What is that?!?

Deep Fried Oreos and Deep Fried Snickers!

I know I moved out to South Dakota for a reason! We went and saw the Gin Blossoms last night at the Ribfest. It was a lot of fun. We tried out award winning BBQ and listened to Sioux Falls karaoke. I went bat crazy when a guy did the song "on the dock of the bay". My man and I tried out deep fried foods - types that should never be deep fried.

In the evening we got to watch Gin Blossoms! I might have already mentioned that. It also marks me children's first concert. There is something pretty magical about growing up and taking your kids to see one of your favorite bands from High School. Beezus did not like how loud the concert was, but she delt. Ramona danced and danced and danced and threw her arms in the air. She tried to crawl up on a fence to get a better view. My man and I are certain she will enjoy college more than we want to know. She better not blog about it!

BTW... Gin Blossoms are awesome in person. It was also neat to be in a crowd of people who look similar, love the same music and enjoy some of the same activities. I saw a billion converse shoes... and smelt the familiar Bay Area fragrances.

Cheesecake Cookies n Cream Cupcakes

I made the GF cupcakes/cheesecake and Beezus loves them! Vacationing with gluten free is not very practical. So I made the cupcakes as dessert while we were staying in Omaha. I got the recipe below directly from Martha Stewarts Cupcake book p.104.

2 pounds GF cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup of sugar
1 tspn GF vanilla
4 eggs room temperature (Although I did not bother with that)
1 cup sour cream

42 Oreo cookies… for us we use GF K-Toons by Kinnikinnick You can find K-Toon at Whole Foods, Specialty stores, but also HyVee and I think Safeway. K-Toons come in both chocolate and vanilla cookies. I like both, my family likes many the vanilla. In this recipe I would use chocolate because how it will look.

1. Preheat oven to 275 F. Place cookie into the lined cupcake tin.
2. Medium/High beat the whole 2 pounds of cream chesses until it nice and smooth.
3. “Drizzle” in lightly beaten eggs. Add slowly, not too fast.
4. Beat in sour cream and salt
5. Stir in cookies by hand. How many cookies you stir in is ultimately your proactive. I put in roughly 6. I also did not do this by hand. I let the electric mixer/my favorite kitchen appliance and then after a minutes stirred it together a bit better and more evenly by hand.. Keep in mind that there is still that one solid cookie which will stay in the cupcake.
6. Cook for up to 22 minutes. I needed to go longer, but I am sure it depends on the oven you use.
7. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or over night.

Omaha Zoo - worth it!

The botanical gardens had a lot of abstract art. Which I found really fun!

We want to start exploring the Midwest while we are out here. Why not get acquainted with the local attractions. Now that the weather is no longer cold and snowy we can drive anywhere near by... such freedom! Our first weekend long trip was to the Omaha Zoo and Omaha's botanical gardens.

We hear the Omaha Zoo is second in the nation. San Diego is the best in our nation. Of course for the time being San Diego would a bit more of a drive.

The Omaha Zoo was incredible and I will be taking the kids down to Omaha regularly. Absolutely recommend it. I had one hiccup in this adventure – I did not charge my camera! My man was super worried how well I would deal, but we had a great time without photos (I also got a disposable camera – hopefully that got a couple photos that worked out!)

Some of the zoo highlights are:

1. The cat complex. Beautiful creatures and we can get really close. Beezus really wanted to see the jaguar, because she just completed her diorama on the jaguar at her school a couple weeks ago. We also went and saw the Disney movie “African Cats” the weekend before. I am glad we did. The kids loved telling us about each animal we looked at.

2. The Lemur Islands. They have an enclosed area for their lemurs that you walk through while the lemurs run freely around you. I literally had lemurs running between me chasing each other. I was a little worried they would jump on to me, but they did not. The kids had a blast, obviously being so close the lemurs.

