Roundup of Random

Thursdays are my Fridays, which means that today is the start of my weekend. On alternate Fridays, I serve lunch at the high school. Yeah, I still help out at my kids' schools, but they tell me they don't mind...and it makes me feel good to volunteer. The teachers and staff are hugely appreciative. 

However, today is my alternate alternate Friday -- and somehow I have no appointments on my calendar. Don't get me wrong, I have TONS of stuff to do after the hustle of Teen Star (recap to come) and house guests.  And, of course, there is always the FASFA deadline looming in a few days. 

In an effort to post more frequently, I decided to write a feature of random stuff from my week. Look for it each Friday, mmmk? It seems fitting to start off my new column with this:

I bought a frog. It just doesn't get more random than that.

Dude isn't down for being handled too much, so I'll share a photo of what their legs look like (photo credit littlefishcompany.com):

Red-legged Frog

One of the most unusual things about this guy (or gal) is that the pupils are vertical. I suppose 'unusual' isn't the right word, it's more like 'classic'; like the eye of any drawing you would see of a reptile. I don't know why that struck me as surprising...but there you go. 

I didn't know their pupils dilated. It was a little unnerving the first time I saw it, even though it makes perfect sense since frogs are nocturnal and shit. Of course, all I could think of was this:

Death by cute: this slays me every time. It is also one
of the best things Antonio Banderas has ever done IMHO

What is unusual is their croak. Mr. Frog sounded off one night and we were all instantly on our feet trying to determine what was making that high-pitched sound. It was shrill and not unlike scratching on glass. What the hell?! Since when did frogs stop going, 'Ribbit! Ribbit!'?? 

******************

My second bit of random was that I did my first-ever meal prep, tiny as it was. I follow many fitness-minded folks like myself on Instagram, and several of them have shared photos of a week's worth of food which are often assembled in a collage with Benjamin Franklin's quote, 'If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.' 

All of that makes me stabby, even if it's true. While I was preparing dry ingredients to make Rebecca's Wild Strawberry Pancakes, I realized it would be easy enough to just keep scooping - so I did! I made three more batches until I ran out of buckwheat flour. All I need to do is add wet ingredients to make yummy pancakes. I'm planning on bringing a few batches with us on vacation, if they're not confiscated as contraband:

Strawberry pancakes? YES.

Somehow my pancakes don't quite look like Rebecca's pancakes: her pancakes are pretty, pink-hued and fluffy. Mine? Not even close. When I cooked them in the pan -- even with TONS of coconut oil, they stuck terribly -- my pancakes may or may not resemble the photo of a certain frog I just posted:

Things were going along fine until shortly after
this photo was taken., and then the wheels fell off.

The finished product wasn't pretty...but I had no problem huffing them down. Here's a my version of Rebecca's recpipe: 

My pancakes: Not the ideal food
photograph...but still hella delicious.

And just for the sake of comparison, here are Rebecca's pancakes:

Rebecca's Wild Strawberry Pancakes with
strawberry protein 'frosting'. (Photo
credit strengthandsunshine.com)

My first few attempts at this recipe have looked nothing like the above photograph...but I am equal to the task. My plan of attack next time is 1) less heat, 2) use canola spray before adding coconut oil, and 3) not to care as much.

Have you tried recipes from the internet before? If so, how did it come out? Also, I am open to name suggestions for Mr. Frog. 

Have a great weekend!

Teen Star...And Other Reasons I Dropped Off The Face Of The Planet

Hello Internet! Wassup?

I feel like a terrible blogger and have been horribly remiss about keeping things up to date here, but it's been for good reason.

First off, I've been in FAFSA hell. If anyone has been through the process of applying for college government aid, then you feel my pain. There has to be some kicky acronym for FAFSA that sums up just how much this process sucks. If know you know one or are good at thinking stuff like that up on the fly, I would love to hear yours. 

Anyway! This has been an exciting time for my daughter. She is starting to receive college acceptance letters, and best of all: SHE QUALIFIED FOR THE TEEN STAR FINALS!

