June Foodie Pen Pals

So, the beginning of June I came across this foodie pen pal program on a friend's blog.  It is a pretty awesome idea that anyone who enjoys trying new foods would really appreciate.   You are matched up with a pen pal from somewhere in USA on the 5th of every month.  By the 15th you have to have you goodie box packaged up and sent to your FPP and then on the 30th you do a blog post about the treats you received (I'm a day late because we went camping, which deserves its own post).  There is a price limit of $15 and you can send anything food related, store bought treats and home made snacks, to cooking supplies and the such. 

I received a yummy package from Emily over at Emily's Healthy Home.  She has delicious recipe posts and even sent me a jar of her vanilla honey almond butter.

Here's what came in this box:
- White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter:  I immediately opened this jar to indulge in a spoonful...so addictive!
- HALO Smores Bar: This was a yummy, healthy snack, although I didn't think it tasted like a Smore.
-Cashew Cookie Larabar:  First time I ever had a Larabar and I can't wait to try the other flavors.
-Purity Pretzels:  Unfortunately, when the pretzels arrived they had melted, I thru them in the freezer to firm up and although I haven't tried them yet...who doesn't love a chocolate covered pretzel?!
-Roasted Seaweed Snack: Not may favorite, too strong of a taste for me.
-Soledad Almonds: Another excellent snack that was sweet and salty with a little kick.
-Cadbury Flake:  This chocolate brought me back to when I was living in London and would eat a Cadbury choclate bar too often to count.
-Baking cups: I plan on using these for some cupcakes for DJP's upcoming birthday!
-Vanilla Honey Almond Butter:  I haven't tried this yet, but I'm looking forward to it since it was homemade.

My cat Piper was also excited about the treats and claimed the box as her own. :)

Happy Eating...

Summer is here!

Today was a goregous summer day, 80 degrees and sunny.  DJP and I decided to take advantage of our free day and headed up to Thatcher Park (NY State Park).  We had a delicious picnic of strawberries, salmon, cheesburgers, corn on the cob, and some sweet onion potato chips.  After lunch we relaxed and chatted and I couldn't help smiling at the fact that I am so in love with this guy.  Five years and still going strong!  Lunch was very filling and to help digest we walked the Indian Ladder Trail.  Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

Sweets for my Sweet

It has been a crazy couple of weeks around here, but today is the day to update and catch up.

- DJP came home last Thursday!  We spent Memorial Day weekend attending BBQs, visiting family, and relaxing.
- My best friend for over 18 years had her first child, a handsome little gentleman that I cannot wait to spend more time with.
- I was offered a promotion at work and starting Monday I will be the supervisor for my department.  The only downside of this promotion is that my supervisor and dear friend is moving on to another job.

The way to DJP's heart is through is stomach (same with me).  So, I had a few hours this afternoon and decided to bake him my favorite cookies.  This recipe was found about 3 years ago on the Now...you're cooking! website when I wanted to bake for Christmas.  I have used this recipe multiple times and think it is delish!

Hershey Kiss Cookies


Ingredients:
2 2/3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional sugar
5 dozen kisses, unwrapped

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 375

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking soda.  Add butter and peanut butter and mix until smooth.  Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Make balls out of level tablespoons of dough-add flour if needed.  Roll in sugar.

Bake 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven and add 1 kiss to the center of each cookie.  Return to oven and bake for 2 minutes.

Cool and Enjoy!

What to Expect When Your Friends Are Expecting

The past 5 years of my life have been filled with engagements, weddings, and as of last September babies.  None of which were my own, except for that one time in Vegas...just kidding!  Currently, two of my closest girlfriends are expecting their first babies and another dear friend had her beautiful daughter last September.  Charlotte has even started a blog about her little "banana".

It is interesting to see how our relationships have changed over the 10+ years.  We are all at different stages of our lives and our priorities vary, but we still "get" each other and for that I am grateful.  

There are tons of books for moms-to-be and dads-to-be but what about those childless pseudo aunts and uncles-to-be?  Of course I realize our friendships are going to dramatically change. The amount of time we spend together is going to drastically shrink.  No one knows what the future holds, but I'm excited to see what is in store for all of us!

T- minus 19 Days

In 19 short days I will no longer be living alone.  The love of my life will be returning home from Hong Kong and we can hopefully get back to our "normal lives".  I feel like I have managed well on my own, but man do I miss him!  Today I started a deep cleaning of our apartment and even went out to purchase a few new things.  It will certainly be an interesting transition as we learn to be a couple again, but I can't wait.  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

(These beauties are missing him too!)

Hong Kong Part 3

** Side note:  Most likely all of the people reading this blog know me and what/who is in my life.  With that being said my love is extremely supportive of me writing my thoughts and experiences here, but is a very private person and wants his involvement to be minimal.  Therefore, he will be known as the bf just in case strangers stumble upon my posts.

Day 4:

The only thing I was adamant about doing when I arrived in Hong Kong was to go to the Tian Tan Buddha.  I've been practicing yoga for the past 2+ years and have read many books on Buddhism, so going to see the Tian Tan Buddha was so very exciting.  However, visiting the Big Buddha was less of a spiritual experience and more of a tourist trap. Booo!

We started the day by taking the MTR to Lantau Island.  It was very windy and cloudy, but we decided to go for it and bought tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 gondola ride.  We splurged and bought a round trip in the "Crystal Cabin" where the bottom was made out of glass and we could see the beautiful blue green bay and mountains right below our feet.

We arrived at the Ngong Ping Village and headed straight to the Buddha.

 After hiking up the many stairs and taking in some absolutely breathtaking views we headed over to the Po Lin Monastery.

It was raining and cold so after the sightseeing we boarded the gondola and headed back to the MTR station.  FYI:  You are not allowed to bring your sheep or cattle with you in the gondola.

That night we went to Temple Street market and bought some more souvenirs.  I also spotted my FAVORITE restaurant (Hui Lau San) and the bf agreed to another night yummy of mango desserts.

More to come...

5 Reasons...

...I'm happy today

1.  My sweet, loving kitty cats.
2.  The ridiculous and crazy antics that happened at work.
3.  Exactly one month from tomorrow my love will be home!
4.  The much needed rain our flowers and gardens needed.
5.  Old School Law and Order episodes, I'm an addict.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Monday.  What has made you happy today?