The last few days I've been writing the story of my life before iKeith. Before I moved to Denver, I was married to Billy Joe and I lived on a 660 acre ranch. I recently found pictures from that life and I was going to write about it. The story is hard for me because it was full of such turmoil. When I moved to Denver, I was running away from a life that I thought I was stuck in. A life I didn't think I'd survive.
So...I started writing the story a few days ago, starting at the beginning and the day I met Billy Joe. This afternoon when I was googling the songs that were popular that day, I realized I hadn't googled his name in a while. I google his name occasionally because he has a bad habit of getting arrested for not having a drivers license and drinking while driving. Even though we've been divorced for 12 years I still worried about him hurting someone or himself.
I don't have to worry anymore. He did.
I googled his name this afternoon and saw that he died on June 10th from injuries sustained in a car accident. My heart practically stopped! This is what I'd been afraid of and never wanted to see! I read further and learned that he ran a stop sign on a country road and the man that hit him died too.
According to the obituary he has a wife and a son. I'd always hoped he would get his life together and not be a danger to himself and others. There was a time when I loved him so much and he was my whole life. In a way, I'm relieved that he can't hurt anyone else. And I guess this chapter of my life is finally over. I don't have to worry about him anymore.
RIP Billy Joe.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
San Francisco City Pass
The kids and I had four and a half days to fill while iKeith attended the WWDC Conference in San Francisco. We decided that we'd stay in Fisherman's Wharf and that he'd commute to the Moscone Center via Muni(bus) each day. The F bus stop was right outside of our hotel so it was very convenient! This left the kids and I right in the middle of all of the action.
When researching things to do, I was easily overwhelmed! San Francisco is an amazing city with museums and learning experiences everywhere you look. When I was researching how we'd be getting around, I stumbled upon the City Pass.
For the low price of $202 for the three of us, we got a 7 day Muni pass and admission to 4 attractions. I already knew that I wanted to take the kids on a boat tour and to the Academy of Science and they were both included. It seemed like a no brainer!
Day One~Aquarium of the Bay and Pier 39
We started off this day by finding a place to eat breakfast that wouldn't blow my budget. Food is ridiculously expensive and a kid's meal can run you $10. I found a great place where the kids could have pancakes and I could have Pho!
Next we walked over to Trader Joe's and saved $200 on food for our stay.
My little boy is all about the fishes! He loves the aquarium so much and loved all of the displays. At the end we got to touch a shark and manta rays. This is a small attraction and only takes about an hour to get through....less if one of your children suddenly develops an aversion to fish tanks and freaks out.
Aquarium of the Bay is on Pier 39 which doesn't look like much from the front but its a two layer mall with a Merry Go Round and the world famous Sea Lions. This takes about 2 hours to navigate but there are many restaurants (print coupons from home before you leave) scattered through out including the California Wine Bar where you can get a flight of Pinot Noir for $16.
Day Two~ Academy of Science and the Golden Gate Bridge
We traveled to the Golden Gate Bridge on the mass transit system which can be very confusing. Download an app that tells exactly which buses to get on and where. This is also helpful for figuring out when the next bus is arriving.
This bridge is really breath taking! And when you read all of the plaques about how and when it was built, you are just amazed that it is there at all. There are very affordable souvenirs here like cool pencils for $1. Just don't do what I did and leave them somewhere. There is also a little cafe where you can grab a drink and a pastry. The coffee is really good here!
The bus dropped us off on the outskirts of Golden Gate Park. There is one bus that will take you right to the front door of the Academy of Science but since we made a stop at the bridge we didn't take that one. But it's so fine because the park is beautiful and is worth walking through. We found ourselves in the middle of a rose garden.
The California Academy of Science is an amazing place. It has a natural history museum, an aquarium with African Penguins, a rainforest and an earth quake simulator. On the very top....is a living garden! It's almost too much to put under one roof and not be overwhelmed. Make sure to download their app so you can get more info about the events happening during your visit. We were able to be front row at the Penguin feeding (10:30am every morning) because I checked the app.
Day Three~The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium recently moved to a new building on Pier 15 between Fisherman's Wharf and The Ferry Building. This place is amazing! Give yourself a good two hours to navigate and be ready to use your brain a lot! Basically, you are about to do 400 science experiments in a short amount of time. There is so much to read and see and do. You will have to come back a second time to really see everything.
When researching things to do, I was easily overwhelmed! San Francisco is an amazing city with museums and learning experiences everywhere you look. When I was researching how we'd be getting around, I stumbled upon the City Pass.
For the low price of $202 for the three of us, we got a 7 day Muni pass and admission to 4 attractions. I already knew that I wanted to take the kids on a boat tour and to the Academy of Science and they were both included. It seemed like a no brainer!
Day One~Aquarium of the Bay and Pier 39
We started off this day by finding a place to eat breakfast that wouldn't blow my budget. Food is ridiculously expensive and a kid's meal can run you $10. I found a great place where the kids could have pancakes and I could have Pho!
Next we walked over to Trader Joe's and saved $200 on food for our stay.
