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January 30, 2007
Chit-Chat
I had a lovely and long chat with Mary - Queen of BookBlog. I haven't seen her since the summer and I can't even remember the last time we spoke on the phone. We are now all caught up and I'm not quite sure if I have anything left to say to her after our two hour phone call. Hey, I was being productive - doing housework, laundry, cleaning my bathrooms, making bread...
Thank God for cordless phones.
Posted by Cate at 07:23 PM | Comments (5)
January 29, 2007
Oh, and another thing...
Did anyone watch The Extras last night? Oh my GAWD! The scenes with Daniel Radcliffe were absolutley hysterical. This clip almost made me fall off the couch. Think anti-Harry Potter. Warwick Davis (remember him?) was also featured in the show and the last scene with him literally made me cry. It was that damn funny. I think I am now a fan of this show. I never realized just how funny Ricky Gervais' and his show can be. Check out this clip - around 6:30 minutes into the clip is the scene between Ricky and Warwick. Trust me, it's worth the view!
tags: The Extras, Daniel Radcliffe
Posted by Cate at 03:55 PM | Comments (5)
Whoops! Bad Mommy Alert
Apparently, drinking a glass of wine during a playdate is wrong, according to Meridith Vieira. Melissa of Suburban Bliss was invited to be on the Today Show this past Friday to discuss whether "playdates and happy hour mix?" Check out the video clip of the interview and prepare to be appalled at what you watch. It's nice to see Meridith really reaching out to cover such serious topics like several moms having a glass of wine during a playdate.
Pulease.
Posted by Cate at 10:51 AM | Comments (3)
Oh, the weather outside is frightful...
Well, it's finally happened. Something I've been dreading for quite a while. It was going to arrive, whether I wanted it or not.
Snow day. School closed. ::insert scary music:::
Actually, it hasn't been so bad. The girls have been outside for about 45 minutes, just having a good time. Check out my Flickr page today's snow pics.
Posted by Cate at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
January 27, 2007
Pooped!
The girls and I walked about a mile today, selling Girl Scout cookies. The girls alternated houses in order to sort of even up the sales. It turned out pretty good with Youngestselling, so far, 81 boxes and Eldest is up to 90. We've got more walking and selling to do tomorrow.
After we got back from walking, the kids scarfed down lunch and headed out for other activities. Youngesthad a birthday party to attend and Eldest is learning how to sew with my Mom. Eldest is doing quite well with sewing and is really enjoying it. Youngest(and I) had a nice time at the birthday party.
Now, we are vegging out watching Men In Black II. I love Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. I can't wait for bed!
Posted by Cate at 09:09 PM | Comments (1)
January 26, 2007
Coming to a close
Any last minute Girl Scout cookie fans out there? Each box is $3.50 - Check out the selection and email me if you are interested.
Thanks!
Posted by Cate at 11:22 AM | Comments (1)
January 25, 2007
Thinking Day 2007
This year, my Junior troop and I participated in an international postcard exchange. My girls have had so much fun sending and receiving postcards from the USA as well as Europe, Africa, and Asia. Our local Service Unit is also celebrating World Thinking Day by having an International Night. There will be roughly 300 girls attending. My 2nd year Junior troop chose to represent China and my 1st year Brownie troop is representing the United States of America.
I can't wait for this event!
Posted by Cate at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2007
Presents Put To Good Use
For Christmas, I requested (and received) a bread machine and a crockpot. I made french bread the other day and the girls scarfed it down. Tonight, I broke out the crockpot and made beef stew with carrots, celery, and onions. I prepared a garden salad and garlic bread to accompany the stew.
Yum!
Posted by Cate at 06:19 PM | Comments (5)
January 23, 2007
Hello hello!
My poor neglected blog!
The past few days have been a whirlwind of Girl Scouts, afterschool activities for both girls, school meetings, birthday parties, colds, and Board of Ed meetings. Wow, I've just summed it all up in one sentence. I'd love to spend a day just lying supine on my chaise lounge, having my (imaginary) pool boy feed me grapes.
Righto.
Husband is still sick. It's been over two weeks. He's had a most particularly nasty cough that just won't go away. He's not bringing up anything nor does he seem congested. I am quite concerned and nagged expressed my opinion that he see the doctor again today and have an xray scheduled. He went to our doctor who did want him to have bloodwork done and he also wants a chest xray taken. Fingers crossed for good news.
