Wordless Wednesday - Grocery Store Edition

I was in the grocery store Tuesday night when I saw this.  Oh, there are SO many juvenile jokes just waiting here...but, I'll abstain *giggle* and wait until things cool off *snicker*!

Tuesdays At The Table - Trail Mix

Happy Tuesday and Happy National Trail Mix Day!  I don't remember who mentioned this healthy little holiday to me...but I had to Google it a few times before I believed it! :-) Sure, it's not a "real" holiday, but it's still fun.

In honor of the holiday, I'm sharing my favorite version of trail mix.

Trail Mix

2 Cups M&M's
2 Cups unsalted peanuts
1 Cup raisins
1 Cup banana chips
2 Cups pretzel rods (or twists)
1 Cup Chex or Honey Nut Cherios
1/2 Cup of mini-marshmallows
1/2 Cup of pecans or almonds

Mix all ingredients together.  Store in a large airtight container or in smaller serving size sandwich bags.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

Oh, and I'm doing an "About Me" post in the next week or so...if you have a question, click here and ask away!  :-)

Go Ahead; Ask Me!

I've been blogging for a year and a half, and it just occurred to me that I've never done an "ask me" post.  So, this week, feel free to ask me anything... Well, you can ask me anything, and I'll answer it if at all possible.

Depending how many of you lovely ladies ask questions - this will either be one or several post next week.  Yep, you have all of this week to get your questions in. 

So, um, someone ask me a question!  I don't want this to be a complete failure!!  :-)

Gone In A Flash...

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to commemorate the passing of my favorite ever camera.  You lived a short, but valuable life - providing great color, clarity, zoom and facial recognition.  You will be missed.

Yep, my poor camera is dead.  I love, love, love taking pictures. It's rare that I go more than a few days without using my camera.  My cute little Canon PowerShot was always with me. Sure that meant that my purse was that much heavier...but you never know when you'll have see something cute, funny, sweet, absolutely beautiful and need to take a picture to share with other.  It suffered a "fall injury" that seemed minor.  It barely touched the floor...but that was enough to jam the battery/memory card door shut.

There was a little prying with fingertips.
Much googling ensued. 
To no avail...

I ended up going to BestBuy (where I bought the camera), where they promptly told me that they have no idea how to actually fix cameras and that I'm S.O.L. (Shit Outta Luck, for those of you who don't use the same random acronyms that I do.) I went on to Ritz Camera.  They were very helpful and told me that I could fix the camera.  For um...$15 less than I paid for it...and it would take 8-12 weeks. *Update: After two frustrating encounters with camera experts, I let my dad have a crack at it.  He did get the little door open on the camera but somehow that killed the circuit.  Before dad's fix, it turned on...but there was no memory card in there (I had just removed it before the drop) and now the door opens but the camera won't turn on. Whimper....*

So, now I'm stuck.  I know that a camera is an "extra" for some people, but it's a neccessity for me. Do I buy a cheap one and suck it up until I can buy a new nice camera?  Do I try and find a way to fit a new camera into my already tight budget?  At least I get to borrow my mom's fabulous camera while I decide!  (Mom is awesome, and if she isn't careful...I'm permanently borrowing this sucker!!  Well... maybe not.  But it's tempting!)

Bowling In Style...

I don't know if I've divulged this before....I bowl.  Not well, but I bowl.

Last year, I was the permanent sub on my cousin (Lady) Kirstren and her best friend (Queen) Heather's team. (BTW, I have a royal monicker too...feel free to guess what it is) I think I bowled more times than the woman I filled in for. But that story is better left alone.

This year - I get an actual spot on the team.  I mean, I'm happy just to get a night out with a few of my favorite peeps, an excuse to people-watch, and my weekly fix of MaryLou's News coffee - but I'm really happy that I get to participate on a more frequent basis.

That means I need to buy bowling shoes.  I know you're laughing at me (and I don't blame you), but I was really excited to find something cute.  I was READY to have to look online for hours - far and wide.  Um...not so much.  The first website I stopped on had what I consider to be the height of bowling fashion (or geek chic; your choice).

Aren't they cute?!?!

