Glue Guns are HOT

So I been absent from the blog scene for a couple reasons.  Why?  Well I started reading other blogs...and there is a whole group of crafty people out there and they make tutorials on how you too can be crafty so I decided to give it a whirl.  First project that I decided to tackle was a simple book wreath.  According to the crafty folks out there it is easy, cheap and quick (about 2 hours).   It took me two weeks, 2.5 books and I burned myself about 8 times.  What the crafty bloggers forgot to tell me is that glue guns are HOT - super HOT and you will burn yourself if you touch the glue.  Here is the wreath:

Royal Wedding

Happy Marriage Monday!  Since I slept through the Royal Wedding last Friday I have decided we will have our own Royal Wedding today.  So I googled Royal Wedding highlights and nothing they did seems that challenging so today we will repeat the royal wedding and add our own flare to it.


Wear a Crown & a Veil:  They have foam ones in the $1 section of target and a few sheets of toilet paper will serve as a great veil.


Receive New Titles:  The queen bestowed the Title of Duke & Duchess of Cambridge to  Prince William and Kate.  I have decided that Zeb and I will become the Duke & Duchess of 6525 ~ 46th Ave NE


Carriage Ride:  Since we don't have a carriage or horses I have decided that we will use Wesley's stroller and take turns pushing each other in it.


Kissing on the Balcony:  Our deck is a few feet off the ground so I am pretty sure that is the same thing as a balcony.


Eat Bacon Butties:  "crisply grilled, not-too-fat bacon between thick slices of white bread."  Apparently these were served at the late night reception.  Sounds like a BLT (minus the lettuce and tomato) and makes for a quick and easy dinner.

Toddler Tuesday

I know I promised some amazing parenting advice but I don't have any.  So get a good nights sleep, drink LOTS of coffee in the morning and know that when your child is asking for chocolate chips for breakfast (and for some reason you are giving them to him), scraping their forehead on cement, crying on the floor of target, shouting "all done" after 10 minutes of nap time and throwing their dinner everywhere -  remember you are not alone and all the crazy moments of the day can disappear with one sweet little hug and a huge bowl of ice cream.

Toddler Tuesday

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby carriage.   At the moment I have no good parenting tips.  Toddlers are full of mysteries.  Currently, at our house we are trying to solve a few.  How did the sock end up in my glass of wine? (no it wasn't Mrs. Peacock) and why will Wes eat carrots for breakfast but not any other time of day?  Check back next Tuesday for a brilliant piece of parenting advice.  

BTW:  Wesley and I both enjoyed our free ice cream yesterday (see photos below).  Don't worry if you missed free cone day at Ben & Jerry's - they will do it again next April.

Almost as AWESOME as being Married

Happy Marriage Monday!  Typically, I would blog about marriage since being married is awesome.  Just two things come close to my love for my husband; our son and free ice cream.  Which is why today I am blogging about FREE ICE CREAM!  Tomorrow, Tuesday April 12, 2011 is FREE CONE DAY at Ben & Jerry's.  So cancel all your plans and head on over to get your free scoop!

BTW:  I can't tell you where in Seattle Ben & Jerry's is located because so many people read my blog - I don't want to stand in a super long line.  However, I will tell you that they are open from 1:00pm to 6:00pm on Tuesday.  Visit benjerry.com to find a store near you.

Stay Friends

Happy Marriage Monday!  Today's marriage tip:  Stay Friends.  What do you do with your friends?

Meet for coffee?  Then brew some coffee or tea, get cozy on couch and have a little friendly time.  Try some basic conversation starters:
How was your day?
What was your favorite part of our weekend?
Any new challenges at work?

Or maybe you play sports with your friends?  Then try indoor tennis.  You just need two racquet's, a balloon and a couch.  Put the couch in the middle of the living room and Waa-La you have net.  End the game with some friendly butt pats.

Or Maybe you talk on the phone with your friends?  Go to separate sides of the house and dial each other up on your cell phones.

BTW:  The NCAA National championship game is tonight so you may want to wait till tomorrow to try these friendly activities.  Tonight you should order some pizza and watch the game!

Please Leave The Lights On

Maybe it's a little creepy but I love it when my neighbors leave their lights on at night.  While on my evening stroll around the block I appreciate the feeling of safety it provides plus I like to look inside.
When I am peeking in the windows I like to know:  what color did they paint their living room & dinning room? What tv programs do they watch at night?  What kind of art do they have hanging on the walls?  Do they have the same fireplace as us?  Do they have wild family dance parties like us?  Just basic stuff.  So please keep the lights on (and your clothes too since I can see inside)

Heat up your marriage with a bag of rice

Oh Happy Marriage Monday!  Need to heat things up?  Try a bag of rice.

Here's How:

Take some rice and some fabric.  Do a little sewing then throw the rice inside.  Heat it up in the microwave then place it at the bottom of your bed and snuggle up close to each other.  No need to wear knee-high socks to bed or worry about cold toes.