My beautiful daughter. She is always a star in my book!

#TeenStar is a vocal competition for junior high and high school students, similar to The Voice or American Idol...except without the drama. Several of her friends qualified last year, so when she asked me if I thought she should audition, I said, "Absolutely!" We both felt like it would be a great experience for her.

The auditions went really well, and she left feeling really excited and confident. That alone was a win. Girldoll said the judges were very positive, and asked her why she waited until the final year she was eligible to audition. One of these judges told her, 'your voice is like butter!' I think because Girldoll decided to just go for it with no expectation on the outcome of her audition, she was confident and relaxed during her audition. The finalists were announced the following night through the Teen Star Facebook page, and receiving texts all in caps -- from both Girldoll and her brother -- that she made the finals was a pretty sweet text to receive.

One of ten finalists, the weeks before the event are going to be a whirlwind. She has already interviewed for a newspaper and been in several local publications with the other performers. They are a great group of vocalists and everyone has been friendly and excited to be a part of such a distinguished group. 

Santa Barbara's Got Talent!

Featured in our local paper

I had worried that it would be high pressure to sign with a talent agent or become an expensive endeavor, but it has been a lot of fun. Teen Star is volunteer run, and there was no cost to enter the competition. They are driven to make it a premier event and give the kids an amazing experience. She got to work one-on-one with a mentor in a state-of-the-art recording studio, honing in her songs and working on stage presence. 

Working with her mentor, Ike Jenkins. Inspiring, kind and professional.

Running through her ballad, Girldoll doesn't
seem to be bothered by the paparrazi...!

The decor at Playback Studio is incredible. In the interest on not posting too many
photos, it's hard to get an appreciation of just how impressive this place is.

A brief interview before Girldoll goes on camera. This will be used during the event
to feature her before she performs live at the Granada.

This one is for me because I couldn't help myself. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Holding one of Playback Recording studio's three Emmys that were, you know,
just out sitting on a coffee table. The poster above is Katy Perry, who recorded
Roar, Dark Horse (my personal favorite), Teenage Dream and California Girls here.

Girldoll has been busy promoting the event through interviews (radio and print), and they will perform at the beautiful Granada Theater on February 21, 2015. The kids get the full treatment with professional hair and makeup, limousine ride, walk the red carpet...the works! 

Kids these days, right?? There is no way I would have had the confidence to perform in front of 1,500 people at her age. It amazes me how accomplished the youth are nowadays. So excited for my beautiful and talented girl! 

Theme

Recently my girl Ange wrote about picking an intention for the new year, and honing it down to one word. I have seen a few others also chose a single word on Instagram over the last week in an effort to be a better person in the new year. 

I'm sure this phenomenon is hardly unique to 2015, but it is a new concept to me. What can I say? I'm slow on the uptake. Usually, I take a reverse approach and evaluate my year as the old year comes to a close - noting if there is a particular theme to my life that year. Past themes have been fitness, family, relationships and yes, even depression/anxiety.  

I like the idea of looking forward with an intention. So, right there in front of the Interwebs, I staked my claim on Angela's blog: mindful. Hmmmm. That's not quite enough fanfare. Let's try this: 

mindful

That is much better, yes? It is a great concept, and something I've given a lot of thought. I want to be mindful in my relationships with my husband, family and friends, and how my actions and words affect others. 

Technology is a big part of our lives, and our family spends a majority of our free time on our phones, gaming, or watching television - frequently a combination of several at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I am one of the biggest offenders; I love my iPhone. I will go as far as to say that I think Instagram is one of the best things since sliced bread. In fact, Instagram is so excellent that it is superior to Facebook in every way, and nothing anyone can say will change my mind. 

But back to the topic of being mindful: I want to spend more time unplugged and living life. I want to set a good example for my kids. The time I don't spend with my face in my phone could be spent a thousand different ways: walking my dogs, exercising, cleaning my house, enjoying live music with my honey...ad infinitum. 

