Baskin Robbins

As a treat, we went to a Baskin-Robbins which just opened up a location near us. Our thought was that this would be a great little treat to finish off the day. The menu describes their premium sundaes as three scoops of ice cream with yada yada. I certainly did not think that this would be a ridiculous portion.
I was wrong. So a word of caution, the Oreo and Reese's sundae's are delicious but are much larger than they appear. Consider yourself warned.

Cool Keys!!!

Spreading the word about these neat keys:

http://www.statkeycompany.com/

And the Basement Continues

As of two weeks ago we decided that we would host a Chiefs football party at our house in mid-September. This has lead us to decorating the basement. We finished off the basement ourselves (aside from laying carpet) and we haven't done anything since.

This deadline of having a party is really helping us finish off the space. Again, here's the long open wall space we're working with:

Our alum are the Wisconsin Badgers and per the hubby, this basement shall be considered the Wisconsin room. My wish for the room is to balance memorabilia with class. This summer we took a trip back to WI to visit family and used the opportunity to snab some photos of the iconic hangouts on campus.

Before printing out pictures and attempting to hang them on the wall, I do a dry run with the pictures in Power Point. I pull all the images into Power Point and play with the layout as well as the color. We did not have Photoshop, but Power Point is sufficient. (When you've inserted your picture, within the Picture Tools toolbar, see the Recolor options.)

Last weekend I printed off all the images at a standard size at Target. I knew that we'd be enlarging some photos into 5x7 but at $0.30 it didn't matter to me that I would be printing these photos off twice. As we waited for the photos to be developed, we picked up some frames and wall shelves. Once home, we laid out all the elements that we have to be used on the wall.

Here's a tip, the fake photo that come with the photos make a great temporary matte with the new photo. Just flip it over and use that until you get new mattes or blow up the photo. I use colored scrapbook paper behind photos to set them off. The texture that scrapbooking paper can take a simple black frame up a notch.

Tomorrow I will be searching for additional frames and then will select the pictures to blow up to 5x7. (Yeah! Another trip to Target, sigh, who doesn't love Target? Best retail store ever.) Another tip, limit the number of frame styles selected with a collage.

Be good. Do good.

Halloween Costume

I was out on the web searching for a gnome widget to add with no luck. I did however come across this crazy idea for a Halloween costume:


Seriously, check this little guy out! Okay, I may not be able to/willing to pull this off as a 20-something. But I will guarantee you that any future babies will be dressed as garden gnomes for Halloween.

Brainstorm: what about a gnome party...like a toga party, but everybody sports suspenders and pointy hats.

No, you're right. It's too much for anybody over the age of 10....

Gnome Ransom

Remember how two of our gnomes are living with our neighbors and they were going to send them back in a clever manner?

Well, here's how it's going down one way...

The Ransom Note:
M&J,
As you can see by the attached photograph, we have your beloved gnome. He has no idea where he is or where he's going. But I assure you, he is quite unfindable.
DO NOT involve the FBI. I know how they work and their meager efforts will not stop me. I will contact you periodically to inquire about your progress on acquiring the ransom we agree on. I will not use a telephone because they can track me. I will use high tech equipment to monitor this transaction; equipment M is sure to be familiar with. Yes, I know a lot about you. If you contact the media and try to market public support, I will know and not be pleased, no matter how good it looks on TV.
First instruction, do nothing. I will be in touch. Determine how much this gnome is worth to you and be ready to make an offer the next time I contact you.
If I see any signs of law enforcement involvement, I will return the gnome piece by piece, starting with his beard. Tread softly..
With warmest regards,
Z

So what do you think will be an acceptable ransom? Do you think another campfire will do it? Or do you think we'll have to host a Chiefs gameday?

