My journey into low sugar treats uncovered great information and a less than perfect cookie. The breakfast cookie I baked last night had great flavor, but a spongy, funky texture. I think shredded carrots, apples or zucchini and more nuts may do the trick.
Tonight I went back to what I know...yummy cookies filled with butter, dark brown sugar, chocolate, blueberries and nuts. On the cooling rack they reminded me of the yin and yang symbol. A perfect balance of a Dark Chocolate Marcona Almond Cookie countered against a White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookie.
Size has been a source of angst for me as I plan for my business debut. Tonight I used the extra large scoop and decided this will be the size I sell at the market. It seems to give me the most consistent shape and will justify the price. Now all I have to do is establish a price. This is painful.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Search for Diabetic Friendly Cookie Recipe -Day 347
Today I set out on a quest for a cookie recipe that can be enjoyed by diabetics. I strongly dislike artificial sweeteners and began my search by looking for natural alternatives. I searched for cookies made with agave nectar and soon discovered this can be a little tricky. Agave is 1.4 times sweeter than sugar. It adds additional liquid to the recipe. It browns quicker than a recipe with sugar. And it makes the dough consistency a bit stickier. I found an article that takes a traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe and offers an agave conversion. Tomorrow I am going to try it out.
I continued the recipe search in the recipe section of the American Diabetes Association web site. Surely they would have some good diabetic cookie alternatives. To my delight, they did. However, to my surprise none of the recipes included artificial sweeteners. They all included sugar, a somewhat smaller amount of sugar, but sugar nonetheless. I decided to revive a breakfast cookie recipe I baked last year and compare it to the diabetic friendly recipes. It included an even smaller amount of sugar, very little fat, whole grains, carrot puree, raisins and toasted walnuts. This was the baking choice of the night.
The result was tasty, but missed the fat. I think tomorrow night I am going to try adding grated carrots for additional moisture. It it works, I will publish the recipe.
Many hugs,
Kathy
I continued the recipe search in the recipe section of the American Diabetes Association web site. Surely they would have some good diabetic cookie alternatives. To my delight, they did. However, to my surprise none of the recipes included artificial sweeteners. They all included sugar, a somewhat smaller amount of sugar, but sugar nonetheless. I decided to revive a breakfast cookie recipe I baked last year and compare it to the diabetic friendly recipes. It included an even smaller amount of sugar, very little fat, whole grains, carrot puree, raisins and toasted walnuts. This was the baking choice of the night.
The result was tasty, but missed the fat. I think tomorrow night I am going to try adding grated carrots for additional moisture. It it works, I will publish the recipe.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sentimental Journey - Day 346
Maudlin. A word that best describes how I felt perched on my stool in the Costco wine section. Traffic was slow, leaving me far too much time to think and write. I thought about the weeks before me. Weeks filled with final preparation for my business debut. I thought about how much I will actually miss the friendships I have made at Costco. The customer regulars like George, Anthony, Bill and Steve. The CDS demonstrators, Minerva, Vera, Nancy, Shirley, July and so many more. The Costco employees, Daniel, Orlando, Justin, Steve, Pete, Gladys, Harold, Leonard, Lauren, Axel and Marsh. Even Phil, the phone kiosk manager. They all became part of my weekends over the last year. I baked them cookies to rave reviews. They delivered demo samples to my station. They gave me hugs. I hugged them back. As I shared my business dreams, they were my biggest cheerleaders.
I won't miss the feeling of boredom or the loss of time spent with Mike. But I will miss all the them. I will miss this time of self reflection...the one time during the week that I actually am not in perpetual motion.
Dinner tonight was back in my court. I called Mike when I got off work and took him on a virtual tour of Costco trying to come up with a plan for dinner. We finally decided on one of our favorite ways to eat. Noshing on a little of this and a little of that. I picked up an eclectic mix of smoked salmon, lime cilantro marinated shrimp, asiago cheese, salami, nectarines, multi-grain crackers and mushroom salad. Combined with the boursin cheese, goat cheese and fresh cherries hiding out in the fridge at home, we had quite a feast.
My journey into sentimentality brought me back to the place I love the most. Home with Mike, Maddie and a cornucopia of good food.
Many hugs,
Kathy
I won't miss the feeling of boredom or the loss of time spent with Mike. But I will miss all the them. I will miss this time of self reflection...the one time during the week that I actually am not in perpetual motion.
Dinner tonight was back in my court. I called Mike when I got off work and took him on a virtual tour of Costco trying to come up with a plan for dinner. We finally decided on one of our favorite ways to eat. Noshing on a little of this and a little of that. I picked up an eclectic mix of smoked salmon, lime cilantro marinated shrimp, asiago cheese, salami, nectarines, multi-grain crackers and mushroom salad. Combined with the boursin cheese, goat cheese and fresh cherries hiding out in the fridge at home, we had quite a feast.