And being mindful isn't just about spending less time on Instagram. It's about thinking kind thoughts towards others and myself, and living a life of integrity. These are easy words to throw around and my hope is that none of this comes off as trite. 

I'm excited for 2015. It will be a big year of transition for my family as my daughter finishes her last year of high school and begins college - which is a whole other topic of it's own. All the best to you and yours this year!

Christmas 2014 Recap

It was a perfect Christmas in everyway, spent with friends and family. 

Frosty welcomed us to our annual Swedish feast at my sister-in-law's house on Christmas Eve. 

What you can't see are cords that secure Frosty to the lawn.
Yeah, I didn't see them either. #clotheslined

My handsome son and his intriguing mask from Grandpa

Christmas kittens, Butterscotch and Cookie...!

The only thing better than Christmas is...kittens! These aren't ours -- I know two cats that wouldn't appreciate them, as adorable as they are -- but they were fun to play with. 

There are no words for all this awesomeness...

My adorable nephew is so shy...not! His fancy outfit fashioned from wrapping tissue morphed a half-dozen times throughout the evening - to the hilarity of everyone watching. 

Friends and family. My home is blessed!

I'm horribly sentimental this time of year. Above all, I am grateful for my family and our friendships. 

There are few things prettier to me than lights on a Christmas tree.

Our beautiful tree: I'm sure I say this every year, but this was the prettiest and most fragrant tree we've ever had. 

I wanted one thing this year -- a book -- for Christmas. I came across a book of costumes used in the Star Wars movies at Costco. Being the trilogy nerd that I am, I freaked out and sent off a text to my daughter, asking for the book for Christmas. Naturally, I bought one for my bestie - because the awesomeness of this book for a fan is unparalleled. 

Princess Leia is badass.

I started to obsess about whether or not I should have just gone and bought a second book for myself. There were about a dozen books total...but if your Costco is anything like my Costco, finding an item after it is out of stock is an act of futility. 

The hijinx and hilarity that ensued as a result of this message is too good not to share:

This is where it gets awesome; Girldoll thought the photo I sent was for a costume...not a book. Since he was operating from second-hand information, my husband was drinking the Kool-Aid, too. He didn't even question my logic; they both figured I wanted the costume to dress up for a race. 

Mr. Doll was met with a blank stare when he asked an employee where he could find their Princess Leia costumes. He was batting zero and finally went back to the source, asking my daughter specifically where it was that I had seen the costume. 

This is when Girldoll forwarded him the photo I had sent - and he figured out that what I wanted was a book about Star Wars costumes, not an actual costume. 

I was in fits listening to Mr. Doll recount the story on Christmas morning. 

I think everyone involved breathed a sigh of relief that I didn't intend to run a half marathon wearing a tiny metal bikini. Or worse yet...wear it around casually for cosplay:

Star Wars trivia: the little creature to Leia's left is Salacious B. Crumb.
Jabba's court jester is a monkey-lizard...with the best laugh ever.

I think we can all agree that I'm way past my slave girl days. 

Signature Dish

 When I was engaged to be married, my mother- and sister-in-laws to-be threw me a beautiful wedding shower. My sister-in-law had just gone to Sweden a few months before as an exchange student, and brought home a recipe for a cream fruit pie with an almond meal crust. She made the recipe for the wedding shower, and everyone raved about it; it was delicious as well as beautiful to look at. 

I begin making that recipe for special occasions after my wedding. About 15 years ago, I ran across some small pastry cups imported from Europe. The pie crust was labor intensive...and everyone likes bite sized treats, so I adapted the recipe to make miniature desserts. It was such a hit that I have never made the dessert as a regular pie since. 

Since they are cream-filled, it's not a dessert that you can bite into; you have to commit to eating it in one go. 

Why, yes...my nail color does coordinate perfectly with those berries. Thank you for noticing!

