Happy New Years!

Hope that everyone has a Happy New Year and brings in 2007 with a bang!!! I know I'm sure going to try!

The Potato Launcher

The boys got together on this trip and built a giant potato launcher. Us ladies mostly found ourselves inside listening to it go off, shortly followed by giggles from the boys. I decided it was my turn. I must admit launching potatoes is fun. I don't think I could do it for hours, but one of two shots are quite entertaining.

I assure you, no animals were harmed in the launching of potatoes. I can't say the same for the potatoes though!

A new discovery!

Another new discovery was made in Leavenworth this time around. A German mulled wine served piping hot! YUMMMMMMY!

Be sure to check out Flickr to see all the Leavenworth fun!

Welcome....

to Leavenworth! We made it to my favorite little Bavarian Village in Washington. Not that I know of lots of other Bavarian Villages anywhere else! I just love it here though. The lights, the snow, the deliciouos Hefeweizen and the Brauts cannot be beat.

Peppermint Dessert Take 2

Then the next challenge began! Bon Appetit had a delicious Dark Chocolate Peppermint Tart with Whipped Cream on their cover for December so the ultimate challenge was on. Let me tell you it was FANTASTIC. Very rich and chocolatey, and scruptious with every bite. My dessert challenges have all been met!!

Peppermint Cake

Our trips to Washington started my love for baking cakes. Each year we pick out some fabulous magazine cover baked goods and I attempt to recreate them.

This year it was the Sunset Magazine Peppermint Cake. It was delicious!! A nice and fluffy angel food cake with whipped cream frosting sprinkled with peppermints. Very light and yummy!

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and gets everything on their Christmas list!!

The little gingerbread house...

Bill's niece Alli and I made a gingerbread house. We referred to it as the crack house because it had this giant crack in the wall and was leaning something fierce. It's amazing that it actually stayed standing upright! It looks so nice in the picture though!!

The Camera

A little bit before Christmas I got a new camera. It's a Kodak V705. The pictures are soo much better than my previous camera, but the funnest feature is the panoramic stitching. Basically you can take two to three pictures and the camera will stitch them together. Bill and I played with it today and created a great shot of him in the kitchen. Three Bills...now that's scary!

I'm going back to Oly....

Today was a day full of car time. Bill and I drove to from Redding to Olympia, Washington to join his family for the Christmas/New Year holidays. I'm soo happy to be here! The drive was fine, nothing dramatic happened and the weather was gorgeous. Bill and I played the game "Rubber Neckers" on our drive up which helped to pass the time. Basically think of it as "I Spy" cards and you get points for finding items. We don't score points though, we just try to see how many cards we can make it through. Here is the funniest moment of the game:

Stacey: (draws a card that says, "Find something that is named after a President of the United States," and turns to Bill) Darn this is going to be a tough one!

Bill: I know, we could get stuck on this one.

Stacey: (Sits pondering the various presidential names and starts looking for things named Bush, Lincoln, Adams, etc.) Hmm, maybe we should draw another and wait on this one since it's dark.

Suddenly Stacey sheepishly looks at the car next to us and realizes that we are in WASHINGTON and have been the whole time the card was drawn. Needless to say, it was one of my more dumb blond moments in time...but Bill was right there with me so at least I wasn't the only one!

The S List

Every year you hear about "The O List." The list containing all of Oprah's favorite things...all things I can never afford. So, this year I'm going to treat you all to "The S List." These are 10 of my favorite things from 2006 and I assure that you can afford each one of them!

