The Happenings of a Self Proclaimed Drama Queen

My grandpa Sam

2011-10-13T20:55:00.001-07:00

My Grandpa Sam was one of my most favorite people! I remember how he used to love coming over to our house Christmas morning to watch me and my brother open presents. He once took me and my cousin Scott on a long bike ride down the riverbed all the way down to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. When he babysat my brother and I one weekend, he told us, "rules were made to be broken", and let us eat in our rooms, and play Nintendo the entire time. You could often find him playing the latest and greatest gaming system, and he was usually the first one to beat the games! He took me fishing off the seal beach pier, and made me put my own worms on the hook... gross! He came to our baseball, basketball games, or swim meets. He used to come watch me when I was in Tall Flags, and the first time he came, I accidentally hit my team mate in the head with my flag, and my grandpa NEVER let me forget that! He loved his family, and he loved everyone of us to come over for bbq's and holidays every chance he got. His favorite holiday was 4th of July, he would make his own fireworks, and even passed the love on to all of his grandsons. He was a big prankster and BSer. He was funny. He was tall. He was strong. He loved to golf. He loved his job working at the car auction. He loved to ride his bike. He loved people. He loved life!

I think that he had a special relationship with each and every one of his children and grandchildren. We all loved him, each in a different way, for a different reason. Everyone who met Grandpa Sam had that same sort of relationship with him. We all know him in a different way. Which makes each relationship unique.

One afternoon in the year 2004 we were visiting with my grandpa and he was complaining to my mom about his shoulder and neck hurting as he had a pinched nerve. He said he needed to go to the doctor because of a bad cough he had and my mom told him to mention the pinched nerve. Later that week we got a call from my aunt that the doctors thought he had lung cancer. I remember waiting for my mom to come home to tell her about the call. I felt sick. I felt dark. I felt the same way I felt the day the Twin Towers were hit. I felt as if a tower in my life had been hit.

We visited him in the hosptial and he looked like my strong grandpa. He was positive and he said "we'll beat it" we all knew he would because he was such a strong man so full of life. He fought hard for 21 months, and on March 30, 2006 the cancer won the battle. I think of him often. I dream of him often. I like to think that is how he visits me, in my dreams. I like to think that he is always around, playing practical jokes on us. I miss him. I wish I knew him now, I wish he knew the me I am today. I wish he knew my daughter, and all of his other great grandkids.

A few years ago, my mom started walking in the lung cancer walk that was started by Lungevity. Last year I walked with her, and I was deeply moved. It was a small event, but you could see the passion and importance and people were there for a reason. I didn't raise any funds last year, I only paid my registration fee and walked. This year, I decided that I would do more. I set a goal, and I decided to ask people I knew, and people that I don't know to walk with me, or give a donation. I don't know many of you that read my blog, but I know that you must be great people (since you read such a great blog!) and I am asking for help and support with this walk. Think of it as sacrificing your daily coffee just one day, and donating that coffee to lung cancer research. Even if you can't donate, because I know as well as any that times are tough, I would appreciate it if you would check out my page, and check out Lungevity and maybe there will be an event near you that you can participate in. I really appreciate any and all support!! Thanks so much! :)

Please visit my personal page here.

Heatherly Photography

2011-03-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't posted here in FOREVER!!! I've been posting on this blog:

themakingsofheather.blogspot.com

and my NEW BLOG

heatherlyphotography.blogspot.com

I hope you stop by and check both of them out!!!

Time is flying!

2010-09-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how the time is passing! This year is almost over. I feel like it just started! So much has happened in such a short time! The other day I was looking at some old pictures of my little Mac. I can't believe how much she has grown up!!!! In the blink of an eye she went from being a baby, to being a little girl! She is the sweetest thing these days! While we were making these “pup cakes” as she call them, she kept offering to make me coffee! OH HOW I LOVE THIS GIRL!!!! Every time we drive by a star bucks she asks me if I want to stop and get coffee, and when I do get coffee she says “oh, mommy, thank you!!!” with her exasperated little voice. I wonder if she is thinking, “oh yea lady, you’re a grump and you need some caffeine!” Or if she is thinking, “Mmmm, I heart coffee just like my mommy!” Either way, she is right on both accounts!

