Happy Halloweenie!

In the words of Cookie Monster, "Me not take the cookies, me eat the cookies." Nom, Nom, Nom.
Happy Halloween!

Bye Bye Butta Bathroom

This economy is making people do weird things. I've know my painter for 7 years and I recently hired him to re-paint our 2nd bath. I think he lied when he said he put two coats on the walls so I asked him to come back and do touch up work. For almost a week he kept saying he would be here "tomorrow morning" and then wouldn't show. He also told me I had to go buy more paint for him because I didn't pay him enough to the do the job. He used an entire gallon of paint which is impossible. I mean, there was nothing left in the can for even touch ups. I finally had enough of his attitude so I tore him a new one and promised he would never get another penny out of me or anyone that I've ever referred to him. 7 years I've know this guy! I was out $200 and had an unfinished bathroom so I headed to Porter Paints to get some more paint. I have to say I really like this place much more than going to Home Depot or Lowe's for paint. They are so helpful there.

So 3 hours later, the new bathroom made it's debut. Next up ... the family room.

Before

After

McLovin': The Semi Annual Pest

The lovebug, Plecia nearctica, is a member of the family of march flies. It is also known as the honeymoon fly, kissingbug or double-headedbug. Two major flights occur each year, first in late spring, then again in late summer. The spring flight occurs during late April and May, the summer during late August and September. Flights extend over periods of four to five weeks. Mating takes place almost immediately after emergence of the females. Adult females live only three to four days, while males live a little longer.

Lovebug adults are attracted to light-colored surfaces, especially if they are freshly painted, but the adults can congregate almost anywhere by reacting to the effects of sunlight on automobile fumes, asphalt, and other products affected by environmental factors still not completely understood.

While lovebugs are not a favored food of most insectivores due to their acidic taste, lovebug larvae—and some adults—are food for birds such as quails, robins and felines named Kyleigh & Sydney (see below).

Spoiled Rotten

When I was three I got a pony, named Alvin, for my birthday. He wasn't a real pony but an old miniature horse. I remember riding him down the street from my grandparent's house to ours kicking him in the sides telling him to giddy up. My Dad liked to spoil me rotten so it is no surprise that I pretty much got whatever I asked for growing up.

This year I ask my husband for a Nook and I got it. Somethings never change. Happy Birthday to Me!

He Likes Cake

I have the cutest husband ever. Happy Birthday Chad!

He's Got Freckles and Red Hair

It was eight years ago today that my husband and I met. My good friend's boyfriend moved into a new apartment which came with a cute roomie. I met Tom but he was neither cute or single. There was another guy, who was single, living in the house but my friend described him like Alfalfa. I had her set up a get together so I could meet him. He was no Alfalfa. He was, and still is, very handsome, smart and super funny. I'm one lucky lady.

Going Bananas!

Every week when I go to the grocery store I get bananas. They are one of my favorite foods. They are yummy, convenient, and are full of vitamins and potassium. Problem is I don't like really ripe bananas and they ripen so fast so I end up throwing some away which is such a waste of food and money. As I was about to throw this weekss too ripe bananas away I had a thought (a rare occurrence if you ask my Dad). I'll make banana bread!

If you recall, I'm not so talented when it comes to the baking aspect of cooking but the only way to get better is through practice. No mishaps this time and my Dad and Husband honestly looked a little surprised at how great it tasted. So here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup crushed walnuts
• Solid vegetable shortening (Crisco)

Directions:

Put flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and set aside. In separate bowl whisk the eggs and vanilla together and set aside. Lightly Crisco the inside of your loaf pan (8x8x4) and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

In a standing mixer, or with an electric hand held mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the butter while mixing until incorporated then add the bananas.

With a rubber spatula, mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the nuts and transfer to loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Cool bread in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn the bread of out the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy!