Zucchini Carrot-y Goodness!!


Finding my happiness in cooking…

Whole Wheat Zucchini Carrot Muffins

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (other flours would work here too)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup raw agave nectar or raw honey
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup total of grated carrot and zucchini
1/4 cup rice milk (or milk of choice)
juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon
**raisins, walnuts or chocolate chips, if desired

Preheat oven to 350. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, blend liquid in a separate bowl. Add liquids to dry and stir until completely combined. Pour into prepared muffin tin or cups and bake for 20-25 minutes.

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Atychiphobia!!


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Tomorrow I embark on a new adventure. I should be excited but, I’m not.

What’s the problem? Atychiphobia, fear of failure!! I bought a boot camp package on Living Social. Tomorrow will be my first session. Perhaps fear of the unknown is a part of it. I believe my brain is my biggest roadblock.

I know FOR A FACT, that once I conquer it, I will be excited. I just need to know that I CAN do it. For example, I’ve always said that I can’t run. And now I jog. I told C that I COULDN’T hike up the steep, unstable and rocky hill. With his support and cheer leading, I conquered it!! I am my own worst enemy!!

Wish me luck…

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Day of Disney!


A typical Saturday at Disneyland!

A visit to the “World Famous Disneyland Band”! A great way to start the day!

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Taking in all the sights; new Spring flowers, happy children, tons of goofy, unchapperoned teens, balloons and Spring Breakers!

The sister sib and I sauntered about looking for a “mostly” healthy lunch. We decided, errr I decided on a chicken salad at the Mexican spot! Yummy romaine lettuce, chicken, jicama, radishes and pepitas!! It was just enough!!

A new experience…the canoes. In all my visits, I’ve never worked that out. It was fun and a bit frustrating that my fellow rowers would NOT row!!

I brought along my new toy! The Heart Rate Monitor! I’ve always wanted to know how many calories I burn walking all throughout the park! Today’s magic number was 398!! Not too bad for a leisurely visit!!

We played with the 4S camera and took a few pics! Such a beautiful day!! I am so fortunate…

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CAUTION: Emo Alert!


Not a fan of 2012 thus far! Not too much has gone my way since
I watched that damn ball drop. 


I will not go into detail... Three days of anxiety attacks 
lead me to post the most powerful lyrics that speak to 
me from Gary Jules', "Mad World"... 


Its just where I'm at...
 
All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, worn out faces  
Bright and early for the daily races 
Going nowhere, going nowhere  
Their tears are filling up their glasses 
No expression, no expression 
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow 
No tomorrow, no tomorrow 
And I find it kind of funny, 
I find it kind of sad 
The dreams in which I'm dying 
are the best I've ever had 
I find it hard to tell you, 
I find it hard to take 
When people run in circles 
its a very, very Mad world, mad world! 


Carry on!!

Verizon Vent!!


Last week, my iPhone was stolen.  I had NO insurance.  Luckily, I have a new BlackBerry Bold that I used previously.  I turned that one on, but I am less than satisfied.

First off, I was just upset that I had to downgrade.  But then, I’m noticing substandard service.  So, I work it out and head to the Verizon Wireless Store to get my new phone.

Soon enough, I’m met with several roadblocks…

*The iPhone 4, 16g is retired.

*I have to ORDER the 4s 16g, and it takes up to 2 weeks.

*They will NOT change the shipping address.  I cannot receive packages at my current address.  The front gate stays locked, and I will be at WORK.

*I can only use ONE payment method.  I wanted to use a gift card that I received for Christmas.

 

In a nutshell, I had to bite the bullet and succumb to ALL there dumbass rules and stipulations.  As the delivery date approaches, I will have to make arrangements to get my phone.

For a person that lacks PATIENCE, it’s going to be a LONG 2 weeks. Pray for me!!

In HER Honor!


Today, the seven year anniversary of heaven gaining an angel, I embark on a new adventure. Mary Jane always instilled life long learning in all of the children she came in contact with, even her own.

Over 2 years ago, C and I tried to reproduce one of his family’s old recipes. Needless to say, I ruined it. I was crushed. Other than a few box or pre-made mixes, I have NOT baked since then. I was mortified to dust my apron off and try again.

Until last week, that is. I was watching an ep of Dr. Oz with Rachel Ray. She shared a similar story, but she didn’t bake again for near 30 years. After her hiatus, she started off slow and got back into it. If the 30 minute meal guru can do it, why can’t I?

For Christmas, C got me a stand mixer. He knew I wanted to conquer this fear. Best gift ever. I love that guy. A great material gift, but it MEANS so much more.

So, in honor of the best mom in the world, I break the seal on that enormous box and conquer that intimidation. I chose an oatmeal butterscotch cookie. They came out ok, with room for improvement. I am not feeling down, that I did not knock it out of the park. I will try again and keep practicing.

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The mudder would be so proud. I did not shed one tear today. Several people shared their memories of her. This helped to keep me in great spirits. I continue to keep her in my heart and know that she is always with me. She “shows” herself quite often as a reminder…

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Little reminder…


After talking to a friend that I haven’t heard from in a while, I got this text…

“Your momma raised a wonderful woman! She’s with you Katy, always remember that. I’m glad you were brought in to our lives :) You are good people!”

Of course, I instantly burst into tears. But it did made me feel good. I miss you, Mom. Merry Christmas, hope you and Chick Hearn are sending our boys good vibes!!

Sign of the Times!!


At dinner tonight, my dad’s wife brought up this new Barbie with tattoos. Say what?! You’re kidding… You know me? Whip out the handy dandy iPhone and google it. Sure enough…

Behold…the Tokidoki Barbie!!
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She’s pretty, right? In my opinion, she was tastefully done. If you are a child, raised with parents that have tattoos, why not have a doll with tattoos also?

I’m sure many parents will choose NOT TO buy this for their child. To each his own. Thank God we live in a society where we can make decisions that may or may not affect how our own children are raised.

How do feel about her?

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