Like I said, time is really flying. It’s almost Halloween!!! I live for the fall! There are so many wonderful things that happen in the fall. First of all, I get to start wearing my jeans and boots, and sweaters! There is nothing better to me than a pair of skinny jeans, and tall boots! They just scream DIVA on the loose! HA HA! Then there is how the air changes and it starts to cool down and always feel fresh. I love the fresh autumn air when it hits my face, and I just feel so alive! I wonder why certain people love certain seasons. I wonder if it has anything to do with when you are born. I was born in November, which could explain why I enjoy the fall so much. I also love how the trees start turning colors, yes even here in Southern California our trees turn colors. I live in a tree filled city, and it is so beautiful in the fall. Then we have the matter of all the holidays that fall at the end of the year. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, PLUS my birthday, and Mac’s birthday! It’s a busy fun family filled time! There is nothing better than spending time with your family! I get to bake and bake! And use all the cinnamon a girl could possibly use!!! In the fall all of the new shows start, and there are always good movies on TV! I love to sit in bed or on the couch, curled up under the blankets, eating soup or drinking coffee (of course!) watching movies. The moves that come on the family channel are my favorite movies! Fall is just so full of so many wonderful things! I’m just looking forward to enjoying every part of it!

I’ve neglected this blog! I’m bad about keeping it up to date and continually writing in it. I need to be better! I need to make time to do it! I have lots of things going through my mind, and lots of new exciting stuff happening in my life! So, I’m going to start writing more, and see where it takes me! Hopefully I’ll make so new friends, and have some new adventures! And I’m glad I have my followers along for the ride!!!

a day in the life of a 2 year old.

2010-06-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here's my Sweet girl. Notice the large pile of head bands sitting in her lap. And that FACE of determination (she's reaching for more headbands, trying to gather them all up)

This is her saying "look mom, I can do it!"

Her, Finished. Striking a pose. I love that she topped it off with a flower. She is her mothers child!

Her face just cracks me up! She's like "uh, why are you laughing at me crazy lady!" lol! I'm still laughing!!!!

I have to say that this is the most fun I've had in all my life! Its hard being a mother to a 2 year old! wooo is it hard! especially on day like this. 1 birthday party, 1 baby shower, 1 cranky 2 year old (mad at mommy because we had to leave the jumpy house to go to a baby shower!) and 1 emotional mother because lack of sleep and stressing over her being drama at the baby shower.

We got home after the "fun" and I was tired, had a headache, my stomach hurt. I just wanted to lay in bed and cry. (I held back the tears!) but this little sweet angel, got in bed with me, and started putting on all of these crazy headbands, in such a crazy way! My headache started to go away, and my stomach no longer hurt, and I felt energized again. The best part is when she gets all close to me, and gives me her little baby kisses. and says "I none you boo boo Mommy" OH MAN! makes EEVERYYY better!!!! I'm so lucky to have her in my life!!!! So blessed that this little life was put in my hands to take care of, and mold. But the funny thing is, she's molding me!!!

PS... she dropped the F* bomb at the baby shower! OMG! not cool!

Too Funny!!!!

Portrait

2010-05-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is my Beautiful friend Tatiana, and her WONDERFUL husband Jonathon! They are Pregnant! Couldn't you tell by the baby bump? The picture in this picture, was taken by, ME! can you believe it?! It looks so professional! Right?! Yea, That's RIGHT! I'm aspiring to be a photographer! So, anyone out there want to let me take their pictures??? I guess I should post how the pictures look and not just how they look printed on the wall... Stand by... I'll work on that! ;)

Keeping Busy!

2010-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, My darling little angel face is in Mississippi this week. 9 days to be exact! Its been good and bad so far! (we are at day 5). The bad part has just been missing all the little funny things she does and says. The way she gets in bed with me early in the morning, and gives me her sweet baby kisses, and tells me she loves me. Or as she puts it "I none you boo boo mommy"... okay, gotta stop, here come the water works! The good part has been that I've been getting lots done around the house. I was able to clean the ceilings, and the fans, and the floors, and the bathroom. I've been cleaning everything in my path! And I've been doing some sewing projects that I've been waiting to do for a while now! Like I made these Pillows for my bed. And guess what I made them out of... Yes, a friends old bride maids dress! wow right! Thanks Suzy for donating me the dress!!!

I have to say for someone who has never had a sewing lesson, and, doesn't practice much, AND using fabric from a brides maids dress. This is some pretty darn good work! I'm impressed! and YOU should be too!