1. Gap Slippers: Each year The Gap releases a new version of these slippers. They are the best slippers I have ever owned in my life and I currently own three pair! I will be buying a pair of the sherpa style no doubt! http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7804&pid=412477&scid=412477002

2. Rocket Dog "Joint" series shoes: Ever since I sprained the ankle I have had to resort to tennis shoe wearing...which I have always HATED. Until I found these little beauties. Super comfy and look cute with any outfit. I won't even admit to how many of these I have (super cheap at Off Broadway!) http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/7192242/c/3.html

3. The VD: No I didn't catch an STD this year, but I did come up with a delicious drink for all to enjoy. First take vanilla rum and put it over ice, then pour some Diet Dr Pepper over the top and ENJOY! I swear to you it's delicious whether you like Diet or like Dr Pepper for that matter.

4. Mrs. Mays Nut Crunch: One of the yummiest healthy snacks to hit the market. You can pick up snack size bags at your local Costco. The Cashew Crunch is the best! http://www.mrsmays.com/products/item.php?no=4&PHPSESSID=f39b9e709665472c67cfa5f8dcf8c833

5. The Seatbelt Bag: I've become a purse person over the past couple years, but since I bought one of these bags I cannot buy another. I recommend the large tote. Perfect size and feels great on the arm! https://www.seatbeltbags.com/default.aspx?CatalogID=28

6. Portable Folding Speakers from Radio Shack: Work great with any MP3 player. Perfect for camping trips!! Thanks Beesk! http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103838&cp=&origkw=portable+speakers&kw=portable+speakers&parentPage=search

7. Pecan Passion products from Bath and Body Works: Rub this on and smell like a cookie! http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2447360&cp&origkw=pecan+passion&kw=pecan+passion&parentPage=search

8. Buxom Lip Gloss by Bare Essentials: Plump them up and make them sexy without feeling gross! http://auctions.overstock.com/item/37651801#PhotoGallery

9. Method Spicy Pear Reed Diffusers: The house will smell yummy with one of these. Unfortunately the website doesn't sell them...but go to Target, a store that could easily be on this top 10!!

10. Smart Wool Socks: Another thing I've always disliked wearing, socks! I'm just a huge flip flop or bare foot fan. It all changed when I found smart wools. Don't be scared, they aren't itchy at all!! They also come in all colors and shapes!! https://www.smartwool.com

There you have it! You have made it through "The S List" and if you bought stuff along the way you didn't end up bankrupt. The biggest different between "The O List" and "The S List" is I'm not actually going to give you anything off the list for free. Sorry!

Rubix cubes are hot!!

I think Rubix cubes are making a comeback. It definitely has something to do with the feel-good holiday movie with Will Smith "The Pursuit of Happiness." Apparently he does some Rubix cube solving to get a job and NOW Rubix cubes are all over the news.

Yesterday a guy solved a Rubix cube blindfolded in 50 seconds! You know it's a slow news day when the reports are about Rubix cubes!

Freaky Finger

I filled out this survey the other day and one of the questions was to say something weird about myself that most people don't know. Mine is my freaky pinky finger. This brought up some questions so I thought I would go ahead and post it.

See, my pinky finger has an extra section. It's the only finger that has it, it's not longer than the other pinky...just has four sections instead of three. Still don't know what I'm talking about? Turn your hand over so it's palm up and count the sections on each finger.....three right? I tried to capture this in a photo so you can see what I'm talking about. Notice the fourth space on my pinky. It's not an extra join and definitely doesn't bend any differently than the other fingers.

I asked a Dr. about it once, and he just looked at me with no response like I was some kind of freak. I once had a palm reader tell me that it meant that I have a healing touch. If that were the case I wouldn't still have this damn chest cold!!

By the way, why is it that fingers always look short and fat in pictures? This is the one long skinny thing on my body and they look so pudgy in this picture! Oh well, guess I'll never be a hand model!

I hate baths!

Louie hates to take a bath. In fact he hates it so much that he tries to hide when he feels the "I'm getting a bath" vibe coming on. This is the first time he has ever hid in the closet though!!

I'm happy to report he seemed to love the bath after he got in, and now he is softer than anything I have ever felt!!

MY FIRST GRILL!

