New Release!

The last release was in October, but I missed the party because my dearest friend Lindsey was getting married. Not a bad trade off, but it did make the anticipation for this release even greater than it typically would be!

As fate would have it they scheduled Jam to kick off release weekend on Thursday night. This was perfect since I was leaving for New York early Friday morning.

Me, Stacey, and Jess

I was so excited when I got to the gym. It was decorated with balloons & streamers, and a lot of people showed up for it so the room was full of energy and excitement.

Jess, Warren, and I showed some front row love and just happened to be wearing matching clothes aka "front row uniform."



Jess, Me, and Warren: Front Row Mafia



The new moves were pretty good and had a lot of good songs by Usher, Biebs, and Tiesto. I was in dance heaven. Not that I was good at it or anything, but I still love to dance a fool and have fun!

After it was over a group of us celebrated with brownies that I made for the occasion.

I loved watching Amanda eat them. There was a moment when I thought she might rub them all over her face. haha. But seriously, it's nice to know I'm not the only one with an appetite for sweets.

We earned them.

So naturally, when I got home I downloaded all of the songs so I can now have body jam session while hanging out at home. Intervention needed? maybe.

Cherry Donut Icing

I have made no secret of my love for donuts. The cherry iced by Donut Stop in particular. Good thing I also have a love for working out otherwise I'd really be in a bind!

My Dad knows of this unhealthy relationship, and my love of baking, so he got me a donut maker for Christmas. This is probably why I am Daddy's girl.

presh to death.

For my first donut adventure I used the mix that Dad bought me - no need to get crazy right away!

But I knew I wanted to make the icing instead of using the cinnamon sugar it came with. And I happened to make these during Valentine's week, so you know it had to be pink. And if it's pink, then it has to be cherry.

This stuff was so easy and delicious that I would prefer to drizzle it on everything for always!

Linking up with Buns In My Oven to share this goodness!

Cherry Icing

1/4 c milk

1 tbsp cherry extract

2 1/4 c powdered sugar

Red food coloring

• Mix the milk and extract in a saucepan over low heat.
• Once warm add in the powdered sugar and whisk slowly.
•  Once combined, add in the food coloring.
• Remove from heat and dip those donuts!

*I dipped my donuts twice, letting them sit on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet (to catch any runaway icing) in between dippings.

The office loved them, and continued to love me in return. #winning for all!

DIF*

*Don't ask.

We kicked off Amanda's bday weekend at The Tasting Room. They have amazing truffle fries & sweet potato fries. If they would make sweet potato truffle fries then I would probably eat there every day.

Winter has finally hit Houston and we had the unfortunate table right by the door. Where people came in and out of constantly. And sometimes they would stand there holding the door open while talking to someone outside. By about the third time of that situation I did yell "in or out! IN OR OUT!" at them; I don't think they heard.

After dinner and multiple glasses of wine, we were ready to head to the after party. And no, it was not in the hotel lobby...it was at La Barre.

This was my first male strip club experience. I didn't really know what to expect outside of what I saw in Magic Mike. So I imagined their dance routines and took it down a few notches. Turns out I should have further lowered my expectations.

It was very interesting. I'm honestly not sure if the male strip club is geared towards turning me on or cracking me up. I don't think that I have 1. laughed so much, and 2. had so much shock face at one event.

Watching all of the physical boundaries being crossed made me nervous. I can appreciate a nice body, but I don't know you so I don't want to touch you, and don't even think about touching me. I obviously didn't get out any dolla dolla bills, y'all.

• Houston's #1 eligible bachelor performed. Yes, our most eligible bachelor is a stripper. If that's the best we have to offer, then I'm doomed.
• Why did we get the super creepy waiter and not the cute one the table next to us got?
• Stripper fight!
• "Look at his triceps!"
• "Feelinloveinahopelessplace
• I think it should be law that all male strippers have to wear boxer briefs instead of the bananna hamock. eww. just eww.
• Boy band reject.
• Do they offer memberships?
• Watching Christina get forced out of her chair and then get difed was hilarious...but probably not to her.
• I told Amanda that we should get her a lapdance, but once she gets up there she needs to flip it and end up lap dancing the stripper. I don't know why she didn't get on board that idea?

Red Velvet Brownies

I made these for Valentine's day. I was obviously going with a red theme and figured that red velvet brownies were worth a shot. They turned out amazing and I was even told they were "bloody good!"

Linking up with Buns In My Oven because sharing is caring!