BTW:  Click here for more detail instructions or you can buy one.  Try shopping etsy.

Get Happy

According to Oprah & her people  here is how you can get your HAPPY on:

Change your DNA:  Apparently the smart people at Berkeley found that up to 50% of your happiness is genetic.  40% is your choice and 10% is life circumstances.

Get Real Quiet:  Spending 10 minutes a day doing nothing can bring on the happy.

Get Married & Intimate:  You can figure this one out.

Then have some Babies:  Although they will make you crazy, it will be a crazy love that amps the happy factor.  Research suggest that children are stressful and the happiness rises after the child turns 18.

Take your Neighbor's Cookies:  More neighbors you know the more happier and safer you feel.  Why cookies?  If your neighbor is happy it ups your happiness by 34%

Turn off the tube:  Just one episode of modern family is all you need.  Happy people watch between 1/2 hour to 1 hour TV per day.

Make a new BFF:  You need at least 2 and 9 is recommended so get friendly.  Once you are out of elementary school it is ok to have more then one BFF just don't rank them.

Aim for $75,000:  For a family of 4 happiness maxes out once you earn $75,000 per year so work hard but don't spend all your time working.

9 months vs. forever:  Experiences last a life time.  Material purchases fizzle sometime between 1 minute after buying and 9 months SO invest that extra cash & extra time on an adventure.

BTW:  this is my own interpretation for the actual information provided on the Oprah show.

Shockingly NOT Simple

Save your $5 here is everything you need to know from this month's REAL SIMPLE:

• Your house is NOT clean
• Wear Galoshes, cheerful stripes, and flowered prints
• Use your cereal bowl as a speaker.  Stick your IPhone inside, crank it up the volume and dance away.
• Rice is too plain.  Jazz it up!  Search your pantry and throw some extra goodies in it.  
• Buy an area rug.  Your floors will thank you.
• Stop procrastination: bottom line follow nike and JUST DO IT!
• Eggs are good anytime of day, cooked anyway.  Try them with smoked salmon, make a curried egg salad sandwich, throw them in a salad, bake them, poach them, scramble them or omelet them.  

BTW:  Unless you LOVE to CLEAN avoid feeling discourage and don't read, look at the pictures or touch Real Simple April 2011.  They explain how to clean curtains, upholstery and close your eyes your mattress.  We have had our bed for over 8 years and sure I might vacuum it on occasion but I have never dusted it with baking soda to draw out dirt and moisture.


More BTW:  If you don't like eggs then head to IVARS for dinner tonight.  To celebrate Ivar's birthday if you buy one entree you get the 2nd entree for $1.06

Go to Bed Together

Monday's Marriage Tip:

Go to bed together.  Honestly, I have seen worms on the side walk at night and I have seen owls awake in the morning (at the zoo) so I know that despite your schedule preferences you can make it work.  So get your teeth brushed and your recycling out and hit the hay at the same time tonight.

Go Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I challenge you to GO GREEN today.  Yesterday, I had a full thing of green food coloring and now it is almost gone.  We have had green eggs, green chicken, green rice, green coffee, green peanut butter, green water and green milk.   On the menu tonight is green biscuits and green gravy.  Green food looks gross so I am sparing you the pictures since I don't want you to lose your appetite.  However, here are a few non-food items we have dyed green.

BTW:  Don't worry mom Wesley is still creamy white.  The green bath did not effect his skin, the bath tub or my white towels.

Texting

Goal of the week is to become a faster texter.  In order to achieve my goal I decided it was time to learn some texting abbreviations.  They are hard to remember so I have the G8 idea of printing them and taping them to the back of my phone but I don't have a printer.  Below is a list of more common texting abbreviations and I also made up a few of my own that you can use if you want.

Common Texts

411           Information

2moro       Tomorrow

CWYL       Chat with you later

G1            Good One

GR8          Great

LOL           Laughing Out Loud 

NIMBY       Not in my back yard

OIC            Oh, I see

BTBY         Bummer to be you

SWAK        Sealed with a kiss
UOK           Are you Okay?

VBG           Very big grin

WRUD        What are you doing?

WYWH        Wish You were here

I tried to make up a few of my own

WTBHo        What time will you be home?

PDS             Playdate soon?

NCN!            Need coffee now!

M@*$           Meet at Starbucks

HowdayG      How is your day going?

BTW:  Tomorrow is St.Patrick's Day.  For a fun surprise try putting a few drops of green food coloring in the toilet.

Make a Friend

Best way to make a friend is to be a friend so put on a smile and show some kindness.


Here are a few ideas:
Wave Hello
Offer to buy someone coffee
Make a joke (make sure it is appropriate)
Hold the door open for someone
Let them talk about themselves (see questions below


I want to get know you questions.

What was your favorite musical group when you were in middle school?

What do you like about where we live?

When are you most frustrated?

