Snowmen Eat Banana Bread?

Here is the Banana Bread that I made the other day (you know the one that I braved the blizzard to get buttermilk for?) Oh and by the way, come to find out, you can substitute buttermilk for regular milk with a bit of lemon juice of white vinegar. Grrr! That's ok though, because I had fun using my breadmaker.

Later in the afternoon, when the howling wind had stopped, my neighbors and I went outside to build a snowman. They have a 3 year old (correction: just turned 4!) that has never really seen this much snow. And when I say "This much snow..." I mean more than just a dusting that sticks around just long enough to make a mess. She was so cute and we all had a great time keeping her little hands warm (she didn't have any waterproof gloves yet) and teaching her to make snow angels. The snowman we made was huge, probably over 6 ft tall. The sad part is that for as large as that pile of snow was, you'd think it would stick around. By 8:00 am the next morning, the snowmans head had already fallen off. He, and the rest of the snow, were mostly gone within a couple days, which just proves what freakish weather we have here in Colorado. I mean you can see in the picture, that the skies were already turning clear and blue by 4:00 pm that day.

Anyway, after an hour or so romping in the snow, we all headed inside to share some of my fresh baked banana bread and a cup of hot cocoa. Boy did that hit the spot!

It's a BLIZZARD!

All day yesterday the weather people were predicting a blizzard. NO ONE BELIEVED THEM because it was like mid-60's, cloudless, and gorgeous. I woke up this morning and found THIS on my banister.

And yes, that is snow OVER 4 cans of soup high!!! I knew you wouldn't believe it, so I had to put something in the picture to compare how incredibly deep the snow is. Best of all, there is suppose to be more coming all day! So maybe I'll have to take an update picture later this afternoon.

We've already had the power go out once, so this should be a fun day of homebodiness. I'm going to make soup for lunch (maybe even my grandma's old fashioned potato soup...OOOHH so good), possibly make some banana bread in the bread maker (have to venture out in the blizzard for buttermilk though), listen to some music, frog a bag I've been meaning to re-knit (must find the patter again too), and well, write a few blog entries I suppose. That ought to keep me busy most of the day! Happy Snow Day Everyone!

The Bread Woman Commeth

I found the best deal at Bed Bath & Beyond today. I happened to go there to find new bathroom accessories (towels, rugs, etc.) but always enjoy looking around. I especially like checking out the clearance racks, and today was no exception.

There were several things of interest on the clearance rack: a set of colored ceramic mixing bowls (missing only one), a small salad spinner (like for herbs and small salads), a very expensive Cuisinart Mandoline marked down to only $25, but best of all was a Cuisinart CBK-200 bread maker!

This bad boy retails for $130, but was marked down to $65 because it was a display model (so no box) and was missing the instruction manual (which you can get online or by calling the company.) And then on top of it, I had one of those 20% off coupons that got it down to $55 out the door!!!

Now, I wasn't exactly in the market for a bread maker, but with it being such a good price I couldn't refuse. It makes all your standard breads, pizza doughs, quick breads, etc., but also jams (don't ask me how, I'll find that out soon enough.) I have to find a place to keep it, but I think that it'll fit nicely in the slot that the old fryer sits, which I'm getting rid of...too big and we don't use it often enough (thank goodness.)

So, my big plan is to make my inagural bread this weekend... But I can't decide between Pumpkin Walnut Cranberry and Banana Bread. Who knows, maybe I'll make both. I have all but one ingredient for both, so either way I'm going to have to hit the grocery store.

Snow...And LOTS of it!

List of Favorites Contest

List your favorite:
Actor - Joseph Fiennes
Actress - Keira Knightley
Animal - Fresh Water Otter
Band - Sister Hazel
Book - (Lately) The Autobiography of Santa Claus
Bubble Bath - Yes please...if the tub is clean. (Speaking of I need some more...)
Candy - Dark Chocolate 100 Grand (they were limited edition this summer)
Color - Blue
Drink - MILK
Flower - calla lily (fire/mango)
Food - Ooh everything... corn maybe.
Lip Balm - Burts Bees
Lotion - Buttercream & Mint
Movie - King Arthur
Place - Oregon Home.... with my boy.
Song - Unbelievable
TV Show - Good Eats, That 70's Show
Yarn - umm I've only tried a couple... baby alpaca?
Vacation Spot - Italy!