2010 Ikea Catalog

I suggest anyone and everyone sign up to receive the free 2010 Ikea catalog. Such great ideas! Whether you buy it from them or use it for inspiration and, ahem, make something awfully close to it in your own garage.

http://info.ikea-usa.com/Signup/

Cupcake History

I've picked up decorating cupcakes as a hobby. For Christmas I got the book, Hello Cupcake. It's a great book and recommend it for inspiration. There's a mix of beginners and advanced decorating ideas. Here's a history of the cupcakes I've created previously:

Beach cupcakes

Crushed graham crackers are the sand, Swedish fish on top, and a frosted graham cracker as a shark fin. The book says to use peppermint balls (as beach balls) and cocktail umbrellas to finish it off. I found the umbrellas in time, but had to improvised and made a life preserver ring with a Lifesaver and white frosting.

Puppy Cupcakes

I try to make my cupcakes special for the recipient. For a co-worker's birthday I made her puppy dog cupcakes. She was getting a lab puppy for her birthday, so it was quite fitting.

I rolled out caramels and tootsie rolls for the ears. The eyes were chocolate M&Ms, the snout was a frosted marshmallow with a chocolate jelly belly nose. The mouth was a pink jelly belly.

I Love NYC

This co-worker lives in KC but was working in NYC part-time. I learned a lesson with these cupcakes, apparently not any baking mix will make 24 cupcakes. I used a brownie mix that was in our pantry thinking it would make 24 cupcakes. It turned out nine "cupcakes"---they were really brownies in cupcake liners.

Fishing Cupcakes

These cupcakes were for a co-worker that spends his summer days fishing. The fishing poles were pretzel sticks. I used multi-colored goldfish crackers and picked a white line for fishing line.

I will be making another round of cupcakes for another birthday coming up next week. I'll be sure to post a how-to. First, I gotta figure out what fun cupcakes to make. Any ideas?

Be good. Do good.

New Year's Resolutions in August

It's been over a week since my last post, which is forever in blog world. I'm pleased to report the "why."As part of our New Year's resolution, we're getting out there, doing new things and hanging out with neighbors. Aren't you impressed that it's August and we're still talking about New Year's resolutions? (Notice we're not talking about our other resolution about adding more veggies to our diet. There's always 2010!)

We've been busy hanging out with friends over campfires, playing interior decorator and just overall doing stuff (meaning TV & couch are not involved). I'm swallowing my perfectionism attitude and attempting to do things that I haven't done before--even if they don't turn out perfectly. Things I've checked off have been: writing a blog, making a shadowbox, decorating cupcakes, hemming pants and making furniture! (Well, that last one requires a lot of leadership from the hubby).

I was so proud of my hemming that I made sure everybody at work knew that I had done it myself. I made a pair of pants into walking shorts. Yep, my 5' tall co-worker and I, at 6' tall, officially have worn the same pair of bottoms to work.

However, my co-worker also chastised me for not posting a how-to on these things. I'll do better - even if I don't know what I'm doing. :)

Be good. Do good.

Wendy's vs. Flare

Is anybody else a bit surprised that Wendy's is directly attacking TGIFs/Applebee's? I am not a big fan of any of these restaurants, so I'm not here to support any of these contenders. I always am amazed when big companies find thecourage to make such a bold move with their advertising. (If you haven't seen it http://www.wendys.com/ads/)

Does this ad do the job though? For me, yeah. I'd say that if I was craving boneless wings and if it was between Wendy's and Friday's, I'd go Wendy's. The likelihood of this exact scenario happening: zero.

Do you think Friday's will retaliate?

Be good. Do good.

Why the Gnomes?

So, what's up the gnomes. Why gnomes? It started back in college when I moved into a single dorm my sophomore year. My folks and I where shopping at Target for various items and I stumbled upon this unpainted, solid cement gnome. It was quirky and I knew it'd be fun to have in the dorms. And that's the moment when my affinity for gnomes started.

My first gnome:

The gnome became a great conversation piece. He went through the remaining three years of college with me. When I started dating M in college, my now hubby, a girlfriend and I got on a kick that he needed his own gnome. And we though that this was a terrific gift idea for Valentine's Day. My friend Molly and I ran all over the city to find a gnome. We found two gnomes but couldn't decide between the two so M got both. Lucky him.

The gnome story continues when I had to undergo surgery in college, during finals week/graduation weekend. My friends and parents sat around the waiting room writing a story. The central character was a gnome. They each took turns and the difference in handwriting is visible in the hard copy. (The full gnome story will be a future post.)