Soooo, anywho, that's what I've been up to! What have you been up to??

Ruche!!!

2010-05-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More web catalog

I love love love this store! everything in it! SO, if anyone is listening out there.... lol! :)

My Mothers Day....

2010-05-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

(My Mothers Day Gift)

Well, I haven't shared this with my 9 followers yet... but... I'm in process of a separation/divorce. I married my husband when I was 22 years old, and, now I'm 27, and looking back, I realize that no one should get married that young... maybe not even at 27... but regardless... this is my situation. I think that at 22, you don't know what you want out of life yet. You don't even know what there is to want out of life. And, now that I'm a little older, I see that. I only hope I can pass that information along to my daughter, and I hope she listens (my mom is saying... yea, like you listened to me??? ha!) lol.... okay okay... yea mom... go ahead and say it "ya told me so"....

Anyway, My husband and I had a good life. But, after time, and after growing up a little, we both wanted different things with our lives. I want to be out in the world, mingling and meeting new people, and breathing fresh air. And, He likes to sit on the couch with his computer in his lap watching his reality show dramas. We were living as room mates, and, we had our issues as well (which I won't get into) but, the bottom line is, neither of us showed interest in being married, or working on our marriage. I did make 1 HUGE mistake, I don't regret the mistake, but I do wish that it would have happened in a different way. After months of each of us doing our own thing, I started building a relationship with someone else. Not a physical relationship, but a relationship none the less. I did spend time with this person, and I had to come clean about it. And I did, and obviously my husband wasn't happy about it. We did try to go to counseling, but, (even though he puts it all on me...) NEITHER of our hearts were into working it out. I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. And his actions were "cool.... " and his words were "lets work it out" but, nothing happened to make be ever believe he wanted that. And I can't continue to live with someone who puts little or no effort into something that should be MOST important. And I can admit that I didn't put much effort into it either after a while. I was glad to be out of the situation.... He and I agreed that we must remain friends because we have always been friends, and because we have a daughter in common. And she will ALWAYS be in our lives, and for that, its MOST important to remain friends. I helped him with his budgeting, and his check book. I let him come do his laundry at my place, with my laundry detergent, and my electricity, and my gas. I've cooked him dinner a few times so he can spend some time with McKenzie (even tho we split her 50/50, its nice to spend time together and all).... We have remained pretty cordial thought it all, and its been quite nice.

And then Mothers Day came. And, SILLY ME expected that he would have done something for me for Mothers Day. I thought, maybe he'll come over, and make me breakfast (with my food from my fridge), Or wouldn't it be cool if he came over, and did my dishes and vacuumed for me. Or at the very least he could have gotten a card and had McKenzie draw in it and give it to me on Sunday morning when I woke up. (you know, cause Mothers Day is like X-Mas for Mommies, we enjoy surprises and all...) but, no... NADA.... well, he did send me a text message. I guess that was.... thoughtful? I don't know... I tried to make the best of it anyway. My sweet sweet girl did give me the best mothers day present, with out even knowing what mothers day is. She came and got in bed with me around 6am. She kissed me and said "I love you boo boo mommy" and she laid on my chest, first tummy down, and then tummy up, and then she rolled over, and put her feet in my back, and then she gave me more kisses, and somehow, some way, some time, she fell asleep. And when I finally woke up, I looked over, and see this sweet baby, snoring away with her little Minnie Mouse tucked in her little arms. We spent the day at my moms, and it was a nice day. Very low key, and I did have to leave early because I just kept getting choked up over the fact that, I didn't even get a mothers day card......... a simple card.... I guess that's too much to ask for.... SO, now I know to not expect much. And I'll always remember to be grateful for the gift of McKenzie. She's THE MOST beautiful child that ever lived... Looks just like her mommy... :)

PS... I guess I should mention that Kel said he had something for me.... but not until Tuesday... And not to sound like a bitch.... but Mothers Day isn't a surprise day that pops up outta no where, and its NO SURPRISE that its on a Sunday, and Sunday is the day that you celebrate mothers day. NOT TUESDAY.... I mean... Think about it this way... I have McKenzie on Fathers Day weekend. What if I said, "Well, You can celebrate with her on Wednesday, because that's your day with her" How awful would that be??? to be sitting around on fathers day, with out your child, because its not your day? But instead, I have to take time out of my day, to go and get him a card, and have McKenzie draw in it for him, and then take her to him on Fathers Day, because that's the day you Celebrate it, not the following Tuesday....