My journey into sentimentality brought me back to the place I love the most. Home with Mike, Maddie and a cornucopia of good food.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Whatever You Love, You Are - Day 345
For the last several days I have been reading a book loaned to me by my friend Sharon - "A Homemade Life" by Molly Wizenberg. Reading doesn't accurately describe what I have been doing with that book...savoring is more like it. The book is a quick read that I could easily consume in just one night, but I don't want to. I don't want the experience to end. This book reads like an insanely rich cookie filled with lots of nuts, chocolate and dried fruit. A cookie enjoyed in tiny nibbles with a treat in every bite.
I fell in love with Molly's writing style last year when I stumbled upon her column in one of my favorite magazines, Bon Appetit. The topic was kale...not the most riveting subject. I like kale well enough, especially in Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. But Molly made me fall in love with kale. She made me want to run out and buy a bunch, saute it in hot oil with chopped garlic and eat a big bowl all by myself...no sharing.
It was a powerful writing style that painted a picture, made you smell the aroma of the garlic as it hit the oil, appreciate the bright green color of the kale as it joined the garlic in the pan and hear the sizzle of the greens as they became slightly crisp. The book is filled with personal stories and food descriptions that have the same impact. Each chapter ends with a recipe. A recipe that moves you to check out your pantry for the ingredients or run to the store to make it...NOW! Yes, Molly's writing is just that powerful.
One of the chapters I consumed this morning had a title that stuck in my mind as I sat on my stool in Costco writing my blog. It was the song title from an album shared with a long lost love...Whatever You Love, You Are.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love the sound of this. I love the truth in this.
My challenge, or should I say blessing, is that I love a lot of things...from tasty foods to interesting people. I take in a healthy portion of it all. It is why my life is so full and my body so round.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love the powerful writing of Molly Wizenberg. Maybe someday I will be a powerful writer too.
Little did I know how prophetic that statement would be when I got off work tonight. I called Mike to find out what he would like me to pick up for dinner. He simply said "I sent you an e-mail. Check it and call me back." Hmmmm, I was intrigued. The e-mail simply said "I decided to prepare dinner tonight. So you don't need to pick anything up." This was music to my ears. Mike doesn't like to spend time in the kitchen, so when he does it is a cherished event. His last adventure into the kitchen yielded the best Hamburger Helper I have ever had and a homemade cake to boot. I called him back and then I rushed home filled with anticipation like Christmas eve.
My Mike prepared dinner was filled with thought. He assembled the meal from take out. It was the perfect balance of healthy, tastiness. From the cedar plank salmon from Seasons 52 and the veggie plate from Cracker Barrel to the steamed mussels and salad fixings from Publix. He even made homemade coasters of my new Heartsong Cookies logo by printing it out and placing it in a cut out page protector. This is exactly why I love this man so much. He may be a man of few words, but his actions say it all. He pays attention. He gets it. He has "IT" and I love him very much.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love this amazing man. Because I do, my life is a wonderful life.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love the truth in this.
Many hugs,
Kathy
I fell in love with Molly's writing style last year when I stumbled upon her column in one of my favorite magazines, Bon Appetit. The topic was kale...not the most riveting subject. I like kale well enough, especially in Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. But Molly made me fall in love with kale. She made me want to run out and buy a bunch, saute it in hot oil with chopped garlic and eat a big bowl all by myself...no sharing.
It was a powerful writing style that painted a picture, made you smell the aroma of the garlic as it hit the oil, appreciate the bright green color of the kale as it joined the garlic in the pan and hear the sizzle of the greens as they became slightly crisp. The book is filled with personal stories and food descriptions that have the same impact. Each chapter ends with a recipe. A recipe that moves you to check out your pantry for the ingredients or run to the store to make it...NOW! Yes, Molly's writing is just that powerful.
One of the chapters I consumed this morning had a title that stuck in my mind as I sat on my stool in Costco writing my blog. It was the song title from an album shared with a long lost love...Whatever You Love, You Are.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love the sound of this. I love the truth in this.
My challenge, or should I say blessing, is that I love a lot of things...from tasty foods to interesting people. I take in a healthy portion of it all. It is why my life is so full and my body so round.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love the powerful writing of Molly Wizenberg. Maybe someday I will be a powerful writer too.
Little did I know how prophetic that statement would be when I got off work tonight. I called Mike to find out what he would like me to pick up for dinner. He simply said "I sent you an e-mail. Check it and call me back." Hmmmm, I was intrigued. The e-mail simply said "I decided to prepare dinner tonight. So you don't need to pick anything up." This was music to my ears. Mike doesn't like to spend time in the kitchen, so when he does it is a cherished event. His last adventure into the kitchen yielded the best Hamburger Helper I have ever had and a homemade cake to boot. I called him back and then I rushed home filled with anticipation like Christmas eve.