What new tradition would you like to start this year?

What is your favorite smell?

Name one thing you love about being married/single/dating (whichever is their current relationship status)?

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

What's one thing you admire about your parents?

What's one item on your wish list?
What is your favorite room in your house?

Do you want to be my friend?

BTW:  If this doesn't work these techniques don't work for you don't get discouraged!  Jesus will always be your friend and I will be your friend too if you want.


BTW Again:  Wash your hands and don't touch your face!  There are tons of spring germs flying around.  Quickest way to make people not want to sit next to you is coughing so stay healthy.  

Touch Therapy

Happy Marriage Monday! 

This week use a little touch therapy a.k.a massage to stop the ugly cry and close the door on the man cave.  Next time your spouse is tense, upset, overwhelmed, frustrated or fill in the emotion.  Instead of engaging in an argument or trying to solve the problem TRY a simple shoulder rub.  A simple back massage can solve all of the days problems (most of the time) and prevent the waterworks woman OR the zoned out man.

Plus, it is well documented that back rubs in the front room lead to front rubs in the backroom which is also why I only recommend this technique to the married people.

BTW:  Don't forget flowers & clean kitchens also make women happy.

Spring Forward

This weekend is nighttime losing. Formally, called daylight savings which doesn't make sense so I renamed it. Get ready, clocks change at 2:00am Sunday so don't be late for church.


To celebrate let me suggest some other not fun activities that should be done at least twice a year:

Scrub your bathtub
Visit your in-laws
Push-ups
Clean your wash machines
Buy a new bra or swim suit
Change your security passwords
Get a new toothbrush
Change batteries in fire alarm
Put more windshield wiper stuff in your car
Sort your tupperware drawer

Better Ideas

Feeling bad that my suggestions of what to do this weekend yesterday were so lame.  SO here a few more suggestions.  Make it the BEST weekend EVER!

For single men & women:

Play with your niece/nephew.  They will love you.  Their parents will love you.  OR if you don't have a niece or nephew come you can play with Wesley.

Go to a Party:  Since, I am old married and have a child I don't know of any parties but they are out there.  LOTS of parties for single people.

Dating and engaged folks:

Snowshoeing:  Do it this weekend before the snow all melts away.  If you like the outdoors it is worth buying a pair or better yet come borrow ours for free.

Go Parking:  Visit a new park or an old favorite.  Savor some coffee while you walk around.  Leave near Seattle?  Try Volunteer park.  There is an amazing view from the water tower and there is also a conservatory where you can see tropical flowers and poky cactus.  

For married folks:

Go Old School Parking:  Yes, I mean making-out in your car.   

Breakfast in Bed:  Grab some scrumptious muffins from your favorite bakery, set the coffee pot the night before, grab some favorite reading material and breath mints and spend the day in bed

For married people with children:

REI:  Take the whole family for a date at REI downtown Seattle.  Check in with the front desk to pick up a guide/map of all the animal footprints around the store then become a hunter, veterinarian, zoologist (or whatever your family believes) as you tract the prints around the store.  

Eat without your children:  Simple but AMAZING!  Dinner can be relaxing.  No picking up food off the floor, cutting meat or adventure bites or trying to sell broccoli as dinosaur trees.  Or pick up some dessert to share once the kiddos are locked in their rooms for the night. 

What to DO?

Already dreaming of Friday?  You might want to start thinking of how you are going to spend your weekend because this is all I could come up with.  Let me know if you get any great ideas.


BEST EVENT for the really BORED:

Pluto is a Planet Protest and March.  Saturday, March 12, 2011,  1:30pm   

Justin feels sad that pluto was kicked out of orbit.  Drop in to Greenwood Space Travel and Supply to a make a protest sign and stomp around.

For more information contact Justin:  justinallan@826seattle.org

BEST EVENT for those with KIDS:

Hurry Hurry Drive the Fire Truck!  Saturday, March 12th, 2011 from 11am to 1pm  FREE

Seattle Fire Department Dedication and Open House of the new Fire Station 38 (4004 NE 55th Street, Seattle, 98105) right across from the Metropolitan Market

Snoop around, hug a firefighter and learn about safety.  Refreshments provided by local 27 and Top Pot Doughnuts.

BTW:  You don't really get to drive the Fire Truck. 

HAPPY FAT TUESDAY

Looking for some appealing part of Mardi Gras.  Generally, speaking I like to keep my shirt on, limit myself to one glass of wine, dance only in my living room and a good meal is when I can still button my jeans.

Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday  Lent begins.  Up until a few years ago I thought Lent was a time when catholics gave up eating chocolate.  Decided it was time I learn a little more.  So here is what I have uncovered.  LENT is the time period during which people prepare mentally and spiritually for Easter.  

There are three parts to lent:

1.  Prayer 

2.  Giving something up  (way to eliminate things that distract from God)

3.  Do good for others

What does lent mean to you?