I prayed this morning. I prayed that God would help me get over it, and to help me stop crying every time I think about it, and pray to not take revenge on the situation. I'm going to have to keep praying....

I'm too sexy for my shirt.... to sexy for...

2010-03-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

I had a photo shoot today… it consisted of me, at my desk, while I was supposed to be working… I just couldn't’t resist. I’m not really sure why I had the urge, but…. Oh, I remember now… someone told me my hair looked cute today… so I couldn't’t let it go un-documented. AND that is what inspired the photo shoot. I was totally getting into it. I was making love to the camera… aka… phone cam… do you know how hard it is to take a good pic of yourself on the iPhone? It’s pretty hard! Especially when you have your iPod playing, and you can’t hear the click of the camera. But you know I worked it anyway! I had to. SO…. Here it is.. Office Chic… lol!

oh, Hi....

Yes? I'm busy... how can I help you???

Hmm?? yea, I'll send that report right over....

No, you can't have a taste of my coffee!

this one should have been edited out... but... I went for it anyway! lol

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

Mornings

2010-02-24T11:49:00.001-08:00

What is about mornings that make me feel so refreshed, and alive??? I wouldn’t say I’m a morning person… I’m a huge grump in the morning! But once I’m up, and I’m awake, I love the morning! In the winter, and early spring, I love to look outside, and see the cold air mingling about. In the spring, I love to open my window to find a bright blue sky, and birds chirping to each other. In the summer, the mornings are always nice and cool and fresh. It feels so good to open all the windows in the house and let the fresh air in. Mornings give me hope. A fresh start to a new day always has the promise of hope!

This morning, was a wonderfully gloomy morning. Just the kind of morning I love actually. Everything is quiet and peaceful. It’s the kind of morning that you can really open up your eyes wide, and not be blinded by the sun shining in your car window. It’s the kind of morning that makes you think about life, and living, because you sure aren’t thinking about heading to the beach. I love wonderfully gloomy mornings.

Facebook

2010-02-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

So, I've deleted my Facebook account. I used to have an obsession with FB, I had the app on my phone, and I would check all my friends status' every chance I got. I would all day be thinking of something clever, or dramatic to say to my FB community. And then, I felt as if my little world was being encroached upon. Someone who could of cared less all of a sudden cared a little too much. Everything I said or did was being watched. And I hated that feeling.

SO, I decided to DELETE my account. at first it was hard. I would reach for my phone every few minuets to check status updates. I'd be thinking about how I wanted to tell the world I was in line at Starbucks again, even though I swore I was quitting. But after a few days, it got easier (its only been 4 days as of this post). Its kinda nice to not be a slave to it. I have so much more time to ponder the real things in life. I have more time to spend with the ones I care about. I'm not always worried about checking to see if someone commented on something funny I said. Or if everyone loved the pictures I posted of the cutest 2 year old to ever walk the earth!

It just doesn't matter anymore. There is something sort of freeing in that. After I deleted my Facebook, I decided to delete my Blackberry Messenger Account as well. I kinda like being "out of reach" "disconnected" I almost feel like getting a basic phone that can only be used for calls and text messaging! and simplifying my life even further... but, lets not go too far so fast... baby steps! its all about baby steps!

The New

2010-02-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to blog for weeks now! I have been so UN-inspired, and going through Major life changes.... Which I would love to blog about... But its not the right time!

But there is something that I can share. I start a new job Monday!!! That's right, I got a little promotion!! Ur looking at the newest ISS Rep! Fancy right? I'm going to be the new Inside Sales Support Person (so politically correct). Which means I get to call all the accounts that are too small to visit, and charm them with my wit and charisma, since I can't charm them with my good looks, since I'm INSIDE sales! I guess its a good thing that I don't have to go and meet with customers. This way I can keep my dress code on the COMFY side! Like today for instance... Leggings and a T-shirt dress... I might as well be wearing sweats and slippers! and I AM NOT COMPLAINING! trust me! I love love love the low key dress code I have! Sooo, I'm gonna do EVERYTHING I can to keep it!

The job sounds like its going to be fun! Hopefully I'll be good at it! Hopefully I'll be so good that they will give me a huge fat raise and lots of commission checks! That would be nice! but... probably a dream that isn't gonna come true!

