London Olympics 2012. Are you watching?

Photo courtesy of visiteastlondon.com

The summer Olympics are one of my favorite things to watch. When it's on, my tv channel really doesn't change. My favorite event is gymnastics. I was in gymnastics when I was little, so I have a fondness for the event. That being said, let me say Congrats to Gabby! You are awesome! Good for you! Congrats to the Women's team too! Team Gold..amazing!  I just finally watched the opening ceremonies. I know, I am a week late, I swear we have been busy. We actually watch half the events at like 2 in the morning.  I thought the ceremony was cool. I really wanted to see it because I had heard that it wasn't that great.  After watching it, I agree, it was no Beijing. That being said, it was about their culture and history, not Beijing culture and history, so how can you compare them? I thought that the forging of the rings was neat, and I liked the part with the children, showing their dreams and nightmares. Last but not least, how can you not laugh at Mr. Bean? What did you think about the ceremonies? What is your favorite event?

Also, has everyone seen this yet? I can't get it out of my head! I know that there have been like a million different versions of this, but I thought it was a good one!
Call me Lochte

Emily

Where have I been?!

Why hello there! Long time, no see, or read, I guess. I know that I have been a complete disappointment to my blog followers! I deserve a serious time out! What have I been doing you ask? Well, let's see. My last blog was probably in January. Since then, we have moved into a new house. I would like to say that this has been the reason that I have flaked out on this site. The real reason, is that I found out I was pregnant with twins the day before we moved. Bam! How about that!  I know, I couldn't believe it either! I was supposed to be due in October, but they ended up coming out at 24 weeks. Oh no! Right now they are in the NICU, and will be there, god willing until October. After that we can take them home, and the real fun begins! I can't wait! I promise that I will start blogging again very soon, maybe even this week. You might start to see some mommy type stuff on here, and some kid friendly stuff too. I promise to you though, I will be back with some delish desserts, and other fun stuff! I missed you all!
                                                                 My boys

                                                                       Patrick

                                                                       Brady

See you real soon!
Emily

I need my space!!!

Okay girls, I'm the first one to admit that I may, or may not, have a lot of  "products" in the bathroom. When I say "products," I mean makeup, nail polish, body scrubs, hair stuff, etc. It's an issue and I know it.  My name is Emily, and I have a problem. Well, we hit a little snafu when we moved into our new house. You would think that one would gain more space moving from a condo to a house. That is where you are wrong. Yes, we gained more space moving, but in some areas, we lost space. On a side note, moving is the reason I have been m.i.a. as of late. Everything was packed so it is hard to blog on a computer that's in a box. Anyway, moving on. Our new bathroom doesn't have any storage in the shower, it only has a window.

This would be fine if I didn't have my "issue." I stopped by Bed, Bath and Beyond a few days back. I was looking for a shower curtain rod. Funny thing, it's hard to take a shower in a new place with nothing to hang a curtain on. That was our first Doh! moment in the house that night.  So, as I was walking around the bath section I saw these little nets that hang on the inside of your curtain. I have seen things like this before but they have always been plastic like, so they don't drain. That screams mildew to me, and in Florida, that is an issue. These ones, however, are all netting, like a laundry bag. Water goes in, water goes out. I like that and the fact that they are white, so those babies are going right in the bleach wash. Double plus. My triple plus...they were 2.99. 

I love me a bargain! I picked up two, and saved myself from having to get a tower that will rust in about a month or two.  So, if you are cramped in your place, I would give these a try. They have worked out really well for us!

It's Superbowl Time!!!

I know I am going to get heat from someone about this, but I will be cheering for the Patriots on Sunday. Hey, I'm from there so I have the right!  One of my best memories from when I was little was watching the Bears-Patriots Superbowl back in the 80's. I helped my mom make bear shaped cookies and we put jerseys on all of them. That was a tough game for us being that she was born and raised there. I was born there, but raised in Chicago, where we were living. Geez, what a tough position! Who was I supposed to cheer for?  I just cheered for both and stuffed my face with cookies! What are every one's plans for the big day? Who will you be cheering for?!

I will never get over you...

Happy Monday all! How was the beginning of every one's week? I hope it was great! I really haven't had a lot of time to blog lately because we are moving. Not really moving so much, more like fixing and painting before we move. On a brighter note, I will have a bigger kitchen, so I will have plenty of space to bake! I miss it so much! Anyway, while I have been painting, like anything else I do, I jam out to my Ipod.  I am in love with the new song by Gavin Degraw called "Not over you." I was hooked on him as soon as I heard heard the theme song to "One Tree Hill" years ago.  He is an amazing piano player. One of my favorite things about him is that if you ever see him perform, he sounds just like he does on the radio. That is a big deal for me. There is nothing worse than hearing a singer live, and thinking, wow, they really fixed their music. Anyway,  have a listen and judge for yourself.

Gavin Degraw "Not Over You"
Rock on!