My Mike prepared dinner was filled with thought. He assembled the meal from take out. It was the perfect balance of healthy, tastiness. From the cedar plank salmon from Seasons 52 and the veggie plate from Cracker Barrel to the steamed mussels and salad fixings from Publix. He even made homemade coasters of my new Heartsong Cookies logo by printing it out and placing it in a cut out page protector. This is exactly why I love this man so much. He may be a man of few words, but his actions say it all. He pays attention. He gets it. He has "IT" and I love him very much.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love this amazing man. Because I do, my life is a wonderful life.
Whatever You Love, You Are. I love the truth in this.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tub of Goo - Day 344
Tonight Mike and I met for a Happy Hour appetizer dinner at Cheesecake Factory in Winter Park. It had been a while since we had paid them a visit and the menu had a few changes...changes for the better. In addition to a large selection of $5 appetizer selections, drink specials were added to the menu. Mike ordered a $4 Blue Moon on draft. I opted for a $5 Cosmopolitan. For dinner Mike chose burger sliders and nachos. I ordered the fire grilled artichokes. When the food arrived our little bar table was overflowing with goodness. The portion size was tremendous and we ate and ate and ate until we could not take another bite. The bill was a nice surprise for such a wonderful evening of gluttony...$25 for dinner and drinks.
The only problem with gluttony is the feeling you have afterward. Instead of feeling satisfied and happy, I feel like a tub of goo...a great big tub of goo. For me overindulgence is not a rare occurrence...it is becoming the norm. Overeating and no exercise do not make for a happy Kathy. I have to stop posting, working and talking. My ample bottom needs to get off the couch and waddle around Crane's Roost, Lake Florida or the mall. Tomorrow morning I am starting on a mission. Mission Happy Heart. Since my year of posting is about to come to an end, I am going to somehow channel that same compulsion and commitment into fitness. Wish me luck!
Late this afternoon, pre-tub of goo, I took another step toward opening my business. I ordered the training materials for my food certification...the next step in the plan. Mike and I discussed the business opening date, settling on early September and cookie pricing, settling on anything over my usual, free. We still have lots of details to work out, but we are making progress. And progress is a very good thing!
Many hugs,
Kathy
The only problem with gluttony is the feeling you have afterward. Instead of feeling satisfied and happy, I feel like a tub of goo...a great big tub of goo. For me overindulgence is not a rare occurrence...it is becoming the norm. Overeating and no exercise do not make for a happy Kathy. I have to stop posting, working and talking. My ample bottom needs to get off the couch and waddle around Crane's Roost, Lake Florida or the mall. Tomorrow morning I am starting on a mission. Mission Happy Heart. Since my year of posting is about to come to an end, I am going to somehow channel that same compulsion and commitment into fitness. Wish me luck!
Late this afternoon, pre-tub of goo, I took another step toward opening my business. I ordered the training materials for my food certification...the next step in the plan. Mike and I discussed the business opening date, settling on early September and cookie pricing, settling on anything over my usual, free. We still have lots of details to work out, but we are making progress. And progress is a very good thing!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Big Things - Day 343
Yesterday was all about the little things. Today was all about things big. No, I am not talking about my butt, thighs or belly again. I am talking about the big generosity of the group that gathered together tonight to "Drink for Pink." My friends Carolynn and Diane are participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure event in the fall...3 days, 60 miles of walking to end breast cancer. What a huge commitment they have made to be a part of the biggest breast cancer event in history. Tonight they got together their friends and co-workers for a fund raising cocktail party at Urban Flats. The turnout was impressive. Each attendee contributed $25 to attend and enjoy wine, flatbread pizzas and Seasons 52 mini indulgences. Lots of raffle tickets were sold and cool prizes were given out. It was a really nice evening for a really great cause. I don't know the fund raising tally, but I am sure it will have a BIG impact.
To find out more about this great event, go to www.the3day.org.
Many hugs,
Kathy
To find out more about this great event, go to www.the3day.org.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Little Things - Day 342
Today was a crazy, frustrating work day. On the surface there was not much good, fun or happy to write about. So once again when I sat down to do my posting I was stumped. And then I suddenly remembered the gecko that hitched a ride on my rear window on the way to work today and I started to giggle. It was the darnedest thing! I looked up and there he was hanging on for dear life as I drove down the road. He reminded me of how I sometimes feel on this wild ride of life...out of place and scared out of my mind. This little guy had a determination that just wouldn't quit. Somehow I found him inspirational. It's the little things...
Lunch time brought a little smile to my face as well. I was in the vicinity of D & G Occasions, a baker's nirvana, and decided to stop in to see if they had a music note cookie cutter. To my delight, they did. Not only a medium size note, but a mini one as well. I paired them with the appropriately sized heart cookie cutters and happily walked out the door with my new found treasures...after paying, of course. I can't wait to bake a batch of heart singing sugar cookies for Morgan to thank her for a job well done on my logo. It's the little things...
Lack of exercise has been weighing heavily on my mind...and my butt...and my thighs. Tonight I did something about it. I took a little walk around Crane's Roost. Only once, but it was a start. A baby step toward fitness. It's the little things...