I'M GONNA TRY TO BE BETTER AT BLOGGING MORE OFTEN! I JUST GET SO BUSY, AND I FORGET!!! I'M GONNA BE BETTER!

hearts hearts hearts

2010-01-20T10:04:00.001-08:00

mac, sporting pink and hearts

There is one thing, that is my favorite, and will forever be my favorite… maybe this is the one thing that defines who I am, and what I love, all wrapped up into one… that one thing is… VALENTINES DAY!!! I love it! I love everything about it… I know I know it’s a cheesy hallmark card made holiday… and it’s not that I love the holiday… its all the things that go with it… I love PINK, I love HEARTS, I love PINK HEARTS… what could be better than that! don’t you just get a huge smile from ear to ear when you think about big pink hearts??? I love to decorate my life with pink hearts!!!! When all seems wrong with the world, I just remember all those pink hearts that I love so much, and it makes me feel so much better!!! Like I said… its not the Holiday… It’s the HEARTS! And I love that everywhere you go during the middle of January, and February, there are big, small, med, soft, hard, bright, light, fruit, chocolaty HEARTS! EVERYWHERE! I LOVE IT!!!

playing favorites

2010-01-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Recently, someone was asking me a lot of questions... What’s your favorite movie? What’s your favorite song? What’s your favorite food? My answer to most of those questions was "I don't really have any favorites... I like everything"

Is it weird that I don't have any one thing that is a favorite???

I have lots of favorite songs, and movies, and foods, and clothes. But there isn't anything one song or movie, or anything that I can call my one and only all time favorite.

When asked what my favorite movie was, I replied, "uhh, hmm... Well I love the movie Little Women". Which is true! I do love that movie! But I also love a dozen others.

Every other song that comes on the radio (or on my Pandora Station “Corinne Bailey Rae” playlist) is my all time favorite, and I just have to turn it up and rock out… or, grove out… because Nora Jones, and John Mayer isn’t really “rock out” music… Right?

What does that say about me? That I'm indecisive? That I don’t have good taste so I just like everything? That I’m shallow, and everything is “good enough” for me… By the way… I do feel like I’m shallow… I hardly put deep thought, or meaning into things… or at least I feel like I don’t… Or that I am capable of choosing just 1 thing, and being satisfied? Is it that I'm unsatisfied??? Now, I think I've just figured it out.... I’m never satisfied... This is something that I hear often... Or maybe it just means that I love so many things, that I can't just choose one, so I choose them all! I'm a Lover! I can't help it!!! I don’t know what’s wrong with me… I feel like I’m searching for myself, but I have no time to find me… Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know nor have the words to say what I mean, or how I feel, or what I want to do, or how I want to be… I’m feeling really crazy! What’s wrong with me??? I don’t mean to sound like a whiny brat… I’m just feeling lost today… Can someone come find me? Thank you much! (in the words of my 2 year old!)

Things I've learned.....

2009-12-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to an end, I can't help but think about how much I've changed over this past year! Its mostly because of losing weight, (40lbs so far... and 40 more to go) Lighting my load, so to speak, has made my mind clearer to think about other, more important, things... than... what I used to think about, which was Food, and what outfit I could fit into. I still have those outfit thoughts, and then I remember, i have LOTS of things to fit into! and I smile, and worry about other things.... here are some things that I've learned this year....

Things I’ve learned this year…

That I’m stronger than I thought I was
That I’m more beautiful than I used to be...
That I’m getting better with age
That I have a wonderful husband who isn’t always the best, but tries his best to make us happy
That money isn’t everything (but having some would be nice!)
To not to sweat the small stuff
That a little hard work goes a long way
That there’s no point in complaining about things… if you don’t like things the way they are, then do something to change them, STOP complaining! (this is not directed @ me... no... someone else, who shall remain nameless... but this is what I want to tell them on the Daily!)
That People are willing to help you, and work with you, if you’re friendly and nice to them!

That it doesn’t matter how much cinnamon you put in to ANYTHING, it will ALWAYS taste good!

That if you pay your bills on time, your credit score WILL go up!

That no matter how good it sounds, its never a good idea to buy a time share! NEVER!

That if you practice taking pictures, then soon, you'll be really good, and you won't have to go to the mall and pay a fortune for standard crap!

That patients IS a virtue, that I still don't have!

Here are some things I want to learn in the next year...