After college, we moved away from our close network of friends but the "gnome thing" did not die down. For Christmas one of my best gal pals from college sent me a gnome --it's the gnome wearing the swimsuit. She also has painted me pictures of His and Hers gnomes. Too funny.

Later, for my birthday I got a gnome garden sprinkler. My hubby's family know of my gnome affinity and have given me gnome goodies as well. Including a great coffee table book of gnomes, gnome garden stakes and even gnome playing cards.

Gnomes have kept the conversation going and the laughter rolling. And as I've started this blog and share the story of why I'm lugging a gnome with me, the giggles continue. I mean, how can you not laugh. They're ridiculous.

With two of the gnomes at the neighbors, I brought my first gnome to a friend's house where we played volleyball for hours. It was a great match up. We had five on five and skill level was equal. There were so many good volleys - it was a great workout and tons o' fun.

After all the play, we celebrated with a DQ Thin Mint Blizzard cake. Anytime I can work in Thin Mint ice cream into my weekend, I will. I love this stuff!

Be good. Do good.

Campfire : By Gnome Only

We spent a solid two months (if not more) putting in a flagstone patio where we could enjoy our backyard. The showpiece of the patio has been the fire pit. And my pit I mean, a metal bowl that sits on legs that came from Target--it's the best we can do living in the 'burbs.

This summer particularly we have really cranked up the neighborly gatherings around the fire pit. In the early spring we were having two per weekend! I mean, the weather was gorgeous and perfect for a fire, so why not?

Previously, two campfires had been instigated by the gnomes. Our neighbors moved one of our gnomes (yeah I said gnomes, we have about five total) from his perch along our rock wall down to the stairs in front of our patio door. With the pooch's potty schedule it didn't take us long to see the gnome blocking the way for the dog. And the gnome had a note:

Dear M&J, Sometimes at night I get a little chilly. A fire every now and again would be greatly appreciated. Take tonight for example. After such a warm day, I'll probably get cold. Oh, and if you do build me a fire, don't forget the s'mores and neighbors. Sincerely, Your Yard Gnome.

Yes, I was impressed by our gnome's penmanship, grammar, and manners (Sincerely?). We laughed heartily and, as directed, built a fire and invited the neighbors. And there were plenty of s'mores - as always.

Another instance, the gnome appeared within a box of scrap wood. Again, there was a note:

M&J, I, too, am a lumberjack. To better facilitate neighborhood fire gatherings, I toiled long and hard in the heat to provide you with this wood. Please accept this gift as a sign of gratitude for the pleasure of attending the frequent gatherings. As always, invite your neighbors!! With deepest regards, Oscar

PS If you don't want the wood, you can return it to the forest.

What another classic story! We laughed and built a fire.

Well, I couldn't let the neighbors have all the fun. We found these marshmallows the size an adult fist at Hy-Vee. After finding these, we knew had our idea. We would send over the gnomes with a giant marshmallow on a stick with a note saying, "You're invited to a campfire. See you at the usual place and time." We sent out two gnomes to two neighbors that are "in" on the gnome funny business.

Here's our fist gnome-vite, a close-up and in action, on the door stoop:

Here's our second gnome-vite:

We were afraid that the invites wouldn't be seen on the front stoop, so we kept doing laps around the neighborhood with the dog. Turns out they were eye-catching enough and surprised both neighbors. (Most peeps use their garage door only to go in and out - hence our worry.)

Both neighbors came to our fire with big grins on their faces. However, they only brought the roasting sticks. They both are holding onto the gnomes and have said they will send them back in a clever manner. I'm quite looking forward to what they come up with. So, until the gnomies make it back home you'll be meeting some other gnomes in our troop.

Be good. Do good.

Julie & Julia

I had a girls night out last night and saw the movie Julie and Julia. If you enjoy cooking or Meryl Streep, this is a must see film. I enjoy both so I LOVED it! I left the theater wanting to try what seems to be a signature dish from the movie:

Beef Bourguignon


Wow - the time required to make this beautiful dish is more than I usually allocate. I give a meal 30 minutes. If I can't whip it up within that time frame, I'm over it. There are so many great recipes that can be made at 30min. I'm too hungry when I come home from work. And when I'm hungry, that's when I grab a piece of chocolate to tide me over--not good.