Aquarium of the Bay is on Pier 39 which doesn't look like much from the front but its a two layer mall with a Merry Go Round and the world famous Sea Lions. This takes about 2 hours to navigate but there are many restaurants (print coupons from home before you leave) scattered through out including the California Wine Bar where you can get a flight of Pinot Noir for $16.
Day Two~ Academy of Science and the Golden Gate Bridge
We traveled to the Golden Gate Bridge on the mass transit system which can be very confusing. Download an app that tells exactly which buses to get on and where. This is also helpful for figuring out when the next bus is arriving.
This bridge is really breath taking! And when you read all of the plaques about how and when it was built, you are just amazed that it is there at all. There are very affordable souvenirs here like cool pencils for $1. Just don't do what I did and leave them somewhere. There is also a little cafe where you can grab a drink and a pastry. The coffee is really good here!
The bus dropped us off on the outskirts of Golden Gate Park. There is one bus that will take you right to the front door of the Academy of Science but since we made a stop at the bridge we didn't take that one. But it's so fine because the park is beautiful and is worth walking through. We found ourselves in the middle of a rose garden.
The California Academy of Science is an amazing place. It has a natural history museum, an aquarium with African Penguins, a rainforest and an earth quake simulator. On the very top....is a living garden! It's almost too much to put under one roof and not be overwhelmed. Make sure to download their app so you can get more info about the events happening during your visit. We were able to be front row at the Penguin feeding (10:30am every morning) because I checked the app.
Day Three~The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium recently moved to a new building on Pier 15 between Fisherman's Wharf and The Ferry Building. This place is amazing! Give yourself a good two hours to navigate and be ready to use your brain a lot! Basically, you are about to do 400 science experiments in a short amount of time. There is so much to read and see and do. You will have to come back a second time to really see everything.
Day Four~Bay Tour
Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise does a great job of showing you the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. There is indoor seating if you don't want to stand or sit in the wind and you can buy drinks and snacks onboard. We loved hearing all of the history while sailing around the bay!
I was so pleased with the City Pass and would use it again in San Francisco or any other city that offers it. I figured out that we saved about $150 and all of the activities are worth seeing if you are visiting the city! Make sure to visit my food blog for info about where to eat while visiting the great city of San Francisco!
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for writing about the City Pass. I just loved using it and wanted to share it with my readers and anyone else that comes across my blog while googling 'crap to do in San Fran'.
Friday, June 21, 2013
A Little Fun in Ventura Beach
It's so good to be home! Mostly, because I got sick a week ago and suffered through that last week. It's so much better to be sick in your own home with your own bed! Do you want to know how sick I am? (pausing...for How Sick Are You Connie?) I'm so sick....that I've had 5 beautiful chocolate truffles in my possession for a week and I have not eaten them. I'm so sick that I didn't drink the 4 bottles of wine that my father in law bought for me. I'm so sick that I haven't had a cup of coffee in 3 days! Also...I was at my in laws for 2 days and he expected me to drink 4 bottles of wine? Okay then.
Yesterday, I sat around coughing and peeing my pajamas and reflected on the trip. I also made a Apple photo book on my computer...can't wait to see it! It felt like a dream come true to take this trip. It was a last minute decision when iKeith actually did get a ticket to WWDC (they sold out in 2.5 minutes) and the only reason we tried is because his company would pay for the ticket. The Golden Ticket! There wasn't any other way we could afford for him to go.
Then we decided that we would all go and we'd drive (I love a good road trip) and we'd visit Keith's parents. Keith's brother and folks decided to buy us airline and train tickets and also took us to Ventura Beach for two days. It was so kind of them to make this trip happen for us!
Next week, I'm going to tell you more about our trip and the San Francisco City Pass that we used. But today, I'm going to share a moment of fun that we had at Ventura Beach! We had just had a great meal at Brophy Brothers (watch my food blog for more about that) and decided to walk over to an ice cream store. We found these funny cut outs and started snapping pictures of each other! So Fun!
Keith was such a good sport when I said....let's switch holes! Through clenched teeth he said....this is going on your blog isn't it? Well...yes, it is darling!
We played in the sand a little bit before sun set and played in the water as the tide came in. Alex, Keith and Uncle Andrew built a sandcastle and I chased a crab around. I posted some videos on vine.
I waited and waited for the sun to slip behind the mountains but it just sat there and I had to pee so we left, this is the closest I got to a sun set on the beach!
I can't wait to tell you more!
Yesterday, I sat around coughing and peeing my pajamas and reflected on the trip. I also made a Apple photo book on my computer...can't wait to see it! It felt like a dream come true to take this trip. It was a last minute decision when iKeith actually did get a ticket to WWDC (they sold out in 2.5 minutes) and the only reason we tried is because his company would pay for the ticket. The Golden Ticket! There wasn't any other way we could afford for him to go.
Then we decided that we would all go and we'd drive (I love a good road trip) and we'd visit Keith's parents. Keith's brother and folks decided to buy us airline and train tickets and also took us to Ventura Beach for two days. It was so kind of them to make this trip happen for us!