Red Velvet Brownies

1 stick of butter

1 1/8 c sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tbs vanilla extract

1 box red velvet cake mix

• Preheat oven to 350*
• Beat the eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla until smooth.
• In a separate bowl microwave to melt the butter, add the sugar, and stir. Microwave a little longer until hot. It should become shiny as you stir. Heat once more - this will create a shiny top crust on the brownies.
• Add the hot butter/sugar mix to the chocolate concoction and stir until smooth.
• Mix in the red velvet cake mix in 1/2 cup increments.
• Bake 35-45min.

I used an 8x8 brownie pan, but will probably try out the larger pan next time.

Cream Cheese Icing
4 oz cream cheese
1 tbs vanilla
2 c powdered sugar

• Mix all ingredients together.
• Ice once brownies are cool.

Friends Stab Each Other In The Face, Not The Back

I've met Seneca once (maybe twice?) when Kara was in town three years ago. Since then we have partaken in facebook and instagram stalking, a few text exchanges, and one phone convo.

But I still fell like I actually know her, like we've been friends for years. Sometimes Kara sure knows how to pick 'em!

Since we obviously haven't spent a lot of time together I forget that shes an acupuncturist. Is that even a word? Anyway, she practices acupuncture.

When I posted on instagram about my janky knee/possibly IT band, she commented about how I should come see her for treatment. At this point I'm willing to try anything short of amputation for injuries, so I scheduled an appointment for the following week.

I was mildly nervous because the thought of being stuck with needles just doesn't sound like a good time. And even after reading about how this heals you, I don't think I quite get it.

After paperwork and assessing my sitch, Seneca showed me the needle. It's small like a horse hair. I could barley feel it when she stuck me.

Seneca ended up sticking me in my leg, face, crown, ears, and wrists. The random places were supposed to be for beauty, brains, and calming...I think.

The beauty one def worked because I was at least 10% prettier when I woke up the next day.

She had asked if I had vivid dreams (I said always), so I'm not sure if the needle for that was supposed to calm them or what. After I left I was nervous that I might not have dreams anymore. Even though the majority are nightmares, it would be sad to never have the pleasant ones again. Turns out I didn't have anything to worry about because I had such terrible dreams the next two nights that I woke up crying and had to sleep with my light on. I wonder if she did this on purpose. Not cool Seneca, not cool.

As far as the IT band, not sure if it helped. I hadn't done anything to irritate it for about a week so it felt fine before I went in. If it hurts when I attempt to run, then I'll probably hit her up for some more treatments.

Awesome & Awkward Friday

I hope everyone had a bomb.com Valentine's Day like I did! If not...then this just got awkward.

Linking up with Lauren to discuss my weekly happenings.

• First off, I'd like to discuss what I'm sure is on everyone's mind. Vampire Diaries. WTF? Jeremy Gilbert? Really? Can I trade him for Tyler? or what about April? We haven't seen her in a few epps, so I think we should kill her off instead of Jeremy. I was so shocked that I had to go back and watch it again (twice) to make sure that was a neck snap. I was so shocked that I just sat there staring at the TV. If this is true, then they have literally killed off every relative that Elena had. Who does that? And what happened to his resurrection ring? Did he stop wearing it after the whole itturnedAlariccrazy sitch? I can't wait for next week to find out if this is real life or not. Well, real TVD life, obvs. Until then I will be in a period of mourning.

RIP? (source)

• I accidentally tricked Jess into coming to the gym. I sent her an email with a poorly written sentence that insinuated that bar class was on Wednesday so she came to work out. I'm glad that I didn't add more words to clarify because she said she would have skipped if she knew it was pump.

Jess, Me, and Warren. Front Row Mafia

• There's a good chance that I'll be in the Houston Chronicle for an article they are doing on the gym. I gave a quote and they were taking pictures of the front row. So bring your copy of the newspaper to QLF next Saturday for a meet and greet with me!
• In honor of Valentine's week I baked for the office three times. My fave was this:

Recipe Here

• I donated plamsa..then almost passed out during pole. YAY!

• Steve sent me flowers yesterday.

Valentine Cream Cheese Cookies

So it's Valentine week. Yes, a whole week. I think this is probably my favorite holiday. Who doesn't want to celebrate love?

So I kicked off the week by bringing some delicious cookies to work. I'm honestly surprised by how much I love these because I used to be strictly anti-cream cheese. The idea of it just freaks me out. But I've caved. And? Sometimes I even get cheesecake when Brittany and I go to the bakery! I don't even know who I am anymore.

Show someone you love them and bake them these cookies!

