day

Christmas Day Kortney, Whitney and I had flights to catch – the two of them to ND and me to Colorado.

Tom picked me up from the airport and was right on time – I didn’t even have time to put on my coat. Brrrrrrr…… We went straight to the Salvation Army to help feed the less fortunate. By the time we arrived everything was already in full swing and I don’t know that we were much help. It was a reminder of how fortunate I am. Some people really struggle and there isn’t much they can do… I am glad there are people like Tom’s family who spend every Christmas holiday volunteering at such events. I think it really makes a difference to those who would normally go without.

Then it was off to the movies!! I have never been to the movies on Christmas day or not that I remember anyway – It was crazy!!!! We had to buy our tickets and come back later – then we had to split up in order to get popcorn and seats…. But it was worth it! I love movie theater popcorn and the licorice Tom’s dad and I fought over was a special treat. He claims I ate the whole bag but I would never do such a thing… unless it was sitting right next to me the whole time just asking me to eat ‘just one more piece, just one more piece.’ But he ate more than his fair share – I am sure of it.

I almost forgot!!! More presents! As soon as we walked into Tom’s house I was presented with two boxes…… I got a pair of Ugg Boots from Tom and his parents gave me a pair of Ugg slippers. Tom has a pair of slippers I always wear or at least try to wear when he doesn’t beat me to it… so now I have my very own! Warm feet = happy feet!
Any trip to Colorado would not be complete without seeing the dear sweet baleash! Tom and I went up to Denver and hung out with her and Matt – 1st night - we just did some bar hopping and the second night we went to a Nuggets game! I also got to hang out with Shannon Paulson Winter one night as well! I love that I have friends in Colorado.
Tom and I drove up to Breckenridge Ski Resort one day and had a blast. It is such a cute, cozy little mountain town. (they also have a banana republic outlet store – where I got a $140 pair of shoes for $18!!) We walked around town and had a great lunch at the Blue River Bistro – go here if you ever go.. We asked a kid who worked in a ski shop for a good place to grab some good lunch, soup/sandwich. His response, “there is a really good pizza place nearby.” Upon pressing for sandwiches he said, “Subway.” So trust me - go to Blue River Bistro (just near the Subway actually) for a delicious soup and sandwich combo.

After lunch we went up the mountain – IT WAS FREEZING (thank you ugg boots and hot cocoa) but the ride up and down was worth it. We saw two moose (not pictured) just hanging out on the side of the road. (we also saw two bald eagles on the way to Colo Springs and a herd of big horned sheep on the way to Breck. – it was like a National Geographic special).

Our trip ended all too fast but we needed to go home, I had to work on Wednesday and we needed to prepare for the next trip… Holiday to be continued.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

eve

Christmas eve was spent in Redondo with Kortney, Whitney, Rob and his daughter, Cassidy. We made a fantastic dinner… Kort made lobster tail – Rob made prime rib – Whitney made Asparagus - Cassidy – Jalapeno potatoes - And me - three bottles of wine ;) We all know our roles. It was delicious and such a nice night – Christmas music, good friends and of course - - - - Presents!!


I scored!!! I got everything on my list and then some. As soon as time allows, I am going to buy myself a beach cruiser!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

I am hoping for some more pics to come from Kort.. hoping…

two turtledoves

not real doves, but turtles. two turtles.
Tom loves Turtles... so when the girls were all in town I purchased two little turtles during our shopping excursion in the downtown Los Angeles Alleys....

Come to find out, not only is it illegal to purchase a turtle less than 4 inches long... but they have salmonella!!!!! Tom still loves them and i do too - I just won't touch them - ever!

On Saturday, we had our first turtle race - Boys against Girls with money on the line.. One of them won - not sure which one but the boys ended up with the cash. Rematch!!!

PHI8H Festival 8

Phish played a 3-day festival in Indio, California!!! It was ah-mazing and so much fun! I went with Tom and we met up with a bunch of his friends at the show. They played 8 sets including an acoustic set on Sunday.

We had a blast – How can you not?
Phish and the Halloween holiday are bound to bring good times.
I was a stick person….. a stick person in motion.

They had fire breathing....... things - I don't know exactly what they were but they made a lot of noise and flames burst out every once in awhile.

Ferris Wheel and all. (little round thing about in the middle of the darkness - see it?)