Generosity

To save

To be debt free

Selflessness

To always put others ahead of me

To remember those who are less fortunate than me

To remember that even tho I do not have much, I have much more than others, and should be grateful for those things

To be able to get my butt up in the morning on Sundays and take my family to church and build my relationship with God!

To manage my finances better so that I can get haircuts and pedicures on a regular basis!

To spend more time with the Friends and Family that I love...

To be more open, and give myself, my whole self, with out being scared, with out being closed off............ just give my heart, my full, whole, heart....

To learn to be a baby whisperer, and learn what this 2 year old baby drama is all about! yowza... sometimes I think there is such a thing as "baby PMS" haha! gotta love it though...

I know its not the end of the year yet, but these were things weighing on my mind, and I thought it would be a great way to start having a blogging subject... maybe I'll take each item that I've learned, and give my personal story behind it all.... that could be interesting... Stay Tuned... 2010 will be a better year folks! It will....

How much is too much?

2009-12-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

My Little Helper!

I've recently become fascinated, delighted, entranced, prisoner to cinnamon... I can't help it! I love it! I'm a cinnamon junky! It all started when I started having oatmeal for breakfast, EVERY MORNING. I would add a little bit of Cinnamon to my apple Cinnamon oatmeal to make it more tasty. Every morning, I found myself adding more and more and more, like a meth addict! I was becoming immune to the taste, and I had to have my morning fix. Its so bad that I have 3 Jars in my pantry, and 1 jar in the spice rack, and 1 industrial Costco Sized bottle at work! I fear I'll run out, so I keep buying it! and today, I bought another bottle. How could I not! My local Fresh and Easy was having a 1/2 off sale on their spices, so DUH, I had to stock up on my drug of choice!

So now, everything, and I mean EVERY thing I bake, I add, or OVER add, CINNAMON! When it says to add 1 tea spoon, I'll add the tea spoon, plus, a few table spoons!!! When I made cookies a few nights ago, I added 3 tablespoons of Cinnamon to them, to the basic Toll House Recipe (i also substituted 1/4 cup of flour, and added in cocoa powder! delish!)

Today, I had to make cupcakes for my co-workers birthday. She requested chocolate, which happens to be my favorite, and I happened to have a box mix in my pantry, so PERFECT!!! I just hope she likes the CINNAMON I added! lmao! I added about 2 Tablespoons, and I happened to LOVE, no, FREAKIN LOVE, them! My husband loved them too! And the baby said "mmmm nummie!" so, i'm pretty sure the office will adore them as well!!!

I just feel like it adds such a depth of flavor, sweetness, and spiciness all at the same time... PLUS, you could look at all the Health Benefits! Its so good for you! so why not add in extra, and extra... it tastes great! and its good for you! Whats not not love!

Whats all the HYPE!?

2009-12-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

What the heck is all the hype about RED VELVET Cupcakes??? I mean… really??? Why do you like them? Because they are RED? Because they aren’t VELVET!!! I mean, they are good, but I would prefer chocolate any day… and… I bet you didn’t know, but Red Velvet… is really chocolate, with food coloring, and vinegar… See ingredients below….

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Okay, so… REALLY??? Do you really feel that much more excited about it??? I don’t get it… I prefere chocolate, with chocolate frosting… oooo soo good!!! with a big tall glass of milk, or maybe a cup of coffee… either way, chocolate is the way to go!

Fancy Dance.... Fancy Pants...

2009-12-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

It’s funny how a fancy place can make you feel… FANCY…. Recently my best friends took me to the fabulous Hotel and Spa in Newport Beach Ca for my birthday. The treated me to massage, and lunch, and the cutest birthday cake I’ve ever seen! When I got to the hotel, I instantly felt elegant, and refined. Walking through the tall, long, stone hallways listening to the quiet, calm music playing in the background just makes me feel like a fancy lady. I have to give a big thank you to Tatiana and Jody for a great birthday celebration!!! I Love those gals!

The Fancy Hotel Lobby

The Pure Blue Spa

My Fancy Cake!

How could a girl NOT feel fancy going to such a beautiful place, and eating such a beautiful cake!!!

COMMENTS..................

2009-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Where have my comments gone? they just disappeared today... Whats up with that???

I have been working like a crazy lady the past couple of weeks... I'll be positing pics of the bestest b-day party EVER in a few days... I just need to get back up on my feet... and off my butt... lol!!!

hope you all have a great thanksgiving!!! yum yum turkey!!