Many hugs,
Kathy
Lunch time brought a little smile to my face as well. I was in the vicinity of D & G Occasions, a baker's nirvana, and decided to stop in to see if they had a music note cookie cutter. To my delight, they did. Not only a medium size note, but a mini one as well. I paired them with the appropriately sized heart cookie cutters and happily walked out the door with my new found treasures...after paying, of course. I can't wait to bake a batch of heart singing sugar cookies for Morgan to thank her for a job well done on my logo. It's the little things...
Lack of exercise has been weighing heavily on my mind...and my butt...and my thighs. Tonight I did something about it. I took a little walk around Crane's Roost. Only once, but it was a start. A baby step toward fitness. It's the little things...
Many hugs,
Kathy
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Unfocused - Day 341
Tonight as I sat down to write my blog I realized my thoughts were all over the place. I was unfocused and uninspired. Today had been a good day. I received an e-mail from an old friend I hadn't talked to in at least a year. The business card designs Morgan created were shared with several of my friends to rave reviews. This evening Apple Cinnamon Crunch Cookies made there way to the oven. I played around a little with the recipe substituting Marcona almonds for the usual toasted pecans and chunkier Granola from Costco for a finer blend. The results were good, not over the top great. But for a change, I was OK with that. With experimentation comes insight and improvement. I am getting close with this combination...just not quite there.
Last night I began reading "A Homemade Life, stories and recipes from my kitchen table" by Molly Wizenberg. Molly is the author of the award winning food blog Orangette and a frequent contributor to Bon Appetit magazine. I love her writing style. It is personal and warm. She has a way of describing food and food experiences that make you want to run in the kitchen to make something right that instant. Then share it around the kitchen table with your family and friends.
I want so much to write with the ease of Molly's style. At times, writing comes easy. More often, like tonight, it does not. I think it is time to head upstairs and read a few more chapters. Maybe Molly's style will miraculously creep into my psyche.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Last night I began reading "A Homemade Life, stories and recipes from my kitchen table" by Molly Wizenberg. Molly is the author of the award winning food blog Orangette and a frequent contributor to Bon Appetit magazine. I love her writing style. It is personal and warm. She has a way of describing food and food experiences that make you want to run in the kitchen to make something right that instant. Then share it around the kitchen table with your family and friends.
I want so much to write with the ease of Molly's style. At times, writing comes easy. More often, like tonight, it does not. I think it is time to head upstairs and read a few more chapters. Maybe Molly's style will miraculously creep into my psyche.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Monday, July 12, 2010
Ole! Dinner at Home! - Day 340
Dinners cooked at home are few and far between for this cash starved foodie. But tonight I was feeling a little spicy...a little cheesy...a little saucy. So I picked up some Mexican fixins on my way home and pulled together an over-indulgent Mexican feast for me and Mike. While dinner baked in the oven, I served blue corn chips, fresh salsa and frozen margaritas as a starter. Our entree plates overflowed with piping hot, cheesy pork enchiladas made from the leftover smoked pork from last night, Mexican rice and a ramekin of black beans. It was a yummy way to make good use of leftovers. After two margaritas I am feeling a little lazy and not the least bit creative. So here's a toast to dinners at home with my husband. Ole! And good night now.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Many hugs,
Kathy
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Purveyor of Delicious Treats - Day 339
Late last night Mike finally got Morgan's business card layouts to open. OMG...I love them! She gave me two options and I love them both. The designs are simple, playful and warm...just the image I want to project. One of my favorite aspects of the card is the moniker Morgan game me - "Purveyor of Delicious Treats." I am determined to live up to my new found title.
The cookies I baked last night were divvied up between Mike, Ryan, Ryan's Jacksonville Jaguars co-workers, Chris Long and a few of my Costco friends. I got a lot of mileage out of those two batches of cookies. It felt so good to be the cookie fairy once again.
Anthony, one of my regular customers stopped by. On a previous visit he asked me for a recipe card for White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies. Today I gave him the card and a cookie to boot. The smile on his face made my day! He even shuffled back by my station on his way out to tell me how much it meant to him. Happy dance.
Ryan stayed long enough to share dinner with me, Mike, my mom and brother before heading back to Jacksonville. Easy was the plan so I picked up pulled pork, Italian bread, Caesar salad and a Boston cream pie at Costco. I cut corn off the cob and made my version of fresh creamed corn, grilled slices of Italian bread, nuked the pulled pork and pulled off a pretty tasty feast in about half an hour. Everyone seemed happy with the results...especially Maddie. She is now a BIG fan of Costco pulled pork. I had never purchased the Kirkland brand of smoked pulled pork, but I definitely will again. For $9.99 we had enough for (5) pork sandwiches tonight and plenty for at least two more meals for two...or three if Maddie has anything to do with it. Don't be deceived by the package size. It packs plenty.