Nope, I'm not talking about the kind that you cook meat! I'm talking about the kind that when one smiles there are enough diamonds inside their mouth to blind you. Frank's nephew was at the wedding, "Bay-B-Blu" to introduce him, and he was sporting a super fly grill. When he smiled it was nothing but diamonds and sapphires blinging all the way to the bank. Lisa loved it and was literally all up in his grill! You would have thought she was a dentist!

The Cake

Frank and Nuvia's Wedding is today and here is the cake I made for them. It didn't come out quite as good as I wanted....but I am also my own worst critic. I was having alot of trouble with the buttercream frosting!! It wanted to set on me really quickly. Overall, I am pleased though. It tastes AMAZING and isn't that the most important thing?

I regret to inform that I am hereby retired from the wedding cake making business! Just too stressful for me.

Attack of the chest cold!

So every year I get a chest cold, and every year it starts right before Christmas or between Christmas and New Years and every year it lasts for 2-3 months. One year it became walking pneumonia and another a really bad case of bronchitis. Why would this year be any different?

The cold officially started on Tuesday night. I was in quite a bit of denial about the whole thing until this morning. I knew that there was one answer.....go to the doctor! I thought if I went to the doctor early I might be able to stop the madness. Know what they told me? That there's nothing they can do! Take some over the counter cold medicines and rub vics on my chest. Not only was that disappointing...but why don't any doctors really look like McDreamy?

Monkeys are funny!

Sometimes there is nothing funnier than a chimp.....especially when you can get that chimp to say whatever you tell it!! Have fun!

http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/

Beware of Hitchhikers

Yet another hysterical find on my road trip. It seems that between Winnemucca and Elko there are prisons. I don't know how many and really don't care...but it makes for great road signs. One of my favorites was in regards to hitchhiking.

My other favorite, which I couldn't get a picture of, was put out by the Fish and Game Department. This sign says "Please report any shooting from the side of the highway." First of all, after seeing the prison area signs I'd pretty much report shooting from a rubberband gun!!

The whole thing just left me with this hysterical image of two people shackled together on the side of the road, in orange jumpsuits, thumbs out and firing a rifle while running along the Nevada highway in the middle of no where!

Alphabet Hills

I'm on a never ending trip through Nevada right now! There is nothing worse than driving by yourself through the empty flat brown terraine of Nevada. There's a funny thing that these small towns in Nevada do. Rebecki told me to look for it and it's one of the few things that has kept me going. The towns paint the first letter of their town name on the side of a hill. Fallon: big F, Winnemucca: big W....you get the picture. I have to say that my favorite has to be Battle Mountain! You guessed it BM! There's nothing better than seeing a big BM on your road trip. I was just a little bummed out that Battle Mountain hasn't taken very good care of theirs.

See more letter hills on my blog!

Nate's Alive!!!

2006 was a very hard year for me. 2006 was the year that I really had to see and come to terms with the fact that Nate from Six Feet Under dies. I cried like a baby. Yes, I know it's a show...but it was just so sad!

I'm now happy to say that Nate is alive! Ok, his names Joe now and the show is called The Lost Room but he will always be Nate to me. Yes, I also know that Nate is alive on Bravo right now but ultimately those are just reruns of Six Feet Under and we all knows where that ends!!

Snap, Crackle, Pop

My Grandma and Aunt just sent me a little xmas box of goodies. There was alot of random stuff inside including really cute salt and pepper shakers which I will have to post later. One of the items totally threw me for a loop first. Wrapped up in bubble wrap were these three little dolls, which I have to admit are quite ugly. I couldn't figure out why they were in there or what they were and then I looked at the bottom! These are Kellog's figures of Snap, Crackle and Pop from 1972. I did some research online and apparently these were mail away dolls with UPC box tabs! They are wooden painted dolls with felt accent clothing. Now I think they are the cutest thing ever!!

Thanks Grandma and Aunt Carol!

Santa is evil!