Work Sucks!

Ok, so this week I totally got yelled at by someone that isn't my boss. In fact, I don't even work for them at all...they have no control over me. It was for stupid stuff that warranted a warning/reminder to begin with, but was not forthcoming. Anyway, long story short, I think I'll be up-ing the search for a real/alternate job so I no longer have to be the person these two entities around me fight over.

Also work related, I had an interview for an internship last week (monday) but it didn't seem to go as well as I would have liked. First off, I didn't realize that I was speaking with a woman via email and continually referred to her as Mr. On top of which I didn't realize until well after the interview so I couldn't even apologize! But whats worst of all, they wanted me, but for FREE! They couldn't pay me, at least now. She mentioned an opportunity to work on a contract job, but first they would have to get the bid. Anyway, I was really excited about this job and again I am let down. It's like God doesn't want me to have a job...

In other NON-work related news, it looks like Chris is going to be leaving for a work trip on the Oct. 15th, and won't be back until Halloween! So much time to be alone. Ugh. The good news, I guess, is that he's going to be getting Monday and Tuesday afternoon off this week and a day off when he gets back. I think we're gonna try and hit the cheap theater on Tuesday for a little movie matinee. It'll be nice to spend some time with him not during "football hours".

Secret Pal 9 are you out there?

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love natural stuff. I hate the acrylic fake stuff like red heart and the fun fur and stuff.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Well, I have one of the circular needle sets, so it comes in this little folder zip up thing. All the other needles (all of one pair) just sorta sit in the basket. Oh, and don’t really have any crochet hooks.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I’ve been knitting for about a year now, off and on. It’s really been off lately, but I’m hoping things will settle down a little and I can start up again. I taught myself with a basic Target Learn to Knit Kit, and then explored the internet and knit groups from there. I’d say that I’m still in beginner land, but maybe on the upper end of it.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, an amazon list. (HERE)

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I like the Butter Cream & Mint frangrance found at Walmart in their candles section…

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, I love dark chocolate! And gummy candies, like sour patch kids, gummy worms, etc.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I quilt, sew, scrapbook, cook, and many more things I’d like to try…

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have very eclectic taste (Disney, musicals, country, classical, alternative, Christian rock, pop/hip hop, etc.) Not really into rap though. And yes, I have and iPod mini.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I’m partial to blues and aqua greens, fall colors, and lately (I can’t believe I’m admitting this…) pink. lol

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just me and my boyfriend…we have a fishy named Killer and a frog named Robin. Want an orange striped kitty so I can name him Cheddar, but probably won’t happen cuz we live in an apartment and I’m allergic.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves, hats, and mittens when its cold enough, but never really ponchos. I could live without those.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Well, right now I’m excited about knitting up a bag I want to felt, but I also want to learn to do socks! They look like fun! Otherwise I haven’t enough experience to really have a favorite.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Working on a bag to felt, and frogging a hat soon to remake since it turned out the wrong size.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, it shows heart felt consideration.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Um, I think I like straights but I also like my circs… so uh no favorite really? I like Lantern Moon needles (I don’t have any yet, but I borrowed some and they were so pretty!)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No and no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Lol a year!

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving or Christmas, such beautiful, rich colors! Oh yeah and the foooooodddd!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really, I should find something though huh?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I want the pattern from knit picks for the Telemark Ski Sweater (oooh soooo pretty), Stitch-N-Bitch, delicious yarns that are so far unbeknownst to me, and sock books, but fun ones, not boring.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Sock making!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Um not yet (see above) and I’m never sure on this question… like standard shoe size? 8.5-9, but if its actual MEASUREMENTS, I’m not real sure how to take them… so uh ask?!

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
November 18th!!