Linking up with Buns In My Oven for What's Cookin' Wednesday.

Valentine Cream Cheese Cookies
adapted from Bakestravaganza

2 sticks softened butter
6oz cream cheese (room temperature)
2 c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
red or pink food coloring
2c flour
1c M&M
1/2c chocolate chips

• Preheat oven to 375*
• Cream the butter and cream cheese together.
• Mix in the sugar, vanilla, and food coloring (to desired color).
• Add in the flour half a cup at a time.
• Stir in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. (If you use your mixer then it could be a chopped m&m disaster, so I used a wood spoon)
• Drop cookie dough balls onto the pan about 2 inches apart. (I used a large cookie scoop about an inch in diameter)
• Bake for 14 min.
• Let cool, remove from pan, eat!

Oh Fork.



Emma chewing on my necklace. What a doll.



I love spending part of my weekends with Cole, Brittany, and Emma.

Emma is about 18 months now, and she is more and more fun every time I see her.

I do miss her being baby sized so I could just hold her for hours, but she's still little enough that I can hold her if she likes it or not. Luckily this was a day when she liked it.

It's been interesting watching her learn to talk. And really amusing when her works come out sounding like something else.

• Clock was cock
• Fork comes out more like fuck

At dinner she dropped/threw her fork on the ground and said "oh, fork." But it obviously sounded like something else. So of course we had her say fork a few more times to entertain us.

She's also pretty smart, with the exception of her confusion of black and brown. It's surprising how much fun it is to draw shapes, numbers, and letters to have her identify them. She can even identify an octagon. 

So far mine and Emma's fave things to do are (because she totally told me when I asked):

• Dance around the living room. Sometimes she even let's me hold her and twirl (once she stops fighting it).
• hold her above my head so she can pretend to fly...but then realize it's more fun to walk on my face and then use my torso as a trampoline. This is all fun and games until she gets too big and cracks my ribs.
• Chew on my necklace...and sometimes attempt my finger.
• Let me feed her with her fork when she's having trouble using it.
• Drawing shapes and letters so she can show me how smart she is
• Making balls with play dough, just so she can smash them and have me re ball it.

After Emma goes to bed, then we have some adult fun. Which usually includes trips to Target, Ohh La La Bakery, and a round of Harry Potter Scene it?

 

Yes, this was all for me. I did end up sharing half of the large cupcake.



I won! Beating Cole and Brittany was a pretty sweet victory. I then ran around the living room with my arms up pretending I was on a hippogriff. It.was.awesome.

Awesome & Awkward Friday

HAPPY FRIDAY! I'm on an endorphin high after cycling, the weather is great, I had fruit loops for breakfast (not as good I remember), and I made it to work on time; today is going to be a great day! (knock on wood). Tonight I'm taking a lap dance class, then hitting up dinner and a movie. See? great day.



 Now let's link up with Lauren and talk about this last week.

Awesome

• Pole is back in session!
• Body Jam with Jess was a blast! I'm not going to be surprised if she throws a bow to my face because I mess with her a lot when we dance.
• I had a catch up phone sesh with Lindsey. I can't believe she could be a mom in two weeks! eek! Which also means I need to book my flight to go see her!
• Got my girl scout order in!

Awkward

• When the Doctor asked me how many brothers I had...I panicked and said 1. Then realized I kind of lied. Then almost cried because it doesn't usually get that real. (I'm aware and all, but, umm, yeah).
• Then I proceeded to have messed up dreams about murder that night and trying to save both of my brothers. Great! Despite that being that night that I slept the most, I did not look well rested in the morning.
• As a guy at Wal-mart walked passed me he told me I was beautiful. My response? "Stranger danger." I"m not sure if he heard me. My social skills are obviously lacking, but this was also the ghetto wal-mart. Let's not even question that I live near the ghetto Wal-mart. I swear my gated community is safe. And I have a pinata stick if anyone tries to break in.
• My Doctor also told me that I can't run for 4-6 weeks due to IT band issues. I actually did cry when she said that. WHHHHYYYYYYYYY???????

Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Bread

Grandma and I had a bake-a-thon when I visited last October. Pretty sure I mentioned that when I posted a few things we made. We also made my new fave: cinnamon swirl bread.

Back in 2007 I ran my first (and only full) marathon with Team in Training. We had a few bake sales as fundraisers. I, of course, dominated that. I raised about 1/4 of my goal in the few bake sales that we held. Anyway, my grandma baked like a boss to help me with the first one. She made a few things that I hadn't seen before, including this cinnamon swirl bread. I obviously couldn't try it because it was for charity, but I had been wanting a taste after all of these years. 