Youngesthad her seventh birthday party at a party place that specializes in themed parties. It was around $350 but they did everything. All I needed to bring were cupcakes since Youngestcouldn't eat the cake they provided. She had 14 friends attend and they all had a fantastic time. Check out my flickr page for a cute picture of Youngestdressed as a wizard. I can't post the other pictures with the other kids but they looked cute as heck too! I can't believe my little baby is seven. ::sigh::
Speaking of babies, my brother and his wife (who just got married in June) are expecting!! I'm going to be an auntie again!!!!! I'm so excited - I love babies! I've got a trip to Osh Kosh B'Gosh all planned out for a pair of those little overalls! Both of my girls had pink overalls with a matching hat AND sneakers. Adorable!
Ok - off to whip up dinner before racing out the door at 615pm for Eldest's chorus concert. Oy already!
Posted by Cate at 04:45 PM | Comments (1)
Check 'em out!
Pics up on Flickr!
Posted by Cate at 02:49 PM | Comments (1)
January 21, 2007
Lordy Lord!
I am actually blogging.. I almost forgot how.
Just kidding. LIke I'd ever shup up, blogging OR speaking.
How the hell are ya?
Posted by Cate at 07:56 PM | Comments (4)
January 18, 2007
Wiped Out
I've been getting some wicked headaches and today was no exception. So, please forgive the lack of posting and email responses and hopefully tomorrow I'll be feeling better.
Posted by Cate at 08:06 PM | Comments (5)
January 16, 2007
I'm a dirty girl
Did anyone else catch tonight's episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe? If not, you should really watch the show. I could give you ten good reasons to watch it but this is my number one reason.
Hubba hubba!
Posted by Cate at 10:13 PM | Comments (8)
Repeaters
I'm on hold with a Verizon salesperson in order to upgrade my phone plan and phones. She is making me crazy because she repeats everything I say when I answer her questions. She is also repeating the information v e r y s l o w l y
Example:
Verizon: May I have your mobile number?
Me: ***-***-****
Verizon: (while typing in my number) *** pause *** longer pause ****
Kate: silently screaming
All I want to do is upgrade my flippin' phone and calling plan. When I went to the store this morning, the salesguy was such a snotty bastard, I must walked out while he was still talking. WTF? What happened to customer service? Back in MY day when I was a cashier/sales assiciate/store manager, I busted my butt to help people. I'd still work retail if I didn't have to work nights or weekends!
Now, I've been on hold for around 4 minutes. I've just hung up and I am seriously contemplating another phone company. The worst part, I *know* I'll stick with Verizon because all our family has stoopid Verizon. I think I am going to have to have Husband switch everything because I am rapidly losing patience with all this crap.
GAH!
Posted by Cate at 12:47 PM | Comments (3)
January 14, 2007
Numero Uno
I'm number one for this search and frankly, I think it might be a little appropriate!
Posted by Cate at 09:24 PM | Comments (2)
Emerging from my football cocoon
Oh my - what a football laden weekend!
I did feel a *teeny tiny* bit sorry for the Eagles. They had it until the fourth quarter then WHAMMO! Right now, while the children (two of mine and one friend) are wreaking some mild havoc on my backyard, the husband and I are watching the Bears/Seahawks game. Next up, the Chargers and the Patriots. Maybe I'll cook dinner... but, then again, they did eat a late lunch. If I were a good mommy, I'd be taking them door to door, assisting them in their Girl Scout cookie sale.
By the way, if anyone is interested in cookies, just drop me a line. You know you want them! Cookies are gooooood!
Back to the game!
Posted by Cate at 04:06 PM | Comments (1)
January 12, 2007
Floam Alternative
Here's an alternative to Floam. It's non-toxic and it looks pretty decent. Go visit John at Funtastical Toys and tell him that Kate sent ya!
Posted by Cate at 09:18 AM | Comments (1)
January 11, 2007
Can't Wait!
Coming out in March:
Husband and I are seeing this in the theater. I love Meatwad. He's so cute! How can you not love this face?
Posted by Cate at 10:15 AM | Comments (0)
Bad acting
Heard on Opie and Anthony this morning - David Caruso One-Liners. It's the cheesiest acting since Shatner.
Posted by Cate at 07:48 AM | Comments (1)
January 10, 2007
It's Heere
70 degree weather on Saturday and now it's snowing.