Tuesdays At The Table - Thai Salmon Fish Cakes

Happy Tuesday, ladies!!  It's raining like crazy here...and I'm THRILLED about it.  We need the rain, and I'm enjoying the little taste of fall-like temperatures.  :-)

I'm seeing lots of new faces come participate in Tuesdays At The Table.  WELCOME!!  The more the merrier!

I'd bet you've all had crab cakes...but not a lot of people outside of New England eat fish cakes (that I've experienced).  I love a good fish cake, and this recipe is a great use for leftover mashed potatoes!

Thai Salmon Fish Cakes

12oz prepared mashed potato (I use about 2 1/2 cups)
5 -6 oz salmon, poached
2 oz sweetcorn, defrosted if frozen (about a half cup)
1 red chili, deseeded and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
1 teaspoon oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make the fish cakes simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and season well. Form into 6 patties using floured hands, then chill for at least 15 minutes. Brush the fish cakes with a little oil and grill or saute for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

Award Time!

The fabulous Kathie has tagged me with two awards.  I'm so lucky that she so sweet, even though I missed her birthday earlier this week!  Stop on by and wish her a happy belated birthday.  :-)

To accept the "Scoop of Daily Chaos" award I need to tag some eight awesome bloggers and answer the following questions.

What is your signature color?
Hmm... My favorite colors are pink and green, but the the largest percentage of my clothes are black. I dislike oranges and purples.

What is your most embarrasing moment?
Oh, I do embarrasing things like walk into walls every.single.day. however, my single most embarrasing moment was caught on film.  The summer I turned 16 - I did a two and a half week tour of England, Scotland and Wales with my grandma, mom, brother and one of my cousins.  During this tour, we went to the Scottish Tattoo - and absolutely AMAZING festival of music and dancing and some historical stuff.  Well...you know what lines are like at the bathrooms of events.  I HAD to pee and used the men's room (in my defense - I was FAR from the only lady doing that) - and my lovely mom decided that she should capture the moment for posterity...or blackmail.  Yeah, definitely blackmail. :-)

Would you ever get anything pierced other than your ears. If so, what?
Um...no.  Just my ears, thanks!!

Are you a social butterfly or a homebody?
A little of both.  I really enjoy going out and having fun with my friends.  Just not to clubs, and most bars.  (What? I'm shy...) At the same time, a night on the couch with my pups, the DVR, a glass of wine and my knitting is my idea of a good time.  I'm easily entertained.

Are you done having babies or do you want more?
Done?!?!  I haven't even started.  But I want to find a good guy and get married first. Good guys are hard to find, ladies!

Are you loyal to your hairstylist or do you try every salon in town?
I love, love, loved my hairstylist and went to him for over a decade.  But, Ed decided to retire about 3 months ago.  I've gone to one of his collegues once and she did a good job...but I'm still exploring my options before I commit to a new stylist.

How many times have you moved in your life?
Including moving in and out for college - 4 times.

If you could plan your vacation with just you and your love where would it be?

Um...no "love".  See the "baby" question for further explanation.  :-)  However... I have a good list of places I'd like to visit: Alaska, Hawaii, Cuba (I know, I'm weird!), Aruba, Egypt, Italy, Thailand and Spain.

For the "Versatile Blogger" award I need to link back and thank the blogger that tagged me (THANK YOU again, Kathie!) tell you all 7 things about myself and tag 15 wonderful bloggers.

1. I'm a shutter-bug.  I LOVE taking pictures.
2. I'm am WAY into FrontierVille on FaceBook.
3. There are stacks of books that surround me, but I can't keep myself from buying more books.
4. I hate that I have insomnia...but I'm so much more productive because of it. I get soooo much done while others are sleeping.
5. My work BFF makes me laugh so hard I wheeze and/or cry at least 3 times a week.
6. Lately, I've realized that "dog people" and "cat people" are generally nicer to those around them than "non-animal people".  I think it has to do with patience and empathy.
7. I really dislike being the center of attention.


