Christmas sugar cookies

December 16th, 2012    2:18 am

My mom got this great recipe years ago from a friend, so I thought I’d share how to make Christmas cutout cookies (or you can just make them round if you want). Note: I’m not sure how many cookies this is for.

What you need:

  • 1 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp almond
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Milk
  • Salt

Instructions:

  • Warm butter and mix well with sugar. Add egg, vanilla, almond, flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and mix together to make dough.
  • Refrigerate dough for 2-3 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375. Divide dough in half and roll it out with flour. Use cookie cutters if desisred. Bake Cookies for 7-8 minutes.
  • To make the frosting add 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, 1 tsp almond, salt, and some milk and mix together in a bowl. Add food coloring if desired. Spread frosting over cookies once they have cooled. Add sprinkles if desired. Let frosting dry.

Environmental Leader

December 10th, 2012    4:15 pm

Guest written by our friend Gladys Fuentes

I’ve become more and more interested the older I get with my impact on the environment. I think it’s really important to ensure I’m not taking more than I’m giving to this great planet so I do what I can at home to make sure I’m helping and not hurting the earth. First and foremost I’ve started getting some of the harmful companies out of my life: I went to http://www.electriccompaniestexas.net/reliant-energy-texas/C/Columbus and researched the most eco-friendly energy companies around and make the utility switch. After that I spent some time whittling down my cleaning supplies so that all that was left was “green.” I also have learned to shop at the grocery store much more cautiously and I’ve been working on growing some of my own fruits and vegetables in the back yard! I think I may start composting, too, because compost is supposed to be really good for the air quality and I know it makes the best fertilizer for your existing plants, too. My goal is to inform all my neighbors about the ways in which they could be hurting the planet and teach them how to correct it. It really is simple enough: all I need to do is find some way to start a recycling drive in the neighborhood and I know everyone around here would start pitching in. this planet is something I think we’ve all got a responsibility to so whether it’s driving an eco-friendly vehicle or cleaning up trash on the side of the road, anything I can do is something that’s going to help. None of us can solve the environmental crisis on our own but the more we ignore what’s going on with our planet the worse off we’re leaving it for the future generations and I just don’t think that’s right. My conscious won’t let me trash this place for my kids or for yours so I’m going to keep putting all of my energy into this cause!

My Shopping Addiction

December 9th, 2012    2:01 am

Has anyone seen this show? I’ve seen a few episodes but I can sort of relate to some of these people, except I don’t stop paying rent and use that money to go shopping. It’s crazy how much stuff some of these people on the show buy and how much debt they’re in.

New “web systems” class

December 7th, 2012    5:49 am

Recently I started a class called Web Systems, and we’re learning how to write JavaScript right now. I’ve never actually written my own script before, so it will be interesting to learn how. I took a programming class a few months ago and that was one of the most difficult classes I’ve ever taken. Hopefully this one won’t be as bad, since I do have some familiarity with JavaScript at least.

After this class, I’ll have one more (an elective I still have to choose) and then I’ll have my associate’s degree. It’s been a very challenging and lengthy program, I can’t wait to finish.

Interesting movie I watched last night

December 1st, 2012    2:31 am

I was browsing Netflix and found a movie called Exam:

It’s a British psychological thriller from 2009. I found it to be pretty interesting, as I do a lot of psychological thrillers. I won’t say much about it so I don’t give anything away. If psychological thrillers are your thing, you may want to check it out.

Shopping as a game

November 28th, 2012    1:41 pm

Make shopping more fun by using DealDash, a fun and social way to shop. Save money when you buy on Deal Dash, it’s an honest and has risk-free penny auctions. Even if you don’t want to bid, there’s also a Buy It Now option where you can buy the item you want at the retail price and get a refund on the bids back to your account. Shopping here is like a game, which is much different than other auction sites. Times are changing, and so is shopping!
Check out the DealDash Review to learn more about how to play while shopping. DealDash has 1.5 million shoppers, so it’s worth a look.

Gotta love my neighbors

November 27th, 2012    11:44 am

I have some pretty annoying neighbors, but last night took the cake. The guy living next to me came home to blow up at me for smoking outside and slammed his door. I’m trying to quit smoking (it’s been pretty hard), and people are allowed to smoke outside, there’s even a smoking area. I’m not the only one who smokes outside either. I don’t know if he just had a bad day and took it out on me or what, but it was uncalled for. His loud music gets annoying and gives me a headache, but I don’t say anything to him because I try to mind my own business around here. I don’t like to smoke inside my apartment because I don’t want the smoke to go up into the air ducts and disturb the guy living above me, but I guess you can’t please everyone.

