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.