WARNING! Viewing the following website is so disturbing and hysterical the following side effects may occur: Uncontrollable laughter with the need for Depends, Shoving items into the fireplace to prevent the visit of Santa, Keeping a safe distance from shopping malls to avoid spotting the visiting Santa Claus, Running and screaming when the mere sighting of a "Santa Hat" is spotted.

http://www.southflorida.com/events/sfl-scaredsanta,0,2245506.photogallery?index=1

I have to say the above photo is my favorite. If I was EVER placed near this Santa Claus myself I would be running for my life. Whoever thought it was a good idea to paper mache a lifesize Santa was out of their freaking minds!!

Oh Fudgems!

Fudgems, you silly little brownie square. I know that you have had a tough life. You leave little poop looking markings on everything that you touch and it hasn't made it easy for you. Well, today is your day to shine...National Brownie Day! This is your day to step in the spot light and spread your brown schmears all over this town! Here's to you Fudgems!

Ahhhh Damien!

Last night Rebecki and I headed back down to the lovely town of Oakland for another concert. This time around it was Damien Rice. The show was FANTASTIC! It was a last minute decision to get the tickets, and now I am soo glad I did. Damien put on a great show and as always his voice along with Lisa Hannigan was mesmerizing at times. If you haven't heard of Damien and Lisa before you can click on the link and watch the video for "9 Crimes" off the new album. Then you can be sad that you didn't go to the show!

http://www.video-c.co.uk/newmicrosites/microsite_watchvideo.asp?FileType=ADSLProg&vidref=dami006

Today is also Damien's birthday, so a Big Happy Birthday to Damien!!

Too many parties!!!

Feeling overwhelmed at the moment? Everyone wants you at their holiday party and you just want to stay home watching Charlie Brown Christmas and drinking hot cocoa? Here is the help you have been looking for!

http://holiday.enlighten.com/

Holiday Enlighten deals exclusively with this problem. You answer about 5 questions and it will give you an excuse letter to give to the host of each type of party. Pretty hilarious to play around with! This is my excuse letter to dear old Martha Stewart whose shin-dig I just can't attend this year.

http://holiday.enlighten.com/index.asp?id=1886S6

Happy Excuse Making!!!

Louie and the Tree

Every year we put up a Christmas tree and every year Louie gazes at it. It's really quite funny. We're not sure what it is about the tree, but he is drawn to the lights when they are on. He always sleeps the same direction in the green chair so we thought this year would be the ultimate test. Is the tree gazing all in our heads, or is he really attracted to the tree? The tree went up, the lights went on....and the position immediately changed. We are now convinced that he was born under a Christmas tree!!

You're a mean one.....

Mr. Grinch

Oh Christmas Tree....

We put up a Christmas tree and did a little decorating today. Didn't get our tree from the Lassen mountains this year, just went to the old Home Depot. We figured since we weren't going to be home at Christmas, we would just go small. It's a cute little tree, a little bushier than normal, but I like it. We put only fishing and racing ornaments on it so it is officially our "White Trash" Christmas tree!! I just love the smell the tree puts in the house!

Salt and Pepper Extravagnza!

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Originally uploaded by pillworm1.

I hung the final shelf of salt and pepper shakers today! This doesn't mean the collection is over, just means I don't have anymore space for shelves. Only thing is I'm not sure where to put any new shakers that I get...hmm I'll have to think about that one!

Can't wait to bake!

There's this incredible brand of products by a company called "Fred." I've had previous posts about some of their stuff that I own, but this is something I'm adding to my list of wants! These are the "Once Bitten Cookie Cutters." Each little shape comes with it's own bite mark! What is quite funny to me is that living with Bill I have discovered many once bitten items as he is notorious for biting something and putting it back just for laughs. Now I'm going to have to get these and payback! What I think would be even more hilarious is taking a tray to the office and seeing how long it takes people to help themselves.

http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1402