You Make my Heart Beat...Faster

Does anyone out there have Sirius radio? We have it at work, and it's great...if you don't listen to the same station for 13 hours straight.  If you do, you know that it's the same songs over and over and over again. Seriously, over and over. To my delight, they throw in a new one once in awhile and it sucks me back in. This month's surprise hit is from Matt Nathanson. It's called "Faster." I am hooked, and yet slightly depressed because I used all of my ITunes money, so I have not been able to enjoy it out of work. Lame. If you have some money on your ITunes, feel free to download this little ditty!

Matt Nathanson

Faster

Happy listening!

Party like it's 1999

Happy New Year's Eve to all!  I hope everyone had a great holiday!  I know I did! Does everyone have big plans for New Year's Eve? I'll be working, which totally stinks. I hope you all have better plans than me. To get myself in the holiday mood, I bought some great new products a few weeks back which I love.  They'll be sure to liven up your party spirit.
The first one is from Maybelline. It's eyeshadow that's basically filled to the brim with glitter. It's comes with 4 colors; White (clear,) light and dark Pink, and Silver.  All of them pack a serious glitter punch to make your eye shadow shine.

 This is a totally weird picture but it's the only way I could show you the glitter power. This is the before...                

 This is after. I love this product. This pic does not do it justice.

 I also picked up a body shimmer powder from e.l.f.  I love their products because they never "break the bank."

 This polish from NYC will perk up any little black dress. It is a  pinky red tint with a touch of shimmer. This is a great color for your collection.

Hope everyone has a safe and rockin holiday!

Christmas Tunes

How was your Thanksgiving? I hope everyone had a good time with family and friends. Did you stuff yourself silly. I know I did. I was a little sad this year because I was unable to make my family Cranberry sauce recipe. Everything is being packed up for the move to the new house. My kitchen is almost empty right now, so I didn't cook a thing. Oh well, there's always next year. Now we are moving on to my hubby's favorite  holiday. Christmas! That means Christmas music is here!  I'm a sucker for a holiday song. We have Sirius at work, and they switch to the Christmas songs Dec. 1st. I think it annoys most, but I sing along to them all.  I really enjoy the classic songs from the past, but I have a lot of fun ones from the present too. Most of my songs get taken off my Ipod until next season, but there is one that I keep and listen to all year with the rest of my downloads. It's called "Wish List" from Neon Trees. It is really upbeat and not to overly "holiday."
Make sure you add this song to your Christmas list for Santa...

Neon Trees "Wish List"
Yea! It's Christmas time!

It's not easy being Green.....or is it?

Is there anybody out there more excited than me about the new Muppet's movie coming out this week? I've been in love with the Muppet's since I was little. Kermit has always been my favorite. I had a Kermit Big Wheel when I was little, and it was my favorite thing ever.

I had a Muppet poster on my wall, and a Kermit and Fozzie bear stuffed animal. I still make my hubby take pics of me at the ride/show at Disney.  Over the past few weeks I have picked up some new Muppet attire and I am really excited. I actually found this shirt at target a few months back. My hubby laughed at me, but I bought it anyway.

 Shirt: Target   Capri's: Walmart   Socks: Target

I found these socks in the $1 bin at Target. I called my sister and begged her to check her Target for some more! Little did I know they were already in the mail for my B-day. I have an awesome sister.

My mom had sent me a box of cool stuff for my b-day also. In the box was this Limited Edition Yahtzee. I desperately want to open it, but I am behaving myself...for now.

 I saw this color a few months back at CVS and had to have it. Piggy should rock this color for her man.

 O.P.I also came out with a Muppet Collection!
O.P.I. The Muppets

 If you're a fan of the music from the show, you should check out The Green Album on ITunes. It features all the old classics but redone with artists of today. I like Paramore's Hayley Williams, so I love her version of "The Rainbow Connection" that she did with Wheezer.
The Rainbow Connection Feat. Hayley Williams and Wheezer

Even the Pistachio commercials have gone Muppet Crazy!
Get Crackin'
Get Crackin (behind the scenes)

Get out there and go see The Muppets!!! Long live Green!!

It's Party Time!

Happy Halloween!!!!! Hope everyone is having a spooky day!! We have had a busy day getting ready for the party! We made oreo cupcakes for the event. I didn't get a chance to take pics because we were running around all day buying supplies for tonight, and  looking at houses. Side note, we think we found one! Yea! I will keep everyone updated on that.  Anywho, the party was a blast, and here are some pics of the event!  I went as Little Red Riding Hood.
                                               "Mayhem"

 My hubby as Marty McFly from Back to the Future.

                                      "Jack Sparrow"

                                  "Robin Hood"

                                  "Swedish Chef"

                               "Pinocchio and Medusa"

Wool to Stay Warm....

Hey Kids! Is everyone getting ready for Halloween yet? I know I am. In fact, I am heading off to a party tonight. I'll be going as Red Riding Hood, and hubby is Marty McFly. (Pics to follow!) I can't wait. In the meantime, while my goodies are baking in the oven, I thought I should check in with a new outfit. While looking for a puffy vest for Craig's costume,( I was at Old Navy btw,) I came across the sale rack, and these cute little Gray wool shorts caught my eye. They were on sale from $24.00 down to $11.00. I didn't want to pass them up. They are nice enough for casual or evening wear.  Take a look. I'm sorry ahead of time for the slanting of the pics. My hubby was in the living room with the best light, and I couldn't find my tripod.