I tag the following fabulous ladies for both (Yes, I compromised between the need for 8 & 15 blogs.  Sorry!):

Jane @ Moonflowers, Mojitos and Me
Kirstren @ Lady Kirstren
Andrea @ My Chihuahua Bites
Mrs. Jones @ A Real Life Wife
Tiffany @ Munchkin Memoirs
Sara @ Unwrap Life
Sara @ This Beautiful Thing
Janet @ Stuff I Think About
Julie @ Three Against One
Lorenza @ El Diario de Lorenza
Tillie @ A Nuttier Life
Jennifer @ Crazy Shenanigans

Tuesdays At The Table - Cowboy Salsa

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  I hope you all had good weekends and that Monday was nice to you, too.  :-)  This weekend featured some shopping, lots of errands and a beach birthday party for my friend's little girl.  Despite applying SPF 70 sunblock - I'm still a little pink.  Eh, that's OK - the beach-front fun was worth it.

A co-worker of mine introduced our department to Cowboy Salsa a few years ago.  I've recently found a recipe that is a bit different than hers - but just as yummy!

Cowboy Salsa

1 can Black Beans, rinsed & drained
2 cans Whole Kernel Corn, drained
2-3 Tomatoes, chopped
2 large Avocados, chopped
1/2  a red onion, diced
1 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
1 t. Garlic Powder
Juice from one lime (about 2-3 T.)
1 can Green Chilies

Prepare the italian dressing mix as directed on package.  Combine all other ingredients together and chill.  Serve with tortilla or pita chips.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

Farmer Beckett

Beckett and I are having a difference of opinions.  I think I'm growing tomatoes for my fun - to share with friends and family.  Beckett thinks I'm watering the plants...and it's his job to pick the tomatoes...sharing occasionally with his people.

I have no problem sharing (do you HEAR me fuzzy-boy?!?!) my tomatoes from time to time, but I have never met a dog who has his nose buried in my garden the way Beckett does.  Does anyone else have a dog that enjoys "farming" from the family garden?

The tomatoes are lip-smacking good, Mama!

Oh, I agree!  What?  Beckett said I could have a tomato too!  Wait...Mama, why are you moving the plants off the ground?!?!

Summer "Loves"

There's so much to love about summer.  This year I am loving:

• Summer TV series
• Burn Notice
• Covert Affairs
• Boston Med
• Eureka
• Warehouse 13
• Rizzoli & Isles
• THE BEACH!!  I'm a pasty freckle-faced girl and I burn in 5 minutes flat...but the smell of the ocean, the ocean breeze, quality time with friends and the inevitable squeals that come with the first wade into the water are well worth it.  :-)

• Flip-flops
• Headbands - My hair is FINALLY getting long enough to warrant the purchase and usage of headbands.  WOOHOO!
• Freshly made ice-cream at Peaceful Meadows.  It's an experience that comes complete with mooing cows.  If you can see the cows while you are eating the ice-cream...you know it's fresh!
• Fireflies
• This song.  I don't really "get" the video...but the song is catchy and it makes me smile for some reason.

What are you loving this summer?

I'm Trabajando, Damn It!

Yes, those words were heard in the office recently.  You see, we are all crammed in cubicles the size of postage stamps.  We hear each other's conversations, get to see each other acting goofy, have half our daily conversations over cubicle walls, and sometimes get overwhelmed by both by the closeness of others.

By far, the funniest is overhearing each other's conversations.  It's not that we try to eavesdrop.  Honest!  You just can't help but hear.  Add in the fact that I could have exceptionally good hearing (as does my work BFF) and you get to hear some doozies.

In the past few months we've encountered:

• Some of the Sales guys SCREAM over March Madness.  *Little tip, boys... the conference rooms aren't sound-proofed!*
• A new employee declare how dumb we all are and criticize the looks of a few people.  *He's gone now...but we've also had a few run-ins where he stood in his office on his desk and grabbed his man-parts.*
• The ability to watch multiple office romances.  Now, I've been with my company for almost seven years now.  In that time, there have been at least a half dozen office weddings and LOVE is in the air lately.  Just, um, not for me.  But I'm cool with the people watching, trust me.
• Oh, and I had to yell at someone because they were doing their make-up while the fire alarm was going off.  SERIOUSLY, I had to tell her three times that This is NOT a drill and I WILL tell her manager if she declines to follow our safety protocol.  I'm nice...but I'm not waiting in a burning building so you can do your MAKE-UP. 

