Baking With Aunt Cheryl and Mom

       
Yesterday Aunt Cheryl came over to my parents' house to bake with mom and I. Looked forward to this event ever since I found out about it a week ago. Anyway, Mom is not accustomed to baking cookies and desserts in general, so it was pretty much her first time to really bake. It was a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed Aunt Cheryl showing us baking secrets and ultimately just spending time with her. Love her. She's so awesome.

Peanut Blossom Cookies

1 C. white sugar
1 C. brown sugar
1 C. margarine
1 C. peanut butter
2 eggs (beaten well)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. soda (dissolved in 1 T. boiling water)
Pinch of salt
3 C. flour
1 pkg. chocolate stars or Hershey's Kisses

Cream sugar, margarine, peanut butter and eggs. Add soda-water mixture, vanilla, salt and flour. Roll mix into balls. Roll balls in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Add candy stars or kisses.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters

16 oz dark chocolate chips
16 oz butterscotch chips
2 tbs gulf wax
1 lb (or more) peanuts

In a bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips, butterscotch and gulf wax in the microwave for 4 minutes. Mix. Further melt in the microwave for another 1 - 2 minutes until smooth. Mix. Add in the peanuts and mix. Scoop out chunks into wax paper and let it sit overnight.

Best Ever Christmas Cookies

1/2 C. margarine
1/2 C. crisco shortening
1 C. sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
1 big tsp. vanilla
3 C. flour
1 tsp. soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 C. milk
1 tsp. salt

Combine ingredients as per normal. Refrigerate overnight. Roll out and bake at 350 degrees until lightly golden.

Simple Christmas, The Lazy Cat, and Kindle Reads

 

This year (compared to the last) we decided to keep the holidays simple by putting up the small Christmas Tree with limited decorations. This is so I wouldn't have the burden of cleaning up after giving birth towards the end/beginning of this/next year. It's kind of nice yet at the same time I wish that I was able to do more. I've been so easy to tire lately that Dre has been doing a lot of the housework (feeding the pets, bending down, lifting heavy things, cleaning, cooking, etc.)

So anyway... above is the lounging cat. He loves that arm rest and can be found at that location the majority of the time.

KINDLE CURRENT READS

In all other news, Dre got me a Kindle so to occupy my time since I'm now just sitting pretty at home. I love the thing and have been voraciously reading to my heart's desire.

My Current Reading List: 

The Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Handbook for Living
- Dalai Lama & Howard C. Cutler, M.D.
>> I use this book more of a devotional, reading a chapter a day in order to feed my mind and gain some sort of enlightenment. It helps because it shows how to achieve happiness.

Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
>> I love books that allow me to gain a better understanding of history and culture. This book caught me by surprise due to its content and storyline. I can't put it down! A must read.

Sargasso of Space (Solar Queen, Book 1) - Andre Norton
>> This book was recommended by my husband and also fulfills my love of science-fiction. I've only gotten through the first few chapters and it's good so far... I can't wait till the real action begins.

UPDATED BABY BLOG

Thursday, December 1, 2011 Love From Ukraine A few days ago, we received a package from Dre's Mom. Talented Grandma Mila knitted these booties and outfit for Baby A. They're so precious and adorable - practically melted my ... (read more after the jump)

Thanksgiving 2011

I did a horrible job of taking Thanksgiving pictures this year that the beautiful turkey was missed (there were two kinds too: Caribbean Turkey and the Traditional Turkey. Furthermore, my parents didn't even make any of the pictures taken, and they hosted the event! Nonetheless, we had a lot of fun with the Aquino family, Gabriel's mom (from Puerto Rico) and Michael and his room mate, Mark.

We started the holiday feast with worship where Dad gave the history of Thanksgiving, then we went around and shared what we were thankful for. We prayed for Thanksgiving and then proceeded to the kitchen. Lots of good food, lots to be thankful for. Just a wonderful and a blessed day. After the big feast, everyone went to the theatre room to watch Gnomeo & Juliet with the kids while I got on the treadmill for 45 minutes. Not too shabby. Great times...

Glimpse of the Fall Season

It has been forever since I picked up my Nikon. Despite my baby bump getting heavier making it uncomfortable to walk around, maneuver, bend and be mobile - I managed to take a few photos at the park yesterday. There should have been more photos taken but I just wasn't feeling like my winner self.

International Day Dreams

I'm literally itching for some international travel. I shouldn't have browsed through our getaway photo album that showed such excitement in our faces.

It's just the idea of packing my bags, boarding a plane, getting a stamp on my passport, exploring a new country, experiencing another culture, taking exotic photos, tasting different types of food, and the endless exciting  possibilities brings me to an anticipated level beyond pure ecstasy that I call, "living out the dream."

With our baby on the way, I'm not sure when we'll be able to travel overseas once more. However, one thing is for sure... our baby himself will bring us another type of adventure... PARENTHOOD. We can't wait!!

October 2011 - My Favourite Things

1. Bare Escentuals - 100% Natural Lip Gloss
Not only are these lip glosses natural and make the lips feel luxurious, they smell great and taste good as well. One caveat is that they're extremely addicting.

2. Queen Latifah's Album - Trav'lin' Light
Queen Latifah is one talented artist. This album features light R&B jazzy relaxing tunes perfect for that stay-inside cozy autumn day while sipping a cup of coffee with a good book in hand. This is her second R&B Jazz album and it's just as good as the first album.

3. Bath & Body Works - Cozy Vanilla Autumn
Absolutely sweet smelling. I prefer it more than BBW's Warm Vanilla Sugar. It has a different scent that I can not explain but it is just wonderful. I lathered it on yesterday after getting out of the shower and throughout the day many people complimented how great it smelled. They even asked to try some on.

4. Sephora Nail Polish - by OPI
Sephora has so many great coloured polish for the fall season. These are comparable to OPI and I absolutely love how they are named. My favorite shades are: Hell to the No, Call Your Mohter, Leotard Optional, and High Maintenance to name a few.

5. Cognac Handbags
I specifically LOVE the bags that are classic, timeless, and have structure like Kate Spades, New York Small Maryclare bag. These type of bags will never go out of style and well worth the cost.

6. Wetzel's Pretzels - Sinfully Cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar goodness that I've been addicted to ever since the beginning of my pregnancy. You can't go wrong with a cinnamon sugar pretzel. I haven't had Auntie Anne's for a while, so I wonder how Sinfully Cinnamon compares to AA's Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel?

7. Carrot Cake
I baked an Afternoon Delight Carrot Cake not too long ago and I'm about to make another soon since I've been craving it. So creamy and delicious. I love how the sweet aroma permeates the house. Click on the link for the recipe.

8. Yankee Candle Carrot Cake
This is the ultimate reason of my craving carrot cake. Also adds a cozy feel to the ambiance of the autumn season.

Taking A Break

Just taking a much needed break from cooking and taking photos. I've actually been resting and sleeping a lot - even decreased my work hours - all for a good cause since I'm almost 26 weeks pregnant! Visit our baby blog here. We're so excited!!!

Anyway, hopefully I'll start feeling less lazy and get back to the swing of things. Stay tuned for more photos, new recipes, and etc.