Ok, so when grandma asked me what was on my baking list, I had a flash back to the bake sale days and knew that this was my chance to finally get some of that cinnamon swirl bread. It was def worth the wait! It was good plain or toasted with butter. I.die. just thinking about it now.

And? It was so fun to make! I think I love baking bread and can't wait to make more!

And now for the recipe, brought to you by Grandma:

Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Bread

1/4 cup warm water

2 cups milk scalded

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup shortening

2 tsp. salt

1 pkg rapid rise yeast

7 1/2 - 8 cups flour

2 slightly beaten eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

soft butter or oleo

Mix first 5 ingredients togetherAdd 3 cups flour mix well, add eggsAdd enough of remaining flour to make soft dough.Knead 8-10 min. This is hand kneading (old recipe) your mixer will knead the dough. You can choose how long.
Place in a lightly greased bowl-Turn to grease it all over.Cover and let rise 10 minutes (This replaces the long rise using plain yeast) 

Divide dough in half. Makes 2 loaves.  Roll to 15" x 7" rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.Spread soften butter (oleo) on dough, mix cinnamon and sugar, sprinkle over dough.

Roll- Begin with narrow side, Pinch dough to seal, Placed sealed edge down in 2 greased  9 1/2 x 5 x 3 (loaf pan). 

Cover-Let rise 45 to 60 min. till double,

Bake 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes

Cable Update

So you remember this?

I called the company a week later and they still haven't let out of the contract, BUT the nice lady that helped me did give me $20 off every month since I was deceived.

I am determined to either 1.get out of the contract without paying any fees, or 2. keep getting it closer to free since I don't want it.

The Day My Body Betrayed Me

The day was January 3rd, a Thursday. It was full of so much hope and optimism. I finally got around to writing my new years goals and was pumped to get to work.

After work I stopped by the park for my first run in about two weeks. I was so excited to stretch my legs out to see what pace I was working with as I churned out 4 miles.

A mile in I saw all of my hopes and dreams fade away as I began to experience pain in the outside of my left knee. So I slowed down. It got worse. I decided to cut it short and alternate walking and running...until I could barley manage to walk.

WTF body! Things had been going so well.

I took some Aleve and iced it when I got home. It didn't seem to help, and I could barley manage to walk the next day.

I did some online research and I'm pretty sure it's my IT band. They say running can cause issues, but my millage was pretty low last year...especially towards the end.

It felt better on Saturday so I was able to resume most of my normal activities...except for running or lunges.

I'm feeling very nervous about this whole knee sitch since I have the Woodlands half scheduled for March. Yikes!

Really glad that I hadn't signed up for the ones in Feb and April that I had my eye on.

Anyone else had knee problems? Any suggestions? Or should I go ahead and amputate?

Awesome & Awkward Friday

I'm having a hard time even remembering what I did this week. I'll still mark it up as a success because I didn't use any energy drinks to help with my sleep deprivation. My heart applauds me.

Linking up with Lauren.

Awesome

•  Can we talk TV for just a sec.
• New Girl - OMG. OMG. The kiss? So good and unexpected. I really didn't think it was going to happen after the whole behind the iron door situation. I actually rewound it a few times. It.was.perfect.
• Vampire Diaries - Overall, this season hasn't had me as emotionally involved as the past three. But after last night? I'm all in. I still can't believe they killed off an original! Let February sweeps begin! I wonder if my neighbor can hear when I am screaming and yelling while watching tv?
• Dinner with the girls. I hadn't seem them since the day before the world was supposed to end so we had a lot to catch up on. I motion that we hit up every burger place in town for girls dinner. (I also almost choked to death on a pickle)

• I'm slowly finding my way back to the kitchen. This week I made white chocolate brownies. This happened because I didn't realize I was out of chocolate chips...

• Have you heard of thought catalogue? If not, you need to check it out asap! I think I found my new boyfriend application! You must read This.

Awkward

•  I was completely exhausted from the New York weekend and slept for 11 hours Monday night. Why am I old?
• The cashier at Which Which told me he wants to take a picture of my eyes to get contacts replicated after them. This is the second time he's said something like this. I'm starting to worry that he might just take the eyes out of my face.
• It's February 1st, and I've already identified the recipient of the Most Douchtastic Person of the Year award. Fantastic. Hopefully there won't be anyone else vying for the award and I can have a peacefully awesome year.