Really, the most fun we have is when mass emails come out making odd pronouncements.  "We will have client X in the office tomorrow.  Ladies, please be sure to wear trousers and hose!"  Um...OK.  I'm under 60. Do I REALLY have to wear "hose"?!?!  I promise that the shock of my my sandal-clad feet won't send anyone to the hospital!  And who's the lucky person standing at the elevator letting our techies know that their "Geek is the new black" and "Speak Geeky to me" t-shirts aren't formal enough?  Or that socks and tevas is a bit less than business casual?

Do I work at the only company that seems to have it's own soap opera?  And if you office is like mine - can you pick out the heroes/heroines and villains/evil biatches?

Did You Say PROMOTION?!?!

I work WAY too many hours...but it appears that some of that hard work is paying off.  I got a promotion!! HURRAY!

And....HAPPY DANCE!!!

OK, now that's out of the way... My super sweet mom had an Edible Arrangement sent to the office to celebrate my promotion.  Isn't she sweet?!  Sorry, but I need to use the photo from their website. We all started scarfing chocolate covered fruit as soon as it arrived and the fruit was pretty sad looking by the time I realized I should have taken a picture.  :-)

The funny thing about the whole promotion?  My title change showed up on our corporate intranet before my boss even got to talk to me!  At least HR is on the ball!!  Now let's hope that raise shows up in this week's paycheck....

I feel like I should do something to celebrate.  Mind you...just something small.  Any ideas?

Tuesdays At The Table - Frozen Bananas

Happy Tuesday everyone!! I hope everyone is staying cool. Is it me, or is this the hottest summer we've had in YEARS?!?!

I'm probably a bad influence, but I'm sharing another sweet treat this week. I can't even tell you how many memories I have of going to Disney and getting a frozen banana. Other than going on Pirates of the Carribean and the Tea Cup, Dumbo a few other rides - frozen bananas were were one of my favorite parts of Disney for quite a while.

Frozen Bananas

4 bananas, not too ripe
3/4 Cup semi-sweet chocolate
Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, M&Ms, chopped peanuts, etc.)
Parchment paper
Popsicle sticks

Cut each banana in half, and insert popsicle sticks.  Freeze for about a half hour on parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  In a small bowl, melt the chocolate slowly.  Dip each banana in chocolate (you may need to dip more than once to get a fully covered banana) and then top each banana as you choose.  Put bananas back on parchment and freeze for another 45 minutes to an hour.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

Twilight & New Moon (Bunny Version)

By now you've all figured out that I'm easily amused (and if you didn't...SURPRISE...oh look, a PUPPY!).  Sorry, as I was saying, Twilight and cartoon bunnies are pretty funny.  Don't believe me?  Just look!

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

Hi Mama.  Step off...iz my pillow.  Getz your own!

Tuesdays At The Table - Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!  Mine was great - in fact I'm still enjoying my long weekend.  :-)  Friday, I didn't get to close on my house as hoped...but I did get to go out to lunch with two fabulous ladies, and then go sign the extension on my housing agreement.  *Fingers crossed* I get to move in a month or less!

Saturday was an awesome trip to the beach - I'm still a little pink, despite multiple applications of sunscreen, and I've spent a lot of time reading and hanging out with my dogs.  :-)

As much as I love to cook and bake - heat and humidity make me veer more towards "quick and easy" during the summer.  I love these suckers!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams

1 Box of graham crackers
3/4 Cup of peanut butter (I prefer smooth)
1 Bag of chocolate chips (I prefer milk, though dark is pretty yummy too)
Wax paper

Line cookie sheets with wax paper, and break each sheet of graham crackers along the scored lines, placing them on the cookie sheet.  Spread peanut butter on half of the graham crackers and then top them like little sandwiches.

In a medium bowl, slowly melt the chocolate chips.  Dip each graham cracker sandwich into the chocolate evenly coating all sides.  Place back on wax paper and allow to set.

These keep well for about a week in Ziploc bags.

What's cooking in your kitchen?