I may leave this recipe as a fun thing to do with friends on a Saturday. It needs to cook for 3-4 hours, can you guess the amount of wine you'd go through just waiting for it to be done? If you want the adventure: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=8222804

In the meantime, here's what's for dinner in this house. Almond-encrusted tilapia with a side of white wine cheese risotto.

Almond-Crusted Tilapia
1 cu sliced or slivered, unsalted almonds; finely chopped
1/4 cu plain bread crumbs
2 T brown sugar
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg with 1 T water
1/4 cu flour
4-6 tilapia fillets
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degree.
Spray large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside

In food processor, combine almonds, bread crumbs, brown sugar, Old Bay seasoning and salt. Pulse until almonds are finely chopped and all ingredients are incorporated.

In small bowl, beat egg and water in bowl.

Place flour on a plate.

Set up your assembly line to dip the fish in order: flour, egg, and nut/bread crumb mixture, and then on baking sheet.

Before you dip, season fillets with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with flour on both sides. Dip the fish in the egg mixture (this coating really grabs the nut/bread crumbs), then finally coat evenly with the nut mixture.

Place each fillet on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15 min.

Side suggestions:
Serve with steamed baby carrots (tossed with brown sugar and melted butter)
OR
A fabulously easy to make risotto mixes from Target. I love the Archer Farms line of side dishes. (Side note: their Cilantro Lime rice tastes just like Chipotle)

Be good. Do good.

Master Bathroom mini-makeover

Well, this past weekend we were quite productive! Much more than I thought we would be.

• Clean up garden? Check.
• Hang curtain rod? Check.
• Hem curtains? Check --with confidence.
• Hit up DQ for a Thin Mint Blizzard? Check.

In fact, we plowed through these projects so fast and had enough energy that we tackled more projects:

• Cleaned up some pain spillage on trim boards. (Though I try, I still get the wall color on the trim boards.)
• We built a shelf from scratch, design inspired by West Elm.
• Started making more wall art, cutting up wood into 5x5 squares. We will be covering these with fabric and hanging in the dining room. Fingers crossed that they will finish off the dining room.

The whole time we were tooling away, we were backing up our home computer. It did not go as planned and took all weekend. So, I have been unable to report on the progress until tonight.

I am so excited about the curtains and the shelf we built. Look at how they finished off the space:

Pre curtains:

Adding the curtains:

Adding the shelf, which is the finishing touch:

I love walking into this space every morning and night, it makes me feel like we have a mini spa.

Be good. Do good.

Breaking news alert: Thin Mint blizzards are back at DQ. Adding this to our weekend to-do list.

Weekend Dilemma: What to Do?

Oh boy! The weekend has arrived and I just don't know what to do. We were in WI last weekend - our old stomping grounds, so kinda want to lay-low but also need to get some projects done around the house.

Here are the options:

1) Hang curtain rod, which then means hemming some curtains. (We've been pushing this back for multiple weeks at this point.)

2) Tend to the overgrown lettuce in my garden. Ugh! These plants have got to go.


3) Start decorating the basement. We're going for a "Wisconsin Room." No cheese photos (sigh, I tried but The Twinks disapproved). It's pretty much a blank slate right now.

I'll be sure to post the progress--on whatever mini-project we undertake.

I think it's time to start dinner: jalepeno burgers! One plant that has taken off in my garden this year has been the jalepeno plant. Given the bounty of peppers, we've had to scour the 'net for some recipes that use these delicious, homegrown peppers.

If you'd like to join us for Jalepeno Burgers mix up the following in a bowl:
Finely chopped jalepeno
Mesquite seasoning or Liquid Mesquite
Ground beef or ground turkey

Grill! And be sure to toast the buns too!

Cheese isn't necessary here, there's enough flavor already. We like adding a layer of mayo to balance out the flavor.

Be good. Do good. -the gnome