Many hugs,
Kathy
The cookies I baked last night were divvied up between Mike, Ryan, Ryan's Jacksonville Jaguars co-workers, Chris Long and a few of my Costco friends. I got a lot of mileage out of those two batches of cookies. It felt so good to be the cookie fairy once again.
Anthony, one of my regular customers stopped by. On a previous visit he asked me for a recipe card for White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies. Today I gave him the card and a cookie to boot. The smile on his face made my day! He even shuffled back by my station on his way out to tell me how much it meant to him. Happy dance.
Ryan stayed long enough to share dinner with me, Mike, my mom and brother before heading back to Jacksonville. Easy was the plan so I picked up pulled pork, Italian bread, Caesar salad and a Boston cream pie at Costco. I cut corn off the cob and made my version of fresh creamed corn, grilled slices of Italian bread, nuked the pulled pork and pulled off a pretty tasty feast in about half an hour. Everyone seemed happy with the results...especially Maddie. She is now a BIG fan of Costco pulled pork. I had never purchased the Kirkland brand of smoked pulled pork, but I definitely will again. For $9.99 we had enough for (5) pork sandwiches tonight and plenty for at least two more meals for two...or three if Maddie has anything to do with it. Don't be deceived by the package size. It packs plenty.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Saturday, July 10, 2010
I'm Back! - Day 338
After a fantabulous weekend off, I am back to my weekend gig at Costco. My day was filled with people watching, an occasional wine sale and a lot of sweating. The air was out at Costco on a day when the temperature topped 100 F. Oh my, it was HOT!
Morgan sent me business card layout choices shortly before I walked into work, but unfortunately I could not open the zip file on my phone. When I got home, I could not open the file on my laptop. Aaagh! The anticipation is killing me!
Tonight I baked cookies for the first time since I was overtaken by the baking demon earlier in the week. And I would like to report...I'm baaaaaaaack. The demon has been exorcised and I am feeling pretty good about the results. I baked Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies for Ryan and White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies for Chris. Baking cookies for your loved ones is so soul satisfying. I love having Ryan and Chris around the house. Watching Ryan revert to a little kid again when he dipped his spoon into the uncooked dough made my heart dance. This is why I bake! The funny thing is Chris had the exact same look when he dipped into his dough. Once a kid, always a kid.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Morgan sent me business card layout choices shortly before I walked into work, but unfortunately I could not open the zip file on my phone. When I got home, I could not open the file on my laptop. Aaagh! The anticipation is killing me!
Tonight I baked cookies for the first time since I was overtaken by the baking demon earlier in the week. And I would like to report...I'm baaaaaaaack. The demon has been exorcised and I am feeling pretty good about the results. I baked Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies for Ryan and White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies for Chris. Baking cookies for your loved ones is so soul satisfying. I love having Ryan and Chris around the house. Watching Ryan revert to a little kid again when he dipped his spoon into the uncooked dough made my heart dance. This is why I bake! The funny thing is Chris had the exact same look when he dipped into his dough. Once a kid, always a kid.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Friday, July 9, 2010
Filled With The Christmas Spirit - Day 337
Today I had lunch with a friend I haven't seen in quite a while. We dined at a little Japanese restaurant tucked away in an almost deserted shopping plaza off I Drive - Aki Sushi. The prices were reasonable and the food was good. But the best part was the conversation with Sheila. She shared plans for a new home purchase in North Carolina. I shared details of my new business venture. One thing she said struck a chord with me. She wished that you could capture the goodwill and spirit of the holidays and feel it all year long. Why do people seem to only exhibit the love from November to December? I agreed, then I thought for a moment. For me this last year, especially the last few months, have been filled with the Christmas spirit. The wish that Sheila expressed actually came true for me. My friends and family have amazed me with their generosity, encouragement and love. Suddenly I am in the mood for Peppermint Bark HeartSong Cookies and a mug of steaming hot chocolate.
Tonight was the perfect ending to a pretty amazing week. Ryan and his friend Chris Long are spending the weekend with us to visit Universal and steep themselves in everything Harry Potter. They both embrace their quirky geekness and I think that is a very good thing. We all piled in the car for dinner at Carrabba's and dessert at Jeremiah's. I love spending time with them and getting caught up on their lives. Long is doing some pretty awesome things. Currently he is involved with the Florida Sea Turtle Project several days a week. His enthusiasm for his accomplishments is infectious. In the fall, Long begins grad school at UCF. I am hopeful he will pay us many more visits while he is here. He makes me smile.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Tonight was the perfect ending to a pretty amazing week. Ryan and his friend Chris Long are spending the weekend with us to visit Universal and steep themselves in everything Harry Potter. They both embrace their quirky geekness and I think that is a very good thing. We all piled in the car for dinner at Carrabba's and dessert at Jeremiah's. I love spending time with them and getting caught up on their lives. Long is doing some pretty awesome things. Currently he is involved with the Florida Sea Turtle Project several days a week. His enthusiasm for his accomplishments is infectious. In the fall, Long begins grad school at UCF. I am hopeful he will pay us many more visits while he is here. He makes me smile.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I Have A Plan! - Day 336
Starting a new business is not only scary, it's extremely confusing. Just when I think I have all the answers, another question pops up. I know what I have to do, but in what order? Egads! This is stressing me out.
So I placed a call to the Florida Department of Agriculture and waited on eternal hold. Finally, a friendly voice came on the line. She was very helpful as I hit her with my barrage of questions. At the end of the call, I felt much better. Now I have a plan.
Next stop, the IRS website to apply for an FEID number. Check. I've got it! Then more calls to food certification services, more eternal hold and finally a cost and date for my Food Manager Certification class...July 19. My plan is falling into place.
Tonight Mike surprised me by coming home a day early. We met at Sweet Tomatoes with our good friend BOGO. The current theme at Sweet Tomatoes is Summer Fruit and the new choices were quite tasty. Mike and I ate like ravenous pigs and hurried home. We could not take a chance at missing "THE DECISION." OMG! I love sports talk radio, but the last couple of weeks have been torturous. If I hear the word "Lebron" one more time...well, I don't know what I will do.
Needless to say I am sick of it all...the egos, the media hype, the money, the power and the manipulation. No on person, no matter how talented, serves this much attention. I think the "King" needs to be deposed!
Many hugs,
Kathy
So I placed a call to the Florida Department of Agriculture and waited on eternal hold. Finally, a friendly voice came on the line. She was very helpful as I hit her with my barrage of questions. At the end of the call, I felt much better. Now I have a plan.
Next stop, the IRS website to apply for an FEID number. Check. I've got it! Then more calls to food certification services, more eternal hold and finally a cost and date for my Food Manager Certification class...July 19. My plan is falling into place.
Tonight Mike surprised me by coming home a day early. We met at Sweet Tomatoes with our good friend BOGO. The current theme at Sweet Tomatoes is Summer Fruit and the new choices were quite tasty. Mike and I ate like ravenous pigs and hurried home. We could not take a chance at missing "THE DECISION." OMG! I love sports talk radio, but the last couple of weeks have been torturous. If I hear the word "Lebron" one more time...well, I don't know what I will do.
Needless to say I am sick of it all...the egos, the media hype, the money, the power and the manipulation. No on person, no matter how talented, serves this much attention. I think the "King" needs to be deposed!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I Am A Corporation - Day 335
So this is what it feels like to be a corporation...scared out of my mind! This morning I couldn't catch my breath. And then the facebook comments came flowing in. One after another, offering words of encouragement. Next came Joe, my boss, who stopped by my office to see how I was doing. He shared several stories of how he felt when he started Fidelity Press. As he left my office, he looked me straight in the eye and told me I would be successful...he had no doubt about it. Wow! His reaction was unexpected, but much appreciated. Suddenly I felt invincible. I will be successful...if all my friends and loved ones have anything to do with it.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Many hugs,
Kathy
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Happy Meal - Day 334
Tonight I had a happy meal for dinner. No, it did not include a toy, French fries or a hamburger on a bun. In fact, it did not come from Mickey D's at all. It was a meal enjoyed at Longhorn Steakhouse with my good friend Dennis. Meals shared with Dennis are the ultimate happy meals because that is exactly how I feel at their conclusion. Dennis always has wonderful stories to share about members of his rather large family. I love listening to every detail. I kind of feel like Michael J. Fox in one of my favorite movies "Doc Hollywood" as he reads the stories of the Pakistani. Unfortunately tonight I think my stories dominated the conversation. But Dennis still managed a few choice nuggets. Like the one where his sister ordered a mail order monkey...don't ask! As usual, he made me smile.
The food was pretty darn good as well. Dennis ordered his usual "Renegade" sirloin steak. I chose the chopped steak smothered in mushroom sauce and fried onion straws. Very fattening and very tasty! As I drove off after dropping Dennis at his home, all I could think of was what a happy mood I was in...all thanks to a happy meal with Dennis. I didn't miss "The Last Airbender" toy one bit!
My happy mood turned ecstatic when I arrived home to Maddie and the mail. Sandwiched between the bills was an envelope from the State of Florida addressed to me. OMG...HeartSong Cookies, LLC is official and I have the certificate to prove it!
Many hugs and happy meals,
Kathy
The food was pretty darn good as well. Dennis ordered his usual "Renegade" sirloin steak. I chose the chopped steak smothered in mushroom sauce and fried onion straws. Very fattening and very tasty! As I drove off after dropping Dennis at his home, all I could think of was what a happy mood I was in...all thanks to a happy meal with Dennis. I didn't miss "The Last Airbender" toy one bit!
My happy mood turned ecstatic when I arrived home to Maddie and the mail. Sandwiched between the bills was an envelope from the State of Florida addressed to me. OMG...HeartSong Cookies, LLC is official and I have the certificate to prove it!