3. The Desert Dome and Kingdom of the Nights. The desert dome and kingdom of the nights displays. It felt like walking through Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, Tom Sawyers Island and the Jungle Cruise combined! They put a huge emphasis to details of creating a scene. It felt like we were on a bridge in the swamp and when we looked over our bridge there were gigantic alligators. Reminded me why I probably will not move down south anytime soon! The whole time we walked through these displays my man would hmm, “yoho, yoho a pirates life for me”.

Anyway… we had a blast. The kids got to see every animal, hang out at the petting zoo, feed birds, get a ride on the merry-go-round, see the primates. I was proud that both my children wanted to learn about each animal we passed. It feels good to know they will walk away with a little more knowledge about the various animals out there.

Potato Salad, Cupcakes and Frosting! GF.

A couple recipes that are completely GF without altering the orginal recipe(as long as you check all ingredients!)

I got this recipe directly from the food network. The first time I made it - I loved it. I am not a big Potato Salad person; however, it tastes a little different than a generic potato salad. Easy and quick to make. I have made it with BBQ ribs and sausages so far. It was suggested for beach BBQs. Which means I need to go to the west coast and use this at the beach... I think. ;-)

The second time I made it I thought it had too much pepper and mustard. So maybe be careful to be sparing in those ingredients.

Potato Salad Ina Garten (off food network)

Ingredients

• 3 pounds small white potatoes
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion

Directions:

Place the potatoes and 2 tablespoons of salt in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel. Allow the potatoes to steam for 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, dill, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Set aside.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in quarters or in half, depending on their size. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, pour enough dressing over them to moisten. Add the celery and red onion, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Serve cold or at room temperature.

On another note I also made vanilla cupcakes with butter frosting. AMAZING! What I loved about all the recipes I am throwing out there today, not a single one is altered. All these are GF straight up. Of course check your individual ingredients!

CupcakesI used the Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cake Mix - Yellow

1 Bag mix
2/3 Water (I used buttermilk - and I have also used 2% milk)
1 Stick room temperature butter (1/2 cup)
2 Teaspoons GF Vanilla
3 Eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat/Mix bag mix, water (or milk), butter, vanilla and eggs. Bake for cupcakes 18-23 minutes. I always go till the max and sometimes a minute or two longer. Personal preference.

Frosting: Fluffy Vanilla Frosting (directly from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes pg. 302)

I am starting to love Martha's cupakes book, at least for frostings, more than I like the Joy of Cooking - which in the past was my icing staple.

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter (I did 3/4 or 1.5 sticks butter)
1 pound (4 cups) confectioner's sugar, sifted (I did 1/2 pound or 2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon pure GF vanilla extract (I did 1/2 teaspoon - maybe more of 1 teaspoon GF vanilla)

Using electric mixer beat butter on medium-high speed until pale and creamy - about 2 minutes.

Reduce speed add sugar 1/2 cup at tim, beating and scraping down bowl as needed. Martha estimates this should take 5 minutes and that they frosting will be very pale and fluffy. (I did not bother timing myself - but this is most likely accurate).

Add vanilla and beat until frosting is smooth.

What I LOVE about this recipe is the frosting can be stored for up to ten days and just needs to be re-beaten when used. I have not tried this, but I will at some point - I am sure. This is a great frosting for using food coloring on.

My Women Who Rock

Today I am thankful for my mom, my aunt Vickie and my sisters. Four women that know how to have a good time, who are constantly there for me and I miss a ton! Thank you ladies for being wonderful!

There are many, many things I love about my mom, aunt and sisters. Here are 12 of them. A little late for mothers day, but I am a free spirit and believe that mothers/aunt/sisters day – can be any day!

1. They are all fearlessly vivacious women - they live out loud as women - no coyness, no pretense.

2. They are stalwart in their beliefs. They do not need approval.

3. They always have my best interest at heart and are always supportive - even when I change what I thought I was going to do with my life for the 100th time.