Finally - winter is here.
Posted by Cate at 11:35 AM | Comments (6)
January 09, 2007
Girl Scouting
Lots of GS stuff going on in my house. The cookie sale will be starting on Friday and, this year, BOTH girls will be selling cookies. Talk about competition! They both want the bigger prize which is a stuffed bunny ::View image:: Kinda cute, isn't it? Plus, Youngest's troop wants to go to Build A Bear with their cookie money. Eldest's troop is going to a dude ranch in April for horseback riding and an amazing amount of absolutely astonishing activities! Heh.
Since I am lucky enough to be the leader for both troops, I get to do both! I really want a Build A Bear of my own. The girls have several and, every time we go there, I just want to make one *just for me*. I need another stuffed animal in this house like I need a hole in my head. But, they are so darn cute!
My house is pretty messy and I've still got to get some food into this house AND take Miss O to the pedi. I wish I could afford a housekeeper but I'd be to embarrassed to have her come in and clean! I'd be cleaning for the housekeeper! Actually, I need this person! (image from here).
I think every family needs an Alice, don't you?
Posted by Cate at 11:54 AM | Comments (2)
Attack of the Sickies
Husband was the first to catch the current cold du jour. At this point, I think it might have evolved into bronchitis. Needless to say, Youngesthas also caught "something" as well. She's been complaining of a headache for about three days and, last night, visited my bedroom three times. She's running a slight fever too, the poor kid. So, no school for her today and we'll be visiting the pediatrician later.
Thank goodness Eldest is feeling well! I'm not doing to bad either. I'm just exhausted from being woken up three time last night. Hmm, now that I think about it, Youngestis still asleep. I think it's time for a nap!
Posted by Cate at 07:32 AM | Comments (0)
January 07, 2007
C'mon Giants
The Giants better get their game face back on because the Eagles cannot win. CAN NOT WIN.
UPDATE
Flippin' Giants. You suck.
Posted by Cate at 06:12 PM | Comments (4)
January 06, 2007
Warm Winter
Ok, here in New Jersey, right now, it is 10:10am and it's 61 degrees outside.
Huh?
Posted by Cate at 10:08 AM | Comments (4)
January 05, 2007
Embarrassing Secret
I've got to admit a terrible secret. I can't hold it back any longer. Whatever you do, please don't be disappointed in me.
I've been watching the reruns of Americas Next Top Model on VH-1.
There. I said it.
I'm off to wallow in shame.
Posted by Cate at 09:17 AM | Comments (6)
January 03, 2007
First post of the year
Wow - I've already screwed up one of my resolutions to blog every day.
Sheesh
I've been baking this morning - chocolate cupcakes with homemade chocolate frosting. Yum. Homemade frosting is really the way to go. It is so easy to make and it really tastes so much better that the store bought crap. The cupcakes are for Youngestand her class in order to celebrate her birthday. It was 12/30 and, obviously, the class was on Christmas vacation. I'll be bringing them into school shortly.
Her birthday party will be 1/21. It's a Wizard School-themed party in one of those party places. This will be her last "big" party. After this, it's dvds and a sleepover. God help me. I was out delivering invitations this morning and I have more to deliver. I am hoping that her teacher can hand some out for me. We didn't invite the whole class, just kids that she likes and aren't little dirtbags. I knocked a few kids off the list just because they have a horrific lack of manners. I will not pay a lot of money for OPKs (Other Peoples Kids) to be rude to me. Oh, I don't THINK so.
I'll be very sweet and post the cupcake and the icing recipe below. Enjoy!
For the record - these are allergen-free for Olivia.
Chocolate Layer Cake
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups water
2/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat with wooden spoon or wire whisk until batter is smooth and ingredients are well mixed.
Pour batter in prepared pans. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cook in pans for 10 minutes before turning out on wire racks to cool.
Frost when completely cooled.
Chocolate Cupcakes
Prepare batter as above. Line cupcake pan with paper liners. Fill almost full and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until done. Let cool on wire racks then frost.
Chocolate Frosting
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
2 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 1/2 tablespoons water
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Place margarine, honey and vanilla in mixing bowl. Next sift cocoa into bowl. Using electric beaters at low speed, cream these ingredients together. Add water and sift powdered sugar into mixture. Beat with electric beaters on medium speed until well mixed.
Posted by Cate at 11:15 AM | Comments (6)