Next week, I'm going to tell you more about our trip and the San Francisco City Pass that we used. But today, I'm going to share a moment of fun that we had at Ventura Beach! We had just had a great meal at Brophy Brothers (watch my food blog for more about that) and decided to walk over to an ice cream store. We found these funny cut outs and started snapping pictures of each other! So Fun!
Keith was such a good sport when I said....let's switch holes! Through clenched teeth he said....this is going on your blog isn't it? Well...yes, it is darling!
We played in the sand a little bit before sun set and played in the water as the tide came in. Alex, Keith and Uncle Andrew built a sandcastle and I chased a crab around. I posted some videos on vine.
I waited and waited for the sun to slip behind the mountains but it just sat there and I had to pee so we left, this is the closest I got to a sun set on the beach!
I can't wait to tell you more!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Ten Ways iKeith and I are Different
We're headed home from our vacation today and I'm anxious to get back, sleep in my own bed and eat some healthy food. I'm been sick for the last 5 days but Keith's been pumping me full of pills like I'm Anna Nichole Smith!
I've decided to copy The Pioneer Woman's post today because there are many ways that me and iKeith are different. Let me count the ways.
1.) He snores.
I talk in my sleep.
2.) He likes to fly by the seat of his pants.
I like to plan every last detail.
3.). He doesn't think I'm very funny.
I think I'm hilarious.
4.). He likes movies with violence.
I like movies that make me laugh.
5.). He likes danger.
I like playing it safe.
6.). He likes bringing the entire contents of our bathroom on vacation.
I like packing light.
7.). He likes putting things where he can see them.
I like everything to have a place, preferably in a drawer or box.
8.). He likes white chocolate.
I like milk chocolate.
9.). He likes being a few minutes late.
I'm always 10 minutes early.
10.) He likes the window seat.
I like the aisle seat. ( it's closer to the bathroom)
Please pray for our safe trip home today. There were tornadoes in Colorado and at DIA yesterday. And please don't tell the papperazzi that I'll be at LAX at 3:05pm today.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Liquor
We were walking back to the hotel from dinner when I saw this funny sign. I asked Mallory to take my picture. She did....while yelling LIQUOR! LIQUOR! The tourists walking by we're laughing and egging her on, while I asked her through clenched teeth to stop saying LIQUOR!
Gosh it's great that she's learned to read!
In other news, it's so hard for Keith to find a hat that looks good on him.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
I've Still Got It
The kids and I had a super busy day traveling all over San Francisco seeing the sights. If you follow me on Instagram, you know what fun we had!
So much happened that I can't wait to tell you about but I didn't bring my lap top and I'm attempting this update from my iMini.
We met iKeith at the WWDC conference after seeing Epic at the AMC IMAX and we were on our way to dinner when a nice 40's-ish Asian hipster started hitting on me. I was wearing my favorite coat....the 2011 WWDC version so I might have looked like a hottie girl programmer ( a rarity) instead of a hottie PTA Mom. Bless his heart, I had to explain that I was on my way to dinner with my husband and kids walking ahead of me.
Speaking of hipsters....I love how many of them are here! The skinny jeans rolled up and the cute shoes! I should start taking pictures of them to show you!
I'm sorry to report that there won't be a Bachelorette recap this week and probably not next week. I will share my thoughts here and on my Facebook page.
It was rather upsetting to learn that Brian is a cad that mistreats single mothers. Lets hope that enough people saw this and he'll never date again.
I'm not convinced that Ben is a bad guy. He's just not here to make friends and he's right....this is not called the let's make friends show! I think he is cute and is really into Des. It'll be interesting to see how far he goes.
I love Zack K.
I'm not surprised to see Brandon go. He is too serious/needy/broken and it killed any chemistry they could have had together. The guy needs to let his past go or it will continue to haunt his future.
Goodbye Dan, we barely knew you.
I'm wondering where the helicopters are? Three episodes in and no one has flown anywhere.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Operation: Take Connie To Prom
My Senior year of high school was not my best year. The summer before I had dated a real bad boy. I broke up with him after I found myself involved in a high speed chase through a trailer park. It scared the heck out of me and turned me off from dating for a while.
I spent my senior year working at Hillside Auto Supply and studying. This is likely the only time in my high school career that I devoted so much time and energy to my school work.
My Senior Prom was coming up, I hadn't been asked to go and I was completely fine with it. I was paying for all of my own expenses now, because my Dad had been in a bad horseback riding accident and wasn't working. I didn't want to spend my hard earned money on a silly dress that I wouldn't wear again.
A week before the dance, I got a phone call from Ken, a friend of my Mom that was an armored truck driver. You know, the trucks that pick up money at businesses for banks. There was a collaboration called Operation: Take Connie To Prom that I was unaware of. The masterminds behind this plan were: My Mom, My boss's wife (she also had her deposits picked up by Ken) and the entire office staff at my high school (also customers of Ken).