Love Note

Happy Marriage Monday!  Improve your romantic connection by leaving a few love notes around the house, car, office OR go old school and drop one in the mail box.

Here are a few notes I left for Zeb this weekend

Use whatever materials are available to you.   Blue painters tape or paper and pen work great.  Bathtime abc's not so good because by the time Zeb noticed the note in the shower the T had fallen and it read U R HO EXY.

BTW:  I am in NO way affiliated with the ZEB graffiti tags around the greater Seattle area.  Just so happens that my husbands name is Zebrick.  A friendly reminder to everyone:  Don't deface signs, other people's property or liter because it will hurt.

Honesty Confession #2 McDonald's vs. Microsoft

Lost a bet to my husband.  I thought McDonald's was bigger then Microsoft.  Way to go Microsoft you are way bigger.  You have office, x-box, bing & Bill.  McDonald's has big red shoes, happy meals and best of all a drive-through.  I am addicted to the feeling of pleasure and guilt that I get while cruising up to the talking box.  Should we eat food that is handed to us through a window?  Debatable.  Maybe that is why I only go through the drive-through alone and throw away the wrappers before anyone can see them.

Quote board

Everyone needs a quote board.  A place to write funny, touching & thought-provoking statements.

On my quote board this week:

"Glasses are lipstick for your eyes" from the man at Specs in the City trying to convince me to get red rims.

"Satisfy your meat tooth" on the sign outside Bill the Butcher which has inspired me to buy more bacon. BACON, BACON, BACON.  I love BACON.  My Grandpa makes the best bacon.  For some other tasty bacon treats try ‘Cheap Dates’ Medjoohl dates wrapped in bacon, grilled eggplant, pickled red onion at TANGO or Beer Battered Bacon at the Jolly Roger Taproom.

Feel free to paste your favorite quote of the week!

BTW:  Hope is alive the Huskies won!
As far as my goals for the week.
Smelling lovely:  Currently, I smell like rosemary, not a bad smell but only lovely on chicken or roasted potatoes.
Singing with Wesley: Placed holds on 3 new kids CD's at the library.
Crockpot Cooking:  Placed 5 books on hold at the library.  Love the library.
1 Minute of Plank:  Doing it and also ate 5 cookies today.  3 before breakfast.

Wondering?

Things running through my mind today:

• Should you eat Quinoa with a spoon or a fork?

• If your child pees on a book, should you throw it away? What if it is a library book?

• Are the glasses crooked or do I need an ear job?  Do plastic surgery on ears?

• What happened to the HUSKIES?   Can we turn it around tonight? 6:00pm game against UCLA

What are your random questions?  

Improve Yourself

My blog is stalling.  Although, there is a small group of you trying to help me make it big (thank you) thus far it isn't happening.  So I came up with a few plans.  Plan A:  Get Rachel Ray to join my blog.  I sent her and email and haven't heard anything yet.  Plan B: Make Blog appeal to more people.  This is vague but apparently many blogs either offer helpful information (which I am trying to provide) or they chronicle their attempts of achieving new goals.  SO here are my goals this week.  Feel free to try out my goals OR make some goals of your own.

Marriage/Romance:  My GOAL is to smell lovely.  This will including showering, not spilling food on myself and wearing perfume

Parenting:  More singing.  Not my favorite thing to do but Wesley doesn't notice that I am tone deaf and enjoys singing silly songs.  So I will try to check out a song book from the library.

Health & Fitness:  PLANK.  1 minute a day.

Food:  Keep is easy, yummy & cheap.  Find good crockpot recipe - limit trips to the store so I buy less. Please let me know if you have any good suggestions about what to throw in the crockpot.

BTW:  Would love to hear your goals for the week

FREE FREE and MORE FREE

I LOVE free stuff.  So today go get your free pancakes at IHOP and tomorrow Wednesday March 2nd or Thursday March 3rd you can go see America's Got Talent (live taping) for Free at the Paramount in Seattle.  Call or visit their website for ticket information.

FREE PANCAKES

Tuesday is Happy Pancake Day!  Are you as horrible at making pancakes as me?  Then head to IHOP for your complimentary short stack on Tuesday, March 1, 7 am to 10 pm. Yep, that is right you can have your short stack for breakfast, lunch or dinner since the offer is good till 10 PM

BTW: March is Dine Around Seattle Month.  Gourmet Prix-Fixe Menus for $30.

turn off the TV & turn on each other

Happy Marriage Monday!  How are you going to share your LOVE today?

The Professor of LOVE, Stan the Man suggests turning off the TV and turning on each other (see video below)

My personal suggestions include:
Holding hands
Feeding each other grapes ($1 a pound a QFC till Tuesday)
Light a candle
Unload the dishwasher (trust me men this can be super sexy)
If you can carry a tune then sing them a song, if not try humming something romantic
Go on a DATE.  Check out GOLDSTAR they offer half price tickets to all sorts of amazing events.