 Shirt: Ross     Shorts: Old Navy    Shoes: Payless   Bracelet/Necklace: Payless

 Shirt: Ross    Shorts:  Old Navy   Shoes: Payless    Necklace: Payless

Shirt and Jacket: Ross   Shorts: Old Navy  
Boots: DSW    Necklace/Bracelet: Payless

Budget for your face!

If you followed my last post, you know that we are house hunting. That means we are on a budget. No spending money on silly things we don't need. Do we have to cut back on things we already use though? The answer is no. On my recent trip to Target, I stocked up my cart with the usual items to restock the house, and did a quick run down the cleanser aisle. I needed to restock my Biore strips. I know some people don't consider these a "must have" item. I do. I am very strict with my facial regimen, and these are a good thing to use if you use powder on your face everyday. Anyway, I noticed that this time on the box, it had a little box that said Prove It!. What is this? I am a big sucker when it comes to boxes that say free stuff or coupons inside. I get all excited when I get home, and then realize it's a coupon for something I don't use, or for a product that I don't need. This time I was pleasantly surprised. Biore has decided to help me out with my budgeting. They have started a promotion that basically rewards you for using their product, and learning more about skin care and healthy stuff. Here is what the box looks like.

Inside the box was a small piece of paper with a code on it.

 It tells you how to sign up for your rewards. Start with going to Facebook, and "Like" their page. Done! It then tells you what you can earn with your points. You get points by signing in consecutive days in a row.

 You can also get points by answering trivia questions about the health of you skin, or by doing a challenge of the day. So easy.

 Got it right! Whoo hoo!

 Your points get you coupons for money off of Biore products. If you get enough, you also earn free products. Go check it out, it is a great deal if you use the products!
Enjoy!

Halloween is coming!!!

My favorite holiday is Halloween. I love dressing up and decorating the house. I know it's a little bit early for the holiday, but I want you to get the deals before they go away! I'm a little sad because this year we won't be dressing the house up in spooky items. Bummer, I know. We have decided to sell our "starter house" and get a grown up home. This is great news, I know! What's not great, is that we are on a tight budget now, saving every penny for the move. It's fine though, because I can be a little thrifty chick when needed.  One of my favorite thrifty places is the dollar section at Target. They have some really cute things! One of the things that I get sucked in to is the dollar socks.  These caught my eye as I walked in today, just in time for Halloween!

As I headed back deeper into the store, this little number jumped out at me. I like to dress the dog up. I don't however, buy expensive things to put him in because he just chews them up.  This little pj outfit was only 7 bucks!

 Here is my little man rocking his new pjs.

 He actually was excited when I pulled it back out to take a picture, so I put it back on him!

 Trick or treat, smell my feet!

Give me something good to eat!!!

 

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Attention Reese's lovers!!!! You are about to fall in love...with a cupcake. We decided to throw a birthday extravaganza at work a few weeks back. We had a bunch of b-days close to each other so we threw one mini party, instead of multiple. We looked through all the recipes we could find with candy in them, and they all agreed on these ones. They all love Peanut Butter! I am not a die hard fan, but even these won me over.
Lets get started!

Cupcakes
1 (18.25 oz) package devil's food cake
1 (3.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp instant espresso granules (dissolve it in a 1/2 cup warm water)
30 Reese's mini peanut butter cups, frozen (make sure you freeze for at least three hours,)
Reese's peices if you like them.
cupcake liners

Peanut Butter Butter cream icing
3 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
2 lbs (that's right) powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp low fat milk
Reese's peanut cup minis

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place your cupcake liners in your pan.
In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, or your stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment, mix together all of your ingredients, except the peanut butter cups for minute or two until well mixed.
Side Note: I didn't use Espresso Beans. I wasn't actually sure who at work did. Instead I used hot chocolate mix. I used the same amount, then microwaved it so it was nice and hot. Make sure it is well mixed if you do this. Then pour it into your batter.

 This was before the hot chocolate.

 This was after the hot chocolate.

 Fill your cupcake batter about 2/3 full.

 Get your cups out of the freezer. I left the wrappers on. I didn't want them to freeze together.

Take one cup and push it down about halfway into your filling. Place in the oven for 18-22 minutes. Make sure when you place a toothpick in the middle, that you don't hit the cup.

 Place them on a cooling rack when done. Start your frosting at this time.
Take your Peanut Butter and soft butter, and mix them on low to medium speed.

 Slowly add in the powdered sugar in small doses. As always, I recommend covering the blender with a towel just in case. Just don't catch the towel in the mixer.

Add your vanilla, and your milk in small doses, while blending on low speed. Add milk until it is the desired thinness.  Keep blending for about 5-7 minutes until nice and fluffy.  It should look like this when it is done.

 I placed mine in a bag, then cut out a small opening in the corner. Easier clean up that way.

 Here are the cupcakes fresh out of the oven.

 Make sure you fill up the hole with frosting before topping the rest. I found out very quickly that the rest of the frosting sinks, so it messes up your swirl.
Tada!!!

 So yummy!

Recipe courtesy of The Little Kitchen
Enjoy!!!