They all decided that poor little ole Connie should go to Prom and Ken should be the guy to take me even though....he was 27 years old and wore a toupée.
Yes. That's right. He wore a toupée
So I got a phone call from Ken saying that he was taking me to Prom, he already rented a tux and bought the tickets and made dinner reservations and ordered a corsage. He wasn't going to take NO for an answer.
Shit!
So, I went to Prom with Ken and his toupee in his powder blue El Camino with curtains in the window and my friends all laughed at me and asked me over and over how OLD my date was.
The only thing that saved my evening was the two Orange Wine Coolers that Ken gave me in the car. This might be where my drinking problem started....THANKS MOM!
Ken called me the next day and asked if I wanted to go for a ride on his motorcycle. I declined....all I could think about was his hair coming loose and smacking me in the face. We didn't go out again.
Note: My apologizes to my parents who are just now learning of the high speed chase and the wine coolers. Lucky for me, I'm too old to be grounded. I've also changed my dates name to protect his identity. The truth is...I can't remember his real name and Ken sounded good.
I spent my senior year working at Hillside Auto Supply and studying. This is likely the only time in my high school career that I devoted so much time and energy to my school work.
My Senior Prom was coming up, I hadn't been asked to go and I was completely fine with it. I was paying for all of my own expenses now, because my Dad had been in a bad horseback riding accident and wasn't working. I didn't want to spend my hard earned money on a silly dress that I wouldn't wear again.
A week before the dance, I got a phone call from Ken, a friend of my Mom that was an armored truck driver. You know, the trucks that pick up money at businesses for banks. There was a collaboration called Operation: Take Connie To Prom that I was unaware of. The masterminds behind this plan were: My Mom, My boss's wife (she also had her deposits picked up by Ken) and the entire office staff at my high school (also customers of Ken).
They all decided that poor little ole Connie should go to Prom and Ken should be the guy to take me even though....he was 27 years old and wore a toupée.
Yes. That's right. He wore a toupée
So I got a phone call from Ken saying that he was taking me to Prom, he already rented a tux and bought the tickets and made dinner reservations and ordered a corsage. He wasn't going to take NO for an answer.
Shit!
So, I went to Prom with Ken and his toupee in his powder blue El Camino with curtains in the window and my friends all laughed at me and asked me over and over how OLD my date was.
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| HELP ME! |
The only thing that saved my evening was the two Orange Wine Coolers that Ken gave me in the car. This might be where my drinking problem started....THANKS MOM!
Ken called me the next day and asked if I wanted to go for a ride on his motorcycle. I declined....all I could think about was his hair coming loose and smacking me in the face. We didn't go out again.
Note: My apologizes to my parents who are just now learning of the high speed chase and the wine coolers. Lucky for me, I'm too old to be grounded. I've also changed my dates name to protect his identity. The truth is...I can't remember his real name and Ken sounded good.
Monday, May 20, 2013
I'm Feeling 42
Hi friends.
You're probably wondering what happened to me.
PTA is kicking my ass! So much to do and only 7 more days to do it. I'll be back, I promise.
Just a friendly reminder that The Bachelorette starts NEXT Monday. I'll be watching and recapping.
In the meantime, I leave you with a little entertainment. I was watching The Billboard awards last night and I heard Taylor sing this and I immediately changed the words to fit whats happening in my life right now.
My Ode to Peri-menopause! Sing it with me...I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 42!
It feels like a perfect night to dress up like spinsters
And make fun of our menses, uh uh uh uh
It feels like a perfect night for ZzzQuil at midnight
To fall in love with Midol uh uh uh uh
Yeaaaah
We're happy free confused and horny at the same time
It's miserable and magical oh yeah
Tonight's the night when we forget about the hormones, it's time uh uh
I don't know about you but im feeling 42
Everything will be alright, if you do what I tell you to
You don't know about me but I bet you used to
Everything will be alright if we just keep acting like we're 42, 42
It seems like one of those nights
This bra is too crowded, too many L.B.'s.
It seems like one of those nights
We wake up at 3am and end up screaming instead of sleeping
Yeaaaah
We're happy free confused and horny in the best way
It's miserable and magical oh yeah
Tonight's the night when we forget about migraines, it's time uh uh
I don't know about you but im feeling 42
Everything will be alright, if you do what I tell you to
You don't know about me but I bet you used to
Everything will be alright if we just keep acting like we're 42, 42
I don't know about you, 42, 42
It feels like one of those nights
We ditch the whole sheet
It feels like one of those nights
We won't be sleeping
It feels like one of those nights
You're having hot flashes, I gotta cool you
You're probably wondering what happened to me.
PTA is kicking my ass! So much to do and only 7 more days to do it. I'll be back, I promise.
Just a friendly reminder that The Bachelorette starts NEXT Monday. I'll be watching and recapping.
In the meantime, I leave you with a little entertainment. I was watching The Billboard awards last night and I heard Taylor sing this and I immediately changed the words to fit whats happening in my life right now.
My Ode to Peri-menopause! Sing it with me...I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 42!
