Kind of funny how I was supposed to be this new super-blogger this summer... and yet I haven't posted in well over a month. I hope I can find some renewed energy and focus to pick this back up again! I must say that although I keep myself very busy and probably could tell a lot stories about what I've experienced, most of the time I am uninspired to write because I feel like my thoughts, experiences, and musings aren't all that interesting to anyone else...
For all you bloggers out there, what is it that keeps you committed? What is it that lets you reach outside your comfort zone and share yourself on a regular basis?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Beach Paradise Features, Giveaways and Coupons!
Please visit ALEL today to see our huge summer gift guide! The category I coordinated was "Beach Paradise" and there are some amazing pieces! Just a hint... some of the coupons in my category are actually good for longer than the advertised July 25 end date! Take a peek below for coupon codes and end dates!
P.S. Anything marked with stars is part of the mega giveaway! Please enter directly at ALEL!
1. **Tropical Citrus Lip Balm- $5 at Live Beautifully Body. Use code ETSYFIX20 for 20% off shop-wide through July 31.
2. **Wrap Bracelet- $32 at Del Mar Lady.
3. **White & Blue Hemp Bracelet- $8 at To Dye For. Use code ETSYFIX for 10% off shop-wide through August 31.
4. Coral Chevron Sun Glasses Case- $30 at Kailo Chic. Use code SAVE10 for 10% off shop-wide through September 1.
5. Coral & Pink Beaded Necklace- $14 at Pamplepluie. Use code ETSYFIX for 20% off shop-wide through August 31.
6. Beach Bag Tote- $68 at Lucy Jane Totes.
7. Recycled Sail Tote- $145 at Reiter8.
8. Sea Urchin Earrings- $47 at Star of the East.
9. Turkish Towels- $24 at The Anatolian. Use code 16021970 for 15% off shop-wide through September 30.
10. Painted Wood Summer Necklace- $28 at Totem Color Blocks. Use code SUMMERTOTEMCOLOR for 10% off shop-wide through July 25.
2. **Wrap Bracelet- $32 at Del Mar Lady.
3. **White & Blue Hemp Bracelet- $8 at To Dye For. Use code ETSYFIX for 10% off shop-wide through August 31.
4. Coral Chevron Sun Glasses Case- $30 at Kailo Chic. Use code SAVE10 for 10% off shop-wide through September 1.
5. Coral & Pink Beaded Necklace- $14 at Pamplepluie. Use code ETSYFIX for 20% off shop-wide through August 31.
6. Beach Bag Tote- $68 at Lucy Jane Totes.
7. Recycled Sail Tote- $145 at Reiter8.
8. Sea Urchin Earrings- $47 at Star of the East.
9. Turkish Towels- $24 at The Anatolian. Use code 16021970 for 15% off shop-wide through September 30.
10. Painted Wood Summer Necklace- $28 at Totem Color Blocks. Use code SUMMERTOTEMCOLOR for 10% off shop-wide through July 25.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Why is it so hard to find time to write?
Hello friends, I am still here... just busy recently and not as inspired to write as I should be. Thanks for your patience, I will be back again soon!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Back to reality
Back to the office tomorrow. I'm really bummed. I've been out due to recovery for two weeks, and then I worked from home the past two days... and now the time has come where reality kicks back in.. dumdumdum (queue the low, sad music).
Wish me luck! And no, my voice still hasn't really come back all that well. Any suggestions on how to communicate with my co-workers? (Email is overrated). Smoke signals? Interpretive dances? Queue cards? Paper airplanes?
Wish me luck! And no, my voice still hasn't really come back all that well. Any suggestions on how to communicate with my co-workers? (Email is overrated). Smoke signals? Interpretive dances? Queue cards? Paper airplanes?
Monday, June 25, 2012
The danger of laughing while drinking coffee
It was like any other morning. My husband and I were doing our usual morning routine. The news was on TV, we were eating breakfast, and we were talking about our plans for the day. Who knew that this typical morning would turn into a very special day? Let me set the scene.
Out of nowhere, huz says "by the way I saw a hilarious derp dog face on Reddit". In the one millisecond when my precious coffee hit my lips, huz proceeds to do his best impression of aforementioned derp dog face.
Then the magic happened. I guffawed and coffee shot straight out of my nose. Of course A is laughing hysterically while trying to be the concerned husband "oh my gosh, are you ok?". I was speechless and mortified... I was covered in coffee (and so was my breakfast. eww). It was pretty awesome. Not my best moment, but now that I'm part of the club I figured I might as well be proud of it!
Has this ever happened to you? Tell me your funny mealtime story! (Bonus points if it happened in public!)
Out of nowhere, huz says "by the way I saw a hilarious derp dog face on Reddit". In the one millisecond when my precious coffee hit my lips, huz proceeds to do his best impression of aforementioned derp dog face.
Then the magic happened. I guffawed and coffee shot straight out of my nose. Of course A is laughing hysterically while trying to be the concerned husband "oh my gosh, are you ok?". I was speechless and mortified... I was covered in coffee (and so was my breakfast. eww). It was pretty awesome. Not my best moment, but now that I'm part of the club I figured I might as well be proud of it!
Has this ever happened to you? Tell me your funny mealtime story! (Bonus points if it happened in public!)
 |
| Derp Dog |
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Zucchini bread adventures
Question of the day: How long does it take to make zucchini bread?