BTW:  Go on a FREE DATE this Thursday.  The 1st Thursday of the month is FREE admission to many Museums including:  The Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Burke Museum, Museum of Flight.  * Museum of flight is only free between the hours of 5pm and 9pm*  Always check directly with the Museum for accurate and most current information.  Never rely on someone 2nd hand knowledge.

This could be YOU

Not sure why but no one has contact me about being the friday dancer on my blog.
YOU could inspire millions with your moves.  YOU could make children smile.  YOU could burn some calories.  Please contact me at courtneyjroach@gmail.com if you are interested.

Helpful Coffee Tips

Coffee Shot Glass & Regular Shot Glass are not the same thing although the people at Fred Meyer's don't know this

Tall is 12 ounces, Grande is 16 ounces and Ventie is huge.  Although I can never remember to do it the barista's appreciate it if you start your drink order with what size you would like

If you registered a starbucks card they send you a free drink coupon for your birthday and if you buy a lot of coffee they send you a super flashy GOLD card which is pretty amazing.  

Cash & Carry has cheap syrup (you know the flavoring stuff) 

Don't take your glass french press camping

HIRE ME

Alright folks, I am slowly making money at blogging but at my current pace I haven't even accrued enough cash to purchase a dress at Forever 21 so maybe one of you out there in cyberspace wants to hire me.

Skills
Grocery Shopping
Finding Lost Toys
Breaking up toddler fights
Googling/Internet Research
Planning Birthday Parties

Risk Taker

Frequently, leave house without a diaper bag

Rarely set a timer when cooking

Drink bath water - Wesley has been doing it for quite some time and so it made me a curious to try

Hours & Pay requirements
Willing to work 5 to 10 hours a week.  Limited availalbity on weekends.
Salary/Hourly pay must be able to cover my childcare expenses while working plus provide an extra income

BTW:  Speaking of planning birthday parties, you are all invited to join us for Welsey's 5th Birthday Party, Tuesday September 30th 2014 at Disneyland.

HUG an Engineer this Week

HAPPY Engineering week!  What is an engineer?  No one really knows but here are a few things that I have learned about engineers.

1.  They can fix anything with a few paper clips & some duck tape
2.  They notice your shoes
3.  They play basketball on their lunch breaks
4.  I can tell you the color of your car.  Engineers can tell you the make & model
5.  Famous Engineers include God, George Washington & Zebrick Roach
6.  They make great husbands
7.  Favorite TV channels include discovery, history & ultimate fighting
8.  Their solutions are often complicated and involve buying new tools


BTW:  All my engineering information is from my own experience and not based on any real research.

The Professor of LOVE

Due to the popularity of my For Married Only blog post I have decided to devote Monday's to marriage.  Oprah has Dr.Phil, Dr.Oz & Cutie-Pie Nate and I have STAN the MAN aka my father.  Today's marriage advice comes the self proclaimed Professor of Love.

Advice for Men

Advice for Women

BTW:  TODAY is PRESIDENTS DAY.  Below is a fun fact & craft to help you celebrate!

• George Washington was our 1st President & only President to have a state named after him.
• Try building a log cabin out of pretzels

Free Face Lift

3 reasons to SMILE:  Friday & Dancing & Dancing.  NEW to my blog is bust it, shake it & get down Friday.  Each week I will feature one of YOU and your amazing skills.  This week's dancer is a mix between Beyonce & Shakira.  Stand up right now because I am pretty sure you will want to dance along.

If you would like to audition to be the featured Friday dancer, please contact me at courtneyjroach@gmail.com.

BTW:  COMING NEXT WEEK:  Marriage advice from STAN the MAN

Impress Your Techie Friends

All you need to know from this month's Popular Mechanics:  

• Everyone should Build a Tree House
• If you are going to drive on the Moon you need special tires
• Own an iPad?  Get an iPad Caddy (keyboard thing-a-ma-jig that you can slide the ipad on & waa-la you can type away)
• 2011 Cars have new features but similar colors as older models
• Flying turbines are trying to harness the winds power
• With a few raw materials you can build a log cabin from scratch

Keep in mind that I didn't actually read any of the magazine just looked at the pictures.

Why Wait?

National BFF day is June 8th but I say Why Wait?  You could run out and buy a bunch of half heart necklaces OR simply send an email, card or text telling them what you appreciate about them.  To inspire you I would like to highlight two of my good friends

Katelyn.  Not sure when it happened but you have gone from little sister to one of my best friends.  I admire the way you live life to the fullest with gusto.  Thanks for laughing with me and providing your close to honest opinions about my fashion.  I am proud of the photographer you have become and your desire to continue improving you skill.  It truly is a gift to be able to capture people in photos the way you can.  I appreciate that you let me help with your business even though I can't take a photo that is in focus.  You are the best auntie to Wesley.