Til next time....

halloweenie

I wasn't there to see all of this actually happen but I am so glad it was shared with me... One of my favorite photos ever..

Curious George, a Vampire Queen and Mickey Mouse..
Wish I could squeeze into that Mickey costume. I love it!!

and then there were seven

Sunny California again played host to a gaggle of girls.... This time five girls traveled our way... Lisa (New Mexico), Lizzie, Trish, Joanna (all Utah) and Courtney (Texas).

We did the usual – Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners, coffees, some got pedicures, Hermosa Beach, Shopping, Sushi, and Dancing.

Bobcats above.... Teradactyls below..

Lizzie basking on the beach..

Dinner at HT Grill in Redondo.

In order, from top to bottom, left to right..

Kort, Trish, me, Joanna, Courtney, Lisa

I feel very fortunate to be connected with people who are so eager to travel in order to stay connected. Our friendships remain as strong and as fun as ever.

I still miss them dearly every day but it makes the reunions all the more fun!

caret cake mini cakes

I love carrots and I love carrot cake, neither one having to do with half of Salt Lake City calling me "caret."

But I happened to have fallen in love with a particular cupcake from Trader Joes and recently found out they aren't as healthy as initially thought to be. So I went on a mission to make my own.

As Cat says, "Everything is better when you can taste the energy put into it."

I have never claimed to be much in the kitchen but I am showing signs of improvement.

Number one mistake – I started off with long, shredded carrots… I had already mixed in all of the spices and flour before I started to wonder how those long-cut carrots were going to fit into a muffin tin. Kortney laughed – I got out the chopper. It all ended well.

Ingredients

-The recipe is for a cake, but......
Unsalted butter, for the pan
12 ounces, approximately 2 1/2 cups, all-purpose flour, plus extra for pan
12 ounces grated carrots, medium grate, approximately 6 medium
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 ounces sugar, approximately 1 1/3 cups
2 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/4 cup firmly packed
3 large eggs
6 ounces plain yogurt
6 ounces vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour a 9-inch round and 3-inch deep cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
Put the carrots into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process for 5 seconds. Add this mixture to the carrots and toss until they are well-coated with the flour.
In the bowl of the food processor combine the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and yogurt.
With the processor still running drizzle in the vegetable oil. Pour this mixture into the carrot mixture and stir until just combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and bake for another 20 minutes or until the cake reaches 205 to 210 degrees F in the center.

(Cooking time varies - I cooked 12 cupcakes for about 25 minutes but the small loaf pan took about 35, i think, but now I don't remember. Just use the ol' clean toothpick trick)
Remove the pan from the oven and allow cake to cool 15 minutes in the pan. After 15 minutes, turn the cake out onto a rack and allow cake to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting after cake has cooled completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese
2 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9 ounces powdered sugar, sifted, approximately 2 cups
In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese and butter on medium just until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. With the speed on low, add the powdered sugar in 4 batches and beat until smooth between each addition.
Place the frosting in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes before using.
Yield: approximately 2 cups

Definitely chill the frosting before putting it on the cakes… and feel free to add more of the spices - I used whole teaspoons.

Delicious overall…

and if I can do it – you can do it.

Does a body good?

The above does not do a body but it sure does taste good and that is the reason it was one of my last meals before the cleanse......

As of September 7, I started The Standard Process Purification Program. It is a 21-day program designed to purify, nourish and maintain a healthy body and weight.

Day 1 – 7
2 SP Complete Shakes
7 SP Cleanse capsules 3 times per day
3 Gastro-Fiber capsules 3 times per day
Only eat veggies and fruits – lentils and brown rice

Day 8 - 21
2 SP Complete Shakes
5 SP Green Food capsules 2 times per day
3 Gastro-Fiber capsules 3 times per day
Protein is added on day 11 – chicken or fish

No alcohol. No coffee.

http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi
(click on patient guide – it has the quickest information)

I am on day 18 and have mixed reviews. The cleanse makes it semi-difficult to socialize with others. I can’t eat what they are eating or have a drink – so we cook our meals at home and go to bed early. Partly because we can’t socialize but also because we are tired. I feel great – I feel healthy! I haven’t lost much weight but my clothes all fit better. I feel thin in the morning but by the time I go to bed I wonder if I ate too much fruit that day. I have been grumpy at times – especially when in a grocery store. I also have issues at work with people eating pizza, things with syrup and cookies/chocolate.