Answer: In my house it takes 1.5 hours. And no, that doesn't include baking time.
What the heck is my problem? I LOVE to cook. Give me some fresh meat, veggies, olive oil, a cutting board, knives, a stovetop or a grill and I'm golden. However, give me some flour, sugar, and eggs with some measuring cups and I'm stumped. My way of cooking is to throw things together based on flavor and texture and what's in season at Wegmans or my CSA. My way of measuring is in the method of "a little of this", "a lot of that", etc. Following directions, however? UGH.
So... yesterday was CSA pick-up day. One of the things we got was a massive zucchini along with a recommended recipe for zucchini bread. Knowing how much baking always frustrates me, since I'm still off work this week, I decided to bite the bullet and give the zucchini bread a try!
The measuring and sorting of ingredients took me forever. Forever. Then halfway through the mixing of the batter, my tiny little mixer (probably 12 years old!) conked out on me. But I was able to finish with a little bit of my own muscle work. (Thank you biceps!) I finished mixing, poured the batter, and put the pans in the oven. From start to finish it was close to 1.5 hours of work. Really?! Trust me. You don't even want to know how long my oven was preheating. HA.
The cook time said 40-60 minutes. My bread was done in 53 minutes... yes, I was checking frantically every few minutes starting at minute 40. Could I have taken out the bread a 50? Probably.. but I'm always more of a "well-done" girl, so I figured the extra 3 minutes would be key. The kitchen smelled heavenly.
It's been a few hours since I started my zucchini bread adventure and the bread has finally cooled. I cut myself a slice (ok two slices).. and all I can say is YUM. It tastes more like zucchini cake.
Was all that work worth it? YES!
Will I be doing it again anytime soon? NO!
Answer: In my house it takes 1.5 hours. And no, that doesn't include baking time.
 | |
| 1) ingredients, minus the eggs and vegetable oil, 2) evidence of massive zucchini, 3) finished product |
What the heck is my problem? I LOVE to cook. Give me some fresh meat, veggies, olive oil, a cutting board, knives, a stovetop or a grill and I'm golden. However, give me some flour, sugar, and eggs with some measuring cups and I'm stumped. My way of cooking is to throw things together based on flavor and texture and what's in season at Wegmans or my CSA. My way of measuring is in the method of "a little of this", "a lot of that", etc. Following directions, however? UGH.
So... yesterday was CSA pick-up day. One of the things we got was a massive zucchini along with a recommended recipe for zucchini bread. Knowing how much baking always frustrates me, since I'm still off work this week, I decided to bite the bullet and give the zucchini bread a try!
The measuring and sorting of ingredients took me forever. Forever. Then halfway through the mixing of the batter, my tiny little mixer (probably 12 years old!) conked out on me. But I was able to finish with a little bit of my own muscle work. (Thank you biceps!) I finished mixing, poured the batter, and put the pans in the oven. From start to finish it was close to 1.5 hours of work. Really?! Trust me. You don't even want to know how long my oven was preheating. HA.
The cook time said 40-60 minutes. My bread was done in 53 minutes... yes, I was checking frantically every few minutes starting at minute 40. Could I have taken out the bread a 50? Probably.. but I'm always more of a "well-done" girl, so I figured the extra 3 minutes would be key. The kitchen smelled heavenly.
It's been a few hours since I started my zucchini bread adventure and the bread has finally cooled. I cut myself a slice (ok two slices).. and all I can say is YUM. It tastes more like zucchini cake.
Was all that work worth it? YES!
Will I be doing it again anytime soon? NO!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
One week without a voice
As you all know, I had a thyroidectomy one week ago as treatment for my thyroid cancer. Surgery went well and I am healing nicely. I'm off pain meds, I'm back on solid foods (yay! although I did enjoy the soup and ice cream diet while it lasted), but I still can't talk.
It's amazing how different life is after 7 days of not talking... sure, I can whisper and do the raspy voice thing.. but I was really encouraged to rest my neck as much as possible while I'm healing. At first it was incredibly frustrating and I found myself stretching my voice when I shouldn't and reaching for a notebook and pen to scribble notes for my husband and mom.
As the days have gone by, I've come to terms with my lack of voice. It will come back slowly, but I have to take my time with it. Now it's actually kind of nice... I'm enjoying my new-found silence. I find I've been more patient, contemplative, and observant.
I've always thought of myself as a good listener... but for the next couple of weeks I'll be a GREAT listener. Anyone need to vent... REALLY vent? I guarantee I won't be able to put in my two cents in... verbally at least!
It's amazing how different life is after 7 days of not talking... sure, I can whisper and do the raspy voice thing.. but I was really encouraged to rest my neck as much as possible while I'm healing. At first it was incredibly frustrating and I found myself stretching my voice when I shouldn't and reaching for a notebook and pen to scribble notes for my husband and mom.
As the days have gone by, I've come to terms with my lack of voice. It will come back slowly, but I have to take my time with it. Now it's actually kind of nice... I'm enjoying my new-found silence. I find I've been more patient, contemplative, and observant.
I've always thought of myself as a good listener... but for the next couple of weeks I'll be a GREAT listener. Anyone need to vent... REALLY vent? I guarantee I won't be able to put in my two cents in... verbally at least!
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