Casey.  My perm-a-grin brother - I can always count on you for a smile.  I really appreciate the way you take time with Wesley and give me a moment of peace.  Although, it drives me a little crazy sometimes, I love that you passionately fight for the things you believe in - especially us (like the time you called Goodwill and got Katelyn her money back).  You are steady and have a great contentment and confidence.  You an awesome housemate and role model for Wes.

BTW:  Although, they won't be a happy about this last announcement I think you should know that both my siblings are currently single and I would happily arrange a chance at love with them for a small matchmaker fee.

The Internet is Not Private

Yesterday, was my best blogging day thus far.  Apparently, all of you are interested in marriage which brings me to today's helpful information:  The Internet is NOT Private and anyone might be reading your blog.  So I want to apologize to my husband who so kindly decided to promote my blog to his co-workers (and their families) yesterday.  He didn't know I was going PG-13 with my blog.  In addition I would like to extend sorry to any of my mothers friends.  I appreciate all help in making my blog a success.


BTW:  Feel free to become a follower of my blog.  I think all you have to do is click the follow button.  Then I am not sure what happens.  

For Married Readers Only

Apparently there is this thing called sexting which is texting sexy messages and or pictures.  Since it is valentines day why not spice things up a little?  Pick your spice level and text away.

One Star:
hey baby
cnt wait 2 c u
thinking bout u right now

Two Stars:
u look hot 2day
u r so sxy

Three Stars:
what r u wearing?
guess what im wearing?

Four Stars:
I want to touch u
wanna come play?

Five Stars:
My parents read my blog and I don't want to give my dad too much material so if you want something really juicy then google sexy text messages

BTW:  Make sure you only send the text to your spouse or that could be really embarrassing

Wish I had Known

Chick-a-latte drive through coffee stand:  the chick is not a baby bird

Cumin is a spice good for Mexican, Thai or Mediterranean dishes don't put it in chicken pot pie

Store bought toasted coconut has calories - LOTS of them and it doesn't really qualify as a fruit

If you are making vegetarian soup in addition to leaving out the meat do not use chicken broth

Always read evites carefully so you don't miss important information such as cocktail party attire

Still not sure I believe it but according to Zeb there is no such thing as infinity to the infinity power OR infinity plus infinity OR infinity X infinity.  I still think it is a good way to express a large quantity or something not measurable like my love for my family

What to Do This Weekend?

TGIF - here are my best suggestions for FREE things to do this weekend in Seattle

Owls: Raptors of the Night Super Saturday: Sure to be a real HOOT! 
Saturday, 2/12, 10am - 3:pm
Location: Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle, Wa 


Johnny Bregar Family Concert:  Get folky and sing along 
Saturday, 2/12, 11am
Location:  Northgate Community Center, 10510 5th Avenue NE, Seattle, Wa


Go, Dog, Go!  Drama Story:  Woof Woof
Saturday, 2/12, 11am
Location: Secret Garden Bookshop, 2214 NW Market Street, Seattle Wa


Workshop: Planting Permaculture Perennials:  Go turn your thumbs Green
Saturday, 2/12 10am - 12pm
Location: Landscape Horticulture Complex South Seattle Community College, North Entrance,
6000, 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA


Concert Compline:  Relax & Listen
Sunday, 2/12 9:30pm
Location: St. Mark's, 1245 Tenth Ave E, Seattle, WA
Note: Silence is requested so don't take my child


BTW:  Valentines Day is MONDAY

How to Spend $10

After almost three weeks of blogging I have made just over $10 bucks. My new fortune has got me thinking of the best ways I can spend this extra cash so here are my best ideas:

• $3 movie + snacks. Crest Cinema in Shoreline offers $3 flicks and my friend Carrie taught me the key is a big purse with a flat bottom so you can pack in slurpees & lots of snacks
• Goat Cheese & Fresh Herb Scramble with taters and fancy toast for $5.55 at the Hi-Life in Ballard. Monday through Friday they offer several yummy breakfast options for $5.55.
• Coffee for you & Coffee for me. Pete's coffee frequently has buy one drink get one drink free coupons. Join their mailing list and they send them to you OR if you email me then I will forward my coupon to you. (courtneyjroach@gmail.com) OR if you want to go with me then I will bring the coupon and you bring the cash.
• Roasted Chicken from Costco - for $4.99 dinner is served. If you want to get out of Costco for under $10 the trick is no cart & no wallet - just take you & Alexander Hamilton
• Send some LOVE - Buy some stamps, a newspaper to cut up and make some valentines day cards. (for cuter valentines day ideas read a crafty blog - like my friend ashley's)

BTW: Husky game starts at 6:00pm tonight - watch for me on TV. I will be wearing purple just like everyone else.

Snooping in my neighbors pantry

Over at the neighbors house today watching their little girl who is the same age Wes. Both kids are sleeping so I am doing what any good neighbor would do and tasting my way through their fridge and pantry. Found some new yummy items to add to my shopping list.