It feels like a perfect night to dress up like spinsters
And make fun of our menses, uh uh uh uh
It feels like a perfect night for ZzzQuil at midnight
To fall in love with Midol uh uh uh uh
Yeaaaah
We're happy free confused and horny at the same time
It's miserable and magical oh yeah
Tonight's the night when we forget about the hormones, it's time uh uh
I don't know about you but im feeling 42
Everything will be alright, if you do what I tell you to
You don't know about me but I bet you used to
Everything will be alright if we just keep acting like we're 42, 42
It seems like one of those nights
This bra is too crowded, too many L.B.'s.
It seems like one of those nights
We wake up at 3am and end up screaming instead of sleeping
Yeaaaah
We're happy free confused and horny in the best way
It's miserable and magical oh yeah
Tonight's the night when we forget about migraines, it's time uh uh
I don't know about you but im feeling 42
Everything will be alright, if you do what I tell you to
You don't know about me but I bet you used to
Everything will be alright if we just keep acting like we're 42, 42
I don't know about you, 42, 42
It feels like one of those nights
We ditch the whole sheet
It feels like one of those nights
We won't be sleeping
It feels like one of those nights
You're having hot flashes, I gotta cool you
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Buick Discovery Tour
It's snowing again. Yes, it's April and we've had more snow this month than we've had our entire winter. I'm ready for SPRING! Luckily, Sunday was a beautiful day. It was a bit overcast but the sun was out when we test drove a new Buick Encore.
Actually, Rachel gave us a ride. I don't like to drive in downtown Denver if I can help it.
You're probably wondering why Keith and I were running around downtown Denver letting pretty school teachers drive us around. We were invited to The Buick Discovery Tour that was put on by Buick (obviously) and Food and Wine Magazine.
I spent a lovely three hours at the Four Seasons eating, drinking and watching food demos by amazing chefs. You may not know this but in my former life (BK...Before Keith) I was a manager of an auto repair shop and auto parts store. I know cars! In my new shiny Trophy Wife life....I'm a Rookie Foodie and highfalutin gal.
We learned how to make fresh Ricotta and Cavatelli pasta from local chef Alex Seidel of Fruition Restaurant and Farms. Alex is super adorable and has convinced me to get a sheep, a pig and a pasta maker. THIS JUST IN...Keith says I can't get a sheep or a pig but I can get a pasta maker. We can't wait to visit Fruition and take the kids to the farm for a tour!
Next was the adorable and funny cookbook author and pastry chef, Hedy Goldsmith. She told us a charming story about her easy bake oven and is very passionate about balancing savory and sweet. The recipe she made for us had basil in it and it was so delicious! I can't wait to make the Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberry Consomme for my family.
Our next culinary adventure involved 21 weeks of wine instruction in 20 minutes with the hilarious Michael Green. We tasted two wines with two different items. A Sauvignon Blanc that was made better by sucking a lemon slice and a Tempranillo that was fantastic with a piece of dark chocolate. The most important thing that I learned from Michael was....if a wine tastes good to you, it's good wine and it's okay to swallow.
The best was saved for last! Michael Psilakis, world famous chef and restaurant owner made the most amazing little Gyro Sliders that I've ever tasted. He told us a story about how food has connected him to his family and it touched me so much because this is what I want my kids to take away from their lives with me. I want to plant the seed!
I will be testing all of these recipes in the Rookie Food Kitchen in the next few weeks.
At the end of this wonderful experience, we were given many gifts! Keith has asked me to give his swag away to one lucky reader. Come to The Rookie Foodie for a chance to win a Buick Discovery Tour Swag Bag.
Disclaimer: I was given free tickets (all the tickets were FREE) to The Buick Discovery Tour and a lovely swag bag from Food and Wine Magazine but all opinions are my own.
Actually, Rachel gave us a ride. I don't like to drive in downtown Denver if I can help it.
 |
| Photo Credit: Connie Weiss |
What do you think of when you hear Buick? You probably remember the super reliable and big cars that your grandparents drove, right? I've always thought Buick cars were too expensive and that's why older folks drove them.
Funny story! When I met Keith I drove an Oldsmobile. Four doors, vinyl top and electric doors and windows. It was a Grandma car. While we were looking at the cars he told me that he almost didn't keep dating me because of my car. WHAT? Rude!
Buick....you've come a long way since my Grandma's grocery getter! I fell in love with a couple of the cars. I'd love to put Keith in the new Verano when his car wears out. It comes in a turbo (which he doesn't need) and it gets great gas mileage.
