately. I haven't done HWW in a while. I DID get some exercise in when I moved into the second floor of my dorm Sunday. Up and down the stairs and out to the car. Repeat 80 times.

But I'm off to a new start. Today my roomie and I woke up at 8am and went to workout! Hopefully we can keepit up. I'm extra inspired because my fiance mentioned in his last email that he is starting to workout again too!

Wish me luck!

My ATM Favorite Smells Like Chocolate!

For Christmas my mother got me this delisciously yummy set of HOT COCOA scented lotion and body wash. It smells so good. Really, I've been tempted to lick my hands! She asked me if I wanted the small bottlw or the large and since I wasn't sure I'd like smelling like chocolate I opted for the smaller bottles and they came in a cute snowflake mug. Here'a pic of the lotion (it came from Kohls if you want to try it out):

Better Get Writing, Annoying Bitches and My Engagement Ring

Better Get Writing:

I'm taking a poetry class this Janterm and it looks like its going to be a really great class. I love to write. Although, I am new to poetry. The class only meets twice a week. And as good as that sounds, its got a downfall. My calendar minded self sees lots of free time  to sleep in, scrapbook and hang out with my friends. I need to learn to make myself sit down and do some writing every day. I'm hopeing that going to a poetry reading tonight will help jumpstart my urge to write. I'm also hopeing to make it to a "make n take" tomorrow at a local scrapbooking store that should help me boost my creativity levels.

Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

HWW Week 3 Day 4

Day 4 is the day between workout sets and is set aside as a "rest" day. Today I definitely noticed a bit of burn in my abs and that my legs felt better than they have since I've been home.

As part of the "rest", I've thought about things I want to start once I am back at school (Sunday).  I want to replace one meal a day with a salad and see how that effects my body. I also want to see if I can convince my friends to take a walk with me everyday in the afternoon. I want to walk with them at a leisure pace. I want it to be a fun, relaxing time of motion and conversation. I will  need the companionship even more since I will be back in the area where my (then boyfriend) fiance lived together but not able to visit him as he is still overseas. I need the motion as I want to find a way to be less sedentary that doesnt involve the gym. I may see if we can occasionally replace this walk with a swim.

(I must confess, even though today was a "rest" dictated day by HWW, I still did a few (25) situps.)