• Seven Grain Old Mill Bread: super yummy and made right here in Seattle


• Wisconsin Cheddar Pirate Booty: I am no longer afraid to stray away from the oringal flavor.


• MaraNatha organic no stir peanut butter: if Costco's organic peanut butter is too soupy for you try this kind - it has the perfect consistency


• Late July Organic Crackers: flaky & butter without added stuff you can't pronounce

Trying to decide where to shop this week? Here are the best produce deals from the store flyer's based on my zip code and interpretation

Safeway: Cantaloupe is 2 melons for $4, Kiwifruit is 3 for $1 and grapes are $1.99 per pound

QFC: Oranges are 88 cents a pound, Grapefruit 3 for $1 and Asparagus is $1.48 per pound

Fred Meyers: Grapefruit 3 for $1, Asparagus is $1.28 per pound, Peppers & cucumbers are 4 for $5, Organic Apples (fuji, gala or braeburn) 88 cents a pound, Honey Tangerines are 98 cents a pound and grape tomatoes are 2 for $4 (keep in mind their sales run Saturday to Saturday instead of Wednesday to Wednesday)

Whole Foods: Large avocados 4 for $5

Albertsons: Lemons 2 for $1, Russet Potatoes 59 cents a pound, Vine Ripe Tomatoes 1.99 per lb.

BTW: Turn on the TV and get cozy because Modern Family is a new valentines day espisode tonight

Real Simple

Some people summarize books and I summarize magazines.

Here are the highlights from March's Real Simple

• Make heart shaped cupcakes by wedging a single marble between the liner and the pan (after filling with batter) to create a heart shaped indent
• Suck your cheeks in when you apply blush & follow the lines of your bones
• Wear orange this spring
• Don't click on who viewed your facebook profile - it is a scam. Don't feel bad if you did - I tried it too. Lesson learned DON'T CLICK on APP Links.
• Slow cookers, Slow cooker, Slow Cooker - fancy word for crockpot and the easy way to get dinner made without calling take out. http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/8-slow-cooker-recipes-00000000008818/index.html

BTW: If you haven't got a gift for your valentine try a subscription to a magazine (plus a card, flowers/chocolate & food). Amazon typically has the best prices PLUS they have a special right now. Spend $20 get $10.

http://www.amazon.com/b/?ie=UTF8&node=599858&tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3752348625&ref=pd_sl_9e7l355wj_b

DIY Cardboard Magic

Zebrick : Thinking of using that cardboard box to lay the frames out on

Confused Me: Why don't you use the carpet?

Zebrick: Do you want drawings on your carpet?

Super Confused Me: Hun?

Zeb's brillant DIY plan:

Lay the frames out on the cardboard

once arranged use a pencil/pen to mark

hang the cardboard on the wall and drill through

remove cardboard and hang frames

Result: Photos are beautifully displayed and your wall is free of pencil lines

Other great uses for cardboard boxes:

Flatten it and turn it into dance floor for wee ones

Make your husband a sexy robot costume

That is all I could come up with so I googled uses for cardboard boxes. Good old Martha she came up with 70. http://theradioblog.marthastewart.com/2010/07/70-uses-for-cardboard-boxes.html

Buy your Philly Pants for Valentines

Never be caught at Starbucks with your pants on inside out again (I have a wild child and I hadn't had my coffee yet - nothing else needs to be said).

These two pairs of pants will solve all your problems. Reversible, Washable, Comfortable and able to everything. First the Zella Live In Legging - I would seriously consider having these pants tattooed on. Tall boots love these pants, I love these pants, You will love these pants. Then the Zella Booty Pants - yes they give your booty the perfect hug...cozy, firm and not too tight.

MEN: If you haven't bought your little Philly a valentines day gift yet - GO to nordstroms and buy these pants.

BTW: I would recommend that in addition to the pants - get flowers, write a card and make or take to dinner.

FOR ALL THE SINGLE LADIES: These pants love your body so well that you won't miss having a man this Feb. 14th so pick up a pair yourself.

Zella 'Live-In" Leggings

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-live-in-leggings/3035710?origin=related-3035710-6012241-0-1

Zella Booty Pants:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-booty-pants/3065813?origin=category&resultback=1200

SOS vs. SOL

Often I announce I am SOS. My husband seems to believes I am misusing this term. He thinks I mean SOL. So I consulted Wikipedia:

SOS is the commonly used description for the international Morse code distress signal (· · · — — — · · ·)

Thank you Wikipedia that is exactly what I mean SOS, I am in distress. Therefore whenever I feel the need I will continue screaming SOS.

In case you are wondering SOL means Sorry out of Luck or if you ask Wikipedia it means:

Sun, or Sol in Latin and other languages, the star at the center of the Solar System

btw today's groupon is $10 for $20 bucks at barnes and noble. Go book CRAZY!