Plus, I think it would be fun to have a Murano and a Verano. And, Peyton Manning LOVES the Verano. Have you seen the commercial he's in? I love it!
 |
| Photo Credit: General Motors |
I spent a lovely three hours at the Four Seasons eating, drinking and watching food demos by amazing chefs. You may not know this but in my former life (BK...Before Keith) I was a manager of an auto repair shop and auto parts store. I know cars! In my new shiny Trophy Wife life....I'm a Rookie Foodie and highfalutin gal.
 |
| Photo Credit: Connie Weiss |
We learned how to make fresh Ricotta and Cavatelli pasta from local chef Alex Seidel of Fruition Restaurant and Farms. Alex is super adorable and has convinced me to get a sheep, a pig and a pasta maker. THIS JUST IN...Keith says I can't get a sheep or a pig but I can get a pasta maker. We can't wait to visit Fruition and take the kids to the farm for a tour!
 |
| Photo Credit: Intersport |
 |
| Photo Credit: Intersport |
Our next culinary adventure involved 21 weeks of wine instruction in 20 minutes with the hilarious Michael Green. We tasted two wines with two different items. A Sauvignon Blanc that was made better by sucking a lemon slice and a Tempranillo that was fantastic with a piece of dark chocolate. The most important thing that I learned from Michael was....if a wine tastes good to you, it's good wine and it's okay to swallow.
 |
| ME and Michael Green Photo Credit: Keith Weiss |
The best was saved for last! Michael Psilakis, world famous chef and restaurant owner made the most amazing little Gyro Sliders that I've ever tasted. He told us a story about how food has connected him to his family and it touched me so much because this is what I want my kids to take away from their lives with me. I want to plant the seed!
 |
| Photo Credit: Intersport |
I will be testing all of these recipes in the Rookie Food Kitchen in the next few weeks.
At the end of this wonderful experience, we were given many gifts! Keith has asked me to give his swag away to one lucky reader. Come to The Rookie Foodie for a chance to win a Buick Discovery Tour Swag Bag.
Disclaimer: I was given free tickets (all the tickets were FREE) to The Buick Discovery Tour and a lovely swag bag from Food and Wine Magazine but all opinions are my own.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Be a Smartie, Vote for Connie
I think I've wanted to be the PTA President ever since I heard the song Harper Valley PTA when I was a kid. I obviously didn't understand the lyrics because it is NOT a pro-PTA song. If I followed their rules I'd have to send myself a note for drinking too much wine while doing school work with my kids.
Through the years, I discovered my keen ability to organize, plan and lead people. I also have a mild addiction to excel spreadsheets. I believe that I am born leader and I know that I'm passionate about my school and my kids education. I'm so devoted to the PTA that at the last meeting a offered to tattoo the name of a local business on my rump in exchange for a donation.
PTA just seems like the perfect place for me to use my talents for good and not evil!
I didn't have any immediate plans to run for President but then the opportunity arose and now next week, I'll be voted in! I had big plans to actually run for President with shirts and campaign songs. My BFF Heather is going to be my co-president, provided that we convince another of my friends to be the treasurer. I've been assembling a TEAM to make the next two years the best this school as ever seen!
Through the years, I discovered my keen ability to organize, plan and lead people. I also have a mild addiction to excel spreadsheets. I believe that I am born leader and I know that I'm passionate about my school and my kids education. I'm so devoted to the PTA that at the last meeting a offered to tattoo the name of a local business on my rump in exchange for a donation.
PTA just seems like the perfect place for me to use my talents for good and not evil!
I didn't have any immediate plans to run for President but then the opportunity arose and now next week, I'll be voted in! I had big plans to actually run for President with shirts and campaign songs. My BFF Heather is going to be my co-president, provided that we convince another of my friends to be the treasurer. I've been assembling a TEAM to make the next two years the best this school as ever seen!
I had a few songs selected to use as our campaign song. Please vote for your favorite!
I've got a campaign sloan too!
Be a Smartie, Vote for Connie
(and Heather, but mostly Connie)
Disclaimer: This post is all in fun. The days have not been doggy and Mama can't do crap for you. Heather is my partner....as long as she doesn't get rid of her iPhone and does what I tell her to do. Just kidding! She can get a different phone. Just kidding!
Note to parents from my school: If you happened to google my name because it's been in the school newsletter a million times lately and you found my little blog....HI. Keep in mind that I'm a humor blogger and a part time stand up comedian. You can catch my act at the next PTA meeting. It's fun....I promise!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Fairy Garden
I've got BIG plans to create a Fairy Garden out in the woods by the lake near our house. I'm going to secretly create this garden and then happen upon it with my kids. This may be the coolest thing I've ever done and I'm so excited I could pee my pants.
Actually, I shouldn't say that. I've been sick for over two weeks and have peed my pants about 30 times. Having two kids in one year plus coughing constantly equals Connie pees her pants. I also learned the hard way that you should NEVER cough while squatting next to a small child's desk in a Kindergarten Class.
Back to the Fairy Garden.
I just discovered that TARGET is selling little Fairy Garden sets but you have to order them online. They are just precious and will compliment my plans perfectly.
I love this Dreamscape Fairy Garden.
DISCLAIMER: Target is not paying me to write about their stuff. I just can't get enough of Target and had to share.
Actually, I shouldn't say that. I've been sick for over two weeks and have peed my pants about 30 times. Having two kids in one year plus coughing constantly equals Connie pees her pants. I also learned the hard way that you should NEVER cough while squatting next to a small child's desk in a Kindergarten Class.
Back to the Fairy Garden.