4. My mom and my aunt LOVE to read/listen to audio books. I got my love of literature and writing from the woman who would recite at the kitchen table the Jabberwocky and Poe. Of course she did these recitals to the point that we would all ask/beg her not to. And mom – it is okay if you do stop – we get it. ;-)

5. My mom, my aunt and my youngest sister love to get their nails done and they understand the meaning and importance of make-up. The fact is we love it!

6. My aunt knows way more about film than I do and loves to talk about it. I love to hear what she thinks and try to remember the movies she suggests – though I often forget. My mom loves the old movies - which sometimes I can stomach. And my sister loves films of various directors, procedures and actors she follows. I can never keep up with any of them, but I try!

7. They have amazing energy (especially when combined). Don’t all sisters though?

8. My aunt will tell me the “fun” stories about my mom. The same stories that my mom still will not admit too!

9. They love make-up! (Did I mention that already?) And they share that love through the mail. I have to admit that there is nothing as exciting as getting my aunts free trials of make-up – so awesome! In fact, I got some recently for mothers day. Highlight of the week for me.

10. They are all independent women. My mother is an intensely strong woman. This lady puts me to shame. She went to night school, after working all day and THEN came home to take care of two young children. She also kept a clean house and got a healthy dinner on the table every night (salad and veggies included). You go mom! I know you did not think anyone noticed, but I did.

11. They inspire me.

12. My mom and aunt show how important a sister bond is.

Mothers, Daughters, Sisters we rock! I am more than blessed to carry on the matriarchal tradition with two young daughters of my own.

Love and Hugs Ladies!

PS - Mom I got the earrings... sooooooo beautiful! Wearing them right now and missing you!

Happiness as a Goal: “Is it getting better or do you feel the same?”

Picture of the day: My man and... his man. To clarify - the picture is not related to the post. I just really like it. I want to make sure important people get a little face time on here!

I am reading The How of Happiness, A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky. This sounds soooooo very self-help and as a result I never would have bought this book before this move. However, I am coming back to the bay for part of the summer at least, if not longer, and I will be taking a UCB course in psychology from one of my favorite UC professors. The course is on happiness and this book is required reading. Thus, I thought, why not get a head start? I want to be happier and I am reading plenty of books on happiness anyway. At the end of the summer I will try (assuming our home is FINALLY sold) to go to a woman wellness retreat to do more yoga and meditating. If you are interested email me! I would love to share the experience.

The author is a very reputable social psychologist at the UC Riverside campus. She has spent her career studying human happiness. She wrote this book to get some of the scientific research to the general public. In light of the new cultural fad of happiness self help – like “the Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin – Lyubomirsky wants to get some valid researched concepts to achieving happiness out there.

Part-One of the Book Wrap Up.
Happiness can be broken down into a pie chart:

1. 10% Circumstances: This includes money, martial status, locale etc.

Many people over-assume how much life circumstances influence their happiness. People (like my man and myself) assume that more money, better jobs and relocation have a larger impact on happiness than they actual do. In Raising Happiness by Christine Carter it is pointed out that money does not factor into being happier, BUT when you do not have enough to cover the necessities it leads to unhappiness. Therefore after covering the basic necessities money does not continue to influence happiness. Neither does beauty or relationship status.

2. 50% Set Point: Also known as, genetics.

There is an individual set point based on genetics; however, it only accounts for 50% of happiness. To be fair this is a lot. It is not the end all. If you are predisposed to be less happy than the next person it just mean you need to work on that crucial 40%.

3. 40% Intentional Activity: What we can change with, what Lyubomirsky says is, “how you behave, what you think, and what goals you set every day of your life.”

Here Lyubomirsky refers to the serenity prayer. A prayer I have in my cell phone. It is one that I am not in ‘substance’ need of, but possible subsistence need of. “G-d, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

The prayer (in my opinion) is beautiful and one that is applicable to anyone – especially those looking for how to increase the 40% of malleable happiness in their lives. Knowing what we can change (intentional activity) and what we can not change (genetics and a good deal of environmental/circumstantial elements). Most importantly, we can not change other people - only ourselves.