Bring back the Sample Fairies

Dear Costco,

Please bring the mid-week sample fairies back along with their "buy this" dust. Serious. Now there is nothing but dog food at the end of the frozen food lane. Gone is the giddy feeling I get while wondering is it going to be pizza bites or flavored sparkling mineral water. Gone is the regret and surprise when I unload my box and discover items I don't need, want or even like.

I promise I will only take two from each tray and stop pretending like the 2nd sample is for my child.

BTW (short for By the Way) You might want to leave work early and pick up a pizza on your way home since the Husky game starts at 6:00pm. GO DAWGS

Hidden Dragon Crouching Tiger

We all need a little hidden dragon crouching tiger mama in us. Haven't read the book (Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother) so I shouldn't be commenting on something that I know nothing about BUT I can't help but applaud her confidence. So today I am shouting "you go girl" and not second guess myself. I want to live with passion, belief and trust in who I am. Even if my biggest decision is should I buy grapes or apples.

If you decided to try this also, you may want to consider whispering since I got some funny looks at the store. Oh and I bought both grapes & apples.

By the way Modern Family is a rerun tonight so you might want to change your plans accordingly.

For Sale: a chance at love with Casey (my brother)

Been at this blogging thing for a week. Have yet to make any money so I have decided to start selling things. Since I am not one to keep around items I don't want there isn't much in my house to sell so here is the best thing I could come up with.

For Sale: a chance at love with Casey (my brother)

Features:

Tallish - maybe 6 ft

Great Smile

Employed

28 years old

Responsible

Out-going

Mac User

Family type of guy

Loves snowboarding, volvos, cereal, ProRo (that is his gym), and much more.

Comes with the Package:

Me, my husband and child. Currently, we co-own & co-habitate our house with my brother. We, especially little Wes love our Casey.

If you are interested please email me at courtneyjroach@gmail.com for more information. Honestly, I haven't thought through the details so it may take me awhile to get back to you.

Also, if you know my brother PLEASE do not tell him about this post. He isn't a fan of me helping with his dating.

Katelyn (my favorite sister) - the only reason I am not selling you also is because you read my blog.

Kitchen Inspiration: Tongs, Peanut Butter & Chocolate

Tall Kitchen Cupboards got you feeling short?

Instead of dragging over a chair try grabbing your kitchen tongs. Works like a charm for grabbing those hard to reach items off the top shelf.

Wondering how I discovered this little trick? Not sure exactly but whoa was I on a roll with good ideas. Once I grabbed the peanut butter off the top shelf I decided to try a little experiment. I melted a handful of chocolate chips with a big scoop of peanut butter in the microwave for 30ish seconds - amazingly tasty, especially if you have a few pretzels to dip into the concoction. I was kind of thinking of doing a detox but now I am not so sure.

Honesty Confession #1

Currently, I go to church for free childcare. Someone else plays and loves on my adorable wild child and I get to sit, listen, sleep (try not to do this last one) for 90 minutes without anyone touching me, whining, demanding food or needing me to change their diaper.

Super Yummy

Searching for the most yummy fool proof recipes?

Here are a few of my favorites:

Quinoa & Black Bean Salad

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Quinoa-and-Black-Bean-Salad-12245

Grilled Flank Steak with Rosemary

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Flank-Steak-with-Rosemary-731

White Chicken Chili (recipe from Lolita, my grandpa's fiance)

White Chili from Lolita serves 4 to 6

2 Chicken breasts, raw, cut into ½” cubes

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauté the above ingredients until the chicken is not pink

Add:

2-15 oz. cans of great northern white beans

(rinse and drain the beans first)

1 can chicken broth (14 oz)

2 - 4oz cans of chopped green chilies

(less is you don’t want it too spicy)

1 t. salt

1 t. cumin

1 t. dried oregano

½ t. pepper

¼ t. cayenne pepper

Cook, uncovered for 30 minutes on simmer

Remove from heat and add:

1 cup sour cream

½ cup whipping cream

WOW. I have followers (and no it isn't my mom). Maybe blogging isn't that hard. Today's blog topic. Free Stuff.

Free MUSIC:
Did you know that you get 3 free music downloads a week from Freegal Music with your Seattle Library Card. http://www.freegalmusic.com/users/sdlogin
SERIOUS! Plug in your library card and pin number and rock out. Warning: This could be a new time waster. I spent 30 minutes trying to decide what songs to download. Now I realize that a not all my followers live in Seattle. Solutions: move to Seattle or check with your local library to see they have available to you.

2nd Try

10 months have past and I am ready to give this blog thing another go.

10 minutes have past and I am still sitting here trying to decide what to blog about.

Here is my attempt at providing some useful information for all of you (the millions of who will soon be addicted to my blog)

Favorite New Place:

Mosaic Coffee House (behind Dicks drive in on 45th in Wallingford). Why because they have caffeine and a kids playroom so I can drink my coffee while my little one runs around making a mess in someone else space.

http://www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org/