July Foodie Pen Pal

This month I received a box filled with yummy snacks from Yashica.  She generously loaded me up with healthy snacks that were perfect for on the go.

I received the following:
-A variety of Fiber One and Nature Valley bars
-Sun Chips Harvest Ranch
-Skinny Cow Chocolate PB crisps
-Quaker oatmeal bowels
-Dried Pomegranates (which I plan on putting into a nice summer salad)
-Snyders veggie chips
-Lipton Strawberry and Acai tea packets (probably would be delicious with some rum)
-And my favorite...True North Almond Pecan Crunch pieces (sweet and salty)

Thanks again Yashica!

5 Reasons

... I'm happy today

1.  I got a free 15-minute chair massage at work, SCORE!
2.  Frank Turner  "I Still Believe"
3.  Red Sangria. Mmmmm
4.  Writing lists...
5.  Checking things off my lists

TGIF!

The Great Outdoors

A few weekends ago DJP went camping with our friends Dan and Geanna.  We ate great food, drank delicious beverages, went on a mini hike to a waterfall, and most importantly were carefree and back in nature.  We hope to plan another trip this summer/fall because we rather enjoy each other's company. :)

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!