Many hugs and happy meals,
Kathy
Monday, July 5, 2010
Pooped - Day 333
Today Mike and I did what we do best...we worked together as a team on an overwhelming project of gutting the downstairs bedroom. We moved all the furniture. Mike shampooed the carpeting. I ran errands and purged more stuff. Together we decided what furniture to move back in and what to place elsewhere. I put fresh bed linens on the bed including a new comforter. The end result was exactly what we wanted...uncluttered, fresh, relaxing and clean.
Now I am pooped. Sweet dreams.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Now I am pooped. Sweet dreams.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Five Star Dining - Day 332
During the last week I have enjoyed several five star dining experiences. The cool thing is, they weren't at any stuffy, pretentious restaurant. They were all enjoyed at the homes of friends. Each had a uniqueness all its own. All were tasty and completely different. At the end of each meal I was full, happy and completely soul satisfied.
Tonight's dining adventure was enjoyed at the home of our friends Tom, Susan and Christopher. All three outdid themselves. The table was beautiful all by itself, but add the copious food and it was downright amazing. We feasted on baby back ribs, mac and cheese, roasted red skin potatoes, squash casserole, cornbread, corn on the cob, kidney bean salad and Waldorf salad. I am still full and it has been at least 5 hours since we ate.
After dinner we jumped in their boat for a relaxing cruise around Lake Brantley at dusk. We sipped on wine and gazed at how the other half lives. Somehow I cannot imagine they live even half as wonderful a life as we do. We ooooed and ahhhhed over fireworks, got a little soggy from the light rain and headed back to their home for dessert. I was responsible for dessert and unfortunately it did not quite live up to the quality of the meal. My Big Heart Cookie got a little overcooked, but at least it looked cute. I topped it with vanilla chocolate chip ice cream, a drizzle of hot caramel sauce and a squirt of whipped cream. Tasty, but too dry. I still haven't exorcised the baking demons that have haunted me for over a week. I guess its kind of like a bad case of the shanks in golf. I will just have to keep working through it.
In the meantime, I just want to say thanks to Mike, Tom, Susan, Chris, Kenda, Mark, Vicky, David, Sheri, Sarah and Noah. You all have been the best dining companions this cash staved foodie could ever have.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Tonight's dining adventure was enjoyed at the home of our friends Tom, Susan and Christopher. All three outdid themselves. The table was beautiful all by itself, but add the copious food and it was downright amazing. We feasted on baby back ribs, mac and cheese, roasted red skin potatoes, squash casserole, cornbread, corn on the cob, kidney bean salad and Waldorf salad. I am still full and it has been at least 5 hours since we ate.
After dinner we jumped in their boat for a relaxing cruise around Lake Brantley at dusk. We sipped on wine and gazed at how the other half lives. Somehow I cannot imagine they live even half as wonderful a life as we do. We ooooed and ahhhhed over fireworks, got a little soggy from the light rain and headed back to their home for dessert. I was responsible for dessert and unfortunately it did not quite live up to the quality of the meal. My Big Heart Cookie got a little overcooked, but at least it looked cute. I topped it with vanilla chocolate chip ice cream, a drizzle of hot caramel sauce and a squirt of whipped cream. Tasty, but too dry. I still haven't exorcised the baking demons that have haunted me for over a week. I guess its kind of like a bad case of the shanks in golf. I will just have to keep working through it.
In the meantime, I just want to say thanks to Mike, Tom, Susan, Chris, Kenda, Mark, Vicky, David, Sheri, Sarah and Noah. You all have been the best dining companions this cash staved foodie could ever have.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Pass The Unagi - Day 331
Today was the first full day of my free weekend. I spent it doing all the things I never have time to do when I work at Costco. Mike and I set out this morning for market research at Winter Park Farmer's Market. Unfortunately we did not realize Park Avenue was shut down for a Fourth of July parade. There was NO place to park. We decided to go to plan B and head for 4Rivers Barbecue for an early lunch. We picked up smoked turkey and smoked pork sandwiches and headed to Lake Lily for an in our car picnic.
Then it was on to the house to begin the purge project. After two trips to Goodwill with a trunk filled with stuff, the garage stilled seemed as congested as it did before the dump. I think I have accumulated enough stuff for at least twenty more trips.
Late this afternoon I experimented with my new toys...a large heart shaped cookie pan, several heart shaped cookie cutters and a silicone mini heart pan. Cooking times will need to be modified, but overall the experiments were a success. I drizzled the cookies with chocolate and headed out the door for dinner at Mark and Kenda's home.
Kenda had been busy assembling my favorite kind of meal...an appetizer smorgasbord. We feasted on homemade hummus surrounded by raw veggies, Manchego cheese and crackers, fresh berries, grapes and Greek yogurt, tortilla chips, cilantro lime marinated shrimp and mini pizzas made from homemade crust and topped to our liking. We washed it all down with yummy sangria and HoneyMoon Beer. Everything was delish.