I have made this dessert dozens of times over. If I bring my dessert to a party, then you know it's for someone I really like. Years ago, my mom gave my signature dessert a nickname, for obvious reasons, that has stuck ever since. I give you...Swedish Nipples:

Do you have a special dessert or meal you're famous for? I'd love to hear about it! 

5lbs Of Sugar In A 1lb Sack

If you have a generous bust like me, then you know my beef with sports bras in general. The best ones cost a fortune...but regardless of the cost, I always somehow feel like I'm wearing a bullet-proof vest. In desperate times, I have on more than one occasion worn two sports bras. I refer to this as 'double bagging'. I don't recommend it just for the chafe factor alone. 

It's inevitable; it's time to do laundry and I'm down to my last clean sports bra. It's the one that every time I wear it, I swear to myself, "Never again! I am NEVER wearing this again."

But then I get desperate, and I think that this time it will be different. See, the bra goes on fine...but taking off the sports bra? That does not. The last time I wore it, I got stuck trying to get it off. I nearly had to cut the damn thing off my body. 

You literally have no idea. Or maybe you do.

Jah feel? If you don't, you can just play along and pretend you do. #thestruggleisreal

Acure

I got my first care package of goodies to review as an ambassador for Ramblen. Ramblen is special because they're the first organization that asked me to represent them as an ambassador. Plus, I have a raging girl-crush on Danielle, who is one of Ramblen's founders and the writer for one of my favorite blogs, The T-Rex Runner. Yeah, Danielle is THAT awesome.

Anyway. I got a box of organic personal care items from Acure: dry shampoo, lip balm, body wash, leave-in conditioner, skin toner, face and body wipes, and argan oil. 

Acure is not messing around. This is a
box of serious skin and hair care booty.

Due to time constraints and the sheer volume of awesomeness contained in this box, I am going to do a two-part review. Today, I'll be reviewing Acure's toner, lip balm, body wash and dry shampoo. 

Rose and Red Tea Facial Toner:

I love this product. It's smells wonderful and has a light astringent quality to it without stinging. The product is sprayed directly on the face, so it has a nice cooling effect on the skin.

All their products are certified USDA organic, which I love.
Plus, I'm all about pretty packaging. 

Pretty pretty! This bottle has fine-mist
pump that feels refreshing on the skin.

Dry Shampoo:

I don't have any experience with powder dry shampoo - and I had the tell-tale powder marks left over in my hair to prove it. Maybe there is such a thing as hair that is too dirty (I take my 'product testing' seriously, apparently) since I applied it after a sweaty spin class session. Out of the whole loot, this is what I was most excited about but ended up being the most disappointed with. It's difficult to apply and use -- I kept trying to 'pump' it into my hair -- but again, I'm sure there is a learning curve with a powder dry shampoo versus a spray. Plus, anything without aerosol is a win for the environment.   

Dry Shampoo - a runner's best friend!

Argan Oil Lip Balm:

I don't use lip balms frequently - or much make-up at all, really, but I loved this. I was pleasantly surprised with Acure's take on the typical waxy Chapstick-style lip balm. I applied it with a little too much pressure expecting a hard wax, but the argan oil made the lip balm much softer than I anticipated. It has a minty tingle and a yummy chocolate smell. The only thing that would make this product better would be to add SPF for UV protection...but maybe that messes with the whole 'natural' wah of their skin care line? *shrugs*  

Tropical Citrus Argan Oil Castile Soap   

A+ for eye appeal!
Babydoll loves a good aesthetic.

Castile is a more natural take on ordinary soaps or shower gels, so if you are looking for a luxurious Mr. Bubble-type experience, which I prefer...because I operate from the Bubbles = Clean school of thought, then this might not be your favorite body wash. It has a pleasant citrus smell without any lingering perfumes. It's a product similar to Dr. Bronner's Castile Liquid Soap, except with the added benefit of argan oil. I probably won't replace this product when I'm done, but my skin definitely felt softer after using it.

I received free product in exchange for writing this post. All opinions are my own.