Resurfacing....

2009-11-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

SOOO, I’ve been on my death bed for the past few weeks!!!! It all started with this horrible throat “thing” I had… ugh, I don’t even want to talk about it…. then I THINK I had the swine flu…. Not sure because I didn’t get tested, but I did have all the symptoms, but who knows! I was so sick, I didn’t even get to celebrate my birthday (Nov 4th) but that’s okay, because I have the greatest friends and family that have been celebrating with me for the past 2 weeks…. I still have 3 more birthday events to attend, and its already 9 days AFTER my birthday!!!! But, hey, do I really mind? Uh, no! I say, let’s celebrate away!
I’m also busy planning my baby’s 2nd birthday (next Saturday!) which has taken up most of my time! I think I’m going to make these cookies at her party!!! Last night I wanted to make cookies so badly!!! I wanted them to be chocolate chocolate chip cookies, and I also wanted them to be “holidayish” you kno, all cinnimony and stuff…. So I made the best cookies I’ve ever tasted! Seriously! Sooooo good!!!! here’s what I did:

Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 cups of flour
¼ cup of cocoa powder
1 ½ tea spoons of salt
1 tea spoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
½ teaspoon of all spice (optional)
1 tea spoon baking soda
2 sticks of butter
1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla – the really really good kind!!!
2 eggs
¾ cup of sugar
¾ cup of brown sugar
1 bag of semi sweet chocolate chips

In a bowl, whisk together: flour, cocoa, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and baking soda. Set aside. In your stand mixer (or other bowl with hand held mixer), cream together the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Once combined, add in the eggs one at a time. Once everything is combined, add in the flour mixture (a little at a time). Once it’s all combined add in the chocolate chips (I like to chop the chocolate chips so that they just kinda melt into the cookie, but there are still some chunks for that burst of chocolaty goodness!
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 11 mins.

These cookies are really really easy! And really really tasty! The best part is that you can store them in for fridge for a really long time, and just scoop out a few every night!!!

Random Fences.....

2009-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took my my little Leopard to the Orange Circle for Treats in the streets. All the shops at the circle give away candy to the kids, and they have a costume parade, and games and other randomness.... I have to say, that my leopard had to be the cutest little cat there.... don't you just want to eat her up?! and I'm not just saying that because she happens to belong to me!

She loves the furry tummy part... and she loves holding the tutu by the edge, tilting her head, and saying "cheese" lol.... Not at all like her Drama Queen Mother... no, not one bit!

So... because I wasn't so smart, and because I wanted one of my neighborhood friends to see my adorable little child (she always says hi to us on our daily walks) I parked near her house, (I also have to remind you that ALL of the city of Orange was at the Circle, so parking was pretty limited) SO we parked near our neighborhood friendly lady, but she didn't come out to see us... SOOOO that was pointless, but still okay, because I wanted Baby Mac to get all of her energy out.... She did great on the way there, she was so excited to have on her costume, and she was excited to see all of the other kids there. We had a blast! We got a WHOPPING 10 pieces of candy! (there were so many people there that we didn't get to many shops....) but she and we didn't need the candy anyway! She kept running out of line and taking off, so I figured she was "over it" and we started to just wander the Circle to see what kinds of things we could see....

I still had to go grocery shopping, and make cupcakes for the work pot luck, so we had to leave, and I have to say I was dreading the walk back to the car! (prob about 1 mile). But I was determined, and had no other choices... oh, did I mention, I didn't bring the stroller... because who needs a stroller with a wild almost 2 year old. who needs a stroller where there are 500+ people, who needs a stroller when you've parked about a mile away... I guess, ME! the brave one! The one who purposely adds in unnecessary drama....

The walk back wasn't so bad. It was fine, I was letting her run ahead of me, but then I had to grab her because there were so many cars, and I didn't want her running into the street. Well she turned to JELLO as soon as I got a hold of her, or as I call it "no bones baby". AND of course she had to do that while there was a family behind us with a baby, who was following McKenzie's example. I had to swoop her up and hold her the rest of the way... All of her 29lbs.... and her 10 pieces of candy, and my purse.... well apparently my blackberry (smart phone... lol) was in my pocket, and decided to take some pictures.... of this random fence.... I have to say though, its quite beautiful, it almost looks like it was taken on purpose. The Shadow looks pretty cool, and its in perfect focus. Its a picture you would see on someones computer wallpaper.... I'm thinking of having it printed, and frame it... just to remember this one moment, the moment where its just Me and My baby, Walking through town, a good day, a day that's so worth remembering. (uh, why are my eyes starting to get misty....lol)

Well, I enjoyed taking a min looking at that picture, then...... I snapped back into reality.... I remembered how I had to make Pumpkin Cupcakes, from scratch, because i love the added drama of it all. I thought they were so cute... so I posted a few pictures of them... and the link to the recipe...