It would be nice though if people would just mind their own business or at least ask politely for me to stop, but that seems doubtful.

Christmas tree is up already

November 23rd, 2012    6:21 pm

I put my Christmas tree up today, as well as the rest of my decorations. I only have a 4′ tall tree, but here it is:

If you look closely, you can see a computer and cell phone ornament. My mom knows me so well. :))

I went to the store today, and surprisingly it wasn’t busy being Black Friday and all. Then again, there aren’t any Black Friday deals at the dollar store. I just love Dollar Tree, I save so much money getting things from there.

I also wanted to share something else I love.
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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22nd, 2012    2:51 pm

I’m having turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, rolls, pickled eggs, and pumpkin pie. I love Thanksgiving food!

Anyway, I thought I’d share my grandmother’s recipe for pickled eggs if anyone wants to try it, they’re really good. :x I know it’s a bit late, but you can make these anytime.

One dozen pickled eggs

What you need:

  • 2 quart jar
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • Heinz apple cider vinegar
  • Sugar
  • 1 can of whole beets

Instructions:

  • Boil eggs for 10 minutes, drain water and rinse with cold water and let cool. Peel the eggs and put them in the jar.
  • Drain the juice from the can of beets into a pan and add 12 ounces of Heinz apple cider vinegar and 3/4 cup of sugar. Place the beets in the jar. Bring the beet juice, vinegar, and sugar to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar.
  • Pour the beet juice, vinegar, and sugar into the jar over the eggs and beets. Let cool, then refrigerate.
  • For best results, pickle eggs 1 week in advance.

I love holiday candles

November 21st, 2012    10:53 pm

I’m going to start doing some blog posts now and then on products/things I love so other people can check them out.

Every year around Christmas time the holiday candles come out, which I love, especially the cookie scented ones. There’s one out now called “Vanilla Cookie” that you can get at Walmart for cheap, it smells amazing.


I think this goes for around $4, but I’m not 100% sure.

Then there is my ultimate favorite by Yankee Candle:

What are your favorite candle scents (if any)?

Members only

November 20th, 2012    8:25 pm


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Breaking Dawn Part 2

November 19th, 2012    5:05 pm

I went to see this today because I had a movie theater gift card, and I’ve never been to a theater like that before. It was one of those dine-in theaters with a waitress and a menu. That was pretty interesting since I’ve never experienced that before. I ended up just getting some popcorn and soda because most things on the menu were pricy. Parking was also a big pain, so I don’t see myself going back to that theater.

I thought the movie was alright, but I preferred the previous ones. I got to see it for free so I’m not complaining. If you’ve seen the movie, what did you think of it?

I love this stuff

November 18th, 2012    5:08 am

I love Bath & Body Works, particularly their aromatherapy line. These are my favorites, Sleep – Lavender Vanilla and Stress Releif – Eucalyptus Spearment Luxury bubble baths. They are a bit pricey but really worth it, I love them!

You can find them in your local store or online. They’re also giving out coupons when you make a purchase so you can save money or get a free item with purchase.

Oops

November 13th, 2012    7:07 pm

I had a large reseller I wasn’t using anymore since I’m not as big on blogging as I used to be, so I moved to a smaller host. I did a backup, but I guess something went wrong because I lost my new theme as well as posts. Once I’m done with school (one class almost done, two more to go!) I’ll be in the mood to work on this site more. With homework and other stuff I haven’t felt like it.

Anyway, this Thanksgiving I don’t plan on doing much except cook dinner for myself. My parents have moved back to Pennsylvania so we won’t be spending holidays together. It sucks, but I think staying in Arizona is best for me. I just can’t take cold weather anymore. Speaking of cold, I wish my landlord would turn the heat on, it’s been getting so chilly at night. I live in a converted resort complex with all utilities included, so the landlord controls the air conditioning and heat. I think their reason for not turning the heat on yet is a bit stupid (they want our apartments to be comfortable for Thanksgiving cooking) and not a valid reason for freezing every night. Oh well, I got myself an electric blanket and that’s all I can do for now. Happy Thanksgiving in advance.

Dating and being childfree

February 29th, 2012    10:44 pm

Dating is very difficult when you’re childfree, at least for me anyway. If a guy already has kids or wants them, that is a definite deal breaker for me. I’ve known from a young age that I never wanted to have kids, and I still don’t. My mind is not going to change because I honestly have no desire to be a mother, I also don’t really get along with kids well.

It seems like most guys wants kids, or already have them. One of my ex boyfriends really wanted kids, even though I told him from the start that I didn’t. We dated for about a year, and he started to bug me about kids. I told him that I didn’t want them and he knew this before we started dating. I ended up terminating the relationship, but that wasn’t my only reason. Later on I found out that he had two kids with another woman.