I just discovered that TARGET is selling little Fairy Garden sets but you have to order them online. They are just precious and will compliment my plans perfectly.
I love this Dreamscape Fairy Garden.
I can also see the Backyard Oasis working well for me too.
This is the Fairy Door that I'm ordering from NothinButWood on etsy.
DISCLAIMER: Target is not paying me to write about their stuff. I just can't get enough of Target and had to share.
Friday, April 12, 2013
SMASH Your Year: March
Welcome to SMASH Your Year! Me and my friend Jessica are SMASHing two (or more) pages a month for the whole year to document our lives! We don't want to lose these precious memories and scrapbooking is too hard. It's not too late to join us!
January SMASH pages
February SMASH pages
Jessica's pages
I feel like I lost a week of March. It was very busy and we traveled 1900 miles to Texas and back. My daughter also turned 6 and I now have two six year olds for the next couple of weeks. She thinks during this time that she is the BIG sister. We let her think that.....
I did two pages for March and then a bonus TEXAS vacation page. Only problem is that I accidentally skipped two pages in between. Dang it.
This month I listed all the great things that happened! I love those little booklets from SMASH BOOK.
April pages will post on May 9th!
January SMASH pages
February SMASH pages
Jessica's pages
I feel like I lost a week of March. It was very busy and we traveled 1900 miles to Texas and back. My daughter also turned 6 and I now have two six year olds for the next couple of weeks. She thinks during this time that she is the BIG sister. We let her think that.....
I did two pages for March and then a bonus TEXAS vacation page. Only problem is that I accidentally skipped two pages in between. Dang it.
This month I listed all the great things that happened! I love those little booklets from SMASH BOOK.
I had to do one whole page about the birthday girl!
THE TEXAS PAGE!
I've been sick for two weeks so my pages are not as creative as I would have liked. Hopefully they will be better next month.
And my cover....I added TYPE A. I think it fits me.
April pages will post on May 9th!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Minted
My friend Jennifer is pregnant with a baby boy and all I can think about is babies! I know that iKeith won't let me have anymore and my biological clock's battery is dead so I'm going to focus on something I can make happen.
A wedding. I want to re-marry Keith!
I found the most beautiful wedding invitations from Minted! They are also having an Anniversary Sale right now and you can get 15% off from your order. I absolutely love the invitations that look like a chalk board. How original is that?
I can't even remember what my invitations looked like but I know they were not as artistic and cute as these. Doesn't make you want to get hitched all over again? It would sure take my mind off from the baby fever. And my kids could stand up for us.
Look at this inspiration board. I'm in love!
The other thing that caught my eye at Minted is the Journals. My kids are just starting to write and Mallory loves writing her private thoughts. I love this so much because I have been journaling since i was a young girl. Check out the kids journals, you can have their beautiful faces put on them and personalized the journal with their name. What an amazing gift for a young writer.
I'm in love with this journal with the Pretty Poppies. I love this color combination....and you can order any journal with lined pages, blank pages or grid paper.
They have an adorable blog with craft ideas and you can find them on facebook, twitter and pinterest.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Minted but opinions and choice of groom are all mine.
A wedding. I want to re-marry Keith!
I found the most beautiful wedding invitations from Minted! They are also having an Anniversary Sale right now and you can get 15% off from your order. I absolutely love the invitations that look like a chalk board. How original is that?
I can't even remember what my invitations looked like but I know they were not as artistic and cute as these. Doesn't make you want to get hitched all over again? It would sure take my mind off from the baby fever. And my kids could stand up for us.
Look at this inspiration board. I'm in love!
The other thing that caught my eye at Minted is the Journals. My kids are just starting to write and Mallory loves writing her private thoughts. I love this so much because I have been journaling since i was a young girl. Check out the kids journals, you can have their beautiful faces put on them and personalized the journal with their name. What an amazing gift for a young writer.
I'm in love with this journal with the Pretty Poppies. I love this color combination....and you can order any journal with lined pages, blank pages or grid paper.
They have an adorable blog with craft ideas and you can find them on facebook, twitter and pinterest.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Minted but opinions and choice of groom are all mine.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
April Goals
I'm still sick....but not too sick to make a list.
March was a blur and I didn't do very well with my fitness goals. Maybe now that the weather is looking up I'll have more luck.
March Goals:
[X] Go Shopping with my Sister in Dallas HECK YEAH!
[ ] Have a blogger meet up in Dallas didn't happen. sad panda
[X] Go to Fort Worth HECK YEAH!
[X] Touch a cow HECK YEAH!
[ ] Lose 2 pounds ummm...no
[ ] Complete Lose a Jean Size Workout 9 times did it once, husband stole my ball
[ ] Run 7 Times no
[ ] Make Pasta no
[X] Have Breakfast with Mom's from Mallory's Kindergarten Class HECK YEAH!
[X] Become the PTA President I've been nominated!
April is just as busy as March and there are only 37 school days left! Can you believe it?
March was a blur and I didn't do very well with my fitness goals. Maybe now that the weather is looking up I'll have more luck.
March Goals:
[X] Go Shopping with my Sister in Dallas HECK YEAH!
[ ] Have a blogger meet up in Dallas didn't happen. sad panda
[X] Go to Fort Worth HECK YEAH!
[X] Touch a cow HECK YEAH!
[ ] Lose 2 pounds ummm...no
[ ] Complete Lose a Jean Size Workout 9 times did it once, husband stole my ball
[ ] Run 7 Times no
[ ] Make Pasta no
[X] Have Breakfast with Mom's from Mallory's Kindergarten Class HECK YEAH!
[X] Become the PTA President I've been nominated!
April is just as busy as March and there are only 37 school days left! Can you believe it?
April Goals
[ ] Have a Tea Party for my very pregnant friend
[ ] Hold my friend's brand new baby boy
[ ] Run a successful campaign for PTA President
[ ] Bring Vlogging back
[ ] Finally start training for a 5K
[ ] Celebrate my son's 7th birthday
[ ] Run Walk a 5K
[ ] Read 3 books
[ ] Read 3 books
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Down With The Sickness
I had big plans to do a VLOG showing you all of the cool stuff I got while shopping with Bobbi in Dallas. Unfortunately, I've been sick since Saturday and I've had a turn for the worse. If I live...I'll try to do it for tomorrow.
I've had plenty to do while laying on the couch because Keith informed me he's finally shutting off the cable TV since The Walking Dead is over for the season. This means I had to quickly watch 300 hours of DVR'd shows. I'm all caught up on The Rachel Zoe Project, Whitney and The Real Housewives of Everywhere.
I deleted the entire season of Dallas because J.R. is dead and I didn't want to watch him die. I'm in denial.
ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm moving Smash Your Year to the second Thursday of every month because I like ordering my photos from Foxgram and it takes about 5 days. You should also know that they have a new app so you can order right from your phone.
In closing I want to tell you that I can't wait to take my Nyquil tonight and get to bed. Last night, I dreamt that Channing Tatum was wooing me and trying to get me to leave Keith. Every time I said No....he'd start dancing. I woke up in a sweat. I could have been the fever......
I've had plenty to do while laying on the couch because Keith informed me he's finally shutting off the cable TV since The Walking Dead is over for the season. This means I had to quickly watch 300 hours of DVR'd shows. I'm all caught up on The Rachel Zoe Project, Whitney and The Real Housewives of Everywhere.
I deleted the entire season of Dallas because J.R. is dead and I didn't want to watch him die. I'm in denial.
ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm moving Smash Your Year to the second Thursday of every month because I like ordering my photos from Foxgram and it takes about 5 days. You should also know that they have a new app so you can order right from your phone.
In closing I want to tell you that I can't wait to take my Nyquil tonight and get to bed. Last night, I dreamt that Channing Tatum was wooing me and trying to get me to leave Keith. Every time I said No....he'd start dancing. I woke up in a sweat. I could have been the fever......
Monday, April 1, 2013
Going Through the Big D
We had so much fun in Texas that I've had trouble really putting a post together. There were so many pictures to go through and I felt like so much happened in just a few days.
The drive there was long even though we had snacks and a travel scavenger hunt for the kids to work on; it was too many hours in the car. We've learned our lesson and a few others, like Keith and I are too old to drive after dark and eat Sonic after 8pm.
The kids had fun with the scavenger hunt and Alex didn't realize he was reading words. Shhh....don't tell him it was educational, it takes all of the fun out of it! They searched for white trucks, horses, cows, signs, a star, a church, a gas station and a bunch of other things!
Our first real day of vacation was super busy! Grandpa Bob took us to the pilot shop at the Addison airport because he needed to get his grandson a log book. Alex was to supposed to get his first flying lesson but it didn't work out. We also had a cup of coffee together to celebrate!
Later that day Aunt Bobbi had a birthday party for the kids at a local park. She invited some of her friends and their kids and we had a great time. Even though it was cold and grey. The kids didn't mind and our giant Texas cake was delicious. It's true....everything IS bigger in Texas.
Have I ever told you how much Bobbi and I love Target? I also love that you can buy wine at Target.
On Monday, we went to Ft. Worth. My parents have lived in the Dallas area for 16 years and I'd never been there. I wasn't missing much! HA!
I did get to sit on and touch a cow which was one of my goals for March. I loved it!
Alex sat on the cow too and he also conned his Grandpa into buying him a hat and a stick horse.
We had a wonderful barbecue lunch (review coming this week on The Rookie Foodie) and then we tried to go to Billy Bob's Texas to look around and go to the gift shop. We ended up walking out because they wanted $2 from each of us for the privilege. I don't think so Billy Bob!
Tuesday we did some shopping and I got a new outfit! We headed out Tuesday afternoon because we learned that when you're old, it actually takes TWO days to drive 800 miles. We also decided that taking the interstate is the best way to go because you can go very fast! The kids got to add two more states to their list of places they've been.
Oklahoma is beautiful in March!
If you made it through this entire post you deserve a reward. Thanks for reading!
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