The evening was absolutely perfect...relaxed and easy. We ended it with a medley of songs from Mark's Superfizzee collection. The grand finale was Kenda's favorite...Pass the Unagi. I was not sure what Unagi was, but I sure like saying it. Unagi. Unagi. Unagi. Pass the Unagi! And then I looked it up on Wikipedia and discovered it meant eel. Mmmmm...Bypass the Unagi.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Then it was on to the house to begin the purge project. After two trips to Goodwill with a trunk filled with stuff, the garage stilled seemed as congested as it did before the dump. I think I have accumulated enough stuff for at least twenty more trips.
Late this afternoon I experimented with my new toys...a large heart shaped cookie pan, several heart shaped cookie cutters and a silicone mini heart pan. Cooking times will need to be modified, but overall the experiments were a success. I drizzled the cookies with chocolate and headed out the door for dinner at Mark and Kenda's home.
Kenda had been busy assembling my favorite kind of meal...an appetizer smorgasbord. We feasted on homemade hummus surrounded by raw veggies, Manchego cheese and crackers, fresh berries, grapes and Greek yogurt, tortilla chips, cilantro lime marinated shrimp and mini pizzas made from homemade crust and topped to our liking. We washed it all down with yummy sangria and HoneyMoon Beer. Everything was delish.
The evening was absolutely perfect...relaxed and easy. We ended it with a medley of songs from Mark's Superfizzee collection. The grand finale was Kenda's favorite...Pass the Unagi. I was not sure what Unagi was, but I sure like saying it. Unagi. Unagi. Unagi. Pass the Unagi! And then I looked it up on Wikipedia and discovered it meant eel. Mmmmm...Bypass the Unagi.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Friday, July 2, 2010
Crafting An Image - Day 330
Over the last few days I have been busy crafting an image for my new business venture...with a lot of help from my friends. My friend Mark took the logo developed by Morgan and worked it into a series of amazingly cool t-shirt designs and a color palette for a website, packaging and promo materials. My nephew Kyle took the logo and converted it to an embroidery format for embroidered aprons, caps and shirts. I purchased chocolate brown table cloths, shallow baskets for cookie displays, a cool aqua retro cooler, turquoise curtain panels for a backdrop to my booth and a variety of heart shaped cookie cutters and pans for cookie experimentation. The image that has been camping out in my brain for quite a while is becoming real and I like it. I like it very much!
Now that I have an image, I need to work on the perfect product to back it up. This weekend will be spent purging, organizing, experimenting, registering and researching. But for now, it will be spent doing absolutely nothing and enjoying every minute of my unproductiveness.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Now that I have an image, I need to work on the perfect product to back it up. This weekend will be spent purging, organizing, experimenting, registering and researching. But for now, it will be spent doing absolutely nothing and enjoying every minute of my unproductiveness.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Dinner at McC's Garden Cafe - Day 329
I was home the moment I walked in the door. Not my home, but my home away from home...home of my friends, Sheri, David, Noah and Sarah. I affectionately call it McC's Garden Cafe. It is better than any restaurant you will ever visit. Meals are crafted by David from his garden. They are served on the most magical family heirloom table with a huge lazy Susan in the center. No TV is on in the background and conversation flows freely. I have shared three meals at this wonderful establishment and each one is a source of pure bliss.
Last night my dining adventure began at the kitchen table with David and Sheri's daughter Sarah, her Girl Scout camp photos and lots of wonderful stories. While we poured over photos, David served us homemade hummus, crackers and fresh brewed ice tea. Mmmmm! David makes an awesome hummus. Soon after Sheri arrived home and we all convened in the dining room for a lazy Susan feast of salmon croquettes with a creamy sauce, scalloped potatoes, a beautiful salad and fresh from the garden carrots and Brussels sprouts. I cannot even begin to describe how much this evening meant to me. For several brief hours I was transported to a dream of a life where I am a part of a family, tradition and love. My life is amazing, but so far from traditional it is ridiculous. I have always longed for a sense of family. These evenings satisfy my soul.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Last night my dining adventure began at the kitchen table with David and Sheri's daughter Sarah, her Girl Scout camp photos and lots of wonderful stories. While we poured over photos, David served us homemade hummus, crackers and fresh brewed ice tea. Mmmmm! David makes an awesome hummus. Soon after Sheri arrived home and we all convened in the dining room for a lazy Susan feast of salmon croquettes with a creamy sauce, scalloped potatoes, a beautiful salad and fresh from the garden carrots and Brussels sprouts. I cannot even begin to describe how much this evening meant to me. For several brief hours I was transported to a dream of a life where I am a part of a family, tradition and love. My life is amazing, but so far from traditional it is ridiculous. I have always longed for a sense of family. These evenings satisfy my soul.
Many hugs,
Kathy
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