What I don’t understand is, if you truly want kids, why date someone who doesn’t? I guess they think my mind will change, but I can say with 100% certainty that it will not. I would honestly rather remain single than have kids that I don’t want to make someone else happy. I’ve tried the whole online dating thing, and that hasn’t worked out either. I could date a guy that wanted kids later on, but I don’t see the point because the relationship wouldn’t work out. I’m a serious relationship type of girl, so I’m not really into having flings because I’m getting older and would like to get married. I also don’t want an actual wedding either, but a civil ceremony. I’ve never been into fancy dresses and huge celebrations, I’m also not religious.

Hopefully there is a guy out there somewhere for me that feels the same way about all of this.

So I renewed this domain after all

February 27th, 2012    6:09 pm

I wasn’t going to, but I kept getting e-mail warnings about it expiring soon. I figured once it expires, I probably won’t be able to get it back. I’ve had this domain for four years, I just can’t let it go so I sucked it up and paid the renewal (with an excellent coupon). I put the other domain on eBay to see if I can sell it and get rid of it.

I have some ideas for a new theme (although this hasn’t been up long), but I have too much homework this week. I contacted my advisor to see if I could take a break before my new classes start, but no response yet. It sucks that a break has to be approved by the school when other schools give students time off. Once classes are over, the next ones start the next day. I’m so tired of homework! It’s constant.

Pinterest

February 24th, 2012    1:34 am

I’ve been hearing about Pintrest and finally decided to create an account. I requested an invite and got one rather quickly. At first, I didn’t really understand what the hell it even was, but now I’m a bit addicted to it. It’s a bit pointless, but I’ve seen some interesting things posted there and it’s a good late night boredom killer for me. It’s basically a virtual pinboard to share your interests, for those who aren’t familiar with it.

My Thoughts on James Leaving TDWP

February 22nd, 2012    2:35 pm

I read today that James Baney is leaving The Devil Wears Prada. Honestly, I’m a bit saddened by this news. I’m glad I had the chance to see him play recently on the Dead Throne tour. I’m also glad I got to meet him a few times on a few tours, and he was always so friendly and seemed to really care about the fans. It was really nice of him to spend the time that he did talking with me when he didn’t have to. I don’t know of the real reason of his departure, but I imagine touring so much can be really tough and I can’t blame him for wanting to move on and spend time with his new wife. I wish him luck in the future. I just want to say thanks for everything you’ve done in the band and for the memories.

I live in such an annoying neighborhood

February 18th, 2012    11:07 pm

I was up until around 6 in the morning because of a dog howling loudly outside. It was right outside my window, and it went on for hours. I don’t understand how people can leave a dog outside all night in the cold like that either. I haven’t been feeling well lately, and have been having some back pain. It’s hard to get any sleep at all around here with all the noise. Tonight my back started acting up again so I tried to take a nap, but the very loud music from across the street preventing me from doing so. There are of course several dogs barking, and police sirens to go along with it all. There’s also this crazy guy that races up and down this street at really high speeds (it’s only 25mph through here) with his tires screeching and everything. This is not good because there are so many joggers, skateboarders, and bikers out and someone could get hurt. He’ll eventually get caught since police like to watch this area for speeders.

That’s not all. There are also noisy kids that ride their bikes and play on the street, and this makes it difficult for cars to get in and out. I don’t know why the parents aren’t keeping an eye on them, or better yet, they should be taking them to the park a block over. The HOA is also ridiculous. They have actually sent notices in the mail to people who park their cars on the street. How stupid is that? What are people supposed to do when they have company and the driveway/garage is full? I’m hoping I can get out of this lame suburb this year or the next. I can honestly say I have never lived in such a noisy neighborhood like this. %-(

Not happy with Target right now

February 6th, 2012    5:17 pm

I ordered a top online through Target, since it said it was only available online. The shipping took so long I actually forgot about it until I got it today. It doesn’t fit, and that’s the largest size they had. It was an XL, and it looked like something suited for a size 0, not something I would expect from an XL. It’s just sad how tiny sizes are now.

There was no sizing chart on Target’s website, so I had to take a chance. I was at least able to take it back to the store to return it instead of having to pay to ship it back, but they wouldn’t refund me. All they gave me was a Target gift card, so I had to walk around the store to try to find something to buy. I ended up having to kick in some of my own money which I wasn’t happy about either. I don’t get why I couldn’t just get my money back, yes I did open the package but how else was I supposed to know how it would fit if I didn’t try it on? Target, put a damn sizing chart on your website, it will save your customers a lot of hassle.