I do think it has given me more will power and knowledge about how to eat healthy and be satisfied. I want this to be a life change not a quick fix.

But in all reality........

Pasta/Garlic Bread/Red Wine – I can’t even wait!

playing tourist.

Having never been, being on the cleanse and Tom’s mom being in town, we decided to take a trip up to the Griffith Observatory located in the hills of Los Angeles (recently featured in the Yes, Man movie).

It was ah-mazing. It was super hazy so the view of the city was not exactly what we would have hoped for – but I had never looked down on Los Angeles so I had nothing to compare it to. (Ending my sentences in prepositions, I know…. But….)

More people have looked through this telescope than any other – seven million to be exact. We were able to see five dots – One big one and two on each side – Jupiter, being the big one. Or so they told us - I won't go into my whole outlook on the government and space.........

Make sure to go inside and see how “hot” your body is.. Whatever machine it is measures your body temperature in different areas and shoots the colors on screen. I had a very cold nose.

Go Rockies

My friend from work, Kristy and her boyfriend, Tom invited Tom and I down to San Diego for a Padres/Rockies baseball game. Kristy’s Tom went to high school with the relief pitcher for the Padres, Luke Gregerson, so they were able to get us good seats – that came with a free clock. Come to find out a person can get a ticket for $12 that comes with a free hot dog and soda… STEAL!!! Next time.

It was the second inning when Kristy turns to me and asks, “How long are baseball games?”
Tom and I had already started our cleanse - so there we sat eating carrot sticks and drinking water while those around indulged in the appropriate snacks. Nachos, dogs, pizza, beer, pretzels, dogs, nachos, beer….

It was the around the eighth inning when I told everyone how I had attended one of the longest baseball games ever in the 8th grade while on a field trip to Washington D.C. We laughed and said I was some sort of curse and every game I ever attend will go in to extra innings. We left in the 10th and the Padres scored right after to win the game.

It was fun but I think better enjoyed with the true All-American refreshments.

I live here

and I am thankful everyday....


The Spot... This restaurant is all natural/veggie/vegan diner. I have been begging to go to this place because I love the Vertical Diner in Salt Lake so much. I finally went - tried three different items and it didn't quite hit the spot.... They do win awards so it has me thinkin if I only I could start my own then maybe I could win an award.. This picture however should be sold to The Spot.

The walk on the return home..

and Good Night.

*all photos taken by tom.

The Three Stooges

With Shannon getting married in Bismarck it also meant I got a chance to see my three little amigos – Kaylin, Grace and Jacob.
It has been sooo long since I have seen these kids. They have gotten soo big and so funny. You will notice a common trend - I found it difficult to ever get the three of them to all look the same way, stand still or smile so do not judge my photography….

Kaylin is still all girl. She loves the glitz and the glam. She even took First Runner Up in a Princess Contest – more to come on that.

She and I got to spend some big girl quality time together when we went to the mall so I could get my haircut. – which the gal cut dry and only cut the back – nevermind the sides or the fact that I have layers…. I only paid $19 so that must mean I paid for just half of a haircut…

The first night, the kids were overjoyed when Scott pulled out the trampoline -

While the girls were already dressed for bed…..

Little Jacob was focusing on putting his sock back on….. this process seemed a bit time consuming.. that darn pinkie toe just would not cooperate. But Jacob stayed calm, never gave up and was eventually successful!
He also decided to put his shorts back on in lieu of the Superman Pajamas Scott and Kristin had hoped for. Who needs two legs in a pair of shorts when both legs fit through one hole? Not Jacob.

socks – check. shorts – check. all by himself – check..

The next day it was off to the zoo! With my mom as our fearless leader off we went…

Prairie Dog Town

Grace got to milk a cow – kinda, sorta…

We spent some time on the playground

And we all sat by a really big bear…

that’s Jacob and me on left behind the tree..

Then it was time to go – Scott had to step in to assist with this process-

I finally did get the kids to pose for some photos

Here they are in their super cool shades Kaylin and I picked up at the mall… Jacob again with yet another wardrobe malfunction

One more attempt – so close but still not quite all there…

I miss these kids so much. And to see how much they have changed in the past couple of years is incredible. Such little people with big personalities. Hopefully they can come visit or I can start going home more often.

Note to self – Time does not still.