This is where I got the recipe and inspiration for the cakes. Here is the recipe. I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and added 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of allspice (in addition to the recipe), and instead of the Dulce de Letche, I used a Carmel Hershey kiss (upside down).

I just used glitter decorating gel to make the webs and spiders.

by the way.... this is what my boss said:

"I just want to say that your pumpkin cupcakes are wonderful……they are so wonderful that I don’t trust myself coming into customer service to tell you personally so I am sending you this email :)"

What a great e-mail!!!! I love it!!!!

No More Wedding Rings..... JOY!

2009-10-28T09:53:00.001-07:00

So today I had to take my wedding rings off….. with JOY!!! Let me explain… See I’ve been on this weight loss journey for, well, most my life… but seriously in to it since June 2009. So far I’ve lost 30lbs, and I’m down 2 sizes, and today, I decided my fingers are just TOO THIN to keep my wedding rings on. Yesterday they kept falling off every time I washed my hands, and it worries me too much that I might lose them! Which is a good worry to have these days!!!

Think about it like this… I got engaged Nov 13, 2003, and have been wearing those rings (the same size) since then… and now… almost exactly 7 years later, they are tooooooo big!!! How exciting!!! I was hoping that I could take my rings, and “revamp” them. Make a new design, but I’m still not ready to do that yet…. I need to wait for 30 more lbs!!!

Here is My husband and I in May 2009

and here we are in Oct 2009.... together, 80lbs lighter...

We still have a long way to go... But I'm feeling great! and so Motivated!!!!

The Happenings.....

2009-10-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Well…… I’ve decided it’s time to change the name of my blog…. When I first started, I wanted to mostly blog about my cooking ideas, and my other handy crafty ideas that I do to make life fun around our home. But…. That KINDA fell by the wayside, and now I’ve decided it’s much more interesting to blog about the daily quirks, happenings, findings, and escapades that we incur on a daily basis.
I’ve been thinking of new, fancy, shiny blog names for days now….. Why is it so hard… it’s just a title, I mean… the title that defines your blog… your inner most thoughts that you’re sharing with the whole world… no biggie, right? I wanted something catchy, something Avant-garde, And Something much better than “cookin n craftn” although it’s cute…. It’s just not “ME” anymore, not what I’m “all about” (which is a story for another day!)
So, after much consideration, I’ve decided that the new name of my blog should be…………………….
The Happenings of a Self Proclaimed Drama Queen
I think it’s very fitting, and so do most of my family and friends… Thanks guys!

A day at the pumpkin patch

2009-10-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we spent the day at the Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch here in Irvine. We had a blast, here are some of our pics!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My Grandmother

2009-10-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my Grandma Ada, I thought it would be nice to share with all 4 of my followers. :) I never met my Grandma, although I would have loved to! She passed away when my dad was very young! This picture was taken in 1947. I don't even know how old she is here. She has 1 sister who is still alive and lives in Arkansas. I've been contemplating writing her a letter, I just don't know where to start. I want to know all about my Grandmother, but I don't want to bring up sad/happy memories for my Great Aunt. The last time I saw my Great Aunt, I was probably 14 or 15 years old (that was 12 years ago!) and she was telling me and my Mom how much I looked like my Grandma Ada, that we have the same eye color, hair color, hair texture, and even the same expressions. She started to get watery eyes, and had to get up and leave because I reminded her so much of her sister. It made me sad too because I thought, there was a person alive, who I looked exactly alike, and I never got to meet her, never got to ask her about the things she liked to do, never got to find out anything about her, never got to find out if I act like her. It seems like no one wants to talk about her, and I don't want to be that pest that won't shut up about her... I guess I'll start with a letter to my Great Aunt Sue. I'll just tell her about all the things that I've been doing, and see where it goes from there. I'm going to work on the letter today. Hopefully she will respond quickly, and I'll share the letter with you all! (all 4 of you!)