So… I am going to run with that 40% and accept the 60% that I can not control – nor do I have any desire to try.

The Zoo: Spending Time One-on-One

I follow my friend’s blog the simple life. I have her blog on my side bar. I am constantly in awe of her ability to take and apply parenting strategies to her family and do it so well! She is articulate, organized and structured. I wish I could be half as organized. I can make lists to stay on task and this works well most the time. Sadly, I am the person who leaves their cell phone in the fridge and can not find it for a couple days in a row. This of course leads to my mom assuming I am dead and e-mailing 20 times in a singular day panicked. While I am admitting my flightiness it might be a good time to confess that I drift off in the middle of most conversations. I have a friend that laughed when I confessed this. She said, “I noticed!” I did not realize it was so obvious. Sigh.

A month ago my structured lady-friend posted on sibling rivalry, at my request! I appreciate this immensely. One of her suggestions to alleviate sibling rivalry is increasing one-on-one time with children in the family. This appears SO simple! Well, for some of us. Others of us think about it, how great it is, and then get distracted by something else…

I am not consistent about one-on-one time. In the past my one-on-one time has been limited to very simple tactics. I switch off which child I lie down next to at night to help them sleep (this doubles to stop the goofing off thus getting them to sleep faster). Another simply tactic is if one daughter has a play date at our house I focus on the other daughter. Usually this means playing a game or, more often than not, cooking/baking. Play dates at our house often lead to cookies, cupcakes and muffins.

In fact, most my original gluten free baking happened while Beezus and her best friend played with dolls in our sunroom. Ramona and I would be hard at work in the kitchen making sweets. I do think this has been a great trick at keeping peace during play dates, combining cooking with kids, and just plain creating fun memories.

Today my lucky Ramona went to a birthday party where she got to see a play of “Beauty and the Beast” done by a local private high school. One of the girls in the play was a babysitter we have started using. (In fact one awesome change in our lives since being here – we have at least three reliable babysitters!)

Conveniently this gave Beezus and me four hours of undisturbed time – which I originally planned on using towards errands. As we were getting ready to leave this morning Beezus stomps her foot and says, “I do not want to go grocery shopping while RAMON gets to go to a birthday party.” This statement was accompanied by folded arms and a tilted head, not to mention a haughty tone.

It was in this moment that I remember the local zoo was having a Cinco de Mayo celebration, complete with music, arts, crafts and a piñata. Therefore… right after dropping off Ramona at her birthday party we skipped our chores. We grabbed some GF treats at the local super market and went to the zoo! Beezus’s father, who had been away on business for most the week, got into the airport earlier than expected took a taxi directly to the zoo and spent most the day with us.

While I was out I started to think, get distracted, by all the chores I needed to do with what I call, "the running list". Geeze, later in the week I need to, later in the month I need to, still have not picked a book for book club, what will I make for dinner... In the meantime I was missing that Beezus was telling me all about her new video game. Then I remember the mindfulness practice I have been doing – which insists we stay present in the moment and appreciate it. I started asking Beezus questions about the game, instead of thinking about chores. I kept interested, involved and we had a good discussion.

Today my oldest daughter – a girl who is very anxious - smiled, laughed and talked freely. I very rarely see her just plain relax and today she did. I could tell how truly special she felt. When kids are babies they give that special smile to their parents effortlessly and it just so pure. As they get older, I am finding, it is harder to get that smile. Today was full of them. It felt great and Beezus felt special and important!

When my girls reconnected at the end of their different adventures there was no fighting they simply sat down and recanted their days. It was sweet to watch.

Today I am grateful for the simple life's author. I am grateful for the great weather. It was 60 and it was hot! It felt like 80 outside. I am grateful for the mariachi band, the GF ice cream chocolate bar treats, my man meeting us at the zoo (so we did not have to cut the day short to get him), the merry-go-round and chocolate strawberries!